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Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Daily Record
North Coast 500 named one of UK's 'must visit' routes as scenery and practicality praised
The study ranked road trips based on reviews, fuel costs, EV chargers, places to stay and popularity A spectacular Scottish road trip has been named among the best in the UK for summer 2025. The North Coast 500 has officially been ranked the third most popular road trip in the UK. The ranking cementis the NC500's status as a must-do route for travellers this summer. The breathtaking 516-mile loop through the Highlands continues to capture the imagination of adventure seekers. It is known for its jaw-dropping coastal scenery, remote beaches, ancient castles and wild mountain passes, and its popularity has been reflected in the ranking from Car Finance 247. The new research by the UK's leading online car finance platform analysed a variety of factors when comparing some of the UK's best-loved driving routes. The study looked at each road trip's TripAdvisor ratings, fuel costs, EV charger availability, accommodation options, and search popularity to determine the best all-round experiences for drivers in 2025. For Scots, the North Coast 500 is already a well-known favourite. But this latest analysis shows it isn't just about stunning views, it also delivers when it comes to practical travel essentials. The route sees an average of 19,000 monthly searches, the second-highest on the list, and boasts 2,255 five-star TripAdvisor reviews for its many sights. Petrol costs for the route were estimated at £87.72, relatively affordable given its length, especially compared to other longer-distance journeys. Fuel costs were calculated proportionally based on mileage, ensuring a fair comparison between short and extended routes. The study also aimed to reflect the evolving needs of modern road trippers, including those planning budget-friendly escapes or eco-conscious EV adventures. While England's Jurassic Coast topped the overall list thanks to its balance of affordability, visitor reviews and accessibility, the North Coast 500 was by far the highest ranked Scottish entry. The Wales Coast Path claimed second spot, with more than 5,000 five-star reviews and an impressive 479 affordable accommodation options. Other popular routes, such as Hadrian's Wall and the South West 660, fell behind in key areas like EV infrastructure and online interest. Another Scottish gem to make the list was the Kintyre 66, which rounded out the top 10. This scenic 66-mile loop through Argyll offers sea views from nearly every stretch of road and looks out to the islands of Gigha, Islay, Jura and Arran. On a clear day, visitors can even see across to Northern Ireland from South Kintyre. The Kintyre 66 includes six spurs for those keen to explore further and clocked 50 five-star reviews, 170 average monthly searches, and a fuel cost of just £11.22. The route also offers 67 EV charging points and 24 budget accommodation options. The research highlights how road trip trends are shifting. Travellers in 2025 are increasingly factoring in practicalities such as fuel efficiency, charging access and affordability, in addition to the traditional draw of beautiful views and scenic detours. 'As a company committed to helping people get on the road with confidence, we know that value matters, not just when choosing a car, but also when planning where it takes you,' said Louis Rix, Co-Founder and COO at Car Finance 247. 'This research shows that whether you're heading out for a short weekend drive or a longer escape, there are incredible UK road trips to suit every budget and lifestyle.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. 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The UK's top 10 road trip destinations for 2025 Route Number of 5-star Tripadvisor reviews Avg monthly searches Cost of petrol for the route Number of EV charging points Number of affordable accommodation options 1 Jurassic Coast 3,842 26,000 £16.15 73 24 2 Wales Coast Path 5,289 900 £147.90 112 479 3 North Coast 500 2,255 19,000 £87.72 65 152 4 North Yorkshire Moors Linear 21,665 50 £30.77 18 19 5 Hadrians Wall 752 16,000 £14.28 22 65 6 South West 660 662 100 £112.20 317 29 7 Norfolk Coastal Path 4,052 250 £14.28 13 138 8 Northumberland Coast Path 1,190 400 £10.54 23 73 9 The Cumbrian Coast 1,530 150 £34.00 23 107 10 Kintyre 66 50 170 £11.22 67 Article continues below 24
Scotsman
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
North Coast 500 named one of UK's favourite road trips
The North Coast 500, a 516 mile Scottish road trip of stunning coastal scenery, and rugged mountains has officially been crowned the UK's third favourite road trip destination for 2025, cementing its reputation as one of the UK's must-do's this summer. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The ranking, commissioned by Car Finance 247, evaluated 15 of the UK's most scenic and popular drives using a data-driven approach that goes beyond scenery alone. Routes were scored on five equally weighted factors: TripAdvisor five-star reviews, average monthly search demand, estimated petrol costs, the availability of EV charging points, and affordable accommodation options. For Scottish travellers, the North Coast 500 needs little introduction. The famous 516-mile loop around the Highlands is renowned for dramatic coastal vistas, remote beaches, ancient castles, and wild mountain passes. But in this latest study, it also impressed with practical credentials that matter to today's road trippers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to the data, the North Coast 500 secured an average of 19,000 monthly searches – the second highest in the top 10 – highlighting its enduring popularity among visitors. NC500 looking west from Glen Docharty towards Kinlochewe, Ross-shire, Scotland. It also racked up 2,255 five-star TripAdvisor reviews for the route's major sights, reflecting its world-class reputation. Petrol costs for the route were calculated at £87.72 – understandable given its length, but still reasonable for such an extensive journey compared to other long-distance drives. Crucially, the route's 65 EV charging points also helped it maintain a strong overall score, making it increasingly accessible for electric vehicle drivers exploring the Highlands. Meanwhile, with 152 affordable accommodation options (priced under £150 per night in the study's sample period), it caters well to travellers seeking a longer, multi-day adventure without overspending. Louis Rix, Co-Founder & COO at Car Finance 247 added: 'As a company committed to helping people get on the road with confidence, we know that value matters, not just when choosing a car, but also when planning where it takes you. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "This research shows that whether you're heading out for a short weekend drive or a longer escape, there are incredible UK road trips to suit every budget and lifestyle.' While England's Jurassic Coast claimed the top spot overall thanks to its mix of affordability, visitor reviews and ease of access, the North Coast 500 was Scotland's highest-ranked route by a clear margin. Other contenders such as Hadrian's Wall and the South West 660 trailed behind the NC500 when it came to search popularity and EV infrastructure. The study also revealed that 2025 travellers are placing growing importance on practical considerations like fuel costs, charging access and budget accommodation – alongside the traditional appeal of spectacular views. With EV ownership on the rise, Scotland's investment in rural charging infrastructure is already paying dividends, making routes like the North Coast 500 even more accessible for sustainable tourism.
Scotsman
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
The UK's cleanest car capitals – and why keeping your car clean this summer could save you £2,000
With the arrival of warmer months, Britons are washing their cars more frequently—but some cities are clearly leading the way in keeping their motors spotless. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... According to the new Britain's Cleanest Cars Index by CarFinance247, Newcastle tops the chart as the UK city where drivers take the most pride in their vehicle's cleanliness, scoring high across car wash searches, facility availability, and low pollution levels. Using a combination of public data on pollution, rainfall, water hardness and search behaviour, CarFinance247's index ranks cities on a scale out of 500 to find the cleanest car spots in the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Top 3 Cleanest Car Cities A black car being washed with soap and a sponge Newcastle (368/500) With relatively low rainfall (608mm annually), soft-to-moderate water, 31 car washes in the area, and strong air quality (pollution at just 7.8 µg/m³), Newcastle combines convenience and cleanliness better than any other UK city. Edinburgh ranks second thanks to exceptionally clean air (lowest pollution levels in the index) and ultra-soft water. Fewer car washes than Newcastle, but high user satisfaction and safe road conditions push the city up the list. Scotland takes third spot too. While rainfall is high, Glasgow counters this with 41 car wash locations (the second most in the index), some of the softest water, and low pollution levels. It's a top pick for frequent washers and detailers alike. Ranking last… 🦠Southampton (116/500) With the worst pollution levels in the index—surpassing even London—paired with a low number of car wash facilities and hard water that's tough on paintwork, Southampton ranks last in the UK's Clean Car Capitals. Local drivers face a tougher battle to keep their vehicles in good condition, and without regular upkeep, they risk higher maintenance costs. From faded paint to clogged filters and corroded surfaces, the city's harsh conditions mean that staying on top of car care isn't optional—it's essential. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Cities like Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow—are setting the standard for year-round vehicle care, and it's especially important in summer. These drivers aren't just improving their cars appearance—they're actively protecting against the season's most damaging conditions. "Sunshine might feel great for a drive, but it can quietly wreak havoc on your vehicle,' says Louis Rix, Co-Founder of CarFinance247. 'UV rays fade paintwork and crack interiors, hot roads can lead to tyre blowouts, and overheating engines can cause serious damage. These issues are preventable with the right summer care—but if ignored, they can cost you upwards of £2,000.'' For example, underinflated or worn tyres can result in fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre and a dirty windscreen fine can range from £50 to £1,000. Maintaining your vehicle properly not only supports safer driving but can also help you avoid unexpected expenses. ''Here are some summer car care tips to save money and avoid repairs: Use a windscreen sunshade or park in shaded areas whenever possible, as this helps protect your dashboard from cracking and prevents your car's paintwork from fading due to prolonged UV exposure. Check your coolant levels regularly throughout summer, because your engine works harder in hot weather and low coolant can quickly lead to overheating, which risks serious and costly damage. Have your battery tested before long summer journeys, since high temperatures accelerate internal wear and can cause older or weaker batteries to fail unexpectedly—often without warning. Inspect your tyre pressure every week, because heat causes air to expand, and over-inflated or worn-out tyres are far more likely to blow out, especially on hot tarmac or motorway drives. Refer to your vehicle manual or this guide for correct pressure and tread advice.
