Scots tourist spot named among most picturesque locations in the world
STUNNING SCENES Scots tourist spot named among most picturesque locations in the world
SCOTLAND'S North Coast 500 has been named among the world's most picturesque road trips.
The study, conducted by Cinch, analysed 40 iconic road trip routes across six continents to find out what journeys are most shared Instagram.
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A road sign for the North Coast 500 in the Scottish Highlands
Credit: Getty
America's legendary Route 66 was crowned the most Instagrammed route on Earth, racking up a staggering 2.4 million hashtag mentions.
Also making the top five were Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland, Great Ocean Road, Australia and Blue Ridge Parkway, USA.
The NC500 is one of the most popular tourist trips in the country.
The 516-mile stretch has been compared to America's famous Route 66 and gets thousands of visitors every year.
Tourists flock to take in the breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.
Cinch motoring editor Sam Sheehan said: 'There's something unmatched about exploring the world from behind the wheel – stopping when you like, chasing views, discovering unexpected places.
"These drives capture the imagination of millions because they offer freedom, beauty and a bit of adventure.
'Whether you hire a car to go from Chicago to California or take your pride and joy around the NC500, a little research can help you set up the road trip of a lifetime.'
The NC500, dubbed Scotland's Route 66, is under the spotlight as locals express frustration over the influx of tourists along the rural route.
While the scenic road trip brings economic benefits to the Highland region, residents are frequently irked by the trail of rubbish and damage to the roads caused by the surge in camper vans and mobile homes.
Brand new coastal caravan park on picturesque NC500, near stunning, award-winning beach
But tourists claim to respect the environment and the beauty of the route.
It comes after locals blasted 'entitled' tourists who dumped their campervan outside a doctor's surgery - then cycled off for more than a week.
It's claimed the visitors parked up in a spot that's reserved for medical staff who are on-call along the NC500 route.
They then left their motorhome behind in Thurso, Caithness, to zip away on their bikes and catch a ferry.
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