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The Stelvio Pass, Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway. Some roads are famed for spirited driving and joyous road trips. However, you might not expect to find one of the best driving vacations in the world in Scotland. Think again; the impossibly gorgeous NC 500 will hit every wicket of your road trip and travel dreams. 

The North Coast 500 is 500 miles of unforgettable, world-class road trip

The North Coast 500 (NC 500) is a swooping, looping stretch of connected roads in Scotland. But it’s more than a way to get around Scotland’s complicated landscape. It’s 500 miles of the country’s most beautiful seaside cliffs, ocean vistas, rolling hills, and dark, mysterious lochs.

Better yet, Americans and other tourists with passports can fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow, grab a train to Inverness, and rent a car to tackle the 500-mile stretch without a supplemental license. Travelers can pick up a rental in Inverness and hit the road following Scotland’s Northwestern coast up to John o’Groats before heading around the country’s northern lands. For the more adventurous, ferries await to take you to Orkney, Shetland, and other north-coast islands. 

Performance and collector cars on a road trip at the Royal Hotel in Ullapool on the NC 500.
A series of performance and collector cars at the Royal Hotel in Ullapool | Erik Sherman, MotorBiscuit

However, don’t expect smooth ribbons of pavement throughout the entire 500 miles. No, no, there are portions of the NC 500 with dusty, single-lane routes featuring passing places on the left and right for the sake of traffic flow. Conversely, more recently paved stretches feature glassy tops akin to winding rivers. Spectacular (imagine the best Mark Strong impression I could muster).

Of course, visiting drivers don’t have to cover the 500-mile loop counter-clockwise (or anti-clockwise, for that matter). You can read about my experiences on the NC 500 in a separate article here!

The harbor in Ullapool showcases glassy water on the shoulder of the NC 500.
Ullapool’s harbor in the NC 500 route | Erik Sherman, MotorBiscuit

Just because your NC 500 drive comes to an end, doesn’t mean the fun is over

Oh, and for the whisky connoisseur, the NC 500 delivers. After all, scotch whisky is a time-honored product of Scotland and its tiny islands. World-famous distilleries like Glenmorangie, Balblair, and Dalmore aren’t far off your North Coast loop. Just make sure you take a designated driver along with you.

Better yet, should you conclude your trip in Inverness, it’s all too easy to continue your tour of the British Isles by rail. There are scenic trains to take you to Glasgow, Edinburgh, or even the sprawling metropolis that is London. Happy travels!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).