The Rough Guide to North Coast 500

This practical travel guide to  the North Coast 500 features detailed factual travel tips and points-of-interest structured lists of all iconic must-see sights as well as some off-the-beaten-track treasures. Our itinerary suggestions and expert author picks of things to see and do will make it a perfect companion both, ahead of your trip and on the ground. This  North Coast 500 guide book is packed full of details on how to get there and around, pre-departure information and top time-saving tips, including a visual list of things not to miss. Our colour-coded maps make  the North Coast 500 easier to navigate while you’re there. This guide book to the North Coast 500 has been fully updated post-COVID-19.

The Rough Guide to  the North Coast 500 covers: Inverness to the Black Isle and beyond, the road to John O'Groats, along the North Coast, exploring the Northwest and Wester Ross to Inverness.

Inside this North Coast 500 travel guide you’ll find:

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER 

Experiences selected for every kind of trip to  the North Coast 500, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in the Black Isle, to family activities in child-friendly places, like  Dunrobin Castle, or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Inverness.

PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS 

Essential pre-departure information including  the North Coast 500 entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more.

TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES

Includes carefully planned routes covering the best of  the North Coast 500, which give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip.

DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE

Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter of this  the North Coast 500 travel guide includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options.

INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL

Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for going whale watching off the west coast or hiking.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS

Rough Guides' rundown of  the Caledonian Canal, Inverness, Ness Islands, and Thurso’s best sights and top experiences helps to make the most of each trip to  the North Coast 500, even in a short time.

HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Written by Rough Guides’ expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, this North Coast 500 guide book will help you find the best places, matching different needs.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter of this travel guide to  the North Coast 500 features fascinating insights into  the North Coast 500, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary.

FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Assynt and the spectacular Duncansby Head sea stacks.

COLOUR-CODED MAPPING

Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in  North Coast, the Black Isle,  and many more locations around the North Coast 500, reduce the need to go online.

USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT 

With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.