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HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeGreat BritainScotlandWestern Coast Panoramic Road
Applecross Pass

Western Coast Panoramic Road

Ullapool - Gairloch - Torridon - Applecross - Plockton - Kyle of Lochalsh

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Beach Beach
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Wildlife Wildlife
Culture Culture
Western Coast Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages5 km259 h/stage0.9

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 Western Coast Panoramic Road in Scotland?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 211EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 256EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 72EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 348EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 420EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 126EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 220EUR eat & more 192EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 475EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 601EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 226EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 451EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Western Coast Panoramic Road Itinerary

Discover the stunning beauty of Scotland with the Western Coast Panoramic Road. Starting in Ullapool and ending in Kyle of Lochalsh, this 161mi route passes through some of the most picturesque areas of the country. The first stop is Gairloch, a charming village with plenty of outdoor activities and stunning views. Next is Torridon, home to some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in Scotland. Applecross is a great place to relax and take in the views of the Inner Sound and the Isle of Skye. The final stop is Plockton, a picturesque village on the shores of Loch Carron. The best time to drive the Western Coast Panoramic Road is during the summer months, when the days are long and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. The roads are in good condition, making it suitable for all drivers. The experience of this road trip is second to none, with plenty of opportunities to take in the beauty of the Scottish countryside and make lasting memories. Although this road trip can be enjoyed by everyone, it does require a certain level of budget. But with the amazing views and experiences available, it’s well worth it. So why not take a drive along the Western Coast Panoramic Road and see what Scotland has to offer?
number of days 1 number of days
route length 259 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Ullapool

Distance 264 km Driving time 4.5 h Pace: modest 68.8 kWh Airports INV
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Ullapool is a picturesque fishing village in Scotland's Highland region, situated on the shores of Loch Broom. It is a great starting point for the Western Coast Panoramic Road, a scenic coastal drive along the west coast of Scotland. Visitors to Ullapool can explore the town's history at the Highland Council Archive Centre, which houses a range of historical documents, photographs and maps. The Ullapool Museum is also worth a visit with its interesting collection of exhibits and artefacts centred around the area's maritime history. Stunning views of the loch can be enjoyed from the harbour, where you can take a boat trip to the Summer Isles. For those wanting to explore further, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking and mountain biking. The closest international airport to Ullapool is Inverness Airport (INV). Car rental companies are available at the airport, making it easy to start your road trip from Ullapool. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the west coast of Scotland and arrive at your destination in comfort and style.

1 Ullapool - Gairloch

Distance 90 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: fast 27.0 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Welcome to the Ullapool - Gairloch stage of your road trip! This route is only 56 miles long and should take you less than two hours to complete. Along the way, you'll get to experience some of Scotland's most beautiful countryside, with stunning views of the sea and the hills. Pay special attention to the historical sites you'll pass on your journey, as they offer great insight into the area's past. As you drive, you'll get to visit Ullapool, a picturesque fishing village with a great selection of shops and restaurants. Then, you'll pass through the beautiful area of Gruinard Bay, before arriving in Gairloch. Here, you'll find plenty of outdoor activities, including walking, cycling and golf. This is just one stage of a larger tour, and for more information about attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the 'Itinerary' of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

2 Gairloch - Torridon

Distance 48 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: fast 14.4 kWh View map Itinerary
attractive landscape accommodation options
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Embark on an unforgettable journey from Gairloch to Torridon! Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Highlands as you drive through the 30 mi of winding roads in less than an hour. Start your journey in Gairloch, a seaside village with a beautiful harbor and a fascinating history. Take a stroll along the beach, visit the Gairloch Heritage Museum and admire the stunning views of the Inner Sound and the Isle of Skye. As you drive along the A896, you will be mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. Be sure to take a detour to the Inverewe Gardens and marvel at the lush vegetation and the variety of plants and trees. Your final destination is Torridon, a picturesque village surrounded by majestic mountains. Take a hike up the Torridon Hills and admire the stunning views of the lochs, the glens and the rivers. Visit the Torridon Wildlife Centre and learn more about the local wildlife, or take a boat tour to explore the area from a different perspective. This is just one of the stages of your road trip, so remember to check the "Itinerary" for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

3 Torridon - Applecross

Distance 52 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: modest 13.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site
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Welcome to the Torridon to Applecross road trip stage! This scenic route takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland, and is sure to be an unforgettable experience. With a total distance of 32 miles and a driving time of less than an hour, you can take your time and make sure to enjoy the sights along the way. Starting in Torridon, you can explore the area’s ancient history. Be sure to stop by the Torridon Hills, a range of mountains that have been home to humans for thousands of years. From there, you can also visit the ruins of Torridon Castle, which was built in the 15th century. Next, you’ll make your way to Applecross, where you can take in the stunning views of the Applecross Bay. Here, you can also visit the Applecross Heritage Centre, where you can learn more about the area’s history and culture. As you make your way through this stage of your road trip, be sure to take in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Keep an eye out for historical sites, and be sure to take plenty of pictures! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

4 Applecross - Plockton

Distance 61 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: modest 15.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Applecross to Plockton? This 38mi drive will take you less than 1 hour to complete and will be full of breathtaking views and interesting attractions. Start your journey in Applecross, a small village in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. Here you can take a stroll along the beach and admire the scenery of the Inner Sound and the Isle of Skye. Continue your journey to Plockton, a picturesque village on the shore of Loch Carron. Don't forget to stop and take a photo at one of the many viewpoints along the way! Once you reach Plockton, take a walk around the harbour and explore the local shops. As you drive, keep an eye out for historical sites, such as the ruins of Applecross Castle and the ruins of Duncraig Castle. This is just one of the stages of your journey, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing road trip from Applecross to Plockton!

5 Plockton - Kyle of Lochalsh

Distance 14 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: slow 3.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip adventure? Start your journey in Plockton, Scotland and take a short 9-mile drive to the beautiful Kyle of Lochalsh. Along the way, you'll be able to take in the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands, including the picturesque Plockton Harbour, and the breathtaking views of Loch Carron. As you drive, be sure to keep an eye out for historical sites, such as the ruins of the old Plockton Castle, and the ruins of the old Kyle of Lochalsh Castle. Once you arrive in Kyle of Lochalsh, you'll be able to enjoy the stunning views of the Isle of Skye, and the tranquil waters of Lochalsh. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Kyle of Lochalsh, such as fishing, kayaking, and sailing. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip experience!

  Kyle of Lochalsh

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Kyle of Lochalsh is a small town in the Highlands of Scotland that lies at the end of the Western Coast Panoramic Road. The town is located on the shores of Loch Alsh, which provides a stunning backdrop for the area. It is known for its beautiful views, with the Isle of Skye visible from the shore. The town is a great place to explore the Highlands and is home to some of the most picturesque scenery in the region. Visitors can take a stroll along the seafront to enjoy the stunning views, or visit the local museum to learn about the area’s history. There is also a variety of independent shops in the town, offering a range of goods from local crafts to souvenirs. The area is popular for outdoor activities, with plenty of trails for walking, biking and horse riding. There are also many opportunities for fishing, and boat trips can be taken from the harbor. Other activities include golf and sailing, with some of the best beaches in the region nearby. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Inverness Airport (INV). From there, it is a two-hour drive to Kyle of Lochalsh. At the end of the Western Coast Panoramic Road, Kyle of Lochalsh is the perfect place to explore the Highlands. With its stunning views and variety of activities, it is an ideal destination for any traveler looking to experience the beauty of Scotland.

Western Coast Panoramic Road at a glance

We believe that the presented journey idea gave you plenty of inspirations for your future holidays.
It is a ready-made opportunity that can be easily expanded into a complete journey – possibilities are innumerable.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a bunch of things to bear in mind to turn your road trip into pleasure. The following road rules will surely become useful for all holidaymakers considering car rental or camper hire.
It is vital to be mindful of the local traffic rules when travelling around Scotland. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any cost if Scotland is your travel destination. Holidaymakers ought to remember that the allowed blood alcohol level is low and cannot exceed 0.8‰. The maximum speed when driving around the build-up areas is 48km/h. When travelling in non-build-up areas, you should stick to the maximum permissible speed of 96km/h. In Scotland, you can drive at the maximum speed of 112km/h on motorways. Having a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in your car and driving with your headlights on at daytime greatly increase your safety.
The majority of holidaymakers wonder about the costs of the whole trip. The budget option of your choice determines the total expenses during the whole itinerary. Let’s have a look at the budget options.
We estimate that the cheapest option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 259km while travelling around Scotland will equal as much as 38 EUR. Economy accommodation options will cost tourists more or less 77 EUR. The travel expenses connected with food and restaurants within this option can cost up to roughly 96 EUR. Travellers will have to pay about 45 EUR if they aim for the cheapest car rental option as well. Thus, going for car rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from around 211 EUR to roughly 256 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 50 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the tour. Cost amounting to 154 EUR can be expected by all holidaymakers who are considering standard hotels. Holidayers may expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost more or less 144 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental vehicle can expect a cost of around 72 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay approximately 420 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in car rental will spend roughly 348 EUR.
Drivers who are searching for the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium offer. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 601 EUR for travellers who are considering vehicle rental and 348 EUR for those who do not want to rent. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a premium hire car should expect a cost of more or less 126 EUR. When it comes to the premium option of the road trip, you have to spend the maximum of 63 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the tour. Holidaymakers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their road trip should expect to pay roughly 220 EUR for accommodation options and more or less 192 EUR for restaurants and food.
Our road trip will also be ideal for all camper fans, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. When it comes to this means of transport, you will pay up to roughly 225 EUR. Holidaymakers will spend roughly 75 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the road trip. You should expect to pay roughly 96 EUR for expenses connected with food and more or less 55 EUR for overnight stays if you are searching for camper hire.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the above-mentioned details in a simple manner.
There are multiple intriguing road trips and scenic drives that are available on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip options. Hopefully, the great versatility of road trips will definitely match up the expectations of the most demanding travellers.

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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