You’ve no doubt heard of the North Coast 500, also known as ‘Scotland’s Route 66’, which revolutionised the Scottish road trip when it launched in 2015, encompassing sandy beaches, dramatic landscapes and fairytale castles. But it better watch its crown because there’s a new kid in town: fasten your seatbelts, and prepare for the Heart 200.
This touring route covers 200 miles of Perthshire, Stirling and the Trossachs, and provides willing travellers a fantastic way to explore the wonders of central Scotland. It even links two of our most picturesque national parks, Loch Lomond and the Cairngorms, so you can witness both bonnie banks and pleasing peaks from the comfort of your car.
The journey also offers ample scope for detours, so en route we reckon you might want to stop off at a couple of our fave venues for a little nosey. Why not take in the magnificent grounds and pretty woodlands of Scone Palace? Or enjoy a little R‘n’R at Dunkeld House Hotel’s fantastic spa, with its range of energising and rejuvenating treatments? For history buffs, there’s also Blair Castle in Pitlochry, which dates back to the 13th century and has had any number of royals visit throughout its many years.
If you’re looking for a way to kick back and relax after the chaos of planning your wedding, then we doubt that you could do much better than the Heart 200 – a stay-cation, a mini-moon and a road trip? We think you might have hit the jackpot there.
The full Heart 200 website is coming soon, but you can find up-to-date information over on its Facebook page.
Now all that’s left to do is curate that all-important Spotify playlist. ABBA all the way? Don’t mind if we do.