nc 500 route map
Discussion
Sorry, no map, but you really would be better starting with a Roadmap/Google before entering into your Sat Nav. There's some monumental roads up there, you really can't miss them, but picking some your self is the way to go.
Also, having done it 3 times now, we avoided East Coast on all but the first time, it really isn't very good, much better to "go through" the middle of the highlands than go to East coast e.g. Tongue and Lairg. Or go to Skye which is incredible.
You'll have a great time, enjoy.
Also, having done it 3 times now, we avoided East Coast on all but the first time, it really isn't very good, much better to "go through" the middle of the highlands than go to East coast e.g. Tongue and Lairg. Or go to Skye which is incredible.
You'll have a great time, enjoy.
fluffekins said:
Sorry, no map, but you really would be better starting with a Roadmap/Google before entering into your Sat Nav. There's some monumental roads up there, you really can't miss them, but picking some your self is the way to go.
Also, having done it 3 times now, we avoided East Coast on all but the first time, it really isn't very good, much better to "go through" the middle of the highlands than go to East coast e.g. Tongue and Lairg. Or go to Skye which is incredible.
You'll have a great time, enjoy.
what did you think of the north, ie Thurso to Tongue?Also, having done it 3 times now, we avoided East Coast on all but the first time, it really isn't very good, much better to "go through" the middle of the highlands than go to East coast e.g. Tongue and Lairg. Or go to Skye which is incredible.
You'll have a great time, enjoy.
Go to http://www.northcoast500.com/itinerary.aspx
Click on the Home tab and you can download a map and .gpx file there.
I agree with others: the East coast part is a bit less interesting than the rest so would avoid that next time.
Click on the Home tab and you can download a map and .gpx file there.
I agree with others: the East coast part is a bit less interesting than the rest so would avoid that next time.
If you are going to 'do' the NC500 then I think you should actually do the NC500. Especially if you are doing it for the first time or as a special trip. John O'Groats for a cheesy/tacky photo included.
There are good sections of A9 north of Inverness, but the section between Inverness and Tain is the least appealing. North of Tain there are some great sections of road, some nice villages and touristy things to see and some great sea views, cliffs, castles etc to see as well.
The different landscapes experienced along the route also add to it for me, going from the rolling agricultural fertile lands Inverness to Tain, then the rugged rough country heading north to the flat Flow Country of Caithness, then west across the top with more hills and mountains appearing, before starting south down the west coast and the mountains appearing like remote islands coming out of the lochan covered moors to then the soaring peaks and ridges and the glens heading back east to fertile farmland again. (or the other way round depending which direction you go!)
Just my 2p, from having driven all the roads many times, but never actually done the route in one trip.
There are good sections of A9 north of Inverness, but the section between Inverness and Tain is the least appealing. North of Tain there are some great sections of road, some nice villages and touristy things to see and some great sea views, cliffs, castles etc to see as well.
The different landscapes experienced along the route also add to it for me, going from the rolling agricultural fertile lands Inverness to Tain, then the rugged rough country heading north to the flat Flow Country of Caithness, then west across the top with more hills and mountains appearing, before starting south down the west coast and the mountains appearing like remote islands coming out of the lochan covered moors to then the soaring peaks and ridges and the glens heading back east to fertile farmland again. (or the other way round depending which direction you go!)
Just my 2p, from having driven all the roads many times, but never actually done the route in one trip.
Plotting the route on Google Maps is a doddle.
Took me about 30 seconds - https://goo.gl/maps/rhdH3kKzBRo
Another useful tool is this - http://www.tyretotravel.com/
Took me about 30 seconds - https://goo.gl/maps/rhdH3kKzBRo
Another useful tool is this - http://www.tyretotravel.com/
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