Scotland’s ultimate road trip

Bringing together a route of just over 500 miles (516 to be exact…) of stunning coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, remote fishing villages, hidden gems, and a wealth of unforgettable experiences; the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most beautiful road trips.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed break, a chance to relax or simply want to see more of the North Highlands’ breathtaking scenery, you will find it on the NC500. Start planning your next adventure today.

Nine locations to visit

The Malt Whisky Trail is made up of nine locations, each one sitting in the Speyside whisky region. Speyside is home to the world’s largest concentration of Scotch malt whisky distilleries. Our sites range from global brands to boutique producers.

As you travel The Trail, you will encounter the men and women who are the guardians of generations of know-how. These are the masters of whisky, and you will only find them here on The Malt Whisky Trail. All of our sites offer guided tours (subject to COVID-19 restrictions), offering you the opportunity to meet the masters and gain new insight into Scotland’s national drink.



1/ Benromach

2/ Cardhu

3/ Dallas Dhu

4/ Glenfiddich

5/ Glen Grant

6/ The Glenlivet

7/ Glen Moray

8/ Speyside Cooperage

9/ Home of Chivas

Booking an island-hopping trip in one transaction 

Travelling from one island to another is a great way to explore the west coast of Scotland - building an itinerary that suits you best. If you are planning an island-hopping trip and you would like to book multiple routes on one transaction - please speak with one of our team at our Customer Contact Centre or with our Port Staff. We're currently not able to offer online reservations for multiple journey tickets in one transaction, but these can be booked over the telephone or with our Ports where one of our team will be happy to assist you to arrange your trip. 

Hopscotch ticket prices were calculated by simply adding the cost of a single journey on each leg of the itinerary. Purchasing single tickets will therefore be no more expensive than the corresponding Hopscotch ticket would have been.

For more information visit https://www.calmac.co.uk/

Film Locations

If you have found yourself caught in the mystical and spell-binding Outlander saga and wish to be swept away to Claire and Jamie's world, come and experience the land that inspired the writer Diana Gabaldon and the TV series producers. From ancient and mysterious standing stones to dramatic castles, magnificent stately homes and breathtaking landscapes, visit Scotland and embark on an inspiring journey.

For more information https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/attractions/tv-film/outlander/

Art Tour 

Starting from Cumbernauld itself. Take an art tour of some of our most treasured sculptures by artist Andy Scott. See Andy's website for more information http://www.andyscottsculptor.com/sculptures/arria

Scotland is amazing place to visit and wild camping is welcomed.

All we ask is you respect the local community and rules regarding parking. Make sure you take your rubbish with you and no dumping of waste unless in designated points.

The Cairngorm National Park welcomes Motorhomes and has a clear policy and designated areas follow the link for more information https://www.visitcairngorms.com/plan-your-visit/campervanning-in-the-cairngorms/

There are may ‘Aires’ popping up and are great value from £5 per night check CAMpRA for more information and site details. The Forestry Commission also allow camping again check their website for more details

https://forestryandland.gov.scot/stay-the-night

Park4Nite also provides information on parking spots.

Day 1

Leave Cumbernauld head up the A82 towards Fort William. Take in the breathtaking scenery and history of Glencoe. You can book the campsite at Glencoe Mountain Resort or wild camp at Loch Tula viewpoint back area.

Day 2

Spend an hour or two in Fort William taking in the views of Ben Nevis and Loch Linnhe

Head to Glenfinnan Viaduct a must for Harry Potter fans. Spend the night at a campsite in Morar and Mallaig.

Day 3

Take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. Visit Portree, The Old Man of Storr and Flora MacDonalds Grave. We would recommend booking one of the many campsites in Skye or try the new Aire at Portree.

Day 4

Leave Skye on the A87 over the Skye bridge. Visit Eilean Donan Castle, continue to Loch Ness spend some time Hunting Nessie or seeing Urquhart Castle. end the day in Inverness at one of the many campsites.

Day 5

Spend time exploring Inverness the Capital of the Highlands,. Go whale watching on the Moray Firth or visit Culloden Battlefield experience the atmosphere and learn about the history. End the day in Aviemore either stay at High Range, Glenmore or the Aire in the sky with spectacular views over the Cairngorms and Loch Morlich.

Day 6

Take the funicular railway up the mountain, sunbathe on the beach at Loch Morlich. Take a walk to Lochan Uaine the Green Loch or have a picnic at Lochan Eileen voted the best place in Scotland to have a picnic.

Day 7

Travel down the A9 to Stirling where you could visit the Castle or climb the Wallace Monument for spectacular views or the surrounding countryside. Stay the night at Witches Craig Caravan Park before returning to Cumbernauld.

Day 1

Leave Cumbernauld head towards the Fife Coast via the M9 passing over the Queensferry Crossing and seeing all 3 Forth Bridges including the spectacular Forth Railway Bridge.Travel the Fife Coastal Route to Elie, Anstruther or Cellardkye. Stay in one of the overnight Motorhome aires or one of the many campsites. Enjoy  a walk along the coastal path seeing the open air pools and fishing villages.

Day 2

Head to St Andrews the home of golf. Walk the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral or enjoy a visit to the Old Course Hotel. Pop over the Tay Bridge and settle for the night at Broughty Ferry.

Day 3

Take the train into Dundee and visit ‘Oor Willie’ and the V&A Museum. Head north for the night to Stonehaven staying at the campsite right on the beach and taking a dip in

the Stonehaven Lido one of only 3 open air pools in Scotland.

Day 4

Start the day by visiting the spectacular Dunnottar Castle before heading north to the Moray coast and Fraserburgh, why not stay the night at Glenbuchty Aire for only £5 or Rosehearty Yacht Club and have spectacular views of the North Sea.

Day 5

For all you film buffs a visit to Pennan the location for the film ‘Local Hero’ is a must.

please note you cannot take the Motorhome in to Pennan as it will get stuck!! The road is excessively steep with hairpin corners. You need to park in the allocated bays at the top of the hill. From there drive along the coast passing through  old fishing villages that get prettier each time. Why not stay the night for free at Lossiemouth beach or the aire at Findhorn bay for only £15.

Day 6

Take a 90 minute drive to Aviemore where you could take the funicular railway up the mountain, sunbathe on the beach at Loch Morlich. Take a walk to Lochan Uaine the Green Loch or have a picnic at Lochan Eileen voted the best place in Scotland to have a picnic. Why not stay the night at the Aire in the sky with spectacular views over the Cairngorms and Loch Morlich.

Day 7

Travel down the A9 to Stirling where you could visit the Castle or climb the Wallace Monument for spectacular views or the surrounding countryside. Stay the night at Witches Craig Caravan Park before returning to Cumbernauld next morning.