Shetland: Lying roughly 100 miles off the northeast coast of Scotland, the Shetland Islands are the northernmost tip of Scotland. The islands separate the Atlantic Ocean, on the west, from the North Sea on the east. With a population of just over 22,800 people, the Shetland Islands are closer to Norway than to the rest of mainland Scotland. You’ll explore the remarkable history and culture of the region, from antiquity to the modern day, and learn more than a few surprising insights along the way. The Roy Military Survey provides a uniform graphic snapshot of the entire Scottish mainland at a time when the landscape was beginning an era of rapid change. For many Highland areas, it is the most detailed and informative map that survives for the entire 18th century. For all areas, it is the only standard topographic map prior to the Ordnance Survey mapping in the 19th century. Features of interest to an army commander, such as roads, rivers, the positions of villages and hamlets, as well as general land-cover and terrain are remarkably accurate. The designed landscapes around some of the larger country houses and estates are also particularly impressive. Take (another) bracing walk in the wild and untamed landscape of Dunnet Head, the RSPB nature reserve and the most northerly point in mainland Britain. This is the perfect place to see puffins in this noisy sea-bird nature reserve, especially if you visit during the breeding season, from late spring to early summer. A visit to the Beinn an Turc Distillery near Torrisdale to sample their Kintyre gin is a must! This sustainable distillery, which uses its own power generated by a hydroelectric plant, creates a delicious gin using botanicals and water from its own land.

Scotland Map: Interactive map of Scotland, displaying the country which is part of the United Kingdom. Length – 55 miles – 89km (via northern Road + small detour to Quiraing + small detour to Fairy Glen)

Whilst in the area, explore the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal in a half-turn that takes only five minutes! The National Grid series at 1:10,560/1:10,000 scales are the closest equivalent scale to the 6 inch to the mile sheets. Glen Etive is a wild road on the side of Glen Coe. It takes you along the river all the way to Loch Etive. Admire the listed historic house of Scone Palace, situated near the village of Scone and the city of Perth. Scone Palace was the crowning place of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II were once crowned. Nowadays, this red sandstone palace is among the very finest surviving examples of the late Georgian Gothic style in the United Kingdom.

This was a surprise. This road is not often mentioned but I really enjoyed it as it was quite different from the rest of the Northern drive.

Enjoy fresh seafood at some of the best restaurants in Scotland along this route. Of particular note, the original Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd have been selling fresh oysters at the roadside since 1978 and you can now enjoy them in the bar or to take away from their delicatessen. Get out on the water in a canoe or take a boat trip to get acquainted with local wildlife. You’re likely to see seals, dolphins, porpoises, and lots of different species of sea birds, as well as find hidden coves, cliff waterfalls, and sea caves. This tourist route is fairly new, launched in 2017, and is not always signposted as such. As with all road trips, keep a close eye on whichever mapping and navigation tools you use to work out what’s on the route and what will require a little detour. Plan trips to Scotlandduring the colder months for winter sporting opportunities, dramatic scenery, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, or ‘Mirrie Dancers’ as they are sometimes called in Scotland. The OS 25 inch maps cover all inhabited areas of Britain. They are a smaller scale than the Town Plans but a larger area is covered. These maps are particularly useful to local historians looking at changes in smaller settlements including changes to buildings and streets.