Driving The North Coast 500 – ‘Scotland’s Route 66’

Scotland’s famous for breath-taking lochs, glens and mountains and you can experience all of these attractions and more by driving the North Coast 500 – an amazing road trip that takes you all around the rugged coastline of the north of Scotland on a wonderful four-wheeled Highland fling.
Ready for adventure? Let’s roll!

​The Route

Starting at Inverness (near Loch Ness, the abode of the fabled monster) and driving clockwise, you’ll pass Muir of Ord, Applecross, Gairloch, Ullapool, Scourie, Durness, Thurso, John O’Groats, Wick, Dunrobin Castle, Dingwall and then drive back through Muir of Ord to Inverness.

The route is actually 516 miles (830km) long and also takes you through many famous spots on the West Highland Way, Scotland’s most famous hiking route. 
You’ll pass through six sublime Scottish regions – Black Isle, Caithness, Easter Ross, Inverness-shire, Sutherland and Wester Ross, all of which offer lots of unique sights and experiences.

​The Black Isle

The Black Isle is a peninsula, rather than an island, and it’s also far more green than black (the name is believed to have stemmed from a linguistic mix-up between ‘dubh’, the Gaelic word for black, and a local saint named ‘Duthac’). 
You’ll find verdant farmland, excellent craft beer (not for consumption when driving!), beautiful waterfalls and it’s a brilliant place to spot dolphins.

Caithness

Caithness is nestled on the most north easterly part of the North Coast 500 and its expansive landscape is known as the flow country. 
The coastline here is amazing and the unique topographical features include terrific sea stacks which rise imperiously from the water.

Easter Ross

An ancient Pictish area, Easter Ross oozes history and romance – from the three Seaboard Villages of Shandwick, Ballintore and Hilton to the unusual hilltop Fyrish Monument near Alness, which will reward you with brilliant views, it’ll set your pulse racing.
This is also one of the heartlands of whisky and is home to the famous Glenmorangie, Dalmore and Balblair distilleries.

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​Inverness-shire

Inverness is the capital of the Scottish Highlands and legend has it that the locals (Invernesians) speak the clearest English of any populace in Britain – whether or not this is true, their accent certainly features lovely lilting cadences. 
The route begins and ends here and you’ll find terrific traditional food here (try the haggis), Scottish music (dance at a Ceilidh) and relaxing riverside walks.

Sutherland

Sutherland accounts for much of the North Coast 500 and it’s been named ‘Europe’s Last Great Wilderness’.
Here you’ll pass dramatic castles, remote fishing communities and some of Scotland’s best golf courses.

Wester Ross

A hidden gem, Wester Ross features fantastic hill lochs (yes, that’s a thing!) misty mountains and wonderful beaches that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean.
From the Applecross Peninsula you’ll see an outstanding vista that stretches across to the Isle of Skye.

Getting there and getting around

You can hire a UK car online from Enjoy Travel and Check skyscanner.net for the best prices on flights to Scotland.

And so ends our run-down of the North Coast 500 – we hope you loved it.
Have you tackled the North Coast 500? Let us know in the comments section!