Late August in the Scottish Highlands is a magical time. The crowds are starting to thin, the heather is in bloom, and the weather often stays pleasantly warm enough to enjoy long drives and outdoor stops. My fiancé and I set off on a six-day road trip from Oban to Glasgow, with camping, lodges and scenic stops along the way.
© Simran Kabotra
Why Scottish Highlands?
I’ve always been drawn to dramatic landscapes, and the Highlands offer some of the most varied scenery in the UK. Driving through rolling grassy hills, heather-filled fields, moorlands, and rocky cliffs is an adventure in itself. With the open road ahead and my fiancé at the wheel, I sat back, enjoyed the ever-changing scenery and captured every moment along the way.
Getting there and where to stay
Driving gives you the flexibility to see remote corners that trains or buses simply can’t reach. While we camped at sites like Bunchrew Caravan Park near Inverness and Thurso Bay Caravan & Camping Park, I’d recommend a camper van over tents — it’s far more comfortable and offers shelter from unexpected Highland showers.
Booking lodges and caravan parks in advance is essential, especially during peak season. We also stayed at Durness Youth Hostel and Inchnadamph Explorer’s Lodge, which were both cosy, convenient and added variety to the trip.
One practical tip: bring as much midge protection as possible — they were very nippy, especially near the lochs and forests!
© Simran Kabotra – View from Inverness Campsite
Things to do in the Scottish Highlands
Driving through the Highlands was the real star of the show. Every bend revealed new scenery: grassy hills giving way to purple heather, rugged moorlands and jagged cliffs with lochs sparkling below. But there were a few must-see stops that made the journey unforgettable:
- Chanonry Point – One of the UK’s best spots to see wild dolphins. We were lucky to see many playing in the Moray Firth, just a few metres from the shore.
- Whaligoe Steps – A dramatic 365-step staircase down a cliff to a hidden harbour with rugged coastal views. The climb back up definitely tested the legs!
- Achmelvich Beach – Often called one of Scotland’s best beaches, with white sands and crystal-clear water perfect for a barefoot wander.
- Ullapool – A charming fishing village with a busy harbour and colourful boats. Fresh local seafood is a must here.
- Bealach na Bà Pass – A legendary single-track road with hairpin bends and breathtaking summit views over the Applecross Peninsula.
Along the way, I spotted plenty of local treats: fish and chip shops boasting awards (the best I had was near Smoo Cave — a lady in a red truck with perfectly crisp batter and golden chips) and roadside stands selling fresh honey, especially from heather bees.
© Simran Kabotra – Sunset by the beach in the Highlands
Tips for a blissful highland adventure
- A camper van makes the journey far more comfortable than a tent
- Book campsites, lodges and caravan parks in advance — they fill up quickly
- Bring strong midge repellent
- Try local fish and chips — you can’t go wrong in the Highlands, but the red Durness Food Spot truck is exceptional
- Keep an eye out for fresh honey along the drive
© Simran Kabotra – Scottish Highlands
What to love (and not to love) about the Highlands
The Highlands are a feast for the senses: dramatic coastlines, towering mountains, serene lochs and ever-changing landscapes. Driving through it is the main attraction — you never quite know what the next valley or loch will reveal. The pace of life is wonderfully slow, locals are friendly, and the food is hearty.
The only downside? Long driving days are unavoidable, but every mile was worth it for the views, wildlife and unforgettable stops. Scotland in late August is a road trip that ticks all the right boxes.
© Simran Kabotra
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Travel writer bio
© Simran Kabotra
Simran Kabotra fell in love with travel during a four-month backpacking trip through Southeast Asia and has been chasing new adventures ever since. She loves exploring breathtaking landscapes, discovering rich cultures and learning the stories behind every place she visits.