Autumn in the Highlands is spectacular. The rugged landscapes, natural, unspoilt scenery and cultural cities have so much to offer. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a midge-free experience as the winter wonderland season takes hold.
Why not organise a romantic road trip and benefit from lower rates at our luxury hotel Pitlochry. It’s the best time to enjoy a golfing experience in superb locations. Hikers and wildlife enthusiasts get to see the Highlands as the weather cools off readying for the winter.
When Is The Best Time To Road Trip Scotland?
The Scottish Highlands has something to offer no matter what time of the year. The summer months are exceptional provided you don’t mind busier roads and more tourists around. But you’ll always have to contend with our Scottish midges during the warmer summer months!
But to avoid the crowded roads and biting midges, why not organise a Scottish Highland road trip this autumn? It’s one of the best times to come and enjoy this beautiful region!
Is A Campervan Or Car better for a Scottish road trip?
Whether you choose to organise your Scottish road trip in the Highlands in a campervan or car is a personal decision. You could opt to rent either for your Scottish Highland road trip experience.
There’s a great choice of places to stay which includes our superb Boutique Hotel in Scotland which is ideally located as a base for your Highland adventure!
How long does a road trip in the Highlands last?
As long as you like is the simple answer! Discovering Autumn in the Scottish Highlands provides a wonderful experience because there’s so much to see and do!
So, when planning your Scottish road trip, it’s best to organise things well in advance. Or you can start out on a real adventure and just follow the road ahead!
The Best Road Trips in Scotland
1. South West Coastal 300
If it’s your first road trip adventure in Scotland, this is the one for you. Want to find out more? Then check out the Visit Scotland website.
The road follows the coastline, so you get to enjoy beautiful coastal views and of course, the sea! You’ll drive past majestic castles, some in ruins, forests, hills, villages, towns and so much more along the way!
- How long is the road trip? In total it’s 300 miles or 482 kmHow long does the road trip take? It takes anything from 2 to 3 days depending on how many stops you make!
- Where does it start and finish? It starts and finishes in Dumfries
2. NC500
The NC500 (North Coast 500) is probably the most popular Scottish road trip that attracts thousands of visits to the region every year. It’s the Scottish equivalent of Route 66!
You can take as long as you want on this road trip. There’s so much to see and do. Plus, there are some amazing places to stay which includes our luxury Hotel in Kinloch Rannoch.
Plus, the best time to organise your road trip is during the Autumn when the roads are less busy than in the summer.
- How long is the road trip? In total it’s 500 miles or 804 km
- How long does the road trip take? It takes anything from 3 to 5 days depending on how many stops you make!
- Where does it start and finish? It starts and finishes in Inverness
3. Isle Of Skye
The Isle of Skye is just north of John O’Groats and it’s one of the many islands you’ll discover around the Scottish coast. It’s a popular and favourite island destination.
Although small, the Isle of Skye is majestic and makes for a superb part of your Scottish road trip. You could drive the full coast of Skye in about six hours but taking longer means taking in all the sights and wonders the island has to offer. The island is 25 miles wide and 50 miles long!
- How long is the road trip? In total it’s 160 miles / 257 km
- How long does the road trip take? It takes around 6 hours but longer to take in everything
- Where does it start and finish? Eiliean Donan Castle to Armadale
4. Cairngorms National Park Route
Although not one of the official Scottish road trips, it’s definitely worth considering when organising a visit to Scotland because Autumn is a magical time in Scottish Highlands.
The Cairngorms National Park has lots to offer on a driving trip. You’ll need a full day to really enjoy the sights and scenery but taking 2 days is well advised!
- How long is the road trip? In total it’s 185 miles or 297 km
- How long does the road trip take? It takes around 1 day
- Where does it start and finish? Cairngorms to Dunalastair Hotel Suites
5. Glasgow To Fort William
Would you like to take a short road trip in Scotland that offers a pleasant experience? Then this one is definitely for you!
You’ll get to enjoy real Scottish delights along the way including the natural epic beauty of Glen Coe. Plus you’ll get to experience travelling on the Harry Potter train!
Then there’s the chance to hike along Loch Lomond and explore Fort William.
- How long is the road trip? In total it’s 131 miles or 210 km
- How long does the road trip take? It takes anything from 2 to 3 days
- Where does it start and finish? Glasgow to Fort William
6. The City Hop
For city lovers, this is a mini road trip like no other. You’ll get to visit three of Scotland’s best and most loved cities along the way. But you’ll drive past Loch Lomond and beautiful landscapes too.
You could hire a campervan in Edinburgh to start this road trip adventure!
- How long is the road trip? In total, it’s 150 miles or 241 km
- How long does the road trip take? It takes 3 days
- Where does it start and finish? It starts and finishes in Edinburgh
Staying at Dunalastair Hotel Suites
- 5-star Luxury Victorian Hotel in Kinloch Rannoch
- Multi-million-pound refurbishment
- Modern Facilities
Dunalastair Hotel Suites is ideally located right in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The hotel boasts a superb blend of original Victorian features and modern facilities. Following a multi-million refurbishment, the hotel re-opened its doors in 2017, welcoming visitors warmly.
Today, you’ll enjoy 5-star luxury when staying at Dunalastair Hotel Suites. Moreover, we’re ideally situated just a short distance from most highland road trip routes.
Why not book your stay and enjoy the best experience and warmest welcome Scotland has to offer. Book your stay online to benefit from our luxury staycation packages in the Scottish Highlands at our 5-star Luxury Hotel Scotland.