The North Cost 500
Scotland’s Ultimate Drive
There are roads you drive…
and roads that stay with you.
The North Coast 500, often called Scotland’s Route 66, is firmly in the second category. Stretching for just over 500 miles around the northern Highlands, this is a drive that rewards patience, respect, and a genuine love of the road.
It isn’t about speed.
It’s about space, rhythm, and presence.
A Road That Changes With You
Beginning and ending in Inverness, the NC500 takes you through:
- Long, flowing coastal stretches
- Tight mountain passes
- Remote single-track roads where the landscape feels untouched
One moment you’re carving gently through open moorland, the next you’re climbing steeply into the clouds on routes like Bealach na Bà, where hairpins and gradients demand attention and reward commitment.
This is driving that asks you to engage.
The Perfect Companion
The NC500 suits cars with character:
- A naturally aspirated engine you can work with
- Honest steering and predictable balance
- Something that feels alive at sensible speeds
You don’t need excess power here.
You need feel.
Classic British sports cars, well-sorted grand tourers, and lightweight modern machines all shine on these roads, not because they’re fast, but because they’re right.
Why It Belongs in the Great British Rally Spirit
What makes the NC500 special isn’t just the scenery, it’s the sense of journey.
Fuel stops become conversations.
Lay-bys become viewpoints.
Time slows down.
It reminds you why the open road mattered in the first place, and why it still does.
When to Go
Late spring to early autumn offers the best balance of:
- Weather
- Light
- Road conditions
Early mornings and evenings are magical, quieter roads, softer light, and a feeling that the Highlands belong only to you and the car beneath you.
Final Thoughts
The North Coast 500 isn’t a checklist drive.
It’s not something you rush.
It’s something you experience, mile by mile, guided by the road, the landscape, and the simple joy of driving.
Exactly what Great British Rally stands for ‘A Journey Worthy of Great Cars’.