See Scotland’s best summer road trips as top driving routes revealed

FIVE road trips in Scotland have been named the best to drive along in the country with spots in the likes of Deeside and Lochaber making the cut.

The list was pulled together by Peter Irvine, a well-known travel writer with The Times newspaper.

If you’re looking for a stunning drive in Scotland this spring and summer, here are some of his top picks.

Five road trips in Scotland named among the country’s best summer drives

The Duke’s Pass in the Trossachs is a high level route (Image: Getty)

Here are the summer driving routes named among the best road trips in Scotland by The Times.

The Duke’s Pass, Trossachs

Peter said: “Of the many roads through the Trossachs, the windy A821 from Aberfoyle to Brig o’ Turk is spectacular, although it gets busy; there are numerous possibilities for stopping, exploration and great views.

“There’s a good viewpoint about two and a half miles from Loch Achray Hotel, above the road and lay-by. A lovely seven-mile detour is recommended on the one-way Three Lochs Forest Drive around Loch Achray and two other lochs (Drunkie and Venachar).

“There’s good hill-walking here, as well as Loch Katrine at the bottom of the pass, with regular daily sailings and bike hire.”

Leaderfoot to Clintmains, Tweedside

“The B6356 between the A68 and the B6404 Kelso–St Boswells road. This small road, busy in summer, links Scott’s View, Dryburgh Abbey and Smailholm Tower, and passes through classic Border/Tweedside scenery.

“At Dryburgh, it’s a 500m walk to the Wallace Statue (signed). Don’t miss “Irvine’s View” across the road and up the hill from Scott’s View, if you want to see the best of the Borders.”

Braemar to Linn of Dee, Deeside

“The A93 drive from Ballater to Braemar is beautiful, within eight miles of renowned Highland river scenery along the upper valley of the (Royal) Dee.

“The Linn (rapids) is at the end of the road and the mighty Dee is squeezed until it is no more than 1m wide, but there are river walks and the start of the great Glen Tilt walk to Blair Atholl. Deer abound. The whole Deeside road here is fit for a queen (and a king).”

The drive from Ballater to Braemar allows visitors to explore Deeside (Image: Getty)

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Glenfinnan to Mallaig, Lochaber

“The A830, aka the Road to the Isles, journeys through some of the most impressive and romantic landscapes in the Highlands, splendid in any weather (it does rain a bit), to the coast at the Sands of Morar.

“This is deepest Bonnie Prince Charlie country. Look out for the Prince’s Cairn sign about four miles from Lochailort, a small path to the left, where Bonnie Prince Charlie left for France at the end of his doomed campaign.

“This is an evocative spot demonstrating what a misty eye he had for magnificent settings. The A830 is a full-throttle biker’s dream.”

Lochailort to Acharacle, Ardnamurchan

“Off from the A830 above at Lochailort and turning south on the A861, the coastal section of this great scenery is superb, especially in the setting sun, or in May when the rhodies are out.”

He added: “A short detour takes you to Castle Tioram, which should not be missed, gazing across Loch Moidart to Eilean Shona, marooned at high tide on its rocky outcrop perch.”