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HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeGreat BritainScotlandArgyll Coast
File:Kilchurn Castle reflection.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Argyll Coast Road Trip

Tarbet - Inveraray - Lochgilphead - Oban - Glencoe - Fort William - Mallaig

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Security Security
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Historical sites Historical sites
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Argyll Coast Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages6 km304 h/stage0.8

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Argyll Coast Road Trip in Scotland?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 135EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 242EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 568EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 703EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 216EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 473EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 955EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,171EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 378EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 671EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,322EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,700EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 675EUR drive & more 88EUR sleep & more 165EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 541EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,216EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Argyll Coast Road Trip Itinerary

The Argyll Coast Road Trip is an unforgettable driving experience through the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland. Starting in Tarbet and ending in Mallaig, this 189mi journey takes you through the picturesque towns of Inveraray, Lochgilphead, Oban, Glencoe, and Fort William. The best time of the year to take this road trip is during the summer months, when the roads are in good condition and the views are at their most stunning. The route follows a combination of curvy roads and narrow winding roads, making for an exciting and varied drive. Although the roads can be narrow, they are generally in good condition, so all drivers can feel comfortable tackling the route. With plenty of sights and attractions along the way, this road trip is sure to provide a wealth of memories and experiences, all within a reasonable budget.
number of days 3 number of days
route length 304 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Tarbet

Distance 304 km Driving time 4.7 h Pace: fast 91.2 kWh Airports GLA , EDI
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Tarbet is a small, picturesque fishing village located in the Argyll and Bute area of Scotland. It is the perfect starting point for the Argyll Coast Road Trip, offering a stunning view of the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran. Tarbet is a great destination for those looking to explore the area's natural beauty and rich culture. The village is home to a number of historical sites, including the ruins of the Tarbet Castle and the Tarbet Church, which dates back to the 12th century. Visitors can also explore the Tarbet Pier, which offers views of the surrounding coastline. For those looking to experience the best of Tarbet, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as fishing, walking, and cycling. Those traveling by air can fly into Glasgow International Airport (GLA), which is located about an hour away from Tarbet. At the airport, visitors can find car rental services to get the most out of their road trip. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous road trip, Tarbet is the perfect place to begin your Argyll Coast Road Trip. With its breathtaking views, historical sites, and outdoor activities, Tarbet is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

1 Tarbet - Inveraray

Distance 38 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: fast 11.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your tour takes you from Tarbet in Scotland to Inveraray, a distance of 24mi that can be covered in less than 1 hour. Along the way, you'll pass through Arrochar, so make sure to keep your eyes open for the most interesting places to visit. Arrochar is a charming village with plenty of history. Take a stroll through the streets and admire the beautiful old buildings, then take a break at one of the local cafes or pubs. You'll also find plenty of scenic views and picturesque landscapes along the way, so don't forget to take some photos! When you reach Inveraray, you'll find a town full of character. Visit the castle, the jail, and the old church, and explore the town's many independent shops and restaurants. Remember to take your time and enjoy the journey – there's plenty to see and do along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

2 Inveraray - Lochgilphead

Distance 39 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: fast 11.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Inveraray to Lochgilphead! This 24 mi stretch of road is a great way to explore the beauty of Scotland. The drive will take you less than an hour, so you'll have plenty of time to take in the stunning landscape. As you travel, keep an eye out for the narrow sections of the road, as well as the scenic route. You'll be able to take in the beauty of the rolling hills, the peaceful lochs, and the lush greenery. Don't forget to stop at some of the interesting places along the way, such as the Inveraray Castle and the Crinan Canal. You can also explore the ruins of the old Kilmartin Castle in Lochgilphead. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

3 Lochgilphead - Oban

Distance 59 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: fast 17.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road EV charging station interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Start your road trip in Lochgilphead, Scotland, and make your way to Oban, a scenic 37mi drive that should take you less than an hour. Along the route, take in the stunning views of the rolling hills and the beautiful countryside. Be sure to keep an eye out for historical sites and the winding roads, some of which will be narrow. You'll also be able to experience the local culture, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore. From Lochgilphead, make sure you visit the ruins of Castle Sween and the vibrant town of Tarbert. In Oban, make sure you visit the Oban Distillery and the McCaig's Tower. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

4 Oban - Glencoe

Distance 54 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 16.2 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road attractive landscape accommodation options
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Embark on a breathtaking road trip from Oban to Glencoe! This 34-mile drive takes less than an hour, but you'll want to take your time to enjoy the picturesque landscapes and scenic roads. In some sections, the roads will be narrow, so be sure to pay attention. As you travel, you'll pass by some of Scotland's most iconic sites, such as the ruins of Dunollie Castle, the beautiful Corran Ferry, and the breathtaking views of Loch Linnhe. Once you reach Glencoe, you'll have a chance to explore the Glencoe Valley, with its dramatic mountains and stunning lochs. Don't forget to check out the Glencoe Visitor Centre, where you can learn more about the area's history and culture. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the itinerary for this stage of your journey.

5 Glencoe - Fort William

Distance 45 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: modest 11.8 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station not recommended for caravans dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road limited number of petrol stations junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Embark on a road trip from Glencoe, Scotland to Fort William and discover the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. This 28mi journey will take you less than an hour and will offer you stunning views of picturesque landscapes, historic sites and winding roads. As you drive, be aware that some sections of the road may be narrow and there may be a lack of gas stations. Don't forget to take in the breathtaking scenery and take some pictures. Make sure to visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre and the Glencoe Lochan, where you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views. Once you arrive in Fort William, be sure to visit Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, and the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Here you can learn more about the history and culture of the area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

6 Fort William - Mallaig

Distance 68 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: fast 20.4 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road accommodation options junction of road trips
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Welcome to the Fort William to Mallaig road trip! This 42mi journey will take you through some of the most stunning scenery Scotland has to offer. Start in Fort William and drive through Glenfinnan, where you can take in the views of the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, before heading onwards to Mallaig. Along the way, take some time to appreciate the rolling hills, lush forests and glistening lochs that make up this beautiful landscape. Make sure you take some time to explore the Glenfinnan area, where you can take a peaceful stroll along the banks of Loch Shiel, or climb the nearby hills for some spectacular views. Then, as you make your way towards Mallaig, keep your eyes peeled for the stunning villages and landscapes that make this route so special. Once you reach Mallaig, you'll be rewarded with some of Scotland's most stunning coastal views. You can take a boat tour around the islands of the Inner Hebrides, or simply take some time to relax and take in the sights. This route should take you less than an hour to complete, so make sure you take your time and enjoy the scenery. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

  Mallaig

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Mallaig, a small fishing port on the west coast of Scotland, is the perfect destination to complete the Argyll Coast Road Trip. This picturesque town is full of historical charm, and the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning scenery of the Highlands. For those arriving by car, the road trip begins in Glasgow and takes you through some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery, including Loch Lomond, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye. Along the way, you can stop off at some of the historic sites and attractions, such as the ruins of Kilchurn Castle and the Eilean Donan Castle. After passing through the small towns of Fort William and Mallaig, you will arrive at Mallaig, the perfect place to end your journey. Mallaig is home to some of Scotland’s most breathtaking views, including the Small Isles, the Isles of Skye and the Isle of Muck. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy, such as boat trips, fishing, and walking routes. For those looking for a bit of history, a visit to the Mallaig Heritage Centre and the local museum is a must. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Glasgow Airport (GLA). From there, you can rent a car and take the scenic route to Mallaig, or take the train and ferry combination. The Argyll Coast Road Trip is the perfect way to experience the beauty of Scotland’s west coast. From the stunning scenery to the fascinating history, Mallaig is the perfect place to end your journey.

Argyll Coast Road Trip at a glance

Facts for safer driving in Scotland

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.8
max speed urban max speed urban 48 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 96 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 112 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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