Drives in North Scotland

The Highlands, Aberdeenshire and Speyside are renowned for their stunning landscapes of mountains, lochs, glens and rugged coastlines, as well as their rich historic past.

This makes the Scottish Highlands and north east of Scotland perfect for touring holidays and exploring the great outdoors. You can also sample lots of delicious food and drink including seafood, whisky and artisan gins. Simply ask your B&B hosts about places to visit which are off the beaten track. They can also advise you where to spot wildlife in their local areas including puffins, seals, dolphins, whales, deer and golden eagles.

Driving Routes in the North of Scotland

• North Coast 500 - visit our blog for all the things to see and do along this newly famous 500-mile route around the North Highlands which starts and finishes in Inverness.    
  B&Bs nearby include Ardmeanach House in Inverness, Home Farm B&B near Muir of Ord, Burnside Cottage B&B near John o'Groats, The Auld Post Office B&B in Caithness and Sharvedda B&B in Sutherland

Corgarff Castle - photo by North East 250 / Damian Shields

• North East 250 - - this new 250-mile circular route covers the whisky distilleries of Speyside and the castles of Royal Deeside, and stretches from the stunning Aberdeenshire coastline to the mountains in the the Cairngorms National Park.   
  B&Bs nearby include Brandon Lodge B&B near Portsoy

Summer on the Snow Roads - photo by North East 250 / Damian Shields

• Snow Roads - this new 90-mile route from Blairgowrie in Highland Perthshire to Grantown-On-Spey in the Highlands takes you on a scenic drive northwards through Braemar, Ballater, and Tomintoul. It's perfect for wildlife spotting or exploring outdoor adventures, as well as castles, distilleries and more.    
  B&Bs nearby include Craigellie House near Blairgowrie

Ballindalloch Castle - photo by North East 250 / Damian Shields

• Deeside Tourist Route - the drive from Perth to Aberdeen (108 miles) takes you from Perthshire's farmlands to picture postcard views in Royal Deeside and on to the Granite City.
• Highland Tourist Route - cutting across country from Aberdeen to Inverness (116 miles), this route includes the historic sites of Cawdor Castle and Culloden Battlefield as well as museums such as Fort George, the Gordon Highlanders Museum and the Grampian Transport Museum. 
  B&Bs nearby include Ardmeanach House in Inverness
• Moray Firth Route - from Inverness north to the Loch Fleet (80 miles), you can enjoy the sights of the Beauly Firth, Cromarty Firth and Dornoch Firth. 
  B&Bs nearby include Home Farm B&B near Muir of Ord

Glen Affric - photo by Home Farm B&B near Muir of Ord

• Scotland's Castle Trail - With over 260 castles, towers and stately homes, 'Scotland's Castle Country' can be found in Aberdeenshire. This route takes you to some of the most visited attractions in the north east.
• The Malt Whisky Trail - discover the distilleries and a cooperage in Speyside which are famous the world over for producing unique malts and blends.

Highland cow at Glenlivet distillery - photo by North East 250 / Damian Shields

Driving Routes in Scotland:  
Routes in South Scotland - Routes in Central Scotland