There are a few places to park up if you want to admire the Loch in all its glory, with several places in Luss to stop for coffee, too. If it’s just a scenic spot you’re looking for, you could park up at the popular Firkin Point, a stunning stop-off with panoramic views of the Loch just over 15 miles along the A82. There are also find toilets here which are available to the public. You’ll find another great viewpoint at the Inveruglas Pyramid, an innovative structure built in 2015 as part of Scotland’s Scenic Routes project. The Pyramid is made up of 31 steps which, from the top, offer picture-perfect views of the Loch.

Further along the A82, you may want to stop off for a short walk to the Falls of Falloch. You’ll find a signposted car park just south of the waterfall; the walk from the car park is estimated to take around 20 minutes, giving you a good opportunity to stretch your legs and appreciate the surrounding area. There are also picnic benches by the falls which are perfect if you want to take some snacks.

Further along your drive, you’ll pass Pulpit Rock, an unusual looking rock which is viewable from the road. The Rock was historically used as a place of worship during the 19th century, and is also known in Gaelic legend as Clach nan Tarbh or ‘The Stone of the Bulls’. If you want to explore more Scottish legends along your drive, you could also take a small detour to The Lochan of the Lost Sword, a small loch which is said to be the resting place for a number of ancient Scottish swords belonging to figures such as Robert the Bruce. There’s parking available at Tyndrum Lower train station or Pine Trees camping site, from which you’ll have to hike to the Lochan; it’s an easy walk which is suitable for all fitness types.

Glencoe Valley, with Buachaille Etive Mor dominating the skyline

• The route is inland but does drive along the length of a couple of large bodies of water (Loch Lomond, Loch Tulla), crosses over the famous River Clyde, and as you drive along Loch Lomond’s edge you can enjoy views across the water and over to Ben Lomond mountains.
• The route follows an A-road (a well built-up road, one below a motorway), however, weather conditions will inevitably be variable so it is worth checking weather conditions on your day of travel.
• There are also lots of locations to stop at, either for sightseeing or entertainment (cafes, activities, etc.).
• As you drive closer to Glencoe, the views from the car are postcard perfect. The magnificent views and countless stop-off points around the Glencoe area truly make this one of Scotland’s most scenic driving routes.

Around 17.5 miles from Glenmorangie Distillery, you’ll find Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, which is a perfect spot for any Scottish history enthusiasts. Dunrobin Castle is the largest great house in the Northern Highlands, boasting beautiful gardens and stunning coastal views. There are a few other castles dotted along your journey too, such as the Dunbeath Castle and Gardens on the east coast of Caithness, as well as the nearby Castle and Gardens of Mey. All the castles and grounds along your route have car parks and, as castles are an integral part of Scotland’s history, promise a rich insight into what made Scotland’s north coast what it is today.

Your drive will follow the A9 along the east coast, breaking off onto the A99 at Latheron. The A99 is a straightforward drive which will lead you to the legendary John O’Groats, a village famous for its north-eastern tip which, together with Cornwall’s Land’s End, forms the longest distance on mainland Britain. This is a popular place to take a picture to remember your journey!

From John O’Groats, follow the A836 westward across the northern coast of Scotland. This is a beautiful section of the drive; you’ll be able to see for miles across the Highlands as the road winds its way across the rural north. Eventually, you’ll break away from the A836 onto the A838, which will take you over the Kyle of Tongue Bridge, dip under Loch Eriboll, and continue on to Durness.

The colourful houses of John O’Groats

• This route is perfect for those who own a campervan or 4×4.

• There are a range of different types of roads that visitors will travel on when exploring this region of Scotland, but the majority of roads are country roads. Visitors should familiarise themselves with the Highway Code, with particular attention to navigating single track roads.

• While many of the roads on the North Coast 500 route are easy to navigate, there will be some challenging roads as the road weaves in and out of Scotland’s rugged coastline.

• Applecross Road is one of Scotland’s most famous routes, for its beauty and unusual shape. However, Applecross road can be quite challenging for some drivers, so do take your time and enjoy the views as you navigate your way.

• Due to the length of this road trip, it’s advisable to take an emergency breakdown kit with supplies such as food, water, a torch and warm waterproof clothing.

Your journey along the east coast is made up of A-roads, making the drive a reasonably straightforward one. The views are stunning, with plenty of places to park up and appreciate the scenery before you. Just over 30 miles from Aberdour, you’ll reach the characterful seaside town of Elie. Here, you might want to stop off at Elie Beach, a popular place for water sports, rock climbing and outdoor activities. Just remember to take a towel if you decide to go for a swim! If you’re feeling peckish after your visit to Elie, the small town of Anstruther is only 6 miles further along your route, and is famous for having the best fish and chips in all of Scotland.

Just 14 miles further into your journey, you’ll drive through St Andrews, famous for its prestigious university and multiple golf courses. For any golf enthusiasts, this is a wonderful place to stop and explore. You can take a tour through the British Golf Museum or visit The Old Course – also known as The Old Lady – which is considered to be the oldest golf course in the world. There’s also a beautiful beach nearby called West Sands Beach; the sand stretches for almost two miles, making it the perfect place for a seaside walk. St Andrews also boasts a stunning 8-acre Botanic Garden, which is only a stone’s throw from the beach and close to the centre of town.

From St Andrews, your driving route will continue through Fife and across the Tay Road Bridge into the city of Dundee. This will mark the second leg of your journey between Dundee to Aberdeen, otherwise known as The Angus Coastal Route, one of Scotland’s most popular drives following the length of the A92.

The ruins of Dunnottar Castle, once home of the Earls Marischal

• This route will see you following motorways and A-roads for the majority of the trip, meaning the roads are well established and easy to drive.

• The speed limit on both motorways and A-roads is 70 miles per hour. At various points, speed limits may change as you pass through towns, villages and built-up areas.

• Be mindful of speed limit changes and weather forecasts. The weather can be quite changeable in Scotland and roads can become slippery when wet, meaning drivers may need to adjust their speed accordingly.

• There are lots of places to stop on this route, for food, activities and views, as this region of Fife is extremely scenic and the views out over the water are incredible. Heading up the Angus Coast Way, you’ll enjoy even more picture-perfect views from the car.