All lovers of Nordic landscapes and Scotland in particular should not miss the opportunity to travel the Route 66 of the Highlands!
What I am telling you today is a journey undertaken in August along the North Coast 500, that route that winds along the entire North coast of Scotland.
North Coast 500: an iconic road
Not known by everyone (including myself, who discovered it after the third trip to Scotland), the North Coast 500 is one of the most iconic and spectacular tourist streets that there are in the world: beaches, mountains, hidden gems and an unmistakable lifestyle characterize this spectacular route.
The North Coast 500 is Route 66 of the Highlands (obviously the two routes are completely different from each other, however they can be approached in an iconic way).
Discovering the Highlands
Along this fantastic route, you will discover that part of the most authentic and characteristic Scottish territory, that of the Highlands.
500 miles (just over 800 km) that you can travel by car, camper (if you want to stay comfy), bike, or motorbike (lovers of the genre will be really happy to travel it).
When to go
Keep an eye on the season in which you decide to follow it; since we are still close to the great north, and the bad weather and the climate, sometimes hostile, could make the journey a bit unpleasant.
I traveled it in August, and I must say that the temperature was pleasant, however a jacket and a heavy shirt are always comfortable. Mandatory waterproof clothing.
From April to September let's say you should find the most favorable conditions.
I traveled it by car, 800 km in three days (hard work), unfortunately I didn't have more, but I recommend you to count 5/6 days to make a more intense and full of emotions ride.
North Coast 500, the route
The route starts in the northern city of Inverness branching out along the west coast to Applecross and then north towards the bustling towns of Torridon e Ullapool. From here you will explore some of the northernmost points of mainland Scotland, passing by Caithness e John o 'Groats (the northernmost point of Scotland), and then head south, crossing Dingwall and returning to Inverness.
Small note: nobody forbids you to take the path in the opposite direction.
As mentioned in advance, there are many enchanting places that await you along the way: castles, villages, mountains, beaches, valleys and much more. Always keep your camera close at hand!
However, always pay close attention to driving; in addition to being "inverse", the roads you will follow are narrow and there will be blind spots dictated by the ups and downs.
And here we are with the final recommendations.
How to organize your road trip
What absolutely not to be underestimated, is that of program the daily stages, and above all to book in advance where to sleep (otherwise - like myself - you will end up having to spend one, or more nights in the car because you will find everything busy).
Beyond the unpleasant, but formative discomfort of sleeping in the car, a night at the B & Bs scattered along the route costs around € 30.
Wanting to quantify the other costs, we are around € 70 for fuel and € 25 per day for the rental of a small / medium-sized car (obviously costs are variable, it's up to you to find the right rental).
As for meals, it also depends on your tastes and choices, but in general it is not very expensive; but be careful if you keep the budget, not everything is so "cheap".
I highly recommend that you plan this trip, but always do it according to your tastes and preferences, in order to enjoy it to the fullest.
Everything you need to know, including curiosities and other experiences, can be found on Official site of the North Coast 500 in great detail.
