Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and unforgettable evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Uncover Britain North Coast of Scotland

© Pixabay

North Coast of Scotland

Scotland’s North Coast & Highlands - Self-Drive Road Trip - inspired by NC500

Explore Scotland’s North Coast and Highlands with a flexible self-guided road trip through glens, sea cliffs, beaches and mountains. Inspired by the NC500, this guide links Inverness, Caithness, Sutherland, Assynt, Torridon and Applecross.

The Scotland’s North Coast & Highlands Road Trip is a flexible self-guided travel guide designed to help you explore one of Europe’s most dramatic and remote landscapes at your own pace.

Inspired by the regions made famous by the North Coast 500, this guide goes beyond simply following a signposted loop. It helps you understand how the landscapes of northern Scotland connect — from lochs and glens to fishing harbours, sea cliffs, mountain passes, white beaches and remote Highland peninsulas.

This journey works especially well over 7–14 days, although it can also be adapted for shorter 3–10+ day trips depending on your time, travel style and chosen sections. Distances in the Highlands can be significant, and many roads are slow, scenic and exposed, so the guide is structured to help you plan with realistic pacing.

The route is organised into four main touring areas:

Inverness & the Great Glen

Begin in the gateway to the Highlands, with routes through forested glens, Loch Ness, historic landscapes and the natural corridors that lead towards the far north.

Caithness & the Far Northeast

Explore big skies, fishing harbours, coastal settlements and the northern edge of the Scottish mainland around John O’Groats and the wider Caithness coastline.

The North Coast

Follow Sutherland’s Atlantic edge, where wide beaches, limestone cliffs, remote roads and coastal villages shape the journey between Tongue, Durness and the surrounding landscape.

Northwest Highlands

Travel through some of Scotland’s most powerful mountain scenery, including Assynt, Torridon, Applecross and the famous Bealach na Bà.

Inside the guide, you’ll find:

  • A structured self-drive route through Scotland’s North Coast and Highlands
  • Flexible planning ideas for 3–14 days
  • A wider Highland route inspired by the North Coast 500
  • Four main touring sections to help organise your journey
  • Scenic roads, coastal villages, remote landscapes and major viewpoints
  • Narrative introductions to each area
  • Practical route structure to help with day planning
  • Flexible ideas that can be adapted around weather, ferries and travel pace
  • 12 months’ access, so you can choose a booking date that gives you time to plan before travelling

This guide is ideal if you want to experience the freedom of a Highland road trip, but with enough structure to avoid rushing or missing how the region fits together. You can follow the full circular route or use the guide to explore individual sections, depending on your timeframe.

Rather than treating the North Coast as a checklist, the guide helps you travel through northern Scotland in a natural progression — linking deep glens, sea lochs, cliffs, beaches, mountains and remote communities into one unforgettable journey.

If you're looking for other road trip ideas in Scotland, take a look at our Scottish road trips.

From £14.99 per adult


Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

February — October

Contact details

Uncover Britain

Kipling Road
Herefordshire
United Kingdom
HR8 2GU

Tour information

Starting

  • Applecross
  • Inverness
  • Thurso
  • Ullapool
  • Wick

Length

Bespoke

Transport

  • Self drive

Type

  • Bespoke

Themes

  • Adventure
  • Architecture
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Castles
  • Family
  • Film and TV
  • Food and drink
  • History
  • Island Hopping
  • Landscapes
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Photography
  • Walking
  • Walking/Hiking
  • Whisky
  • Wildlife

Tour prices


From £14.99 Per Adult

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Uncover Britain

Tour company information

Uncover Britain

Uncover Britain provides road trip itineraries for some of the best and most scenic Scottish road trips. The road trips in Scotland include the well-known and well-loved North Coast of Scotland (inspired by the NC500). However, road trippers can uncover their own Scotland with one of the other popular routes, such as the West Coast of Scotland, including the amazing Isle of Skye, the former 'Kingdom of Fife, with a visit to none other than the home of Golf, and discover more about Edinburgh and the Romantic Borders.

Opening times

9.00 - 5.30 Monday to Friday

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and unforgettable evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.