Self-Drive Adventure: Exploring Scotland’s East Coast from Dundee

The morning I picked up my rental car in Dundee, I could feel a mix of excitement and anticipation that only comes with the promise of open roads and undiscovered landscapes. Dundee itself, with its riverside charm, the V\&A Dundee, and the historic wharfs, had already left a strong impression, but the east coast of Scotland beckoned with a promise of ancient castles, rolling cliffs, sandy beaches, and quiet fishing villages. Driving along the A90 and A92 highways, I knew I would experience a part of Scotland often overshadowed by the Highlands, yet equally enchanting.

There is a special thrill in having a car ready to explore at your own pace. You are no longer bound by train timetables or bus schedules; every turn is an opportunity to discover something unexpected. Before leaving, I had booked my rental through Rentalcars.com, a platform I trust for its clarity, transparency, and variety of options. In Dundee, car hire locations are convenient, and after a short briefing, I was ready to begin my journey.

Route Planning and Driving Essentials

Before setting off, I mapped out a flexible itinerary that allowed stops at historic towns, coastal cliffs, and picturesque beaches. Driving along Scotland’s east coast, especially for first-timers, requires preparation:

1. Familiarise Yourself with Road Rules: Scotland drives on the left, and many of the coastal roads are single-lane in places. Always check your mirrors, signal early, and respect local speed limits.
2. Navigation Tools: I used a combination of Google Maps and the AA Route Planner for scenic alternatives. Both helped me avoid the main motorways and discover hidden coastal paths.
3. Fuel Stops: Keep an eye on petrol stations. While major towns have several options, rural stretches, especially near Dunnottar or Stonehaven, have fewer service stations.
4. Parking: Most attractions offer designated parking, but some smaller villages may require on-street parking or coins for meters.

For accommodations along the route, I used Booking.com and Expedia, which consistently showed a wide range of hotels, B\&Bs, and guesthouses near major attractions. For dining, OpenTable UK helped me book tables in advance, ensuring I could enjoy fresh seafood in Arbroath or traditional Scottish cuisine in smaller villages.

First Stop: St Andrews – History, Golf, and Coastal Charm

Location

Approximately 25 miles northeast of Dundee, St Andrews is a town that combines medieval architecture with seaside charm.

Personal Impressions

Driving into St Andrews, I immediately felt the mix of history and leisure. The cobbled streets, the gothic ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, and the University of St Andrews give the town an air of timelessness. Walking along the West Sands beach, with waves crashing against golden sand, I could almost imagine scenes from classic Scottish novels.

Attractions

• St Andrews Cathedral: Entry fee around £6. Book tickets through the Historic Environment Scotland website for timed entry. The ruins are hauntingly beautiful, and climbing the tower offers panoramic views of the town.
• Old Course: Known as the birthplace of golf, even non-golfers like myself enjoy walking the course and visiting the British Golf Museum (£10–£15 for adults).
• St Andrews Castle: Perched above the North Sea, exploring the dungeons and cliff-top views is unforgettable. Tickets cost £6–£12.

Travel Tips

Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially in summer. Parking is available at the Cathedral car park or along North Street for short walks to major attractions.

Driving North to Arbroath and Montrose – Coastal Villages and Sea Views

Leaving St Andrews, I took the A92 north toward Arbroath, a town famous for its abbey and traditional smoked fish. The drive itself is a highlight, with views of rolling hills and the North Sea sparkling alongside the road.

Arbroath Abbey

• Location: Abbey Street, Arbroath
• Experience: Walking among the ruined arches of Arbroath Abbey, I felt a deep connection to Scottish history. Founded in the 12th century, this abbey is where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320. Entry costs £5–£8, and tickets are available on the Historic Scotland website.
• Tip: Early morning visits provide the best light for photography, especially for capturing the abbey against the backdrop of the North Sea.

Arbroath Smokies

No visit to Arbroath is complete without tasting the famous smoked haddock. I stopped at a local smokehouse, booked via TripAdvisor, and enjoyed a traditional Arbroath Smokie lunch. The combination of smoky flavour and flaky fish, paired with freshly baked bread, was unforgettable.

Montrose

Continuing north, I reached Montrose, a town with a beautiful beach and harbour. Walking along Montrose Basin, I spotted various migratory birds. The town itself is quieter than St Andrews or Arbroath, offering a peaceful stopover and an excellent chance for photography.

Dunnottar Castle – Dramatic Clifftop Ruins

Location

About 15 miles south of Stonehaven, Dunnottar Castle sits dramatically on a cliff overlooking the North Sea.

Personal Impressions

Driving up to Dunnottar, I remember gripping the steering wheel as the road narrowed and winds picked up. The castle suddenly appeared, isolated and imposing, perched on sheer cliffs with waves crashing below. It is one of the most photographed spots on Scotland’s east coast, and for good reason.

Exploring the Castle

Tickets cost £10–£12 and are bookable via Dunnottar Castle official website. Walking through the ruins, I could almost hear the echoes of medieval life—the guards, the nobility, and the sieges that shaped Scotland’s history. The cliff-top walk is thrilling but requires sturdy shoes and caution, especially on windy days.

Travel Tip

Arrive mid-morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Wear layers—winds at the cliff-top can be harsh, even in summer.

Stonehaven – Harbour Town Charm

Stonehaven, just a short drive from Dunnottar Castle, is the perfect place to unwind. Its picturesque harbour, lined with fishing boats and cafes, invites visitors to slow down. I found a local café recommended on TripAdvisor, booked through OpenTable, and enjoyed fresh crab sandwiches while watching gulls dive for scraps.

• Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum: Entry £3–£5, offering a glimpse into local maritime history.
• Harbour Walks: Free, but ideal for photography and casual strolls.

Aberdeen – The Granite City

Continuing north, I reached Aberdeen, a larger city known as the Granite City due to its shimmering grey stone architecture. Driving into the city, I was struck by how modern skyscrapers coexisted with 18th-century structures.

• Aberdeen Maritime Museum: £7–£12 entry, tickets bookable online. Focuses on the city’s connection to the North Sea oil industry and maritime heritage.
• Footdee (Fittie): A historic fishing village at the east end of Aberdeen, perfect for colourful photos and walking along quaint streets.

For accommodation, I often use Booking.com for central hotels, while Expedia occasionally offers package deals including breakfast.

Exploring Coastal Villages Beyond Aberdeen

Driving further north along the A90, I discovered quieter villages like Cruden Bay, Peterhead, and Fraserburgh. Cruden Bay, with its sandy beach and historic golf course, felt like a secret retreat. Peterhead offered fascinating harbour views, while Fraserburgh provided insights into Scotland’s fishing industry.

Each stop allowed me to stretch, take photos, and enjoy local cafés or bakeries. For restaurant bookings, OpenTable UK helped me secure tables at smaller, highly rated local establishments.

Tips for a Smooth Self-Drive Experience

1. Timing: Start early to maximize daylight, especially for photography and sightseeing.
2. Fuel and Snacks: Stock up at larger towns. I kept water, tea bags, and biscuits in the car for spontaneous picnics.
3. Safety: Coastal roads can be windy and narrow. Drive cautiously, and be ready for sudden weather changes.
4. Navigation: Use offline maps as a backup; mobile signals can be weak along cliffs or rural stretches.
5. Accommodation: For first-timers, I often pre-book hotels via Booking.com or Expedia, focusing on locations within walking distance of town centres.
6. Attraction Tickets: Many castles and museums offer online pre-booking. Websites like Historic Environment Scotland, TripAdvisor, and official attraction sites are essential.

Personal Reflections on Driving the East Coast

The combination of rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, quiet villages, and historic towns makes driving Scotland’s east coast from Dundee a journey to savour. The flexibility of a self-drive trip allowed me to linger wherever I wanted, whether taking photos at a secluded beach, tasting local seafood, or wandering through abbey ruins. I discovered hidden gems I would have missed on public transport, and the sense of freedom on the open roads was invigorating.

There’s a rhythm to the journey—the gentle curves of coastal roads, the sudden burst of colour from a fishing village, the sound of gulls over the North Sea—that makes the east coast feel alive yet tranquil. Each stop revealed a different aspect of Scottish heritage, culture, and natural beauty.

Practical Platforms for Planning and Booking

• Flights: Skyscanner, Expedia, British Airways, EasyJet
• Accommodation: Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb
• Restaurant Reservations: OpenTable UK, SquareMeal
• Attraction Tickets: Historic Environment Scotland, TripAdvisor, official museum/castle websites
• Car Hire: Rentalcars.com, Avis, Enterprise

The joy of self-driving from Dundee along Scotland’s east coast lies not just in the destinations but in the journey itself. From historic towns to dramatic castles, golden beaches to bustling harbours, every mile offers a story, a photo opportunity, or a quiet moment to savour. Scotland reveals itself slowly to those who drive, wander, and pause, and Dundee is the perfect starting point.