Skip the NC500: Five Highland Drives Where the Journey Outshines the Destination

Let's be honest: the NC500 has done wonders for Highland tourism and a fair bit of damage to its quieter corners. If you've done it — or fancied it but been put off by the campervan convoys — good news. Some of the finest driving in Britain sits just inland and along the coast, largely unbothered.

Here are five we keep going back to.

1. The Moray Coast: Elgin to Cullen (A98)

The A98 hops between fishing villages and sweeping beaches, and it's criminally underrated.

• Stop at: Findhorn village, with its dunes and boaty harbour vibe, and the surreal ruins of Kinloss's nearby abbey.
• Walk it off: The clifftop path at Bow Fiddle Rock, Portknockie — a sea arch that genuinely looks like a fiddle bow.
• Eat: Cullen skink at a harbour café in Cullen. It's the birthplace of the dish. Non-negotiable.

2. The Road to the Isles: Corrour Station via the A861

Technically, take the A82 to Corran, ferry across (a two-minute crossing — a Highland rite of passage), then follow the A861 down the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Single track, sheep, and sea views for days.

• Stop at: Glenfinnan Viaduct (yes, it's popular, but go early and it's magic).
• Walk it off: The short hike to Sanna Bay on Ardnamurchan — white sand, turquoise water, barely a soul.
• Tip: Fill up with fuel before you go. There are long stretches of nothing, and that's the point.

3. Strathconon and Glen Carron (B842/A890)

Turn off the A835 near Muir of Ord and follow Strathconon into red deer country. This is Scotland at its most empty and most beautiful.

• Stop at: The viewpoint over Loch Beannacharain — pull in, make a flask, just sit.
• Walk it off: The Falls of Glomach track from Morvich (a proper leg-stretcher — allow half a day).

4. The Angus Glens: A93 Blairgowrie to Braemar

Glenshee is the highest road pass in the UK, and the A93 threading through it is a stunner whatever the season.

• Stop at: The Spittal of Glenshee, then continue to Braemar for the castle and (obviously) the Highland Games grounds.
• Eat: A pie and a cuppa in Blairgowrie before you head up. You'll want the layers.

5. The Applecross Peninsula Back Road (via Shieldaig)

Yes, the Bealach na Bà is famous. But most people rush it. Instead, start from Shieldaig, take the coast road round the peninsula's quiet side, and let the pass be your finale.

• Stop at: Torridon for the mountains, then the wee harbour at Applecross village itself.
• Eat: The Applecross Inn's seafood. Book ahead or be disappointed.

First Highland Road Trip? Read This First

• Single-track roads: Look ahead, use passing places to let faster traffic by (a wee wave in the mirror is proper etiquette), and never park in a passing place.
• Fuel up early: Distances between petrol stations are bigger than you think.
• Check the weather: Mountain roads close in winter. Check Traffic Scotland before you set off.
• Take it slow: The whole point is the drive. If you arrive everywhere in a hurry, you've missed it.

Hire a car, leave the itinerary loose, and let the road decide. That's how the Highlands works best.