14 Greatest Locations On The North Coast 500 Route In Scotland - Hand Baggage Solely

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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 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 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 search out some complete gems to discover.

It’s essentially the most idyllic space and one among my favorite areas in the entire UK. Simply be sure you plan forward, e-book lodging in loads of time (the perfect spots refill quick in summer season) and contemplate that you just could be driving on very slim roads.

The latter can at all times 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, a number of different little detours which are complete gems to see. Have the perfect time exploring Scotland!

1.) Inverness

In plenty of methods, Inverness is mainly the gateway to the North Coast 500 route. The truth is, Inverness is prone to be the primary level the place you begin your highway journey; both arriving by air (to Inverness Airport) or through prepare.

Now, both in the beginning (or the tip of your North Coast 500 highway journey, be certain that to take a bit of detour east in direction of the Cairngorms. It’s one of many UK’s largest nationwide parks and completely idyllic.

We had the perfect 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 obtained 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 that to see a few of the metropolis’s finest spots. Remember to take a look at Botanic Gardens, Inverness Fort and the Highlanders’ Museum, too.

In case you’re quick on time, it’s also possible to 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 nicely price visiting as you drive from Inverness. You see, it’s obtained heaps of little (and massive) locations to see within the Scottish Highlands.

In case you’ve crossed the Dornoch Firth, be certain that to cease off at Dornoch Seaside. It’s an enormous white-sandy stretch that’s excellent for a stroll.

Although, at all times do not forget that the Scottish Haar (sea fog) may be thick and are available 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, be sure you 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 Fort. 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 citadel while exploring the 189 rooms (or a minimum of a good few of them). Plus, the gardens are gorgeous. It’s a completely distinctive citadel in Scotland and virtually seems 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 like it right here.

Afterwards, proceed driving north and cease off on the quaint little tearoom of The River Bothy. We had the perfect selfmade soup and haggis toasty.

Learn extra: Greatest islands in Scotland to go to

3.) Outdated Wick, Outdated 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 a few of 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 Outdated Wick Fort. 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 Fort. It’s one other gem and dates again virtually 800 years.

Oh, and don’t neglect about Outdated Keiss Fort, too. It’s in your route in direction of John o’ Groats and completely simple to search out as you comply with the North Coast 500 route in Scotland.

Learn extra: Greatest locations in Scotland to go to

4.) John o’ Groats and Duncansby Head

Okay, for me, John o’ Groats is a bit of little bit of a letdown. It’s usually regarded as among the best 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 turn into 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 called the UK’s most north-easterly level and never too removed from John o’ Groats.

Right here, you’ll be able to see the facility of the North Sea’s waves, which have carved the rugged shoreline over hundreds of years.

Although it’s a fleeting cease, the views going through 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 nicely price 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 direction of Loch Eriboll. It’s a couple of 2-hour drive and you’ll simply cease off at locations like; Castletown Seaside, Dunnet Head and Drumhollistan for his or her rugged coastal magnificence.

Plus, you’ll be able to seize a chunk to eat at Côte Du Nord, a stunning fine-dining restaurant on the north coast.

Anyway, when you get to Loch Eriboll, be certain that to cease off to see the Neakie Lime Kilns, which you’ll spot from this viewpoint. It’s a completely attractive space of Scotland.

Learn extra: Greatest 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 Seaside is nicely price a go to as you drive the North Coast 500.

As soon as right here, be sure you take a while to sit back 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 a number of extra minutes west to Balnakeil Seaside and Ceannabeinne Seaside (a bit of east).

The previous is an unlimited open and westerly-facing seaside that’s gorgeous at sundown. The latter has an 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 excellent stopping spots in your NC500 drive.

Learn extra: Greatest 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 one among Britain’s most stunning seashores.

This being stated, 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 implies it’s principally 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 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 Seaside

Following the B869 highway, you’ll get to cease off on the completely attractive Achmelvich Seaside. It’s a completely stunning seaside that’s nicely price visiting should you’re going to sit back out or stroll for a number of 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 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 neglect 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, be sure you cease off at Ardvreck Fort. It’s one among our favorite citadel ruins in Scotland and nicely price visiting because it’s just a few minutes stroll from the roadside.

Relationship again to the 1400s, now you can stroll across the citadel and its previous grounds. It’s so unbelievable to see.

Learn extra: Our day-to-day Scottish Highlands itinerary

9.) Ullapool

Though small, the village of Ullapool will seemingly 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 proper stopping level if you would like a detour from the NC500 and head over to a few of 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 gorgeous, by the best way).

If that’s not your jam, be sure you take a look at 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 amazing place if you wish to stretch your legs.

Oh, and don’t neglect 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 contemporary to order. We ate a lot, right here.

Simply be certain that to take a coat, the seating is exterior and it may possibly 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 among the best 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 that to cease off at Gruinard Bay, which is completely pretty. Plus, it’s also possible to get some pretty views from this viewpoint on the aspect of the highway.

In your drive to Gruindard Bay, be sure you cease off at Ardessie Falls that’s simply off the roadside. Oh, and let’s not neglect 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

Usually regarded as 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.

Actually, should you’re one thing of a rambler, you’ll simply discover it to be among the best 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 take a look at from the month of April to October. They’ll even advise you on the perfect spots to go to, and get near Beinn Eighe.

In case you 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 be certain that to tug into this may 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 among the best locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland. The truth is, this space of Scotland is as a lot concerning the stunning drive as it’s about every pitstop you make.

To get right here, drive down the A896 highway 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 highway.

Oh yeah, and whereas I’m at it, bear in mind highway numbers beginning with ‘A’ will likely 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 gained’t have the ability to keep away from both in your journey across the Scottish Highlands however it’s worthwhile understanding what every highway is when trying on the highway indicators.

Not too far-off, 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 one among our favourites alongside the NC500 wider area.

While within the space, be sure you 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.

Learn extra: 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 Cross, be certain that to cease off at Bealach na Ba viewpoint.

Though this steep incline highway is just open in summer season, 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 best locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland.

14.) Plockton, Eilean Donan Fort and Loch Ness (and detouring off the NC500)

Usually 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 Path.

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 got time, embrace a visit to Plockton and the broader peninsular right here. Sure, it is going to add a number of extra days onto your journey however it’s completely price it.

As soon as right here, be part of one among Calum’s Seal Journeys that he runs alongside the coast (we cherished it) and cease off on the Plockton Inn for a few of 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 one among 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 citadel, pop to this spot on Google Maps (it’s simply earlier than Loch Lengthy Bridge).

Lastly, be 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 perfect 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