Scotland might not be the first image you conjure when you think of driving holidays. However, my motorcycle and driving experiences on the country’s roads years ago were so memorable that I decided to return for yet another adventure. This time, however, I had my sights set on the North Coast 500, a stunning loop of Scotland that draws tens of thousands of visitors every year. 

The North Coast 500 is a stunning, 516-mile showcase of some of Scotland’s most beautiful vistas

Being an adult college student attending university on the GI Bill, I had the benefit (in this case) of age and experience. So, while other students were limited to public transportation exclusively, I stole away to Cupar and hired a Suzuki SV650 motorcycle. On that trip, I cruised some of the roads in the Highlands, Inverclyde, and the areas around Dundee. 

On another occasion, my wife and I took a BMW 1 Series around Loch Lomond to the country’s west coast. We loaded the little Bimmer on a ferry and took it to Islay for a much-anticipated whisky pilgrimage. Needless to say, my time driving Scotland’s roads demanded a repeat visit. 

Years later, after COVID-19 shut down the country and made travel all but impossible, my wife and I returned to drive the North Coast 500. However, instead of a 1 Series, we were armed with a Jeep Compass. Of course, with some of the North Coast 500’s better stretches of curvaceous pavement, I did miss the little Bimmer. 

Our driving adventure started in Inverness, Scotland, the “Capital of the Highlands.” We trekked up the country’s east coast, driving past many of the country’s beautiful fishing villages. The route is dotted with scenic viewpoints and historic locations, displaying everything from castle ruins to cliffs overlooking gorgeous shores. Should you attempt the North Coast 500, you may want to give yourself plenty of time. Over a week if you can. 

After tackling the East Coast in our Jeep Compass 4xe PHEV, we overnighted in John O’Groats. The almost comically windy ville is on the country’s northeastern shore, the furthest you can get from Land’s End in Cornwall, England. It’s also a natural stopping point on the NC 500, as its fairweather views of the islands are nothing short of breathtaking. 

The next few days of driving in Scotland took us around the country’s north coast and down the east toward Ullapool. In contrast to the rising and falling cliffs of the east and north, the west coast reveals Hebridean shores doing their best Caribbean island impressions. Turquoise waters and yellow sands butt right up to lush, verdant landscapes and heather.

Our morning in Ullapool involved watching an entire column of Porsche 996-generation 911 GT3s depart the Royal Hotel. While that might seem out-of-place for a town of around 1,500 people, the location is a popular petrolhead hang-out and overnight stop. Still, while the Porsches took off to attack to the North, we were on the backend of our drive. After returning our Jeep, we hopped a ScotRail train back down to Glasgow and its urban landscape. 

Notably, we tackled the North Coast 500 before the tourist season. That said, you may want to schedule your Scottish driving adventure for the off-season as well. At this point, the 500+ mile loop is a major tourist attraction. Understandably so; It’s impossibly beautiful.