Take the high road

Five epic driving routes through Scotland

Scotland is like something from a road-tripper's dream – rugged coastlines and towering peaks, historic landmarks and genteel hospitality, all connected by well-maintained roads lined with staggering views.

This month, we’re showing off our country’s top-tier trails with five touring routes that showcase the best of Scotland. With Luxury Scotland properties providing rejuvenating hospitality along the way, these routes invite thrill-chasers and spa-seekers alike to hit the road and see the sights.

So buckle up, pack the glove box full of goodies and let’s discover Scotland's rich history, culture and natural beauty, one mile at a time.

The South-West Coastal 300

Before we get to that route up in the balmy north, let’s flip the compass upside-down and travel south to the (marginally) warmer roads of the South-West Coastal 300.

This circular route hugs the south-west coast of Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire, and quite effortlessly melds the best of Scottish scenery – dramatic cliffs and crashing waves; towering peaks and sunken glens; verdant countryside and dense woodland.

You’ll summit the historic Wanlockhead – Scotland’s highest village – and dip into The Mull of Galloway, the most southerly corner of Scotland. By pit-stopping at the many towns, villages and hamlets that span the length of the SWC300, you'll discover cultural, historic and artistic wonders enough to fill even the most sedate itinerary.

As for where to lay your head and eat your fill, you’ll find two Luxury Scotland member properties en route: Knockinaam Lodge near Portpatrick – a five-star former shooting lodge overlooking the Irish Sea – and Glenapp Castle at Ballantrae, a five-star baronial style property with seascapes at every turn.

Travelling on battery power? Both hotels can keep EVs topped up for the next leg thanks to on-site charging points.  

The Heart 200

Connecting the spectacular landscapes of Scotland’s two national parks and offering countless sights and activities along the way, this new 200-mile touring route really is a journey to the heart of Scotland.

From the mirror-still waters of Loch Lomond to the rushing waterfalls, epic crags, and abundant wildlife of the Trossachs, these scenes demand your full attention – we recommend sharing the driving! Luckily, there are endless spots to pull off the road and immerse yourself in the nature.

The Heart 200 is as much about what you do outside the car as it is about the drive itself.  Stirling’s remarkable history is shared through the castle, atop its famously sheer volcanic outcrop, and the inimitable views and fascinating lore of Wallace Monument. Perth is home to Scone Palace, where monarchs like Robert the Bruce were crowned for centuries.

Whether you squeeze a whistlestop whizz-through into one weekend or spend a week ingesting every site and reading every plaque, the Heart 200 reveals Scotland like you’ve never seen it before.

For staying the night, both Murrayshall Country Estate in Perthshire and Pitlochry’s only five-star hotel, Fonab Castle, are Luxury Scotland members. Each grand and set in majestic grounds, they’re the perfect match for this history-traversing route. EV charging is available at Murrayshall and, for guests lodging at Fonab, at Pitlochry train station just a few minutes down the road. 

The North-East 250

Abandon the tourist trail and follow the road less travelled with this quiet, escapist route. Meandering through the northeast, this route traces a loose circle through the picturesque scenery, charming towns and immersive history of Aberdeenshire.

A natural follow-on from Heart 200, you can head straight north from Perth or Pitlochry and make camp at the fabulous Douneside House on the edge of the Cairngorms, offering three AA Rosette dining and a rejuvenating health club. With the most castles per acre in Scotland (including the iconic Balmoral Castle) this is a place to dig in your heels and explore.

And what trip to Speyside would be complete without a whisky distillery tour and a few drams? Royal Lochnagar is just along from Balmoral Castle and, armed with this information, the day out somewhat writes itself.

The North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s most famous touring route. Five hundred and sixteen miles of remarkable coastal scenery, vast beaches, rugged mountain terrain, tiny hamlets and simply inimitable experiences.

At the very south of the NC500, on the west coast, you’ll find the UK’s most northerly five-star hotel – The Torridon. Sitting on the edge of a sea loch and surrounded by towering hills, you’ll find a true escape from...everything. And while you’re in the ‘south’, a short diversion to the Isle of Skye is more than justified: a brisk ferry ride or a hop over Skye Bridge will connect you to otherworldly scenery and an indulgent night’s stay (including ample whisky and nurturing cuisine) at Kinloch Lodge.

Travel west through winding single-track roads to Inverness to regroup with civilisation – a city full of fabulous eateries, activities and historical sites. It may be early in your trip, but it’s never too soon to simmer in a private hot tub like those offered by boutique urban retreat, Rocpool Reserve Hotel.

The NC500 then winds tightly up Scotland’s east coast, passing breathtaking locations like the rugged Moray Firth coast – home to Glenmorangie House, a nine-bedroom hideaway with the warmest hospitality and AA Rosette dining – and peaking at Dunnet Head, the mainland’s northernmost point.

What better way to celebrate than a spirited stop at Dunnet Bay Distillers – the family-run distillery famous for producing Rock Rose Gin, Holy Grass Vodka and Mapmaker’s Rum. (Local tip: visit the shop to stock up for your return down the remote west coast!)

A wild, spectacular and utterly unique adventure from start to finish, there’s a reason the North Coast 500 is considered the preeminent driving route in the UK.

The Argyll Coastal Route

Our final recommendation couldn’t be further from the hype and fame of the NC500. This little-explored route is just 129 miles long and stretches from Tarbet, on the banks of Loch Lomond, through mountains, into valleys and along spectacular coastlines to Fort William, the gateway to Ben Nevis.

Small in length but big on epic scenery, this compact escape is one to capture on your next free weekend. Less than ten minutes from the historic town of Fort William is Inverlochy Castle – a secluded five-star property offering inspiring accommodation, Michael Roux Jr-led dining and endless adventures in the ‘outdoor capital of the UK’.

One optional but highly recommended diversion is a sharp westerly turn at Tyndrum, about halfway along the route, and on to the Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island – a five-star hotel on its own private island near Oban. Home to one of Scotland's finest dining experiences and breathtaking scenery, this is an oasis of utter calm, abundant wildlife and natural exploration.