Over The Top

A relaxed first day that takes you from Edinburgh into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.

The drive is straightforward and the scenery improves dramatically once you pass Perth. By the time you reach Aviemore you’ll already feel like you’re in another world — vast forests, dramatic mountains, and that special Highland light.

This is a great place to settle in for the evening. Take a walk in the ancient Caledonian pinewoods or just enjoy the mountain air. Tomorrow you’ll continue north toward Inverness.

A very relaxed day with minimal driving, giving you the chance to properly enjoy the Cairngorms before moving on.

Spend the morning exploring — there are excellent walking trails around Rothiemurchus and Glenmore. If you’re lucky you might spot red squirrels or even a capercaillie.

In the afternoon it’s a short and scenic drive to Inverness. You can stop at Loch Ness on the way if you fancy a quick visit to Urquhart Castle.

Inverness makes a good base for the night before you head to the far north tomorrow.

A scenic day that takes you from Inverness right to the top of Scotland.

The route follows the A9 and then the A836 up the northeast coast. It’s mostly single-track in places with stunning sea views. You’ll pass through small fishing villages and wild moorland before finally reaching John O’Groats.

This is the most northerly point on the British mainland. Take time to stand at the famous signpost and look out across the Pentland Firth toward Orkney.

Dunnet Head, just a short detour west, is actually the true most northerly point and well worth the extra drive for the dramatic cliffs.

A fantastic day driving the wild north coast of Scotland.

The road from John O’Groats to Durness is one of the most beautiful and least crowded coastal routes in the country. You’ll pass through tiny villages, dramatic cliffs, and wide open moorland with constant sea views.

Highlights include the beautiful beaches around Bettyhill and the stunning Kyle of Tongue.

By late afternoon you’ll arrive in Durness — a remote and friendly village at the northwest corner of Scotland. This is a great base for exploring Cape Wrath and the surrounding area tomorrow.

A slow, exploratory day based around Durness.

This is one of the highlights of the whole trip. From Durness you can:

• Take the ferry and minibus to Cape Wrath — the most north-westerly point of mainland Britain.
• Visit the spectacular Smoo Cave.
• Walk the beautiful beaches at Balnakeil and Durness.

This is proper wild Scotland. Take your time, explore the single-track roads, and soak up the remoteness. Many people say this is their favourite part of the entire NC500.

You’ll stay in the Durness area again tonight so you can make the most of this special corner of Scotland.

A relaxed and scenic day driving south along the northwest coast.

The road is mostly single-track with passing places and offers constant views of the sea and dramatic hills. You’ll pass through the tiny village of Scourie (home of the excellent Corfter’s Kitchen) and continue down to Kylesku.

Kylesku itself is a beautiful spot where three sea lochs meet. It’s a wonderfully remote and peaceful place to spend the night.

Take it easy today — this is exactly the kind of slow, beautiful driving the Fortnight version is designed for.

An unforgettable day driving through the wild and otherworldly landscape of Assynt.

This is proper Highland wilderness. The mountains here (especially Suilven, Canisp, and Quinag) rise dramatically from the moorland like giant isolated peaks. The scenery is completely unique.

You’ll pass through the pretty fishing village of Lochinver before continuing south to Ullapool.

Take your time today. There are countless places to stop, take photos, and simply soak in how remote and beautiful this part of Scotland is. Many people consider Assynt the highlight of the entire NC500.

A big but rewarding day as you head south from Ullapool toward Fort William.

You’ll drive through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Scotland as you pass the Torridon peaks. Later in the day, make sure to take the short detour to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This is the famous Harry Potter bridge, and it’s even more impressive in real life — especially if you time it with the Jacobite Steam Train.

You’ll finish the day in the Fort William area, ready for the return journey tomorrow.

A fitting finale as you head home.

From Fort William you drive south through the stunning Glencoe valley — one of the most dramatic and historic landscapes in Scotland. Take your time here. The views of Buachaille Etive Mòr are spectacular, and there are several good spots to stop and take photos or go for a short walk.

From Glencoe it’s a straightforward drive back to Edinburgh, arriving in the afternoon or early evening.

This has been a proper slow and deep exploration of the NC500 and the west coast of Scotland. You’ve driven some of the most beautiful roads in the world at exactly the right pace.

Safe travels — and we hope you’ll be back for another adventure soon.