15 BEST Stops on the North Coast 500 Route (Scotland)

In the event you’re planning to go to the UK and Scotland particularly, driving on the 500-mile North Coast 500 must be in your bucket listing. Scotland is extra than simply your typical journey to Edinburgh and the scrumptious haggis from pubs. It’s additionally an exquisite place stuffed with reminiscence, tradition, and pure wonders for these prepared to enterprise additional north.

The NC500 presents you the chance to discover the fantastic thing about the North and the Highlands absolutely. From serene seashores, castles, to pure formations and wildlife, the Highlands will astound you with its treasure trove of the gorgeous and the miraculous.

What’s the North Coast 500?

The NC500 will take you on to the charming locations within the Scottish Highlands in only a single route. This round highway journey begins from town of Inverness to the extremities of Britain and again to the place to begin.

Nonetheless, you at all times have the choice to start out and end wherever you need. You’re additionally answerable for how a lot time you spend in your journey. However if you wish to take a look at all the perfect spots on the North Coast 500, every week is greater than sufficient to cowl most of them.

This route goals to fill a niche within the Highlands’ tourism and economic system and was launched in March 2015 by the Nationwide Highland Initiative (NHI) with assist from Go to Scotland. The North Coast route has considerably elevated revenue and tourism within the Highlands space, including about 29,000 visits within the first yr of its launch.

How Lengthy Does it Take to Drive the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile (829 km) scenic route that takes you thru among the Scottish Highlands’ most breathtaking landscapes and charming cities. You possibly can technically drive the route in a day, however the place would the enjoyable be in that? You wouldn’t be capable of cease and revel in all the perfect stops alongside the NC500 route.

An excellent time could be between 7-10 days, relying on how lengthy you need to spend at every cease and the way a lot time you need to allocate for sightseeing and actions alongside the best way. Though you can simply see quite a bit in 5 days and delve deeper into the highlands with a full two weeks.

15 North Coast 500 Journey Tricks to Know (Scottish 500)

Ought to You Drive the North Coast 500 Route Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise?

Each instances we have now pushed the North Coast 500 route we have now performed so anti-clockwise, which isn’t the everyday route. So for simplicity’s sake this submit will element the NC500 route clockwise.

There may be actually no distinction between driving the route clockwise vs anti-clockwise. Individuals sometimes hightail it to the west of Scotland as that is the extra dramatic and what some would say “extra lovely” half, so in fact most guests need to get there at the beginning of their journey.

The Finest Stops on the North Coast 500

1. Inverness

Positioned within the Northeastern a part of Scotland, this full of life capital metropolis of the Scottish Highlands is the place your North Coast 500 journey begins and ends. Inverness has quite a few wondrous locations to take a look at throughout your journey. It’s the good floor zero to relish the distinctive Scottish Highlands tradition, delicacies, and music.

As a metropolis embedded with wealthy historical past, there are myriad historic and even archaeological websites which you can go to. Add to those the bustling cultural and fashionable scenes- wonderful eating places, nice pubs, and shops- that can maintain you enthralled all through your keep. There are additionally loads of pure wonders and parks good for unwinding for households, youngsters, and {couples}. Luxurious and budget-friendly lodging are additionally accessible.

Effectively-known amongst these sights is the historic web site of Culloden, the Inverness Citadel, Loch Ness, and the Victorian seaside resort- Nairns. The town additionally presents a lot enticement to the outdoorsy people because it has scenic trails like Glen Affric, South Loch Ness Path, and Meall fuar-mhonaidh. You can too be part of guided excursions within the metropolis which are suited to your pursuits, corresponding to Distillery Excursions, Whiskey Path Excursions, and an Outlander-inspired one for the present’s followers!

The place to Keep in Inverness? The Heathmount Resort is simply is 10 minutes’ stroll from Inverness Citadel

2. Rogie Falls

As you permit the capital metropolis, take a second to understand the wild, pure, and picturesque great thing about Rogie Falls. Rogie Falls is within the Black Water river within the county of Ross-shire. This wild marvel, amidst the wealthy pine forest, is just 20.6 miles away from town of Inverness, which makes it one of many first spots you’ll cease by once you go for the North Coast 500 journey in a clockwise path.

You possibly can take pleasure in a brief, scenic stroll from the automobile park to the suspension bridge. The bridge can accommodate just a few folks without delay (not wheelchair accessible, sadly). It’s the good spot to take pleasure in an up-close view of the speeding falls. The beneficial time to go to is in August-September if you wish to see the charming sight of leaping wild salmon. You possibly can comply with their course upstream on the lengthy Riverside Path if you wish to see extra of them. Its difficult terrain will likely be thrilling for hike lovers and journey seekers!

For many who need extra intense vitality from the falls, you may go to after heavy rain or snow. There are additionally free parking areas, accessible bogs, picnic areas, retailers, and meals shops to take a look at.

The place to remain close to Rogie Falls? The Lochview Guesthouse for a distant location. 

3. Applecross Peninsula

Suppose you’re searching for a stunning, distant, and tranquil place with plenty of historical past. In that case, you may at all times go proper in to go to Applecross, which is without doubt one of the most breathtaking locations within the North Coast 500 for driving.

Applecross is dwelling to the earliest settlement in Scotland and was principally inaccessible for the higher a part of its historical past. Now, you may go to the historic village on two routes. You possibly can go by way of the coast highway from Shielding, with its beautiful coast views, or by the best highway in Britain, Bealach na Ba (Move of the Cattle).

Whereas staying on the Applecross Inn, you may benefit from the ambiance and serene ambiance. The Inn is now open for reserving till April 2023. You can too benefit from the delicacies and seafood from Applecross Smokehouse to thrill your palates. Different actions which you can take pleasure in throughout your keep are a go to to the Applecross Photographic Gallery and Applecross Heritage Middle. You can too go fishing and kayaking to expertise the distant Scottish village first-hand!

4. Ullapool

This fishing city on the Loch Broom shores is without doubt one of the finest locations you may see in your North Coast 500 journey. Amidst its simplicity, the pure magnificence and serenity of the place will tug at your heartstrings. This place can also be historic, for it’s the place the British Fisheries Society was based within the second half of the eighteenth century.

Ullapool presents varied adventures to these keen to find its quaint magnificence. One can hike by the huge swathe of wildlife and foliage, swim within the serene, azure waters of Ardmair Seashore, climb Ullapool Hill or spelunk within the Bone Caves. One also can go to the wonders of Handa Island with its magnificent fauna, seabirds, and sandstone cliffs. A ship cruise can also be an choice for many who can by no means get sufficient of the ocean splash and waves!

Nonetheless, if you happen to don’t want outdoor-oriented actions, you can too take a look at the full of life pubs and the Ullapool Museum to be taught extra concerning the village’s heritage and historical past. The historic and aesthetic Ullapool clock can also be one other sight price seeing. It’s situated on Quay and Argyle Streets.

The place to remain in Ullapool? The Harbour Home is without doubt one of the finest stays you may have on the NC500!

5. Clachtoll

Positioned within the county of Sutherland, Clachtoll is one other fishing village price seeing within the Northern Scottish Highlands. The city is located in an space with deep history- the parish of Assynt. Going through the Bay of Clachtoll, this little paradise is full-packed of pure surroundings, from picturesque mountains to pristine shores.

You possibly can take pleasure in water actions corresponding to kayaking, rock leaping, swimming, and fishing. If you’re into picnics and tenting, you are able to do these actions within the delicate seascape of the Clachtoll Seashore Campsite. It’s a enjoyable, budget-friendly solution to spend time with family members! You possibly can even spot some dolphins if you’re fortunate!

The place to remain close to Clachtoll? The Smithy Home & Cottages is a quaint lovely little cottage in a wonderful space.

6. Cape Wrath

The elegant identify of this location certainly lives as much as what it presents. Cape Wrath can also be situated in Sutherland’s county, probably the most north-westerly space of mainland Nice Britain. It’s also iconic for being the realm the place the Scottish Northern and Western coasts rendezvous. Attributable to its distant geography, Cape Wrath is difficult to entry as there is no such thing as a direct highway to it. One should catch a ferry to go to the spectacular place.

Cape Wrath, regardless of its remoteness, is teeming with the breathtaking swathe of the Atlantic Ocean, coastlines, and chilly wilderness. Other than these majestic pure views, there’s additionally a lighthouse to go to.

A restaurant can also be open so that you can get a heartwarming espresso and pastry- simply earlier than you meet up with the bus tour. Cape Wrath is thought to be a web site of Particular Scientific Curiosity and a spot the place uncommon chook species are protected.

7. Durness

Going to the northernmost elements of the Scottish Highlands, it’s price visiting the northwestern village of Durness. Durness is the proper spot for outdoorsy people, wanderlusts, and sea lovers.

This thriving village in Sutherland boasts of its cerulean shoreline, towering cliffs, bustling wildlife, luscious seaspray, and difficult Scotland climbing trails. The city’s remoteness and wealthy adventures listed below are simply the proper blends for somebody who desires motion and rejuvenation!

Durness can also be well-known for being primarily related to John Lennon. There’s even a John Lennon Memorial Backyard devoted primarily to the well-known musician! You can too take a look at the serene blueness of Rispond Seashore and take an energizing swim.

For sports activities lovers, there’s the Durness Golf Membership to take a look at. In the meantime, hikers and outdoorsy people can climb up Ben Stack and benefit from the majestic Sutherland view from the height. You can too have a picturesque picnic on the Smoo Caves, and thrilling boat rides into the caves amidst clement climate.

Keep close by on the Borgie Lodge Resort

8. Thurso

At any time when you aren’t prepared to go away Caithness but, take the time to discover the city of Thurso, thought-about “probably the most northerly city in mainland Scotland” and boasts pleasant locations and wonders to see and expertise throughout your North Coast 500 journey.

Thurso has loads of cafes, conventional retailers, and eating places the place you may take pleasure in a one-of-a-kind gastronomic and procuring expertise. There may be additionally the well-known wellhouse of Meadow Effectively and the Swanson Gallery to go to.

In the event you’re lusting after out of doors thrills, Thurso presents plenty of water sports activities, corresponding to browsing and kayaking. There are many seashores and a assure of pretty countryside at Geise Farm. The family-friendly farm is without doubt one of the finest methods to bond together with your family members whereas having fun with the corporate of nature.

Keep on the charming Creag Na Mara B&B in Thurso!

9. John O’Groats & Wick

Let the refreshing North Sea Breeze embrace you in John O’ Groats! Positioned in Sutherland, within the northeasternmost a part of Britain, this beautiful village is full of historical past, pure wonders, heritage, and adventures for people who enter its borders.

John O’ Groats presents many actions vacationers can take pleasure in, corresponding to browsing, speedboat excursions across the shoreline, and a tour on the Citadel of Mey, the official residence of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mom in Caithness. Different out of doors actions which you can take pleasure in are the three-kilometer coastal walks or a 40-minute journey to the Orkney Islands.

Nonetheless, you may be part of an thrilling distillery/brewery tour if you happen to want indoor actions. There may be additionally a gallery the place you may see if you happen to get extra in contact with the native tradition and artwork.

Take into account staying at John O'Groats which offers epic sea views

10. Citadel Sinclair and Girnigoe

The castles across the NC500 are out of this world. They’re majestic and historic, identical to the traditional stays of the well-known Citadel Sinclair and Girnigoe. Positioned within the northern a part of the city of Howick, it’s arduous to overlook because it’s perched near the cliff’s edges.

This mysterious fortress has a wealthy historical past and has undergone grand expansions, with its oldest elements relationship again to the fifteenth century. It was expanded constantly till the siege of 1680 when it suffered extreme damages, which made it uninhabited.

It continued to decay for 340 years, however within the early twenty first century, it was restored by the Clan Sinclair Belief and have become secure for guests. These days, you may entry the ruins by a newly put in bridge. The fortress grounds are open yearly, and so they solely ask for donations.

11. Helmsdale

Whenever you’re nonetheless round Sutherland, don’t neglect to go to this beautiful village on the jap coast. Helmsdale is a city that’s well-known for its salmon fishing and herrings! So, for fishing lovers, that is one other wonderful spot to discover. River Helmsdale presents you an abundance to catch your first Scottish salmon!

Throughout your keep, you may go swimming at Helmsdale Seashore or discover the stays of Helmsdale Citadel. You can too see and purchase distinctive and exquisite trinkets on the Gifted store to commemorate your journey to the Highlands. Furthermore, you may deeply join with the city’s distinctive tradition and historical past by visiting the Timespan Museum and Arts Centre, The Emigrants Monument, and the Helmsdale Battle Memorial Clock Tower.

Ever fancied staying in yurt? You are able to do that in Helmsdale on the Tall Pines Yurt.

12. Falls of Shin

The Falls of Shin boasts of breathtaking waterfalls. Along with the spectacular sight, passersby also can witness the charming leaping of salmon from the center of Might to late autumn. Salmon could be seen leaping up the shallow set of waterfalls as they put together to spawn. 

After watching this pure phenomenon, you may loosen up and reenergize on the onsite café earlier than you progress on to your subsequent vacation spot.

13. Brora

Brora is a village located on the east coast of Sutherland within the Highland area of Scotland. Though fairly small, with a inhabitants of simply over 1,200 folks, it’s a improbable place to go to in Scotland if you happen to’re searching for a quaint, peaceable vacation spot with many issues to do in Brora.

The village is extensively identified for being the house of the Highland League soccer crew, however it’s additionally identified for its small sandy seaside, wildlife viewing, and exquisite climbing. Benefit from the seaside, go on a distillery tour at Clynelish Distillery, or go paddleboarding on Lake Brora!

Simply the perfect place to remain is on the Royal Marine Resort!

14. Dunrobin Citadel

In the event you’re fascinated by castles and fairytale-like scenes, don’t miss the prospect to go to the enchanting Dunrobin Citadel within the county of Sutherland. With its magnificent spires, turrets, and gardens, Dunrobin is a nice piece of structure within the coronary heart of the Scottish Highlands. This 189-room fortress is the Earl of Sutherland’s magnificent seat and is rooted in medieval instances. 

The current fortress and its sprawling, magical backyard have been the work of the well-known British architect Sir Charles Barry in the course of the nineteenth century. The backyard is claimed to be impressed by the Palace of Versailles! There may be additionally a museum and falconry which you can take a look at. The fortress is open to guests yearly between April and October.

Close by in Brora you may name a small pod dwelling on the North Coast 500 pods.

15. Dornoch Firth & Cromarty Firth

In the event you love the coastal space, a visit to Dornoch Firth & Cromarty Firth have to be in your listing of North Coast 500 finest stops. From the historic Dornoch Firth Bridge to the extra fashionable really feel of Cromarty Firth, you’ll by no means get bored with taking within the lovely surroundings. Be sure you have your digicam prepared and seize each second. 

In the meantime, historical past geeks can discover quite a few museums and heritage websites just like the Tain and District Museum and the Nigg Previous Church which dates again to the 8^th century.

Boasting backyard views in Dornoch Firth, Clashmore Wooden options lodging with a terrace.

The Finest Castles Alongside the North Coast 500 Route

There are lots of castles alongside the North Coast 500 route (or not far off of it) that you could be need to go to!

1. Citadel of Mey: This fortress was constructed within the sixteenth century and was the house of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mom. It’s situated in Caithness and is open to the general public for excursions.
2. Dunrobin Citadel: This fortress is situated in Sutherland and dates again to the thirteenth century. It’s the largest fortress within the Northern Highlands and is open to the general public for excursions.
3. Eilean Donan Citadel: This fortress is situated on an island in Loch Duich and is taken into account one of the crucial iconic castles in Scotland. It dates again to the thirteenth century and is open to the general public for excursions.
4. Inverness Citadel: This fortress is situated within the metropolis of Inverness and dates again to the nineteenth century. It’s open to the general public for excursions and presents panoramic views of town and surrounding space.
5. Slains Citadel: This fortress is situated in Aberdeenshire and is claimed to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It’s open to the general public for excursions and presents beautiful views of the coast.
6. Cawdor Citadel
7. Dunvegan Citadel

The Finest Seashores on the NC500

1. Balnakeil Seashore: This seaside is situated in Sutherland and is thought for its golden sand and clear waters. It’s a good spot for swimming, browsing, and beachcombing.
2. Dornoch Seashore: Simply south of the Dornoch Firth and near the Royal Dornoch Golf Membership. The seaside stretches for about 3 miles and is backed by sand dunes, which offer a pure habitat for quite a lot of plant and animal species. The water is usually clear and clear, and the seaside is standard with households and vacationers. It’s also a preferred spot for browsing and different water sports activities.
3. Dunnet Bay Seashore: The seaside is surrounded by picturesque countryside, with views of the Orkney Islands and the Dunnet Head headland to the north. The seaside is a well-liked spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, and it is usually a very good place for birdwatching, with quite a lot of seabirds and waders discovered within the space. The seaside is backed by dunes and grassland, and there are a number of footpaths and trails within the surrounding space that provide alternatives for strolling and biking.
4. Oldshoremore Seashore: Oldshoremore Seashore is a peaceable and unspoilt spot, and it’s a good spot to loosen up and benefit from the pure great thing about the Scottish Highlands.
5. Brora Seashore: A good looking seaside within the small city of Brora. Wonderful for a chilly dip within the Atlantic.

Tricks to Make The Most Out of The NC500

1. Plan your route and make lodging prematurely. The NC500 is a well-liked route and lodging is proscribed, particularly in the course of the summer time.
2. Take your time and permit for loads of breaks. The NC500 is a protracted drive and there are numerous scenic stops and sights alongside the best way.
3. Be sure that your car is in good situation. The roads on the NC500 could be winding and slender, and you will need to be certain that your car is in good working order and that you know the way to drive in Scotland.
4. Respect the native wildlife and atmosphere. The NC500 passes by among the most lovely and unspoiled areas of Scotland, so you will need to respect the native atmosphere and wildlife.

Enjoyable Experiences on the North Coast 500 Route

Prolong Your NC500 Journey to the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye in all probability has the perfect surroundings in the entire of Scotland and may simply added onto a North Coast 500 journey. It’s a brief drive from the Applecross Peninsula and presents loads of issues to do.

We suggest spending 3-4 days on the Isle of Skye alone, nevertheless, even if you happen to solely have one additional day it’s price including it onto your Nort Coast 500 Route.

Transport Round Scotland

Most journeys to Scotland will begin and finish at Edinburgh Airport. The easiest way to journey round Scotland is with a rental automobile, particularly if you happen to’re touring with a bunch. Driving in Scotland isn’t any joke and it’s vital to comprehend that earlier than you hire a car. For starters, the Scots drive on the left facet of the highway, with the steering wheel on the fitting.

Second, as an alternative of cease lights and indicators to idle at a lot of the roads in Scotland run easily due to roundabouts.

Third and most vital – the roads on the North Coast 500 are sometimes small single monitor roads match for only one car at a time. There are passing factors each 400 meters or so to let oncoming visitors get by. The automobile closest to a passing level must be the one to yield. Ebook your rental automobile far prematurely to get the perfect charge, you may at all times cancel later if you happen to discover a higher charge!

My favorites to take a look at are:

13 Automotive Rental Scotland Ideas To Know BEFORE You Go

Web in Scotland

If you wish to keep related whereas in Scotland, I like to recommend selecting up a Sim card and buying information once you arrive. We personally bought 12 GB of information for £20 with Three. 

Their protection prolonged into patches of the highlands and allowed us to on the very least test our emails, Instagram, and Fb every day. Different comparable telecom firms within the UK embody O2 and Vodafone.

When is the Finest Season to Drive the NC500?

Excessive season (July-September)

Like most locations in Europe, Scotland’s excessive season runs from July to mid-September. That is when you will discover the perfect climate as famous above, but additionally crowds. Days are longer, the climate is hotter, and lodge and automobile rental costs are at their highest. Lodging alongside the NC500 can e book up shortly, be certain that to e book properly prematurely.

Shoulder Season (Might-June and Late September-November)

We’ve traveled to Scotland in the course of the shoulder season and cherished it. The climate is cool, the leaves are orange and yellow, and the vibe within the air is great. That is additionally once we’ve discovered nice offers on automobile leases and guesthouses. Nonetheless, standard locations like Glasgow and Skye have been very busy. We noticed sunny days, but additionally had loads of these wet Scotland overcast days.

Low Season (November-April)

The temperatures are cooler in the course of the off-season in Scotland and also you stand a really sturdy probability of getting caught in a rain (or snow) storm. In the event you plan to journey to Scotland throughout this time you completely want a packable rain jacket, journey umbrella, and waterproof boots. The upside is you’ll discover low costs and low numbers of vacationers. If you’re in Scotland over the vacations be certain that to participate within the festivals across the cities!

The place to Keep on the North Coast 500?

Kingsmills Resort – Inverness

Just about each North Coast 500 highway journey begins or ends within the highland capital of Inverness. Lodging is proscribed for the demand, however these fortunate sufficient to e book prematurely can rating rooms on the Kingsmills Resort. Kingsmill is without doubt one of the finest locations to remain within the metropolis. The lodge presents great service based mostly out of a seventeenth Century residence.

Pure Retreats – John O’ Groats

That is in all probability one of many coolest locations to remain in relation to lodging in Scotland. These glass-faced self-catering flats are situated in probably the most Northernly city in Scotland, John O’ Groats, on the British Isle.

Previous Drynie Home – Black Isle

This was truly the primary “true” mattress and breakfast we have now stayed at collectively (even after 60 nations!). It was a splendid expertise and the character of a properly run Scottish mattress and breakfast makes it a should for anybody touring the North Coast 500.

Royal Marine Resort – Brora

Upon arrival on the Royal Marine Resort, you’ll be handled to traditional Highland hospitality earlier than being led to your pretty and cozy dwelling away from dwelling. Unwind in your well-equipped visitor room or enterprise outdoors to discover the grounds or the gorgeous seaside that’s just a few minutes away. 

What to Pack for the NC500

Questioning what to put on in Scotland? The nation’s climate is fairly infamous so it’s solely pure that the query of what to pack for Scotland comes up quite a bit. With that in thoughts, try to be ready as you’ll find yourself spending a lot of your time in Scotland outdoors having fun with its lovely cities and breathtaking landscapes.

Scotland is brimming with outdated strolling paths, historical mountains, deep lakes, winding roads, rocky coastlines, castles, thousands and thousands of sheep, barrels of whisky, and charming cities it’s the proper place to lose your self. It must be no shock that Scotland is one in all our favourite nations on this planet. It’s kind of the massive brother to Eire with grander landscapes, prettier cities, extra historical past, and one hell of a tradition — kilts and bagpipes are superior.

Wildlife to Be Conscious of In Scotland

• Highland Cows: Wildlife in Scotland is so huge. Clearly, there’s the highland cow which is an iconic image of the highlands. You’ll discover all of them alongside the route! Watch out and look ahead to them crossing the highway.
• Stags and Deer: Deer and Stags are pretty standard throughout Scotland and there’s nonetheless an enormous looking group
• Puffins: Puffins could be discovered from late March and early April till August and nest on coastal clifftops. The largest colony is on the island of St Kilda, however they might be noticed on the jap cliffs from North Berwick to Berwick-on-Tweed and likewise from Galloway to Wick. When driving alongside in Scotland, it isn’t unusual to see birds of prey throughout the sky both!
• Midges: Undecided how a lot you’ll class it as wildlife, however I’ve talked about midges already however these deserve it once more. Earlier than we traveled to Scotland, I didn’t understand how unhealthy the midges truly could be, and they are often wretched relying in your season of journey. Seize some smidge if they’re driving you loopy.