The problem with guidebooks like this is that they’re likely to be out of date before they’re published. The first thing I did was look to see what restaurants and accommodation were listed in my home area as that would give me an idea of how much I’d trust the recommendations for elsewhere. I found a hotel that closed and was sold last year. When it reopens in a few weeks time after a massive refurbishment, it will have a different name and be in a different league than its predecessor. I then found a restaurant that closed when Covid struck and only does takeaways now at weekends. There are three really nice cafes in my home town but the only recommendation is for a national chain, a place where no self respecting local ever goes! There is no listing for the ever popular local Italian restaurant/cafe or the one that opened in a historic building last year. The location of each establishment is given using the <i>what3words</i> app rather than street addresses. Is that something with which people in general are familiar? I’m not sure.

In the introduction, there is a nice description of the route but I feel there should also be a warning that most of the businesses listed are seasonal. A break to the west coast last year in late October/early November was marred by the almost complete lack of open cafes and restaurants north of Ullapool. Many hotels close down for the winter months too.

I do wonder who would use a guide like this now when up to date information and reviews are readily available online. I suppose it would be a nice present for someone who is thinking of making the trip as it might help with planning. There is no information on places of interest, however, so it really is of limited use, in my opinion.

Thanks for my earc of this book. This is a really handy guide for someone wanting to do the Nc500 which I am hoping to do soon!

Such a great book, with maps, routes, and brilliant advice on where to stay and visit. Would absolutely love to visit one day.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

This is a great companion book to the guide to the North Coast 500 and will be useful to those actually making the trip and a great advert for the businesses featured. However, it is not a coffee table travel book as despite some lovely photos, the book has a similar format throughout and unless you are actually on location it is not a particularly interesting read. Great guidebook for this time ie 2023 but I suspect it will date rapidly as businesses come and go or change hands.

I've been wanting to do the North Coast 500 for some time now and would like to start planning it soon. This book has been a great starting point for recommendations and the beautiful photography featured throughout has made me even more excited for my trip! I loved the inclusion of symbols for each place, such as pets, price point etc. Very handy.

A well written guide to places to eat and stay along one of the most beautiful roads in the world, one to keep in your glove box

This is absolutely stunning! I am so impressed I’m going to say that again. This book is absolutely stunning! Just to look at the pictures alone would be a reason to buy this book. They suggest lots of exciting places to stop and explore. But you also get the comprehensive information of where to refuel the body with tasty food and restful sleep as you travel along the route. The choice of establishments is perfect in its selection of different price ranges, styles and types of accommodation and eating establishments. No part of the route is forgotten. I have not travelled the whole route yet. But like me you may have spent many summer holidays as a child in this beautiful area of Scotland or actually lived here. The book has brought back many happy memories of my life and travels in the North of Scotland.. But it highlights many places on the North Coast 500 route that I’ve yet to visit. So for the first time visitor or returning traveller this is the perfect book to accompany you on the trip of a life time along the North Coast 500. Thank you to Collins Reference and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

A good little book. I have completed the North Coast 500 before a few years ago and this would have been helpful. Lots of options of places to stay and to eat. Easy to use.