Premier North Coast 500

This driving route could start in Inverness, or further south and we can tailor-make it to suit. Your first destination is in one of the most scenically beautiful and secluded locations in the whole of Scotland in the wild and rugged area of Wester Ross. Your route today includes Loch Ness and the famous Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle), with its series of exhilarating hairpin bends.

Your hotel 

Hidden away down a winding single-track road, your accommodation in this heart-stopping corner of Scotland is a recently refurbished Victorian hunting lodge swathed in 26,000 acres of fabulous lochside estate.

After a long drive through vast scenery, take time to relax inside cosy lounges with roaring wood fires, perhaps enjoying a dram from the collection of over 200 malts or a G&T from one of over 100 gins. Suitably refreshed, with abundant space to roam, enjoy a stroll around the grounds – often having the entire place to yourself – and let the spectacular waterside views sink in.

With a focus on the very best produce from the local larder, dining here is an event to savour. Unhurried, friendly service dovetails perfectly with the superb, ever-changing menu.

You’ll want to take a little time to stroll the beautifully presented grounds, immersing yourself in the simply spectacular vistas in every direction. This area is right off the beaten track and completely unspoilt. It is perfectly possible to walk all day without seeing another soul, should you so wish. Photographic opportunities are limitless. The mild climate in this part of Scotland is due to the proximity of the Gulf Stream and this encourages a wide diversity of plants and wildlife. Scots Pines are a real feature and are extremely important for national and international conservation. Whilst you are here you may be lucky enough to spot a pine marten, or a golden eagle, or maybe even a peregrine falcon.

Your route today takes in some of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring coastal touring routes, through ancient crofting settlements and tiny villages, alongside shimmering lochs and in the shadow of intimidating and dramatic mountains. We’ll provide recommendations for our favourite sightseeing, historic and dining stops along the way.

Your hotel in Sutherland

In a wild and beautiful spot overlooking Loch Glencoul, your accommodation here is a stylish place to spend some time. Set back from the main route through western Sutherland, the house features just seven well-designed rooms, each featuring individual décor, with high-quality fixtures and linens contributing to the disarmingly cosy feel.

While we wouldn’t blame you for spending the day relaxing at your hotel, you may be inclined to don the walking boots, pack a picnic and take to the tracks for some of Europe’s best walking, while a serene crossing to discover the Summer Isles could deliver a genuine holiday highlight. On the other hand, the area is riven with challenging driving routes, the equal of any in the UK; we’ll make sure you have plenty of our carefully curated recommendations to help you along the way.

Another unforgettable day on the road awaits, with a 138-mile route taking in the drama and romance of Scotland’s far north-western corner and along the North Coast towards your next stop by Thurso. On the way, you’ll uncover even more of the country’s dramatic coastline, taking in hidden hamlets amidst menacing rocky shores, gleaming lochs, expansive sandy beaches and changing scenery along every mile.

Your hotel in Caithness

Beautifully positioned within 20 acres of woodland, below a waterfall by a gently meandering river, this gem on the North Coast is one we never tire of going that bit further to experience. With just 14 comfortably appointed rooms, an acclaimed restaurant serving a menu of the very finest local produce, and with some of the North Coast’s best attractions on the doorstep, this is the perfect spot from which to discover this most fascinating corner of Scotland.

Today you will enjoy a day out with our local driver-guide to explore this fascinating corner of the country, from the famous headlands of John O’Groats and Dunnet Head to the tiny fishing coves and bays only the locals know. The day can be tailored to suit your preferences.

Later, relax at your hotel with a dram or two before dinner in the cosy and inviting dining room.

Head away from your hotel, complete your journey along this North Coast section to John O’Groats, where you’ll want to take the time to record your appearance at the UK’s northernmost village, before taking the road to Wick and south to your next hotel. There are some fabulously evocative stopping-off points here, like atmospheric Keiss Harbour and French-renaissance-styled Dunrobin Castle, as well as more terrific driver’s roads, and we’ll make sure you have all the recommendations you need to get the most from your day.

Your hotel in Cadboll

Your accommodation in Cadboll is a fabulously presented house owned by a world-famous malt whisky distiller. The quality of accommodation on offer here is quite simply superb, and every detail is formed to ensure your complete comfort and relaxation. Sumptuous rooms and bathrooms combine with beautifully appointed drawing- and sitting-rooms, where a dram or two is to be enjoyed by a roaring fire. Dinner, which is included on your final night, is served in the breath-taking dining room amidst superb art and artefacts, around a vast antique table, dripping with the finest-quality settings.