Scotland鈥檚 answer to Route 66? How rebranding 500 miles鈥� worth of Highland roads created a world-famous bucket list road trip
17 April 2019
Lochinver man Norman MacArthur is bemused by the success of Scotland’s most talked-about road trip.
“The route and roads have been there since time immemorial, but give it a snazzy new name and everyone wants to do the NC500”.
Beginning at Inverness Castle and covering a circular route of just over 500 miles, the North Coast 500 takes travellers around breathtaking countryside, including the infamous hairpin bends of the Bealach na Ba and secluded northern beaches.
Starting the journey
Tha Anne a鈥� t貌iseachadh a slighe
Anne begins her journey.
NC500 was launched in 2015 and has quickly established itself as a ‘bucket list’ destination for cyclists and motorists.
It has proven to be particularly popular with owners of supercars who relish the challenge of the route’s twisting single-track roads.
“I’ve seen many more Lamborghinis and Aston Martins around,” said Norman on North Coast 500 - with Anne Lundon.
“It’s become a thing for people with posh cars to do.”
The Travel Show
Is this Scotland鈥檚 answer to Route 66?
The route was developed to bring tourists to remote parts of the Highlands.
Bumper business on NC500
North Coast 500: Delights and challenges
Delights and challenges of the North Coast 500
On 成人快手 iPlayer
Latest features from 成人快手 Scotland
-
![]()
'Wild swimming helps me process the grief of losing my son'
The benefits of cold water therapy.
-
![]()
Winter adventures are appealing, but an expert advises caution
Trips in winter require particular knowledge and skills.
-
![]()
The rescuers: Why volunteers risk their lives in mountain emergencies
Landward meets members of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
-
![]()
鈥楲ook for the light鈥� 鈥� practical tips to help you through another winter with SAD
Useful advice and tips to combat low moods at this time of year.
-
![]()
How you could be a binge drinker without even knowing
Binge drinking is classed as fewer units than many people may realise.
-
![]()
How chocolate biscuits and drama classes helped one man leave prison behind
The healing power of creativity.
-
![]()
'When people believe in you, it鈥檚 life-changing'
Author Graeme Armstrong revisits the man who helped turn his life around.
-
![]()
The 'breath-taking' display of US birds swept on to British soil
Recent storms have brought rare birds to our shores.
-
![]()
Six things we learned about Alan Cumming on Take the Floor (Spoiler: includes accordions)
The actor spoke to Take the Floor's Gary Innes.
-
![]()
How street gangs trap young men in a dangerous cycle of violence
The almost inescapable pull of life in a gang.
-
![]()
Why stylist Gok Wan believes there's no such thing as bad fashion
The fashion expert says we should stop following rules and do what feels right.
-
![]()
Is sending a CV still the right way to apply for a job?
They've been central to job applications for years, but are they worth it?
