Driving the A9 North

Between Perth and Kingussie, Scotland

The most efficient way to visit most of Scotland is via automobile. While Glasgow and Edinburgh have sufficient public transport, and trains and buses run across the country, most of Scotland is so rural that the most efficient way to reach much of the interior is by car. Many Americans are intimidated by driving on the other side of the road, as I was when I clocked my first miles just opposite Tower Bridge in London. By the time we headed for the Highlands, I had already driven for a week in Scotland, so I was very used to driving again in the United Kingdom.

I needed the previous week of driving, as the A9 is a very busy road. As a driver, you get the impression that you are meeting everyone who needs to head south in the country. Drivers in Scotland are very courteous, which is good because, with the amount of traffic, it would be intimidating if drivers were quick to anger, as in many parts of the United States.

Speaking of overwhelmed, driving north was our first look at the Highlands. Fortunately, there are places to turn off to take pictures of the scenery as a first-time visitor to the area. When driving the A9, pack snacks and use the restroom whenever you can. It is also a good idea to find places to visit on a road trip. During our drive north, we visited the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre and Working Sheepdogs, and I would recommend a few stops along the way.

Scotland is making it a priority to four-lane the A9 all the way from Inverness to Perth, and if you are currently visiting, you may get caught up in the construction like we were for part of the trip. This road is heavily used, so it was good to see the investment in this highway for the future.

The A9 is one of the main routes to and from the Highlands so that you may use this highway on your Scottish road trip. I’m glad I researched some stops before we left, as this was the first time I began to feel the remoteness of Scotland, even though I was on a drive with what seemed like thousands of my closest friends. Good Luck, prepare for the traffic, and you, too, will have a great road trip!