It’s one of Scotland’s most popular holiday activities, often described as our answer to California’s famous Route 66.
As growing numbers of tourists opt to hit the road and drive the scenic North Coast 500, there’s a new campaign aimed at helping people explore and rediscover the north Highlands responsibly.
The Explore North Coast 500 campaign showcases over 50 sites of historical interest and natural heritage, including Smoo Cave, Duncansby Head, Wick Heritage Centre, Castle of Mey, Sandwood Bay, Attadale Gardens, Gairloch Museum, and Torridon Countryside Centre and Deer Museum.
It aims to encourage responsible and sustainable tourism in the countryside and along the region’s coastline, while respecting the fragile landscape and local communities. And its message is also to slow down and focus on wellbeing activities such as walking, hiking and wildlife spotting.
As well as enjoying breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities for getting close to nature, the campaign is encouraging visitors to enjoy warm Highland hospitality and delicious food and drink.
There’s a strong focus on the environment too as the campaign campaign champions the north Highland region as a prime destination for eco-travel, encouraging travellers to be mindful of their environmental impact.
Top campaign tips include planning and booking ahead, leaving no trace of litter, spending extra time in the region, travelling conscientiously, stepping away from the car to look for alternative ways to travel, moving on if places look busy, and using local expert guides where available.
Ian Sargent, NatureScot’s nature reserve manager, explains: “The NC500 route showcases Scotland’s outstanding nature and cultural heritage, taking in world-famous Unesco sites, National Scenic Areas and five National Nature Reserves.
“The Explore NC500 e-brochure features more than 50 destinations for people to discover, including many hidden gems.
“As lockdown lifts, we want everyone to explore our world-renowned outdoors, have an amazing adventure, and help conserve and protect our unique nature by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”
The campaign is a partnership between North Coast 500 Ltd, NatureScot and North Highland Initiative.
NC500 follows the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands, taking in Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Inverness-shire. The official starts and ends at Inverness Castle.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here