Scotland's 'spookiest' road trip where drivers see ghosts and strange animals

Image of tree on Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Scotland taken at night.
-Credit: (Image: Billy Currie Photography / Getty Images)


Halloween is approaching, and it is rumoured that there are many haunted locations around Scotland.

With the country home to so many ancient castles and historic sites, it is no wonder that countless locals and visitors have reported spotted paranormal goings-on over the years. From ghost sightings to 'haunted' houses, Scotland is easily one of the spookiest destinations in the world.

According to Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, searches in the UK for 'most haunted road trip Scotland' have soared 350 per cent over the past year. As a result, the motoring experts have put together a list of the country's top Halloween road trip destinations.

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Among the road trips singled out by Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is the A75 linking Stranraer with the A74 at Gretna. This 95-mile stretch of road reportedly sees 50 monthly Google searches, with the experts stating that demand may increase as we approach Halloween.

With more reported sightings of paranormal activity than any other road in Scotland, drivers along the A75 have claimed to see everything from screaming women to a whole host of otherworldly beasts. Some have even reported phantom passersby jumping out onto the road.

Nationwide Vehicle Contract commented: "In the 1820s, this road was popular with grave robbers, and this dark history has led to paranormal activity in recent years. Travellers have reported encounters with phantom horse-drawn carriages, old women, and strange animals."

Crathes Castle
Crathes Castle dates back to the 16th century, and has been the site of many supposed paranormal sightings -Credit:Photo © Sandy Gerrard (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Another road trip destination among the most "haunted" in Scotland is Crathes Castle in the Aberdeenshire burgh of Banchory. According to the experts, there are 20 Google searches for 'Crathes Castle ghosts' per month in the UK.

The 16th-century castle is rumoured to be haunted by the restless spirit of the Green Lady, a ghost dressed in a green robe. Skeleton remains have also reportedly been spotted.

With its various turrets and towers, Crathes Castle makes for a perfect spooky destination on a moody October day. It is easily accessible by car, and is situated just 30 minutes out of Aberdeen.

See below for the full list of the "most haunted" road trip destinations in Scotland. More information can be found on the Nationwide Vehicle Contracts website.

The 'most haunted' road trips to take in Scotland

  • Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh

  • A75 Road linking Stranraer with the A74 at Gretna

  • Culloden Moor, Inverness

  • Crathes Castle, Banchory

  • Glen Coe, Highlands

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