The 10 Best Alternatives to the NC500 – North Coast 500 Road Trip

Scotland has stunning landscapes whichever direction you go. However due to some very excellent marketing the North Coast 500 (NC500) has become Scotland’s Route 66. It’s certainly one of the most popular road trips in the UK! Which would be brilliant if it wasn‘t for the fact that that there isn’t suitable infrastructure for the sheer number of people visiting each year. This has led to many local residents getting rather upset. Huge queues causing traffic congestion along single track roads. Plus the roads deteriorating without money to fix them. Unfortunately for those who live along the North Coast they don’t see as much income from visitors as they would like. Many people hire campervans further South and buy all their food in advance to coming to the area. Some don’t even make use of the many campsites and instead camp beside the road. This not only affects the local economy with no huge increase in income. But it also leads to large amounts of waste at the roadside. With the council unable to deal with the influx in waste. As lovely as the route is, it may be better to consider other options.

So, instead of adding to the chaos in the North of Scotland, consider one of these alternatives to the NC500. Remember that it’s only so popular because of the marketing. And there are plenty of less obvious areas in Scotland that are just as stunning and historic. We have so many other beautiful areas! No matter whether you are looking for white sandy beaches, mountains, wildlife, whisky or history. There are lots of other excellent routes you can take. 

Official Routes – Alternatives to the NC500

These are the official routes within Scotland, all with their own websites and official route maps. These alternative routes to the NC500 cover a significant area of Scotland, although not everywhere! So please do check out the other non-official routes that I recommend below too. 

Heart 200 – Central Scotland (Alternatives to the NC500)

Located in the centre of Scotland, hence the ‘heart’, where there are plenty of places to stay and rather spectacular scenery.  The Heart 200 route follows roads from Stirling, to the mountainous Trossachs, into highland Perthshire, Perth itself and then down to Kinross. You can easily base yourself in one place and travel out along the route each day. Or stay at various locations along the route.

Highlights of the Heart 200 route include:

• Stirling Castle – This is perhaps our favourite large castle to visit. You can easily spend a day there as there’s so much to see!
• The Trossachs – The Trossachs are stunning and well worth a walk or two when in the area. As part of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park you can even book camping locations in campervans and tents. I have a great list of 20 walks in the Trossachs and Stirling area here.
• Loch Katrine – Loch Katrine is famous for an early visitor who began Scotland’s tourist boom, Sir Walter Scott.
• Falls of Dochart – Located in the village of Killin are the awe inspiring Falls of Dochart.
• The Crannog Centre – After the previous Crannog was burnt down on the other side of the loch the new crannog centre at Kenmore has opened. Learn about the ancient people who once lived beside Loch Tay.
• Blair Castle – Part of the castle is lived in, but most is open to the public to explore. Learn how lairds used to live. Excellent for learning about history!
• Perth Museum – Reopened in 2024 after multi million pound refurbishment. This is a great place to visit whilst in Perth. It tells the history of the local area, including the newly installed exhibition for the Stone of Destiny. 
• Scone Palace – Just on the outskirts of Perth is Scone Palace. Where the kings of Scotland were once crowned and the original location of the Stone of Destiny.
• Cutlybraggan WWII POW Camp – Just outside Comrie is Cultybraggan. Once the home of up to 4000 prisoners of war from Italy and Germany.
• Loch Leven – Kinross, on the shores of Loch Leven. Here you can gain access to the island in the loch where Lochleven castle still stands, albeit in ruins.  This is where Mary Queen of Scot’s was imprisoned.

Other Ideas

Obviously there is so much more and you can pick whatever suits you. There are plenty of locations to spot wildlife, from red squirrels and pine marten to Ospreys and red deer. Or you can tour all the castle ruins in the area or even spend every day walking different trails or climbing the hills. This route really does have something for everyone!

Kintyre 66 – Argyll – Alternatives to the NC500

The Kintyre 66 is the shortest route on this list, however it’s certainly not one you should miss! The shorter length just means you can spend more in each location. Giving you time to fully appreciate the beauty and enjoy more activities. This area is often overlooked, yet it has spectacular white sand beaches, beautiful islands and awesome wildlife!

Highlights of the Kintyre 66 include:

• Isle of Gigha – Visit this tiny island with its multiple stunning white sand beaches. There is wildlife all around (from otters and gannets to dolphins and whales), beautiful Achamore gardens, bike and kayak hire. Don’t miss testing the Wee Isle Dairy ice cream made on the island at the cafe. They also have the best seafood dishes at the Nook (takeaway, but not of the greasy kind!) and the Boathouse.
• Saddell Abbey – Located in Saddell Bay is Saddell Abbey, a fascinating ruined monastery that is great to explore.
• Kildonan Dun – A 2000 year old stone fort, similar to brochs of the North. It was once a fortified farmstead, looking East across the water. Well worth the short walk to explore.
• Walk to Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse – The dreamy Mull of Kintyre was made famous by Paul McCartney. It’s worth walking down to, keep your eyes peeled for marine life too.
• Machrihanish Beach – A stunning stretch of golden sand that is frequented by wildlife, and has some of the best surfing waves in the UK.
• Machrihanish Bird Observatory – At the Southern end of the beach is the Machrihanish bird observatory. It’s small but an excellent place to spot birdlife, seals and even an otter!
• Campbelltown Heritage Centre – A nice little museum to learn about the history of the area.
• Walk alpacas at Beachmore – Just North of Muasdale is Beachmore Farm. Where you can walk and feed alpacas during the summer. 
• Ballochroy Standing Stones – The ballochroy standing stones are a short walk uphill, but they are worth it on a good day.
• Skipness Castle – Located on the East coast of Kintyre. An interesting castle first built by the MacSweens in the 1200’s.
• Visit a Whisky Distillery – Discover how whisky is made at one of Campbelltowns many whisky distilleries.
• Find St Columba’s Footprints – Discover where St Columba was said to have first set foot on the shores of Scotland.

Other ideas on this route

You can spend time in Argyll around the coast, swimming in the sea, kayaking, enjoying the golf courses or just watching the waves. It’s also possible to take a short ferry journey across to Arran for a day trip or to portavadie further North. It’s certainly a scenic route that doesn’t get as many tourists as you would expect!

The Coig – Ayrshire, Alternatives to the NC500

Another area of Scotland that doesn’t get as much interest from tourists as it should! Ayrshire has plenty to see and do for all the family. No matter whether you are looking for farm parks or history! This route actually consists of 5 different routes, hence ‘the Coig’ which is Gaelic for 5. Three of these routes are the accessible island of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae. I’ve listed the highlights of each of the 5 routes of the Coig below.

Route 1 – The Shire (Alternatives to the NC500)

This driving route takes you through the towns and villages of the South West coast of Ayrshire. Where you can learn about the culture and history of the people who live here. 

• Culzean Castle – A stunning castle, with a collection of associated buildings, follies, beach, parkland, adventure play park and more!
• Burns House Museum – Learn about the famous Scottish poet Rabbie Burns, well known for poems such as ‘tae a haggis’ and ‘Auld lang syne’. 
• AD Rattray’s whisky experience – Learn about how whisky is made in distilleries and even try a tipple yourself.
• Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre – Learn about the 3500 year old history of the castle and its predecessors. A small but interesting visitor centre and cafe too.
• Scottish Maritime Museum – Visit this museum to discover more about Scotland‘s extensive maritime history. A fantastic museum with lots for all the family.
• Robert Burns Birthplace Museum – Explore the place where Robert Burns, the famous Scottish poet was born and lived his first few years. The museum explains his life and includes many of his artefacts, including handwritten manuscripts.
• Dean Castle Country Park – Discover beautiful trails around the country park. An excellent adventure play park and explore the 14th century castle and collections.
• Hunt for agate – Explore the rocky beaches around Dunure and Culzean. Searching for agate and other interesting rocks.

Route 2 – The Shiel (Alternatives to the NC500)

The Shiel route takes in the towns and villages along the North West coast of Ayrshire. 

• Vikingar! Largs – Enter a Norwegian longhouse and meet real Vikings who tell you all about lives here as Vikings! Excellent for the whole family!
• Kelburn Castle – The famous graffiti castle of Scotland. Enjoy the artwork on the castle, explore the sculpture trails, walks and gardens. Don’t miss the adventure play areas and delicious food in the cafe.
• Skelmorlie Secret Bunker – There are many underground monitoring posts across Scotland, but this is the only one that has been restored. An interesting secret bunker to imagine life living in this tiny space!
• Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park – The park has a variety of different walks and trails to explore. Plus some great visitor centres and watersports.
• Lunderston Bay – Enjoy a walk along Lunderston Bay with views across to Dunoon. A great place for a picnic as you watch boats pass by.

Route 3 – The Arran (Alternatives to the NC500)

The Arran route focuses on the beautiful island of Arran, reached by Calmac ferry. Arran is known as Scotland in miniature, so enjoy the rugged mountains, remote villages and beautiful coastal road. The island can be reached by ferry from either Ayrshire to the East or from Kintyre in the North.

• Brodick Castle and Country Park – Brodick Castle has an interesting history. You can explore both the castle and its extensive grounds. Families will want to make sure you leave time for the excellent adventure play park.
• Kings Caves – It’s said that the King’s caves on Arran are one of the places that Robert the Bruce may have had his famous encounter with a spider. This cannot be proven, however, it’s still a nice walk and some very interesting caves.
• Machrie Moor Standing Stones – Not far from King’s caves is a short walk to some rather interesting standing stones. There are over 6 stone circles in the area, and several signs explaining the history.
• Lochranza Whisky Distillery – Take a tour of one of Arran’s whisky distilleries. Taste some of the whisky made using traditional practices. 
• Climb Goat Fell – The tallest hill on Arran, Goat Fell. It is worth an extra day’s stay on Arran, simply to climb the hill and admire the fantastic view. You can see as far as Northern Ireland on a good day.
• Isle of Arran Heritage Museum – Located in Brodick is a great little heritage museum. Plenty of information about farm vehicles, geology and social history.

Route 4 – The Bute (Alternatives to the NC500)

The Bute route focuses on the small island of Bute. This route can easily be done in a day or two (if you prefer an overnight stay), taking the short ferry ride from Wemyss Bay.

• Mount Stuart – You can easily spend an entire day exploring the stately home of Mount Stuart (don’t miss the zodiac ceiling!), the gardens, and woodland trails. There’s also a great cafe on site too.
• Ettrick bay – A wide sandy bay on the West coast of Bute, perfect for a lazy beach day. This was once where the military practiced for the D-day landings.
• Rothesay Castle – An unusual design of castle, with a circular curtain wall and moat. This is the seat of the Duke of Rothesay and is still linked to royalty.
• St Blane’s Monastery – Explore the ruins of a 1400 year old monastery 

Route 5 – The Cumbrae (Alternatives to the NC500)

The Cumbrae route focuses on the tiny island of Great Cumbrae. Easily done in a day, although relax and enjoy the beaches and you can easily spend more time here.

• Ballochmartin Bay – A lovely sandy beach with pebbles and a great place for bird watching. It’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
• Museum of the Cumbraes – Explore the history of the island from 4,000 year old burial cists to 18th century smugglers.
• Cathedral of the Isles – Great Cumbrae is the home to Britain’s smallest cathedral. Hidden in the trees at the back of Millport.
• Cycle the 10 mile loop of the island – Hire bikes and spend time cycling around the 10 mile loop of roads. It’s quiet enough an island that children can also enjoy the cycle.

North East 250 – Aberdeenshire (Alternatives to the NC500)

Often forgotten about is the interesting area of Aberdeenshire. It has a lot to offer tourists and the North East 250 shows off the best of the area. With castles, whisky distilleries, mountains and seaside villages.

Highlights of the North East 250 include:

• Grampian Transport Museum – Explore all sorts of transport at this small museum in Alford. From steam engines and snow ploughs, to more modern day transport!
• Dolphin spotting at Aberdeen Harbour – Position yourself at the entrance to Aberdeen harbour. They’re active here most days, similar to those found near the Black Isle.
• Museum of Scottish Lighthouses – This is not just any museum, but it’s Scotland’s first lighthouse! Still in perfect working order, sat atop a castle, you can now visit the castle, lighthouse and museum. 
• Crathes Castle – A traditional tower house castle with extensive gardens to explore. There are plenty of way-marked trails to explore, with the chance of spotting red squirrels, wood peckers and deer.
• Fraserburgh Heritage Centre – A fantastic heritage centre with a wealth of information on the local history. It’s currently closed (2024) for refurbishment after significant storm damage to the roof. But will hopefully reopen in 2025/26.
• Braemar Castle – Explore the remote castle set beside the pretty highland village of Braemar, within the Cairngorm National Park. Once you’ve toured the castle, don’t forget to explore the stunning grounds. 
• Aberdeen Maritime Museum – Learn about the fascinating history of Aberdeen’s maritime heritage. From the first sailors to modern tech used on oil rigs!
• Aberdeen Science Centre – Aberdeen science centre is small but well formed. You can easily spend an entire afternoon playing and exploring the exhibits, plus eating at the little cafe.
• Dunnotar Castle – One of Scotland’s most iconic castles. Reached by a narrow spit of rock up onto a small rocky cliff top where the castle is located. Very interesting, and a nice pebble beach to play on beside the castle.
• Forvie National Nature Reserve – One of the best coastal nature reserves in the area. Check out the visitor centre and wildlife hides. Take a stroll along the beach to spot a wide range of coastal birds. You often spot seals here too.
• Glen Garioch Distillery – Visit the distillery to learn how this Highland malt is made and try a tipple yourself.
• Royal Deeside Railway – Have a ride on a steam or diesel powered train on this section of old railway. Perfect for all the family!

South West Coastal 300 – Dumfries and Galloway (Alternatives to the NC500)

The South West Coastal 300, is a 300 mile loop from Dumfries, to Stranraer, up to Ayr and back South again. This area really doesn’t see as many tourists as it should, being bypassed as people head North. However, it’s a spectacular landscape, with rolling hills, beautiful coastline and plenty of wildlife and history. This is the perfect place to visit on its own or as part of a longer trip on the way North.

Here are some of the highlights of the South West Coastal 300:

• Logan Botanic gardens – Visit the stunning gardens and explore the beautiful landscapes. Don’t miss lunch or snack at the little cafe
• Threave Gardens and Estate – Explore the house in its 1930’s layout and then enjoy the beautiful gardens. Threave is Scotland’s only bat reserve!
• Drumlanrig Castle and gardens – Explore the ‘pink palace’ and extensive grounds. Go for a walk, cycle, fish or play in the adventure play park.
• Enjoy a Walk – Explore the beautiful countryside of Dumfries and Galloway, with plenty of fun walks!
• Culzean Castle – A stunning castle, with a collection of associated buildings, follies, beach, parkland, adventure play park and more!
• Doon Valley Railway – South of Scotland’s only heritage railway, steam powered locomotives and diesel too!
• Caerlaverock Castle – This unique shaped castle is Britain’s only triangular castle! It also still has a filled moat, unusual in Scottish castles. This castle is close to the Scottish border and changed hands between the Scottish and English many times over the years.
• Caerlaverock Wildfowl and Wetland Trust – Explore the many hides of Caerlaverock’s WWT site, with plenty of bird species to spot. You can also climb up the farmhouse tower to the observatory.
• Robert Burns Ellisland Museum – Visit the farm that Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, lived in. This is where he was inspired to write many of his poems.
• 7Stanes Mountain Bike trails – There are several great mountain bike courses around Dumfriesshire all under the 7Stanes title and well worth a visit!
• Galloway Activity Centre – Enjoy a range of fun activities, from archery and climbing to sailing and kayaking!
• Museum of Lead Mining – Visit the pretty village of Wanlockhead. Then head down the mines to learn about lead mining.
• Crawick Multiverse – An awesome outdoor artland created by artist Charles Jencks. Well worth a couple of hours exploring!

Other Awesome Routes By Theme – Alternatives to the NC500

The routes listed below are all trails that I have grouped together myself. They aren’t official and are simply grouping similar activities in one area of Scotland. 

The Whisky Trail (Alternatives to the NC500)

If you are looking for a dram of whisky then this is the route for you! Also, check out the North East 250 above, as there are over 50 distilleries in the Aberdeenshire area! This route instead visits some of the most famous distilleries on the West coast. Including the pretty inner Hebridean island of Islay, well known for it’s distinctive whisky.

Start near Stirling at the atmospheric Deanston distillery, beside the River Teith. Have a tour of the distillery and then explore the nearby Doune castle, featured in Outlander and Monty Python films. From here drive across the beautiful landscape to the West coast. Where you can then visit Oban distillery, first established in the 1800’s. Whilst in Oban you could also take a boat trip to visit seals. Or admire the view from McCaig’s tower and even visit the beaches to the North of the town.

The next day head South, stopping at Kilmartin to visit the amazing museum and Neolithic standing stones and cairns. Take the ferry from Kennacraig to Islay. Here you can spend a few days visiting many of the islands different distilleries (there’s 9 on the island!). You can even hop across to visit the distillery on Jura too. Explore the islands and enjoy the excellent seafood during your stay too.

Finally head back to the mainland and drive South to Campbeltown for the last distillery of the tour. There are 3 to choose from in Campbeltown, although not all take tours. Do explore the beautiful beaches and landscapes of Kintyre before heading home too!

Monumental Mountain Route – Alternatives to the NC500

Start this trip from the small town of Callander. Here you can explore the mountains of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. There are plenty of hikes for all abilities, with beautiful views in all directions. You can even take a ferry over to the other side of Loch Katrine and cycle back along the edge of the loch, surrounded by towering mountains. Follow the road North West from here until you reach the famed Glencoe. Here you can take a chairlift up into the mountains for an even better view. There are so many mountains to climb or admire from below. Although also take some time to visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn more about the history of the area.

From Glencoe head further North to Fort William, where you will easily spot Ben Nevis looming over the town. It’s a fantastic base to explore the history and beauty of the Caledonian Canal too. Take some time to climb Ben Nevis or other nearby hills.

Next turn East and travel to the rugged Cairngorm National Park. You can take the short cut via Laggan, or head North via the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness to Inverness, then follow the A9 south. Aviemore is an excellent base to explore the National Park, you can walk into the mountains, hire bikes, kayak on Loch Morlich, and even take a funicular to the top of Cairngorm mountain! There’s also an excellent steam railway in Aviemore, plus Landmark adventure park and Highland Wildlife Park nearby too.

Wildlife Encounter Trail – Alternatives to the NC500

Scotland is full of wonderful wildlife and this trail will take you to some of the best places in the country! So no matter whether you want to spend time spotting whales and dolphins or eagles and otters!

Start this adventure off in the East of Scotland watching pine marten, badgers and owls at the Speyside Wildlife hide, a good few hours watching the animals and if you’re lucky, some good photos too! During the day you can see red squirrels and birds of prey as you walk through the forest park too. So it’s a particularly good location for spotting wildlife.

Next head West to Oban and take a boat trip out to see the seals, and maybe even an otter around the coastline too. The following day make sure you’re booked on the boat with Basking Shark Scotland to hunt for basking sharks around the Isle of Mull, there’s also the option to snorkel in a lagoon too. On your final day take a trip to visit the islands of Staffa and Lunga, this can be from Oban or Tobermory. There’s a good chance of spotting dolphins and white-tailed sea eagles on the way. However, if you are visiting in the late spring/early summer months then you will also get very close to puffins on the Isle of Lunga. A fantastic way to finish an epic trip!

If you have another week to spare, go North to Shetland for an excellent chance of spotting Orca’s, otters and bird life.

Road To The Isles – Alternatives to the NC500

This route takes you to the West Coast of Scotland and over to the Outer Hebrides with their beautiful white beaches. It’s a perfect route for those who want to explore the Western isles and their culture and is a fantastic road trip experience off the beaten track. And is one of the best coastal routes as alternatives to the NC500. Do mind out on the single track roads and learn how to use passing places before you start driving this route.

This trail is a loop, starting in Oban where you can catch the ferry across to the small island of Barra. Landing in Castlebay you will be stunned by the beauty of the island. Do go South to Vatersay (joined by a causeway) whilst staying on Barra too.

Next take a ferry to Eriskay, which has the UK’s most remote football pitch! And some beautiful beaches too. It’s also where the SS Politician was shipwrecked, along with its cargo of whisky that the locals liberated and hid around the island.

Uists

Eriskay is joined to the Uists by a causeway, so continue your journey North, stopping at many of the beautiful windswept beaches on the West coast. There are also several great museums and craft shops to visit too. On North Uist you will find Balranald RSPB reserve, which is a fantastic place to explore during the summer, with birds flying everywhere and beautiful machair. Keep an eye out for the elusive corncrakes, which you more often hear than see. There’s also a good chance of spotting otters if you’re quiet around here coastlines too.

Harris and Lewis

Take the ferry from Berneray to Harris and explore this rugged island. Don’t miss Luskentyre, with it’s long stretch of sandy beach backed by dunes. There are plenty of great walks around the island, including up the islands tallest hill, Clisham. Continue the drive North into Lewis to explore the historic sites of Callanish, Bostah Iron Age house, the Blackhouses and brochs. Stornoway also has a fantastic museum and a great place to replenish supplies. Take the ferry  to Ullapool the mainland from Stornoway, then drive home dreaming of this iconic route!

Historic Castle Route – Alternatives to the NC500

Scotland is full of castles! Some are atmospheric ruins, whilst others are still in use as stately homes, but you are guaranteed to find some gems wherever you go. This route mostly takes in castles around the Central Belt and North East of Scotland. Do consider buying a Historic Scotland membership or explorer pass, or National Trust for Scotland membership to get a discount on entrance fees. 

Central Belt

Start this route in Edinburgh, visiting the iconic Edinburgh Castle, don’t miss the 1 O’clock gun firing! Then head along the M9 to Blackness Castle, also know as the ‘ship that never sailed’ due to its iconic shape and if you have time, Linlithgow Palace – Mary Queen of Scot’s birthplace. Next up is Stirling Castle, you will need most of the day for this one, it’s a complex and very interesting. Do ask the re-enactors in the palace rooms lots of questions, they are very knowledgable. Take a detour West to visit Doune castle, famous for being filmed in various tv and movies, including Monty Python’s Holy Grail and Outlander. Going back to the A9, take the road up to Perth where you can find Huntingtower Castle and the legend of the ‘Leaping lady’. Whilst here you can also take time to visit the Stone of Destiny at Perth museum and Scone palace (not technically a castle!).

Aberdeenshire

Next you will be heading North into Aberdeenshire. The atmospheric ruins of Dunnotar Castle perched high on a cliff top is very dramatic and a must visit! From here you can head inland to Drum Castle, a Jacobean 13th century castle and Crathes castle, a pretty fairytale castle with 16th century painted ceilings. Crathes is a great lunch stop and has a tree top ropes course too. Continue West tor each Balmoral castle, Scottish home to the royal family and in a remote setting within the Cairngorms National park. North from here is Corgarff Castle, a pretty tower in the countryside. Continue your journey to the East, where you will find various castle ruins, but also the pink castle of Cragievar. Its fairytale tower and colour will make it particularly appealing to children. Castle Fraser is further East and a popular castle to visit and also explore the extensive grounds. Finally spend a couple of days in Aberdeen exploring the granite city and it’s surroundings.

Now which of these alternatives to the NC500 route would you like to take?!

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