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 excellent for a street journey; particularly across the North Coast 500 route. In truth, there are such a lot of finest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland that you just’re going to be spoilt for selection.
Over time, we’ve visited numerous instances; following this easy-to-follow and detailed Scottish Highlands itinerary. It takes in a few of the finest locations on the North Coast 500 route, but additionally meanders (and barely detours) simply off the official route to seek out some whole gems to discover.
It’s essentially the most idyllic space and considered one of my favorite areas in all the UK. Simply you’ll want to plan forward, e book lodging in loads of time (the most effective spots refill quick in summer time) and take into account that you just may be driving on very slender 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 you must go to.
Plus, just a few different little detours which can be whole gems to see. Have the most effective time exploring Scotland!
1.) Inverness
In numerous methods, Inverness is mainly the gateway to the North Coast 500 route. In truth, Inverness is more likely to be the primary level the place you begin your street journey; both arriving by air (to Inverness Airport) or through prepare.
Now, both in the beginning (or the top of your North Coast 500 street journey, be certain to take somewhat detour east in direction of the Cairngorms. It’s one of many UK’s largest national parks and completely idyllic.
We had the most effective time exploring the Cairngorms, and it’s nicely price 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 received 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 to see a few of the metropolis’s finest spots. Make sure you try Botanic Gardens, Inverness Fortress and the Highlanders’ Museum, too.
In case you’re quick on time, you may as well e book this superb guided tour from Inverness that drives you to Eilean Donan Fortress and the Isle of Skye for a full-day journey. It’s nice in case you don’t fancy driving and don’t wish to head off the broader North Coast 500 route.
Read more: Our day-to-day Scottish Highlands itinerary
2.) Glenmorangie, Dornoch and Dunrobin Fortress
The entire space round Dornoch is nicely price visiting as you drive from Inverness. You see, it’s received heaps of little (and large) locations to see within the Scottish Highlands.
In case you’ve crossed the Dornoch Firth, be certain to cease off at Dornoch Seaside. It’s an enormous white-sandy stretch that’s excellent for a stroll.
Although, at all times keep in mind that the Scottish Haar (sea fog) could be thick and are available in quick on the east coast route. So, be ready that you just won’t see an excessive amount of if that occurs.
While within the wider space, you’ll want to cease off on the Glenmorangie Distillery Whisky (on the opposite aspect of Dornoch Firth), too. You possibly can be taught most concerning the distilling course of and have a wee pattern of their amber nectar that’s identified the world over.
Additionally, a couple of 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 very least a good few of them). Plus, the gardens are gorgeous. It’s a completely distinctive fort in Scotland and nearly seems to be prefer it belongs within the countryside in France.
It’s all fairly completely different to the towering brick castles you are inclined to see in Nice 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 most effective selfmade soup and haggis toasty.
Read more: Best islands in Scotland to visit
3.) Previous Wick, Previous 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 truth, I’d go so far as saying that the east coast has a few of the finest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland in case you’re into your historic castles.
Round 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 price 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 nearly 800 years.
Oh, and don’t overlook about Previous Keiss Fortress, too. It’s in your route in direction of John o’ Groats and completely simple to seek out as you comply with the North Coast 500 route in Scotland.
Read more: Best places in Scotland to visit
4.) John o’ Groats and Duncansby Head
Okay, for me, John o’ Groats is somewhat little bit of a letdown. It’s usually considered among the finest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland – however I’d beg to vary.
Nonetheless, you’re passing by, so you actually ought to cease.
There’s nothing actually right here than an indication pointing to different locations internationally. Famed as being one finish of the longest distance between two inhabited factors in Nice Britain, John o’ Groats has grow to be a photograph spot for those that have additionally visited the opposite spot (Lands Finish, Cornwall).
I’d say we spent about quarter-hour right here, earlier than heading for the views at Duncansby Head. Which, is named the UK’s most north-easterly level and never too removed from John o’ Groats.
Right here, you possibly can see the ability of the North Sea’s waves, which have carved the rugged shoreline over 1000’s of years.
Although it’s a fleeting cease, the views dealing with south, down the coast, are attractive.
Oh, and don’t overlook you possibly can book this Orkney Islands day trip from John o’ Groats, too. It’s so good and nicely price becoming a member of in case 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 direction of Loch Eriboll. It’s a couple of 2-hour drive and you may simply cease off at locations like; Castletown Seaside, Dunnet Head and Drumhollistan for his or her rugged coastal magnificence.
Plus, you possibly can seize a chunk to eat at Côte Du Nord, a beautiful fine-dining restaurant on the north coast.
Anyway, when you get to Loch Eriboll, be certain to cease off to see the Neakie Lime Kilns, which you’ll spot from this viewpoint. It’s a completely attractive space of Scotland.
Read more: Best towns in Scotland to visit
6.) Durness, Balnakeil and Ceannabeinne Seashores
One of the north-westerly coastal areas you’ll go to within the Scottish Highlands, Durness Beach is nicely price a go to as you drive the North Coast 500.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to take a while to sit back 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 overlook to drive just a few extra minutes west to Balnakeil Beach and Ceannabeinne Seaside (somewhat east).
The previous is an unlimited open and westerly-facing seashore that’s gorgeous at sundown. The latter has a huge zipline the place you possibly can glide over the seashore space itself.
You possibly can simply go to all three in a day and so they’re all excellent stopping spots in your NC500 drive.
Read more: Best things 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 time, it’s even been voted as considered one of Britain’s most lovely 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 suggests it’s largely abandoned.
Good if that’s the vibe you’re going for. You possibly can have the place to your self and benefit from the white sands and towering cliffs so long as you want.
It’s excellent if you’re wanting a day hike but when not, head to close by Oldshoremore Seaside as an alternative. For the latter, you possibly can park proper at Oldshoremore Car Park which is very easy to get to in case you’re shorter on time.
8.) Achmelvich Seaside
Following the B869 street, you’ll get to cease off on the completely attractive Achmelvich Seaside. It’s a completely lovely seashore that’s nicely price visiting in case you’re going to sit back out or stroll for just a few hours on a sunny day.
Belief me, it has an ideal mixture of turquoise waters and white sand, which is gorgeous.
Alongside the street (and earlier than you get to the seashore), you’ll additionally discover Clashnessie Falls and Clachtoll Seaside.
Clachtoll Seaside is ideal if you wish to spend a while alone since this can be a little quieter than a few of the bigger seashores shut by. Although, saying that, none are busy!
Oh, and don’t overlook to cease off at Lochinver Larder that’s previous Achmelvich. It’s nicely price stopping for one of many well-known pies.
Lastly, as you attain Loch Assynt, you’ll want to cease off at Ardvreck Castle. It’s considered one of our favorite fort ruins in Scotland and nicely price visiting because it’s only some minutes stroll from the roadside.
Courting again to the 1400s, now you can stroll across the fort and its outdated grounds. It’s so unbelievable to see.
Read more: Our day-to-day Scottish Highlands itinerary
9.) Ullapool
Though small, the village of Ullapool will probably be one of many largest settlements you come throughout on the northwest coast and nicely price making a cease.
Not solely that, there are a number of ferries from Ullapool, too. This implies it’s the right stopping level if you would like a detour from the NC500 and head over to a few of the prettiest Scottish islands. You’ll be capable to 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 try 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 terrific place if you wish to stretch your legs.
Oh, and don’t overlook to move to the Seafood Shack for dinner. Open in the summertime months, they’ve a few of the finest seafood on the west coast; all of which is cooked recent to order. We ate a lot, right here.
Simply be certain to take a coat, the seating is exterior and it may get chilly if a westerly wind is available in.
10.) Gruinard Bay and Wester Ross area
Becoming a member of 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 Nationwide Nature Reserve.
It’s among the finest 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 to cease off at Gruinard Bay, which is completely pretty. Plus, you may as well get some pretty views from this viewpoint on the aspect of the street.
In 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 overlook about Gairloch Seaside or stopping off at Hebridean Whale Cruises that depart from Gairloch. They even have orca cruises in the summertime months.
11.) Beinn Eighe Nationwide Nature Reserve
Typically considered the primary Nationwide Nature Reserve in Britain, Beinn Eighe has heaps of unspoilt nature to discover through trails which you’ll simply go to in the summertime months.
Truthfully, in case you’re one thing of a rambler, you’ll simply discover it to be among the finest 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 very useful customer centre positioned exterior Kinlochewe which you’ll try from the month of April to October. They’ll even advise you on the most effective spots to go to, and get near Beinn Eighe.
In case 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 move the close by Victoria Falls, too. Simply be certain to tug into this can parking area.
There’s a picnic website 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 definitely among the finest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland. In truth, this space of Scotland is as a lot concerning the lovely drive as it’s about every pitstop you make.
To get right here, drive down the A896 street in 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, keep in mind street numbers beginning with ‘A’ will probably be greater, 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 slender roads that are extra winding and far slower roads.
You received’t be capable to 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 good place to spend the evening (or two) exploring the broader space. The lodge is attractive and considered one of our favourites alongside the NC500 wider area.
While within the space, you’ll want to drive throughout to the opposite aspect of Loch Torridon and discover the tiny hamlet of Decrease Diabaig. We at all times cease for a tasty, selfmade, lunch at Gille Brighde. It’s so good.
Read more: 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 Move, be certain to cease off at Bealach na Ba viewpoint.
Though this steep incline street is simply open in summer time, it’s nicely price 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 among the finest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland.
14.) Plockton, Eilean Donan Fortress and Loch Ness (and detouring off the NC500)
Typically known as the Jewel of the Highlands, Plockton is a small city that’s nicely price 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 time, embody a visit to Plockton and the broader peninsular right here. Sure, it would add just a few extra days onto your journey but it surely’s completely price it.
As soon as right here, be part of considered one of Calum’s Seal Journeys that he runs alongside the coast (we liked it) and cease off on the Plockton Inn for a few of 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 Fortress.
It’s in all probability considered one of Scotland’s most well-known castles and nicely price seeing while you’re within the Scottish Highlands.
Head inside and plan to be there for round two hours. Oh, and for a few of the finest views of the fort, pop to this spot on Google Maps (it’s simply earlier than Loch Lengthy Bridge).
Lastly, be part of the A87 street, taking you to Loch Ness to discover the little villages and Urquhart Fortress.
Additionally, you possibly can simply book this Loch Ness boat tour from Clansman Harbour that exhibits you all the most effective spots on the loch, together with
Simply preserve your eyes peeled for the Loch Ness monster earlier than heading again to Inverness!
Read more: Our day-to-day Scottish Highlands itinerary
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