There’s something rather special about driving in Scotland; a scenic route with views to simply take your breath away is always round the next corner. Whether it’s the rolling hills, tranquil lochs or medieval castles, your drive becomes an instant pleasure and feels more like you’re starring in some lavish car advert than simply getting from A to B. What really makes the ideal drive though is when you get the sense you’ve untapped something rather hidden but so very special. Going a little off the beaten track and away from the standard tourist trail lets you see the real Scotland in all its unspoilt glory.
Honda's cars have the perfect blend of class and comfort, making them the ideal car for those breathtaking drives, and with a range of hybrids to choose from, driving holidays don’t have to break the bank. Taking your hybrid to Scotland and letting her free on the teasing roads around scenery that has inspired a thousand paintings is a treat everyone should enjoy. Below is a selection of dream drives around Scotland:
Loch Lomond to Fort William
Both Loch Lomond and Fort William are deservedly tourist hotspots in their own right; however, getting between the two destinations can be just as rewarding. Blessed with a staggering outlook, the A82 north is the recommended route as you get to be among Scotland’s wildlife and natural landscape. Many who have taken this route over Rannoch Moor have waxed lyrical about the local inhabitants they have seen such as the Golden Eagle and the wild deer. As Scotland is not exactly blessed with the kindest of climates, these roads are best enjoyed in the summer months when they are safest to pass.
Skye Bridge, Isle of Skye
Once at Fort William, you are truly seeing Scotland’s surroundings at its finest. The Isle of Skye is the next port of call; the island is simply spectacular with the drive over Skye Bridge providing the real highlight. You would be very lucky to have driven over a bridge that has such a striking view and with the low level of noise eco cars now produce, you’ll feel like you’re gliding over the bridge, surrounded by the deepest blue water and lush green of the island in front.
Plockton to Applecross
If you like your roads with plenty of sharp bends and views that really have to be seen to be believed, then you simply must take the drive between Plockton and Applecross on Scotland’s western coast. A road that usually only exists in films or on Top Gear, it’s certainly not for the fainthearted, though any that are willing to take on the challenges of this demanding road will be duly rewarded by a landscape so tranquil it’s untrue.
Durness
As well as the lochs, mountains and wide-open plains, Scotland boasts several stunning beaches. Durness, deep in the Scottish Highlands, is one of the more untapped beach locations, but certainly worth a visit. As you would expect, the drive towards Durness is also a pleasure; the rugged Scottish coastline is hard to beat. Once you arrive at Durness it is definitely worth visiting the Smoo Cave, which is said to be the largest sea cave on the British Isles.
If you drive for pleasure then Scotland is the land of opportunity that is sure to delight any driver. What better way to sightsee than in the comfort of your own car, fully in control of your destination? So, throw away that clichéd guidebook and prepare to get lost in the real Scotland.