Scottish Winter Road-Trip Tips

How to prepare for a winter road-trip in Scotland

As someone who undertakes frequent Scottish road trips at all times of year I have had the misfortune of experiencing more than one winter weather setback.  Having been stuck in snow blocked roads, caught behind road accidents and diverted by landslides I've learned a few techniques that have helped make life easier by careful planning to avoid similar situations and helping me survive endless hours in the car after been caught up in unavoidable incidents.  As the weather starts to worsen I thought I would share with you some of my tips for planning and surviving a winter road trip in Scotland.

Planning Tips

It should go without saying to make sure your car has a winter service each year and before you set off make sure your oil, antifreeze and windscreen wash is topped up.  It is better to use winter specific windscreen wash and carry an extra bottle as the salt and grit from the roads generally means you have to clean your windscreen more than normal.  Check your tyres, including your spare and ideally take out some road-side assistance.

Here are my five other tips to help you plan ahead and potentially avoid any travel setbacks

1. if you are planning a long trip in a rural area then it is sensible to make sure you have a full tank of fuel as delays or diversions can lead to a longer than planned journey and petrol stations in rural areas can be hard to come by and have limited opening hours.  It is useful to make a note of petrol and garage locations along your route in case you do encounter any problems.

2. Check the weather forecast not just for your destination but also your intended route as the conditions in Scotland can be dramatically different even over short distances.  Before setting off I always check the Traffic Scotland website for any incidents or road closures and I personally recommend downloading the Traveline App which will keep you up to date with all road and transport information.

3.  If you are not familiar with your route and don't have access to a SatNav then printing off a map of the general area you will be travelling to will be helpful if you do have to take a diverted road and need to work out new directions.

4.  Let someone know your route and your estimated time of arrival as in rural areas you may not have a phone signal to let them know you are delayed.  If you don't turn up when expected it will be easy for them to check for any incidents that may have caused your setback and if you do run into trouble without a phone signal at least someone will know where to look for you!

5.  Make sure your mobile phone is charged up and that you have stored any emergency numbers you might need such as your vehicle recovery company or insurance company with your membership numbers.

Most of all allow extra time for your journey so you won't have to rush in difficult driving conditions, pay attention to roadside information boards and try and stick to main roads that will be gritted and clear of snow.

Survival Kit

​There are a few things that I would recommend keeping in your car throughout the winter as a survival kit if the worst does happen.  Hopefully you won't need them but from personal experience being stuck for hours it is best to be prepared! Things I have in my own survival kit include

• Blanket to keep warm if you get stuck
• Torch and spare batteries 
• Bottled water and food that will keep like energy bars or crisps, personally I have a stash of flapjacks!
• Car Phone charger
• Snow Boots, Gloves, Hat & Jacket
• Ice scraper
• De-icer
• Snow shovel
• Book to pass the long hours
• Water

Thanks to Peter Johnstone for leaving a comment with these additional suggestions

• Pieces of carpet or thick cardboard to place under the wheels to help gain traction on ice or deep snow
• ​A small bag of salt, sand or even cat litter to clear snow and ice for traction
• ​A reflective jacket, if you have to get out of the vehicle
• ​A tow rope
• ​Snow chains (if you are in a remote or rural area)
• ​Battery jump leads

Thanks to Val for also suggesting

• Loo roll and disposable bags

​Before setting off I also fill up a flask of hot water which can be used for drinks to keep warm with a couple of sachets of hot chocolate.

​So that is how I plan for a Scottish winter roadtrip, if you have any ideas for planning or things you include in your survival kit feel free to share them.  Happy and safe winter driving!

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