Ah, Scotland. Land of the Scots, home of the Loch Ness Monster, and the very place that the sport of golf was birthed into the world. This country is home to 5.3 million people but sees approximately 14.1 million tourists a year. Many visitors stop at Southern Scotland, enjoying the amenities in the country’s lively cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, but for the nature-lover, your adventure begins north.
The Argyll Coastal Route
This route begins just north of Glasgow and stretches about 208 kilometers (129 miles). First, head up to Inveruglas. Here, you’ll find An Ceann Mor, the perfect lookout spot for admiring Loch Lomond, the most land-spanning freshwater loch in Scotland. Next, you’ll make your way to Loch Fyne, where you can visit the internationally renowned restaurant and oyster bar, Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd. Loch Fyne Oysters has been in business since 1978 and sells some of the most delicious seafood you can find. If you follow this route to the end, you are in for a treat. Fort William is home to Ben Nevis. At 1,345 meters (4,411 feet), it is the highest point in the United Kingdom. And don’t worry if you’re not up to the task of hiking the entire mountain, you can take a gondola up to the top station and enjoy the beautiful view, all the same.
Moray Firth Route
For this route, you’ll need to be up further in the Highlands. The Moray Firth Route is approximately 128 kilometers (80 miles), and the journey starts in Inverness. But before you head North, take some time to search for Nessie at none other than Loch Ness, the largest loch by volume in the British Isles. After you’ve had your fill, hop on the road and find your way to Rogie Falls. It’s a series of waterfalls on the Black Water which offers a convenient suspension bridge that puts you face-to-face with the remarkable sight. Continuing North, you will have the chance to stop off at the Dalmore Distillery which has been in operation since 1839. Discover how their whisky is made on one of the tours they offer, or simply enjoy a glass and some downtime before heading off to your next stop. The route concludes at the Loch Fleet, which overlooks the coast of the North Sea.
North Coast 500
Just because the Moray Firth Route ends, doesn’t mean your journey has to. You can always continue onto the North Coast 500, which will take you along the entirety of the northern coast. It’s a bit of a drive, 805 km (500 miles) to be exact but it’s worth it to get off the beaten path and see touches of undisturbed nature. Just be sure to take the necessary safety measures before you hit the road. Perform any maintenance on your vehicle, bring along a roadside emergency kit and check that you’re prepared for any accidents that may happen along the way. And after you’ve made the journey around the North Coast, the route will bring you right back down to Inverness.
Whether you are an international traveler, from a neighboring country in U.K., or a native Scot looking to explore your homeland, there is plenty to see. Scotland has just about everything that you could ask for, geographically, with rolling hills, mystical isles, and over 600 square miles of freshwater lochs. All you need to do is hop in the car and drive. Safe travels!
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