Shieldaig is easily one of the prettiest seaside villages in Scotland with its colourful waterfront facing Loch Shieldaig. Launched in 2015, the North Coast 500 encompasses over 500 miles of wild scenery, secluded beaches and historic castles in Scotland’s northern highlands. Even if the two could not be more different! There are so many places to visit and things to do on the North Coast 500, it can easily take a whole day to cover 30 miles. From butchers to fishmongers, as well as fab cafes and restaurants. Hence, walking barefoot on … The hike takes about 4-5 hours round-trip, but add a few hours to enjoy the beach in its full glory! Legend has it, that this was the site of the last ever witch burning in Scotland. Our trip to Rogie Falls was fairly brief as arguably, the main attraction for our day, would be driving across the famous North Coast 500. We even spotted an otter pup munching on a sea urchin among the sea kelp! Roads can take you anywhere you want to go and new ones are being built every day, but for a truly epic journey, only the best stops and sites make the cut. Another worthwhile detour as you make your way through West Sutherland is to the Old Man of Stoer. Dunnet Head and Dunnet Head Lighthouse (Kav Dadfar). YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Best Places for Wildlife Watching in Scotland. You can find a detailed route description here. Six regions of the Highlands are included within the route: Inverness-shire, … I want my readers to be realistic and prepares for their trips! Explore the Route. 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. 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. Beaches & Pools – There are dozens of beaches along the North Coast 500 and they are great places to stop and let the kids explore and let out some energy. 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!). DETOUR TIP: 13.5 miles east of Achmelvich Beach stands another one of the picturesque castles of the NC500. Next to the lighthouse, you can walk along the cliffs and spot sea birds nesting at these soaring heights. Absolutely! Drive slowly or stop your motorhome altogether to avoid spooking them. Or you could simply park up and enjoy the beautiful views of Shieldaig Island from the shore of the loch. Day 1: Inverness to Torridon via Applecross, Distance: 115 miles, Overnight at Torridon Youth Hostel, Day 2: Torridon to Gairloch incl. It then turns north towards Gairloch, Ullapool and the mountainous Assynt region. Gardens on the Scottish west coast are fascinating. Spend endless days on uncrowded beaches, swim with dolphins, indulge in incredible food and wine, explore pristine volcanic hinterland and hike through ancient rainforest. Fast Facts Distance: 516 miles Trip … If you can find it amongst the rocks, the Hermit’s Castle is supposedly Europe’s smallest castle. The White Rabbit on Argyle Street is a treasure trove for antiques and map lovers and has a selection of vintage fashion as well. The Ultimate Roadtrip! It closely follows the coastline with its castle ruins and quaint small towns, before offering the option for a detour on the Black Isle peninsula. Launched in 2015, the North Coast 500 encompasses over 500 miles of wild scenery, secluded beaches and historic castles in Scotland’s northern highlands. It stretches from Loch Maree over the peaks of Beinn Eighe towards Liatach and Torridon. 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. Scotland is a very hospitable place to visit. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 20 Tips for Wild Camping in Scotland (Tent + Campervan). Overlooking Kyle of Tongue on the summit of a bluff is a small tower called Castle Varrich (also known as Caisteal Bharraigh). 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. 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. Many people who hire campervans or motorhomes in Scotland are driving these for the first time and thus, a road like this can be very stressful and even dangerous – i.e. The site is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the cliffs of the headland offer plenty of nesting space to thousands of sea birds. We stayed at Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel, which gets its name from its proximity to the beautiful beaches of the area. Leaving the coast and driving inland to loop around to Ullapool felt a bit like a disappointment – where are the views? When in fact, you just need to make a little extra effort to seek out the beautiful spots along the east coast! There is also the historic town of Dornoch itself with its beautiful cathedral and stone houses. - Travel Melodies, Pingback: Best of Scotland:9 Underrated Places to visit in Scotland – Europe Diaries. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How to spend one day in Inverness. I was really sad when it shut down because that was a perfect stop off on the way down (or up!). Their 5-day Highland Explorer tour from Edinburgh also takes in the southern part of the NC500. Hi Dave, I stand by my advice 100%. These campsites near the North Coast 500 make great rest stops. Jutting out into the North Sea, Dunnet Head is the most northerly point of mainland Britain. The far north-west of Scotland is very sparsely populated and the small and winding country roads connect one natural spectacle with the next. I personally don’t recommend driving this road to my clients who hire large vehicles and would not want to communicate this any different on my blog. Write down which places are highest on your bucket list for you and work out an itinerary based on that. 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. I love it there, such a cute little town and I never see anyone mention it. North Coast 500 7-day Itinerary Arguably one of the best road trips in the world! Sango Bay sits in the main part of the village and is another one of the beautiful beaches and coastlines in Northern Scotland. As well as stunning scenery along the North Coast 500 you will find foodie heaven. There is a visitor centre and you can either walk the field by yourself or participate in a guided tour. This NC500 travel guide contains everything you need to know to plan your own North Coast 500 adventure –. Required fields are marked *. Soon you will get your first glimpse of Thirle Door and the Stacks of Duncansby. The lighthouse is only 66 feet tall but sits on cliffs that rise 300 feet above sea level. This is a paved single-track road in the Applecross peninsula with steep gradients and sharp hairpin bends. Behind the hostel – a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive – lies Big Sands, a sandy beach with views of the mountains of Torridon and Skye. The counties of South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire all have their own delights to offer, including Leeds, York, Scarborough and Beverley. Ullapool is a small seaside town on the shore of Loch Broom. Scottish tour company Rabbie’s offers a 3-day NC500 tour from Inverness. However, you won’t be able to reach all the places listing in this travel guide. Continue to make your way west and you will reach Lochcarron and the adjoining Loch Kishorn. Cairns mark the trail from here and they can be a little hard to spot sometimes – keep your eyes peeled. 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. Check out VISIT SCOTLAND or UK GOVERNMENT for more guidance and advice on driving in Scotland or POLICE SCOTLAND for driving in winter. The Most Spectacular Places To Visit On The North Coast 500 wanderlust.co.uk - Kav Dadfar | 05 January 2021. For those who don’t know, the North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to Route 66. Buy my Scotland Travel Guides and Resource Library. I would like to know if this particular trip is wheelchair accessible or could modification be made . The town has some amazing food options, especially if you like fresh seafood, and a thriving pub and live music scene. So you have planned your dream North Coast 500 route, decided on your basic itinerary – Dundrobin Castle! The kitchen garden of the Highlands! There really is no shortage of beautiful beaches on the North Coast 500. They are a great resource if you are looking for more recommendations or tour options. 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. Here are some articles about the issue too: September 11, 2018 By // by Jo 20 Comments This post may contain affiliate links, and links to Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. 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. Along the way, look-out for the roofless remains of Sandwood Cottage which myth has it is haunted by the ghost of a mariner. Balnakiel Church with Balnakiel Beach in the background (Kav Dadfar), Viewing platform on Sango Sand beach (Kav Dadfar). Lying about halfway through the NC500, it makes for a great stop with its restaurants, shops and pubs. I also enjoyed our visit to the local VisitScotland iCentre – the staff there was super helpful and knew everything about everything in the area! There are many single track roads, particularly in the far northern regions and many of the detours I suggest in this post also make use of steep single track roads. 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). I recommend you do the same. The advice you gave is misleading. North Coast 500 – Places to stay. And a brief packing list to prepare you for this EPIC road trip. Have a great trip . Experience Scotland's answer to Route 66 on our scenic self-drive tour of the North Coast of Scotland. The site is free to enter and you can read about the excavation process and the assumed significance of the cairns on the boards around the compound. Today, the Battlefield is a historic site and memorial ground for the many people who have lost their lives here. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: My Top 20 Places to Visit in Scotland. Seeing wildlife is never guaranteed on the North Coast 500, but Chanonry Point might be your best bet. If you don’t want to rent a car for any reason, the best option to still experience the North Coast 500 is to book a guided tour. Travelling to Scotland? 30 EPIC Things to do on the North Coast 500. Further Reading for Planning your North Coast 500 trip. On the final day, we drove back down to Edinburgh. 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. Check out my Covid-19 page for updates, travel tips and advice for your itinerary. 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. On the first day, we drove from Edinburgh to Inverness with a few stops along the way. Get access to my FREE Scotland Travel Toolkit. In 2015 the North Coast 500, commonly referred to as the NC500, was launched by the Tourism Project Board of the North Highland Initiative. The sand is soft, and the water although cold is a beautiful turquoise color. There is no shortage of petrol stations (gas stations) all along the route. See my itinerary for the North Coast 500 in 7 days below. Maybe experienced drivers in a small campervan would be fine, but I would rather be on the side of caution to avoid issues. The hike is just under 5 km (3 miles) and takes just 2-4 hours. 10 minutes, £15 per person) where they are greeted by a welcome committee of volunteer guides. The views from the causeway, which has a couple of car parks, are impressive. Where Does the North Coast 500 Start? Sign up today for free and be the first to get notified of new articles, new competitions, new events and more. Its biodiversity of fauna and flora make it a site of special scientific interest and attracts a wide range of botanists, biologists and geologists. Here are some tips for driving on the North Coast 500: For more tips, read my post about driving in Scotland. However, keep in mind, that being the only car that goes against the stream can be annoying and tiring on single track roads. The volunteer guides will give you a little map, but the path is very easy to follow. Online Shop. There is No “Right Time” To Drive Scotland’s North Coast 500. Sango Sands is a breathtaking beach in Durness, particularly famous for its viewpoint boardwalk. There is no strict North Coast 500 route – where you stop, stay and play is entirely up to you but here is a flavour of the villages and activities we think make up the best North Coast 500 places to visit. Hello all. 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. A sign at the beginning of the road warns drivers of the notorious single-track road that climbs up to 626 metres (2,054 ft) above sea level and has several hairpin bends. Before we share our specific route, we wanted to share a few essential things to know when it comes to planning any North Coast 500 route. There is plenty of parking and easy access to the shore of Loch Maree with possibly the best view of Slioch mountain peak in the distance. This is an area teeming with wildlife including the golden eagle. There is a lovely loop walk around the Shieldaig peninsula which offers stunning views and lots of opportunities to spot wildlife, like otters and sea birds. Because the livestock don’t take too much notice of the green cross code, you’ll see cows, pigs, sheep and even geese on the road ahead. Like most places, the summertime is going to be the ideal time to travel the North Coast 500 in terms of weather. From exploring the castle or a taking a riverside stroll to trying out the city’s mouth-watering Scottish cuisine, make this the first highlight of your NC500 road trip. There is plenty to keep anyone entertained in and around Dornoch for a few days. It is small, but there are many international flights to Inverness. There are many sea kayaking outfitters and activity providers on the North Coast 500, for example in Plockton, Gairloch or Ullapool, but booking an excursion is not always straight-forward. If you prefer to just enjoy the views, keep driving along Loch Maree until you reach Slattadale and make your way along the narrow road through the forest to the Loch Maree picnic site. There is a vast variety of birds that nest along the cliffs so bird lovers should take their binoculars. Easter Ross. Check out the Google map below which has the official NC500 route marked on. North Coast 500 Route Map. See if you can spot the castle in amongst the rocks. The Access Right does not apply to motorised vehicles, which means that it is not your right to park your car, campervan or motorhome by the side of the road to spend the night. Handa Island, Distance: 87 miles, Overnight at Tongue Youth Hostel, Day 6: Tongue to Helmsdale via John O Groats, Distance: 112 miles, Overnight at Helmsdale Youth Hostel, Day 7: Helmsdale to Inverness via Black Isle, Distance: 86 miles, Overnight at Inverness Youth Hostel. The castle looks like it has been plucked from Southern France with its towering spires and perfectly manicured gardens. No one would begrudge this spectacular stretch of sand taking the title. Achmelvich Beach is slightly off the main route of the NC500 and requires you to drive down a small single-track road for a couple of miles. With large shops few and far between on the northern and western coasts, if you do not plan your meals properly you will find yourself in the expensive local shops instead. A brief half-a-mile walk through the woods will bring you to a suspension bridge over the Black Water river with remarkable views of the falls. There are plenty of things to see in the city and in the surrounding area. What is the food like along the North Coast 500? Remember there are no lifeguards at most beaches. Their 10-day Orkney and Outer Hebrides tour spends a few days in the northern and eastern parts of the NC500. Walk onto the viewing platform on the west side of the beach for panoramic views of the entire coast. The Trip Planning Workbook in my Scotland Travel Resource Library is the perfect tool to help you plan a great NC500 road trip. Many believe it was built by the Vikings or the Norse. Get a detailed trail description here. If you are planning to road trip around this scenic area of the Scottish Highlands, you may be wanting to spend … You can take anywhere between four days and three weeks to drive it, so check out these 30 EPIC things to do on the North Coast 500 and work on your itinerary! 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. The most popular attraction of Inverness is Loch Ness. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Go Ape Ziplining & High Ropes Course in Aberfoyle (Review). Let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. 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. North Coast 500. This article may contain affiliate links that provide us with a small income. Standing at 613 metres, Stac Polly, or Stac Pollaidh as its officially called, means “peak of the peat moss”. I completely agree! As you can see, we brought down our daily mileage significantly in order to make time for activities. I drove the NC500 as part of a paid project with Hostelling Scotland. The cafe offers a variety of refreshments and snacks as well as cakes, teas and coffees in a quirky setting among model gondolas, national park stickers and shelves filled with adventure books. The first glimpse of the wild North Atlantic crashing onto the shores of this incredible 1.5-mile-long secluded pink sand beach comes as you pass Sandwood Loch. An ultimate guide on where you have to stop and eat along the North Coast 500 route. The entrance ticket costs £12.50 (£7.50 for children) and includes the castle and the gardens. It would almost be rude not to pay her a closer visit. From the top, at 612 m you will be able to enjoy great views of the surrounding higher mountains, the coastline and the Summer Isles offshore. He was taken to Edinburgh and executed a few days later. John O Groats gained fame as the northernmost point of mainland Britain (today we know it’s at Dunnet Head Lighthouse) and is thus the natural endpoint of so-called end-to-end walks and cycles. Stacks Coffee House & Bistro, John O Groats. Knockomie Inn: The perfect place to begin or end your North Coast 500 Trip Situated just a short drive from Inverness, Knockomie Inn is among the best places to … You might even be brave enough to put on your swimsuit! 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. The Black Isle is a lovely final stop before returning to Inverness. Here is an article about the impact motorhome drivers have on the road, and here is a story about a lorry that attempted the journey – just to give you an idea. Home. 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). Your email address will not be published. There are also a number of public swimming pools along the … Stunning coastal scenery, magnificent Munros, historic castles and vast lochs, Scotland’s version of a road trip will leave you in awe…. I’m lucky enough to live on NC500. From the dramatic north western scenery, where the mountains meet the sea, to the varied lands of the east – with scattered fishing communities, award winning golf courses, fairy tale castles, archaeological wonders and quaint harbours. If there was one image that could evoke the sheer striking beauty of Northern Scotland, it would be these incredible sea stacks. – until we reached Corrieshalloch Gorge. As you reach the huge sand dunes just before the beach, you know you have arrived somewhere extraordinary. 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%. Others believe it was built by the Mackay family or the Bishops of Caithness in the 1500s. This hidden wee gem is a quick and easy walk just outside Golspie near Dunrobin Castle. Hi June, thanks for pointing out this error in the article! 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. Since its launch in 2015, the North Coast 500 has been a huge success, taking its place on "world’s best road trips" lists alongside the likes of the USA’s Route 66 and Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Corrieshalloch Gorge is up to 60 m deep and 1.5 km (1 mile) long. Dunrobin Castle is one of my favourite castles in Scotland, and Golspie itself is a really nice town. Wild Camping Essentials – A Complete Guide to Wild Camping . I guess it is a chance to return for more on another opportunity! I was expecting a gorge alright, but this one went above and beyond what other gorges look like! Stunning coastal scenery, magnificent Munros, historic castles and vast lochs, Scotland’s version of a road trip will leave you in awe… Launched in … As you begin to make your way east from Durness on the north coast of Scotland, you will eventually reach the charming village of Tongue. The biggest supermarkets can be found in Inverness, Ullapool, Thurso, Wick and more frequently as you near Inverness. NC500 … It is believed that it was built single-handed over 6 months in 1950 by David Scott, an architect from Norwich. The infrastructure in northwest Scotland is definitely sparser than in other parts of the country. From here, the route leads south back towards Inverness. For those who want to take in the view of the Suilven itself, head to the Falls of Kirkaig. Inverness Castle Viewpoint; Chisholms Highland Dress; Dolphin Watch; Castle Gallery; Inverness Day Tours; Happy Tours; Inverness Bike Tours; Inverness … The village itself is best viewed from the road that leads to Applecross, which is in itself is a stunning 25 mile, 1-hour drive. The narrow single-track road to Redpoint leads through several small villages and finally, to a gorgeous red sand beach. So I prepared myself for a quick and uneventful drive back to Inverness. The North Coast 500 is something I would be very interested in doing. This NC500 tour includes two nights stay in an NC500 accommodation, easy level guided nature walks and the following North Coast 500 itinerary: Day 1: Inverness to Ullapool Leaving Inverness Bus Station at 8 am, the first-day route may include a stop at the National Nature Reserve , Corrieshalloch Gorge (weather permitting) with an easy walk to one of Scotland’s waterfalls. 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