In Scotland, driving on the wide road has a liberating effect. Maybe it’s the Highlands’ endless expanse or the way the mist drifts across lochs like a scene from a fairy tale. Perhaps it’s simply the delight of getting pleasantly lost on a single-track road that leads to a castle, a herd of shaggy Highland cows, or a whiskey distillery where Angus, the owner, insists on having a little dram before midday.
For whatever reason, a road trip to Scotland is a necessity, and I’ve taken quite a few myself. Proper packing may make the difference between having the “best trip ever” and not “why didn’t I pack that?”, whether you’re traveling the picturesque route from Edinburgh to Skye or navigating the North Coast 500.
Here is my tried-and-true list of must-haves for traveling by car across Scotland, with a dash of individuality.
1. A Reliable Paper Map (Really, yes.)
Avoid laughing. The Highlands have seen significant improvements in phone signal strength, but there are still long parts when your GPS may fail and declare you lost. To be honest, I usually carry a traditional road map as a backup plan, and it really adds to the sense of adventure of the journey.
2. Layers and Layers and That One Sweater I Will Always Love
Let this be the one thing you remember from this post: The weather in Scotland fluctuates more frequently than the music selection at a pub. As if the spirit of a Celtic warrior were attempting to get your attention, the scene changes from brightness and sheep crossing the road to intense wind and rain.
Dressing in layers is something I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way. I do, however, always bring my wool sweater from ScottishWebStore made from genuine Scottish wool, it has a rich forest green color and, I promise, feels like a cozy Highland embrace. It has accompanied me through starry evenings, frigid ferry voyages to the Isle of Mull, and precipitation in Glencoe.
3. Snacks and a Reusable Water Bottle
There are several differences between fuel stations in Scotland and those you might be accustomed to. Some are small, remote, family-run establishments. So, in case the next store is fifty miles away, I usually have water, oatcakes, shortbread, and a few apples in the car.
4. A Good Selection of Music (Including Some Highland Songs)
Driving by Eilean Donan Castle or through Glenfinnan while listening to traditional Scottish music in the background has a certain charm. I have a mix of folk, indie rock, and of course, some vintage bagpipe songs on my playlist. Bonus: it adds a theatrical quality to even a bad turn.
5. Car Adapter & Portable Charger
Make sure to include a portable charger and a vehicle adaptor if you want to use your phone for music, photographs, or navigation—which, let’s face it, you will. When you’re attempting to take a photo of a rainbow above the Isle of Harris, you don’t want to get caught with a 2% battery because some rural lodgings don’t have many outlets.
6. Not an umbrella, but a raincoat
In the Scottish wind, an umbrella is basically worthless. I promise you that it will wind up in a ditch and inside out. Instead, bring a decent, hooded, waterproof raincoat. Scotland is a sucker for a surprise shower, so pick one that can be easily packed in your backpack.
7. Travel journal or notebook
In Scotland, there’s something enchanted about the unexpected locations you find. The small coffee shop perched on a precipice. Nobody else appears to be aware of the ruins. I carry about a little notepad in which I record names, instructions, and amusing incidents. Later on, it allowed me to revisit some wonderful experiences.
When I travel to Scotland, I always bring these essentials. And you? Be sure to pack wisely, be open to the unexpected, and remember to bring that one item you’ll always wish you had. I’ll see you on the way.
