Scotland’s West Coast 500 Road Trip

It’s kind of incredible that it takes only 20 minutes to reach Loch Lomond from Scotland’s largest city of Glasgow. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park covers over 700 square miles of staggeringly beautiful landscape. Rolling lowlands to the south and soaring mountains to the north surround this majestic loch. We’ll provide a tailor-made route to get here from wherever you choose to set off.

Your first ‘proper’ day on the road. Head away from Loch Lomond. Soon you’re crossing the ‘Arrochar Alps’ on the Rest and Be Thankful pass. At the top you’ll want to stop and admire the view. Pressing on, the road turns left as you make your way on to the Cowal Peninsula, Argyll’s Secret Coast. The name is apt as you’ll often have the route to yourself. Detour along the south coast of Loch Fyne to visit the ruins of 15th-century Castle Lachlan. Scythe through forest before the road descends towards the Kyles of Bute. Skirt around Loch Ruel to your base for the next two nights in a tiny village by the water’s edge.

Your Hotel on the Secret Coast

Nestled away between hill and loch, your accommodation is as calm as they come. This lovely little four-room hotel boasts a popular bar and a restaurant that punches well above its weight – we’ll never forget the Bute Beef. If the weather is with you, the garden is a superb spot to enjoy a cold one after a long day on the road. The en-suite bedrooms with their original Victorian floorboards, giant windows and sky-high ceilings couldn’t be comfier.

Terrific driving routes fan out from your location. Take the high road past Loch Tarasan and on to Holy Loch and Loch Long. Loop back around the peninsula and discover the vibrant lochside villages of Kames and Tighnabruaich. Or, just steps from your hotel, take Scotland’s shortest scheduled ferry crossing on to the Isle of Bute. Home to extravagant Mount Stuart mansion and gardens, the island offers another fine circular drive with much to explore along the way.

Time to continue your Scottish road trip. Start with spectacular views of the Kyles of Bute on your way to Portavadie. From here, the 30-minute ferry journey crosses the mouth of Loch Fyne to the classic fishing port of Tarbert. Gather yourself for the journey the length of the enigmatic Kintyre peninsula. The Isle of Arran looms offshore along the less-travelled east coast. Take your time along this rugged coastline. Your next base awaits in the small fishing village of Carradale.

Your Accommodation in Kintyre

With recently upgraded modernised rooms, your accommodation is a family-owned hotel on the scenic west coast of one of our favourite peninsulas. After a busy day on the road, you may opt to join your fellow guests in the bar to sample local beers and Scottish craft gins – or perhaps even a malt whisky. For dinner, you could wander to the conservatory restaurant to enjoy a hearty meal and the impressive sea views.

Today just might be your day to reach the southern tip and the Mull of Kintyre. The island of Ireland is just a dozen miles across the sea, easily viewable on a clear day. Drive first through the village of Southend then climb a meandering single track route. Stop to admire the stupendous coastal views back across to the Isle of Sanda and Ailsa Craig rock. Continue on the pitching, lonely road towards the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse. The final mile is doable only on foot – a good opportunity to don the boots and stretch the legs. This is a dramatic spot, whether you happen upon sunshine and blue skies or swirling winds pulling in the infamous mists. Making your way back north, take time to explore Campbeltown, once home to some 29 distilleries – more than any other location. Today you’ll find Springbank and Glen Scotia, either well worth a tour, with drivers given the chance to take home a dram for enjoying later. Or if beaches are more your preference, you’re spoilt for choice with miles of empty, golden strands just begging to be walked.

A chance to test your driving skill today. Spear north along the west coast of Kintyre, the isle of Gigha shining in the water, Islay and Jura in the distance. Hang a left and twist your way around the wild Knapdale peninsula, home to an extensive nature reserve and the Scottish Beaver Trail. A little further, you could detour again for a fine seafood lunch at the western end of the Crinan Canal, ‘Scotland’s prettiest shortcut’. Back on the road, the route carries you through pre-historic Kilmartin Glen. Once the seat of ancient Scottish Kings, this is home to some of the earliest evidence of mainland habitation. It is one of our favourite corners of Scotland, crammed with stories and legends. The new Kilmartin Museum brings the history to vivid life. Then it’s just a little further to tonight’s stopping point.

Your Hotel by Arduaine

What a gorgeous spot to spend the evening. On a raised position overlooking the Slate Islands with Luing in the distance, this family owned hotel could be the perfect highland retreat. 17 acres of pristine gardens tumble towards the shoreline, and one of the west-coast’s finest garden attractions is on the doorstep. Inside, the friendly hosts have made their mark. Enjoy a menu of fine local produce served in the bistro or restaurant. Let the welcoming atmosphere and that fabulous view seep into your soul.

After breakfast, a stroll around the nearby gardens is a fine way to start the day before once more hitting the road. And what a route is in store today. Wend your way north, first through the bustling port of Oban, home to one of the country’s oldest distilleries and hopping-off point for the Hebrides. Carrying on, you drive along the shores of sparkling Loch Linnhe and across the bridge at Ballachulish. Here, board the tiny car ferry for the short sailing across the loch and on to the Ardnamurchan peninsula. This fabulous wilderness is home to the UK mainland’s westernmost point. The often single-track route brings you through tiny hamlets in the shadow of forbidding peaks as it yaws its way to the edge of Loch Ailort and the Road to the Isles. You’ll soon reach your next base, in the coastal village of Arisaig.

Your Accommodation in Arisaig

Long ago, your accommodation in Arisaig, a former library, was the hub of this former fishing community. Recently taken under the wings of an enthusiastic local family, this appealing restaurant with rooms has seen a host of upgrades. You’ll discover rooms modernised in elegant, simple style, while delicious local seafood takes centre-stage on the menu.

A 10 minute-drive from Arisaig brings you to the busy port of Mallaig, home to the end of the legendary West Highland Railway and the ferry to the Isle of Skye. Enjoy an hour-long wildlife boat trip today, with views of remote Knoydart. Then perhaps grab takeaway fish and chips and settle on the harbourside watching the comings and goings of this bustling community. You’ll have time to explore the beaches in this corner of Scotland’s West Coast, rivalling the most beautiful in the world in our opinion. Glorious views to the Small Isles will reveal why the 1980s classic movie Local Hero chose this as a key location.

Back to Mallaig after breakfast, this time to board the ferry for the short crossing to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. Despite its popularity, the scale of this large island plus our insider tips mean it is not difficult to find yourself completely alone within the landscape. Intimidating peaks, raw coastlines, bleak moorland and a colourful ‘capital’ make this a fabulous place to explore in a day. Return at the end of the day via the bridge back to the mainland, for a quick hop north to your final stop in the enchanting loch-side village of Plockton.

Your Accommodation in Plockton

On the ancient main street of this classic Highland village, your hotel is a long-established inn owned and run for many years by the friendliest of families. The popular bar is a welcoming haven, or, weather permitting, tables at the front give cracking views of Loch Carron while you sip on a cold one. A tempting menu of Scottish classics is served either in the bar or the relaxed restaurant.

Some of the best driving routes in Scotland are right within touching-distance of Plockton. A little over an hour away, around the heads of Lochs Carron and Kishorn, the turn-off for the Bealach na Ba (the Pass of the Cattle) awaits the intrepid. This highest of UK mountain passes contorts its way upwards then dives down to the village of Applecross, a fine spot for lunch amidst incredible views of Raasay and Rona. Continue along the northern side of the peninsula around Lochs Shieldaig and Torridon on to the wilderness of Achnasheen. Head back to Plockton for your final night.

A last day of superb scenery and challenging driving roads awaits as you make your way southwards. First through desolate Glen Garry and along the shores of shining Loch Lochy, you’ll drive through the shadow of Ben Nevis and onwards to the scowling valley of Glencoe. From here, cross Rannoch Moor and drop further towards Loch Lomond. Congratulate yourself on completing McKinlay Kidd’s West Coast 500 before picking up the motorway near Glasgow.