Scotland’s North Coast 500 Route

Uncover 500 miles of stunning scenery and fascinating history in the North Highlands along the iconic North Coast 500 route, which is set to become Scotland’s answer to the USA’s Route 66 and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

This 500 mile journey of a lifetime boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in Europe – wild mountains and lochs, foaming salmon rivers, rugged coastlines with mighty sea cliffs and secluded sandy bays, traditional crofts and large farms, fishing villages and bustling towns and a fine selection of visitor attractions. In fact Travel Now magazine has placed the North Coast 500 route in fifth place in a list of ‘six of the best’ coast road trips on the planet.

Plan Your Trip

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

On your first day, visit Wester Ross and take in the striking mountains of Torridon and the sea lochs that cut into this stunning part of the Highlands. Make the epic road journey to Applecross and, further north, visit the splendid Inverewe Garden at Poolewe. Look out for wildcats, sea eagles and pine martens at the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve Reserve, on the shores of beautiful Loch Maree. Overnight Ullapool area.

Day 2

On your second day, journey north to Cape Wrath lighthouse through breathtaking Assynt scenery. You’ll always remember the brilliant moment when you first gazed across the 3,000 million year old landscape of the North West Highlands Geopark. See the grand peaks of Suilven and Stac Pollaidh and be amazed by the rugged terrain of the far north west as you revel in this true wilderness. Overnight Durness area.

Day 3

Travel further east and discover the Pictish and Viking mysteries of Caithness or some archaeological gems along the Strathnaver Trail. Reach the most northerly point of the British mainland at Dunnet Head and witness the remarkable Stacks of Duncansby. Overnight Thurso area.

Day 4

On your last day, discover beautiful Easter Ross, an area full of wonderful castles and distilleries. Follow the Highland Pictish Trail from Inverness to Dunrobin Castle. Don’t forget to stop for a refreshment at the Glenmorangie Distillery or the Black Isle Brewery. Overnight Beauly area.

Enquire Now