Discover over 500 miles of stunning Highland scenery, including remote sandy beaches, rugged mountains, and timeless towns, cities, and villages. Explore hidden glens and mountains with history dating back to the Neolithic age, offering breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences on the North Coast 500, Scotland's alternative to Route 66 in the US—a road trip full of adventure.
Begin your action-packed adventure at the Steading Highland Glen Lodge. Enjoy a home-cooked meal and a restful night's sleep before starting your day with a hearty breakfast. From the Steading, journey to Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, along the scenic Loch Ness, where the North Coast 500 begins and ends, forming a loop around the northern Highlands.
Visit Cannich, the gateway to the spectacular National Nature Reserve of Glen Affric. Explore the surrounding Glens of Cannich and Strathfarrar. The Steading offers easy access to Loch Ness, the Nessy exposition in the famous village of Drumnadrochit, and Inverness, providing transport links all over the UK and beyond.
Enjoy easy access to climbing nearby Munros, cycling the glens, fishing in the rivers, or trying numerous beautiful walks. The best time to drive the North Coast 500 is between May and October when most attractions and restaurants are open, offering a variety of accommodations from grand country houses to quaint bed and breakfasts to suit all budgets, and the best chances for good weather and long sunny days.
Start your journey from Inverness, driving up the east coast of Scotland to the very top of the UK. Spot dolphins at Chanonry Point on the Black Isle Peninsula, visit the cities of the far north, Thurso and Wick, and book a ferry trip to the many islands along the way, visiting amazing museums, castles, and wildlife-filled scenery.
Continue along the far north coast of Scotland to see the John O'Groats sign and the incredible Duncansby Head Stacks at the most northerly tip of the UK. Drive along the beautiful coast from Durness to Ullapool, out onto the islands, and visit Gairloch, Lochinver, and Assynt. Explore the Torridon mountains of Wester Ross, take a detour to the Isle of Skye, then head back towards the city of Inverness. This is just a small part of the North Coast 500, with much more to explore—this route will keep you coming back for more.