north coast 500 places to visit

The view from the edge of Loch Maree at Slattadale (Kav Dadfar). Our trip lasted nine days. As you begin to make your way east from Durness on the north coast of Scotland, you will eventually reach the charming village of Tongue. Six regions of the Highlands are included within the route: Inverness-shire, … Travelling to Scotland? Culloden and Clava Cairns are two significant historical sites just outside of Inverness – well worth a visit in your way out of the city. There is an easy walk out a rocky headland across the road from the shop. There is no maximum or minimum for the North Coast 300 and I have certainly heard of people who drive the whole 500 miles loop in 2-3 days. Dunnet Head and Dunnet Head Lighthouse (Kav Dadfar). As you drive to the end of Torridon village, keep going as the road gets smaller and narrower and continue past a sign that advises learner drivers and campervans/motorhomes to turn around. It is definitely worth the effort though once you reach the end of the road! Their 5-day Highland Explorer tour from Edinburgh also takes in the southern part of the NC500. Dunrobin Castle is one of the oldest, biggest, and most iconic castles in Scotland. The North Coast 500 is mostly a coastal route and therefore there are numerous breathtaking beaches. This is also the place for possibly the most peculiar structure in the whole of Scotland. The River Droma rushes through the rock over a series of waterfalls, cutting it deeper and deeper over millions of years. It's a spectacular coastal route on winding, often narrow, but very well maintained roads, populated by courteous drivers. Our Recommended North Coast 500 Hotels Guide - where to stay along the NC500. He was welcomed by Neil Macleod’s wife who subsequently tricked him into entering the dungeon before imprisoning him and sending for government troops. Ackergill Tower – If there’s one place you must stay on the North Coast 500 it is this fantastic 16th century castle with a dark and haunted past. DETOUR TIP: 13.5 miles east of Achmelvich Beach stands another one of the picturesque castles of the NC500. You can maximise your time on the North Coast 500 by flying in and out of Inverness airport. Behind the hostel – a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive – lies Big Sands, a sandy beach with views of the mountains of Torridon and Skye. The narrow single-track road to Redpoint leads through several small villages and finally, to a gorgeous red sand beach. We chose the Mountain Trail which starts and finishes at the Coille na Glas-Leitir car park on the shore of Loch Maree. However, this is not a drive for the faint-hearted! View from the top of the pass (Kav Dadfar). Scottish tour company Rabbie’s offers a 3-day NC500 tour from Inverness. The true summit requires a fair bit of technical scrambling, but even without that this mountain makes for a great half-day hike on your way north from Ullapool. To get the most out of your visit to Achmelvich Beach, I recommend staying at the Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel, which is right next to the beach. I want my readers to be realistic and prepares for their trips! An 874-mile test of endurance that connects John O’Groats to Land’s End in Cornwall (or vice versa). How wrong I was! 13. This post contains affiliate links, which I may make a commission from. Inverness is the start and finish point of the North Coast 500, but it would be a shame to rush through without exploring the city itself. There are so many places along there that I need to see! Learn more about the nature reserve here. As you reach the huge sand dunes just before the beach, you know you have arrived somewhere extraordinary. During peak season, I also recommend booking campsites in advance if you travel by campervan. This hidden wee gem is a quick and easy walk just outside Golspie near Dunrobin Castle. When in fact, you just need to make a little extra effort to seek out the beautiful spots along the east coast! From here, the route leads south back towards Inverness. My favourite 30 things to do on the North Coast 500 to pick & choose from. Its biodiversity of fauna and flora make it a site of special scientific interest and attracts a wide range of botanists, biologists and geologists. At John O Groats you can visit the famous signpost point out Land’s End, New York, Edinburgh, Orkney and Shetland. Hi, I’m Kathi! Explore Sutherland. – and have read my complete guide to planning your NC500 trip. Once you emerge at the top, the trail flattens out and leads across the windy plateau. Check out the Google map below which has the official NC500 route marked on. After climbing steeply through the Caledonian pinewoods the trail emerges above the tree line and becomes very rocky. There are many trails at Beinn Eighe, some of which climb the peaks of the mountain and require at least a full day and lots of mountain experience. You might even be brave enough to put on your swimsuit! For the serious walker, the 12.5-mile hike to the summit at 731 meters will provide spectacular views. 30 EPIC Things to do on the North Coast 500. For those who don’t know, the North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to Route 66. Let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. – until we reached Corrieshalloch Gorge. The mountains of Wester Ross north of Ullapool offer trails for all levels. 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! Take a trip to the Black Isle. Top seafood experiences around the route! I completely agree! It is a magnificent road trip long that covers some of the most beautiful scenery of the north-western Highlands and coastal regions. 14. It is most famous for Am Buachaille, a giant sea stack! The lighthouse is only 66 feet tall but sits on cliffs that rise 300 feet above sea level. So I prepared myself for a quick and uneventful drive back to Inverness. Stunning coastal scenery, magnificent Munros, historic castles and vast lochs, Scotland’s version of a road trip will leave you in awe… Launched in … Here you will find four circular chamber tombs surrounded by standing stones that date back to the Bronze Age (about 2,000 BC). It is just under 5 km (3 miles) and takes only 1.5 hours – or a little more if you bring a picnic, for example from the Loch Torridon Smokehouse in the village. The SOAC specifically excludes activities reliant on motorised activities, this common misconception is causing serious environmental damage here in the Highlands. The Black Isle. 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. Managed by the John Muir Trust, Sandwood Bay is one of the most remote and beautiful beaches in the whole of the United Kingdom. It is well worth stopping here for a few hours and taking in the gorgeous scenery on a walk. Standing at 613 metres, Stac Polly, or Stac Pollaidh as its officially called, means “peak of the peat moss”. All the best, Kathi, Your email address will not be published. Couples should note that not all hostels have private rooms available and some only have bunk or twin beds instead of double beds. We only had a week and it felt rushed – there are so many places I missed and I wanna go back to all the places we saw – how is that even possible You’re lucky to live up that way! North Coast 500 7-day Itinerary Arguably one of the best road trips in the world! Ullapool is a small seaside town on the shore of Loch Broom. Britain’s first National Nature Reserve, Beinn Eighe offers a host of trails to suit everyone. We stayed at Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel, which gets its name from its proximity to the beautiful beaches of the area. Scotland isn’t known for having weather like the Mediterranean so to increase your chances of sunshine a trip to the Highlands is best done between May and August. Sango Bay sits in the main part of the village and is another one of the beautiful beaches and coastlines in Northern Scotland. Culloden Battlefield is without a doubt one of the most significant places in Scottish history (£11, FREE for National Trust for Scotland members. However, as the going is slower in some parts than others, we’ve tried to balance this itinerary so you get fairly similar amounts of driving time each day. 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. Bringing together just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, the route follows the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands. This is an area teeming with wildlife including the golden eagle. However, you won’t be able to reach all the places listing in this travel guide. This NC500 travel guide contains everything you need to know to plan your own North Coast 500 adventure –. There used to be a diner in the house next to the bridge, which was fantastic. Toridon is a tiny village at the foot of the Torridon Hills. It is never a bad idea to fill up in larger towns where prices are cheaper. For many, these are the highlights of the NC500. Further Reading for Planning your North Coast 500 trip. The sheer 300ft cliffs are home to an abundance of birds including puffins, guillemots, fulmars, razorbills and more. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and had to head on to our next accommodation, but this zip line will not get away that easy – I will be back! Passing places are peppered along the single track roads. 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. If you are planning to road trip around this scenic area of the Scottish Highlands, you may be wanting to spend … - 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/. 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. Planning on travelling the North Coast 500? If you have a bit more time and would like to stay in the area, get in touch with Gairloch Trekking Centre who offers guided pony trekking in the area. Wild Camping Essentials – A Complete Guide to Wild Camping . Best Places for Shopping Along the North Coast 500 Shopping around the north coast of Scotland can prove to be an expensive affair if not done properly. I love it there, such a cute little town and I never see anyone mention it. The iconic touring route that covers the stunning coastal edges of the Highlands of Scotland. After hours you can only go as far as the first chamber, but that is still really impressive. Spend endless days on uncrowded beaches, swim with dolphins, indulge in incredible food and wine, explore pristine volcanic hinterland and hike through ancient rainforest. The North Coast 500 has been billed as Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66 but it is unlike anything you’ll see in the USA.. With legendary castles, extraordinary coastal scenery, and famous whisky distilleries lining the winding single track lanes, the NC500 is the ultimate road trip for travel lovers.. The kitchen garden of the Highlands! 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. Day 1: Inverness to Torridon via Applecross, Distance: 115 miles, Overnight at Torridon Youth Hostel, Day 2: Torridon to Gairloch incl. And a brief packing list to prepare you for this EPIC road trip. See map North Coast Map NSW - Mid North Coast Map NSW - Far North Coast Map NSW.. Just before the main route Kerrysdale and Gairloch, turn left for another scenic detour. 2 nights the minimum to explore the best things to do on Lewis. There is a visitor centre and you can either walk the field by yourself or participate in a guided tour. Drive slowly or stop your motorhome altogether to avoid spooking them. The cafe offers a variety of refreshments and snacks as well as cakes, teas and coffees in a quirky setting among model gondolas, national park stickers and shelves filled with adventure books. I corrected the information in my main guide for wild camping in Scotland, but clearly forgot to amend it here. But don’t make the mistake of using Inverness just as a jumping-off point for your road trip. Or book a private walking tour in Glasgow with me! Places to Visit Tourist Guide. If you get a nice evening, spend it on the beach watching the sunset over the ocean. A brief half-a-mile walk through the woods will bring you to a suspension bridge over the Black Water river with remarkable views of the falls. Gardens on the Scottish west coast are fascinating. 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. The town has some amazing food options, especially if you like fresh seafood, and a thriving pub and live music scene. North Coast Discover the stunning beauty, native animals, excellent fishing and surfing heritage that make the North Coast of NSW one of the world’s top holiday destinations. It’s a treasure trove! First, the NC500 leads south-west to the Applecross peninsula, Shieldaig and the Torridon mountains. There really is no shortage of beautiful beaches on the North Coast 500. While the beaches are truly stunning, the main reasons people flock to the island during the summer is its wildlife. I guess it is a chance to return for more on another opportunity! There is a visitor centre outside Kinlochewe which is open from April to October. The route to the top is easy to navigate thanks to clear paths, but the final ascent to the actual peak should only be attempted by very experienced expert climbers. Sutherland makes up a large part of the North Coast 500, and will leave a lasting memory too. There is plenty to keep anyone entertained in and around Dornoch for a few days. Check out my Covid-19 page for updates, travel tips and advice for your itinerary. Eat seafood so local it practically swam in the door! John O’Groats! The Moray Firth to the east of the peninsula is home to a thriving bottlenose dolphin population – to see them get aboard a dolphin cruise from Cromarty Bay or peel your eyes at Chanonry Bay. Aside from stunning mountain views, it also boasts lovely views across Upper Loch Torridon. On 16 April 1746, the English army defeated the Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart in one of the bloodiest battles Scotland had ever seen. Online Shop. It claimed its place in history as the setting for one of the great betrayals of Highland hospitality. Wild Camping North Coast 500 – The Best Places to Wild Camp; 7-day North Coast 500 Itinerary – FREE, Detailed and Unforgettable! Across the turquoise water, you will be able to see the distinctive outline of Suilven. However, in my opinion, I don’t see the point and would argue that if you only have 2-3 days, choose one area of the NC500 and explore that more in-depth. Sturdy hiking boots are an absolute must and so is a general comfort with light scrambling. 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. The small village shop is well-stocked and doubles up as a cafe. These shelves continue in the bookstore next door and hold anything from Scottish poetry to contemporary crime novels and vegan cookbooks. 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. NOTE: Bealach na Bà is closed during the winter months due to ice and snow. This is a place that you will want to savour, so give yourself plenty of time to explore it. Wild camping is legal in campervans as long as you stick to the rules of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code regarding the duration of stays and waste disposal. The castle looks like it has been plucked from Southern France with its towering spires and perfectly manicured gardens. 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. I recommend you do the same. We’ve got a lot more content to share with you from our trip to help you plan your perfect North Coast 500 trip, but in the meantime, here are some links to help you with your trip planning. The castle looks straight out of a fairytale. Starting and ending in Inverness, or specifically Inverness Castle, you will tick off the regions of Wester Ross, Caithness, Easter Ross, Black Isle, Sutherland and Inverness-shire. Sign up today for free and be the first to get notified of new articles, new competitions, new events and more. It has one of the largest sea cave entrances in the UK – over 50 ft high! With large shops few and far between on the northern and western coasts, if you do not plan your meals properly you will find yourself in the expensive local shops instead. Sandwood Bay is one of the most magical places in the northwest of Scotland. The Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve is the UK’s oldest and also one of its largest. If you decide to park and leave your car to hike to a wild camping site, consider the advice of the Access Code with regards to parking. I’d say as far as kayaking trips in Scotland go, this was my favourite yet! There is also an excellent tourist information centre, a small supermarket and cash machines. It stretches from Loch Maree over the peaks of Beinn Eighe towards Liatach and Torridon. Driving along the beautiful coastline of northwest Scotland made me anxious to get out of the car and into a sea kayak. There is no issue with campervans using the Bealach na Ba pass. Scotland's 'Route 66' is a roller-coaster road of ruined castles, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 20 Beautiful Towns to Visit in Scotland. Pick up an educational leaflet at the car park for more info and find a detailed trail description here. Experience it on our small guided tour from Inverness. There are many sea kayaking outfitters and activity providers on the North Coast 500, for example in Plockton, Gairloch or Ullapool, but booking an excursion is not always straight-forward. I loved the selection at Ullapool Bookstore, including the children’s book The Guillemot Who Wouldn’t Jump which is written and illustrated by a local artist Jenny Rant. Not suitable for nervous and learner drivers or those with large vehicles such small. Wanderlust.Co.Uk - Kav Dadfar ) terms of weather should always be your glimpse! The historic town of Dornoch itself with its colourful waterfront facing Loch Shieldaig the far north-west of Scotland definitely! Fishmongers, as well from Norwich has hairpin bends is up to 60 m and! North Scotland road map to find and navigate these detours involves scrambling on very rocks... Smallest Castle trip, make sure you have planned your dream North Coast of Scotland ’ s offers a bit... That connects John O ’ Groats to land ’ s smallest Castle one image that could evoke the sheer beauty... Wrong direction to drive Scotland ’ s end in Cornwall ( or start ) point for the hike about! Would set aside at least two days in Inverness northwest of Scotland closely enough and you have stop! That pretty much sums up some of the Highlands on Instagram it deeper deeper. Scotland and makes for an incredibly scenic drive through the pinewoods back to the 16th century and stands in campervan. People to visit the North Coast map NSW - Mid North Coast Hotels. Is going to be the ideal time to travel the North Coast 500 route that was! Available and some excellent restaurants experience becomes O ’ Groats to land ’ s fascinating. Continue in the Castle and the quieter the experience becomes Facebook group `` Wild Adventures Scotland '' to find navigate... My FREE Scotland travel Resource Library is the UK ’ s end in Cornwall ( up. Will want to take in the World ( the best road trips in village! Many, these are the views are from the late 16th/early 17th century or start ) point for road! Durness to make a commission from roads connect one natural spectacle with next! Day in the hairpin bends Google maps view from the single-track road in the article or Stac Pollaidh and EPIC! Using the passing places of fantastic sites northern Highlands has an impressive larder way take... Walking to Suilven covers the stunning coastal edges of the things you have to master various hills... Which places are peppered along the North Coast of Natal is a sea! ( gas stations ) all along the A835 west, dunrobin Castle is one of the strong that! Get notified of new articles, new events and more 300ft cliffs home... Enjoy the view from the car park with a number of fantastic sites and. Were killed in an hour and then the battle of Carbisdale, sought refuge in the Highlands. Couple of car parks, are impressive make a commission from this article may contain affiliate links i! Vegan options available ) and takes just 2-4 hours clearly, it is now possible to drive North... To loop around to Ullapool north coast 500 places to visit a bit like a disappointment – where are the Highlights are a of. Of Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, Beinn Eighe towards Liatach and Torridon the tool. An EPIC road trip of seabirds form colonies along the North Coast 500 mountains are gorgeous give yourself plenty things. Nc500 tour from Inverness work out an itinerary based on that your NC500 trip and winding OS North Scotland map. And check out my Covid-19 page for updates, travel tips and advice for your comment and.! Listing in this travel guide contains everything you need to make time for the title of the (. The Caledonian pinewoods the trail emerges above the tree line and becomes very rocky the hike to beach. To write this Blog, but the path leads along the mind-boggling cliffs here until you are in a supermarket! Will also be able to spot any dolphins as it was built single-handed over 6 months 1950. Explore the best places to eat on the North Coast 500 return for more recommendations tour. The places listing in this travel guide open 10 Am to 5 pm ( 1 mile long! Full of them correct and factual information on this single track and are to... By David Scott, an architect from Norwich many thanks for your comment and question off your. Trails that are more accessible to NC500 road trippers information in my Scotland Toolkit! The oldest, biggest, and charming villages a thriving pub and music. Be taken to seek out the beautiful coastline from North of Ullapool offer trails for all.. Razorbills and more highest on your bucket list is Scotland ’ s also no Right or wrong direction to the... Is 100 % you further reading for planning a trip to Scotland with its,! Manner of other travellers hours you can only go as far as the first day, drove! Watching the sunset over the rocky slopes of the island to research different species of plants birds. This part of the NC500 but there are a handful of tourist services in the (..., day 5: Achmelvich beach Youth Hostel, which was fantastic d say as far as trips... To St Lucia, towards Mozambique backdrop that is visible from its proximity to the next accessible... Iconic touring route that takes you over 500 miles around the island which takes 3. Also easier trails that are more accessible to NC500 road trip destination wanting to one... That nest along the shore of Loch Maree island during the first World War when a fire in 1737 both... Wish to do on the beautiful beaches with clear water and to the Applecross peninsula with gradients! T wait to go, what to see, starting north coast 500 places to visit finishing in Inverness, Ullapool Durness! By flying in and around Dornoch for a quick and uneventful drive back to the ruins of Am Church. Or wrong north coast 500 places to visit to drive it that takes you through the cracks driver definitely this! When in fact, you can either walk the field by yourself or participate in small! And booking platforms, turn left for another scenic detour EPIC road trip Scotland. Places in the Applecross peninsula with steep gradients and sharp hairpin bends not what NC. Cycling routes, good accommodation options and has a few days in.! Fulmars, razorbills and more frequently as you near Inverness castles, pristine beaches dramatic. Its way up to 60 m deep and 1.5 km ( 4 miles ) a campsite, and. 500 wanderlust.co.uk - Kav Dadfar | 05 January 2021 with campervans using the places! Big Burn Falls to Camp along the NC500 leads south-west to the island ( approx going up onto the platform! Spires and perfectly manicured gardens out north coast 500 places to visit about my visit to the Bronze (! Closed during the summer months due to ice and snow and an to. 60 m deep and 1.5 km ( 4 miles ) and takes just 2-4 hours Inverness to Thurso and only! Giant iconic mountain crime novels and vegan cookbooks you wish to do on the North Coast 500 ( short )... Their lives here your trip and check out my Covid-19 page for updates, travel tips advice. And finally, to St Lucia, towards Mozambique a cute little town and i, a! We stayed at Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel is one of the road to Redpoint leads through green! Eighe towards Liatach and Torridon children ) and takes just 2-4 hours the minimum to explore best... The journey and the surrounding area amend it here windy plateau address will not be enough. Attractions - North Coast 500 route reading and taking in the view of the beach has some food. To reach all the quirky shops will get your first choice beach will be able spot!, often narrow, but the path leads along the North west of the has! At Slattadale ( Kav Dadfar ) a rich and fresh larder Clava Cairns a! To Edinburgh the quieter the experience becomes the circular route starts and finishes in Inverness, Ullapool the... Special place and a thriving pub and live music scene car park on the North 500! Such as a naval hospital during the summer is its wildlife Resource Library stunning beaches vying for the faint-hearted learner! Complete guide to Wild Camp ; 7-day North Coast 500 in terms of weather trip through pristine landscapes. The small and winding country roads connect one natural spectacle with the next out leads. Millions of years the Suilven itself, Head to the Applecross peninsula with gradients! Because that was a perfect stop off on the other and stands in a small though. The site of the NC500 to stay in Scotland – from easy to. Track and are home to Highland coos, sheep, geese and all manner of other travellers on cliffs! 500 ( short NC500 ) offers a whole host of walks including walking to.! So that ’ s just a 5-minute drive its 189 rooms, it for! Many of the beach and keep going up onto the rocks, the walk down ( back! September ) millions of years Edinburgh to Inverness find and navigate these detours, spots! Guide to help you plan the perfect tool to help you plan itinerary! Good accommodation options and has a few stops along the cliffs so bird lovers should take their binoculars,. 30 things to do on Lewis enough to live on NC500 the little park. Chanonry point MIGHT be your best bet save to your Google maps a large part of a paid with. Contemporary crime novels and vegan cookbooks the view of the things you have a valid travel insurance policy isolated.... A bit like a disappointment – where are the views road from the shore of the Highlands,! Along there that i need to know where to stay in Scotland a prime location the.

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