Driving single-track roads courteously in the Highlands
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The short answer
A single-track road is only wide enough for one vehicle, so you share the passing places. When a car comes towards you, or someone behind wants to pass, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite one on your right. Never park in a passing place. Give way to uphill traffic when you can, and slow down for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and animals.
What the Highway Code says about passing places
Rule 155 starts by saying that single-track roads "are only wide enough for one vehicle", and that they may have special passing places. If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, the rule tells you to pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Highway Code rules 103 to 158 on GOV.UK set this out in full.
Passing places are for passing. A roof tent that blocks one, or a car parked in one, stops everyone behind you from getting by. If you need a break, stop somewhere that is clearly off the road and is not a passing place.
Who gives way, and when
Rule 155 asks you to give way to road users coming uphill whenever you can, so look ahead for oncoming traffic on a climb and be ready to stop in a passing place before the top. Pick your passing place early, while the oncoming car is still some way off, rather than leaving it until the last moment.
The same rule asks you to slow down when passing pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. Highway Code rule 215 goes further for horses: when you see one on a road, you should slow down to a maximum of 10 mph.
Reversing to a passing place
Rule 155 says that if it is necessary, you should reverse until you reach a passing place so the other vehicle can pass. Reversing on a narrow road is a skill you can practise in a quiet car park before you need it.
Highway Code rule 202 asks you to look carefully before you start reversing, use all your mirrors, and check the blind spot behind you. Check there are no pedestrians, particularly children, cyclists or other obstructions behind you. Reverse slowly, looking mainly through the rear window, and remember that the front of your car swings out as you turn. If you cannot see clearly, get someone to guide you.
Wildlife and livestock on the road
Rule 214 of the Highway Code says to drive slowly when you pass animals, leave a generous gap and be ready to stop. If a herd blocks the road, stop and switch off your engine until they have left it. It also asks you to keep your speed down at bends and on narrow country roads, and to be alert for animals on roads without fences.
Highway Code rule 58 covers animals being herded along a road. They should be kept under control at all times, and where possible someone should go ahead to warn road users, especially at bends or the top of a hill. Avoid moving animals after dark.
NatureScot's guidance on farm animals covers fields rather than roads. It says some animals, such as cows with calves, can react aggressively, so keep a safe distance and watch them carefully. NatureScot: farm animals is worth reading if you plan to walk near livestock.
Plan extra time with a loaded car or roof tent
A loaded car and a fitted roof tent change how tall and how heavy your car is, so the same road can take longer. Check the height of the car with the tent fitted before you set off, and plan the route so you are not racing the light on narrow roads. The overland vehicle prep checklist lists the checks to do before you leave.
If you are planning a longer trip, the NC500 in a roof tent guide covers a route with single-track roads, and the Dumfries and Galloway route covers another Scottish trip. Check the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and vehicles page before you park up away from a site.
FAQs
What should I do if a car comes towards me on a single-track road?
Pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right, as Highway Code rule 155 says. Do not park in a passing place (rule 156).
Who gives way on a single-track road if I am going uphill?
You should give way to road users coming uphill whenever you can, according to rule 155 of the Highway Code.
Do I need to stop for livestock on the road?
Drive slowly when you pass animals, and stop if a herd blocks the road until they have left it, switching off your engine while you wait (rule 214).
What speed should I use when I see a horse on a road?
Slow down to a maximum of 10 mph when you see a horse on a road, as rule 215 of the Highway Code says.
Next: check your height before you set off
Work out how tall your car is with the roof tent fitted using the vehicle height calculator.
More in Vehicle prep
Sources
- Highway Code rules 155 and 156: single-track roads, passing places, giving way uphill, slowing for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, not parking in passing places (checked )
- Highway Code rule 202: reversing carefully, using mirrors, checking behind for people and obstructions, getting a guide if you cannot see clearly (checked )
- Highway Code rule 214: driving slowly past animals, stopping when a herd blocks the road, keeping speed down on narrow country roads; rule 215: slowing to a maximum of 10 mph when you see a horse on a road (checked )
- Highway Code rule 58: herded animals kept under control, warning road users ahead at bends and the brow of a hill (checked )
- NatureScot's Scottish Outdoor Access Code guidance on farm animals: some animals, such as cows with calves, can react aggressively, so keep a safe distance and watch them; it covers fields rather than roads (checked )