Travel news
One of Scotland’s most stunning coastal routes is showcased in a new podcast series.
The North Coast 500 Podcast highlights attractions and activities that visitors can enjoy along the 516-mile stretch along the coastal edges of the North Highlands, taking in the regions of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Inverness-shire.
While the route has already earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most stunning road trips, the presenters of the new series are further encouraging staycationers to get off the beaten track and explore all that the NC500 has to offer.
The series consists of six episodes, hosted by producers Dan Holland and Pennie Latin. With a combined 45 years of experience in broadcasting, the pair have featured on a variety of BBC productions and are also the founders of Highland-based audio production company Adventurous Audios.
Each 45-minute episode centres on a different region along the NC500 route – which begins and ends at Inverness Castle offering unparalleled views over the capital city of the Highlands – with the presenting duo partaking in activities such as snorkelling, sea-kayaking and mountain-biking.
Holland and Latin have also enlisted a range of experts to help them highlight the remarkable features unique to each region, including a few lesser-known gems.
The first episode features Assynt’s Northwest Highland Geopark, which was awarded Unesco status in 2004, while the second podcast spotlights historic Attadale Gardens in Wester Ross and the third educates listeners about the wildlife of the Black Isle. Further episodes cover surfing, distilleries and mountain biking.
Craig Mills, North Coast 500 head of operations, said: “While road-trippers have long been aware of the beauty that the NC500 has to offer, this podcast puts a focus on the wide variety of activities available to enjoy along the way.
“By slowing down and taking multiple trips on the route, visitors can get to know each of the regions in depth and really maximise their time on the North Coast 500.” Subscribe at northcoast500.podbean. com or listen at platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music