One of the world’s most iconic road trips may have become a victim of its own success with the once peaceful route now full to the brim with cars. Launched just 10 years ago, Scotland’s North Coast 500 has divided opinion since it was first launched with more tourism meaning more business – but for those living along the route, their peaceful lives have been turned upside down.
Starting and ending in Inverness, the North Coast 500 showcases dramatic coastlines, golden sand beaches, rugged mountains, breathtaking scenery and historic sites. The North Highland Initiative launched the 500 mile loop in 2015 in a bid to boost footfall in Scotland’s remote northern regions. It has most definitely been a success, with some arguing too much, as the route has grown in popularity every year, garnering world-wide acclaim and has become Scotland’s answer to the US’ iconic route 66.It also regularly tops the lists of the most beautiful road trips in Britain – and it’s easy to see why.
It has contributed more than £22million to the local economy and created 180 full-time jobs. However, the dicey roads have become full of traffic, leading those living on the NC500 route to become frustrated and mourning their once tranquil lives.
Particularly catching the attention of caravan, motorhome and campervan drivers, small communities are unable to cope with the growing numbers due to limited infrastructure along the often single track roads.
It’s become such a problem that travel advice website Fodor included it in its 2025 ‘No List’, which catalogues popular destinations where tourism has placed “unsustainable pressures” on the local area. According to the website: “Roads are congested with traffic, increasing the frequency of accidents and causing significant delays for locals.”
Angry locals believe a “South Coast 500” could be the answer which would send the hordes of tourists to “Devon and Cornwall” instead.
Judith Fish, landlord of the Applecross Inn along the NC500 route told The Telegraph: “You can’t say it’s not good for business.
“The South Coast 500 might be a good idea. Get them all down to Devon and Cornwall.”
Griogair MacAllein believes one of the main problems is motorists not respecting the area of natural beauty they are in.
He said: “The NC500 is the attraction, and it certainly serves a purpose. If people respected it, it would be better. But some people use it as a race track or leave their waste in the ditches on the side of the road. There’s no excuse for that.”
The NC500 was established by a non-profit iniative created by King Charles – then the Prince of Wales. But in 2018 it was taken over by NC500 Ltd, a private company owned by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen. Povlsen also happens to be Scotland’s biggest landowner.