the Highlands of Scotland are unbelievable to go to! With towering mountain ranges, tranquil lochs and heaps of quaint villages, it’s the kind of space that’s good for a street journey; particularly across the North Coast 500 route. In reality, there are such a lot of finest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland that you simply’re going to be spoilt for alternative.
Over the years, we’ve visited numerous occasions; following this easy-to-follow and detailed Scottish Highlands itinerary. It takes in among the finest locations on the North Coast 500 route, but additionally meanders (and barely detours) simply off the official route to search out some complete gems to discover.
It’s probably the most idyllic space and one in every of my favorite areas in all the UK. Just you’ll want to plan forward, guide lodging in loads of time (the perfect spots replenish quick in summer season) and think about that you simply may be driving on very slim roads.
The latter can at all times be a shock for North American guests!
Anyway, I don’t wish to ramble an excessive amount of! Following a route north of Inverness (anticlockwise) I wish to share a few of our favorite spots round and locations on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland that it’s a must to go to.
Plus, a number of different little detours which are complete gems to see. Have the perfect time exploring Scotland!
1.) Inverness
In a lot of methods, Inverness is mainly the gateway to the North Coast 500 route. In reality, Inverness is prone to be the primary level the place you begin your street journey; both arriving by air (to Inverness Airport) or through practice.
Now, both at first (or the tip of your North Coast 500 street journey, be certain that to take a little bit detour east in the direction of the Cairngorms. It’s one of many UK’s largest nationwide parks and completely idyllic.
We had the perfect time exploring the Cairngorms, and it’s nicely value popping over to Aviemore the place you’ll discover a great deal of trails, bike rental factors and Loch an Eilein which is attractive.
Plus, you’ve acquired the tasty Kinrara Distillery that’s so shut by. Their gin is so good and makes use of foraged herbs to create their mix.
After arriving again in Inverness, and earlier than heading onto the NC500 route, be certain that to see among the metropolis’s finest spots. Be positive to take a look at Botanic Gardens, Inverness Castle and the Highlanders’ Museum, too.
If you’re brief on time, you too can guide this superb guided tour from Inverness that drives you to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye for a full-day journey. It’s nice in the event you don’t fancy driving and don’t wish to head off the broader North Coast 500 route.
Read extra: Our day-to-day Scottish Highlands itinerary
2.) Glenmorangie, Dornoch and Dunrobin Castle
The complete space round Dornoch is nicely value visiting as you drive from Inverness. You see, it’s acquired heaps of little (and massive) locations to see within the Scottish Highlands.
If you’ve crossed the Dornoch Firth, be certain that to cease off at Dornoch Beach. It’s an enormous white-sandy stretch that’s good for a stroll.
Though, at all times keep in mind that the Scottish Haar (sea fog) might be thick and are available quick on the east coast route. So, be ready that you simply won’t see an excessive amount of if that occurs.
Whilst within the wider space, you’ll want to cease off on the Glenmorangie Distillery Whisky (on the opposite facet of Dornoch Firth), too. You can study most concerning the distilling course of and have a wee pattern of their amber nectar that’s recognized the world over.
Also, a few 20-minute drive north of Dornoch is the attractive Dunrobin Castle. It’s nonetheless on the North Coast 500 route and straightforward to see as you head additional north.
You’ll get to see a lot of the fort while exploring the 189 rooms (or at the least a good few of them). Plus, the gardens are gorgeous. It’s a very distinctive fort in Scotland and virtually appears prefer it belongs within the countryside in France.
It’s all fairly completely different to the towering brick castles you are likely to see in Great Britain. We adore it right here.
Afterwards, proceed driving north and cease off on the quaint little tearoom of The River Bothy. We had the perfect home made soup and haggis toasty.
Read extra: Best islands in Scotland to go to
3.) Old Wick, Old Keiss and Sinclair Girnigoe Castles
With 1000’s of years of historical past, the Scottish Highlands has a great deal of gems you possibly can’t miss as you drive the North Coast 500.
In reality, I’d go so far as saying that the east coast has among the finest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland in the event you’re into your historic castles.
Around a 35-minute drive, north of The River Bothy tearoom, you’ll get to go to Old Wick Castle. Now in ruins, it towers over the rugged shoreline, courting again to the 1300s. It’s nicely value parking up and strolling the coast to see – it truly is unbelievable to see.
Afterwards, comply with the North Coast 500 route additional north and cease off at Sinclair Girnigoe Castle. It’s one other gem and dates again virtually 800 years.
Oh, and don’t neglect about Old Keiss Castle, too. It’s in your route in the direction of John o’ Groats and completely simple to search out as you comply with the North Coast 500 route in Scotland.
Read extra: Best locations in Scotland to go to
4.) John o’ Groats and Duncansby Head
Okay, for me, John o’ Groats is a little bit little bit of a letdown. It’s usually regarded as probably the greatest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland – however I’d beg to vary.
Still, you’re passing by, so you actually ought to cease.
There’s nothing actually right here than an indication pointing to different locations the world over. Famed as being one finish of the longest distance between two inhabited factors in Great Britain, John o’ Groats has grow to be a photograph spot for those who have additionally visited the opposite spot (Lands End, Cornwall).
I’d say we spent about quarter-hour right here, earlier than heading for the views at Duncansby Head. Which, is called the UK’s most north-easterly level and never too removed from John o’ Groats.
Here, you possibly can see the facility of the North Sea’s waves, which have carved the rugged shoreline over 1000’s of years.
Though it’s a fleeting cease, the views dealing with south, down the coast, are attractive.
Oh, and don’t neglect you possibly can guide this Orkney Islands day journey from John o’ Groats, too. It’s so good and nicely value becoming a member of in the event you’re wanting to go to the Orkney Islands.
5.) Driving to Loch Eriboll
After departing John o’ Groats, head east on the North Coast 500 route in the direction of Loch Eriboll. It’s a few 2-hour drive and you’ll simply cease off at locations like; Castletown Beach, Dunnet Head and Drumhollistan for his or her rugged coastal magnificence.
Plus, you possibly can seize a chew to eat at Côte Du Nord, a beautiful fine-dining restaurant on the north coast.
Anyway, when you get to Loch Eriboll, be certain that to cease off to see the Neakie Lime Kilns, which you’ll be able to spot from this viewpoint. It’s a very attractive space of Scotland.
Read extra: Best cities in Scotland to go to
6.) Durness, Balnakeil and Ceannabeinne Beaches
One of probably the most north-westerly coastal areas you’ll go to within the Scottish Highlands, Durness Beach is nicely value a go to as you drive the North Coast 500.
Once right here, you’ll want to take a while to relax on the attractive sandy seashore and head over to the close by Smoo Cave which is Scotland’s largest cave to see.
Oh, and don’t neglect to drive a number of extra minutes west to Balnakeil Beach and Ceannabeinne Beach (a little bit east).
The former is an unlimited open and westerly-facing seashore that’s gorgeous at sundown. The latter has a large zipline the place you possibly can glide over the seashore space itself.
You can simply go to all three in a day they usually’re all good stopping spots in your NC500 drive.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Edinburgh
7.) Sandwood Bay
Sandwood Bay is one other gem to see while driving the west coast of the NC500 route in Scotland. Over the years, it’s even been voted as one in every of Britain’s most stunning seashores.
This being stated, it does require a fairly hefty hike to get to; it’s round an eight-mile spherical journey hike to this place. Most individuals driving the North Coast 500 route in Scotland find yourself not visiting this bay, which implies it’s principally abandoned.
Perfect if that’s the vibe you’re going for. You can have the place to your self and benefit from the white sands and towering cliffs so long as you want.
It’s good if you’re wanting a day hike but when not, head to close by Oldshoremore Beach as a substitute. For the latter, you possibly can park proper at Oldshoremore Car Park which is very easy to get to in the event you’re shorter on time.
8.) Achmelvich Beach
Following the B869 street, you’ll get to cease off on the totally attractive Achmelvich Beach. It’s a very stunning seashore that’s nicely value visiting in the event you’re going to relax out or stroll for a number of hours on a sunny day.
Trust me, it has an ideal mixture of turquoise waters and white sand, which is gorgeous.
Along the street (and earlier than you get to the seashore), you’ll additionally discover Clashnessie Falls and Clachtoll Beach.
Clachtoll Beach is ideal if you wish to spend a while alone since it is a little quieter than among the bigger seashores shut by. Though, saying that, none are busy!
Oh, and don’t neglect to cease off at Lochinver Larder that’s previous Achmelvich. It’s nicely value stopping for one of many well-known pies.
Finally, as you attain Loch Assynt, you’ll want to cease off at Ardvreck Castle. It’s one in every of our favorite fort ruins in Scotland and nicely value visiting because it’s just a few minutes stroll from the roadside.
Dating again to the 1400s, now you can stroll across the fort and its outdated grounds. It’s so unbelievable to see.
Read extra: Our day-to-day Scottish Highlands itinerary
9.) Ullapool
Although small, the village of Ullapool will possible be one of many largest settlements you come throughout on the northwest coast and nicely value making a cease.
Not solely that, there are a number of ferries from Ullapool, too. This means it’s the proper stopping level if you would like a detour from the NC500 and head over to among the prettiest Scottish islands. You’ll be capable of catch the boat over to Stornoway and head additional down Lewis and Harris (that are gorgeous, by the way in which).
If that’s not your jam, you’ll want to take a look at the close by Corrieshalloch Gorge (About 10 miles south). It has the attractive Falls Of Measach and the Corrieshalloch bridge with trails and viewpoints galore. A fantastic place if you wish to stretch your legs.
Oh, and don’t neglect to go to the Seafood Shack for dinner. Open in the summertime months, they’ve among the finest seafood on the west coast; all of which is cooked recent to order. We ate a lot, right here.
Just be certain that to take a coat, the seating is outdoors and it could possibly get chilly if a westerly wind is available in.
10.) Gruinard Bay and Wester Ross area
Joining the A832 street, You’ll drive south from Ullapool to Loch Ewe and across the round street till you get to Loch Maree and the beginning of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.
It’s probably the greatest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland, particularly for all of the picturesque and quiet stopping factors in your drive.
As you meander the little roads, be certain that to cease off at Gruinard Bay, which is completely beautiful. Plus, you too can get some beautiful views from this viewpoint on the facet of the street.
On your drive to Gruindard Bay, you’ll want to cease off at Ardessie Falls that’s simply off the roadside. Oh, and let’s not neglect about Gairloch Beach or stopping off at Hebridean Whale Cruises that depart from Gairloch. They even have orca cruises in the summertime months.
11.) Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
Often regarded as the primary National Nature Reserve in Britain, Beinn Eighe has heaps of unspoilt nature to discover through trails which you’ll be able to simply go to in the summertime months.
Honestly, in the event you’re one thing of a rambler, you’ll simply discover it to be probably the greatest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland. Now, don’t fret about strolling routes earlier than you arrive.
There’s a extremely useful customer centre situated outdoors Kinlochewe which you’ll be able to take a look at from the month of April to October. They’ll even advise you on the perfect spots to go to, and get near Beinn Eighe.
If you don’t wish to cease, you possibly can benefit from the scenic view as you drive east from Slattadale, on the shores of Loch Mare. You’ll even cross the close by Victoria Falls, too. Just be certain that to tug into this may parking space.
There is a picnic web site of Loch Maree, so that’s one spot you possibly can cease in. when you’re right here, you possibly can expertise Loch Maree’s shore whereas admiring the Slioch mountain peak from afar.
12.) Shieldaig
On the shores of Loch Torridon, Shieldaig is well probably the greatest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland. In reality, this space of Scotland is as a lot concerning the stunning drive as it’s about every pitstop you make.
To get right here, drive down the A896 street in the direction of Shieldaig from Kinlochewe. We love this drive and also you may even spot deer, particularly round this small parking spot on Google Maps. We’ve seen a resident stag, simply there, each time we’ve pushed this street.
Oh yeah, and whereas I’m at it, bear in mind street numbers beginning with ‘A’ can be larger, two-way roads with markings within the centre (these would be the largest roads you expertise within the Scottish Highlands).
Roads beginning with ‘B’ will usually be single-lane and slim roads that are extra winding and far slower roads.
You received’t be capable of keep away from both in your journey across the Scottish Highlands but it surely’s worthwhile realizing what every street is when trying on the street indicators.
Not too distant, you’ll additionally discover The Torridon, which is a superb place to spend the evening (or two) exploring the broader space. The lodge is attractive and one in every of our favourites alongside the NC500 wider area.
Whilst within the space, you’ll want to drive throughout to the opposite facet of Loch Torridon and discover the tiny hamlet of Lower Diabaig. We at all times cease for a tasty, home made, lunch at Gille Brighde. It’s so good.
Read extra: Our day-to-day Scottish Highlands itinerary
13.) Bealach na Ba viewpoint
Driving from the scenic route from Shieldaig, through Applecross and onto the Applecross Pass, be certain that to cease off at Bealach na Ba viewpoint.
Although this steep incline street is just open in summer season, it’s nicely value driving for the dramatic views down the glacier valley that was carved out within the final ice age.
It’s so dramatic to see and probably the greatest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland.
14.) Plockton, Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness (and detouring off the NC500)
Often referred to as the Jewel of the Highlands, Plockton is a small city that’s nicely value taking a detour off the North Coast 500 route and together with the Wester Ross Trail.
You see, most individuals don’t head additional south after reaching Strathcarron and begin heading again to drive to Inverness.
We at all times, if we’ve got time, embody a visit to Plockton and the broader peninsular right here. Yes, it would add a number of extra days onto your journey but it surely’s completely value it.
Once right here, be part of one in every of Calum’s Seal Trips that he runs alongside the coast (we beloved it) and cease off on the Plockton Inn for among the freshly caught native seafood. It’s scrumptious.
Afterwards, you possibly can both head over to the Isle of Skye by street (for an extended journey), or head across the coast to Ardelve to go to Eilean Donan Castle.
It’s in all probability one in every of Scotland’s most well-known castles and nicely value seeing while you’re within the Scottish Highlands.
Head inside and plan to be there for round two hours. Oh, and for among the finest views of the fort, pop to this spot on Google Maps (it’s simply earlier than Loch Long Bridge).
Finally, be part of the A87 street, taking you to Loch Ness to discover the little villages and Urquhart Castle.
Also, you possibly can simply guide this Loch Ness boat tour from Clansman Harbour that reveals you all the perfect spots on the loch, together with
Just preserve your eyes peeled for the Loch Ness monster earlier than heading again to Inverness!
Read extra: Our day-to-day Scottish Highlands itinerary
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