Hi,
My daughter and I are planning a trip at the tail end of November. Most of the trip revolves around Inverness with a few days up to Achiltibuie/Ullapool. Being from the southeast region of the US we are not very familiar with mountain driving or winter conditions...my assumption at this point is that it might be wise to have a 4x4. I'd appreciate any advice!
Given the very narrow and winding roads in Scotland , a smaller car might be more suitable , but wait to see what Pam , MC , and Unclegus say about this
Short answer, as Steven suggests, is 'no'.
Most of the locals will be in 2wd cars, and the road network is not far short of 100% paved. Secondly, a smaller car will be more fun on those roads. A lot is weather dependent, but usually it will be rain at that time of the year you are dealing with though snow cannot be ruled out.
But my general suggestion is do not waste your money on a 4wd, and if you can I would suggest a manual is better on those roads than an automatic.
Thank you!
As MC says you will be fine with a two wheel drive. The roads are narrow, but I find the traffic light. Also, while the scenery is beautiful you it is not scary mountain driving like you can get in the Alps or Rockies or Cascades.
Pam
We are in Beautiful Scotland at the moment and you do not need a big car. The roads are fine. Just drive at your own pace. I am sure even the locals adjust to slippery roads. We have been amazed by how beautiful Scotland is.
As with anywhere in the world, drive with extra care when it's wet, icy, or snowy, and ice can form on pavement without warning when the temperatures get near freezing. In lower-traction situations, allow a greater distance between you and the next vehicle, anticipate when you'll be slowing or stopping and allow for a greater distance and time needed to slow or stop. Avoid driving thru puddles - you don't know how deep they are, or what might be hidden by the water. On descents, use a lower gear (with either a manual or automatic transmission) to keep your speed in check and to help maintain control. As MC mentioned, you'll likely not need an off-road vehicle, and also, 4wd doesn't mean 4-wheel stopping ability! Have a great trip and happy motoring!
I spent several days in Inverness last year and rented a car. I agree with the suggestions that a smaller vehicle is better. I had requested the smallest vehicle they had that was automatic (I can't drive a manual and didn't want to learn while driving on the left) and we were "upgraded" to a larger hatchback vehicle because that's what was available. It was a beautiful car and drove well, but on some of the skinny, curvy roads I was definitely wishing for the small car I had reserved. The fact that the roads aren't very crowded is a plus, but I definitely felt like I was "sucking it in" whenever I had to pass someone going the opposite direction around a tight corner. And at home I drive an SUV, so I'm used to a big car. I can't speak to winter driving, as we were there in the summer, but my vote is for a smaller car.
Enjoy your trip. Inverness and the surrounding countryside are beautiful! If you have time and the weather is at all decent, take time to wander the Ness River Island path. We did it in the misty rain and it felt very magical.
