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The Route

516 miles of Scotland's most spectacular coastline, split into six unforgettable sections.

1

Inverness to the East Coast

~100 miles

Head north-east from Inverness Castle through the Black Isle, past charming towns like Dingwall and Tain, to the wild coastline around Dunrobin Castle and the gold rush village of Helmsdale.

Dunrobin Castle Helmsdale Timespan Museum Brora Beach
2

East Coast to John o' Groats

~60 miles

Continue north through Caithness past dramatic cliffs, ancient brochs, and tiny harbours. Reach the iconic John o' Groats and the spectacular Duncansby Head sea stacks.

Whaligoe Steps Wick John o' Groats Duncansby Stacks
3

North Coast — John o' Groats to Durness

~100 miles

The wild, empty north coast. Vast beaches, turquoise waters that look Caribbean, and hardly a soul in sight. This stretch includes some of the most remote and beautiful scenery in Britain.

Dunnet Head Thurso Bettyhill Tongue Durness Smoo Cave
4

West Coast — Durness to Ullapool

~100 miles

Jaw-dropping mountain scenery begins. The road winds past Loch Assynt, the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, and the otherworldly peaks of Suilven and Stac Pollaidh.

Scourie Kylesku Bridge Ardvreck Castle Lochinver Stac Pollaidh
5

Wester Ross — Ullapool to Applecross

~90 miles

Many people's favourite stretch. Ullapool's colourful harbour, the Corrieshalloch Gorge, stunning Loch Maree, and the epic Bealach na Bà pass into Applecross.

Ullapool Corrieshalloch Gorge Gairloch Torridon Bealach na Bà
6

Applecross to Inverness

~80 miles

The final leg drops south through Lochcarron and past Eilean Donan Castle (just off-route) before heading east through Glen Carron back to Inverness.

Applecross Inn Lochcarron Strathcarron Inverness