Yes, folks, there is more to see in the beautiful country of Scotland than just the NC500. While the North Coast 500 route is spectacular, there are so many more amazing road trip routes to pique your interest and tickle your fancy. These 5 alternative Scotland road trips can be done independently, or combined with the NC500 to ensure you see more of this stunning country.
5 Scotland Road Trip Ideas:
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is favourite destination for those visiting Scotland. Partly because the drive there, from Glasgow or Edinburgh, takes you through some of the most stunning areas of the country. Skye has a wild magic about it, a folklore that the locals have fun playing up.
There are some great road trips around the island, and I would recommend 2-3 days in Skye to discover some of the delights of the area. You can reach Skye in only 4 hours by car from Edinburgh or Glasgow, or take the scenic route and enjoy stops along the way. See Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Spean Bridge, Eilean Donan Castle and more on the way to the Isle of Skye.
Dunoon & the Cowal Peninsula
A weekend over on the Cowal Peninsula, in and around Dunoon, is an absolute delight. It feels a million miles away from Glasgow, yet isn’t that far geographically. An easy ferry ride from Gourock will take you across to the peninsula; and while it’s attached to the mainland, the ferry cuts the journey time significantly.
Take a meander around the quiet peninsula, see the beauty of Loch Striven, and stop in the cute pubs in places like Loch Eck. I recommend you stay in a log cabin in Dunoon for a cost-effective self-catering holiday.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
The winding roads of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park are fantastic to explore. Take a boat trip across Loch Katrine, stop in Callander for afternoon tea, and stay at a loch-side hotel. Some of my favourites are the Oak Tree Lodge at Balmaha on Loch Lomond, and the Ardlui Hotel at the other end of the loch.
There are some incredible walks and hikes in the Trossachs, as well as boat rides and cute towns with lots of artisan crafts and local produce. Driving the narrow and scenic routes around the lakes is simply breathtaking – corner after corner, you will find tranquil vistas and striking views wherever you look.
East Lothian & the Scottish Borders
East Lothian is an underrated destination in Scotland. The east coast and Scottish borders make for fantastic day trips from Edinburgh, as well as part of a longer road trip in Scotland. I recommend heading down the east coast from Edinburgh to the beaches at Gullane and North Berwick. If you’re into Golf, Gullane has an acclaimed course, then there’s Dirleton Castle too.
Head further south to Tantallon Castle, Dunbar, and then head inland to Coldstream; where Edward I of England invaded Scotland in 1296! Weave your way through the Scottish Borders to Jedburgh Abbey, Melrose and Peebles.
Oban & Easdale Island
The west coast of Scotland is wild, rugged and welcoming. The port town of Oban services many of the island ferries, and the slate islands beyond have a fascinating history. Combine a road trip to Oban with time in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, or perhaps a jaunt down the Kintyre Peninsula or Dunoon.
Unlike the other Scotland road trips, this includes an adventure over to the pedestrian-only island of Easdale; AND a bridge over the Atlantic Ocean! Why not take a few days to enjoy Oban and Easdale Island and experience small town Scotland at its best.
5 Scotland Road Trips that aren’t the NC500
I’m definitely not telling you NOT to do the NC500 – it is an utterly spectacular trip around the north of Scotland. But do consider these other Scotland road trips when you’re planning your adventures in this incredible country. I had the pleasure of living in Scotland for more than a decade; and the warmth of the people and amazing landscapes will always remain some of my favourite in the world.
All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.
Scotland is one of the places I really want to road trip around, so I’ll definitely be saving this for later! East Lothian looks like such a cool place to explore
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park look like relaxing spots to enjoy nature on your road trip, they appear very secluded!
These all look amazing! I would love to visit them all, but I think the top of my list is Isle of Skye. It looks so incredibly beautiful and like a very peaceful weekend trip!
Never been to Scotland! Would love to take one of these trips
Love the idea of all these road trips! Scotland is so beautiful and green! It’s always feels like a fairytale when I read posts about it.
Perfect timing for me to come across your blog post! One of my friends and I were talking about visiting Scotland next year; I’ve shared your post with her as well for us to start formulating some ideas. Thanks for sharing! Xx Sara
I hope you guys have the most amazing time!
I love the beautiful rocks along the shore of the lake in the Trossachs. I would love to visit there and do some hiking!
Great recommendations here – I feel like sometimes the underrated places are the best – lots to do still, but not over crowded! I especially want to visit the Isle of Skye!
So good to hear some variety on Scottish Road trips. Truly such a wonderful country.