Tips and resources for driving in the Scottish Highlands
Many of our guests choose to drive to Eagle Brae, whether they bring their own vehicle, or hire one on arrival in Inverness. Our hilltop location in the Scottish Highlands is around 40 minutes from Inverness, and it’s a beautiful journey driving through dramatic Highland landscapes.
Look out for our wooden sign, marking the turn-off point, and take care when driving up our steep hillside. If you have any trouble getting up the hill, for example in icy weather conditions, give us a call and we can help you out.
There is a maximum speed limit of 15 mph on Eagle Brae roads. They are single-track with regular passing places. Please be aware of oncoming traffic and keep a lookout for any wildlife on the roads. Each of our log cabins has two car parking spaces. If your party is bringing more than two vehicles, please let us know in advance and we can advise on where to park.
Hiring a car or bringing your own
If you are coming from outside the UK, check that you are eligible to drive here and you have the correct insurance and documents. You can view the rules on driving with a foreign licence and bringing a vehicle into the country on the UK Government website.
For those flying into Inverness, car hire is available at the airport. If you are coming in by train or coach, there are several car hire options in the city centre. Search car hire in Inverness.
Planning your route
Before setting off, plan your route using Google Maps or a printed map. Knowing and visualising where you’re going reduces stress and helps you focus on driving. The less you stress about where you are going, the more you can focus on getting there safely.
Following the Highway Code
Familiarise yourself with the Highway Code, which explains all the rules and guidelines that every road user must follow. This includes speed limits, signals, signage, road markings and more. You can view it online or purchase a copy here for your reference.
You can also use the Road Safety Scotland website for important road user advice, including how to stay safe and visiting and driving in Scotland.
Driving on the left
Remember that we drive on the left in the UK, unlike most of our European neighbours. So always keep to the left and pass on the right.
If you have been driving on the right for years, then suddenly having to break this habit of a lifetime will be hard. So why not use some visual cues? This can be as simple as a Post-it note on your dashboard with ‘drive on the left’ written big. You could also wear a wristband on your left hand to prompt you when you need it. These can often be found in car rental offices.
Staying safe on country roads
Country roads here are often narrow, steep and winding, and they may be single-track in places. Be alert for potential hazards, such as sudden bends and blind spots, animals on the road and slow-moving farm vehicles.
If you’re used to city driving, then our smaller single-track roads might be tricky for you at first. How can two-way traffic pass when there’s only room for one? Well, that’s where passing places come in. These small widenings, usually signposted, sit by the side of country roads. They are used to allow passing – sometimes you might have to reverse back to one. Here one car will wait whilst another car travels past you. Whatever you do, never use them as parking spots even for a moment. Doing so can cause large tailbacks, especially during the busier summer months.
Taking care at roundabouts
Roundabouts can be intimidating. Just remember that you always move clockwise around them, meaning when you get to one, turn left and keep an eye out for vehicles coming from your right as they have right of way.
Watching your speed
In Scotland, road signs are in miles per hour. Your dashboard will show how fast you are going in this unit. Speeding is taken very seriously here and even a few miles over the limit can get you into trouble. Sometimes, speed limits are marked on the road, and can change along a single stretch of road. Keep vigilant.
Zero tolerance to drink driving
In Scotland, we have a zero-tolerance approach to drink driving, or driving under the influence (DUI). Even a small amount of alcohol can put you over the limit. It’s just not worth the risk. Our laws are even stricter than in the rest of the UK, meaning it’s best to have a tee-total approach when you are planning on driving. If there’s a group of you going out to a pub or restaurant, a good strategy is to have a designated driver who drinks zero alcohol. Sometimes, as a thank you, the rest of the group buys this person’s soft drinks throughout the night!
Taking extra care
Take extra care when driving at night or in adverse weather conditions. Check the weather forecast before you set off and keep a travel emergency kit in the car, just in case you break down.
Driving through the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands is a wonderful way to travel! Take a look at our blog for ideas of places to visit by car, during your stay with us at Eagle Brae.
