Route500 Scotland
The road north, stop by stop
Where to eat, walk, sleep and fill the flask on the road from Inverness to the far north-west. Written for the drive, not the brochure.
Destinations
Nine places worth the detour
Each one is a full read: what to do, where to eat, where to sleep and what to skip.
Tain to DornochThe whisky coast
ApplecrossBealach na Bà and the bay
TorridonLiathach and Beinn Eighe
GairlochThe Gulf Stream coast
UllapoolHarbour town and the gorge
AssyntLochinver and Suilven
Handa & ScourieSeabirds and sea lochs
DurnessSmoo Cave and Balnakeil
Thurso, Wick & DunnetThe far north-east
Camping around Sandwood: make room for the walk
Sandwood rewards a little preparation. Think through the walk, the overnight plan and the fragile ground before putting the tent in the car. ...more
Camping
October 21, 2026•3 min read
Durness Golf Club: a local idea with a very big setting
Nine holes, a second set of tees and a club shaped by local enthusiasts. Give golf at Durness a proper place in the day. ...more
Golf
October 21, 2026•3 min read
Deer in Applecross: the art of keeping your distance
A deer encounter can change the pace of an Applecross afternoon. Give it room, follow the paths and let the animal carry on. ...more
Wildlife
October 21, 2026•3 min read
Links golf in northern Scotland: courses worth a day
Where to play links golf in northern Scotland: Tain, Royal Dornoch, Brora, Wick, Reay and Durness, with booking tips and where to stay. ...more
Where to Stay ,Outdoor Activities &Golf
October 13, 2026•10 min read
The whisky coast: Tain, Brora and Dornoch
Glenmorangie at Tain, Dornoch's cathedral and castle-hotel whisky bar, Dunrobin Castle and Brora's hot chocolate: a guide to the whisky coast. ...more
Easter Ross ,Food & Drink &Whisky
October 12, 2026•5 min read
Durness and Smoo Cave: the far north-west corner
Smoo Cave's hidden waterfall, Balnakeil's white sand and the guided trip to Cape Wrath: a guide to Durness and Sutherland's far north-west. ...more
Sutherland ,Camping &Culture & Heritage
October 12, 2026•7 min read
Route500 Scotland Travel Mug
Fill it at first light
A morning brew at the campsite. A coffee by the coast. A reminder of the Highlands when you’re home. Our 20 oz / 590 ml vacuum-insulated stainless steel Travel Mug comes in Highland Navy, with a silver-engraved wordmark and compass.
£29.99 · Free tracked shipping
Explore the Travel Mug — £29.99
A useful reminder of the Highlands. For your own morning brew, or theirs.
Take a closer lookFree guides
Take the road north with you
Places worth knowing, saved for later. Food stops, short walks, wildlife and more from northern Scotland. Pick a PDF for your phone and it opens as soon as you add your email.