North Coast Journey

Book excerpt: Enjoy the local color and majestic scenery of the Scottish Highlands with this essential road trip guide along the scenic North Coast 500. Known as Scotland’s Route 66, the North Coast 500 takes travelers on a winding journey across northern Scotland’s breathtaking coastline. Acclaimed Scottish travel writer Brigid Benson guides you on a journey that begins in the charming city of Inverness, then weaves westward to the historic village of Applecross and up the Atlantic coast to the most northerly points in Britain before heading back to Inverness along the North Sea. In addition to stunning mountains, moors, lochs and beaches, the route also features exquisite towns and villages, castles, distilleries and breweries. Benson divides the route into manageable daily itineraries, suggesting where to discover history, observe wildlife, meet great local characters, shop at quirky stores, taste outstanding food, drink in friendly bars and cafes, and stand in awe of amazing sights. She also recommends campsites, inns and other places to stay, along with places to picnic, swim, surf, walk and stargaze. “For Scottish travel it doesn’t get better than North Coast Journey, an eco-friendly, common sensical, well-researched foray around the locale of the North Coast 500 and beyond.” —The Scotsman, UK