Scotland Bucket List

Here at Freedom Motorhomes, we have a deep love for Scotland and a genuine desire to share its landscapes, history, and culture with everyone who wants to come and discover the country for themselves. It is a land of dramatic beauty, rich history, and iconic landmarks that capture the imagination. Explore the majestic Highlands, the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, and the windswept Isle of Skye. Wander the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle, admire the grandeur of Stirling Castle, or visit the ancient Calanais Standing Stones. Stunning scenery combined with vibrant cities, legendary whisky, and warm hospitality, Scotland promises a truly memorable journey. We’ve outlined some of our favourite road trips and destinations below — the comfort and convenience of our luxury motorhomes make them even easier to explore.

Scottish Road Trips

Whilst the NC500 has become popular for good reason, Scotland has so much to offer. Here are some alternative road trips that we think are just as spectacular in their own ways:

  • The South West Coast 300 is a circular route around Scotland’s Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire coasts. It passes rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and towns including Ayr and Stranraer, as well as historic sites such as Culzean Castle, Threave Castle, and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. With plenty of stops along the way, it’s a practical route to explore the region’s scenery, history, and coastal communities. We recommend allowing 5-6 days to enjoy this route.

  • The NE250 is a circular road trip through northeast Scotland, covering Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Cairngorms area. The route passes coastal cliffs, beaches, and countryside, connecting towns such as Stonehaven, Fraserburgh, and Elgin. Key stops include Dunnottar Castle, the Whisky Trail, Duff House, and parts of the Cairngorms National Park. The NE250 offers a chance to experience the region’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and charming towns in one memorable journey. Give yourself 4-7 days to enjoy all this route has to offer.

  • The Argyll Coastal Route runs along Scotland’s west coast, connecting Loch Lomond to Fort William. It passes through coastal villages, historic towns, and scenic spots like Inveraray and Loch Fyne. Along the way, be sure to enjoy the delicious local seafood. The route offers a mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural landmarks, making it ideal for a relaxed road trip over 3-5 days.

  • If you are a fan of idyllic island life, a self-drive adventure to the remote Outer Hebrides (also known as the Outer or Western Isles) and the popular Isle of Skye are not to be missed. Easily accessed with Caledonian MacBrayne ferries, you can explore these islands to your heart’s content in the comfort of your luxury motorhome. Skye can even be accessed using the free bridge. This is a great trip to make as long as you like, depending on how many islands you want to explore.

  • The Borders Historic Route starts at Edinburgh and runs south, connecting towns like Melrose, Peebles and Hawick. Discover the area's rich textile history, have a look around iconic Abbotsford House or enjoy a tipple at The Borders Distillery - this short road-trip has something for everyone. It can be easily enjoyed over just a few of days, or for those looking to enjoy Scotland over a couple of weeks, why not add it in as part of your wider explorations?

Click here for a deeper-dive into these unmissable routes.

Scottish Road Trips Collage

Iconic Destinations

There are literally hundreds of interesting, inspiring or entertaining places to visit in Scotland - more than enough to fill multiple road-trip adventures! Below we’ve outlined just a few to get you excited for your Scottish adventures.

  • For History & Festivals: Edinburgh
    For Arts & Nightlife: Glasgow
    For Highland Access: Inverness
    For Culture Seekers: Perth
    For Scottish Heroes: Stirling
    For Creative Innovation: Dundee
    For Granite Beauty: Aberdeen

  • John O’Groats - the most northeasterly point of the UK mainland.
    Arthur’s Seat - an extinct volcano in Edinburgh, forming the highest point in Holyrood Park.
    Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in the UK.
    The Forth Bridge - widely admired as an engineering wonder of the world.
    Glencoe - The “Outdoor Capital of the UK”.
    The Glenfinnan Monument - built to remember fallen clansmen in historic battles; located nearby the Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter fame.
    Smoo Cave - steeped in history, a dramatic highlight of the NC500.

  • Edinburgh Castle - a true Scottish icon, set on top of an extinct volcano!
    Balmoral Castle - the Highland home of the Royal Family.
    Eilean Donan Castle - located on its own little island, in a breath-taking highland setting with views of the Isle of Skye.
    Dunrobin Castle
    - strategically located on the coast, overlooking the Moray Firth, with its design is inspired by a French Chateau.
    Culzean Castle & Country Park
    - a stunning cliff-top castle on the Ayrshire coast.
    Stirling Castle
    - childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, overlooking the River Forth.

  • Glasgow Area:
    Glasgow Science Centre
    Loch Lomond Shores
    Gallery of Modern Art
    Riverside Museum

    Edinburgh Area:
    The National Museum of Scotland
    Scottish National Gallery
    Edinburgh Zoo
    The National War Museum
    Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
    Royal Botanic Garden
    The Royal Yacht Britannia

    Other:
    Glenfiddich Whisky Distillery (Speyside)
    Alpine Coaster (near Edinburgh)
    Cairngorm Mountain Carting (near Aviemore, on the NE250 route)

  • Loch Lomond - the largest loch in Scotland, and a dream spot for nature and adventure lovers. Located just 35 minutes from our Freedom Motorhomes base!
    Loch Ness - best known for claimed sightings of the cryptozoological Loch Ness Monster, also known affectionately as "Nessie".
    Loch Muick - a beautiful wild loch, part of the Balmoral Estate. Great location for a walk after lunch at the Castle.
    Loch Garten - located nearby the NE250 route in the Cairngorms, this is one for the bird-lovers. The Loch is famous for its Ospreys, and is home to an RSPB reserve.
    Farr Bay - a stunning white sandy beach with activities and wildlife aplenty. A perfect pit-stop on the NC500.
    Sango Bay - a picturesque bay just off the NC500, very close to Smoo Cave; with camping and facilities available.
    Silver Sands of Morar - a stunning collection of white-sand beaches on the west coast of Scotland.
    Luskentyre Beach - you’ll find this unspoiled beach with endless white sands and turquoise waters on the Isle of Harris.

  • Bring your binoculars! Scotland has some of the richest wildlife in Europe thanks to its wild landscapes, long coastline, and remote islands. Keep an eye out for red deer, highland cows, reindeer, dolphins, whales, seals, otters, basking sharks, puffins, golden eagles and ospreys, to name just a few of Scotland’s finest. Visit the Cairngorms (on the NE250 route) for a good chance of encountering Scotland’s highland animals. Enjoy the opportunity to see Scottish marine-life up close in particular on the NC500, the SWC300 or the Argyll Coastal Route.

  • The Cairngorms - the UK’s largest National Park, there are many scenic hiking trails for all abilities.
    Glencoe - the “Outdoor Capital of the UK”. If there’s an outdoor activity you want to enjoy, you can probably find a way to experience it here!
    Galloway Forest - mountain bike trails that wind through pine forests and moorlands, designed for all abilities. Or visit at night for a wondrous view of the night sky!
    Loch Lomond Shores - here you’ll find water-based activities for the whole family.

  • Scotland and Harry Potter go hand-in-hand. J.K. Rowling developed much of the wizarding world in Edinburgh, drawing inspiration from the city’s gothic architecture, narrow streets, and historic graveyards. The country’s misty Highlands and ancient castles echo the magical landscapes of Hogwarts, making Scotland feel like a natural home for the story. Here’s a summary of some of the highlights.
    Edinburgh - walk Diagon Alley (aka Victoria Street) and find your favourite characters in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Sit where J.K. Rowling wrote the first novel - The Elephant House cafe.
    Ride the Hogwarts Express - aka The Jacobite Steam Train and pass filming locations on the way and crossing the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Every unforgettable road trip starts with a dependable vehicle and a comfortable place to stay.
Explore our fleet of luxury motorhomes and camper vans below to find the perfect fit for your bucket-list adventures.

Models In Our Fleet