This is the essential guide to the north of Scotland, on a route which begins in Inverness, weaves westwards to Applecross and then northwards towards Torridon. From Ullapool it leads to the most northerly points in Britain, passing by Caithness and John o' Groats before heading south again through Dingwall and to Inverness. In addition to stunning mountains, moors, lochs and beaches, the route also features exquisite towns and villages, castles, distilleries, breweries, natural wonders and wildlife.

Brigid Benson, who knows the road intimately, divides the route into manageable chunks, suggesting where to discover history, observe wildlife, meet great local characters, shop at quirky stores, taste outstanding food, drink in friendly bars and cafes, stand in awe of amazing sights, and recommending places to picnic, swim, surf, walk and stargaze. And great places to camp and stay. She also draws attention to potential pitfalls, offering useful advice on single-track roads, fuel, car problems, planning realistic itineraries, and much more.

Stunning, full-colour landscape photography features throughout, and a full list of photographs can be found on page 229 for your reference.

'Brigid writes with warmth and appreciation of communities that she knows and loves, and she inspires us to explore them' Rick Stein

'Whenever I am talking to customers about the NC500, I always recommend your book for the wonderful photographs and all the extra information it contains' David Duguid, Picaresque Books