DRIVE TIME
Two Scots road trips rival NC500 with ‘breathtaking’ and ‘picture postcard’ views with incredible wildlife along the way
Scroll down for everything you need to know about the alternative NC500 driving routes
EVERY year, thousands of people flock to the Highlands to take on the North Coast 500.
And now that we're officially into summer, tourists and families alike will be preparing to travel along the iconic route.
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The 516-mile route is commonly known as Scotland's answer to America's Route 66 and is now one of the most popular road trips in the world.
With its magnificent coastal views, castles and distilleries, it's not surprising that it has seen an increase in visitors.
Especially with the staycation boom in recent years after the coronavirus pandemic.
But the increase in visitors means the route is often heavily congested, with slow-moving caravans and motorhomes crowding the narrow roads.
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And locals have been left increasingly frustrated after being left unable to get around their small local towns as easily.
As a result, experts have reminded people that there are plenty of other stunning driving routes across the country that they can travel instead.
Goboony, the UK’s leading campervan-sharing platform, explained that alternative routes also offer equally stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
Jake Stone, UK Country Manager said: “The NC500 is undoubtedly a beautiful corner of the world.
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"But such fame comes at a price, and we’re frequently seeing overcrowded photo spots and queues of traffic.
"The best thing about hiring a campervan is you have the freedom to travel wherever you want, so why not visit a lesser-visited place? Scotland has so much to offer beyond the NC500.”
The North Coast 500: Scotland's Spectacular Coastal Route
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Fife Coastal Route
One of these routes is the incredible Fife Coastal Route.
This is a 77-mile journey that hugs the North Sea coastline and takes you through the historic Kingdom of Fife.
It can be started in Edinburgh or Stirling and passes through the Royal Burgh of Culross and Dunfermline Palace and Abbey.
It then reaches North Queensferry, which is a perfect spot to catch a closeup of the three major road and rail bridges spanning the Forth, including the unique UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge.
It also lets visitors see numerous attractions - including Aberdour Castle, which is one of Scotland's two oldest standing castles and dates back to around 1200.
Visitors can also discover the Kirkcaldy Galleries which is a library, museum and art gallery rolled into one and offers the chance to see the work of local artists and get a better understanding of the area's history.
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The route then heads back up north to the stunning coastline, passing sandy beaches and idyllic fishing villages to St Andrews.
The town is renowned for its world-class university and historic Old Course - one of the oldest courses in the world and often dubbed the "Home of Golf".
Tentsmuir also has beautiful forest walks, with mountain bike trails for thrill seekers.
The trip then finishes at Newport-on-Tay, which offers perfect views across the River Tay to Dundee.
This route is ideal for those with less time on their hands because it can be completed in two days.
However, it can also be stretched out over a week or longer if desired.
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The Snow Roads Scenic Route
Another route for motorhomes and campervans to try out is the Snow Roads Scenic Route.
This is a 90-mile route that takes visitors through the majestic Cairngorms National Park.
It begins in the charming market town of Blairgowrie which is the gateway to the activity-rich Glenshee.
And it ends in the traditional Highland town of Grantown-on-Spey.
Along the way, people can take in picture-postcard views perfectly or have more adventures in the Cairngorms National Park.
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It is also ideal for anyone who wants to see more of Scotland's wildlife with the chance to spot ospreys, eagles, and mountain hares on the route.
There are also three art installations that visitors can pop into on their journey - The Watchers at Cock Bridge, Still at Tomintoul, and Connecting Contours at Glenshee.
The route is also perfect for anyone looking to disconnect and forget their troubles, with plenty of opportunities to wander through peaceful woodlands or sit by tumbling streams.
There are also two five-star hotels on the route for those who want to make any overnight stays extra special.
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These are the Balmoral Arms in Ballater and the Fife Arms in Braemar.
It is recommended that people take at least three to five days for this road trip to enjoy their experience fully.
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