Scotland’s landscapes are vast, open, and inviting – perfect for exploring on a long road trip with friends or family. With hundreds of attractions, quaint towns and villages, bustling cities, ancient lands and so much more to explore, why not start planning your long road trip ideas so you can make the most of your time in Scotland?
Our road trips are easily customisable, so you can turn your weekend road trip into a one week road trip around Scotland, if you fancy. Home to some of the best week-long road trips with incredible scenery, untouched landscapes, and blissful tranquility, you won’t be lost for routes to follow in Scotland.
Best week-long road trips: 5-7 days
SnowRoads Scenic Route
Ah the SnowRoads! This route takes you along a 90-mile scenic journey through Highland landscapes, wild scenery and uncovers hidden gems and secrets too. Split into 5 sections, this route is best travelled over a minimum of 3-5 days so you can truly soak in all that’s on offer. From dramatic landscapes shaped overtime by snow and ice, and picturesque Highland towns, to creative art installations and elusive wildlife, this diverse road trip boasts something for the whole family to enjoy.
Explore the SnowRoads Scenic Route.
Scottish TV & Film Locations
Scotland has its fair share of immense backdrops, many of which have caught the eye of film directors and have been used in big screen blockbuster movies throughout the years. From timeless classics, such as Chariots of Fire and The Da Vinci Code, to recent creations such as the Harry Potter series, Outlander, and Skyfall, Scotland has graced many a screen. Follow along a 1-week road trip in Scotland to discover our iconic film locations that will take you all across the country, exploring these magnificent spots that made it onto your favourite TV show or movie.
Uncover iconic TV & Film Locations.
6 Day Scotland’s Castle Trail
Calling all castle enthusiasts! Did you know Scotland features its very own Castle Trail? Unsurprising as there are over 2,000 castles dotted across the country. Head to Aberdeenshire and follow along the 6-day Scotland’s Castle Trail, taking in over 300 miles of royal countryside, 19 fortresses, ruins and stately homes to visit, and uncovering centuries of history along the way. There are plenty of castles to see in Aberdeenshire, so why not base yourself in the city centre so you can enjoy the best of both worlds on your Scotland road trip?
Explore Scotland’s Castle Trail.
7 Days in the East of Scotland
Scotland’s east coast is full of hidden gems, stunning scenery, quaint coastal towns, masses of history to uncover and so much more. From the bustling capital city of Edinburgh, to the sunny coastline in Fife, the ancient town of St Andrews, and on to the modern city of Aberdeen and inland towards Dundee, Pitlochry and Perthshire, this itinerary bags all the best places to see on an east coast road trip. With many highlights along the way, including castles, ancient abbeys, distilleries, iconic city attractions, and vast open landscapes, to name a few, you can enjoy the best of both worlds that will have something for the whole family.
Explore 7 Days in the East of Scotland.
7 Days in the Highlands for Kids
If you’re in need of an action-filled getaway to keep the kids entertained, look no further. The Highlands are the perfect location for any type of holiday, but the great outdoor is one of its unbeatable selling points. Tire out the kids with a day full of watersports on Loch Insh, head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park for an exciting day of tree top trails, water slides, assault courses, play centres and more, or enjoy a day exploring the hundreds of trails and waymarked paths, keeping an eye out for elusive wildlife along the way.
Explore 7 Days in the Highlands for Kids.
7 days of Sightseeing on the West Coast
Ah the west coast is truly a sight to see! Full of islands of all shapes and sizes combined with an array of stunning mainland scenery, the west coast is a great choice if you fancy a diverse road trip with something new to see or do every day. Taking in Glasgow, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, and areas of Argyll & The Isles and the Highlands, there are plenty of iconic landscapes as well as hidden gems to visit. From the colourful village of Tobermory and the famous Eilean Donan Castle, to delectable seafood in Oban and the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct that you may recognise from the popular Harry Potter franchise.
Explore 7 Day on the West Coast of Scotland.
Find more amazing ways to enjoy a one-week road trip in Scotland.
Planning to go a little longer? Look at our 8-day+ road trips
Ultimate Scottish Island Holiday
If a week isn’t long enough to island hop your way around Scotland, we don’t blame you. Scotland is home to over 900 offshore islands, many of which you can explore. Why not extend your trip and spend two weeks ticking off as many amazing islands as you can? Our ultimate Scottish island itinerary is a great place to start and encompasses an immense variety of scenery and culture, starting in Arran and finishing in Shetland, the route boasts many highlights, including Isle of Skye, Orkney, Isle of Mull, Isle of Bute and lots more in-between. Bring along your friends or family for this one-stop-shop bumper road trip exploring Scotland’s islands.
Plan your Ultimate Scottish Island Holiday.
North Coast 500
This one needs little introducing. The North Coast 500 is one of the most popular attractions in Scotland, and once you’re here, you will see why! Filled with beaches, coastal gems, untouched landscapes, historic villages, and quaint towns, it boasts all the best parts of Scotland in one. Starting and finishing in the Highland city of Inverness, this loop stretches for 516 miles and typically takes at least 5-7 days to travel around, but we recommend longer so you can take in all the sights along the way. From ancient castles and incredible geological features, to golden sand beaches, underground caves, and many vantage points for spotting Scottish wildlife, there is plenty to do and get involved in on a 10-day Scotland road trip.
*Please note, as this is a very popular route, it is important to book your accommodation and plan your trip in advance.
Explore the NC500.
South West Coastal 300
Head to the southern realms of Scotland for rolling valleys, picturesque coastal towns, historic landmarks and more. Starting and finishing in Dumfries, breathe in the fresh air along meandering country roads, complete with forest parks, fascinating heritage, and with many unique experiences to get involved in too. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, or a fan of arts & culture, the whole family will find something they love along this special Scottish road trip.
Explore the SWC300.
North East 250
Head north east to Aberdeenshire where you can venture around the 250-mile-long circular trail that can be joined at three main points – Ballindalloch, Aberdeen Airport and Glenshee. Winding its way through Speyside, Royal Deeside, Aberdeen, Cairngorms, the east coast and the Moray Firth coast, the route features all the best things the region is known for; whisky distilleries, magnificent mountain passes, ancient castles and royal history, popular city sights, seaside villages and more. With so many things to see and do, as well as attractions to visit, this is a great route to travel around at your own pace and perfect for a 10-day road trip in Scotland.
Explore the NE250.
Ultimate Scotland Itinerary
Looking for a bit of everything Scotland has to offer? Plan a 2-week road trip in Scotland and follow our ultimate Scotland itinerary for mesmerising landscapes, world-renowned attractions, historic locations, breathtaking backdrops that have made it onto the big screen and more is covered in this bumper road trip. Stretching from the southern regions all the way to the northern corners, this itinerary encompasses a little bit of everything, with special highlights including Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness, The Kelpies, and Glenfinnan, to name just a few. Use the itinerary as inspiration for your road trip, or follow it down to the last detail, the decision is up to you, but wherever you visit in Scotland, you’re guaranteed a jaw-dropping experience.
Explore the Ultimate Scotland Itinerary.
Don’t forget the essentials
It’s important to plan ahead and pack all the essential items you need for a road trip, so you’re not caught out by changing weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Packing appropriate clothing is a must; warm clothes, lots of layers, sturdy footwear, and waterproof jacket and trousers. If you’re bringing your own car then it’s always good to do a check before you set off, but carrying things like a tire pump or puncture kit may come in useful. Also having the number of a breakdown service handy, just in case!
You can always hire a campervan or motorhome for your road trip around Scotland, and it’s useful to brush up on the practical info around driving in Scotland too.
Organise a Package Tour
Did you know there are many tour operators that offer packages for touring around Scotland? If you’re looking for a pre-planned day out exploring, where you don’t have to do any of the organising, this may just be for you.
Choose from a variety of themes, such as castles, whisky, lochs, cities and more, and let your experienced tour guide tell you all about Scotland as you travel around.
Other articles you might like:
- www.visitscotland.com/see-do/tours/driving-road-trips/routes/
- www.visitscotland.com/blog/scotland/scenic-drives-in-scotland/
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