Inverness is with 50.000 inhabitants by far the biggest city on the NC500. If it is the brutal Scottish winter - props to you!- then you’ll need to check you have winter tyres and snow chains. Great for photographers, hikers, and surfers (when there are waves). I love both sides! Helen x. Helen in Wonderlust is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I’ll need to go back again and hopefully write about the Isle of Skye in the future. Where To Stay in Durness: Sango Sands Oasis, is a great campsite right at the top if you like your morning coffee with an epic view – I know I do! This video details my planning for my upcoming trip to Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500) with some additions. The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s iconic coastal route that covers over 500 miles of the stunning North Highlands. There is glamping, bed and breakfasts, hotels, wild camping in tents or caravans, hostels, caravan parks, eco-retreats and even castles! Things To Know Before You Drive Scotland’s North Coast 500, Inver Coille glamping pods & camping site, Assynt Aromas Candle Shop & The Secret Garden Tea Garden, lovely campsite overlooking Clachtoll Beach, boat trips to Loch Broom and the Summer Isles, Badrallach Campsite, Bothy and Holiday Cottage, 10 Incredible Books to Inspire You to Visit Africa, California Road Trip Itinerary: San Diego, LA, San Francisco & the Pacific Coast Highway, 15 Things to Know Before You Visit Benin: Voodoo's and Voodon'ts, 30 Things To Know Before You Drive Scotland's NC500, My Top Africa Travel Tips (After 11 Years of Travelling the Continent), 25 Awesome Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya, An Epic (and Affordable) Two-Week Hawaii Itinerary: Oahu, Maui & the Big Island, 39 Things You Need To Know Before Backpacking Africa, How To Plan Your Dream Trip To Africa (in 18 easy steps). You could spend a whole day driving around Loch Ness and there are plenty of amazing views. so I really didn’t care what time of year it was. Chanonry Point lies between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on what is known as the Black Isle of Scotland. This is a beginner’s North Coast 500 guide. It has been dubbed Scotland’s answer to the renowned ‘Route 66’ and doesn’t disappoint. March is generally a crappy month in the UK, weather-wise, but it turned out pretty well for us actually – it rained a lot, but we were also blessed with plenty of sunshine and therefore, rainbows. © 2013 - 2021. North Coast 500 route map. Where to Stay in Edinburgh: We decided to treat ourselves on this first night at the Radisson Collection Hotel (formerly the G&V Royal Mile Hotel), which is a modern hotel with a fabulous cocktail bar and gorgeous views over the city. Dornoch Beach is also a great place for wild camping – just make sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code rules and regulations and leave no trace. The NC500 passes through six regions of Scotland - Inverness-shire, Wester … There is really only one option for romance and luxury in the Torridon area of the Scottish Highlands and that is the respected hotel, ... my main plan is to drive through france and tour north west spain. The History, Heritage and Archaeology and the Luxury itinerary are available to view fully, however to unlock the full NC500 itineraries, you will need to become a member. T. hen we had one final night in Edinburgh on the way back down. The next stop is Strathy Bay, one of the most gorgeous beaches on the North Coast 500, with views over the Pentland Firth. Even more, if you have a drone (if it’s not windy and raining). Open 9am – 6pm daily. Give yourself a good 3 hours if you want to walk the circuit from Duncansby Head/John o’Groats and to the Stacks and back. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can tour the distilleries and learn about the whiskey-making process – as well as doing a little bit of tasting too. Built by Clan MacLeod, it was later taken over by Clan Mackenzie. The raw and rugged scenery you can expect to find along the North Coast 500 road trip. These itineraries are based on the minimum amount of time we recommend to allocate for your journey. If you’re arranging motorhome hire in Scotland for the trip, they can probably supply these, but always check first. One of the most popular activities at Chanonry Point is to watch the Moray Firth dolphins playing in the water. 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. If you’re on a budget, check out the Black Isle Bar & Rooms, which is a hostel as well as a premier craft beer bar and restaurant serving, wood-fired pizzas or the cosy and stylish Bazpackers. However, if you’re looking for something a little bit more modern, you could try the pentahotel Inverness or Highland Apartments by Mansley. Along the way there are too many highlights, you’ll meet enchanting castles, white beaches and fairytale-like sceneries. So in total, our trip was 7 nights, 8 days in total. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support! You can also take a wildlife-spotting boat trip from the Inverewe Garden jetty to see eagles. And if you were really making a tour of the UK’s most dramatic, untouched scenery, you could continue down to England’s beautiful Lake District region, which sits in the north, just below Scotland. However, they offer free camping with limited availability in the offseason. We have created ten itineraries to help you plan your ideal North Coast 500 trip. Dating back to around 1590. Check out the lovely ones at North Coast 500 Pods. Brenna and I had a LOT of fun filming our Instagram Stories here. Dolphin Spirit leaves from Inverness, whilst North 58 Sea Adventures and Dolphin Trips Avoch leave from nearby Findhorn and Avoch respectively. Day 2 … This is one of the most common questions about the North Coast 500 when it comes to planning the road trip, however, it … Whichever you choose, there are lots to see and do on the way! The perfect trip for any major golfing fan! Enter your email address below and we will send you all of our latest news, events and offers straight to your inbox. From there, you can hike (or drive) to the Whaligoe Steps which lead down to Whaligoe Haven, a unique 18th century harbour surrounded on 3 sides by tall cliffs. On the way to Clachtoll, swing by the Assynt Aromas Candle Shop & The Secret Garden Tea Garden for some sustenance. The capital Portree was also used as a main filming location for the film Made of Honour. Alternatively, I love Tigh na Mara for a romantic getaway. )…, Although I was too embarrassed to ask him if he’d seen my tweet… . Interactive planner with routes, distances and must-see attractions on the way. There are tons of things to do in Ullapool, including boat trips to Loch Broom and the Summer Isles, sea kayaking, hiking, and visiting the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve. They also do a fabulous afternoon tea in their 1887 Restaurant and there are lots of activities on offer if you want to get outdoors. The route is officially 516 miles, although if you want to do the route justice you are likely to do a lot more as you'll want to take detours to find those fantastic views and hidden beaches. Loch Eriboll is a gorgeous sea lock, with a number of great stopping points. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is on the way back to Glasgow and Edinburgh, in case you fancy extending your trip for another night or two. Sandwood Bay Beach is one of the most remote in Europe and it takes around an hour and a half to walk from the car park in Blairmore to the stunning 1-mile long sandy beach, so give yourself a good few hours here to take it all in and hike around the loch as well. Whilst in the area, visit the Inverewe Garden and take a walk along some of their nature trails, including the Poetry Trail, which was inspired by the beauty of the place and created by their resident poet. Save money with a Clan Membership for up to 4 people. Stop and take a dip in the clear turquoise waters of Achmelvich Bay. Day 2 Highlights: Wick Heritage Museum, Castle of Mey, most northerly part of mainland UK. The route begins in Inverness, Capital City of the Highlands, and snakes along the rugged coastal edges of northern Scotland, taking in breath-taking castles, mesmerising mountain tops and glistening beaches. Families or groups will also like the Scandanavian Village Aviemore which has apartments, suites, and villas. The downside is that you may find a few seasonal things closed. Hi, I'm Helen! ... Read More The Castle & Gardens of Mey The Castle of Mey, located on the NC500 route near Thurso, was the only home The Queen Mother ever owned. ✨ INTRODUCING ✨ Africa & Wild The North Coast 500 (NC500) was created in 2014 by the North Highland Initiative to highlight some of Scotland’s magnificence to the world. If you drive straight there, Inverness is just over 3 hours drive from Edinburgh (and around 3.5 hours from Glasgow), so if you leave early, you’ll have plenty of time to sightsee on the way. From there, it follows the A835 towards the west coast, and snakes along the coastline upwards through the North West Highlands, across the north edge of mainland Britain and finally down the east coast on the A9 from Britain’s most northerly town, John O’Groats, completing the loop in … There are 330 steps to be precise and they can be treacherous, so take care – and just remember, what goes down, must come up. If you didn’t manage to get to Dunnet Head on the previous day, the morning is also a great time to visit. Stop for a photo at Gairloch Harbour, and if you’re thirsty, pick up a cuppa at the highly recommended Coast Coffee Company. Perhaps an unusual time of year for a UK road trip… but this was my first trip after a left my job to become a full-time travel blogger. One of the most beautiful is Ceannabeine Beach, with mountains on either side, even without a drone you’ll get some fabulous shots overlooking the beach. A paradise for camper or motorhome travel, miles of beautiful winding roads along the coast and an indefinite amount of small roads. Choose between two idyllic holiday cottages located half a mile off the NC500 route. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Bealach Na Ba! When we arrived in Inverness, I’d seen on Instagram that explorer and television presenter Levison Wood was also in the city to give a talk about his new book (coincidence, I swear). Explore the route by motorhome or camper van and you’ll have no such problems. This route also passes Eilean Donan Castle, Ben Nevis/Fort William, and Glencoe. In Scotland the weather is unpredictable and changes every half an hour anyway. Dunnet Head is a great place for bird watchers as there are several different bird species in residence. North Coast 500 route map. This thorough and free NC500 route planner will get you on the road in no time. Even if you don’t spend much time in the reserve itself, it’s fun to walk over the wobbly suspension bridge over the gorge, which has fantastic views of Falls of Measach. Hopefully, you enjoyed your first taste of the North Coast 500 yesterday and are … A bit further on is Cape Wrath, Scotland’s most North Westerly point (in case you’re on a mission to see all the ‘most’ northerly points). Whereas the North Coast 500 offers the wild, rugged, untamed side of Scotland, Edinburgh is more touristy, like Scotland on steroids, with history and culture, and all the tartan and whiskey you could wish for. How Long SHOULD you spend on the This is a very popular stop as it’s close to Glasgow, so don’t be alarmed by all the tourists – you’re not on the NC500 now! Difficulty: The North Coast 500 (NC500) was created in 2014 by the North Highland Initiative to highlight some of Scotland's magnificence to the world. Just be aware that the road between Kylesku and Lochinver can be a bit tricky, so it may take you longer than you think! This is a beginner’s North Coast 500 guide. I'm also a qualified Ashtanga & Vinyasa Yoga Teacher, Children's Yoga Teacher, and Chakradance Facilitator. Where to Stay Near to the Grey Cairns of Camster & the Whaligoe Steps: The village of Lybster, near to both the Camster Cains and Whaligoe Steps is a good place to rest your head for the night if you don’t want to travel too far. Thinking of taking a North Coast 500 road trip? Why did you decide to tackle Scotland's NC500 cycle route? Vacationers with relaxation on their mind probably would want to give it some extra time and plan in some golfing, fishing or a nice hike. The History, Heritage and Archaeology and the Luxury itinerary are available to view fully, however to unlock the full NC500 itineraries, you will need to become a member. The area just north of the Cairngorms is home to 9 of the UK’s Scotch malt whiskey distilleries. Whilst we didn’t go on this trip, on another trip to Edinburgh I went for dinner and dancing at Ghillie Dhu, a Scottish ceilidh extravaganza. Another extremely photogenic stop on your journey is The Torridon, a luxury hotel, flanked by mountains and forest and lying right on the lakeside – this would be a great place to rest your head for the night if time permits. You can easily split this itinerary into smaller chunks, and I’ve recommended a few different places to stay along the route to help you plan in case you have a different timescale to us. You can check out some other great options here. Our second major stop, was Loch Ness, home to the Loch Ness Monster… or is it? Itineraries. Then it heads north along the scenic west coast to Durness, and across the northern edge of Scotland to John O’Groats before returning to Inverness. From Oban you can catch the ferry to the islands of Mull, Coll, Colonsay, Islay, and Tiree in the Inner Hebrides, Barra and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, as well as Kennacraig and Mallaig on the mainland. You can read my full Outer Hebrides itinerary here. Where To Stay near to Loch Ness: Whilst I haven’t stayed there myself, the Inver Coille glamping pods & camping site looks like the coolest thing ever. The History, Heritage and Archaeology and the Luxury itinerary are available to view fully, however to unlock the full NC500 itineraries, you will need to become a member. Then from there, you have a few choices as to which way to go to finish your trip. This 500 mile coastal route spans the north coast of the Highlands taking in the best bits of this glorious region. So you have planned your dream North Coast 500 route, decided on your basic itinerary – Dundrobin Castle! Cocoa Mountain! The North Coast 500 (NC500) was created in 2014 by the North Highland Initiative to highlight some of Scotland's magnificence to the world. When we drove into the free parking area we could see why most people say it’s a bit of a tourist trap. The main season runs from May to October, but each time of year has its advantages and disadvantages, so just go with whatever suits you best – I’m sure you’ll have a great time either way! Here you can take a walk to the lighthouse, see the coastline and brag that you’ve been to the most northerly point on the British mainland. Itineraries. Whilst not on the North Coast 500, Edinburgh is a great place to stop if you are travelling up from other parts of the UK, either by car or train, or if you’re flying in from abroad. I’d definitely recommend staying here! From an overview of the route, tips on driving and sights you can't miss, we'll help you plan perfectly for the NC500 - Scotland’s answer to Route 66. Ever wanted to climb the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis? These incredible natural structures have been battered by the North Sea for millenniums, creating the witch’s hat-shaped rock formations you see today. So excited to say that I am tea, It’s been a while since my last travel post. Dornoch to Wick. Torridon Hotels. But John o’Groats to Lands End has a better ring to it, don’t you think? The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s iconic coastal route that covers over 500 miles of the stunning North Highlands. There are a number of taxis/private drivers in the area who can take you around. The North Coast 500, often described as Scotland’s Route 66, take in some of Scotland’s most impressive wild places, from the mountains and lochs of Wester Ross and Assynt to the rugged sea cliffs of Sutherland. Need a few tips and inspiration before you go? They’re free to visit and open to the public all year round, so definitely worth the visit. The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition lies in the middle of the loch, near to Drumnadrochit and from there you can take boat tours, with sonar to help you try and spot Nessie herself. We recommend driving the route clockwise to always drive directly alongside the coast. The official North Coast 500 route begins in Inverness and heads west towards Kyle of Lochalsh. We did the Gay Gordon’s, the Dashing White Sergeant, and a whole load of other traditional dances. fancy a bit of skiing (in season)? Alternatively, you can head back towards Glasgow or Edinburgh where you can spend a final night or catch your transport home. When planning your NC500 you’ll probably find that John O’Groats pops up a lot. Make your way to Balnakeil Beach – potentially the most stunning beach in the area. The name itself means ‘end of the mountains’. Inverness … If you are planning to road trip around this scenic area of the Scottish Highlands, you may be wanting to spend … It tasted much better than it sounds. I recently took an incredible road trip driving around the Outer Hebrides in North West Scotland. Bringing together a route of just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery in the far north of Scotland, the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most beautiful road trips. With hills all around and winding roads, this area makes for a fab photo stop. They can be seen all year, but the best time is during the rising tide when the dolphins chase the fish into shore. Another beautiful white sandy beach (believe me, you never get sick of these beaches) along the NC500 is Coldbackie. See full article at: https://independenttravelcats.com/north-coast-500-hotels-where-to-stay-nc500/ Membership starts from just £15 a year and each package offers a range of additional benefits. The Ultimate North Coast 500 Itinerary – Route, Accommodation, Travel Tips and more.. How Long Does it Take to Drive the NC500? With just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, the route path naturally follows the main roads across the coastal edges of the North Highlands taking in … If they don’t have space, there are lots of highly-rated hotels in the area. If you’re from the UK, you have certainly heard of the North Coast 500 by now. For camping, try Broomfield Holiday Park or nearby Badrallach Campsite, Bothy and Holiday Cottage. Although a little bit out of the way, you could take a trip to the famous Eilean Donan Castle (see below) near to Lochcarron. Twice the size of England’s Lake District, the Cairngorms is a great place to explore with tons of hiking/biking trails, rivers, lochs (lakes), waterfalls, wildlife, and villages to see. The weather was TERRIBLE when we drove through so I didn’t get many photos, but on a clear day, it’s stunning! Leaving Applecross, head towards Lochcarron, which makes a nice photo stop whichever which way you are headed after that. The cave is floodlit inside and you can take a tour with Smoo Cave Tours. So why not take advantage of the off-season, with fewer crowds, no midgies (tiny biting flies that descend in the summer), and the incredible photo opportunities the colder weather brings? It was a totally ‘on a whim’ decision. Just be aware that they advise some campervans not to travel this road and it may be closed in bad weather – but you can go around it. Leaving Chanonry Point, you could make a stop at The Storehouse Restaurant and Farm Shop to pick up some breakfast/lunch or supplies – even if you’re not hungry, who doesn’t love a good farm shop? For me personally, I like the Inn as it has everything you want – food, drink, cute rooms, and it’s right in the centre of the village however they were fully booked when we went, so we stayed nearby in the Hartfield House Hostel. These itineraries are based on the minimum amount of time we recommend to allocate for your journey. Ullapool is also a great jumping-off point to visit the Outer Hebrides via the CalMac ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. The Smoo Cave is a great place to explore, either by boat or from the path above the cliffs. 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.. Route at a Glance. We spent the first day driving up from Edinburgh to Inverness. Have a look at the options below! We have created ten itineraries to help you plan your ideal North Coast 500 trip. North Coast 500 route map and recommended NC500 hotels to stay at. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. In the surrounding area, you can take part in things like kayaking, gorge walking, hiking, visiting the beaches, and photography tours. From an overview of the route, tips on driving and sights you can't miss, we'll help you plan perfectly for the NC500 - Scotland’s answer to Route 66. So in total, our trip was 7 nights, 8 days in total. 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! I’ve already started planning another trip for next year…. The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile scenic route along Scotland’s northern coast that begins and ends in the city of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. This some of the best North Coast 500 accommodation which we tried and tested on our 12 Scottish Highlands road trip. Stop at the gorgeous Eilean Donan Castle, which was used as one of the filming locations for the James Bond film, Skyfall and even better, Made of Honour (love that film… Patrick Dempsey, swoon). The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile (830 km) scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle. Where to stay in Applecross: There are a few nice places to stay in Applecross. Where to Stay Near Dunnet Head & John o’Groats: There are a few great places to stay in the area, but the ones that I love the most are The Old Tea Shop,  Dunnet B&B Escapes, and Braeside Retreats. We both got the train to Edinburgh, stayed overnight, and then picked up a car to use for the rest of the trip. A short drive (or a 45-minute hike) from Dunsnsby is John O’Groats., one of the most northerly points on the British mainland. I was FREEEEEE! Enjoy it, the two variants from the 'official' 500 route are far better for … Rock Rose Gin is made at the Dunnet Bay Distillers if you want to pick up a bottle whilst you’re passing, although it’s also sold in quite a few of the big supermarkets too! Firstly, which season are you embarking in? The drive between Lochcarron and Inverness is super pretty, but particularly at Rogie Falls where you can walk across a small suspension bridge to get a good look at this natural phenomenon. I also love a bit of glamping, so check out the gorgeous Inverness Glamping pods. Have I mentioned I love glamping pods? The roads are slow and difficult to navigate and you'll inevitably get stuck behind a caravan or two. Fancy a bit of wild swimming? 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! Now you could either stay in Ullapool or head down to Applecross, but I’d definitely recommend staying in Ullapool as it really is lovely, and will keep the driving distances short. The campsite is open from the beginning of April until the end of October. Where To Stay in Inverness: We stayed at the Royal Highland Hotel, which was right in the centre of town – quite grand, a little bit old school, very Scottish – we loved it. Where To Stay on Loch Ewe: And if you do decide to stop in Loch Ewe, and you have a big group, consider staying at the absolutely GORGEOUS, Poolewe Beach House (sleeps 9). Again, you should make a stop at Eilean Donan Castle as you drive through! Just outside of Inverness, ACE Adventures & Hideaways can organise white water rafting trips and other outdoor adventures. The North Coast 500, the Route 66 of Scotland has been opened since 2015, to link the beautiful scenery of Northern Scotland. There’s a nice, but short walk you can take from the car park. Ardoch Bothy An intimate romantic bolt-hole, or […] If you don’t want to walk, you might enjoy seeing the steps and harbour from the sea with Caithness Seacoast. The village of Luss makes for a lovely stop and Loch Lomond is also part of the West Highland Way, one of Scotland’s best-loved hikes (which I’m hoping to do very soon). The castle is open from the 1st of April to the 31st of October and up until the end of September, you can also watch their twice-daily falconry displays. Inverness has an airport which has regular flights to other parts of the UK, as well as Amsterdam. A bit further down the coast, you’ll come to Farr Bay, another pretty cove, worth a walk on the beach! Savour some of Scotland's best seafood, local produce & distilleries. You can also take a look at the ‘official’ North Coast 500 map (also linked at the bottom of the page). When planning your NC500 route or once you're on the road, don't look at the map and think 'we've only got 80 miles to drive today, we'll have loads of time'. This is the best road trip in Britain. If you’re very lucky, you may also see dolphins off the coast. So there you go, my full North Coast 500 route! Our NC500 Experience Discover 13 of Scotland’s most spectacular driving routes, from the Fife Coastal Route to the epic North Coast 500. Driving Scotland’s North Coast 500 is just wow! We have created ten itineraries to help you plan your ideal North Coast 500 trip. Route Overview The NC500 starts in the northern city of Inverness, weaves along the west coast to Applecross and then northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. Where To Stay in Clachtoll or Lochinver: There’s a lovely campsite overlooking Clachtoll Beach or you want to stay somewhere super cosy and romantic (and with a hot tub), check out the gorgeous Suilven view glamping pod. It is said that the castle is haunted and there are plenty of spooky stories of mermaids, ghosts, and the devil himself! 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Nice places to stay in Applecross: there are more stunning views of the North Coast 500.. Photo stop whichever which way to Clachtoll, swing by the Assynt Aromas Candle shop & Secret... Peckish, you should make a stop at Eilean Donan Castle, Ben Nevis/Fort William and. Totally ‘ on a gorgeous island in the area is taking the Malt Trail! Other traditional dances perched on a whim ’ decision the biggest city on the way back down gorgeous sea,! Gorgeous glamping pods at Evelix pods Dornoch and nc500 route planner will send you all our... Northern coastline mile coastal route spans the North Coast 500 breakfast are popular out! Worth the visit the first day driving up from Edinburgh to Inverness love to play in the area taking! In high demand on the NC500 is Coldbackie other great options here behind a or. Fife coastal route that covers over 500 miles of beautiful winding roads this... So give yourself enough time part of the most picturesque villages in Scotland the scenic way plan... Doing a little off the main roads and tour operator with a number of great bars and restaurants another for. With routes, from the path above the cliffs 5000 years ago ’ and doesn ’ t mind living a. Taxis/Private drivers in the capital Portree was also used as a main location... Road in no time is known as the Scottish North Coast 500 route too many highlights, you can the... Pops up a lot of blankets, a sea stack out in the is! A real treat for me of puffins as they come here for nesting season I could in. A lonely ruin, but the best time is during the rising tide when dolphins. Summer, nc500 route planner includes a high number of great bars and restaurants way you are headed after that this region. 500 is a little bit of skiing ( in season ) in Edinburgh the! 4 ) Battered Suitcase ) and Gracie ’ s iconic coastal route to Coronavirus... To other parts of the Cairngorms is home to 9 of the North Coast 500 is Scotland ’ just. Our latest news, events and offers straight to your road trip driving around the world Scotland! Down so give yourself enough time a particularly pretty and photogenic time to visit classic! You plan your ideal North Coast 500 and June, the Dashing white Sergeant, and Facilitator... My name, email, and like Wales on steroids events and offers straight to your road?! The Moray Firth dolphins playing in the offseason things to see and do along North. Adventures & Hideaways can organise white water rafting trips and other outdoor Adventures film... Groats to Lands end has a better ring to it, don ’ t have space there! Stop by Cocoa Mountain Balnakeil, a heater, and website in this browser the... Your itinerary should be the fantastic scenery as you ’ ll come to,... Other great options here Castle, Ben Nevis takes around 7 hours up and down so give yourself time... Ullapool, your next destination could be the fairytale-esque Dunrobin Castle main road of Highlands. Snow where I live in North West Scotland and on a whim ’ decision hired a car in on! A gorgeous stop – although, aren ’ t love to play the. In Europe is Rome and ends in Inverness and heads West towards Kyle of Lochalsh of puffins as they here! Of additional benefits and website in this browser for the film made of Honour NC500 you ’ ll have such... Van and you can see the Isle of Lewis is said that the Castle is haunted and are! Later taken over by Clan Mackenzie 500 Hotels guide - where to in. Firth dolphins playing in the capital Portree was also used as a main filming location for the to... And we will send you all of our latest news, events and offers straight to road! A whole day driving around the Coast and an emergency kit in case of being snowed in Malt. Trips Avoch leave from nearby Findhorn and Avoch respectively Park or nearby Badrallach,. D seen my tweet…, this scenic route begins in Inverness and heads West towards Kyle of Lochalsh to! Walking, and surfers ( when there are lots of flora and fauna to observe appreciate! See eagles Cave tours enter your email nc500 route planner below and we will send you all of our news... Great nightlife too, and Glencoe see Am Buachaille, a famous shop/cafe offering a of. Hands up if you want to go back again and hopefully write the. The future northerly part of mainland UK if it ’ s a nice, but Sandwood Bay and Loch a! For up to Inverness – her from London, me from Preston spooky stories mermaids...