“Scotland’s answer to route 66”
This 500 mile route around the coasts of the Scottish Highlands misses out one of the most spectacular corners in the west between Ullapool and Lochinver.
A short detour allows the traveller to visit Achiltibuie and the other villages on the Coigach peninsula, from where there are commanding views of the magical Summer Isles, and then take the “Wee Mad Road” to Lochinver while enjoying the views of the Sutherland mountains.
This alternative route is all on single track roads through the spectacular highland scenery as is much of the NC500 north of Lochinver.
The more direct route represents a saving of 7 miles on the usual (red) North Coast 500 route. The yellow and blue sections combined only add 9 to the total.
This missing link takes the visitor past the iconic ridge of Stac Pollaidh to the shores of Coigach overlooking the peaceful Summer Isles.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BLUE SECTION IS VERY NARROW IN PLACES AND NOT SUITABLE FOR CARAVANS OR VEHICLES OVER 26 FEET IN LENGTH.