Driving Scotland’s NC500 in a Supercar
Exploring the North Coast 500 in a supercar and why it’s the ultimate driving adventure
Scotland’s North Coast 500 is already one of the most popular road trips in the world.
Dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and rugged mountain views, it is a route designed to be savoured.
But swap a standard hire car or van for a high performance supercar or similar, and the experience a truly extraordinary trip.
The famous Skyfall road, Glencoe
Why drive a supercar on the North Coast 500
Long open stretches along the coast allow you to feel the raw acceleration of a supercar, while twisting inland roads test its handling and balance. The contrast between wild mountains, deep lochs, and remote beaches creates a constantly changing backdrop that keeps every mile exciting.
The NC500 is immersive and varied. One moment you are gliding past clear blue waters at Achmelvich beach, the next you are climbing through dramatic Highland terrain over the famous Applecross pass.
It becomes a curated adventure that balances adrenaline with comfort, excitement with relaxation.
My 3 favourite roads on the NC 500 for driving
Some stretches of the Scotland 500 are about scenery, some are about atmosphere, but a few sections stand out as truly exceptional for driving.
These are the roads that come alive behind the wheel of a powerful car:
1. Applecross pass
This is the most dramatic and adrenaline filled road on the entire NC500. The climb up the Bealach na Bà is steep, narrow, and packed with tight hairpin bends that demand your full attention.
The Applecross pass aka Bealach na Bà
As you ascend, the views open up across the mountains and coastline looking out towards Isle of Skye, making each turn feel even more thrilling. While it can be busy in the summer, it is truly one of the UK’s best roads.
In a supercar, this stretch is both a challenge and a thrill. The sharp corners test your driving, while the changing elevation and sweeping vistas make it an unforgettable driving experience.
2. Ullapool to Torridon
The drive from Ullapool to Torridon is defined by vast, rugged mountain scenery and long, beautifully sweeping roads that feel tailor made for performance driving. With incredible views, mountains and landscapes, this is one of my favourites.
The landscape here is dramatic, with massive peaks, moorland, and lochs stretching out on either side of the road.
3. Durness to Lochinver
This stretch delivers a brilliant mix of coastal and inland driving, with wide roads that let you fully appreciate the power and handling of a high performance car. The route feels open, fast, and deeply immersive, with dramatic scenery unfolding around every bend.
Kylesku Bridge
The highlight is crossing the iconic Kylesku Bridge, made famous on Top Gear, which offers a striking moment as the road curves across the water against a backdrop of mountains. From there, the road continues toward Lochinver, making this one of the most enjoyable and memorable sections of the entire NC500. Don’t forget to try out the famous Lochinver pies when you get there.
Finding your ride or tour
If you are considering driving a supercar on the NC500, there are two main ways to approach it.
Supercar hire
There are several specialist companies that offer vehicles tailored for Scotland’s roads, allowing you to plan your own itinerary while enjoying top tier performance. This option suits those who want full control over their route, pace, and stops. Find out more via the form below.
Organised tours
For a more structured experience, clubs arrange multi day scenic car tours that pair thrilling drives with luxury accommodation and carefully planned routes. These trips often include group driving, professional support, and access to exclusive locations.
Both options deliver something different, but each offers a premium way to experience the NC500.
In May 2026, OTC Cars to help connect drivers with curated NC500 supercar experiences. Their trips are designed for those who want the excitement of a high performance vehicle combined with the ease of expert planning.
To find out more about their organised trips, fill in the short form below and I’ll send you over a few details.
Whether you are new to supercars or a seasoned enthusiast, these tours aim to showcase the best of the route while ensuring a smooth, enjoyable journey.
If you are interested in learning more or registering your interest, you can do so below.