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north coast 500 places to visit

Britain’s first National Nature Reserve, Beinn Eighe offers a host of trails to suit everyone. What is certain is that the views of the Kyle of Tongue are magnificent from here. Some people we met on the road had suggested that the east of the North Coast 500 was not quite as scenic and exciting as the west. Bealach na Ba road is single track, steep and has hairpin bends. While the beach is not situated on the NC500 route, this short detour is well worth it for the stunning vistas you will be treated to. Needing some local tips? A highlight on the NC500 road trip is definitely the hairraising Bealach na Bà road – one of the highest mountain pass roads in the UK and sometimes as steep as 20%. Park at the little car park next to a stone mason’s and follow the waymarked trail for Big Burn Falls. 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. The winds here can be treacherous so if you decide to go through the gate at the end of the path and on to the unprotected side of the cliffs, take a lot of care and watch the edge. 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. Check out my map for the North Coast 500 including all scenic stops, recommended activities, places to eat & stay and useful facilities outlined in this post. Look closely enough and you will also be able to spot the top of Stac Pollaidh and An Teallach to the east. If you are in a small vehicle though, you are rewarded with mind-boggling hairpin bends and fantastic views throughout the drive. Bealach Na Ba! 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. I completely agree! Pick up an educational leaflet at the car park for more info and find a detailed trail description here. Home Blog North Coast 500 Highlights (The Best Places to Eat on the NC500 Route) Blog Scotland. The small village shop is well-stocked and doubles up as a cafe. Experience it on our small guided tour from Inverness. North Coast NSW Getaway. The view of the stacks from the top of the cliffs (Kav Dadfar). Hi June, thanks for pointing out this error in the article! 5 days on the North Coast 500 will give you a good amount of time to see many of the sights along the way. It's a spectacular coastal route on winding, often narrow, but very well maintained roads, populated by courteous drivers. I love zip lining and the idea of flying high above one of Scotland’s beautiful beaches while looking out over the sea was just too much to handle for me. Ardvreck Castle might just be the most popular castle in the west of the North Coast 500. See my itinerary for the North Coast 500 in 7 days below. I would set aside at least 4 hours to visit the island – the more the better. Dornoch Beach is situated next to Royal Dornoch golf course (Kav Dadfar), Sign up for our newsletter today There is also the historic town of Dornoch itself with its beautiful cathedral and stone houses. 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 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 North Coast of Natal is a dramatically beautiful coastline from north of Durban, to St Lucia, towards Mozambique. How many days for the North Coast 500 road trip? Experience Scotland's answer to Route 66 on our scenic self-drive tour of the North Coast of Scotland. The castle looks like it has been plucked from Southern France with its towering spires and perfectly manicured gardens. Many believe it was built by the Vikings or the Norse. For those who want to take in the view of the Suilven itself, head to the Falls of Kirkaig. 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. This North Coast 500 itinerary, though different from the official one, is still a great way to experience what may be the most scenic area of Scotland. Stac Pollaidh and Loch Lurgainn (Kav Dadfar). The views of Beinn Eighe and other surrounding mountains are gorgeous! The most popular attraction of Inverness is Loch Ness. 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. The route is also known as the NC500 and was launched in 2015, linking many features in the north Highlands of Scotland in one touring route.. As well as stunning scenery along the North Coast 500 you will find foodie heaven. Weaving a path from Inverness to Applecross and on to Ullapool, Caithness and John o'Groats, seemingly never-ending roads wind their way through some of Scotland's most majestic coastal scenery. Keep following the A896 and you will reach a left turn with signs to Applecross that will take you on a stretch of road known as Bealach na Bà. It is truly spectacular. For the serious walker, the 12.5-mile hike to the summit at 731 meters will provide spectacular views. 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. There is a lot to do on the Black Isle – from the RSPB bird sanctuaries at Udale Bay or Fairy Glen, to the delights of a tour at Black Isle Brewery. - Travel Melodies, Pingback: Best of Scotland:9 Underrated Places to visit in Scotland – Europe Diaries. The path leads down to the water and to the ruins of Am Ploc church. Stay on top of planning your independent trip to Scotland with my Scotland Travel Resource Library! 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. If you are on a budget – or simply don’t have the time to tour that many rooms, you can walk down a road on the right side of the castle and take photos of it from the seaside. I can’t speak from experience, but can offer a bit of insight: I would imagine that depending on the vehicle you have, some roads, such as the one to Diabaig might be too small to drive [not sure how big your vehicle is though]. While the beaches are truly stunning, the main reasons people flock to the island during the summer is its wildlife. Like most places, the summertime is going to be the ideal time to travel the North Coast 500 in terms of weather. 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. There is a visitor centre and you can either walk the field by yourself or participate in a guided tour. Hi, I’m Kathi! Read my top tips for planning a Scotland trip and check out my sample itineraries. I loved our lunch at West Coast Delicatessen (vegan options available) and exploring all the quirky shops. Prepare to walk away with a list of scenic stops and detours from the main route, recommended activities and tours, yummy eateries, beautiful historic sites and many hidden gems off the beaten track. It’s a treasure trove! NOTE: Bealach na Bà is closed during the winter months due to ice and snow. It is one of Scotland's best-known mountains and sits in the heart of the Assynt. sea kayaking, Distance: 39 miles, Overnight at Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel, Day 5: Achmelvich Beach to Tongue incl. There is a visitor centre outside Kinlochewe which is open from April to October. The only trouble is that it closed in December, 2018 and is now in private hands. The beach has some of the whitest sand I have seen in Scotland and is well-sheltered from the wind. But it is well worth a closer look. From there, you'll venture to some of the most northerly coastal points in Scotland, passing by Caithness and John o' Groats before heading south again through Dingwall and finally back to Inverness. The North Coast ranges from one extreme to another. This delightful village sits along the shore of Loch Shieldaig and Loch Torridon and might be the most picturesque you will come across on the NC500. Once you emerge at the top, the trail flattens out and leads across the windy plateau. If you are lucky, you can even spot puffins here! The trail loops around and descends through the pinewoods back to the car park. North Coast 500 – Places to stay. An ultimate guide on where you have to stop and eat along the North Coast 500 route. Many of the roads are single track and are home to highland coos, sheep, geese and all manner of other travellers. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How to spend one day in Inverness. There is a car park at the highest point so you can catch your breath and once you have descended into Applecross you can take it easy along the scenic coastal drive to Shieldaig. Stacks Coffee House & Bistro, John O Groats. Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel is one of my accommodation favourites: Unique Places to Stay in Scotland – from hotels to B&Bs! Some of the highlights are a collection of Californian Redwoods, Himalayan blue poppies and various species of rhododendron. Or book a private walking tour in Glasgow with me! In 2015 the North Coast 500, commonly referred to as the NC500, was launched by the Tourism Project Board of the North Highland Initiative. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 18 Fun Outdoor Activities to Try in Scotland. Interactive Map. Cairns mark the trail from here and they can be a little hard to spot sometimes – keep your eyes peeled. North Coast 500 7-day Itinerary Arguably one of the best road trips in the world! YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Best Places for Wildlife Watching in Scotland. 5 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary. Along the way, he pointed out local wildlife, shows us sea urchins and sea stars, deep-sea anemones which we could see thanks to the low tide and several seabirds like fulmars, shags and guillemots. You might even be brave enough to put on your swimsuit! Driving along the beautiful coastline of northwest Scotland made me anxious to get out of the car and into a sea kayak. It is believed that it was built single-handed over 6 months in 1950 by David Scott, an architect from Norwich. 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. 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. I’m a traveller, writer and adventurer from Austria, but moved to Scotland in 2013. You might also meet some of the resident scientists who spend all summer on the island to research different species of plants and birds. Given its position as Britain's best road trip and the likelihood for a staycation boom in the UK this year, it's likely many of you reading this will now … YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 20 Beautiful Towns to Visit in Scotland. Wondering which places to visit? The main road of the North Coast 500 route is scenic as it is, but there are many little detours you can drive to reach even more off the beaten path villages and mountains views. The land and sea of the Scottish Highlands provides a rich and fresh larder. Named after the Dutchman who ran a ferry to Orkney, Jan de Groot, this is an area teeming with wildlife and offers plenty of activities. There’s also no right or wrong direction to drive it. NC500 … It claimed its place in history as the setting for one of the great betrayals of Highland hospitality. Check out the Google map below which has the official NC500 route marked on. Handa is a small uninhabited island near Scourie that is managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. 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. All photos, downloadable files and texts are the property of Kathi Kamleitner / Watch Me See unless otherwise cited, and may not be used or reproduced elsewhere without permission. Culloden Battlefield is without a doubt one of the most significant places in Scottish history (£11, FREE for National Trust for Scotland members. Learn more about the nature reserve here. 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. Since we drove clockwise, the order of the things to do I suggest in this travel guide is also clockwise. Drive slowly or stop your motorhome altogether to avoid spooking them. Gardens on the Scottish west coast are fascinating. Sango Sands is a breathtaking beach in Durness, particularly famous for its viewpoint boardwalk. Seeing wildlife is never guaranteed on the North Coast 500, but Chanonry Point might be your best bet. Hi Mary Jane, many thanks for your comment and question. Places to Visit Tourist Guide. Across the turquoise water, you will be able to see the distinctive outline of Suilven. The gorgeous crescent shape beach wouldn’t look a miss in the Mediterranean and the surrounding areas make for wonderful walks. As you continue north past Ullapool you may begin to get glimpses of this giant iconic mountain. The North Coast 500 (NC 500) covers 500 miles of the most remote, unique and scenically mind-blowing region of Northern Scotland. The castle dates from the late 16th/early 17th century. However, if you are in a campervan or a nervous driver definitely follow this advice! Indeed, the east coast is not as mountainous as the west and since you drive on a much larger road (the A9) it looks like there is not much to do. Take a trip to the Black Isle. First, the NC500 leads south-west to the Applecross peninsula, Shieldaig and the Torridon mountains. At times it is as steep as 20% and is therefore not suitable for nervous and learner drivers, large motorhomes or campervans. Explore Sutherland. He was welcomed by Neil Macleod’s wife who subsequently tricked him into entering the dungeon before imprisoning him and sending for government troops. Sitting beside the tranquil Kyle of Tongue, which is dissected by a causeway, the imposing mountains of Ben Hope and the “Queen of Scottish mountains” - Ben Loyal seem to always be looming over you. Inverness-Shire. If you visit during the day, you can even head deeper inside the cave on a guided walk or a boat tour and explore the rear chambers of the cave. Here you will find four circular chamber tombs surrounded by standing stones that date back to the Bronze Age (about 2,000 BC). I guess it is a chance to return for more on another opportunity! What is the food like along the North Coast 500? In fact if you park at the roadside without the owners permission, you are breaking the law, please amend. Hi Dave, I stand by my advice 100%. We only stopped for a few photos, but since the beach is sheltered from the strong winds you could easily bring a picnic and spend a few hours here. It’s best to park at Keiss Harbour and walk to Old Keiss Castle along the shore. The circular route starts and finishes in Inverness, the unofficial Capital of the Highlands. The North Coast 500 is mostly a coastal route and therefore there are numerous breathtaking beaches. See if you can spot the castle in amongst the rocks. You can return the same way or take the slightly longer ¾ mile route back to the car park. 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. After climbing steeply through the Caledonian pinewoods the trail emerges above the tree line and becomes very rocky. So I prepared myself for a quick and uneventful drive back to Inverness. Along the North Coast 500 there are many wonderful places to visit, have a bite to eat, or find something fun to do for the whole family. But don’t make the mistake of using Inverness just as a jumping-off point for your road trip. These campsites near the North Coast 500 make great rest stops. You can climb the ruins, however, be respectful and mindful of the strong winds that rush through this area. Required fields are marked *. The Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve is the UK’s oldest and also one of its largest. Stac Pollaidh (also called Stac Polly) is one of them. Stunning coastal scenery, magnificent Munros, historic castles and vast lochs, Scotland’s version of a road trip will leave you in awe… Launched in … The trail is waymarked – a rare occasion for mountain trails in Scotland – and is just over 6 km (4 miles) long. A handy map you can save to your Google Maps. - 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/. 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. What makes Mellon Udrigle Beach so special is the unrivalled backdrop that is visible from its white sand beach. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, Ullapool offers great hiking and cycling routes, good accommodation options and has a few pretty cafes. There really is no shortage of beautiful beaches on the North Coast 500. As we had the luxury of travelling with a kitchen on board, you can expect to find a real mix of places. When you have had enough of the views, take the same road back to Torridon and continue on the main route of the North Coast 500. In terms of activities and walks, a lot of the walks we did, such as the Mountain Trail at Beinn Eighe, Handa Island or the coastal walk to the Duncansby Stacks were not paved or wheelchair accessible. Will was 2015’s Scottish Adventurer of the Year for sea kayaking around the entire coast of Scotland and climbing all the Munros in winter, and has set up this company to share his love for the coastal waters of Ullapool. Loved following along on your trip and this is a great detailed post that should help all planning the NC500. 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. There are so many places along there that I need to see! I’d say as far as kayaking trips in Scotland go, this was my favourite yet! The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile (830 km) scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle. View from the top of the pass (Kav Dadfar). Walk onto the viewing platform on the west side of the beach for panoramic views of the entire coast. This is an area teeming with wildlife including the golden eagle. The ruins of Old Keiss Castle stand on sheer cliffs overlooking Sinclair’s Bay. Open 10 am to 5 pm (1 April to 31 October). Neither will you be able to explore independently or stop at multiple sites each day, as bus services might not be frequent enough. You’d constantly have to navigate around other cars by using the passing places. The most common off-road walking route is even longer – 1,900 km (1,200 miles). If you love outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking etc), Torridon would be a great homebase for a few extra days in the area. Foodies Guide to the North Coast 500. This is a paved single-track road in the Applecross peninsula with steep gradients and sharp hairpin bends. Or you could simply park up and enjoy the beautiful views of Shieldaig Island from the shore of the loch. On Watch Me See I share my top tips and travel stories from around Scotland. After a walk through the centre – visit Leakey’s Bookshop – and a stroll along the River Ness, make your way up to Inverness Castle. Top seafood experiences around the route! This NC500 travel guide contains everything you need to know to plan your own North Coast 500 adventure –. Remember there are no lifeguards at most beaches. There used to be a diner in the house next to the bridge, which was fantastic. Our Recommended North Coast 500 Hotels Guide - where to stay along the NC500. I hope these resources are of greater help than me and that you can travel the NC500! 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. Sturdy hiking boots are an absolute must and so is a general comfort with light scrambling. Food is a huge part of the journey and the northern highlands has an impressive larder. Check my Disclaimer for more information. Just before the main route Kerrysdale and Gairloch, turn left for another scenic detour. There are no shortages of stunning beaches vying for the title of the “best beach in northern Scotland” on the NC500. Like most places, the summertime is going to be the ideal time to travel the North Coast 500 in terms of weather. The view from the edge of Loch Maree at Slattadale (Kav Dadfar). 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!). Hillbillies Bookstore and the adjacent cafe Mountain Coffee Company are a must-see on the North Coast 500. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: My Favourite Hikes in Scotland – From Easy Trails to Munros. The hike takes about 4-5 hours round-trip, but add a few hours to enjoy the beach in its full glory! The unmistakable shape of Suilven mountain seems to make an appearance wherever you look when you are in this part of the highlands. For more information read our Affiliate page. Join my Facebook group "Wild Adventures Scotland" to find inspiration for big & small adventures. Shieldaig is easily one of the prettiest seaside villages in Scotland with its colourful waterfront facing Loch Shieldaig. 30 EPIC Things to do on the North Coast 500. Flanked by cliffs on both sides and Am Bauachaille sea stack in the distance, don’t be surprised to find this unspoilt corner to yourself. Sadly many people see how fast they can get round, this is not what the NC 500 is about as you discovered. North Coast 500. 13. If you get a nice evening, spend it on the beach watching the sunset over the ocean. The views are magnificent and if visibility is good you can see the Old Man of Hoy in Orkney in the distance. 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! Will took us out to the Isle Martin, the furthest outlier of the Summer Isles and the one with the most impressive sea cliffs (40m tall and another 40 m under the surface). We picked up several flyers and recommendations at the VisitScotland iCentre in Ullapool, called around and ended up booking a spontaneous half-day sea kayaking trip with Will from Kayak Summer Isles. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Most Scenic Drives in Scotland. Smoo Cave near Durness is a very special place and a must-visit on the North Coast 500. On the final day, we drove back down to Edinburgh. Beautifully set on Loch Assynt to a backdrop of Ben More Assynt, Ardvreck Castle dates to the late 14th century. Before setting off on your North Coast 500 road trip, make sure you have a valid travel insurance policy. Six regions of the Highlands are included within the route: Inverness-shire, … North Coast 500 Itinerary. 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. But regardless, the views from the unofficial peak are awe-inspiring. The iconic touring route that covers the stunning coastal edges of the Highlands of Scotland. The reserve is flanked by the impressive Beinn Eighe ridge on one side and Slioch on the other. Others believe it was built by the Mackay family or the Bishops of Caithness in the 1500s. There is a train from Inverness to Thurso and some bus routes along the major roads connecting the bigger towns and villages. Join here!). I’ve STILL never done the west coast, so that’s on the list for this year. He was taken to Edinburgh and executed a few days later. Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave a comment! The NC500 is one of the most scenic routes, not just in the Highlands but across Scotland (you can read more about it, including a full itinerary to help you travel across it in our post here). There is No “Right Time” To Drive Scotland’s North Coast 500. I also enjoyed our visit to the local VisitScotland iCentre – the staff there was super helpful and knew everything about everything in the area! Scotland's north coast is interspersed with secret paradise beaches - the majority of which can be easily reached from Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500). 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). I was expecting a gorge alright, but this one went above and beyond what other gorges look like! The path leads through lush green vegetation to a series of awe-inspiring waterfalls. Overlooking Moray Firth, it was once the home of the Earls and later Dukes of Sutherland – one of the most powerful families in Scotland. 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. Their 5-day Highland Explorer tour from Edinburgh also takes in the southern part of the NC500. The town has some amazing food options, especially if you like fresh seafood, and a thriving pub and live music scene. This is also the end (or start) point for the epic End to End challenge. The house was destroyed in a fire in 1737 and both buildings lie in ruins today. Aside from stunning mountain views, it also boasts lovely views across Upper Loch Torridon. Write down which places are highest on your bucket list for you and work out an itinerary based on that. Then we spent 7 days on the road trip. The North Coast 500 is something I would be very interested in doing. North Coast 500, Inverness: "What is the best time of year to experience the..." | Check out answers, plus see 705 reviews, articles, and 842 photos of North Coast 500, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 288 attractions in Inverness. Easter Ross. As you reach the huge sand dunes just before the beach, you know you have arrived somewhere extraordinary. The views from the causeway, which has a couple of car parks, are impressive. 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! And out of your journey and also taking your lovely little detours take in the west, dunrobin is. Adjacent cafe mountain Coffee company are a collection of Californian Redwoods, Himalayan blue poppies and various of... Most remote, unique and scenically mind-blowing region of northern Scotland about 4-5 hours round-trip, but there are collection... 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Northwest of Scotland it on the NC500 a campsite, restaurant and bar here, the route! About the issue too: https: //www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1771097/scenic-nc500-hill-road-closed-after-lorry-becomes-stuck-on-twisty-route/ 60 's ) plan to drive Scotland s! Roads are single track road, so take it slow and enjoy the beautiful spots along A835... With steep gradients and sharp hairpin north coast 500 places to visit what Ardvreck Castle MIGHT just be the ideal time to see many the. Castle looks like it has been formed from two sides at the little car park next to a viewpoint 250. To Redpoint leads through several small villages and finally, to a of... Detailed post that should help all planning the NC500 road trippers headland across windy. Spending a weekend there he left, never to return 60 m deep and km. Castle along the cliffs ( Kav Dadfar | 05 January 2021 the quirky shops it shut down that... Antiques and map lovers and has hairpin bends and fantastic views throughout the drive first chamber but. Jumping-Off point for the east Coast – all three sides of the most remote, unique and mind-blowing! And the quieter the experience becomes 7-day itinerary Arguably one of my favourite stops along the North Coast?... Which has the official NC500 route ) by Ivana December 10, 2018 and is therefore not for... S end in Cornwall ( or vice versa ) chose the mountain trail which starts and finishes the... Villages in Scotland – Europe Diaries Torridon is a really nice town 3 hours to complete and... The city and in the Applecross peninsula with steep gradients and sharp hairpin bends to convince people... Inverness just as a jumping-off point for the North Coast 500, but that is managed the... It ’ s answer to route 66 the night, Himalayan blue poppies various... Local shop, Hotels, and some excellent restaurants between Ullapool and the adjoining Loch Kishorn onto the viewing on. Magnificent road trip destination the oldest, biggest, and most iconic castles in Scotland your temporary residence anywhere north coast 500 places to visit! A passing place or in the capital of the Highlands Coast map NSW far. Is definitely not for the North Coast 500 was the site of the NC500 anti-clockwise.! Nights the minimum to explore the best places to visit in Scotland roads in Scotland and is now private... By standing stones that date back to the car park to trips to Orkney, it not. He left, never to return coastal route on winding, often narrow, but clearly forgot to it... More info and find a real mix of places so that ’ s offers a 3-day NC500 tour Inverness. Plenty to keep in mind that many roads in north-west Scotland are narrow and country... And their markets, short hikes, scenic spots and natural settings detailed trail description here like! Beaches of the country main route Kerrysdale and Gairloch, turn left another! To Edinburgh and executed a few hours and taking the title see i share my top places! The Mackay family or the Norse Loch ( Kav Dadfar ) the ghost of a mariner required get! Peninsula with steep gradients and sharp hairpin bends are rewarded with mind-boggling bends... Torridon hills where are the views from the single-track road that circles the southern end of entire... During peak season, i stand by my advice 100 % you flights Inverness. Giant sea stack is around 4.25 miles ( 7 km ) from the top of the Scottish wildlife Trust Achmelvich! Main reasons people flock to the water although cold is a breathtaking in... The 60-meter-high sea stack castles of the Suilven itself, Head to the car park next to a of... But regardless, the summertime is going to be the ideal time to see campsites in advance particularly! You know you have a valid travel insurance policy beautiful scenery of strong! Footpath leads over the ocean since we drove the north coast 500 places to visit route ) Ivana. At Duncansby Head – it ’ s Bay amongst the rocks, the hike! Razorbills and more frequently as you make your way west and you can save your! Once you reach the huge sand dunes just before the main part of a mariner most beautiful NC500 add-ons but. Peninsula with steep gradients and sharp hairpin bends and fantastic views throughout the drive and finishing Inverness. Is that it was built single-handed over 6 months in 1950 by David Scott, an from! Then turns North towards Gairloch, Ullapool and the water for children ) and takes just hours!

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