A electric car passing over the Clatterin' Brig near Fettercairn.
VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Iconic driving routes & road trips in Scotland
Experience some of Scotland’s most epic road trips, including stunning National Tourist Routes.
1. Moray Firth Route
Journey through the north-east corner of the Highlands on the Moray Firth Route, where sweeping coastal views, charming villages and wildlife-rich firths create an unforgettable scenic drive.
- Route: Inverness to Loch Fleet
- Length of the route: 80 miles (128 km)
- Start and finish: Inverness/The Mound on Loch Fleet
- Time to drive: 2 hours
Discover the Moray Firth Route
Covesea Lighthouse on the Moray Coast Trail
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
2. Deeside Tourist Route
Travel along Britain's highest main road, the A93, on a spectacular journey from Perth through the Cairngorms National Park to Aberdeen, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and Highland scenery.
- Route: Perth to Aberdeen
- Length of the route: 108 miles (174 km)
- Start and finish: Perth/Aberdeen
- Time to drive: 3 hours
Find out more about the Deeside Tourist Route
Cyclists on the Deeside Way, Ballater
3. Angus Coastal Route
Stretching from Dundee to Aberdeen, the Angus Coastal Route showcases rugged cliffs, golden beaches, picturesque fishing towns and some of eastern Scotland's most captivating coastal scenery.
- Route: Dundee to Aberdeen
- Length of the route: 68 miles (103 km)
- Start and finish: Dundee/Aberdeen
- Time to drive: 1 hour 40 minutes
Find out more about the Angus Coastal Route
The beach at Lunan Bay
4. The SnowRoads Scenic Route
Experience the drama of the Cairngorms National Park on the SnowRoads Scenic Route, where mountain vistas, heather-clad landscapes and Britain's highest public roads await around every bend.
- Route: Blairgowrie to Grantown-on-Spey
- Length of the route: 90 miles (144.8 km)
- Start and finish: Blairgowrie/Grantown-on-Spey
- Time to drive: 3 hours
Explore the scenic SnowRoads route
The SnowRoads Scenic Route
5. Argyll Coastal Route
Absorb stunning mountain landscapes and glittering loch views as you travel through the majestic west coast of Scotland on a scenic drive through the Argyll Coastal Route.
- Route: Tarbert to Fort William
- Length of the route: 129 miles (208 km)
- Start and finish: Tarbet/Fort William
- Time to drive: 3 hours
Experience the Argyll Coastal Route
Castle Stalker
© Airborne Lens / Liam Anderstrem
6. Borders Historic Route
Discover the rolling hills, historic towns and rich heritage of the Scottish Borders on this scenic journey through the heart of southern Scotland.
- Route: Carlisle to Edinburgh
- Length of the route: 89 miles (143 km)
- Start and finish: Carlisle/Edinburgh
- Time to drive: 2 hours 30 minutes
Find out more about the Borders Historic Route
Melrose Abbey
7. Galloway Tourist Route
Follow a route through the landscapes that inspired Robert Burns, where peaceful countryside, forest parks and coastal scenery reveal the beauty of south-west Scotland.
- Route: Gretna to Ayr
- Length of the route: 92 miles (148 km)
- Start and finish: Gretna/Ayr
- Time to drive: 2 hours 30 minutes
Discover the Galloway Tourist Route
The Mull of Galloway, Wigtownshire, Dumfries and Galloway
© VisitScotland / Visit South West Scotland / Damian Shields
8. The South West Coastal 300
Embark on an unforgettable road trip around one of Scotland's most scenic coastlines, where secluded beaches, rugged shores, charming towns and spectacular views await. As one of Scotland's longest touring routes, covering 300 miles of coastline, it's best explored at a leisurely pace.
- Route: South-west Scotland
- Length of route: 300 miles (482.8 km)
- Start and finish: Dumfries
- Time to drive: 3-4 days
Find out more about the South West Coastal 300
Culzean Castle and Country Park
© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group
9. Fife Coastal Route
Enjoy sweeping views across the Firth of Forth as you pass sandy beaches, charming seaside villages and rolling countryside on this picturesque coastal drive.
- Route: Kincardine to Newport
- Length of the route: 77 miles (124 km)
- Start and finish: Kincardine/Newport on Tay
- Time to drive: 2 hours 30 minutes
Plan your journey through the Fife Coastal Route
West Sands, St Andrews
10. Highland Tourist Route
Step into the heart of the Highlands, where rugged Cairngorm landscapes, historic towns and sweeping scenery combine to create a classic Scottish road trip.
- Route: Aberdeen to Inverness
- Length of the route: 116 miles (187 km)
- Start and finish: Aberdeen/Inverness
- Time to drive: 3 hours
Find out more about the Highland Tourist Route
Cawdor Castle and Gardens
11. Clyde Valley Tourist Route
Follow the River Clyde on the Clyde Valley Tourist Route through lush farmland, rolling hills and picturesque countryside as you journey towards the vibrant town of Hamilton.
- Route: Abington to Hamilton
- Length of the route: 38 miles (61 km)
- Start and finish: Abington/Hamilton
- Time to drive: 1 hour
Discover more about the Clyde Valley Tourist Route
The Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve
12. North & West Highlands Route
You’ll travel through some of the most magnificent scenery in Europe on the North & West Highlands Route - towering mountains and lochs, foaming salmon rivers, rugged coastlines with mighty sea cliffs and secluded sandy bays.
- Route: Ullapool to John o'Groats
- Length of the route: 158 miles (254 km)
- Start and finish: Ullapool/John o’ Groats
- Time to drive: 4 hours
Find out more about the North and West Highlands Route
Ullapool
13. Forth Valley Tourist Route
Journey through landscapes steeped in history, pausing to discover legendary landmarks, cultural treasures and unforgettable experiences.
- Route: Edinburgh to Stirling
- Length of the route: 43 miles (69 km)
- Start and finish: Edinburgh/Stirling
- Time to drive: 1 hour 30 minutes
Explore more about the Forth Valley Tourist Route
The Kelpies in Helix Park
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
14. Perthshire Tourist Route
Take a drive through the heart of Perthshire, where lush landscapes, tranquil glens and the rugged beauty of the Sma' Glen, Aberfeldy and Grandtully await.
- Route: Greenloaning to Ballinluig
- Length of the route: 43 miles (69 km)
- Start and finish: Greenloaning/Ballinluig
- Time to drive: 1 hour 15 minutes
Hit the road on the Perthshire Tourist Route
Den of Alyth
15. North Coast 500
Follow one of the world's great road trips through a landscape of wild coastlines, soaring mountains and unforgettable Highland experiences. Stretching around Scotland's northern coastline, this extensive route rewards travellers who allow several days to experience it fully.
- Route: north coast of Scotland
- Length of the route: 500 miles (805 km)
- Start and finish: Inverness
- Time to drive: 5-7 days
Get inspired by the North Coast 500
Bealach na Ba
© @wills_onthehills
Planning your trip
Please remember to plan your trip in advance. It is crucial for the wellbeing of Scotland’s landscapes, as well as for local residents and businesses, that the areas around these routes are respected and looked after properly.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Take all litter, waste and rubbish away with you to dispose of correctly.
- Book your accommodation in advance; don’t park or stay outwith designated camping/caravan areas.
- Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to ensure the landscape is left how you found it.