Planning a Scottish road trip? The North Coast 500 (NC500) is always the first road trip that will be mentioned, but you should know that there are many other fantastic routes to consider. NC500 is certainly a fantastic experience that shows the wild and dramatic natural beauty of Scotland’s north coast, but it can also be overrun with other travellers, especially in the warmer months. With this in mind, this post will explore a few of the best alternatives to NC 500.
Heart 200: Central Scotland’s Hidden Gem
The Heart 200 offers a 200-mile loop through central Scotland, connecting the Cairngorms with Loch Lomond. There are many fantastic highlights to see along the way, including the Trossachs, Highland Perthshire, and historic towns like Stirling and Dunblane. The route also features attractions such as The Hermitage Waterfall and the Rob Roy Way, providing a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Kintyre 66: Coastal Charm & Whisky Trails
The Kintyre 66 is a 66-mile circular route around the Kintyre Peninsula, offering stunning coastal views and access to whisky distilleries like Springbank and Glen Scotia in Campbeltown. The route also provides opportunities for watersports at Westport Beach and visits to Saddell Beach and Saddell Castle, offering a varied experience on your trip.
South West Coastal 300: Scotland’s Secret Coast
The South West Coastal 300 is a 300-mile-long route showcasing Scotland’s stunning southwest coast, which is somewhat of a hidden gem. This route will take you through places like Dumfries, Galloway, and Ayrshire with attractions including Galloway Forest Park, Caelaverlock Castle, and the Ayrshire Coastal Path. The route also offers quiet country roads and picturesque coastlines, which makes it ideal for a peaceful road trip.
North East 250: Castle, Whisky, & Coastal Villages
If you want to experience Scotland’s northern coast without embarking on the NC500, the North East 250 is the perfect compromise. This is a 250-mile circular route around northeast Scotland, encompassing Aberdeenshire and Moray. The route features the Cairngorms National Park, Royal Deeside castles, Speyside whisky distilleries, and charming coastal villages like Portsoy and Cullen. The route also includes the Snow Roads Scenic Route, offering quieter roads and stunning landscapes.
West Coast Ferry Hopping: Islands & Secluded Bays
Exploring the west coast of Scotland by ferry offers access to islands like Skye, Raasay, and Knoydart. The journey includes scenic drives through Glencoe, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and visiting remote communities. Ferry services like CalMac and Western Isle Cruises provide connections between the mainland and islands, helping to enhance the road trip experience. When it comes to ferry transport, you will want to make sure that you have adequate campervan insurance for financial protection and peace of mind.
If you want to experience Scotland’s incredible natural beauty, charming towns and villages, and historic and cultural attractions, these are a few of the best road trips to consider that aren’t the NC500. NC500 is certainly an amazing travel experience, but it can also be overcrowded, and there is much more to Scotland than the northern coast. Hopefully, this post will encourage you to try an alternate road trip and discover Scotland’s heart and soul.
