Hit the road: Two iconic Scottish driving routes
Few experiences capture the spirit of Scotland like a road trip.
Driving represents absolute freedom to explore our beautiful country at your own pace; to put the brakes on for an impromptu beach walk, picnic in a chance beauty spot, or take a last-minute diversion through the more scenic route.
And if you can't (or won't) drive, don’t despair. Our Luxury Scotland Partner, Little's Chauffeur Service, can take the wheel. They can plan a route to fit any itinerary, and with a fleet of Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar saloons on standby, you can rest assured you’ll soon be motoring in style.
The North Coast 500
This 516-mile touring route takes in captivating coastal scenery, unique cultural sights and wildlife spotting in the far north of Scotland. Starting and finishing in Inverness, the North Coast 500 is often compared to America’s iconic Route 66.
How long will it take to drive?
Designed for leisurely touring, the route can take anything between five and ten days to drive around, depending on just how slowly you take it. It’s certainly worth spending time stopping off and taking in the magnificent Scottish scenery.
Where to stay
There are five Luxury Scotland hotels either along or very near the route, so you can combine a drive along one of the most exhilarating routes in the world with some incredible hotel experiences.
The Skye Bridge
For authentic Scottish island hospitality in spectacular surroundings, make a pitstop at the family-owned Kinloch Lodge on The Isle of Skye, around ten miles from the Skye Bridge. Once the ancestral home of Lord Macdonald of Macdonald, this refined hotel and hugely popular restaurant remain part of the family, run by descendent Isabella Macdonald. The Highlands and Islands contain one of Europe’s last remaining wilderness areas – and the food grown and reared among the unspoilt purity of this land and water tastes complex, decadent and beyond fresh.
As you wind through the scenic Scottish Highlands, factor in an overnight stop at The Torridon. Built in 1887 as a Highland shooting lodge, The Torridon today is a luxury five-star hotel set in 58 acres of stunning parkland, providing a truly great escape nestled between dramatic Munros and shimmering sea loch.
If you’re driving down Scotland’s east coast, find a welcome diversion at the impressive Glenmorangie House, a luxurious boutique hotel on the Moray Firth where guests can enjoy a complimentary tour of the Glenmorangie Distillery. With its bold, individually designed rooms and award-winning Scottish cuisine, you don’t have to feel like you’re missing out if you happen to be the designated driver for this leg of the road trip.
Park up for a while in Inverness city centre and check into Rocpool Reserve Hotel. This exclusive, boutique Georgian residence is just a short stroll from the heart of the city, with views of the surrounding hills. With its ever-so-chic bedrooms and a rather tempting cocktail bar in which to while away happy hour, you’ll be in no immediate hurry to get back on the road...
Things to see along the way
Don’t forget to include a trip to the stunning Dunnet Bay Distillery, located in Caithness in the far north of Scotland, on the NC500. The aim of Dunnet Bay Distillers is to create spirits which reflect the unique life and landscape found in Caithness. The distillery is most famous for producing the multi award-winning Rock Rose Gin — which was launched to critical acclaim in 2015 — but you can also enjoy their Holy Grass vodka. Holy Grass, found on the banks of the Thurso River, gives this unique vodka its wonderful taste and characteristic flavour. Dunnet Bay Distillers also produces Mapmaker's Rum, a beautifully smooth Spiced Rum with a delicious oceanic umami profile.
The Kintyre 66
Covering a 66-mile loop on the A83 and B842 public roads, this route has six spurs, so you can truly choose your own adventure. It's a fabulous way to get right to the heart of the magnificent peninsula on the west coast of Scotland that inspired Paul McCartney to pen 'Mull of Kintyre.'
While 66 miles may not sound like a lot, there's so much history, natural scenery and fantastic food that you can easily fill a few days. Pristine beaches, sparkling night skies and ancient castles are just some of the things you can expect to see as you drive around the Kintyre peninsula and the islands, just a short hop away by ferry.
Where to stay
The Crinan Hotel near Lochgilphead is just half an hour's drive from Tarbert, where the route begins, making it an ideal base for exploring everything the Kintyre 66 has to offer. With charming rooms, legendary fresh seafood and staggering waterfront views, it will immerse you in the west coast experience.
Westport Beach
From here, you can head south-east on the A83 to the Kintyre peninsula. Stop at Westport Beach, where you can sometimes watch surfers tackle the Atlantic waves, and marvel at the ancient Ballochroy Standing Stones. If you're feeling active, you could even hike part of the Kintyre Way – a 100-mile walking trail that zigzags across the peninsula.
And if you fancy an especially luxurious detour, hop on the ferry across to the Isle of Islay for exquisite interiors and whisky galore at Ardbeg House.
Download the Kintyre 66 brochure here to find out more.
