DRIVE THE NORTH COAST 500

IS there a more beautiful 500-mile coastal road in the world? We doubt it. The sometimes narrow and winding Highlands track that hugs the coastline of remote northern Scotland will literally take your breath away with each turn or corner. It has something for everyone: castles, distilleries, breweries, indigenous wildlife, tasty local produce, lighthouses, white sandy beaches, wild camping and friendly locals. You know a route is pretty good when Rough Guides have dedicated a whole book to it (£5.99 on Amazon.co.uk). Get it and go now! The route starts in Inverness, then heads north-west towards the coast, but to get there you have to make your way over Beelach na Ba or Cattle Pass, the UK’S third highest drivable pass. Stop at Applecross, where they serve the most delightful fresh seafood at the local inn. From there the road along the west coast is our favourite part of the route, it’s literally littered with seaside campsites but if you chat to those in the know you might be able to find somewhere wild to camp on your own. If sand driving is your thing then you can do exactly that at Balnakeil, head north on the beach and over the dunes. Don’t forget to stop at Cocoa Mountain for a hot chocolate as you make your way to Durness. It’s more like a work of art than a mug of hot chocolate.

You have to park your Defender at the famous John O’groats sign as proof that you and your Land Rover have been to the most northern point of mainland Britain. Award