Road tripping through Scotland BY TERRI LAM Our seasoned Scotchtrotter gives you the ultimate travel hacks for your Scotland road trip. You may not need tips to plan and chances are this isn’t your first rodeo however she’s got some fantastic information you really should know so let’s dive in!
Then… Breathe, this is your Scottish Adventure!
Plan ahead, reservations, reservations, reservations: This will save you many headaches.
Snacks Don’t get hangry, pack snacks as restaurants may be closed by the time you reach your next stop. Uber Is not offered everywhere and buses in rural areas may not be running (weekends/evenings).
When
Google Maps
Accommodations There is a wide range from B&B’, cottages to luxury hotels. Expect to pay high prices year round especially in the highlands. Many offer a warm welcome and hearty breakfast.
Don’t confuse off-season with silent-season, it may lead to disappointment. Off-season means: less tourists and less crowded vs. silent-season when distilleries shut down production for maintenance or weather (water conservation during summer months). I love spring and autumn when the whisky is flowing, distilleries are less crowded and the weather is milder - better suited to this Canadian. However, while summer offers longer days to explore, it also brings about Scottish pesky midges (no bug screens there) and higher priced accommodations. But not all is lost if you’re on tour during silent-season. Ever wanted to see inside a Porteus/Boby Mill or how a heat exchanger works? It’s a rare opportunity to check out the mill and rollers pulled inside/out or the exchanger plates completely exposed.
Car Rental (Car Hire) Especially if you don’t drive standard, automatics are limited.
My extra big tips:
Whisky stuff! Scotland is loaded with whisky clubs, find them on Facebook or just google retailers, bars or pubs to find whisky tastings schedules. Most happen on a Thursday to Saturday evening. In case you spent all your money on whisky and want to budget in a little more culture to your itinerary? Scottish National Museums are FREE!!! Great for the weekend exploration and a little break from the rain. Speaking of rain…. Wait Five Minutes (What to Pack) the weather is so unpredictable because that’s how fast it can change. Pack layers, waterproof gear and comfortable shoes. Planning a road trip to Scotland is an exciting adventure in itself. With its winding single track roads and endless roundabouts to sheep dotting picturesque fields of rolling hills. Scour the distance to find a highland coo - you’re in luck too, if you see a puffin off the cliffs of Dunnet Head! Finally, end your day with the perfect dram in a local pub with new found friends. Follow these great tips, savour your moment and enjoy!
Distilleries Always check their hours, some are closed on weekends.
Driver Drams Scottish zero tolerance drinking and driving. Distilleries offer 25mL takeaways for the designated drivers to enjoy later. Ferries Yes, especially if you have a vehicle. Be aware – your ferry could be cancelled last minute due to staffing/strikes/ maintenance/weather. Flights STRICT weights and sizes for carry-on and check-in luggage. Flight cancellations and delays are common. Fuel (Petrol) Rural areas have reduced hours and some are closed on weekends; make sure you hit the petrol station before the weekend. SIM Card Rural Scotland cellular service does not cross over the way it does in North America. Network EE is more reliable than O2.
Where
Don’t waste your time and do this now: Build a relationship with your local distributor. Find out who brings in your favourite whiskies and let them know because they can connect you with the distillery. Take the time to plot the distilleries (colour code it) on google maps so it’ll be easier to plan out your route and determine where you’ll go. The key is to strategize places of interest with flags, distilleries with stars, hearts for accommodations and plan your route accordingly. 1/1
Map data ©2024 Google, GeoBasis-DE/BKG (©2009) 100 km
432,-6.0404745,6z?authuser=0&entry=ttu
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the whisky explorer magazine
the whisky explorer magazine
SUMMER 2024
SUMMER 2024
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