Must-visit distilleries on or near the NC500

Planning a whisky-focused NC500 trip (designated driver sorted!). Which distilleries are worth visiting along or near the route?

Old Pulteney in Wick is right on the route and does a great tour. Clynelish in Brora is another gem - their 14 year old is superb. Both are easy stops.

Wolfburn in Thurso is the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. Small and personal - you actually meet the people who make the whisky. Highly recommended.

If you're starting in Inverness, Glen Ord is just outside town and does excellent tours. Good way to kick off the trip. And Tomatin is on the A9 heading south if you want one more.

Slightly off route but Balblair near Tain is beautiful - one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. And Glenmorangie is just up the road. You could do both in an afternoon.