Scottish Highlands & NC500 - 7 Days

Tour in Your Own Car - Scottish Highlands & NC500 Tour

Back in 2014, we first discovered the Scottish Highlands on a group driving tour with a fleet of Range Rovers, and our breath was taken away with the beauty and serenity. Since then, we have been arranging self-drive and group road trip tours in Scotland, refining and enhancing the tours each year. We believe our updated itinerary is better than ever, and welcome you to explore further.

This trip starts and ends in the beautiful city of Edinburgh and takes you on a 7-day scenic driving loop into the highlands past lochs and castles, along the legendary North Coast 500 / NC500 Route. The road trip continues through the Whiskey country along the beautiful River Spey, and is finished with a drive along the scenic Old Military Road, through the heart of the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, and back to Edinburgh. Each day of our Scotland road trip features unique landscapes past old castles, mysterious Lochs, and sweeping valleys. You'll be greeted with famous friendly Scottish hospitality and the luxurious hotels, which are handpicked for their charm, quality of service, as well as perfect scenic locations.

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Scottish Highlands & NC500 Tour

Day 1 - Arrival in Edinburgh

Head to the historic city of Edinburgh where you'll spend the first evening at the award-winning boutique Dunstane Hotel. The hotel is positioned just on the edge of the city with easy access to town. Take a short ride downtown and spend the afternoon/evening in Edinburgh to enjoy the city sights and culture.

Overnight Hotel: 4-Star Boutique Dunstane, Edinburgh

Day 2 - Into the Highlands & 007 Glencoe

The following morning, your Scotland Road Trip officially begins! The first drive takes you into the heart of the western Highlands, starting with a run along the scenic Sterling valley, and into the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Next, climb the beautiful Dukes Pass before coffee and cake on the quiet Loch of Venacher. Head around to Loch Lomond following the shoreline. After lunch, continue your journey to the spectacular Glencoe / Ben Nevis region, where several scenes in the 007 Skyfall movie were filmed. Make a diversion up and along the deserted River Etive valley to the exact shoot location from 007 Skyfall where Daniel Craig and Judy Dench were pictured standing beside Bond's vintage Aston Martin DB5. Loop back along the valley and continue to the saltwater Loch Leven, where you will stay for your second evening.

Overnight Hotel: 4-Star Boutique Ardrhu House, Fort William 

Day 3 - Bealach na Ba & Onto the NC500 Route

On Day 3, cruise along the coast to the Castle Eilean Donan, one of the finest and most well-preserved museum castles in Scotland. Next, you will pick up the first part of the famous NC500 Route over the highest mountain pass in the UK, Bealach na Ba, down to the small coastal town of Applecross. After lunch, continue along the NC500 coastal route on what is one of the most scenic stretches of the road. Continue along the rugged coastline around to Loch Torridon. The final stretch on the NC500 Route for Day 3 takes you along the shoreline of Loch Maree to your hotel.

Overnight Hotel: 4-Star Boutique Shieldaig Lodge Hotel

Day 4 - North Coast 500 Northern Loop

On Day 4, you will continue along the NC500 to the most northern extremes of mainland Scotland, and without doubt the most scenic stretch of the NC500. You will hug the coastline through the small fishing villages of Poolewe and Drumchork before arriving at the village of Ullapool. Optionally, stop at the Kylesku Bridge for the most iconic photoshoot with your car (one of the most famous photo stop for the likes of Evo and Top Gear car magazines). Continue on the NC500 and make your way across the top of mainland Scotland past saltwater lochs, deserted bays, and golden sandy beaches. This landscape is one that will really take your breath away, and there are plenty of planned scenic stopping points in your roadbook. The day's drive finishes near the bay at Crosskirk with an evening at the delightful Forss House Hotel.

Overnight Hotel: 4-Star Boutique Forss House

Day 5 - East Coast NC500 & Whiskey Country

Your next drive continues along the NC500 route with a run to the most northerly town on the Scottish mainland, John o'Groats. Next, continue to follow the NC500 route with a loop around to the eastern coast of Scotland where you will park up, then make the short walk to view the incredible Duncansby Stacks. Whilst not as wild and unkempt as the western coast, the east coast NC500 Route still offers fine views across the Atlantic. As you head south, there is a chance to stop by at two beautiful coastal castles en route to Inverness, the official start/end point of the NC500 Route. After arriving on the outskirts of Inverness, pick up one of our favorite drives of the tour, the path of the River Spey, which winds towards the whiskey-producing region of Speyside. Keep your eyes peeled for wild deer, grouse, and other wildlife of this remote region. As you approach Speyside, there is the chance to stop up at the Macallan distillery, not just for a possible tasting, but also to visit the amazing visitor center that was recently completed. A tasting appointment can be arranged on request. The drive ends in the small village of Dufftown at the Boutique Craigellachie Hotel, specializing in the finest malts from the region. Enjoy dinner that evening at the hotel's award-winning bar-side restaurant.

Overnight Hotel: 4-Star The Craigellachie

Day 6 - The Whiskey Trail & Old Military Road 

The final drive of your Scotland road trip is broken into two main stages. The first stage has follow the whiskey trail past some of the most prestigious whiskey producers in the land, stopping shortly at the Glenlivet distillery for a guided tour. You then continue onto the stunning “Old Military Road” which sweeps through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park past ski resorts and across lower mountain passes, with a stop at the Balmoral Castle along the way. You then continue through the park along stunning valleys where the views are breathtaking. The tour is completed into Edinburgh, with an option to stop at the Black Watch Guard museum before heading back into the city for a final evening.

Overnight Hotel: 4-Star Boutique Dunstane, Edinburgh

Day 7 - Departure

Spend a final day at leisure in the wonderful historic city of Edinburgh before continuing your onward plans.

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