Road Tripping Around The West Highlands of Scotland

When it comes to planning the perfect road trip, few places rival the sheer magic of the Scottish Highlands. Winding roads lead to breathtaking natural landmarks around every corner, with magnificent mountains, mystical lochs and hills of heather all plentiful in this unique part of the world.

In this article we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most spectacular road trips in the West Highlands of Scotland, so you can plan the trip of a lifetime.

The North Coast 500

Scotland’s most famous road trip, The North Coast 500, spans 516 miles across the northernmost points of the Scottish mainland. Rivalling the USA’s renowned Route 66, the route begins in the Highland’s capital, Inverness, before weaving towards the west coast and heading up towards some of the UK’s most remote settlements.

You’ll pass right through John O’ Groats – one end of the longest distance between two inhabited places on mainland Britain - before driving down the peninsula towards the neighboring town of Wick and heading south back towards Inverness. Along the way, you can take a break and stay at the Leonardo Hotel in Inverness, which offers comfortable accommodations and convenient amenities for travelers. You could even venture off the beaten track and explore the stunning scenery of the Black Isle.

The Argyll Coastal Route and Ben Nevis

The beginning of the Argyll Coastal route can be reached relatively easily from Glasgow, and gives explorers the opportunity to see some of the most striking scenery that Loch Lomond and the West Highlands has to offer.

Experience the misty, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond before travelling up the coast towards Fort William, sampling an abundance of delicious fresh seafood along the way. Once you arrive at Fort William, why not park up and hike towards the UK’s tallest mountain – Ben Nevis? Here you’ll follow in the footsteps of many before you who have summited this iconic landmark, and be rewarded with unparalleled views of the surrounding areas.

Edinburgh – Glasgow – Glencoe - The Isle of Skye

This route can be started at either Edinburgh or Glasgow, and offers awe-inspiring views, as well as the opportunity to explore some of the Highland’s most picturesque villages and meet the friendly locals. The drive from Edinburgh to Glasgow is only an hour and a half, then you can make the journey from Glasgow up to the picturesque little village of Glencoe. Here, the famous Glen Coe Valley and Ben Nevis are just waiting to be explored!

Drive for four hours from Glencoe via Glenfinnan and Armadale and you’ll reach the magnificent Isle of Skye. It’s definitely worth spending a few days here – take a hike on Quiraing and you’ll be able to see for miles across the island and beyond.

For more travel tips and news, head over to the Leonardo Hotels blog.