AUTHOR Rich Jevons

UK Winter Road Trips: Unforgettable Hidden Gems in Scotland and Beyond

• As the days grow gradually shorter and we come into the final stages of summer, many of us may be thinking about travel plans for winter. When it comes to driving trips, there’s something undeniably magical about embarking on a road trip through the United Kingdom during the winter months.

  Welcome to our latest blog post, where we’ll be your trusted navigator on an unforgettable journey through the UK’s winter wonderland. We’ve focused chiefly on Scotland in this blog post (who wouldn’t when it comes to stunning road trips!) but have provided a list of other highlights across England and Wales too.

  If you’re in the mood for stunning scenery, charming villages, and the thrill of the open road, then you’re in for a treat.

  Chase the Northern Lights in Scotland

  Scotland is breathtaking at any time of year, but the country is particularly special during the winter. Here, we’ve pulled together a few locations that are particularly special to explore in the winter.

  Shetland

  A magical mystery tour of a road trip is in Scotland in search of the Northern Lights. The idea is to get as far north as possible to achieve the experience of a lifetime with the tremendous display in the sky. So Shetland is good and ferries leave Aberdeen seven days a week for a 12-13 hour journey with excellent facilities to pass the time away.

  Orkney

  Orkney is another of the premier places to see the Northern Lights due to its location and lack of light pollution. The phenomenon, known as the ‘Merry Dancers’ locally, is caused by solar wind from the sun colliding with magnetic particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. You can see the Northern Lights in Orkney during the autumn and winter months when the nights are longer and darker.

  Island of Lewis & Harris

  The Island of Lewis & Harris, nestled in the rugged beauty of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, is a captivating destination for witnessing the Northern Lights during the winter months. Its remote location, far from urban light pollution, offers a pristine canvas for the dancing auroras. Embarking on a winter road trip across this enchanting island allows travellers to chase the elusive lights while exploring its stunning landscapes, from windswept beaches to dramatic cliffs, making it an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and stargazers alike.

  Lochinver

  Lochinver, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, is an ideal base for those eager to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights during the winter season. Surrounded by serene lochs and majestic mountains, Lochinver offers a tranquil setting for aurora hunters. A winter road trip from Lochinver leads travellers through rugged terrain, past tranquil lochs, and under dark, starry skies, creating the perfect conditions to catch a glimpse of the captivating Northern Lights, making it a dream destination for nature lovers and stargazers alike.

  The Isle of Skye

  The Isle of Skye, a jewel in Scotland’s Hebrides, offers a stunning backdrop for witnessing the ethereal Northern Lights during the winter season. With its dramatic landscapes, including iconic landmarks like the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools, Skye’s mystical charm is amplified beneath the dancing auroras. A winter road trip on this enchanting island leads adventurers through winding coastal roads and ancient glens, providing ample opportunities to experience the magic of the Northern Lights against the backdrop of Skye’s rugged beauty. It’s a must-visit destination for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking the wonder of the night skies.

  Cairngorms National Park

  Cairngorms National Park, located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, offers a unique setting for witnessing the captivating Northern Lights during the winter season. With its vast expanses of pristine wilderness, dense pine forests, and towering mountains, the park provides an enchanting canvas for the aurora borealis to light up the night sky. A winter road trip through Cairngorms National Park takes travellers on a journey through this rugged and remote landscape, offering excellent opportunities to spot the Northern Lights amid the tranquil surroundings. It’s a magical destination for nature enthusiasts and stargazers, where the natural beauty of the park combines with the celestial wonder of the auroras.

  Hire a car in Inverness to reach the Cairngorms with ease.

  Galloway Forest Park

  Galloway Forest Park, situated in the southwest of Scotland, offers a serene setting for witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights during the winter season. With its vast expanses of dark skies and minimal light pollution, the park is designated as a Dark Sky Park, making it an exceptional location for stargazers and aurora enthusiasts. A winter road trip through Galloway Forest Park unveils its pristine lochs, ancient woodlands, and rolling hills, providing an ideal backdrop to marvel at the Northern Lights as they dance across the heavens. It’s a tranquil and otherworldly destination for those seeking the beauty of nature and the celestial wonder of the auroras.

  Other UK Winter Road Trip Hidden Gems

  Of course, Scotland may be the obvious choice for a magical winter road trip, but there are plenty of other locations across England and Wales too that are well worth considering:

  • A magical escape to North Yorkshire: North Yorkshire is a beautiful place to visit in the winter. You can explore the North York Moors National Park and visit the charming towns of Whitby and Scarborough.
  • Fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast: The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches from Devon to Dorset. You can go fossil hunting on the beaches and see some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the UK
  • A shopping extravaganza in Brighton: Brighton is a vibrant city that’s perfect for a winter road trip. You can explore the Lanes and North Laine shopping districts and find some unique gifts for your loved ones
  • Castle hopping in Wales: Wales has some of the most beautiful castles in the UK. You can visit Caernarfon Castle, Conwy Castle, and Harlech Castle and learn about Welsh history and culture
  • Beachbound on the Pembrokeshire Coast: The Pembrokeshire Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Wales. You can explore the beaches and coastal paths and see some of the most stunning scenery in the UK
  • Christmas market crawl: Christmas markets are a great way to get into the festive spirit. You can visit markets in Edinburgh, Bath, Manchester, Birmingham, and many other cities across the UK
  • The breathtaking Lake District: The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in England. Why not explore the stunning scenery and venture out by enjoying some stunning walks?

  If you’re looking for further inspiration for planning a winter road trip or a winter holiday in general, take a look at some of our other guides:

  • Top Winter Destinations For Hiring a Car
  • Driving in the Alps in Winter: A Guide
  • The Ultimate Winter Car Hire Guide: Tips & Recommendations

   

Rich Jevons was first published in the Yorkshire Post at the tender age of fifteen. After graduating at University of Humberside, Rich covered the visual and performing arts for a wide range of regional, national and international magazines, journals and newspapers. He has interviewed the likes of Patrick Stewart, Colin Baker and Christopher Eccleston. Currently, he is writing copy on road trips around the world, all from his office in Wortley, Leeds

Rich Jevons

Traveller