Since Covid-19, more people have been searching for places to visit across the United Kingdom for their holidays. One area that has become increasingly popular for families and couples is the Scottish Highlands.
For many, it’s unfamiliar territory, especially if it is your first time visiting the area. We caught up with Laura Filipczak, our driving instructor in Inverness, for some top tips on how to drive in the Scottish Highlands.
Here are five tips from Laura, which we hope will help you out on your next visit to the highlands:
1.) Watch your speed
Most of the single carriageway roads are 60mph. However, it’s not a target to be achieved; it’s a limit. In most cases, your speed should be slower in areas where your visibility is poor. An old driving instructor phrase states, “your speed is dictated by what you can see!”
Be mindful of bends in the roads as you may encounter a large vehicle coming toward you. Assuming the worst will allow you to drive accordingly and safely.
2.) Keep your eyes peeled for animals and be patient when they are on the road
There is a plethora of beautiful wildlife such as sheep, cows, and goats, also think they are road users. When passing them, you must leave at least a car’s width and keep your engine revs low to pass them safely.
3.) Passing Places
You must plan ahead on narrow single-track roads and look out for passing places in good time. The last thing you want to do is reverse backwards to allow an oncoming car through – especially in the dark. Remember, the passing places are for giving way to oncoming vehicles in meeting situations. They are not to be used for picnics or parking up to go for a walk. If you have an impatient driver behind you, then passing places are also an excellent place to pull up and let the driver overtake you rather than tailgating you.
4.) Fuel Stations
Be aware of your fuel level and Google the fuel stations on your journey in advance. As a general rule, the lower populated areas, will have fewer places to refill your petrol. Not all fuel stations also have toilets, so if you have children, this is another consideration you will have to plan. You will also experience in many areas poor mobile network coverage.
5.) Look out for potholes and watch your left side
Many drivers are used to keeping well to the left, as you would in urban city driving; however, on narrow single-track roads, it is best to stay central to avoid large potholes and uneven road edgings. Also, look well ahead for passing places, as mentioned in point 3.
