If you're planning a short winter road trip from Edinburgh, especially in December, this guide is for you! My partner and I had a lovely two-day adventure exploring the Scottish countryside, even with the limited daylight hours and stormy weather. We hope this post helps you plan your own trip—and avoid some of the uncertainties we had as newcomers!
Table of contents
Why we chose a short road trip from Edinburgh in winter
Even though it wasn’t our first time in the UK, this was our first time driving here, and we were both excited and cautious—especially in winter. With only around 6 hours of daylight (sunset around 3:30–4 p.m.), we knew we couldn’t go too far. Originally, we wanted to visit Glencoe, but it was just too risky for December—especially with unfamiliar roads, weather conditions, and driving rules.
Luckily, I found the amazing Scotland Travel Tips, Facebook group, where helpful locals and travellers gave us great advice. Thanks to them, we planned our own itinerary that felt both safe and scenic. If you're unsure like we were, I highly recommend checking out the group!
Day 1: Loch Katrine & Callander
- Distance from Edinburgh: ~65 miles (105 km)
- Drive time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
- Parking: Loch Katrine has a paid parking lot (£3–£5 depending on hours)
We picked up our rental car on Friday evening and hit the road on Saturday morning. First stop: Loch Katrine —a hidden gem that feels like a fairytale, even in winter.
There are bike rentals, boat trips, and mountain walks available during the warmer months, but in December (and with a storm hitting that day!), we just took a walk around the loch. We originally hoped to hike Ben A’an, a popular but short summit nearby, known for its rewarding views. But the weather was wild that day—stormy winds and low visibility. The staff at the Café & Visitor Centre at Loch Katrine kindly warned us to only take a short walk and return soon. So we listened and kept things easy.
Instead, we opted for a gentler trail that led us up to Roderick Dhu Viewpoint—a spot we wouldn’t have known about if not for a lovely chat with some locals. The three-story tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Katrine and the surrounding hills.
As we strolled along the loch, we came across a row of eco-lodges and glamping pods tucked right near the water’s edge. A few tourists were staying in them, and the whole area looked so peaceful and inviting—like something out of a storybook. These cosy little cabins had loch views, heating, and even private bathrooms in some units. It seemed like the perfect base for a winter getaway. We instantly thought: next time, we’re staying here!
On the way back, we stopped at Callander, a charming small town with cosy cafés and pretty scenery. It’s a perfect lunch stop!
Callander
Pros & cons of visiting Loch Katrine in winter
Pros | Cons |
Less crowded, peaceful scenery | Limited activities during storms |
Easily accessible from Edinburgh | Strong winds and limited daylight |
Great for photos | Can feel isolated if the weather turns suddenly |
Day 2: Grey Mare's Tail & Peebles
- Distance from Edinburgh: ~50 miles (80 km)
- Drive time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Parking: National Trust car park at Grey Mare's Tail (£3)
On Sunday, we drove to Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve. The route was absolutely stunning, winding through dramatic mountains and the raw, untouched landscapes of the Scottish Borders.
The hike up to Loch Skeen is around 4.5 km round-trip and takes 2–3 hours depending on fitness level. It’s a steady climb, gaining over 300 meters in elevation. The path can be slippery in winter, especially after rain or snow, so good boots and hiking poles are recommended. We were a bit underprepared for the wind and terrain, but the view of the loch at the top made it worthwhile.
Along the way, we also spotted Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in the UK, plunging 60 meters from Loch Skeen.
Afterwards, we stopped at Peebles for lunch. It’s another delightful town, and a great place to relax and warm up after the hike. We also had to stop in Peebles to buy a new pair of socks after ours got soaked—definitely learned our lesson there!
Pros & cons of visiting Grey Mare's Tail in winter
Pros | Cons |
Stunning waterfall & views | Hike can be slippery and cold |
Scenic winter drive | Not suited for people with limited mobility |
Close to charming Peebles | Weather may cause trail closures or make paths dangerous |
2-day road trip itinerary overview
Day 1
- Depart from Edinburgh
- Visit Loch Katrine & Roderick Dhu Viewpoint
- Lunch or coffee in Callander
- Overnight in Edinburgh or nearby
Day 2
- Drive to Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve
- Hike to Loch Skeen and see Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall
- Visit Peebles for lunch or dinner
- Return to Edinburgh and drop off the car Monday morning
Total cost of our 2-day winter road trip
- Car rental: £81 for a 4-door small manual car, booked via Celtic Legend
- ncludes: CDW insurance, unlimited mileage, roadside assistance, VAT (20%), and all standard charges.
- Excludes: Excess insurance.
- Rental duration: Picked up Friday at 5 p.m., returned Monday morning (with no extra cost).
- Rental branch: Arnold Clark (Celtic Legend is a booking agent that partners with Arnold Clark branches). Booking via Celtic Legend was cheaper than going directly through Arnold Clark.
- Fuel & tire pumping: £32 total. We received the car with a full tank and full tire pressure, so we refilled both before returning it.
We rented from Celtic Legend and had a great experience. Their communication was excellent and the car was spacious and reliable. The built-in screen allowed us to connect our phone for navigation—no need for a separate GPS! We travelled as a couple, but the car could comfortably fit 4 adults. If you're a group, it’s a great way to cut costs. Don’t forget to use the 10% discount code WAYFARINGKIWI for your first booking!
Tips for winter road trips in Scotland (from one newbie to another)
- Plan around daylight: December days are short. Aim to finish driving by 3:30–4 p.m.
- Stick to nearby scenic spots:Don’t risk long drives if you’re new to UK roads.
- Use Facebook groups: Like Scotland Travel Tips for local insights.
- Book with a trusted rental company: Celtic Legend was great, and we recommend them!
- Drive cautiously: Be mindful of speed limits (in miles per hour!) and keep left.
- Check your car setup: Make sure your rental includes insurance, roadside help, and GPS options.
- Watch for weather warnings:Conditions can change quickly in winter.
- Winter roads can be icy: Especially in the Highlands and rural areas. Before driving, check the local weather forecast at metoffice.gov.uk and look for road conditions via Traffic Scotland or local council websites. Many areas may grit roads, but not all minor routes are treated, so drive slowly and keep extra space between vehicles. Be especially careful on shaded roads, bridges, and bends, which freeze faster. You can also ask locals or rental staff about conditions before heading out.
- Keep a winter emergency kit: Include items like a flashlight, blankets, a shovel, and snacks in case of delays.
Packing checklist for winter day trips in Scotland
- Waterproof jacket
- Thermal clothing
- Gloves, hats, scarves
- Hiking shoes with grip
- Reusable water bottle & snacks
- Portable charger
- Offline maps or GPS apps
- Extra socks (you'll thank me later—we actually had to buy a new pair during our lunch stop in Peebles after ours got soaked!)
What we'd do differently next time
- Be more prepared for winter hikes: We didn’t pack properly for cold and windy hikes, so next time we’d bring winter gear like microspikes, gloves, and waterproof trousers.
- Check the weather forecast more thoroughly: Though storms are common and often unpredictable, we’d try to plan around clearer days.
- Consider visiting in early autumn:We loved winter’s peaceful charm, but an October trip might offer better light and more open attractions while keeping the crowds low.
- Climb Ben A’an (if weather permits):We were really looking forward to this, but stormy weather meant we had to skip it. It’s still on our list!
- Stay in the eco-lodges at Loch Katrine:They looked like the cosiest place to relax after a chilly day out—we’re already dreaming of a return trip just to try them!
Would we do it again?
Absolutely. Despite the wind and unpredictable weather, our road trip was magical. The lochs, the quiet hills, and the quaint towns felt even more special in winter. If you're new to the UK or hesitant about driving, don't worry—it’s doable, and so worth it.
Are you planning your first road trip to Scotland? Remember to follow the blog – I will be posting soon my driving tips for foreigners in the UK!
English (UK) 
Tiếng Việt