Without stopping, you could probably drive the NC500 in a few days. Want to travel with your own car? Get in touch for a special reduced rate on these Scotland self-drive packages. Or you could train up to Inverness to start from here. Pick up a car in Edinburgh or Glasgow and dip into the Scottish Highlands before reaching the North Coast 500. The best way to experience the Route 66 of Scotland is by driving. Here are a few tips before you take on this driving route: Rent a car This is what dream road trips are made of! It winds along the coastline, incorporating steep mountain passes, single-track roads, and twisting bends. This scenic loop will take you around 6 regions: Inverness-shire, Black Isle, Caithness, Sutherland, Easter Ross, and Wester Ross. Known as the “Capital of the Highlands,” it is located at the centre of the Scottish Highlands.ĭive into local heritage with culture and history tours of Scotland

You could also take some time to discover the Inverness area, before or after your trip. For each section of the road, we’ve included the top highlights you could add to your itinerary.Īlong the first stretch of the road, you’ll head north following the east coast. You’ll easily be able to fill your days with excursions and exploration. There are so many attractions, natural sights, and villages to take in along the way. Related: Scotland's most beautiful beaches Stop by the northernmost tip of mainland Scotland and Britain Taste the famous whisky at distilleries or pubs It’s the place to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions of this Celtic nation.

It’s not just a dream road trip with open roads and fantastic stops. As previously mentioned, explore the North Coast 500 route and enjoy some of the most iconic Scottish sights and activities. The longer answer involves a few more adjectives. From Applecross, you can close the loop or pop across to the Isle of Skye for even more incredible sights.ĭiscover more remote corners with these off-the-beaten-path tours of Scotland You’ll then follow the northern coastline, passing through Durness before going south to the whitewashed Ullapool. Kick things off in style before setting off clock- or anticlockwise.Īnticlockwise will take you to the northernmost point of Scotland and Britain. The loop starts and ends in Inverness, at Inverness Castle to be exact. Imagine gold sand beaches with turquoise waters, heather-covered hills, and rocky cliffs with sweeping sea views. You can also expect an impressive natural backdrop to it all. The route is dotted with historic sights, charming fishing villages, and whisky distilleries. It was launched and branded as the Scottish Route 66 in 2015 and has grown in popularity since. This circuit winds its way along the coastline of the north Highlands. In fact, it is an 830-kilometre (516-mile) long scenic route. The North Coast 500 (NC500) is named this way because it is around 500 miles long. Related: A local expert's 5 best road trips in Scotland.You’ll get to know what to expect of this iconic drive, highlights and winding roads alike.īrowse these North Coast 500 self-drive tours To prepare for your trip, continue reading our guide to the farthest reaches of the Scottish mainland. Thrilling roads and spectacular natural and cultural stops along the way.

Or maybe you’re coming from a bit further afield? Did you know that this region of the Highlands is recognised as Scotland’s Route 66? Expect all the highlights of a dream self-drive tour. The NC500 is a good choice for a UK staycation that promises stunning coastal scenery, Caribbean-like beaches, and plenty of hiking opportunities. Looking for road trip ideas? Want to visit Scotland? Well, we have the ideal destination just for you.

Route 66 road trip planner