Best Routes for Touring Scotland in a Motorhome or Campervan
There are several scenic routes in Scotland that you can explore by motorhome, car, campervan, and motorcycle None of them are cast in stone so it’s a great idea to add road trip excursions to the routes.
North Coast 500
This 500-mile route is one of the most popular self-drive routes in Scotland, offering stunning views of the coast, mountains, and castles.
Some of the popular places to visit on Scotland’s North Coast 500 are:
Inverness: A vibrant city on the east coast of Scotland, known for its history, culture, and scenery.
John o’ Groats: A remote village on the northeastern tip of Scotland, with stunning views of the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands.
Dunrobin Castle: A grand castle near Golspie, with gardens, falconry displays, and a museum.
Smoo Cave: A dramatic sea cave near Durness, with an underground waterfall and a chamber.
Ullapool: A picturesque fishing village on Loch Broom, with a harbor, beaches, and seafood restaurants.
This is the most popular campervan and motorhome route with probably the best views in Europe. It can be very busy at certain times of the year, but for the best colours the Autumn months are the most spectacular and even snow-capped mountains.
South West Coastal 300:
This 300-mile route takes you through the Galloway Forest Park, the Mull of Galloway, and the Solway Coast.
The South West Coastal 300 is a circular route that follows the coast of Dumfries & Galloway and into southern Ayrshire. Some of the popular places to visit on this route are:
Galloway Forest Park: A vast forested area with scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife, and stargazing opportunities.
Mull of Galloway: A rugged peninsula that offers panoramic views of the Irish Sea and the Inner Hebrides.
Whithorn Priory: An ancient monastery that dates back to the 12th century, with ruins, a museum, and a visitor center.
Portpatrick: A charming coastal village with a harbor, beaches, cliffs, and a lighthouse.
Culzean Castle: A grand castle that sits on a cliff overlooking the Firth of Clyde, with gardens, trails, and a visitor center.
These places offer a variety of attractions and activities for motorhome travelers, such as hiking, sightseeing, photography, and more. You can also find many other interesting places along the South West Coastal 300 route that suit your interests and preferences.
North East 250 Route
This 250-mile route covers the Cairngorms National Park, the Moray Firth coast, and the Speyside whisky region.
Some of the popular places to visit on Scotland’s NE250 route are:
Braemar: A pretty town in the Cairngorms National Park, known for its Highland Games and royal connections
Aberdeen: A vibrant city on the east coast of Scotland, with a rich history, culture, and nightlife
Dunnottar Castle: A dramatic cliff-top fortress near Stonehaven, with stunning views of the North Sea
Whisky distilleries: Speyside is home to some of the most famous whisky distilleries in Scotland, such as Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Glenlivet
Forvie National Nature Reserve: A wildlife haven on the Moray Firth coast, with sand dunes, salt marshes, and seabird colonies
Slains Castle: A ruined castle near Cruden Bay said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula
The NE250 is a route that shows the beauty of the east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen (Granite City) is the gateway to the North Sea, Iceland, The Shetland Isles and the Orkneys and is the Hub of the North Sea Oil. It boasts a bustling port and plenty to see and do!
Argyll Coastal Route
This 129-mile route follows the west coast of Scotland from Tarbert to Fort William, passing through picturesque villages, lochs, and beaches.
Some of the popular places to visit on Scotland’s Argyll Coastal Route are:
Tarbert: A picturesque fishing village on Loch Fyne, known for its seafood, yachting, and castle ruins.
Kilmartin Glen: An ancient valley with over 800 prehistoric monuments, such as standing stones, cairns, and rock art.
Crinan Canal: A scenic waterway that connects Loch Fyne to the Atlantic Ocean, with nine locks and stunning views.
Oban: A bustling town on the west coast of Scotland, with a lively harbor, seafood restaurants, and ferry connections to the Hebrides.
Mull of Kintyre: A rugged peninsula that offers panoramic views of the Irish Sea and the Inner Hebrides.
The Argyll Coastal Route Starts in Tarbet on Loch Lomond north of Glasgow and follows a stunning route to the Seaport of Oban (home to Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries and a major sea route to the Outer Hebrides), Kinlockleven to Fort William, a Larger town with all the amenities for shopping, fuel, and food.
Outer Hebrides and Skye
These islands offer some of the most scenic and remote routes in Scotland, with rugged landscapes, white-sand beaches, and ancient ruins.
Some of the popular places to visit on Scotland’s Outer Hebrides and Skye are:
Isle of Skye: A rugged island with dramatic landscapes, such as the Cuillin Mountains, the Old Man of Storr, and the Fairy Pools.
Stornoway: A bustling town on the Isle of Lewis, with a harbor, museums, galleries, and shops.
Callanish Stones: An ancient stone circle on the Isle of Lewis, with a visitor center and a museum.
Luskentyre Beach: A stunning white-sand beach on the Isle of Harris, with turquoise waters and dunes.
Dunvegan Castle: A historic castle on the Isle of Skye, with gardens, a museum, and boat trips.
This route has great opportunities to expand your road trip to take in all the Hebridean Islands. Calmac Ferries link all the islands on a regular timetable and booking in advance is a must. Taking your time is the key to the Outer Hebrides, giving you a chance to enjoy the peacefulness of these beautiful islands and an understanding of how these communities live. A truly unique part of Scotland that should not be missed.
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