Northern Highlands & Route 500

Route 500

For those of you who do not really know what the ‘Route 500’ comprises, let me explain….

The Route 500 is a stunning 516 miles of visual delights around the very northern coastline of Scotland. It has been heralded as one of the most scenic routes in the world. The route starts and ends at Inverness Castle.

You will have heard of the iconic Route 66 in the USA, well, here you will enjoy the fabulous Route 500 in the far north of bonnie Scotland.

What to expect on the Route 500

This iconic route was launched in 2014 to showcase and promote the Northern Highlands. The initiative hopes to attract visitors to this rugged and somewhat isolated region of Scotland.

Route 500 Scotland

The Route 500, also referred to as the NC500 (North Coast 500) delivers so much for a memorable road trip. You will be absolutely blown away with the scenery ahead of you. Whether you enjoy the rugged mountains, hidden lochs or sandy beaches, you will have it all on this drive.

Along with this remarkable scenery, you will also be treated to fairy tale castles, award winning golf courses, wonderful Scottish hospitality and a rich history.

How to Complete the Route 500

This route is just perfect for cars, motorbikes, cyclists, camper vans and even walkers.

If you’re not driving your own vehicle, then there are lots of rental companies that will offer rentals for you. Camper vans and motor homes, in particular, are a very popular option for lots of visitors to the area.

Obviously, this form of camper van transport gives you the freedom to stop wherever your heart desires along this coastal route. In the summer holiday months, you will find lines of camper vans snaking around the landscape. On this note, if you can avoid this busy period, your driving experience will less stressful and more enjoyable.

If you are hiring your transport, you can fly directly to Inverness. Alternatively, hop on a train to the city centre. I drove up from London with my own car and took the opportunity to stop at the Lake District on the way up and in beautiful Northumberland on the return journey.

From the starting point of Inverness, you have the choice of going west towards the Applecross peninsula or east towards Wick. It really is a personal preference whether you choose to go clockwise or anticlockwise.

My 7 day itinerary suited my plans but really you can adapt it to last a lot longer. The outlying islands would make great add-on’s to your trip. You can experience life in the Outer Hebrides to the east or Shetlands and Orkney to the north. I took the opportunity of visiting there Isle of Skye.

Equally, If you wish to shorten your trip, you could potentially do it in 3 days but you would miss a lot of the beauty of this part of Scotland.

Scotland Route 500

Navigating the Route 500

Due to its recent popularity, the route has become much busier and I would most definitely suggest avoiding the school holidays. I went in October and there were still convoys of camper vans snaking round the roads.

You will also need to be mindful of the time of year as the beauty of this area is better showcased without blankets of fog or rainy skies. With this in mind I would suggest spring time or autumn.

Some of the roads are tricky. You will frequently come across narrow roads with hairpin bends and very steep edges. Neither will you be alone if you do find yourself clenching your steering wheel in trepidation or having to calm your ‘backseat drivers’!

Added to the challenging roads, do not be surprised to find yourself accompanied by sheep, lambs, deer or cows. All of which only makes this route even more fun.

Company on the Road

What you can expect to see on the Route 500

You may remember that The Proclaimers famously sang about walking 500 miles ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 miles). Now, is your chance to drive the ultimate 500 mile journey in the Highlands of Scotland. Starting from Scotland’s northernmost city, Inverness, on the banks of the River Ness, you can expect to experience:

  • remote country roads
  • some very windy and narrow roads
  • Stunning deserted beaches
  • natural beauty and tranquility
  • artisan gin and whisky distilleries
  • fresh seafood
  • picturesque lochs
  • wonderful golf courses
  • historic castles
  • outdoor activiites

Accommodation on Route 500

I found that the accommodation did vary on this trip. One day you could be living like a King or Queen in a grand castle and another day a comfortable B&B type property. The more luxurious stays were definitely found on the southernly areas of this route.

Due to the isolation of many of the villages, it is best to book in advance to secure your chosen accommodation. Take a look at my 7 Day Itinerary where you’ll find a number of options to help you with your plans.