North Coast 500

Experience Scotland's greatest road trip with North Coast 500, published in association with © North Coast 500 Ltd.

Driving the North Coast 500? Good choice. Winding through Scotland’s northern Highlands, this unforgettable route is one of the UK’s greatest road trips. But driving it isn’t about racing from one stop to the next – it’s about slowing down, looking beyond the obvious and experiencing the place as it really is.

North Coast 500 helps you do just that. Written by Scotland expert Rachel Laidler, this refreshingly honest guide takes you beyond the road and into the heart of the Highlands. It’s packed with local insights, lesser-known detours and must-do experiences that support the communities you'll pass through, like hiking through the cinematic mountains of Assynt and Torridon; sipping on whiskey at the centuries-old Balblair distillery; and taking a sustainable fishing trip with Ian and his plucky dog Dubh.

Inside North Coast 500 you’ll find:

• 100+ handpicked highlights, mixing icons like the hairpin bends of the Bealach na Bà with quieter, local favourites
• the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay, including an independent smokehouse near Applecross and a woodland cabin close to Ullapool
• off-the-beaten-track detours, so you can explore even more of the Scottish Highlands
• practical tips to plan your trip, travel safely and explore responsibly
• what3words for every stop – so you’ll never get lost

So what are you waiting for? Whether you're driving the full loop or dipping into a section, this is the only guide you need for a North Coast 500 road trip that goes deeper, treads lighter and stays with you long after the road ends.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs