Travel
Inside two lesser-known Scots road trips that rival NC500 with stunning scenery
SCOTLAND’S North Coast 500 is one of the most popular road trips in the world, with thousands of people flocking to the Highlands every year to travel along the iconic route.
And now that we’re officially into summer, tourists and families alike are gearing up to take to the roads.
Regarded as Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66, the 516-mile route is full of magnificent coastal views, castles and distilleries.
It first opened in 2015 but has soared in popularity in recent years due to the staycation boom after the coronavirus pandemic.
But the increase in visitors means it is often busy with traffic, including slow-moving caravans and motorhomes.
And locals have been left increasingly frustrated by the heavy congestion and fully-booked campsites.
As a result, experts have reminded people that there are plenty of other stunning driving routes across the country that offer equally stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
Goboony, the UK’s leading campervan-sharing platform, has reminded tourists that “Scotland has so much to offer beyond the NC500.”
Jake Stone, UK Country Manager said: “The NC500 is undoubtedly a beautiful corner of the world.
“But such fame comes at a price, and we’re frequently seeing overcrowded photo spots and queues of traffic.
“The best thing about hiring a campervan is you have the freedom to travel wherever you want, so why not visit a lesser-visited place?”
South West Coastal 300
One of these routes is the stunning South West Coastal 300.
This is a relatively new circular route that hugs the coast along the scenic southwest, taking in Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire.
The route passes through numerous attractions – including Galloway Forest Park, which has a dark sky reserve with some of the clearest skies in the UK, ideal for star-gazers.
Visitors can also discover Caerlaverock Castle with its medieval stronghold or walk along the Ayrshire Coastal Path.
It also features stunning coastlines, including two lowland peninsulas, and winds through atmospheric forests and dramatic moorlands.
The route mostly uses quiet country roads, although there are some areas that are busier with traffic.
And because it’s circular, it means you can start anywhere and finish up at the exact same spot and still see everything it has to offer.
The roads aren’t as busy as the NC500 route, meaning it’s perfect for a campervan or motorhome trip.
Argyll Coastal Route
Another route for motorhomes and campervans to try out is the Argyll Coastal Route.
It is an ideal route for those who like the fresh sea air, winding coastal roads and top-class seafood.
The 129-mile journey begins at the village of Tarbet near Loch Lomond where visitors can walk to An Ceann Mor viewpoint, dive into local history at the Glencoe Folk Museum and take in views of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
It then crosses over the breathtaking A83 Rest and Be Thankful before descending towards Loch Fyne and the quaint village of Inveraray.
En route there’s the option to stop and try delicious Loch Fyne oysters and in Inveraray there’s the historic Inveraray Castle and 19th century Inveraray Jail.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Leaving Inveraray the route passes through Kilmartin Glen and loops northwards towards Oban, known as the ‘seafood capital of Scotland’.
The lively seaside town has a buzzing harbour, busy with fishing boats, visitors and ferries travelling back and forth to the Inner Hebrides and the Western Isles.
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