Dreaming of a road trip or imagining yourself on Route 66? Discover Scotland by car and its famous North Coast 500! Just as iconic as its American counterpart, this route will take you through the Highlands coast. Traversing six regions, this Scottish road is dotted with small lanes, known as single-track roads. A chance to discover the lands of Scotland and their historical heritage. Prefer to drive the whisky route or visit the Isle of Skye? Torn between the Glencoe Valley or the Road to the Isles? We present to you the 5 most beautiful roads in Scotland!

1- The Road to the Isles

Scotland boasts approximately 800 islands! It's impossible to visit the country without taking the A830. Named the "Road to the Isles," this main road leads to ferries serving the islands of Rum, Eigg, and Skye, connecting the city of Fort William to the port of Mallaig. Between the two? A modern highway (significant work was completed in 2009) that will give you quite a rush!

Its features

• Route: A830 from Fort William to Mallaig

• Distance: 69 km

• Road type: winding but passable, accessible to motorhomes

Its highlights

• The Glenfinnan Viaduct and its stunning views over Loch Shiel (the famous "Hogwarts Lake" from Harry Potter);

• Ben Nevis (Scotland's highest peak);

• The lochs Eilt, Ailort, and Nan Uamh.

2 – The Glencoe Road

The A82 crosses the Glencoe Valley. From the road, its wild beauty is breathtaking. To enjoy this natural spectacle safely, don't hesitate to stop (numerous parking areas are provided for this purpose). The Scotland Road A82 also offers splendid panoramic spots, such as the famous mountainous trio called the "Three Sisters."

Its features

• Route: A82 (from Glencoe to Inverness)

• Distance: 134 km

• Road type: passable, narrow, and accessible to motorhomes 

Its highlights

• The Meeting of Three Waters waterfall;

• Glencoe National Nature Reserve;

3 – The Whisky Route in Scotland

Known for connecting the Highlands to Scotland's coasts, the A95 road is also an unmissable journey for whisky enthusiasts! From the Speyside region to the town of Keith, embark on a discovery of several emblematic distilleries in the country. Beyond offering bucolic landscapes, this mini whisky tour will teach you much about the production of this prestigious spirit.

Its features 

• Route: A95 from Speyside (Speybridge) to Keith

• Distance: 133 km

• Winding dual-carriageway road

Its highlights

• The Glenfarclas, Aberlour, and Strathisla distilleries.

4 – The North Coast 500 (or "Scotland's Route 66")

The "NC500" is a coastal loop in the northern Highlands. This 800 km itinerary will show you the country's many faces. Ruins and castles, hiking trails, coastal scenery, distilleries, and sheep herds… North Coast 500 is THE road trip in Scotland. This route passes through six regions:

1. The Black Isle: located near Inverness, the Black Isle allows you to spot dolphins off Chanonry Point!

2. Caithness: this region with archaeological and ornithological treasures is also known for Europe's most vast peatland.

3. Easter Ross: nestled in the heart of the coastline, discover the famous Fyrish Monument (after a 2-hour hike from the A9).

4. Inverness: the capital of the Highlands offers numerous natural attractions. Among them, the unmissable Loch Ness and its famous legend!

5. Sutherland: this region in the north is the wildest and least populated area of the country. A chance to recharge by cutting yourself off from the world.

6. Wester Ross: located on the A896, this coastal region is brimming with lochs and breathtaking cliffs.

Its features

• Route: The North Coast 500 is a loop through 6 regions, located north of the Highlands (and can therefore be done in both directions);

• Distance: 800 km (Coast 500 miles);

• Roads: passable, winding, wild, or damaged, depending on the route and region

Its highlights

• Wild and exotic coastal scenery;

• Rich historical and cultural heritage.

5 – On the Road to the Isle of Skye

During your stay, take time to discover the Isle of Skye via the A87. Close to the mainland, the island known as the "Isle of Mists" is easily accessible thanks to the "Skye Bridge," located between Kyleakin and the village of Kyle of Lochalsh. Beyond being the island's main access point, this village of fewer than 1,000 inhabitants offers welcome tourist activity in the heart of this wild region.

Its features and highlights

• Route: A87 (from Glenelg to the Isle of Skye)

• Distance: 81 km

• Roads: passable, winding, wild, or damaged, depending on the route and region

Its highlights

• The Ratagan viewpoint;

• Eilean Donan Castle;

The Coo viewpoint on the island.