Planning a road trip from the UK’s capital city to the wonderful scenery of Scotland should be a pleasure. After all, not knowing where you will stop or the route you intend to take can lead to indecision on the road. Even worse, failing to plan ahead can lead to basic errors with something as simple as car tyres. Before heading up the A1(M) or the M1 on your way north out of the city, check for worn-down tread and pump up under-inflated tyres. Doing so could make all the difference to your break.
Long journeys on the motorway can put extra strain on your car tyres, so making sure they’re in top condition before you set off will help avoid unexpected issues along the way.
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You will cross the border into Scotland at Gretna, on the M6 or via the A1 just north of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Both are good routes further north, taking you via Glasgow or Edinburgh, respectively. However, don’t overlook the border area on your way through. The A697 via Coldstream is a lovely road to drive, and stopping somewhere around the England-Scotland border is a great idea.
A good itinerary for discovering the lowlands involves taking the A75 west from Gretna via Cargenbridge. You can get to the coast this way, picking up the A77 northbound at Stranraer. At Ayr, either push on to Glasgow or head east to Cumnock to pick up the A76 to Dumfries and back to Gretna.
North of Glasgow, the West Coast of Scotland opens up. Take the A82 out of the city, past the majestic Loch Lomond. At Tarbet, turn westward to follow the A83 to Lochgilphead, a good place to stop for a rest and enjoy its views. The A83 continues south, so turn onto the A816 instead, which continues to Oban, another good place to stop and explore. From there, you can continue up the coast road before doubling back at Glencoe on the A82.
From Edinburgh, take the M90 over the Firth of Forth and continue until it becomes the A90. Follow this road to Dundee, a good place for a break. Instead of continuing north on the A90, pick up the A92, which hugs the eastern Scottish coast.
By the time you reach Aberdeen, you can turn inland on the A96 to start heading back on the south-westerly A95 at Keith via the Cairngorms, where you can connect to the southbound A9. Stop at Aviemore or push on a bit further to Pitlochry—both excellent choices for an overnight rest. After such a trip, you might need new car tyres in London by the time you get home.
Itineraries for a Scottish Road Trip
Head to the Lowland Route
A good route for discovering the lowlands involves taking the A75 west from Gretna via Cargenbridge. This means you can get off the main route north as soon as you cross the border, something I find to be a blessing after so many hours behind the wheel. The countryside immediately opens up, and you can get to the coast this way.
It is recommended to pick up the A77 northbound at Stranraer to continue exploring the Scottish coast. At Ayr, either push on to Glasgow or head east to Cumnock. This way, it is possible to pick up the A76 to Dumfries and head back to Gretna, a perfect little route for a short Scottish road trip itinerary!
Exploring the West Coast of Scotland
Whenever you head north out of Glasgow, the West Coast of Scotland really seems to open up. However, it doesn’t do so immediately. Instead, the beauty of the place reveals itself slowly. It is best to take the A82 out of the city so you can drive past the majestic Loch Lomond. When I reach Tarbet, I turn westward to follow the A83 to Lochgilphead.
Not only is this the best way to the true west of Scotland, but Lochgilphead is a good place to stop for a rest and enjoy its views. The A83 continues south at this point, so I prefer to turn onto the A816 instead. This road continues to Oban, another good place to stop and explore. Pushing on past seems such a shame when it has such a superb waterfront and many good places to stay. From there, I typically continue up the coast road before doubling back at Glencoe on the A82 to start heading south once more.
Discover Scotland’s East Coast Roads
Take the M90 over the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh and continue until it becomes the A90. Although you might want to stop close to the famous Forth Bridge. Once on the north side of the Forth, follow the A90 road to Dundee. You will find several establishments for a bite to eat and an overnight stay in Dundee. It really does have a charm all of its own.
When leaving, instead of continuing north on the A90, always pick up the A92 because it hugs the eastern Scottish coast much more closely and offers the most beautiful sea views. The coast is different here from the West of Scotland and no less dramatic in its own way. By the time you reach Aberdeen, be ready to turn inland and see some of the Highlands. Then take the A96 so you can start heading back on the south-westerly A95 at Keith.
This route means you travel through the stunning Cairngorms, where you can connect to the southbound A9. Stop at Aviemore or push on a bit further to Pitlochry—both have good places to stay for an overnight rest.
Please note this is a collaboration.
