North Coast 500
United Kingdom, europe
830 km
626 m
moderate
May to September
The North Coast 500, often called Scotland's Route 66, is a 516-mile (830-kilometer) circular route around the Scottish Highlands starting and ending at Inverness Castle. Launched in 2015, it follows the coastline through some of the most remote and spectacular scenery in the British Isles, taking in the counties of Sutherland, Caithness, Ross-shire, and Wester Ross.
The route traverses a landscape shaped by some of the oldest rocks on Earth, past white sand beaches that rival the Caribbean in clarity if not in temperature, through dramatic mountain passes like Bealach na Ba (the Pass of the Cattle) which climbs to 626 meters with Alpine-style switchbacks. Highlights include the castle of Dunrobin, the stacks of Duncansby, the vast sandy beach of Sandwood Bay, and the geological wonders of Knockan Crag. Single-track roads with passing places are common, requiring patience and courtesy from drivers.
Where is it?
North Coast 500 is located in Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (europe). Coordinates: 58.2088, -5.0338
Driving Tips
Drive clockwise to stay on the coastal side. Allow 5-7 days minimum. The Bealach na Ba is steep and not for the faint-hearted. Midges are fierce in summer so bring repellent.
Road Surface
Mixed, many single-track sections
Road Details
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Scottish Highlands
- Length
- 830 km
- Max Elevation
- 626 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Mixed, many single-track sections
- Best Season
- May to September
- Coordinates
- 58.2088, -5.0338
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