Guide to the ultimate road trip Scotland style

For a true Scottish adventure, why not indulge in the ultimate Scotland style road trip! Try all the whisky you wish of and tantalise your taste buds with our delectable local produce. Start with some black pudding bonbons to soak up all that whisky. Follow this up with a plateful of our famous haggis, neeps and tatties and for afters indulge in Clootie dumpling with double cream and brandy butter! Spend your days searching for our hairy Heilan’ coos while taking in all the picturesque scenes around you. Discover our rich history from Neolithic villages to historic battlefields.

Read on to be slowly guided through the Scottish Highlands from the far North in Thurso to further South in Glenfinnan where you can catch the Hogwarts Express!

Do I need my own transport in Scotland?

In Scotland, a car is not absolutely imperative. However, I would strongly suggest renting one or even better; rent a motorhome! The bus services are not always frequent in the Scottish Highlands and using them would greatly limit the areas you can explore. So to get the most out of this ultimate road trip Scotland style, access to your own transport is best! You could always make it a real adventure and hoof it round the Highlands on foot or by bike peddle.

Head up the A9 to start your Scotland style road trip!

I grew up in the far North of the Scottish Highlands beside a town called Thurso. So I guess this is as good as any place to start exploring Scotland from. The town itself does not provide for a great adventure but from here you have links to many hidden Highland Scottish gems. I lived in an area called Scrabster right beside Thurso. From here you should take the opportunity to catch a Northlink ferry to Orkney from Thurso.

How to get to Thurso

Orkney

Orkney is home to many delights, for one its ice cream is incredible!

• Skara Brae which I recommend is a stone-built Neolithic settlement from roughly 3180 BC to about 2500 BC. It is the most complete Neolithic village in Europe.
• Make sure you go stand amongst the circle of 36 Neolithic standing stones called the Ring of Brodgar.
• Check out the Old man of Hoy. At 449 feet, it is one of the United Kingdom’s tallest stacks.

There are plenty of unique finds in and around the island of Orkney so just aimlessly wander about. Who knows what piece of history you will stumble upon next. As I mentioned in my first blog post, I often aimlessly wander about. Well actually, I mostly get lost and then have no choice but to wander aimlessly. But my point is that by doing this, you will come across many a treasure or two. So explore!

John O’ Groats

Now onwards towards John O’Groats. This is close to Dunnet Head which is the most northerly point of Britain’s mainland. As for the most north-easterly point, this would be Duncansby Head. I prefer the latter as the stacks create a striking sight. However, both places provide astounding views. Of course, there are phenomenal views in all places that this guide to the ultimate Scotland style road trip mentions so remember to make time to simply take them in.

How to get to John O’ Groats?

Public transport –

Catch the John O’ Groats ferry from Orkney. I say ferry but it’s more like a tour boat as it is only designed for foot passengers.

Own transport –

Catch a North link Ferry to Scrabster, then drive to John O’ Groats.

Even during the height of Summer make sure you pack a warm jumper. John O’Groats may metaphorically be a hot tourist spot but it’s usually blowing a hoolie. Nevertheless still an extremely popular area.

Lesson time – Let’s sidestep for a moment while I provide you with a lesson in Scots. ‘Blowing a hoolie’ refers to very windy weather of which is not uncommon in the county of Caithness.

Anyway, this popular village has a few lovely little shops dotted about full of random touristy knick-knacks. Most importantly here you are provided with the famous Lands End to John O’Groats sign.

Food in John O’ Groats

Also discovered here is the tasty Stacks Bistro. For afters why not head to the wonderfully scrumdiddilyumptious ice-cream shop with super lovely staff called Flavours. Or for some food on the go, try out ‘The Cabin’ – their chips are great! Now for another brief lesson but this time in British terminology. By chips I mean ‘chippy chips’ those fluffy white yummy chips – not crisps.

Story time – When I was in America, I was forever getting confused by this. I ordered a sandwich with chips and was asked what type of chips I wanted. This confused me but hey for every flavour Britain has, America seems to have another ten flavours so I just went with it. I opted for the sour cream and onion ones. I’m sure you can imagine my disappointment when I was handed a packet of crisps!

‘End of Line’ distillery

A highly popular tourist attraction in the Scottish Highlands is whisky. Something I am very excited for is the whisky distillery known as the ‘8 Doors Distillery‘. This is soon to be built here and planning was carried out by a lovely couple I know. I sincerely recommend you visit once it is up and running. It will have the capacity to produce up to 60,000 litres of whisky a year and will be the first in John O’Groats since 1837. Distilleries are always super interesting and attract a lot of tourists so this is a hugely exciting project for the area.

For other distilleries in the North, there is the Old Pulteney distillery centre which is very well known and has been on the go for years. Also, there is a Rock Rose gin and vodka distillery in Dunnett which is hugely popular! In Thurso, there is the Wolfburn distillery and in Orkney there is the Highland Park distillery. For seriously true whisky fans, I strongly recommend a tour around the Speyside distilleries slightly further South.

Enroute back to Thurso

For the next part of this guide to the ultimate road trip Scotland style, you will need to head back to Thurso. Make sure to go along a random route, don’t just follow the main road. You will be stunned by the views (hopefully it’s not typical Caithness weather of wind and rain). If you enjoy exploring castles then perhaps stop by the Castle of Mey. Formerly known as Balmoral Castle and once upon a time was a holiday home to the queen mother. Prince Charles still visits during the summer but I am yet to see Kate and Wills there! Or Harry and Megan, for some reason though, I feel like that is highly unlikely.

I also recommend stopping by Skarfskerry on the way back. There is also a lovely little hidden beach near here called Peedie Sands. I strongly recommend visiting it on a warm Summer’s day. Bring a picnic full of your favourite snacks – scotch egg anyone? Or even better bring along some tasty Scottish snacks that you have never tried before to truly make this the ultimate Scottish road trip. Irn bru is a yummy Scottish fizzy drink!

Durness

Once back in Thurso I suggest a stop at a local Scottish restaurant before heading out west. Perhaps the Captains galley where they serve fresh local seafood. Then head out towards a small Scottish village called Reay (where my dad grew up from about age 11) and continue out west from there. There are lovely beaches, views and cosy little villages along the journey towards Durness so be sure to stop and enjoy Scotland’s views! Perhaps even stop for a night along the way and grab dinner in another yummy local restaurant.

During this part of the road trip, make sure to watch out for wildlife on the roads out West, lots of sheep. What you really have to watch out for though, are the haggii. They are small round creatures about the size of a hedgehog with a fairly flat rounded button nose. They are mostly found on hills but have a habit of rolling down them onto roads. This is because they have one leg longer than the other which often causes them to be quite clumsy so be on the lookout! Please don’t run them over or what will us Scots eat?

Durness has incredible views. I encourgae a stroll along the beach. Perhaps stay in the campsite by the beach and enjoy the sunset. During the day walk along the small quaint village and explore the peaceful surroundings. Check out the local art. Then head to Cocoa Mountain for a delicious hot chocolate. Maybe come away with a couple of home made chocolates or two. If you are looking for something a bit different then head down to Smoo cave. Here you have the chance to explore Britain’s largest sea cave! However, this involves waking down quite a few steps so I wouldn’t recommend this activity for those with limited mobility. Derived from an old Norse word ‘smjugg’, smoo means ‘the hiding-place’.

Enroute towards Inverness

After leaving Durness, for the next part of this Scotland styled road trip, I would slowly meander along the west coast towards Embo. This will get you back onto the A9. Make sure to stop every now and then to appreciate the views. There are a few random ‘campsites’ dotted along the way. They are mostly basically just ground with toilet access so nothing fancy but the views more than makeup for the bare necessities! Durness certainly will allow you to ‘forget about your worries and your strife’! Lovely little villages are found all along the way towards Golspie. So I would definitely recommend stopping every now and then to snap a few photos. Once you hit the A9 then continue along it towards Inverness. I would maybe stop at some point to enjoy the view. Other than that I would not stop to explore the villages as they are not quite as quaint as the ones out west.

Inverness

Inverness is a city in the highlands of Scotland, it has some lovely views. Within the city itself, I wouldn’t specifically recommend anything as it just generally a nice small city with nothing too out of the ordinary. However, having said that, one place I definitely recommend is the Castle Street Restaurant! The place has not changed in years so it has the style of on old American diner but this is definitely part of its charm. I could not imagine it looking any other way. There are often queues to get in, it’s super popular! I recommend the steak pie with beans and chips! Oh and their chocolate milkshakes!

Once you have refuelled head out to the Culloden Battle Field for a bite of history. Here you will find all sorts of information about the battle of Culloden (obviously). You get to walk along the magnificent field and truly feel like you are in the presence of something huge. Almost as if the battle is still going on around you in an alternate reality.

If you want to spend a bit more time in the city then maybe stroll along the river and have dinner in one of its many restaurants. Once you have had your fill of city air then head on towards another of Scotland’s castles, Urquhart Castle. Of course, while you are nearby, you absolutely have to visit Nessie the Loch Ness monster so head over to the Loch Ness centre for all the information on Nessie you never knew you needed. Plenty of random Scottish souvenirs here to check out, along with photos of Nessie and of course the famous loch Ness itself! After some monster spotting, it is time to visit Urquhart castle. This historic castle was founded in the 13th century. A very interesting place to visit before heading to the magic that is the Isle of Skye.

Isle of Skye

It is absolutely imperative that a road trip Scotland style includes the Isle of Skye! This Scottish Highlands island is a true place of wonder. Just before you reach Skye stop at Eileen Donan castle and have a wander about. Unfortunately, due to extremely bad weather, I was unable to complete most of my Isle of Skye itinerary but once I have finally been back to visit, I will do a blog post on the wonders of Skye. Here are a few ideas to get you going though! Once on Skye, after crossing the very long bridge, explore Portree. I suggest walking down towards the harbour area.

Travel anecdote time – Remember to stock up on fuel here! I forgot and after more than 3 hours of driving, the tank was getting empty! I eventually realised and input garage into my satnav only to find out there wasn’t one for at least half an hour. This turned into an hour because I have an uncanny ability of getting lost. I made it to the garage only to realise there were no fuel pumps. However, fortunately, by some miracle, there were petrol pumps directly across the road.

I swear this was an act of God. It was as if he himself had plucked them out of thin air and placed them there for me. The weather was atrocious. I could barely see two feet in front of me. There was rare phone signal. I was picturing myself having to sleep in the car until the weather calmed enough so that I could walk in search of a phone signal. So just remember to top up your fuel! After sensibly refuelling, as part of your Skye itinerary I recommend the Trotternish loop which consists of the old man of Storr, Kilt Rock and Quiraing. Hopefully, unlike me, you will be able to see more than just lashing rain.

The following day I suggest you head to Broadford bay, then Talisker Bay followed up with the magical Fairy pools. The fairy Glen, Dunvegan Castle and Neist point could be ideas for your 3rd day. I also recommend heading to Elgol for a day. Here you can do some wildlife spotting and take in the view of the Cuillins.

Carrbridge and local villages

After Skye, head towards the Cairngorms national park for the next instalment in this ultimate road trip Scotland style! Of all the places both with Scotland and around the world that I have explored, this area still remains my favourite place. Here you will find Scotland’s hairy beats, our beautiful Highland cows. The Cairngorms have everything from adventurous activities to simply enjoying nature. Rather than driving back through Inverness, there is a faster route you can take. So check your satnavs route before leaving Skye.

There are endless lovely villages in the Cairngorms from Grantown on Spey to Boat of Garten. Their names even spark curiosity! So just go for random drives about. I would recommend basing yourself in Carrbridge for part of your trip in one of their beautiful local accommodations. It is a great base for driving to many of the lovely nearby villages. They fill up fast though so book early!

I will be dedicating a future blog post to the Cairngorms so further detail will be coming soon. For now, though, I will try and restrain myself from diving into great depth on all its wonderous areas and activities. Of which there are many. One place I have to mention though is the Heather Speyside centre. It is first and foremost a garden centre but it serves up the most delicious bowls of Scottish dumplings with many different toppings to choose from. You absolutely have to try dumpling while in Scotland. It would be culturally criminal not to.

Aviemore

If you are a whisky fan then I suggest taking a wander around one of the nearby distilleries before heading slightly more South towards Aviemore. Actually even if you aren’t, still do it. You are following a guide to the ultimate road trip Scotland style after all! For your next stay, make sure you choose Aviemore. Or there are great spots for tourists further up towards the cairngorm mountain. Aviemore area is another great base for local villages. One I recommend is Newtonmore. Home to the ‘Old Folks Museum’. I promise it is more thirlling than it sounds!

In Aveimore, you have amazing access to water sports, high rope activities, cycle/walk routes, wildlife, incredible local produce and local drinks. I could go on and on but more on that in a future blog. A random movie fact – Aviemore is going to be featured in the next James Bond film! I applied to be the Bond girl but I’m starting to think that my application has maybe gotten lost because surely they would have offered me the part by now!? Also, for fans of Outlander, check out nearby areas that are used in the show!

Just outwith Aviemore both towards the Cairngorm mountain and away from it in the direction of Loch Insh, there are endless things to do and sights to see. Visit the beautiful lochs. Loch Morlich is my absolute favourite place to be. With closed eyes, stand by the shore while smelling the fresh air and listening to the water. Surrounding the loch is a ginormous forest area. Great for cycles and walks. Glenmore campsite is a brilliant spot to stay; less than a minute’s walk to Loch Morlich. Thus, providing access to either complete serenity for those wanting peace or water sports for the more adventurous. This area is a must-see for the perfect Scottish Highlands road trip.

Finish your Scottish Highlands road trip at Glenfinnan Viaduct

Calling all Harry Potter fans! A guide to the ultimate road trip Scotland style is of course not complete without sprinkling a bit of Hogwarts magic. Glenfinnan is home to the famous bridge which the Hogwarts Express travels along. Not only that but the bridge is home to the actual Hogwarts express! I am a huge Harry Potter fan so I have to mention this magical gem. Click here for all the information you need. The train can take you to Mallaig so if you want the full experience from the north east to the north west of the Scottish highlands then hop aboard the Hogwarts Express! I would rather the journey ended at Hogsmeade though. A butter beer and a visit to Honey dukes would be a marvellously magical end to the trip! Instead you will have to settle for just buying a chocolate frog from the dear old trolley lady.

Scottish Highlands itinerary tips –

1. The Scottish Highlands has something for everyone!

2. Remember to take in the views and to explore.

3. Rent a car or motorhome if possible.

4. Test out local Scottish accommodation, food and drink.

5. Orkney, John O’Groats, Durness, Inverness, Isle of Skye, the Cairngorms and Glenfinnan Viaduct are the places I recommend most!