North Coast 500
United Kingdom, europe
830 km
626 m
moderate
May to September
# Scotland's North Coast 500: A Road Trip Adventure
Ever heard of Scotland's answer to Route 66? Welcome to the North Coast 500—a mind-blowing 516-mile (830-kilometer) loop around the Scottish Highlands that'll make you forget all about desert highways. Starting and finishing at Inverness Castle, this relatively young route (it only launched in 2015) has quickly become the stuff of road trip legends.
What makes this journey so special? You're basically driving through some of the wildest, most jaw-dropping scenery the British Isles have to offer. As you wind through Sutherland, Caithness, Ross-shire, and Wester Ross, you're literally traveling across rocks that have been here for billions of years—we're talking ancient stuff that makes you feel pretty small.
The scenery is genuinely stunning. Expect pristine white sand beaches that could honestly rival the Caribbean (okay, maybe skip the swimming), plus dramatic mountain passes that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Bealach na Ba—the Pass of the Cattle—is particularly epic, climbing 626 meters with proper Alpine-style hairpin turns that'll test your nerve and your car's suspension.
Along the way, you've got incredible stops like the fairytale Dunrobin Castle, the rugged Duncansby stacks, the sprawling Sandwood Bay, and the geological showstopper that is Knockan Crag. Fair warning though: the roads are often single-track with passing places, so you'll need patience, good manners, and the ability to reverse smoothly. It's all part of the charm.
Where is it?
North Coast 500 is located in Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (europe). Coordinates: 58.2088, -5.0338
Driving Tips
# Road Trip Tips for the Highlands
Head clockwise around the route if you want to hug the coast — it's way more scenic that way. Give yourself at least 5-7 days to really enjoy it without feeling rushed.
Fair warning: the Bealach na Ba is legit steep and twisty. If you're not comfortable with dramatic mountain passes, you might want to skip it or take it slowly. No shame in that!
One more thing — if you're going in summer, the midges can be absolutely brutal. Pack some decent insect repellent, or you'll be swatting bugs instead of enjoying the views. Seriously, don't skip this step.
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
Related Roads in europe
hardWhat’s the highest paved road of the Pyrenees?
🌍 Andorra
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Port d'Envalira! This beauty sits way up high in Andorra's Encamp parish, topping out at a cool 2,408 meters (that's 7,900 feet!). Think you've seen high roads? This might just be the highest *paved* one in the Pyrenees! The route, known as CG-2, stretches for 32.1 km (almost 20 miles) from Les Escaldes to El Pas de la Casa, practically kissing the French border. Heads up: in 2002, a tunnel (2,879 meters long) was built to bypass the trickiest section. This tunnel is said to be the highest in the Pyrenees! You can usually cruise this pass year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter – things can get dicey and lead to closures. Speaking of dicey, this climb is no joke. It's been part of the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, so expect some steep sections, with gradients hitting 11.1% in places! Oh, and did I mention the 15 hairpin turns? Budget around 45-60 minutes to drive the whole thing without stops. But trust me, you'll *want* to stop. The views are incredible! So plan some extra time to soak it all in. If you're looking for high adventure in Andorra, this is your road!
hard1. The M40 Corridor: From Central London to Warwick
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: escaping London. Sounds dreamy, right? But first, you gotta navigate the beast. We're talking Congestion Charge zones, ULEZ nightmares, and orbital motorways that seem to stretch on forever. Don't worry, I've got the insider scoop to get you outta town and onto those epic driving roads in the Midlands and the North. First up, the M40 corridor toward Warwick. Think of Warwick Castle, built by William the Conqueror back in 1066. For us drivers, it's a signal—the urban sprawl is finally fading! The M40 is your ticket to the winding Cotswolds roads, avoiding the M1's truck-heavy traffic. Now, about tackling Central London... The London Eye area is a total sensory overload. Ancient streets and pedestrian zones make it a real challenge. Make sure your ride is ULEZ-compliant, or you'll be slapped with a fine. Headed towards the Peak District? The M1 is your friend. Just be prepared for some serious lane merging and high-speed trucks near the M1/M25 interchange. Stay sharp! Finally, those river crossings! The Tower Bridge and Dartford Crossing are vital escape routes. A closure can ruin your weekend, forcing you onto those dark, twisty rural roads. So, plan ahead, check for delays, and get ready to trade city lights for stunning landscapes!
hardWhere is Collado de Orgambide?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Spain and France, high up in the Pyrenees at Collado de Orgambide (or Col d'Orgambide, if you're feeling French!). This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 11.2 km (7ish mile) adventure from the charming Spanish town of Orbaizeta, winding its way up to meet the D428 road in France. The road surface? Let's just say it keeps things interesting with some stretches of concrete thrown in for good measure. Get ready for some seriously steep sections that will test your driving skills. And here's the kicker: it's narrow. Like, *really* narrow. Think "squeeze-by-another-car-with-inches-to-spare" narrow. But trust me, the panoramic views from the top are totally worth the white knuckles. The scenery is absolutely stunning!
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering the Pas de Bellecombe
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're on Réunion Island, ready for an epic adventure to Pas de Bellecombe, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,361m. The road you'll be cruising is Route Forestière 5 du Volcan, aka Volcano Road. It's paved, but hold on tight – it's a steep climb! Pro-tip: sun protection is a must. The lava reflects like crazy, so you'll want sunscreen and a hat, even if it seems clear. And be prepared for the weather to change on a dime; fog can roll in fast. Give yourself plenty of time to be safe! The road stretches for 22.6 km, climbing 743m. That’s an average gradient of 3.28%. When you get to the top, there's a parking lot and even a snack bar! The view over the northeast part of the caldera is incredible. Just a heads up, the final stretch is on a decent gravel road, so be ready for that.