If you love the freedom to travel at your own pace, you probably love a road trip. Not only are they a fabulous way to see the scenery, but road trips give you so much freedom to explore.

You’re not on anyone’s schedule but your own, and you can travel in comfort. If you love a road trip, then there’s one incredible route in the UK that you need to see. Two road trip enthusiasts and seasoned travellers who post on social media under the name Mr and Mrs D Adventures are urging anyone in the UK to take a trip along Scotland’s jaw-dropping NC500.In a video, the pair said it “kills” them that people live their whole lives in the UK and never drive this gorgeous road.

The circular route encompasses much of Scotland, beginning and ending at Inverness and traversing a whopping 820km past some of the most beautiful places in the country. 

The trip can feasibly be done in five days – but according to the experts, it’s much better to take a week to ten days in order to see all the stunning sights. 

If you don’t have the time to drive the whole loop, then the West Coast is where the best of the best is. 

From quaint fishing villages and long white sand beaches to ancient castles and jaw dropping views out over the sea, this route is not one to miss. Some of the highlights include The Duncansby Stacks – towering rock formations that jut proudly from the ocean – and Ardvreck Castle which sits beside a stunning loch with a beautiful beach.

You can also drive over Kylesku Bridge as part of the route and enjoy the beautiful views of the Scottish countryside to either side of you. 

In summer, the road trip can get quite busy, so the best time to visit is spring and autumn – just be aware the weather can switch quickly.

If you’re undertaking the whole route, it’s best to drive it anti-clockwise and make sure you are confident. While it is gorgeous, some of the roads are single track so you need to be good at reversing in case someone is coming the other way.