When planning a trip to Scotland, the first thing that comes to mind is the legendary North Coast 500 (NC500). However, if you want to truly experience the diversity and depth of Scotland, my Grand Scottish Driving Tour is the best choice. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of both routes to see why my tour is superior to the NC500.

North Coast 500

Advantages:

• Scenic Coastal Views: The NC500 offers stunning coastal scenery with rugged cliffs and quiet beaches.
• Compact Route: The route is approximately 830 km long, allowing it to be completed in a shorter period of time, ideal for those with limited holiday time.
• Wildlife Spotting: Excellent opportunities to view seals, dolphins, and various bird species.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Variety: A coastal focus can perhaps feel monotonous over time.
• Seasonal Crowds: Its popularity can lead to very crowded roads, attractions and services during peak tourist seasons.
• Lack of places to stay: High demand can make it difficult to find accommodation, especially without advance booking.
• Narrow Roads: Some single-track roads can be stressful for less experienced drivers.

Grand Scottish Driving Tour

Advantages:

• Wide variety of Locations: From Edinburgh’s historic charm to the natural beauty of Loch Lomond and the Isle of Skye, my tour covers a wide variety of Scotland’s best attractions.
• Cultural Experiences: Participate in activities such as pub crawls in Edinburgh, whisky tours at distilleries, or playing golf in St. Andrews.
• Customisable Itinerary: My 74-page guide allows you to tailor your journey to suit your interests and budget, choosing how much time to spend in each location and which activities to prioritise.
• Less Crowded: Most of my route is less well known than the NC500, allowing for a more relaxed journey.
• Accommodation Options: Whether you’re travelling in your own car, rental car, or motorhome, I offer numerous different lodging possibilities to suit your needs.
• Flexibility in Transportation: You can choose to travel in your own car, rent a car, or even use a motorhome, giving you maximum flexibility.
• Hidden Gems: Visit unique spots like Scotland’s Secret Bunker, Pennan and Crovie, Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve and many more that often missed by other tourists.

Disadvantages:

• Longer Distance: The route is approximately 1370 km long, which takes more time to complete, making it better suited for longer holidays.
• More Planning Needed: The customisable nature of the tour means you may need to spend more time planning and booking accommodations and activities in advance.

Why Choose the Grand Scottish Driving Tour?

All-inclusive Experience: Unlike the NC500, which focuses on coastal scenery, the Grand Scottish Driving Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Scotland. From the urban sophistication of Edinburgh to the wild beauty of the Highlands and tranquil lochside landscapes, you will experience the true essence of Scotland.

Cultural Immersion: The tour provides numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in Scottish culture. Whether it's sampling whisky at a historic distillery, playing golf at the birthplace of the sport, or exploring ancient castles, you will see all of Scotland’s rich heritage.

Flexibility and Personalisation: With the Grand Scottish Driving Tour you have the freedom to design your trip according to your preferences. My detailed travel guide ensures you have all the information you need to customise your journey, whether you're traveling on a tight budget or looking for luxury accommodations.

Hidden Gems: Beyond the famous landmarks, my tour reveals lesser known treasures that the NC500 misses. Explore dozens of fascinating places that showcase Scotland’s diversity.

While the North Coast 500 offers beautiful coastal views, the Grand Scottish Driving Tour provides a richer, more varied, and customisable experience. By choosing my guide, you will not just see Scotland, you will live it. With a variety of locations, cultural experiences, and the flexibility to tailor your journey, my guide is the best way to truly discover all that Scotland has to offer. Choose the Grand Scottish Driving Tour for an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Scotland.