North Coast 500: Your Guide to Scotland's Greatest Road Trip

Dont just drive the North Coast 500. Experience it.

Driving the North Coast 500? Good choice. Winding through Scotlands northern Highlands, this unforgettable route is one of the UKs greatest road trips. But driving it isnt about racing from one stop to the next its about slowing down and soaking it all in.

North Coast 500 helps you do just that. Written by Scotland expert Rachel Laidler, and published in association with North Coast 500 Ltd, 2025, this refreshingly honest guide takes you beyond the road and into the heart of the Highlands. Its packed with local insights, epic landscapes and must-do experiences, such as hiking through the cinematic mountains of Assynt and Torridon; sipping on whiskey at the centuries-old Balblair distillery; and taking a sustainable fishing trip with Ian and his plucky dog Dubh.

Inside North Coast 500 youll find:

• 100+ handpicked highlights, from the hairpin bends of the Bealach na B to historic Dunrobin Castle
• the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay, like a smokehouse near Applecross and a woodland cabin close to Ullapool
• off-the-beaten-track detours, so you can explore even more of the Scottish Highlands
• practical tips to plan your trip, travel safely and tread lightly
• what3words for every stop so youll never get lost

So what are you waiting for? Whether you're driving the full loop or dipping into a section, this is the only guide you need for a North Coast 500 road trip to remember.