The Scottish Highlands cover nearly 10,000 square miles of northern Scotland and are divided by the Grampian Mountains to the southeast by the Great Glen. Glasgow is the closest major city – it’s just 17.5 miles from Glasgow to Drymen, near Loch Lomond and the start of our Highlands itinerary. There’s easy road access to Glasgow from the North of England, via the A74(M) and then the M74, and, in turn, the Midlands (additionally via the M6) and the South of England (additionally via the M5, from Bristol, or the M40, from London). Journey times vary, of course, but rough driving times to Glasgow are: 4 hours 35 minutes from Birmingham; 6 hours from Bristol; 1 hour from Edinburgh; 3 hours 35 minutes from Liverpool; 7 hours from London; 3 hours 30 minutes from Manchester; and 2 hours 45 minutes from Newcastle.

From Belfast, you’ll need to catch a ferry with Stena Line to Cairnryan Port in Stranraer [6 sailings per day | 2 hours 20 minutes], from where it’s about 2 hour’s’ drive to Glasgow. From Dublin, you’ll need to fly to either Glasgow or Edinburgh.

If you’ve flown in to Scotland or taken the train, you’ll need to hire a car (or campervan) for your road-trip round the region. Auto Europe compares the best rates between nine car-rental companies that between them have half a dozen locations in Glasgow and Edinburgh, including both airports, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley train stations, and several city-centre branches. If you’re looking to hire a campervan, Bunk Campers rent a range of motorhomes that sleep 4 people, or you can push the boat out and hire a Fiat Grande, which has more living space than most people’s first flat and sleeps 6. Rates start at £60 per day for a 4-berth “Ranger” and include unlimited mileage and a comprehensive kitchen kit; bedding, outdoor table and chairs, and GPS can be hired at additional cost. Bunk Campers can arrange transfers to their depot in Broxburn, near Edinburgh Airport, where there is also free parking. 

At some point during your time in the Highlands, you’ll find yourself driving along a single-track road. These are not one-way roads, so drive carefully and be prepared to pull over into one of the regular passing places – signed as such or indicated with a black-and-white striped post – to allow traffic coming in the opposite direction to pass by or to let faster vehicles behind you overtake. There are three handy things to remember: uphill traffic has the right of way; if the passing place is on the right, stop and wait opposite it; and, most importantly of all, NEVER park in a passing place!

Although Scotland’s enlightened Access Rights do not extend to motor vehicles, freedom camping or “wild parking” (parking overnight in a place that’s not an organised campsite) is tolerated in many parts of the Highlands, meaning that anyone hiring a campervan can park up in some of the most stunning environments imaginable. There are a few things to bear in mind, though, chief of which is to consider your surroundings and to park responsibly. Note that you need a permit to freedom camp at Loch Lomond at certain times of the year.

The weather in the Scottish Highlands is predictably unpredictable, although you’re likely to get rain at some point, so make sure you’ve got proper clothing such as a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers and a hat with you. A fleece is also recommended, and will come in handy on boat trips as well. Hiking in the Quiraing is fairly strenuous, in Glen Coe less so, but it still pays to pack good (ankle-supporting) walking boots and a day-pack, so you can carry enough food and water (again, also useful for boat trips). If you’re going to be doing any wild swimming in Loch Lomond or the Fairy Pools on Skye, you might want to think about bringing a rash vest or a shorty wetsuit. One summer essential, that you really don’t want to be without if you visit in July or August, is midge repellent – look for a natural, non-DEET, citronella-based product such as Skin So Soft.