Top Tips for Driving in the Scottish Highlands
- Keep Left, Pass Right. Always drive on the left, and when on a single lane try to keep to the left as much as possible.
- Monitor Your Speed.
- Watch Out For Animals.
- Watch Out For Cyclists.
- Blind Rise or Corner.
- Passing Place.
- Be Prepared.
- Enjoy The Adventure.
Is it easy to drive in Scottish Highlands?
But remember, Scottish roads can be narrow and winding. They are also very scenic, making it difficult to drive fast or without photo stops. As soon as you have a campervan in front of you, you might be stuck for a while if there are no suitable places to overtake or they can’t let you pass.
How do you travel around the Highlands?
The best way to reach the Scottish Highlands is to fly into either Glasgow (GLA) or Edinburgh (EDI) international airports and then rent a car or take the train or bus to get into the Highlands. Renting a car is the best way to get around the Scottish Highlands.
Can you travel Highlands without a car?
Travelling in Scotland without a car is certainly doable, but you need to make sure you know exactly what your public transport options are, where you’ll be heading each day, and how long you can expect to take to get there.
Is it difficult driving in Scotland?
With small roads, high speed limits, and an abundance of blind corners, the driving conditions in Scotland are less than ideal. I want to open your eyes to the fact that driving in Scotland might not be for you, and there are alternatives to renting a car.
Do I need a 4×4 in Scotland?
Driving Laws in Scotland
Renting a 4×4 in Scotland is popular for those looking to explore the highlands and is widely available (and recommended) from any of the international airports or major cities. By law, everyone in a moving car in Scotland must be properly secured with a seatbelt.
How long do you need in the Scottish Highlands?
Planning Your Trip to Scotland
With one week, you can roam much of the highlands, and 10 days would allow you to explore both the Lowlands and Highlands in depth. And two weeks would give time to explore the Isle of Skye or one or two of the other whisky-scented islands.
Is there Uber in the Highlands?
Uber does not exist in many areas of the Highlands.
What is the most beautiful part of the Scottish Highlands?
10 Awesomely Beautiful Places to See in the Scottish Highlands
- Ben Nevis.
- Glen Coe. Glen Coe is Scotland’s most famous, and most romantic glen.
- Cairngorms.
- Loch Ness.
- Isle of Skye.
- Loch Sunart.
- The Trossachs.
- Ullapool.
Is it better to drive or train in Scotland?
Despite an impressive network of train, bus and ferry routes, the easiest option is usually to travel with your own car, particularly if you want to get off the tartan-and-shortbread tourist trail. However, costs can mount up if you plan to park in larger cities or take your car on the ferry.
How long does it take to drive the Highland 500?
But the North Coast 500 is designed for touring, sightseeing, and taking things slowly. The minimum number of days we’d recommend to drive the North Coast 500 is 5 days, but 7 to 10 days would be ideal. If you plan to speed around, you could do it with 3 full days and night, but we’d recommend more time.
What is the best time of year to visit the Scottish Highlands?
Most people visit the Scottish Highlands between May and September which is when we have the best weather and also the most daylight. Avoiding the peak months of July and August is a wise move if you can manage it, although given the nature of the Highlands there is plenty of wide open spaces for everyone to enjoy.
How do tourist get around in Scotland?
Public transport provides trains and bus services to Scottish towns and cities as well as many villages and ferry ports. Access to very remote areas and islands is straightforward by car, ferry and aeroplane.
How do I prepare for driving in Scotland?
10 Tips for Driving in Scotland
- Be Ready to Drive on the Wrong Side of the Road.
- Use the Correct Fuel.
- Prepare for Weather.
- Watch Out for Animals.
- Brake for Photos.
- Don’t Drink and Drive.
- Follow the Malt Whisky Trail.
- Discover the Castle Trail.
Is it zero tolerance in Scotland?
Scotland has a zero tolerance approach to drink driving.
How do you get around in Scotland if you don’t drive?
The fastest way to get around Scotland without a car is certainly by train. Scotland has an excellent rail service which spreads across a large amount of the country and delivers a very quick and direct service – often getting travellers to their destination even faster than by car.
What is the speed limit in Scotland?
Scottish speed limits
Urban areas: general speed limit is 20 or 30 mph (48 km/hr) Single carriageways: 60 mph (97 km/hr) Motorways and dual carriageways: 70 mph (113 km/hr)
Can you switch to 4×4 while driving?
Typically, you can switch to 4WD while you’re driving. However, it’s best to make the switch while you’re going at a slow speed and driving in a straight line. Doing so can be really helpful on slick roads, dirt roads, or any other surface with limited traction.
Can tourists drive in Scotland?
A driver’s license is the other requirement. You do not need an international driver’s license. For non-EU visitors, your domestic driver’s license allows you to drive in Scotland for up to a year provided it is in English or has an English translation. You must also have a valid passport.
How do I plan a Scottish Highlands trip?
Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands
- Day 1 – Travel to Glasgow.
- Day 2 – Glasgow to Oban (The Trossachs)
- Day 3 – Isle of Mull.
- Day 4 – Oban to Fort William.
- Day 5 – Glenfinnan, Road to the Isles & the Harry Potter train.
- Day 6 – Glen Coe & Glen Etive Road.
What should I wear to the Scottish Highlands?
Your packing list for the Highlands of Scotland
- Casual clothing: shirts, trousers, skirts, t-shirts, shorts.
- A few dressier items for evenings out.
- Coat, suitable for the season.
- Waterproof jacket with a hood.
- Warm jumper or fleece.
- Sturdy, waterproof footwear.
- Swim suit if you’re planning to go swimming.