The Ultimate Scottish Road Trip: NC500 & Beyond

While the NC500 guide has become the gold standard for scenic drives in Scotland, there’s a world beyond its well-trodden route that deserves attention. We’ve curated Scottish road trip itineraries that blend the grandeur of the best road trips the UK has to offer with intimate detours, luxury stays, and the kind of spontaneous moments that make a journey truly unforgettable.

For those looking to slow down and savour every detail, our Love Scotland break captures the spirit of the Highlands with a more relaxed pace. It’s perfect for couples, solo travellers, or anyone wanting to discover the quieter side of the country. Expect lesser-known routes, thoughtful touches, and luxury stays that bring you closer to the heart of Scotland.

No UK summer travel itinerary is complete without a strong start in Edinburgh, especially during August when the city becomes a vibrant hub of cultural festivities. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, running from 1 to 25 August, transforms the city into a global stage for performers. Simultaneously, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, celebrating its 75th anniversary with the theme "The Heroes Who Made Us," takes place from 1 to 23 August on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.

For a stay that’s as stylish as it is unique, Fingal offers a floating sanctuary moored in Leith, with Art Deco interiors and a refined maritime charm. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the theatrical splendour of Prestonfield House, at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, where candlelit dining and lavish interiors make every evening feel like a special occasion.

An hour’s drive north of the capital takes you to Perthshire, a gateway to the Highlands and a region often overlooked by those rushing through. Slow down. Spend a morning fishing for wild brown trout in nearby lochs, or book a local ghillie for a beginner’s try at clay pigeon shooting - then warm up with lunch in a village pub.

Cromlix sets the tone for the days ahead with an effortless blend of heritage and homeliness. Join a whisky tasting in the bar before dinner at the Glasshouse restaurant, where the seasonal tasting menu changes daily. The grounds are ideal for a stroll before bedtime, when the sun sets late and the skies are soft with summer light.

The Cairngorms National Park is a landscape of soaring mountains, dense forests, and mirror-like lochs. Stop at Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish retreat, before venturing into the whisky-rich region of Speyside, where distilleries offer a warm welcome and a dram or two. The Braemar Gathering takes place on 6 September, offering a quintessential Highland Games experience often attended by members of the Royal Family.

Right in the centre of Braemar, The Fife Arms is a destination in its own right. Housed in a former 19th-century coaching inn, the hotel brings together bold design, local craftsmanship and a playful sense of Scottish identity. Rooms are richly decorated, each with its own story, and the hotel’s impressive art collection ranges from Victorian paintings to contemporary works. After a day in the mountains, return for a Scottish feast at The Clunie Dining Room, or settle in for a fireside dram in the lounge.

The road to Inverness takes you through some of Scotland’s most fabled landscapes. Visit Culloden Battlefield and then head to Loch Ness, where the mystery of the deep continues to captivate travellers. For a change of pace, take a boat trip on the Moray Firth, where bottlenose dolphins often break the surface.

Settle in at Ness Walk, a five-star retreat on the leafy banks of the River Ness. Once a grand Victorian house, the hotel now pairs its original charm with calm, contemporary interiors. Rooms overlook the water or private gardens, while the Torrish restaurant serves elegant dishes with a focus on local provenance. Whether you spend the evening sipping cocktails on the terrace or sinking into the roll-top bath in your suite, this is a place designed for pure, restorative comfort at the heart of the Highlands.

The ascent of Bealach na Bà is not for the faint-hearted, but those who tackle its hairpin bends are rewarded with views that stretch to the Isle of Raasay and beyond. The Applecross Peninsula is a wild and windswept outpost, where Highland cattle roam freely and seafood is as fresh as it gets. Further inland, the Torridon Hills offer some of Scotland’s finest hiking, with craggy peaks and hidden lochans providing a playground for adventurers.

Your final stop is The Torridon, an extraordinary retreat where luxury meets the untamed wilderness. Days here are spent kayaking, hiking, and exploring, while evenings are reserved for fireside whisky tastings and gourmet dining. From here, travellers can either continue north to complete the NC500 loop or take a direct route east to Inverness, depending on how much of Scotland’s wild beauty they wish to uncover.