Scotland’s Answer to Route 66

As Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the breath-taking NC500 route is a great way to explore. It will take you on an invigorating journey through the Scottish Highlands, along the jagged coastline towards striking untouched landscapes, iconic landmarks, remote communities, diverse wildlife and beautiful hidden gems.

You can start in the bustling city of Inverness in Lochardil House, the capital of the Highlands, and take the NC500 route towards the stunning west coast. Here, you can wander along white sand beaches and look out to crystal clear azure seas as you visit awe-inspiring destinations such as the fairy tale Eilean Donan Castle and the village of Plockton, the Jewel of the Highlands, where you can enjoy a relaxing stay at Plockton Inn.

After a visit to Applecross and Torridon, journey further along the coast towards the remote northwest Highlands. Beautiful yet rugged, the winding northerly roads will reward you with some of the best views in Scotland. Stop over for a few days in Assynt at Kylesku Hotel or Newton Lodge to explore the mountainous terrain of the local area, stunning unspoilt beaches, thriving local wildlife and iconic NC500 destinations such as Kylesku Bridge and Ullapool.

Venture even further North towards Durness, Tongue and Thurso to discover spectacular coastline views along some of the most northerly beaches in mainland Scotland and join us in our Tongue Hotel. You can even travel as far as the iconic John o’ Groats, the northernmost inhabited point in mainland Great Britain.

Journeying back towards Inverness along the east coast, eastern Sutherland is an area not to be missed. Vast and varied, the east coast will offer you a new perspective. While the mountains ease and give way to flatter land, the landscape makes space for an abundance of coastal villages such as Dornoch and Brora, picturesque lochs and rivers, traditional whisky distilleries, historic castles and award-winning golf courses that surround the Royal Golf and Royal Marine hotels.