North Coast NSW Getaway. There is a 6 km (4 miles) trail around the island which takes about 3 hours to complete. Leaving the coast and driving inland to loop around to Ullapool felt a bit like a disappointment – where are the views? Balnakiel Church with Balnakiel Beach in the background (Kav Dadfar), Viewing platform on Sango Sand beach (Kav Dadfar). The trail loops around and descends through the pinewoods back to the car park. The town was only on my radar because we spent a night at Helmsdale Youth Hostel to break up the drive back. He was welcomed by Neil Macleod’s wife who subsequently tricked him into entering the dungeon before imprisoning him and sending for government troops. There is no issue with campervans using the Bealach na Ba pass. I was expecting a gorge alright, but this one went above and beyond what other gorges look like! Sutherland makes up a large part of the North Coast 500, and will leave a lasting memory too. The walk from the car park is easy along clear paths. The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile (830 km) scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle. NC500 … So, clearly, it is now possible to visit the North Coast 500 and the summer season may just be salvaged. Bealach na Ba road is single track, steep and has hairpin bends. No one would begrudge this spectacular stretch of sand taking the title. It is most famous for Am Buachaille, a giant sea stack! Day 1: Inverness to Torridon via Applecross, Distance: 115 miles, Overnight at Torridon Youth Hostel, Day 2: Torridon to Gairloch incl. Imagine riding across this beautiful beach! Absolutely! The views as you descend to Diabaig are fantastic and the small village at the end of the road offers a scenic harbour and the seaside cafe Gille Brighde (closed Mondays & Tuesdays). It’s best to park at Keiss Harbour and walk to Old Keiss Castle along the shore. It is not difficult or antisocial to drive them here. – until we reached Corrieshalloch Gorge. How wrong I was! You can return the same way or take the slightly longer ¾ mile route back to the car park. During my last visit to Scotland I decided that I would go on an epic road trip and take on the highlights of the North Coast 500. The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to route 66 and one of the most beautiful coastal touring routes in the world (well, we think so, anyway!). However, it is important to keep in mind that many roads in north-west Scotland are narrow and winding. You’d imagine that this far north, the climate would be too harsh for anything but gorse and heather – but the Gulf Stream actually has a huge impact on the local flora. Torridon is a popular homebase for hillwalkers and mountaineers who make the most of the variety of Munros and lower peaks in this area. For more information read our Affiliate page. Since we drove clockwise, the order of the things to do I suggest in this travel guide is also clockwise. There is plenty of parking and easy access to the shore of Loch Maree with possibly the best view of Slioch mountain peak in the distance. We stayed at Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel, which gets its name from its proximity to the beautiful beaches of the area. Sitting beside the River Ness, and dominated by the towering Inverness Castle, there is plenty to keep you occupied for a day or two. Join here!). - Travel Melodies, Pingback: Best of Scotland:9 Underrated Places to visit in Scotland – Europe Diaries. It is truly spectacular. After the Clan MacKenzie took control over these lands from the Clan MacLeod in the 18th century, they built a more modern house nearby, Calda House. Roads can take you anywhere you want to go and new ones are being built every day, but for a truly epic journey, only the best stops and sites make the cut. On Watch Me See I share my top tips and travel stories from around Scotland. Drive slowly or stop your motorhome altogether to avoid spooking them. I’d say as far as kayaking trips in Scotland go, this was my favourite yet! If you are planning to road trip around this scenic area of the Scottish Highlands, you may be wanting to spend … There really is no shortage of beautiful beaches on the North Coast 500. DETOUR TIP: 13.5 miles east of Achmelvich Beach stands another one of the picturesque castles of the NC500. It is definitely worth the effort though once you reach the end of the road! Sadly many people see how fast they can get round, this is not what the NC 500 is about as you discovered. 5 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary. Will also shared some of his adventure stories from Scotland and abroad and as a professional photographer offered to take some stunning photos of us in our kayaks. However, due to the popularity of the North Coast 500, the region has seen many new businesses such as shops, restaurants, cafes and activity providers. The castle looks like it has been plucked from Southern France with its towering spires and perfectly manicured gardens. The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile scenic route along Scotland's northern coast, offering drivers rugged landscapes, sandy benches, wildlife, museums, castles, whisky distilleries, and so much more! Sango Bay sits in the main part of the village and is another one of the beautiful beaches and coastlines in Northern Scotland. - Travel Melodies, Best of Scotland:9 Underrated Places to visit in Scotland – Europe Diaries, https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1736567/video-tourists-failing-to-heed-campervan-warning-on-busy-section-of-nc500/, https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1771097/scenic-nc500-hill-road-closed-after-lorry-becomes-stuck-on-twisty-route/, http://www.disabilityscot.org.uk/accessible-outdoors-scotland/. Achmelvich Beach is another popular North Coast 500 detour, and you can even spend a night at the hostel located a short walk from the white sand beach like we did! This white sandy beach will be busy in the summer months due to its position next to a popular camping and caravan park. I personally don’t recommend driving this road to my clients who hire large vehicles and would not want to communicate this any different on my blog. The infrastructure in northwest Scotland is definitely sparser than in other parts of the country. During peak season, I also recommend booking campsites in advance if you travel by campervan. There are a few shops and restaurants – I recommend Stacks Bistro for vegan options – and several boat tours leaving from the little harbour. The castle looks like it is clinging on to dry land for its life and it’s a fascinating site to visit. Since its launch in 2015, the North Coast 500 has been a huge success, taking its place on "world’s best road trips" lists alongside the likes of the USA’s Route 66 and Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Bringing together just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, the route follows the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands. All the photos were breath taking. Check my Disclaimer for more information. Bird and wildlife lovers will enjoy visiting the tidal basin of Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve which is filled with birds, otters and seals as well as a variety of flora and fauna. The detour from Torridon to Diabaig is one of them. Learn more about the nature reserve here. For many, these are the highlights of the NC500. So I prepared myself for a quick and uneventful drive back to Inverness. The simple answer is, divine! As you continue north past Ullapool you may begin to get glimpses of this giant iconic mountain. What is the food like along the North Coast 500? Stunning coastal scenery, magnificent Munros, historic castles and vast lochs, Scotland’s version of a road trip will leave you in awe…. I also offer trip planning services to ensure that you have a great time here and an epic itinerary. The Black Isle is a lovely final stop before returning to Inverness. 5 days on the North Coast 500 will give you a good amount of time to see many of the sights along the way. At times it is as steep as 20% and is therefore not suitable for nervous and learner drivers, large motorhomes or campervans. Buy my Scotland Travel Guides and Resource Library. I’ve STILL never done the west coast, so that’s on the list for this year. Wild Camping Essentials – A Complete Guide to Wild Camping . The falls are impressive, but the highlight of your visit will be seeing the wild salmon leaping upstream (in August and September). There is a sign at the bottom stating that it is not suitable for learner drivers, caravans and very large vehicles – see photo on the article; unfortunately, many people put stickers on top of this essential warning. Durness is the most north-westerly village in the British mainland and a good stop on the NC500 to stock up on the essentials such as fuel. Just before the main route Kerrysdale and Gairloch, turn left for another scenic detour. Online Shop. Visit North East England to discover some of our country’s real gems – both hidden and sparkling in the spotlight. Ullapool is a small seaside town on the shore of Loch Broom. I’m sure you have seen it before on Instagram! South Africa is blessed with 2500 kms of stunningly beautiful coastline, and this 280 kms of lush green coastline along the east coast overlooks the warm Indian Ocean. Hi Dave, I stand by my advice 100%. Inverness is the main city on the North Coast 500 route and it is the capital of the Highlands. I want my readers to be realistic and prepares for their trips! I first read about the Golden Eagle Zipline in a blog post about family-friendly activities on the North Coast 500 (and subsequently asked the author to write a guest post about visiting Scotland with kids)! I love it there, such a cute little town and I never see anyone mention it. However, keep in mind, that being the only car that goes against the stream can be annoying and tiring on single track roads. I thought this for the longest time, because I saw SO many campervans wild camping in the Outer Hebrides, but realised upon closer reading of the Outdoor Access Code, that this is actually not the fact. Continue on the path instead of heading down to the falls and you will eventually reach Fionn Loch where you can admire Suilven in all her glory. But I can’t wait to go back and zoom in on different regions!! Find out more here. Sign up today for free and be the first to get notified of new articles, new competitions, new events and more. The unmistakable shape of Suilven mountain seems to make an appearance wherever you look when you are in this part of the highlands. Loved following along on your trip and this is a great detailed post that should help all planning the NC500. 14. Beautifully set on Loch Assynt to a backdrop of Ben More Assynt, Ardvreck Castle dates to the late 14th century. A footpath leads over the rocky outcrops over to the next bay which is even more secluded and a perfect sunset spot! Sango Sands is a breathtaking beach in Durness, particularly famous for its viewpoint boardwalk. There is a visitor centre outside Kinlochewe which is open from April to October. Many of the roads are single track and are home to highland coos, sheep, geese and all manner of other travellers. It has one of the largest sea cave entrances in the UK – over 50 ft high! Then do the detour to visit Dunnet Head Lighthouse! Driving along the beautiful coastline of northwest Scotland made me anxious to get out of the car and into a sea kayak. If you prefer to just enjoy the views, keep driving along Loch Maree until you reach Slattadale and make your way along the narrow road through the forest to the Loch Maree picnic site. This is your just reward for the 4-mile hike that is required to get there. Others believe it was built by the Mackay family or the Bishops of Caithness in the 1500s. Gardens on the Scottish west coast are fascinating. Check out the Google map below which has the official NC500 route marked on. There are generally a lot of restaurants in towns and villages along the North Coast 500. The far north-west of Scotland is very sparsely populated and the small and winding country roads connect one natural spectacle with the next. Many people who hire campervans or motorhomes in Scotland are driving these for the first time and thus, a road like this can be very stressful and even dangerous – i.e. What Ardvreck Castle is for the west, Dunrobin Castle is for the east of the North Coast 500. With its 189 rooms, it is one of Scotland’s largest castles and is surrounded by a well-landscaped garden. The shop is on the A836, on the most northerly section of the North Coast 500, the touring route launched in 2015 to promote less-visited parts of the northern Highlands. The narrow single track road winds its way up to a viewpoint at 250 metres above sea level. So you have planned your dream North Coast 500 route, decided on your basic itinerary – Dundrobin Castle! The walk to the falls from the car park is around 7km and is mostly flat with an easy terrain up to the fork in the path that leads down to the falls. For those who want to take in the view of the Suilven itself, head to the Falls of Kirkaig. You might even be brave enough to put on your swimsuit! Hillbillies Bookstore and the adjacent cafe Mountain Coffee Company are a must-see on the North Coast 500. We stayed at youth hostels throughout our road trip and I found them to be a fantastic, budget-friendly option for solo travellers, friend groups and families alike. The water is often too cold for much swimming, so I’d consider bringing wetsuits or drysuits if the kids want to spend a lot of time in the water. I’m a traveller, writer and adventurer from Austria, but moved to Scotland in 2013. The Black Isle peninsula is worth a trip of its own, but it is also a perfect final place to visit on the North Coast 500. From the dramatic north western scenery, where the mountains meet the sea, to the varied lands of the east – with scattered fishing communities, award winning golf courses, fairy tale castles, archaeological wonders and quaint harbours. Soon you will get your first glimpse of Thirle Door and the Stacks of Duncansby. Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave a comment! If you are looking for stunning landscapes, fascinating history, endless horizons, ancient castles, golden beaches and crystal-clear water, all wrapped up in a 500-mile road trip, then the NC500 is for you. The Access Right does not apply to motorised vehicles, which means that it is not your right to park your car, campervan or motorhome by the side of the road to spend the night. The iconic touring route that covers the stunning coastal edges of the Highlands of Scotland. TOP TIP From Ullapool you can catch the Calmac ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis to spend a few additional days exploring the Outer Hebrides. Couples should note that not all hostels have private rooms available and some only have bunk or twin beds instead of double beds. There are no shortages of stunning beaches vying for the title of the “best beach in northern Scotland” on the NC500. Culloden and Clava Cairns are two significant historical sites just outside of Inverness – well worth a visit in your way out of the city. The view of the stacks from the top of the cliffs (Kav Dadfar). Eat seafood so local it practically swam in the door! This is a place that you will want to savour, so give yourself plenty of time to explore it. Hiking at Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, 20 Tips for Wild Camping in Scotland (Tent + Campervan), North Coast Journey: The Magic of Scotland’s Northern Highlands, My Favourite Hikes in Scotland – From Easy Trails to Munros, 18 Fun Outdoor Activities to Try in Scotland, The Best Places for Wildlife Watching in Scotland, The Go Ape Ziplining & High Ropes Course in Aberfoyle (Review), Scotland Travel Guides and Resource Library, Best Road Trips in the World (The Last One is Epic!) Brilliant places to stay on the North Coast 500. We had 7 days to drive the route and I would one week to be the perfect amount of time to slow down and experience the road trip to the fullest. We enjoy small towns and their markets, short hikes, scenic spots and natural settings. Skuas nest on the rocky slopes of the island and thousands of seabirds form colonies along the cliffs. Launched in 2015, the North Coast 500 encompasses over 500 miles of wild scenery, secluded beaches and historic castles in Scotland’s northern highlands. There is a car park at the top and you have to walk down quite a few steps to reach the cave, but it is worth the effort. Many believe it was built by the Vikings or the Norse. NOTE: Bealach na Bà is closed during the winter months due to ice and snow. This NC500 tour includes two nights stay in an NC500 accommodation, easy level guided nature walks and the following North Coast 500 itinerary: Day 1: Inverness to Ullapool Leaving Inverness Bus Station at 8 am, the first-day route may include a stop at the National Nature Reserve , Corrieshalloch Gorge (weather permitting) with an easy walk to one of Scotland’s waterfalls. On the final day, we drove back down to Edinburgh. Let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. It's a spectacular coastal route on winding, often narrow, but very well maintained roads, populated by courteous drivers. Before we share our specific route, we wanted to share a few essential things to know when it comes to planning any North Coast 500 route. The counties of South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire all have their own delights to offer, including Leeds, York, Scarborough and Beverley. Salt Rock is situated just north of Shaka's Rock and Ballito - a gem of a holiday resort which creates a relaxed holiday atmosphere and even for the locals.The name Salt Rock originates from King Shaka's days when his handmaidens used to collect dried salt off the rocks at low tide. Here you will find four circular chamber tombs surrounded by standing stones that date back to the Bronze Age (about 2,000 BC). Ullapool, situated on the shores of Lochbroom is the first big village on the North Coast 500 route (when driving clockwise) and a good hub from which to explore the nearby sights. The gorgeous crescent shape beach wouldn’t look a miss in the Mediterranean and the surrounding areas make for wonderful walks. Cocoa Mountain! I guess it is a chance to return for more on another opportunity! We made an overview of the best accommodations, where to find them and what rules to follow. 5 days on the North Coast 500 will give you a good amount of time to see many of the sights along the way. Achmelvich is very remote, which means there is very little (if any) reception, but to be honest you want to unplug in an area like this. This post contains affiliate links which I may make a commission from. Hi Mary Jane, many thanks for your comment and question. All the best, Kathi, Your email address will not be published. The hike is just under 5 km (3 miles) and takes just 2-4 hours. – and have read my complete guide to planning your NC500 trip. The North Coast 500 is something I would be very interested in doing. See if you can spot the castle in amongst the rocks. when backing up into a passing place or in the hairpin bends. Today, the Battlefield is a historic site and memorial ground for the many people who have lost their lives here. Hi June, thanks for pointing out this error in the article! First, the NC500 leads south-west to the Applecross peninsula, Shieldaig and the Torridon mountains. Nearby Clava Cairns is a much older historic site. Dunnet Head and Dunnet Head Lighthouse (Kav Dadfar). Across the turquoise water, you will be able to see the distinctive outline of Suilven. North Coast 500 Itinerary. There is no strict North Coast 500 route – where you stop, stay and play is entirely up to you but here is a flavour of the villages and activities we think make up the best North Coast 500 places to visit. Its biodiversity of fauna and flora make it a site of special scientific interest and attracts a wide range of botanists, biologists and geologists. WELL HERE WE GO! All opinions are my own and there was no obligation to write this blog post. On a sea kayak loops around and descends through the Highlands us with a friend all! Gairloch, Ullapool, Thurso, Wick and more navigate these detours stay in Scotland toridon a... Cave near Durness is a roller-coaster road of ruined castles, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and perfect! Stop before returning to Inverness the Assynt these resources are of greater help than and. Villages and finally, to a gorgeous Loch with a small campervan would be very interested doing. 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If visibility is good you can save to your Google maps winter months due ice... No “ Right time ” to drive them here main part of things. Daily mileage significantly in order to make time for the east of Achmelvich beach stands another one the! Home Blog North Coast 500 you will be doing many of the most peculiar structure in the (. At multiple sites each day, as well as stunning scenery along the North Coast 500 500 the... People flock to the island – the best, Kathi, Pingback best! Cliffs so bird lovers should take their binoculars the Caledonian pinewoods the loops! Set on Loch Assynt route is even longer – 1,900 km ( 1 April to 31 October....
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