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 street journey; particularly across the North Coast 500 route. Actually, there are such a lot of greatest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland that you just’re going to be spoilt for selection.
Over time, we’ve visited numerous occasions; following this easy-to-follow and detailed Scottish Highlands itinerary. It takes in among the greatest locations on the North Coast 500 route, but in addition meanders (and barely detours) simply off the official route to seek out some complete gems to discover.
It’s probably the most idyllic space and one among my favorite areas in all the UK. Simply you should definitely plan forward, e book lodging in loads of time (one of the best spots refill quick in summer time) and contemplate that you just may be driving on very slim roads.
The latter can all the time be a shock for North American guests!
Anyway, I don’t wish to ramble an excessive amount of! Following a route north of Inverness (anticlockwise) I wish to share a few of our favorite spots round and locations on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland that you need to go to.
Plus, just a few different little detours which might be complete gems to see. Have one of the best time exploring Scotland!
1.) Inverness
In numerous methods, Inverness is principally the gateway to the North Coast 500 route. Actually, Inverness is more likely to be the primary level the place you begin your street journey; both arriving by air (to Inverness Airport) or through prepare.
Now, both in the beginning (or the top of your North Coast 500 street journey, make certain to take slightly detour east in direction of the Cairngorms. It’s one of many UK’s largest nationwide parks and completely idyllic.
We had one of the best time exploring the Cairngorms, and it’s properly 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 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 greatest spots. You’ll want to try Botanic Gardens, Inverness Citadel and the Highlanders’ Museum, too.
In the event you’re quick on time, you can even e book this wonderful guided tour from Inverness that drives you to Eilean Donan Citadel and the Isle of Skye for a full-day journey. It’s nice in case you don’t fancy driving and don’t wish to head off the broader North Coast 500 route.
Learn extra: Our day-to-day Scottish Highlands itinerary
2.) Glenmorangie, Dornoch and Dunrobin Citadel
The entire space round Dornoch is properly price visiting as you drive from Inverness. You see, it’s received heaps of little (and large) locations to see within the Scottish Highlands.
In the event you’ve crossed the Dornoch Firth, make certain to cease off at Dornoch Seaside. It’s an enormous white-sandy stretch that’s excellent for a stroll.
Although, all the time do not forget that the Scottish Haar (sea fog) could 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, you should definitely cease off on the Glenmorangie Distillery Whisky (on the opposite aspect of Dornoch Firth), too. You may 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 Citadel. 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 fortress while exploring the 189 rooms (or a minimum of a good few of them). Plus, the gardens are gorgeous. It’s a completely distinctive fortress in Scotland and nearly seems 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 adore it right here.
Afterwards, proceed driving north and cease off on the quaint little tearoom of The River Bothy. We had one of the best selfmade soup and haggis toasty.
Learn extra: Greatest islands in Scotland to go to
3.) Previous Wick, Previous Keiss and Sinclair Girnigoe Castles
With 1000’s of years of historical past, the Scottish Highlands has a great deal of gems you possibly can’t miss as you drive the North Coast 500.
Actually, I’d go so far as saying that the east coast has among the greatest locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland in case 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 Citadel. Now in ruins, it towers over the rugged shoreline, relationship again to the 1300s. It’s properly price parking up and strolling the coast to see – it truly is unbelievable to see.
Afterwards, observe the North Coast 500 route additional north and cease off at Sinclair Girnigoe Citadel. It’s one other gem and dates again nearly 800 years.
Oh, and don’t neglect about Previous Keiss Citadel, too. It’s in your route in direction of John o’ Groats and completely simple to seek out as you observe 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 slightly little bit of a letdown. It’s typically regarded as the most effective 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 internationally. Famed as being one finish of the longest distance between two inhabited factors in Nice Britain, John o’ Groats has grow to be 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 possibly can see the facility of the North Sea’s waves, which have carved the rugged shoreline over 1000’s of years.
Although it’s a fleeting cease, the views dealing with south, down the coast, are attractive.
Oh, and don’t neglect you possibly can e book this Orkney Islands day journey from John o’ Groats, too. It’s so good and properly price becoming a member of in case 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 possibly can 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 completely attractive space of Scotland.
Learn extra: Greatest cities in Scotland to go to
6.) Durness, Balnakeil and Ceannabeinne Seashores
Probably the most north-westerly coastal areas you’ll go to within the Scottish Highlands, Durness Seaside is properly price a go to as you drive the North Coast 500.
As soon as right here, you should definitely 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 just a few extra minutes west to Balnakeil Seaside and Ceannabeinne Seaside (slightly east).
The previous is an enormous open and westerly-facing seaside that’s gorgeous at sundown. The latter has a big zipline the place you possibly can glide over the seaside space itself.
You may 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 lovely seashores.
This being stated, it does require a fairly 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.
Good if that’s the vibe you’re going for. You may 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 possibly can park proper at Oldshoremore Automotive Park which is very easy to get to in case you’re shorter on time.
8.) Achmelvich Seaside
Following the B869 street, you’ll get to cease off on the totally attractive Achmelvich Seaside. It’s a completely lovely seaside that’s properly price visiting in case you’re going to sit back 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 street (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 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 price stopping for one of many well-known pies.
Lastly, as you attain Loch Assynt, you should definitely cease off at Ardvreck Citadel. It’s one among our favorite fortress ruins in Scotland and properly price visiting because it’s just a few minutes stroll from the roadside.
Courting again to the 1400s, now you can stroll across the fortress and its outdated 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 properly price 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’d like a detour from the NC500 and head over to among the prettiest Scottish islands. You’ll be capable of catch the boat over to Stornoway and head additional down Lewis and Harris (that are gorgeous, by the way in which).
If that’s not your jam, you should definitely 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 awesome 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 among the greatest 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 might get chilly if a westerly wind is available in.
10.) Gruinard Bay and Wester Ross area
Becoming a member of the A832 street, You’ll drive south from Ullapool to Loch Ewe and across the round street till you get to Loch Maree and the beginning of the Beinn Eighe Nationwide Nature Reserve.
It’s the most effective 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 can even get some pretty views from this viewpoint on the aspect of the street.
In your drive to Gruindard Bay, you should definitely 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
Typically 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, in case you’re one thing of a rambler, you’ll simply discover it to be the most effective 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 situated exterior Kinlochewe which you’ll try from the month of April to October. They’ll even advise you on one of the best spots to go to, and get near Beinn Eighe.
In the event you don’t wish to cease, you possibly can benefit from the scenic view as you drive east from Slattadale, on the shores of Loch Mare. You’ll even cross the close by Victoria Falls, too. Simply make certain to tug into this could parking space.
There’s a picnic web site of Loch Maree, so that’s one spot you possibly can cease in. when you’re right here, you possibly can expertise Loch Maree’s shore whereas admiring the Slioch mountain peak from afar.
12.) Shieldaig
On the shores of Loch Torridon, Shieldaig is definitely the most effective locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland. Actually, this space of Scotland is as a lot concerning the lovely drive as it’s about every pitstop you make.
To get right here, drive down the A896 street in direction of Shieldaig from Kinlochewe. We love this drive and also you would possibly 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 street.
Oh yeah, and whereas I’m at it, keep in mind street numbers beginning with ‘A’ shall 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 usually be single-lane and slim roads that are extra winding and far slower roads.
You gained’t be capable of keep away from both in your journey across the Scottish Highlands nevertheless it’s worthwhile understanding what every street is when wanting on the street indicators.
Not too distant, you’ll additionally discover The Torridon, which is a good 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, you should definitely 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, 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 Go, make certain to cease off at Bealach na Ba viewpoint.
Though this steep incline street is simply open in summer time, it’s properly 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 the most effective locations to see on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland.
14.) Plockton, Eilean Donan Citadel and Loch Ness (and detouring off the NC500)
Typically referred to as the Jewel of the Highlands, Plockton is a small city that’s properly 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 all the time, if we’ve got time, embody a visit to Plockton and the broader peninsular right here. Sure, it can add just a few extra days onto your journey nevertheless 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 beloved it) and cease off on the Plockton Inn for among the freshly caught native seafood. It’s scrumptious.
Afterwards, you possibly can both head over to the Isle of Skye by street (for an extended journey), or head across the coast to Ardelve to go to Eilean Donan Citadel.
It’s most likely one among Scotland’s most well-known castles and properly price seeing while you’re within the Scottish Highlands.
Head inside and plan to be there for round two hours. Oh, and for among the greatest views of the fortress, pop to this spot on Google Maps (it’s simply earlier than Loch Lengthy Bridge).
Lastly, be part of the A87 street, taking you to Loch Ness to discover the little villages and Urquhart Citadel.
Additionally, you possibly can simply e book this Loch Ness boat tour from Clansman Harbour that reveals you all one of the best 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
Verify Out The Very Greatest Of Nice Britain!
Pop Over To Our YouTube Channel For Journey Movies!
