the Highlands of Scotland are unimaginable to go to! With towering mountain ranges, tranquil lochs and heaps of quaint villages, it’s the kind of space that’s good for a highway journey; particularly across the North Coast 500 route. The truth is, 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 alternative.
Over time, we’ve visited numerous occasions; following this easy-to-follow and detailed Scottish Highlands itinerary. It takes in among the finest locations on the North Coast 500 route, but additionally meanders (and barely detours) simply off the official route to seek out some complete gems to discover.
It’s essentially the most idyllic space and certainly one of my favorite areas in the entire UK. Simply make sure you plan forward, e book lodging in loads of time (the most effective spots replenish quick in summer time) and take into account that you just is perhaps driving on very slim roads.
The latter can all the time be a shock for North American guests!
Anyway, I don’t need to ramble an excessive amount of! Following a route north of Inverness (anticlockwise) I need to share a few of our favorite spots round and locations on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland that it’s important to go to.
Plus, just a few different little detours which can be complete gems to see. Have the most effective time exploring Scotland!
1.) Inverness
In a lot of methods, Inverness is mainly the gateway to the North Coast 500 route. The truth is, Inverness is more likely to be the primary level the place you begin your highway journey; both arriving by air (to Inverness Airport) or by way of prepare.
Now, both in the beginning (or the top of your North Coast 500 highway journey, make certain to take just a little detour east in the direction of the Cairngorms. It’s one of many UK’s largest nationwide parks and completely idyllic.
We had the most effective time exploring the Cairngorms, and it’s properly value 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, make certain to see among the metropolis’s finest spots. Make sure to try Botanic Gardens, Inverness Fort and the Highlanders’ Museum, too.
For those who’re brief on time, you may also e book this superb guided tour from Inverness that drives you to Eilean Donan Fort and the Isle of Skye for a full-day journey. It’s nice should you don’t fancy driving and don’t need to head off the broader North Coast 500 route.
Learn extra: Our day-to-day Scottish Highlands itinerary
2.) Glenmorangie, Dornoch and Dunrobin Fort
The entire space round Dornoch is properly value visiting as you drive from Inverness. You see, it’s received heaps of little (and large) locations to see within the Scottish Highlands.
For those who’ve crossed the Dornoch Firth, make certain to cease off at Dornoch Seashore. It’s an enormous white-sandy stretch that’s good for a stroll.
Although, all the time do not forget 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 may not see an excessive amount of if that occurs.
While within the wider space, make sure you cease off on the Glenmorangie Distillery Whisky (on the opposite aspect of Dornoch Firth), too. You possibly can be taught most in regards to the distilling course of and have a wee pattern of their amber nectar that’s recognized the world over.
Additionally, a few 20-minute drive north of Dornoch is the attractive Dunrobin Fort. It’s nonetheless on the North Coast 500 route and simple to see as you head additional north.
You’ll get to see a lot of the citadel while exploring the 189 rooms (or at the very least a good few of them). Plus, the gardens are beautiful. It’s a very distinctive citadel in Scotland and virtually seems to be prefer it belongs within the countryside in France.
It’s all fairly totally different to the towering brick castles you are likely to see in Nice Britain. We like it right here.
Afterwards, proceed driving north and cease off on the quaint little tearoom of The River Bothy. We had the most effective home made soup and haggis toasty.
Learn extra: Finest islands in Scotland to go to
3.) Previous Wick, Previous Keiss and Sinclair Girnigoe Castles
With hundreds of years of historical past, the Scottish Highlands has a great deal of gems you’ll be able to’t miss as you drive the North Coast 500.
The truth is, I’d go so far as saying that the east coast has among the finest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland should you’re into your historic castles.
Round a 35-minute drive, north of The River Bothy tearoom, you’ll get to go to Previous Wick Fort. Now in ruins, it towers over the rugged shoreline, courting again to the 1300s. It’s properly value parking up and strolling the coast to see – it truly is unimaginable to see.
Afterwards, comply with the North Coast 500 route additional north and cease off at Sinclair Girnigoe Fort. It’s one other gem and dates again virtually 800 years.
Oh, and don’t neglect about Previous Keiss Fort, too. It’s in your route in the direction of John o’ Groats and completely straightforward to seek out as you comply with the North Coast 500 route in Scotland.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Scotland to go to
4.) John o’ Groats and Duncansby Head
Okay, for me, John o’ Groats is just a little little bit of a letdown. It’s typically regarded as probably the greatest 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 the world over. Famed as being one finish of the longest distance between two inhabited factors in Nice Britain, John o’ Groats has change into a photograph spot for those who 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’ll be able to see the ability of the North Sea’s waves, which have carved the rugged shoreline over hundreds of years.
Although it’s a fleeting cease, the views dealing with south, down the coast, are attractive.
Oh, and don’t neglect you’ll be able to e book this Orkney Islands day journey from John o’ Groats, too. It’s so good and properly value becoming a member of should 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 the direction of Loch Eriboll. It’s a few 2-hour drive and you’ll simply cease off at locations like; Castletown Seashore, Dunnet Head and Drumhollistan for his or her rugged coastal magnificence.
Plus, you’ll be able to seize a chew to eat at Côte Du Nord, a beautiful fine-dining restaurant on the north coast.
Anyway, when you get to Loch Eriboll, make certain to cease off to see the Neakie Lime Kilns, which you’ll spot from this viewpoint. It’s a very attractive space of Scotland.
Learn extra: Finest cities in Scotland to go to
6.) Durness, Balnakeil and Ceannabeinne Seashores
One of the north-westerly coastal areas you’ll go to within the Scottish Highlands, Durness Seashore is properly value a go to as you drive the North Coast 500.
As soon as right here, make sure you take a while to relax on the attractive sandy seaside and head over to the close by Smoo Cave which is Scotland’s largest cave to see.
Oh, and don’t neglect to drive just a few extra minutes west to Balnakeil Seashore and Ceannabeinne Seashore (just a little east).
The previous is an enormous open and westerly-facing seaside that’s beautiful at sundown. The latter has a enormous zipline the place you’ll be able to glide over the seaside space itself.
You possibly can simply go to all three in a day and so they’re all good stopping spots in your NC500 drive.
Learn extra: Finest issues 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 certainly one of Britain’s most stunning seashores.
This being mentioned, it does require a reasonably 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 principally abandoned.
Excellent 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 good in case you are wanting a day hike but when not, head to close by Oldshoremore Seashore as a substitute. For the latter, you’ll be able to park proper at Oldshoremore Automobile Park which is very easy to get to should you’re shorter on time.
8.) Achmelvich Seashore
Following the B869 highway, you’ll get to cease off on the totally attractive Achmelvich Seashore. It’s a very stunning seaside that’s properly value visiting should you’re going to relax 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 highway (and earlier than you get to the seaside), you’ll additionally discover Clashnessie Falls and Clachtoll Seashore.
Clachtoll Seashore is ideal if you wish to spend a while alone since it is a little quieter than among the bigger seashores shut by. Although, saying that, none are busy!
Oh, and don’t neglect to cease off at Lochinver Larder that’s previous Achmelvich. It’s properly value stopping for one of many well-known pies.
Lastly, as you attain Loch Assynt, make sure you cease off at Ardvreck Fort. It’s certainly one of our favorite citadel ruins in Scotland and properly value visiting because it’s only some minutes stroll from the roadside.
Relationship again to the 1400s, now you can stroll across the citadel and its previous grounds. It’s so unimaginable to see.
Learn extra: 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 properly value 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 need a detour from the NC500 and head over to among the prettiest Scottish islands. You’ll have the ability to catch the boat over to Stornoway and head additional down Lewis and Harris (that are beautiful, by the way in which).
If that’s not your jam, make sure you 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. An incredible place if you wish to stretch your legs.
Oh, and don’t neglect to go to the Seafood Shack for dinner. Open in the summertime months, they’ve among the finest seafood on the west coast; all of which is cooked recent to order. We ate a lot, right here.
Simply make certain to take a coat, the seating is exterior and it may well get chilly if a westerly wind is available in.
10.) Gruinard Bay and Wester Ross area
Becoming a member of the A832 highway, You’ll drive south from Ullapool to Loch Ewe and across the round highway till you get to Loch Maree and the beginning of the Beinn Eighe Nationwide Nature Reserve.
It’s probably the greatest 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, make certain to cease off at Gruinard Bay, which is completely pretty. Plus, you may also get some pretty views from this viewpoint on the aspect of the highway.
In your drive to Gruindard Bay, make sure you cease off at Ardessie Falls that’s simply off the roadside. Oh, and let’s not neglect about Gairloch Seashore 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 regarded as the primary Nationwide Nature Reserve in Britain, Beinn Eighe has heaps of unspoilt nature to discover by way of trails which you’ll simply go to in the summertime months.
Actually, should you’re one thing of a rambler, you’ll simply discover it to be probably the greatest 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.
For those who don’t need to cease, you’ll be able to 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 make certain to tug into this could parking space.
There’s a picnic website of Loch Maree, so that’s one spot you’ll be able to cease in. when you’re right here, you’ll be able to expertise Loch Maree’s shore whereas admiring the Slioch mountain peak from afar.
12.) Shieldaig
On the shores of Loch Torridon, Shieldaig is definitely probably the greatest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland. The truth is, this space of Scotland is as a lot in regards to the stunning drive as it’s about every pitstop you make.
To get right here, drive down the A896 highway in the 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 highway.
Oh yeah, and whereas I’m at it, keep in mind highway numbers beginning with ‘A’ will probably be larger, 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 sometimes be single-lane and slim roads that are extra winding and far slower roads.
You received’t have the ability to keep away from both in your journey across the Scottish Highlands however it’s worthwhile figuring out what every highway is when wanting on the highway indicators.
Not too distant, you’ll additionally discover The Torridon, which is a superb place to spend the evening (or two) exploring the broader space. The lodge is attractive and certainly one of our favourites alongside the NC500 wider area.
While within the space, make sure you drive throughout to the opposite aspect of Loch Torridon and discover the tiny hamlet of Decrease Diabaig. We all the time cease for a tasty, home made, lunch at Gille Brighde. It’s so good.
Learn extra: Our day-to-day Scottish Highlands itinerary
13.) Bealach na Ba viewpoint
Driving from the scenic route from Shieldaig, by way of Applecross and onto the Applecross Cross, make certain to cease off at Bealach na Ba viewpoint.
Though this steep incline highway is simply open in summer time, it’s properly value 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 probably the greatest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland.
14.) Plockton, Eilean Donan Fort and Loch Ness (and detouring off the NC500)
Typically known as the Jewel of the Highlands, Plockton is a small city that’s properly value taking a detour off the North Coast 500 route and together with the Wester Ross Path.
You see, most individuals don’t head additional south after reaching Strathcarron and begin heading again to drive to Inverness.
We all the time, if we’ve got time, embrace a visit to Plockton and the broader peninsular right here. Sure, it would add just a few extra days onto your journey however it’s completely value it.
As soon as right here, be a part of certainly one of Calum’s Seal Journeys that he runs alongside the coast (we liked it) and cease off on the Plockton Inn for among the freshly caught native seafood. It’s scrumptious.
Afterwards, you’ll be able to both head over to the Isle of Skye by highway (for an extended journey), or head across the coast to Ardelve to go to Eilean Donan Fort.
It’s most likely certainly one of Scotland’s most well-known castles and properly value seeing while you’re within the Scottish Highlands.
Head inside and plan to be there for round two hours. Oh, and for among the finest views of the citadel, pop to this spot on Google Maps (it’s simply earlier than Loch Lengthy Bridge).
Lastly, be a part of the A87 highway, taking you to Loch Ness to discover the little villages and Urquhart Fort.
Additionally, you’ll be able to simply e book this Loch Ness boat tour from Clansman Harbour that exhibits you all the most effective spots on the loch, together with
Simply maintain your eyes peeled for the Loch Ness monster earlier than heading again to Inverness!
Learn extra: Our day-to-day Scottish Highlands itinerary
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