Scotland’s Scenic Road Trips
Scotland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and stunning road trips. If you’re looking for a scenic adventure, you’re in luck. Two lesser-known routes, the Kintyre 66 and the Road to the Isles, are worth exploring.
Scenic Highlights of the Kintyre 66
• A quick ferry ride to Gigha Island offers a fresh perspective on the dramatic coastal beauty of Scotland. • Sweeping views and a sense of accomplishment are guaranteed on this exhilarating escape. • A stop to sample Scotland’s finest tipples might just be the perfect addition to your journey. • The route is dubbed “Untamed and teetering on the wild side” by VIXA.
Exploring the Road to the Isles
• Winding from Fort William to Mallaig, the route hugs sea lochs and climbs through Highland valleys, offering unforgettable views of Ben Nevis, Loch Eil, and Loch Shiel. • Pass Glenfinnan, home to the iconic viaduct (the Harry Potter Bridge) and monument, and Loch Eilt, a perfect spot to watch the Jacobite Steam Train puff past. • Beaches, quiet crofts, and wildlife cruises add to the magic, while a ferry from Mallaig takes you to Skye. • The route is a journey made for exploration, with detours to Loch Morar, the Small Isles, and even the UK’s most remote pub at Inverie.
The North Coast 500: A Highland Adventure
• The NC500 starts in the northern city of Inverness, weaves along the west coast to Applecross, and then takes you northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. • From there, the route pushes into the wild heart of the north, tracing the rugged edges of Caithness and skimming past John o’ Groats, one of mainland Britain’s most northerly points. • The loop then turns south through Dingwall, before rolling back into Inverness. • Each stretch offers something striking: jagged cliffs, remote beaches, sea lochs, and open skies that seem to go on forever. • The 500 miles of road offers a full Highland experience.
Other Underrated Scottish Drives
• The Pembrokeshire Coast 200 in Wales ranks as the most underrated road trip in Europe, with a score of 85.84 out of 100. • Route des Crêtes in France and the Transfăgărășan Road in Romania also made the top 10 list. • The Pyrenees in Spain and the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland round out the top 10.
Ranking the Underrated Road Trips
| Rank | Road Trip | Country | Road Trip Score / 100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pembrokeshire Coast 200 | Wales | 85.84 |
| 2 | Kintyre 66 | Scotland | 83.80 |
| 3 | Route des Crêtes | France | 76.11 |
| 4 | Causeway Coastal Route | Northern Ireland | 73.56 |
| 5 | Transfăgărășan Road | Romania | 73.56 |
| 6 | The Pyrenees | Spain | 73.00 |
| 7 | Road to the Isles | Scotland | 71.18 |
| 8 | The Cambrian Way | Wales | 70.96 |
| 9 | Stelvio Pass | Italy | 70.70 |
| 10 | North Coast 500 | Scotland | 70.30 |
Scotland’s Road Trips: A Guide to the Hidden Gems
Scotland is known for its stunning landscapes, and its road network is no exception. For those seeking a scenic adventure, two lesser-known routes, the Kintyre 66 and the Road to the Isles, are worth exploring. These two routes offer breathtaking views of Scotland’s coastline, rugged cliffs, and picturesque lochs. The Kintyre 66, in particular, is known for its dramatic coastal beauty and its sense of adventure. The Road to the Isles, on the other hand, is a journey through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes. From the iconic viaduct at Glenfinnan to the stunning beaches of the Isle of Skye, this route offers something for everyone. In addition to these two routes, Scotland also has a number of other scenic drives worth exploring. The Pembrokeshire Coast 200 in Wales, for example, is a must-see for anyone traveling to the region. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing drive through the countryside or an exhilarating adventure on the coast, Scotland has something for everyone.
Getting Started
To start planning your dream road trip, you can use the guide to the top UK and European travel networks. This guide provides a range of options for travelers, from scenic drives to adventure sports. With the guide, you can turn your travel goals into reality and make the most of your time on the road.
Conclusion
Scotland’s road network is full of hidden gems, waiting to be discovered. The Kintyre 66, the Road to the Isles, and a number of other scenic drives offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends and family, Scotland’s road network has something for everyone. So why not start planning your dream road trip today and discover the beauty of Scotland’s hidden gems?
