10 road trip alternatives to the North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is one of the most popular road trips in the UK – and with 516-miles of spectacular shorelines, historic castles, windswept coastal towns and remote villages, it’s not hard to see the appeal.
It's becoming increasingly popular too – especially following a post-Covid boom in visitor numbers – with thousands now flocking every year to travel Scotland's 'most iconic route'.
However, there are a number of other off-the-beaten-track driving routes for an incredible break in Scotland.
In fact, a list of 10 alternative routes to the NC 500 has been put together by Four Seasons Campers, which offer customers a variety of unique road tours around Scotland.
The below road trips also guarantee an awe-inspiring experience – simply without the tourists that the NC 500 typically attracts. So you can enjoy a Scottish break packed with hidden gems and away from the crowds.
Spiritual Journey to the Atlantic
Explore castles, stone circles and beaches on this tour around Mull, Iona and Ardnamurchan, as you travel to the most westerly point on the UK mainland.
Liz Mackenzie, the owner of Four Seasons Campers, explains: “Take in Ardnamurchan Lighthouse and the beautiful white sands of Sanna Bay on the UK's most westerly mainland point, before taking the short ferry journey to the pretty coloured houses of Tobermory on Mull – where you can enjoy a dram of whisky at Tobermory Distillery as you watch the yachts enter the harbour.
"Drive north to the stunning Glass barn for some cheese sampling at Isle of Mull Cheese and onwards to Calgary Bay & the Art in Nature Sculpture Trail. Loop south and get the ferry to beautiful Iona with its bright white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water before porpoise spotting on the ferry back to the mainland."
Misty Mountain Trail
With a mix of dramatic landscapes, thrilling mountains and valley passes, this tour takes in Glencoe, Applecross and Loch Ness.
Liz says: “From the mystical valley of Glencoe, head north and past the impressive 5 Sisters of Kintail mountains, then over the infamous Bealach na Ba pass and Applecross, through mountainous Torridon and along Loch Maree to Garioch, then east towards the farmlands of Beauly and the remote Loch Affric Glen – home to ancient pinewoods and the rare Scottish wildcat. Loop south down by Loch Ness and back into the spectacular Nevis range of mountains for sighting or a hike of the UK's tallest mountain Ben Nevis."
East Coast Castle Trail
Featuring Scotland’s more rugged and remote landscapes, this road trip also takes in beautiful rural Perthshire before heading north to the pretty highland village of Braemar and the epic castles of Royal Deeside.
Liz adds: “Visit the pretty Perthshire village of Dunkeld with its stunning Gothic and Romanesque Cathedral before heading north through the rugged Cairngorm National Park and over the Spittal of Glenshee to reach the highland village of Braemar – best-known for its royal Highland Games. Meander along the river Dee passing a cluster of Castles including Balmoral, and the pretty traditional highland villages of Royal Deeside, before reaching the iconic Dunnottar Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the sea.
"Then loop back down to Scone Palace, one of Scotland’s most important historical sites and the crowning place of Scottish Kings."
Windswept Whisky Wonderland
This road trip takes you through the dreamy Mull of Kintyre and across the Atlantic to the pretty Inner Hebridean island of Islay – known mostly for its nine whisky distilleries and numerous golf courses. The unique micro-climate makes it a great off-season destination and a bird watcher's haven for sightings of Choughs, Eagles Hen Harriers and Osprey.
“Head west from Loch Lomond around the Argyll coast and enjoy what’s known as 'Britain’s most beautiful shortcut' with a walk or cycle along the Crinan Canal at the top of the Mull of Kintyre," Liz continues.
“Head south down the Kintyre peninsula with panoramic views over the Irish Sea. Then take the ferry to the Inner Hebridean island of Islay known as 'The Queen of the Hebrides' and hire some bikes to tour the distilleries and enjoy some whisky tasting and five star dining at one of the many restaurants."
Scotland in Miniature
Easily accessible and loved by locals who swarm here to their holiday homes every year, the beautiful island of Arran has incredible coastal views and is a foodie’s haven. A short ferry to the north onto the Mull of Kintyre completes a satisfying mini tour of this tranquil area of Scotland, Liz explains.
This tour takes you to the beautiful and easily accessible island of Arran with its golf courses, miniature mountains, array of Scottish produce and safe beaches.
Liz adds: “Take a gastro tour around the island and visit The Arran Chocolate Factory, Isle of Arran Cheeses, Blackwater Bakehouse, or head along to The Arran Butcher for some wild boar produce. And for your best friend try the Arran Dog Bakery for some healthy dog treats.
"Head to the north of the island to Lamlash and take the short ferry crossing over to the little known village of Skipness on the east coast of the Mull of Kintyre with its beautifully preserved 13th century castle overlooking Arran.”
Road to the Isles
This route takes you west along Scotland’s Road to the Isles and across to the Outer Hebrides, looping down from South Uist to the beautiful island of Vatersay. A beach lover’s dream, you’ll feel like you’ve found paradise as you meander over connecting causeways over the aquamarine ocean past stunning white beaches.
Liz explains: “Beginning along the aptly named Road to the Isles that runs between Fort William and Mallaig, this awesome road route takes in the stunning white beaches of Arisaig with views to the Small Isle of Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna as well as the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct made famous in Harry Potter.
“On reaching the pretty fishing village of Mallaig, depart on the ferry to the Outer Hebridean Island of South Uist. Drive south through the Uists and the causeways connecting land, lochs and machair making it ideal for wildlife spotting. Catch the ferry to Barra and watch the planes land on the beach before touring south through the rugged hills of Barra to the stunning beaches of Vatersay island – paradise on earth."
Outer Hebridean Odessey
This route passes through the popular island of Skye with its dramatic Cuillin mountain ranges and crosses over to the northerly Outer Hebridean islands of Harris and Lewis – with its rich cultural heritage and archaeological trail.
Tour through the popular island of Skye, taking in well-loved walks at the Quiraing and Neist Point, followed by the short crossing to the most northerly Outer Hebridean islands of Harris and Lewis, recommends Liz.
She says: “Explore these stunning islands visiting the weavers of Harris and their famous gin distillery. Take time to explore the abundance of magical white sandy beaches stretching mile after mile. Then head north and back in time into Lewis and the incredible Callanish Stones and Blackhouse Village. Enjoy whale spotting as you cross back down to the mainland at Ullapool and stop for some seafood at the Seafood Shack.”
Victorian explorers
Taking you back in in time, this route starts at the pretty Victorian tourist town of Pitlochry and winds it way west to Rannoch Station – where you can feast on tearoom treats as you gaze out onto the wilderness and the old West Highland Line that is still in use today.
Liz explains that this route starts at Loch Rannoch and Rannoch Station, one of the UK's remotest railway stations, which looks out upon the vast expanse of wilderness that is Rannoch Moor. Continuing north, it takes you through the popular Victorian town of Pitlochry, with its incredible dam and fish ladder, before heading north through Aviemore and the Cairngorm National Park rich in stunning lochans, mountain streams and Caledonian pine forests perfect for cycling or walking through.
Dolphin trail
The best place in Scotland to spot dolphins, this road route takes you round the Black Isle north of Inverness and along the warm waters of the Moray Firth before heading down through the Cairngorms national park.
Liz says: “The Black Isle and Moray Firth benefit from a unique micro-climate sheltered by Cairngorm mountains and Atlantic storms. Amazing for dolphin spotting, this route also includes some beautiful coastal towns and pretty fishing villages as well as endless pebbled beaches. For whisky lovers and whisky newbies, the Speyside area to the south is the perfect place to take a distillery tour or tasting with over 50 distilleries”
The Road Less Travelled
This route takes you an alternative way to Scotland’s most travelled one, over to Skye and takes a detour down to beautiful Glenelg and Loch Hourn before heading north over the ancient turn-style ferry to Skye.
Known for its rugged beauty, this alternative route to Skye travels through the mountains of Kintail then heads south of the Skye Bridge and takes you over the beautiful steep mountain pass to Glenelg with stunning views across Kyle of Lochalsh.
Liz recommends: “Enjoy a BBQ on the beach overlooking Skye at Glenelg and take a detour south past the beautifully preserved Glenelg Brochs to remote Loch Hourn, which looks out to the remote Knoydart peninsula.
"Finally, take the short ferry ride to Kylerhea on Skye on the ancient turn-style ferry as you watch the seals frolic in the rapids.”
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