Scottish circular road trips across cute villages, sturdy muouts and vast lakes are known as the “most beautiful” of the world.
Created only in 2015, the North Coast 500 takes you through 516 miles of stunning coastal views, white sandy beaches and remote fishing villages.
The website describes it as “Scottish Ultimate Road Trip” and “one of the most beautiful things in the world.” This is an assertion supported by travel bloggers and rankings.
The journey begins and ends in Inverness, the capital of the highlands. Before you leave town, make sure to visit a tree-lined river stroll and a small cluster of Ness Islands at the edge of the Victorian suspension bridge.
After leaving the base, you may have the opportunity to see dolphins at Shannonley Point. You will then climb the East Coast to places like Dunrobin Castle, visit the sharp turrets and well-maintained gardens beyond, before ending up in Wick, the seaside town of Viking settlement.
Next, you will run around the cape to reach the iconic John O'Groat. There you can take mandatory photos at the northernmost point. While you are there, you can take a day trip and visit the wild and remote Orkney Islands.
When driving along the Northern Straight, you may want to stop by Melvich Beach, which is protected shortly after walking along the grassy dunes. Speaking to the beach, you can visit two deadly views, taking in powdery sand and untouched views before heading back south.
If you choose a coastal route you're coming back, there are winding singletrack roads that can make the place very narrow, but reward you with stunning views including Lake A' Childubine.
You might also want to check out Lake Maree, a large freshwater lake said to have its own monster called Muc-Sheilch.
Before returning to Inverness, you can drive through the Birachnaba, a famous twisted mountain path in the Scottish highlands.
