Sitting on the east of Scotland, this coastline has some of the most scenic views and interesting landmarks in the UK, making it an ideal road trip destination. You can take a 7-day tour along the coast, enjoying quaint towns, rugged topography, and ancient castles almost at your leisure.
The best way to experience this once-in-a-lifetime trip is with a campervan, which allows travellers to visit remote locations, revisit scenic views, and stay in unique spots during their journey.
This guide will take you through a carefully curated itinerary, offering a week of exploration, discovery, and unforgettable memories on Scotland’s east coast.
Scotland's east coast is practically made for a road trip, with its picturesque coastlines, historical sites and cosy towns. Hiring a campervan from a reputable motorhome hire company like Compass Campers is the best way to explore this diverse region. A campervan is the ultimate in freedom and flexibility, enabling you to go where you like when you like, without the need to work around hotel bookings or predetermined itineraries. You could wake up each day to a different vista — a coastside sunrise, a quiet forest, or a charming town.
With everything from sleeping arrangements to meals in tow, campervan travel allows users to spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the ride. In addition, having the freedom to stop at any point gives you the opportunity to find hidden gems en route, from a secret beach to a beautiful village to an amazing vista.
Even further east, Edinburgh and the historic town of St Andrews are two of many destinations to visit in the east, which features a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. With a campervan, you’ll be able to easily move between these destinations, soaking in the landscape and immersing yourself in the spirit of Scotland.
First up is Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, rich with history, culture, and gorgeous architecture. Explore Edinburgh Castle, a historic citadel that stands atop Castle Rock and provides sweeping views of the city and the surrounding hills. Stroll along the historic Royal Mile, home to historic sites, shops and cafés.
Along the way, visit St Giles’ Cathedral and discover the city’s royal past at Holyrood Palace. For a more active adventure, hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that offers stunning views of the city, coast and Pentland Hills.
Be sure to visit the National Museum of Scotland, which covers the country’s history from prehistoric to modern times. Edinburgh is renowned for its food scene, too, with a variety of traditional pubs serving up local dishes. Round off your day with a walking tour of the Old Town or a whisky tasting at one of the city’s famous bars.
On the second day, pay a visit to St Andrews, a lovely coastal town famous for its prestigious university and golfing history. Start your day at St Andrews Cathedral ruins, the largest in Scotland, so you can bask in the history that shaped this quaint town. Wander around the nearby St Andrews Castle, where you can witness the atmospheric ruins and gaze at panoramic views across the North Sea. An absolute treat for golf fans, the Old Course is the oldest golf course in the world and the site of many famous tournaments.
The surrounding Links is also a lovely place to stroll, even if you don’t golf. Walk along the coast with some relaxation on West Sands Beach, which is featured in the movie Chariots of Fire. The town itself has very cute streets lined with independent shops, cafés and restaurants where one could easily spend an afternoon wandering around.
Then, make your way to Dundee, a lively city on the banks of the River Tay. Begin your trip with a stop at the V&A Dundee (Victoria and Albert Museum), a world-class design museum situated in a beautiful building with striking architecture. Revel in the intriguing Discovery Point, where you can visit the renowned RRS Discovery, the vessel which carried Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton on their first voyage to Antarctica.
Another spot to add to your list is Dundee Law, a hill with great views of the city and surrounding area, great for some epic photos. Dundee also has a thriving arts scene, with many galleries and public art installations to enjoy.
After exploring the city, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront or share a meal at one of the many excellent restaurants the city offers. Dundee combines innovation with a strong sense of the traditional, making it the ideal destination for fans of art, culture and the Scottish seafaring past (Dundee is home to the world’s first three-legged iron ship).
On day four, make your way to Aberdeen, known as Scotland’s “Granite City,” because of the numerous grey stone buildings lining its streets. Start with the Aberdeen Art Gallery, a magnificent venue filled with collections of art, both local and worldly.
Next, walk along Union Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, which is home to shops, cafés and historic landmarks. Another architectural highlight is Marischal College, a massive granite building adorned with intricate carvings that reflect the city’s heritage.
If you want to get some fresh air, go visit Aberdeen Beach and take a serene stroll along the shore, and nearby Footdee (Fittie) is a quaint fishing village with kooky cottages that delivers a stunning view of the North Sea. As the ‘Granite City’ is famous for its seafood, be sure to stop by a local eatery for some fresh Scottish fish dishes or visit a local whisky distillery to try some spirits.
On day five, drive north to Inverness, the informal capital of the Scottish Highlands. Your first port of call will be the famed Loch Ness, the paragon of the putative Nessie. Take a boat tour of the loch to see the pretty vistas and maybe even spot the legendary beast. The rest of your day is spent at Inverness Castle, which overlooks the city and the neighbouring River Ness. Culloden Battlefield, the site of the bloody 1746 battle that ended in defeat for the Jacobites, is not far from here.
Discover this defining moment in Scottish history at the battlefield and the visitor centre. Another highlight of Inverness is the beautiful nature surrounding the area, including the Cairngorms National Park, where you can hike, bike, and watch wildlife. Inverness itself has a chill vibe, with lots of cafés, pubs and independent shops to peruse before heading out to the next stop.
Day six brings you to the delightful village of Ullapool on the shores of Loch Broom in the Northern Highlands. Start your day at the Ullapool Museum, where you can discover the region’s maritime past and view displays of the town’s fishing heritage. Take a leisurely walk around the harbourside, admiring the fishing boats, colourful cottages and views over the loch. Ullapool is famous for its seafood, and what better place to eat locally produced fresh seafood than one of the village’s seafood restaurants?
For a more adventurous pursuit, a boat trip around Loch Broom will expose you to some spectacular views of the surrounding hills, as well as the opportunity to spot wildlife, including seals and dolphins. If you have time, take a detour for a scenic drive to the nearby Corrieshalloch Gorge, a stunning, dramatic spot that you can walk a short distance within and take gorgeous photos.
Your last stop on your road trip is Fort William, a town tucked at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. For the more adventurous, aim to hike to the top of Ben Nevis — though it’s a steep climb, the sights from the summit are unbeatable. Or, if that is a little too taxing for your tastes, venture out into Glen Nevis, a beautiful valley with walking trails through gorgeous scenery.
Fort William is also home to the picturesque Caledonian Canal, where you can take a scenic boat trip or take an easy stroll along its banks. The town is steeped in cultural diversity, with a myriad of local museums and galleries to visit. You can also discover the Highland way of life at the West Highland Museum. At the end of the day, unwind in one of the town’s local pubs, with its hearty Scottish fare and creative whisky selections, and raise a glass to the end of your journey.
For the ultimate flexibility and comfort on your East Coast Scotland road trip, choose Compass Campers. With a range of well-equipped campervans, you can explore Scotland at your own pace, enjoying the freedom to stop wherever you like. Book your adventure with Compass Campers for a memorable, stress-free experience.