Scotland’s answer to route 66, the North Coast 500, has been named the best road trip in the UK in a new poll of 2,000 drivers. 

The accolade saw the iconic route beat off competition from the likes of Kendal to Keswick in the Lake District and Snake Pass in Peak District National Park.

It also comes less than two months after it was also named one of the top coastal road trips in the world. 

Starting and finishing at Inverness Castle, the circular scenic route takes in the rugged landscapes of the far north of Scotland as it passes through six regions: Inverness-shire, Wester Ross, Easter Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, and the Black Isle.

Here are seven hidden gems to uncover on the stunning route: 


Balnakeil Beach

 

On a clear sunny day you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the Mediterranean at Balnakeil Beach in Durness. Situated near Cape Wrath in the very north of Scotland, the crescent-shaped beach is backed by large dunes. It's worth heading there late in the day, as it’s famous for its spectacular sunsets.
 

Whaligoe Steps

 

Situated in the small port of Whaligoe near Lybster in Caithness, the Whaligoe steps are 300+ man-made steps that zig-zag down the cliffside to one of the most remarkable harbours in Scotland. While the climb back up is a ‘killer’, spare a thought for the local fisherwomen of years gone by who did it daily. 
 

Staxigoe Pole

 

Just over 10 miles from Whaligoe is the former fishing village of Staxigoe near Wick. There you will find an unusual and very charming barometer pole which dates back to the middle of the 19th century.  Featuring a weather vane and barometer, it was used by local fishermen to determine the weather conditions at sea. 
 

Lochinver Larder

 

No NC500 trip would be complete without sampling the pies at Lochinver Larder in the small fishing village of Lochinver in Assynt. So famous are their homemade pies that they even deliver them by post across the UK. They sell fish, meat, veggie and sweet pies, with the chocolate, pear and almond pie earning rave reviews.

 

Mermaid of the North

 

Sitting on a large rock named Clach Dubh (Gaelic for Black Rock) in Balintore near Tain is the stunning Mermaid of the North statue. The origin of the beautiful bronze cast model is deep-rooted in Easter Ross folklore. At high tide the mermaid’s tail is submerged. It forms part of a Seaboard Sculpture Trail that includes several other sculptures related to the sea. 

 

Puffin Cove

 

Located between Thurso and Tongue, Puffin Cove is regarded as one of the most overlooked spots on the NC500.  Home to the UK mainland's largest puffin colony, the secluded cove is a must for wildlife enthusiasts and is reachable via a small hike. 

 

Clava Cairns

 

Described as one of Scotland's most evocative prehistoric sites, Clava Cairns are a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery located just outside Inverness near Culloden. Featuring passage graves, ring cairns, kerb cairns and standing stones, Clava Cairns is a must-visit for Outlander fans - having been the inspiration for the Craigh Na Dun stone circle.