Scotland’s answer to Route 66? ', Of NC500, Travel said it had 'rugged romance. Highland magic. Using our site you can plan your trip and make it More than Just A Journey. It was designed to showcase the natural beauty and local businesses in this part of Scotland which has previously received a relatively low level of tourism. If it is the brutal Scottish winter - props to you!- then you’ll need to check you have winter tyres and snow chains. Ended up with 1200 coast line miles in Scotland plus 700 to start and finish. Make a base, stay in one location for a few days then take in another part of the Highlands and stay there for a few more days. Like all things that are set up to haul in visitors it kinda became a victim of its own success. It is the road that joins Chicago and Los Angeles. Even with travel books that are well worth a purchase as they explain in detail everything you need to know. The North Coast 500 route is Scotland’s answer to Route 66. In 1926 only 800 miles of Route 66 were paved. Whilst this is great news for the local economies in this otherwise fairly remote part of the UK, it has also meant that it can be tricky to find accommodation. Explore opulent castles, sample a dram of whisky or take an exhilarating wildlife safari, enjoy a truly unique touring experience. Map of Arizona Route 66: 401 Miles. Route 66 is 2,448 miles long and was commissioned in 1926. The detailed day-by-day Route 66 itinerary covers all the basic details (mileage, general route) and sightseeing highlights along the 2,400 mile route. The inspired rebranding of a road system that had existed for decades as Scotland’s version of Route 66 is a 516-mile loop that starts at Inverness, heads west to … In 1985 Route 66 was officially decommissioned, but for daily use it was replaced far earlier by the Interstates. ', He added: 'While it may be a coastal route, it is also about the wonderful diversions from it where you will experience the places, the personalities and the craic that make up this extraordinary journey. The popular adventure, with four seasons in one day, heading west from Inverness to the top of Scotland’s mainland, John O’Groats, and back down the east coast (or in reverse). The Best buy has to be The North Coast 500 Guide Book by travel author Charles Tait. The inspired rebranding of a road system that had existed for decades as Scotland’s version of Route 66 is a 516-mile loop that starts at Inverness, heads west to … The route can be completed in a long weekend, or over several weeks on a more leisurely schedule and can be explored as a loop or in part. It was commissioned in 1926. The route that circles around Scotland’s top north highlands has always been there, but never got a name, until not so long ago. The NC500 is circular and starts in Inverness, following the coast around the north of Scotland. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. These are to be used as a guide and it is your trip, make it your own. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Discover all of this and more along the North Coast 500! Many in the media call it 'Scotland's Route 66', but for us you should throw that comparison out the window; this is a road trip without comparison. 'This is about bringing together for the first time the west, north and east coasts of the Highlands into an experience of 500 miles, with more than 500 things to do and secret places you could find on foot, on wheel or on the water. Ahh, Remember Last Summer when everyone was travelling the NC500. He believes NC500 could have a similar impact in the Highlands, adding: 'From our enchanting wildlife and countless historic attractions to magnificent mountains, dramatic lochs and sandy beaches, the Highlands is a true touring paradise. You can take anywhere between four days and three weeks to drive it, so check out these 30 EPIC things to do on the North Coast 500 and work on your itinerary! Life needs to be slow, once your home it will be back to the 100 mph daily rat race, take your time, enjoy your life, just for a change, Chill. How Many Miles Is Route 66. If you’re arranging motorhome hire in Scotland for the trip, they can probably supply these, but always check first. The Pacific Coast Highway in America and the Coral Coast in Australia made up the list. Here’s how to drive the North Coast … Scotland's answer to America's Route 66 has been named among the top six road coastal road trips in the world - after only being officially launched two months ago. 7. Route 66 starts in Chicago, and ends in L.A. (Santa Monica), covering Missouri, … The Highlands has so much to see and do, so Explore it. While launching the route, NHI chairman David Whiteford said: 'Across the globe, touring routes have become famous and are often the very reason for visitors making the journey to that country. Unmissable sights along the road include mountain ranges, Ben Hope and Suilven, the fairytale grand castle, Dunrobin, the Ardvreck castle ruins and the breathtaking Achmelvich and Dornoch beaches. The popularity of Route 66 improved the economy of the small towns along its route during the Great Depression. North Coast 500. The roads are suitable for both cars and campervans, with many sections also suitable for cyclists. Like all things that are set up to haul in visitors it kinda became a victim of its own success. 6. First of all, let me tell you I'm not a native English speaker. History Edit The North Coast 500 was launched in March 2015 by the Tourism Project Board of the North Highland Initiative (NHI), in an attempt to work with all aspects of the tourism sector to bring unified benefits to businesses across the route. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Beaches are the most beautiful I’ve seen. Scotland's Route 66 is Britain's favourite drive A 500-MILE Highlands route which takes in some of Scotland's most scenic coastal locations has been crowned the UK's favourite drive. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. At a steady pace, it is possible to travel between 200 and 300 miles a day on seven hours stints (pauses and driver changes - ideally every two hours- excluded), considering that the U.S. road network is particularly comfortable (especially on Interstate highways). The route is just over 500 miles and mainly hugs the northern coast of Scotland, hence the name. 500 miles / 805 km Location Inverness – Inverness. Did an extended version of NC500. My wife and I are planning a trip to the US for the 2nd half of May. The circular route takes in spectacular scenery. 2. They aaah and owww as the drive along but fail to stop slow down and get out their vehicles. I would drive 500 miles: Scotland’s new North Coast 500 route The new North Coast 500 road trip is Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66. Accommodation: book well in advance - make sure you consider camping as an option. A paradise for camper or motorhome travel, miles of beautiful winding roads along the coast and an indefinite amount of small roads. Covering 516 miles, this scenic route begins and ends in Inverness, following the natural coastlines of Scotland’s … 'We have, in the north Highlands, an opportunity to create a globally significant route that captures the essence of the wonderful landscapes and seascapes, people, stories, culture, history, adventures, food and drink and much more. Published: 19:33 GMT, 4 August 2015 | Updated: 10:58 GMT, 11 August 2015. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This 516-mile route is known as Scotland’s Route 66 for its epic scenery and diverse attractions. 1. The North Coast 500, or NC500, can be thought of as “Scotland’s answer to Route 66”. RT 66 starts in Chicago and ends in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California. In 1926 only 800 miles of Route 66 … Experience Scotland's answer to Route 66 on our scenic self-drive tour of the North Coast of Scotland. I in point of fact want to look additional posts in the unconventional, Your email address will not be published. Route 66 is 2,448 miles long. We say it time and time again, there is so much to see and do in the Highlands, we know you will be blown away by it all, but take time, Plan, slow down, get out your vehicle and make bases, you will be glad you did. 5. But for those of you unfamiliar with the famed NC500 route, or simply looking for a more exact description, we are here to help! Required fields are marked *. Absolutely fantastic route, lovely roads and lovely people. Bringing together just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, the route follows the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands. It is located on the NC500 1 mile north of Golspie, Ardvreck Castle is a ruined castle dating from the 16th century which stands on a rocky promontory jutting out into Loch Assynt in Sutherland, north west Highland, Scotland, It also waxed lyrical about the scenery describing Applecross in Wester Ross in spring sunshine as a place where 'fields of acid-yellow gorse clash dazzlingly against the cherry blossom, while fishing boats bob like toys in the bay.'. It is a magnificent road trip long that covers some of the most beautiful scenery of the north-western Highlands and coastal regions. I would drive 500 miles: Scotland’s new North Coast 500 route The new North Coast 500 road trip is Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66. The SWC300 route is a 300 mile loop so you can join at any point, it’s just a short drive from Gretna Green and passes through Dumfries, Stranraer and Ayr. 500 miles of open road. We have itineraries online and have made different ones for several locations. Boris Johnson hails vaccine figures amid hope UK is finally turning the tide on Covid - but warns Britons they must 'stay at home this weekend' as he faces calls to DOUBLE jabs target to 30million to ease lockdown by mid-February, Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. [3] Above: Historic Route 66 in California. Transport: You can drive, cycle, or … The NC500 has certainly been successful in doing what it set out and the increase in visitors is testimony to that. The North Coast 500 (NC 500) was launched by the North Highland Initiative (NHI) as Scotland’s Route 66. Tighter coronavirus restrictions are set to come into force in Scotland, with a "stay at home" order to be put down in law amid fears about rising case numbers. This 500 mile coastal route spans the north coast of the Highlands taking in the best bits of this glorious region. 8. It's a pleasure to tell you all about one of the best road trips we've ever done. Known alternatively as the Scottish Route 66, this heavenly drive has quickly become the face of Scottish road trips. Developed by North Highlands Tourism Initiative, with support from VisitScotland , the NC 500 highlights the accessibility of some of Scotland’s most scenic spots, such as Loch Maree and Achmelvich beach, improving tourism in the Highlands and Wester Ross. Here at Scotlands Route 66 we know there is going to be a lot to take in whilst planning a trip round the route so we have tried to break things down a little bit for you and hope. Firstly, which season are you embarking in? The comments below have been moderated in advance. Would you stay at the Titanic hotel? The route that circles around Scotland’s top north highlands has always been there, but never got a name, until not so long ago. 3. You could spend an entire month exploring the route or just take a … ', Dunrobin Castle has 189 rooms, making it the largest in the northern Highlands. Scotland unveils scenic North Coast 500 route taking in fairy tale castles, beaches and ruins. 2. Its origins lie in the Middle Ages, but most of the present building and the gardens was added by Sir Charles Barry between 1835 and 1850. Travel Now magazine has placed the North Coast 500 route in fifth place in a list of 'six of the best' coast road trips on the planet. Although the 516-mile route pulls on centuries of legendary history, its more formal incarnation as the North Coast 500 launched in 2015 as part of … I find it extremely helpful. Scotland’s incredible road trip takes in 500 miles around the north coast of Scotland taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world – there’s no wonder they call it Scotland’s Route 66. Despite a lot of the Route 66 being replaced by the interstate highways I-55, I-44, I-40, I-15 and I-10, a surprisingly high amount of old road is still waiting to be found by the more adventurous traveler. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Described as ‘Scotland’s answer to Route 66’, the North Coast 500 stretches along Scotland’s far northern coastline, taking in some of the most breathtaking views the country has to offer. You will pass Craigellachie, Grantown on Spey and Boat of Garten with coastal and riverside sections to enjoy. Scotland’s North Coast 500 Route. The 500-mile Scottish route - whose website only went live in June - links natural heritage and scenery, celebrates local food and drink and highlights accommodation, retail, arts, crafts and attractions of the region. 66 on our scenic self-drive tour of the North of Scotland Chicago and Los Angeles the.... 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