Scenic Drives in Scotland

One of the most popular and tourist spots is, of course, Edinburgh. Medieval castles and their relics, the neoclassical atmosphere of the New Town, free museums, several vantage points, the imposing Forth Bridge and even a beach are just some of the highlights the capital of Scotland has to offer. Drivers should note that on weekends and during festival season there can be problems finding free parking, especially in the city center.

Another town popular with tourists is Oban, which is located at the end of the A85 on the west coast of Scotland. This place is very busy, not only with the presence of tourists, but also with filmmakers who like to take advantage of the picturesque and mysterious backdrop. The view of the snow-capped peaks and Mull, which is 10 km from the equally picturesque Staffa, is particularly beautiful.

Those who prefer a more cozy place should visit the small village of Sligachan on the Isle of Skye. There are no typical tourist attractions there, only an old stone bridge and an 1830s hotel. Despite the fact that the Isle of Skye is small, many of the niches will be difficult to reach by car because the roads are very narrow and winding, and there are many animals to meet.

If we were talking about wild and lonely places, don't miss the Highlands, located on the northwest coast of Scotland. It's hard to find another place in Europe with dense greenery, pristine nature and idyllic silence. Here is Inverness, an ideal base for Loch Ness and Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis (1344 meters above sea level), Britain's highest mountain.

When traveling through the Highlands, it is well worth visiting the Cairngorms National Park, the largest of its kind in Britain, and Inverewe Gardens, less than 9.6 miles from Gairloch. You can choose Grantown-on-Spey as a stopover. It offers numerous accommodation options and three free parking lots.

It is common knowledge that Scotland is a country known not only for its breathtaking scenery, but also for an eventful past. The castles scattered throughout the country are a constant reminder of this. Some of the most famous are Blair Castle with its sprawling gardens, the 15th-century Cawdor Castle, made famous by the Shakespearean novel Macbeth , and Crathes Castle, located about 25 kilometers from Aberdeen. As you travel through the southeastern part of Scotland, be sure to see the remains of Dryburgh Abbey and Melrose Abbey, which were founded in the 12th century. Even if they can't be placed in a category with locks, they will be of interest to lovers of old buildings.

Another attraction on the Scottish map is Dunkeld, famous for a magnificent cathedral built between 1260 and 1501, and Pitlochry, where you can find numerous churches, Victorian buildings and the Blair Athol whiskey distillery.

There are many car rental companies in Scotland. Therefore, all tourists will find something of interest there. Prices usually vary depending on the size and prestige of a particular company. Most of them require you to leave a deposit as financial security. Sometimes you will also encounter age restrictions. The minimum age is usually 21, but some places require you to be 25 to rent a car. If you want to rent a vehicle, you must show your driver's license and proof of identity. It pays to rent a car on time, as attractive deals sell out in a very short time.

Because of numerous bumps, bumps and sometimes the lack of paved verges or speed bumps, the condition of some Scottish roads is far from perfect. Driving in Scotland is considered a very pleasant experience thanks to the scenic landscapes and great atmosphere, which can compensate for the inconvenience. A major advantage is that most major cities are connected by freeways and expressways.

A great advantage is that most major cities are connected by highways and expressways.

In Scotland, the authorities attach great importance to the safety of travelers, as evidenced by the presence of several speed cameras. The speed limit in built-up areas is 30 mph (48 km/h), 60 mph (96 km/h) on single-lane roads and 70 mph (112 km/h) on dual-lane roads and highways. Also keep in mind that violating the above restrictions can result in large fines or even loss of your driver's license.

There is left-hand traffic in Scotland, so go clockwise at a traffic circle. Also keep in mind that overtaking takes place in the outside lane. Remember to give way according to traffic signs. You will see a traditional STOP sign or a triangular sign that says GIVE way. If there are no signs, follow the lane markings (solid line or double dotted line).

The procedure in the event of an accident is no different from that in other European countries. Of course, you must stop, give your insurance information and call the police if necessary. Motorists driving on freeways can use special machines that connect them to the police traffic center to get appropriate help.

Drinking and driving lead to high fines. The allowable blood alcohol content is 0.08%. Fines and penalty points can be expected if you use the phone while driving and inappropriate handling of young passengers. Children under 12 may travel only in special child seats.

Remember! If you are planning an extended trip, don't forget to check your fuel levels regularly. Although there are many gas stations in Scotland, they are often poorly signposted on roads with little traffic and the distances between them can be very long.