Scotland North East 250 Roadtrip
From £2,650 per person (based on two people sharing)
A 7-day road trip through Scotland’s spectacular North East 250, starting and finishing in Inverness. Sweeping Highland roads, historic castles, renowned whisky distilleries, rugged coastline and the magnificent Cairngorms make this a wonderfully varied driving adventure. With the roof down, the open road ahead and a Mazda Miata beneath you, this is north-east Scotland at its very best.
What to Expect
-
Created from years of first-hand travel experience and detailed local knowledge, your beautifully crafted hardback travel book contains the complete driving route, the best roads, recommended stops and information about the attractions worth seeing each day.
It also helps you manage your time effectively, making the most of each day while retaining the freedom to travel at your own pace.
We take all the stress of planning away. Hit the road, and don’t look back!
-
Drive the North East 250 through the Cairngorms, along the high roads of Royal Deeside and across the rolling landscapes of Speyside. Fast, flowing stretches give way to twisting mountain roads and sweeping coastal routes, creating a wonderfully varied drive ideally suited to the Mazda Miata.
-
Experience the remarkable variety of north-east Scotland, from the mountains and forests of the Cairngorms to Speyside’s river valleys and the rugged coastline of the Moray Firth. Along the way, the landscape is filled with ancient castles, whisky distilleries, traditional fishing villages and wide views across the North Sea.
-
Wherever you stop, you’ll encounter the warmth, humour and genuine friendliness for which Scotland is known. From family-run hotels and historic inns to local pubs, cafés and whisky distilleries, the people you meet bring their own character and stories to the journey - and are often one of the most memorable parts of the road trip.
-
Stay in carefully selected Scottish hotels chosen for their comfort, character and location. From welcoming country inns to charming Highland hotels, each stay offers warm hospitality and a relaxing place to unwind after a memorable day behind the wheel.
-
Roof down, engine alive and the magnificent roads of north-east Scotland stretching out ahead. Feel every sweeping bend, climb through the Cairngorms and breathe in the sea air along the coast. This is the freedom, excitement and sheer joy of exploring Scotland in a Mazda Miata.
Sample Itinerary
-
Land at Inverness Airport, collect your Miata and enjoy a short drive to your luxury coastal spa retreat. Unwind after your flight and settle in for a relaxing evening, ready to begin your epic North Coast 500 road trip the following morning.
-
Explore Scotland’s dramatic east coast as you drive south towards Aberdeen and the magnificent cliff-top ruins of Dunnottar Castle. Suggested stops along the way include the famous BrewDog brewery, Slains Castle, which helped inspire Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and the formidable former Peterhead Prison. Choose the experiences that interest you most and enjoy another superb day on the road.
-
Drive into the magnificent Cairngorms National Park on some of Scotland’s finest roads, passing ancient forests, meandering rivers and the Royal Family’s Highland residence. Spend two nights in the heart of this remarkable wilderness, with the freedom to visit historic whisky distilleries, explore Royal Deeside or climb higher into the mountains. The choice is yours.
-
Return to Inverness through the heart of Speyside, with opportunities to visit renowned whisky distilleries and discover the region’s rich heritage. Continue to the Moray coast, where you may spot dolphins in the firth, before returning your Miata in Inverness and enjoying a final relaxing evening ahead of your flight home the following day.
Trip Of A Lifetime
The ROAD
The North Coast 500 is one of the world’s great driving routes. Sweeping Highland roads, mountain passes and dramatic coastal stretches make the NC500 feel made for a Miata with the roof down.
The LANDSCAPE
Scotland’s far north feels genuinely remote. Mountains, lochs, white-sand beaches, ancient castles and rugged Atlantic coastline create a constantly changing backdrop throughout your Scottish Highlands road trip.
The MIATA
This is what makes your trip different. A lightweight, two-seat roadster, the roof down and some of Scotland’s finest driving roads ahead. The Miata turns the North Coast 500 from a sightseeing route into a driving experience you’ll never forget!
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQs page, or if you’d like to talk with us about any of our trips, get in touch…
Your Questions, Answered
-
Your seven-day North Coast 500 road trip includes your Miata, carefully selected accommodation throughout the Scottish Highlands, and a fully planned NC500 driving route. You’ll also receive our detailed digital travel guide, with recommended stops, places to eat, local highlights and everything you need to enjoy the journey at your own pace.
-
Fly into Inverness, collect your Miata and begin your seven-day North Coast 500 self-drive tour through the Scottish Highlands. Your NC500 route, accommodation and overnight stops are planned for you, leaving you free to enjoy the driving, explore at your own pace and experience Scotland from behind the wheel.
-
Yes. Visitors from the USA and Canada can drive in the UK using a valid driving licence. Drivers must meet our vehicle rental and insurance requirements, with an upper age limit of 74. Before your North Coast 500 road trip, we provide practical guidance on driving your Miata safely and confidently on Scotland’s Highland roads.
-
Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, and conditions may change several times in one day. Rain is possible throughout the year, so it’s best to pack for a mixture of conditions.
From April to June, the weather is generally cooler, although there can be plenty of mild, bright days. These months also benefit from increasingly long daylight hours.
July and August are usually the warmest months, but rain and cooler spells are still possible. Warmer weather can also bring more midges, particularly in sheltered, rural areas.
During September and early October, temperatures begin to cool again and the days become shorter.
-
The best time depends on whether you prefer warmer weather or quieter roads.
From April to June, roads and attractions are generally quieter than during the main summer season. The increasingly long daylight hours also give you more time to enjoy each day. However, school holidays and bank holiday weekends are busier.
July and August offer the warmest weather but are also Scotland’s busiest travel months. Roads, hotels and popular attractions attract more visitors, particularly during the school summer holidays.
During September and early October, roads and attractions usually become quieter after the summer holidays. It can be an excellent time to travel, although temperatures are cooler and daylight hours become shorter. School holidays and busy weekends may still attract more visitors.
-
Space in a Miata is limited, so we strongly recommend soft-sided luggage rather than large rigid suitcases. The road trip is not too long and has been designed with Miata luggage space in mind. There are laundry services available along the route, so you can refresh your clothing during your journey. Our advice is to pack light. We will also provide practical luggage guidance before you travel, helping you make the best use of the available boot space.