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Do you need a car in the Scottish Highlands?

The best way to get around the Scottish Highlands is by car. Many of the region's top attractions and desirable destinations are spread far apart from one another and could take a long time to reach via public transportation.



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The train is an easy option for travel between major towns and cities. Scotland's extensive train network covers all major cities and towns, but the railway map has large, blank areas in the Highlands and the Southern Uplands where you'll need to switch to road transport – in many cases, traveling by local bus.

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Getting around without a car?? You can certainly use trains and Scottish Citylink buses and a car is not needed while you are in Glasgow or Edinburgh. However if you want to see Skye ,the West Coast and the Highlands a car is almost a necessity. You will quickly get used to driving here.

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Driving in the Scottish Highlands & Islands however is an altogether more challenging experience. Narrow, winding, single-track roads are much of what you'll be driving on once you're in Scotland's remote places. Hairpin bends, blind summits, blinder corners, potholes, and hidden dips are common.

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Nothing is perfect, but the stunning scenery that makes up the Scottish Highlands comes pretty close. The more than 11,000-square-mile region north of Glasgow, Scotland, is a living exhibit of Mother Nature's greatest magic, featuring a diverse array of geographical offerings that leave travelers with unbridled awe.

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It's possible to see a lot of Scotland by train and bus (I spent 26 days there without a car last year), but you will be limited in where you can go and how much ground you can cover if you also want to avoid tours.

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Generally, the best time to visit the Highlands is from spring to fall (May to September) when the weather is warmer and drier.

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The two main ways to reach Skye is by either coach or train. Whichever way you choose, be sure to research your journey carefully and making seat reservations is highly recommended, as services can get busy, particularly during the peak summer months.

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Travel in & Around Scotland Public transport provides trains and bus services to Scottish towns and cities as well as many villages and ferry ports. Access to very remote areas and islands is straightforward by car, ferry and aeroplane.

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If you're exploring the Isle of Skye without a car, you will have to rely on taxis or buses to get there but once you're settled in, you'll have many options. Central. An affordable option in Portree is the Portree Guest House.

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Traveling by train is one of the best ways to see Scotland and travel between different regions.

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Driving in Scotland as an American is pretty straightforward. The roads are all about the same speeds you're used to and, of course, all the signs are in English!

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