One of the most spectacular scenic trips in Britain, a journey around Scotland's west coast offers jaw-dropping landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Experience the rugged mountains and tranquil lochs, along with its historic castles and vibrant coastal towns. It is a real paradise for all adventurers as well as nature lovers.
Wherever you turn, there is something different to be seen and experienced—the dramatic mountains of Glencoe or the island feel of Mull and Skye. Here, we list eight of the best sights to see if you are taking a west coast Scotland road trip and want to see more of its wild beauty.
Ready to start the best west coast Scotland road trip? Here are the destinations you cannot miss on the way:
Oban is one of Scotland's most popular and family-friendly resorts. It is known as the "Gateway to the Isles" and boasts many attractions and activities. This makes it an ideal base from which to explore the west coast of Scotland or take ferries to the Inner Hebrides. Amongst its top attractions are the colosseum-shaped McCaig's Tower, which boasts spectacular views across the town and islands. The Oban Distillery, with its world-famous single malt, is an inescapable stop for whisky lovers.
Oban is a port town whose harbour, alive with fishing boats, boasts some of the freshest seafood in Scotland. Nearby, explore castles like Dunollie or hop a boat to the Isle of Kerrera for historic ruins and beautiful walking paths. A laid back town that is on the doorstep of some epic coastlines and islands makes Oban an ideal base for discovering the beauty of Scotland’s west coast.
A delightful combination of wilderness, culture and wildlife can be experienced on the Isle of Mull - just a short ferry trip from Oban. The island's capital, Tobermory, has a colourful waterfront and local feel. Wildlife lovers will be in their element on Mull, where sightings of golden eagles, otters, and red deer are the norm. Boat trips to neighbouring islands such as Staffa offer puffin spotting and seal watching. The magnificent Fingal's Cave on Staffa, with columns of basalt crammed close together and waves that thunder inside the dark cavern, is a sight to behold.
Duart Castle, which rests upon a cliff overlooking the sea, is the ancestral home of Clan Maclean and is worth visiting for fans of history. Its various terrains range from sandy beaches to mountainous peaks, inviting intrepid trekkers to gaze at nearby islands and sparkling oceans once they arrive. For anyone looking for nature's beauty and peace, it is one stop you will remember forever.
The drive through Glencoe is one of the most picturesque and historic areas in Scotland. This deep, dramatic valley boasts towering mountains, lochs, and waterfalls. A haven for lovers of the outdoors, there are endless hikes at different levels with lots of climbing opportunities. Devil's Staircase and Pap of Glencoe are must-do routes, offering wide-ranging valley vistas and beyond to the Highlands.
The Glencoe site is not just a beautiful place but also a historical one, home to the Glencoe Massacre of 1692, where Campbell soldiers killed many MacDonald clan members they had encouraged into their homes and then betrayed. If you want to find out more about these sad goings on at Glencoe, visit the international visitor centre that looks back in time at the geology and history of this special area.
Whether you want to experience the great outdoors or learn a little about Scottish history, Glencoe´s dramatic and rugged landscape must be one of the most amazing places on Scotland's west coast.
Loch Lomond in Scotland is the largest freshwater lake in the country and one of its most iconic beauty spots. Its gorgeous combination of steep blue waters, timber-clad banks, and verdant valleys is a magnet for outside fanatics. The loch is popular with kayakers, boaters and paddle boarders, but the nearby hills mean you're spoilt for choice when it comes to walking and cycling routes too.
The pretty stone cottages in Luss are a regular stop for those who want to enjoy the silent charm of the region and lakeside. For the more adventurous, Ben Lomond provides those who reach the summit with a panoramic view overlooking the loch and beyond. A wealth of wildlife enjoys Loch Lomond as its habitat, including ospreys and red deer. Wherever your sense of adventure leads you, Loch Lomond has plenty to offer both adrenaline seekers and relaxers.
Lying in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Fort William is a mecca for wannabe adventurers and an access point to the Scottish Highlands. The UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, lures hikers and climbers from across the globe with its difficult ascents mixed in with stunning panoramas overlooking the surrounding countryside.
Fort William offers plenty of activities for those less inclined to climb, including scenic walks along the Caledonian Canal and exploring the nearby Glen Nevis, where waterfalls like Steall Falls offer picturesque hikes.
It is also home to the Jacobite Steam Train, which takes passengers along one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world and crosses over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, as seen in Harry Potter. Combining magnificent scenery, historical sites and outdoor pursuits, Fort William has long been a prominent destination for anyone touring the western coast of Scotland.
The Ardnamurchan Peninsula is one of Scotland's most remote and unspoilt places, so it truly offers a chance to escape into nature. It is the most westerly point of mainland Britain, marked by an impressive lighthouse, from which you can see breathtaking views across the Atlantic Ocean and towards local islands. The peninsula is home to otters, eagles, and deer and provides lovely walks along empty beaches and through ancient woodlands.
One such gem that is worth the effort is Sanna Bay. It has miles of white sandy beaches backed by a turquoise ocean, perfect for a lazy day picnic and amble. Ardnamurchan's wild beauty and the feeling of isolation make it an excellent place for tourists who want to evade the masses and see the Scottish wilderness in its pure state. With a mix of marine and backcountry, it is among the best on any west coastal highway journey.
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland's most iconic locations, famous for its rugged landscapes and fascinating history, widespread throughout the island. Among the island's natural attractions are the Fairy Pools, a collection of crystal-clear waterfalls and pools, and the Quiraing, which boasts some of the best hiking trails in Scotland. The Old Man of Storr, a striking upthrust rock, is another unmissable sight, and the hike to it is relatively gentle because of the stunning vistas over land and sea.
Enjoy Dunvegan Castle, home of Clan MacLeod and the Talisker Distillery, where Skye whisky demonstrations can be enjoyed. On the Island of Skye itself, the capital Portree is a pretty town with galleries, shops and pubs along the bustling harbourfront. Whether you're interested in exploring natural wonders and historical sites or simply enjoying the tranquillity of island life, Skye has something for everyone.
The Kintyre Peninsula offers some respite from the more packed-out tourist spots on the West Coast. Take a look at Kintyre, one of Scotland's hidden gems with rolling hills, untouched beaches and an interesting history. Named the whisky capital of the world, Campbeltown has a few internationally recognised distilleries, such as Springbank and Glen Scotia, where tours and tastings can be booked. For history fans, the Kintyre Way offers a long-distance footpath that winds past historic sites and through picturesque villages with views across the sea.
The nearby Isle of Gigha is easily accessible by ferry and offers stunning beaches and gardens. Kintyre’s rugged coastlines and tranquil atmosphere make it ideal for a relaxing road trip stop, with wildlife spotting, hiking, and golfing opportunities. Kintyre provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage for those looking to explore a quieter corner of Scotland’s west coast.
To really explore this part of the country, hire a campervan from Compass Campers and take that west coast Scotland road trip you will always remember. Let our spacious, fully furnished vehicles take you wherever you want to go, at your own speed, in comfort and style.
With Compass Campers, you can expect flexible rentals and a top-notch experience for a memorable journey. Contact us today to talk to one of our experts and arrange a booking.
