Hi, I'm going to be doing a trip to Scotland in December, and we are planning on spending a few nights in the highlands (we're thinking Glencoe), leaving from Glasgow. Obviously driving would be the ideal way to get there so we can enjoy the scenic route and stop at our leisure, but what would the road conditions be like in December? I've heard mixed things from the climate reports etc I've looked at. Would we be better off just taking a train, or maybe a bus (for someone who has no experience driving on the left side of the road, or in the snow)? Any info and advice would be greatly appreciated!

I would reserve a car but also look into other transit options.

If you have never driven in the snow (on any side of the road) I wouldn;t want to head out into the highlands in a strange car under bad conditions.

But if you get there and the weather isn;t snowy you can go ahead with the rental car.

As to predicting the weather, only a fool would do that. The weather last year, even the weather 5 years ago, is no indicator as to what it'll be when you're there. Since you're traveling in December, I'd just wait until you are ready to head into the Highlands and then see what it's like. Seriously doubt you'll have a problem with last minute rental.Have a Plan B for train travel if the weather forecast makes driving uncomfortable for you.


Personally, I wouldn't use the bus in winter. Not fun waiting at those stops in the midst of a Scottish winter.

There is no train to Glencoe. What the road/weather conditions will be unknown (completely) until a few days (like 1 or 2 ) before you are there. Could be dry/decent, could be snowed in - and anything in between.

What is 100% known is that the days will be VERY short. Sunrise around 9AM and and sunset around 3:30PM.

It isn't a time of year I'd plan a car trip - because 1) the weather is so iffy, and 2) rental cars need to be booked ahead and fully pre-paid to get decent rates.

It honestly isn't the best time to wander the Highlands. What made you decide on rural Scotland in Dec?

IMHO we always reserve cars far in advance - but prepayment is not required - it is cancellable up until the day before with no charge.

Have not heard of not being able to cancel a rental car.

If one uses autoeurpoe, kemwel or the other brokers that get you decent rates - you do pre-pay . . .

If you go directly through Hertz/Avis etc then yes - you don't pay up front. But they cost more. If flexibility is important then you can't use the broker sites.

We're spending Christmas with family in Edinburgh, and I know it's not the ideal time of year, but we really wanted to explore a bit more of Scotland.

I'll be looking to see if there are any reasonable prices for rental car reservations I can cancel, if not it looks like we'll be taking the bus!

Thanks for you help!

I would ask your family for their thoughts based on their experience.

<i>What is 100% known is that the days will be VERY short. Sunrise around 9AM and and sunset around 3:30PM.</i>

And driving into the sun. - assuming there's any sun - can be a swine

I've used both Autoeurope and Kemwel, and while you prepay with them, you can cancel and get a refund of most or all of the charges, if you do it 3 days or more in advance. I think on Autoeurope, you can cancel if to the day before, but there is a $75 cancellation fee at that late date.