Compare Scotland car hire

While you might decide to drive up to Scotland in your own car, it can be much easier and more efficient to travel by train or air and pick up a rental when you arrive. The country has an extensive road and motorway network that links the major cities to the Highlands and beyond. Key roads include the M74, which runs north to Glasgow from the English border; the M8, which connects Edinburgh and Glasgow; and the A9, which runs towards the Cairngorms and Highlands from Perth.

More remote areas often have winding, single lane roads that demand caution, and while driving mountainous areas is unforgettable, you'll often need a head for heights and confidence in windy conditions. In the winter, it's not uncommon for Scotland's high ground – and some of its low ground – to get snow. If it is forecast, check your route, the condition of your hire car and your insurance policy, and defer your journey if necessary. You should also ensure that your tank is full if you’re heading out into the countryside, as petrol stations can be few and far between.

While you can expect traffic at certain times in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow, you’ll often drive for miles on clear roads once you’re out in the countryside. In general, the roads are well maintained and driving laws are exactly the same as the rest of the UK.

Farther flung destinations like the Orkneys and Outer Hebrides are impossible to reach except by plane or ferry. Car ferries leave daily from Aberdeen or Thurso.

Cairngorms National Park

No visit to Scotland would be complete without seeing the Highlands – and the Cairngorms National Park is where the region begins. Whether you want to visit a whisky distillery, spot wild deer or have a go at skiing down Cairn Gorm Mountain, it’s the ideal destination for a more adventurous road trip. Be wary of snow and ice in the winter months.

Skye

Accessible from the mainland by bridge, the Isle of Skye is the jewel of Scotland’s west coast and famous for its rugged scenery, quaint villages and impressive golden beaches. Spend a morning exploring the shops and cafes of Portree before heading to the Quiraing landslip for a dramatic hike with panoramic sea views (note that the car park here is hugely oversubscribed in the summer months).

The Scottish Borders

The border region of Scotland is an excellent choice for a more laid-back road trip, with gentle scenery, historic attractions and peaceful villages. Highlights of the region include Selkirk, the town where the legendary William Wallace supposedly became the guardian of Scotland, and Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott.

1. If you’re planning on heading out to the islands, check your policy first. Often (though not always) a car hired on the mainland needs to stay on the mainland.                                                                                                                            
   
2. If you meet another vehicle on a steep single-track road – not an unusual occurrence in in the Highlands – the unwritten rule is that the person travelling uphill goes first.                                                                                                            
   
3. Watch out for wildlife on the roads in more rural areas. It’s not uncommon to see cattle, deer or other animals, so drive cautiously, especially at night.