A road trip planned by Campbell Kerr over 7 days with 50 stops.
Countries: GBR
From 2024-08-05T21:00:00.000Z to 2024-08-11T21:00:00.000Z
Inverness, UK
The main sight we wanted to see in the city centre of Inverness was the local castle, Ness Castle. In order to reach the castle, head down the high street towards the river and take a left along the river bank. Stop and enjoy the view here before walking along the river until the castle comes into sight.
Lairg, UK
Heading north from Inverness, the next stopping point is the glorious Falls of Shin. To get here you can either cross the Dornoch Firth Bridge and turn west or simply follow the southern coast of the Dornoch Firth towards Invershin. The Falls themselves are easy to find, with lots of signposts leading to the car park.The Falls of Shin is a small collection of cascading steps of waterfalls, rising about 15m from bottom to top and stretched over about 300m of the river. The main spectacle at this sight is the natural phenomenon of the leaping salmon, an annual display of the resilience and power of nature.If you visit here during the summer, there is a possibility of seeing these migratory salmon in action, leaping metres into the air to ascend the falls. This migration takes place as the salmon return from the sea and begins to travel inland to mate and lay eggs. This is the first time we have seen this and it is a spectacular sight!In order to get to the waterfalls, head down the hill from the car park, across the road, and you will find the waterfall at the bottom of the stairs. Unfortunately, the viewing platform is not accessible for wheelchairs. By the car park, there is a restaurant and cafe that is perfect to rest and grab a coffee before you set off again to the next stop.
Dornoch, UK
By following the road back towards the sea before continuing north, you will eventually reach Dornoch. We decided to pull in here and explore the beach to figure out where we would stay for the night. The beach itself stretches for miles along the coast, with the softest sand we have felt in a long time! It is also a great beach for a dip, however, when the tide is low you will be walking for a long time before you reach a bit of water deep enough to swim.If you are wanting a bite to eat, head back into town and take a walk along to the Cocoa Mountain for one of their decadent hot chocolates! You may also fancy getting a bite to eat at the Eagle Hotel.
Dornoch Hotel, Grange Road, Dornoch, UK
Grange Road, Dornoch, UK
Golspie, UK
The first stop of the day on this 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary is at the beautiful Dunrobin Castle. This sits about 20 minutes north of Dornoch and will cost you around £13.50 to go inside the castle to have a look around. Dunrobin Castle houses an impressive collection of art, antiques, and artifacts, which are on display for visitors to enjoy. This includes an extensive collection of European paintings, porcelain, and silverware, as well as items from the Sutherland family’s personal collection, such as firearms, hunting trophies, and rare books.Dunrobin Castle is known as one of Scotland’s great northerly castles, dating all the back to the 13th century.Resembling a beautiful French Chateau, with is conical spires and quaint details in its architecture, this castle has been kept in pristine condition throughout the years. It is one of Britains oldest continually inhabited houses and has been host to a wide range of roles over the years, from a First World War Naval Hospital to a boarding school for boys.The castle is open for tours between 1st April and 31st October annually.
Golf Road, Brora, UK
The famous Brora Beach sits another 25 minutes further north of Dunrobin Castle and is well worth a stop. The beautiful, white-sand beaches stretch along the coast for miles and the town is small and quaint. If you wander along the shoreline of the golf course, you may even see some cows roaming around there too.A fantastic, secluded stop is in the town centre, is the small Brora harbour. It is the perfect place to enjoy the smell of the sea and watch the fishermen unload their catches. We stopped off here for a bite to eat by the harbourside, enjoying the peaceful water of the docks and the beautiful view out to sea.If you are looking for other things to do in Brora, we can recommend trying the waffles at Cocoa Skye and the Indian food at Sid’s Spice. Both are delicious.If you fancy staying an extra night in Brora, we can recommend checking out the NC500 Pods in Brora for a night away in nature.
Whaligoe, Lybster, UK
Our next stop on this itinerary is one of our highlights of the trip, the Whaligoe Steps. This staircase has been built into the vertical drop of the Whaligoe slate cliffs, and give you a stunning view of them from a different perspective. The Whaligoe Steps are a series of limestone steps leading down the 250ft cliffside to a sheltered harbour area below.The harbour and the steps here are believed to date back to the 18th century, when it was used to store more than 20 fishing boats. Today, the harbour at the bottom lies in ruin, however, thanks to the hard work of the local volunteers the stairs remain in good condition. The ancient ruins of the old boathouse and boat-winch remain at the bottom of the cliff for you to see yourself, just take care of the steps!Over time, the stairs have been subject to heavy traffic and have resulted in quite a bit of wear. Due to this, signposts for the stairs have been removed from the main road and they are quite easy to miss.If you want to find them, look for a signpost for “Cairn of Get”, and instead of turning left towards it, turn right. This will bring you to the Whaligoe steps cafe and a car park for you to explore the area. Head around the cafe and down the hill and you will find the steps. Make sure to take a camera!
John o' Groats, Wick, UK
There is a small car parking area at the end of a narrow winding road to the Duncansby Stacks and Duncansby Lighthouse.From here, walk over the hill to your right and the incredible towers of rock will come into view. These colossal monuments to time are a fantastic photo opportunity and, if the weather is okay, are the perfect spot for some light reflection of your trip so far.
John o' Groats, Wick, UK
Driving back into the town of John O’Groats, continue on the road along the north coast until you see a sign for the visitor centre. Here you will be able to park use the public toilets and get a bite to eat if you’re hungry. You can also snap a photo at the iconic John O’Groats signpost.
Mey, Thurso, UK
The Castle of Mey lies further along the north coast from Dunnet Bay Beach, and is a sight that you might recognise from the Netflix TV show, The Crown. This renovated ruin has an incredible garden and offers a full guided tour around the castle itself. This experience, however, will cost you in order to enter the Castle, Garden and Ground for around £15 or the Garden and Grounds alone for around £9.The castle itself was built between 1566 and 1572, with additional structures being added later in the 17th and 18th centuries. The name of the castle was also changed during this time to Barrogill Castle. For the past 450 years, the castle has remained inhabited, which makes it especially unique.Nowadays, it is open as a visitor attraction and attracted more than 27,000 visitors in the first year of opening in 2007. The visitor centre is open every year between May and September, 7 days a week, apart from 10 days in summer when it is used as accommodation.
Dunnet, Thurso, UK
Dunnet Bay beach lies not too far from John O’Groats and offers another unbelievable, mile-long stretch of sand to enjoy and unwind on. Sitting right on the side of the road, this beach is slightly busier than some others, however, it is huge so you won’t be fighting for space. North Coast Watersports run surf lessons from Dunnet Bay which is a really fun experience. We would highly recommend looking into the different experiences that they offer and booking onto one during your trip.
UK
The final stop of the day is at the small town of Thurso, which is home to one of the most northerly train stations in the UK. Thurso was a much larger town than we expected, with a high street, plenty of shops and lots of bars and restaurants to choose from to rest for the night.Thurso is a small fishing village on the northeast coast of Scotland, where the earliest history dates back 5000 years with evidence of Neolithic burial sites. The town was originally known by the Gaelic term tarvodubron, or “bull water”, and was once an important Norse port until the Nordic rule ended in the 13th-century.It is a beautiful little town, full of character and quaint charm. The perfect place to stop for a bite to eat, some food and even a place to rest your head.
Skerray, Clashaidy, Thurso, UK
Continuing west along the northern coast, with the beautiful, blue waters of the North Sea, with nothing between you and the Arctic Circle, our next stop is at the small, isolated bay of Skerray Harbour. Named as “between the rock and sea”, Skerray is a small town filled with artists, tree-planters and fisherman.On the seaside of Skerray lies the quiet and peaceful area of water of Skerray Harbour, which was a spot we used for a quick swim in the sea. The harbour is a quiet place to visit, with plenty of space to spread out and find a peaceful spot despite how busy it may be. If you are brave enough to face the cold North Sea, then this is the best spot for a quick dip or even to do some harbour jumping. A great spot for wild swimming on the North Coast 500.
Lairg, UK
As you approach the small village of Tongue, keep an eye on the coast to your right. A glimmer of golden sands will appear far below, hidden behind the bushes that line the road. This secret paradise is known as Coldbackie Beach and is one of the most spectacular beaches on the NC500.A layby at the side of the road will allow you to park up and begin the steep descent down towards the beach. This is quite a tricky climb, especially when the ground is wet underfoot, so take care and wear good shoes. Upon reaching the beach, take a moment to appreciate the seclusion around you and stretch your legs along the shore.This is one of the most beautiful beaches we found on the NC500 and is definitely worth a visit.
Tongue, Lairg, UK
The isolated and abandoned ruins of Castle Varrich is one of the oldest structures on the North Coast 500 road trip. Sitting above the small town of Tongue, the ruins are shrouded in mystery as to their exact date of construction, however they are believed to date back over 1000 years.It is believed that at one time they were home to the chief of Clan Mackay, and consists of two floors plus an attic. Although this is far from the largest castle on the NC500, Castle Varrich is still worth a visit and can easily be reached from the town of Tongue. The walk will take you one hour and the ruin will give you spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the Kyle of TOngue.
Smoo, Durness, Lairg, UK
Just outside of the small town of Durness lies a cave that has a history dating all the way back to the Vikings. As you enter the 50ft opening to Smoo Cave (one of the largest Sea Cave entrances in the UK), you begin a journey through time back thousands of years.Smoo Cave is one of the most fascinating stops you can make on the NC500 and is one we highly recommend. Inside the cave, you are able to board a small boat and enter deeper into the realms of the hidden world beneath the surface of Durness. Alongside a local tour guide, you can walk deep into the caves, hearing stories of how the Vikings used this area to store their boats from the stormy seas outside.Thanks to the hard work of the locals, the cave network here is ever-expanding, with new caves being discovered every year. A lot of the cave openings are currently inaccessible due to being underwater, however, it is believed that during the time of the Vikings, the lower sea levels meant that the cave floor was actually about 10ft lower than it is today, giving access to the huge expanse underneath.You can visit the Smoo Caves at any time of the day, with the main cave remaining open to the public 24-7. If you wish to explore deeper into the cave system, which is only accessible by boat, you will need to take part in an organised tour. The tour is subject to the local weather, as even a little rainfall can make the cave inaccessible. Due to this there are no advance bookings.
Sangomore, Durness, UK
Starting off the day in Durness, if you haven’t already paid a visit to the famous Sango Sands then now is the time to do it. If there is one part of Scotland that catches most people by surprise, it is the number of stunning beaches that it has. Most of the pictures of the beaches along the northern coast of Scotland could be mistaken for the Caribbean, and Sango Sands is no exception.This beautiful stretch of sand is overlooked by one of the best campsites on the NC500, Sango Sands Oasis, and is popular for wildlife watching and watersports. From the shores of Sango Sands, it is not uncommon to see seals, dolphins and even whales making their way along the coast.
Durness, Lairg, IV27 4PT, United Kingdom
After a visit to the beach, you have one more chance to sample the “best hot chocolate in the world” at the Cacao Mountain Cafe in Durness. This cafe is sister to the one in Dornoch and is a good stopping point before you head south to your next destination.Visit the town of Durness, take a stroll through the village and heat yourself up with a hot chocolate before you head on to Handa Island on the western coast of Scotland.
United Kingdom
The remote Handa Island is one of the best day trips that you can take on the NC500 route. The island is around 300 hectares in size and the highest point of over 120-metres. The island Scotland Wildlife Trust nature reserve, home to over 100,000 wild seabirds and a greatly significant area in terms of birdlife and marine vegetation.It is possible to visit the island by catching a ferry from the local port across to the island, where you will be met by an RSPCA volunteer who will give you a quick induction to the island. These volunteers take turns to live on the island and study the local wildlife, and so they are able to provide great insight into what you can expect to see on the island. They will also warn you of where you are and are not allowed to go on the island, depending on the breeding season.The island itself is quite small, with a walking loop around the entire island taking only a few hours. The walk around the island is absolutely breathtaking, made even better by the stunning views of mainland Scotland across the light blue water. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales off the shore and as you make your way across to the island by boat.The small, ribbed boat from Tarbet across to the island, normally running between April to September. The furry runs six days a week, with no service on Sundays, and is of course art the discretion of the captain based on weather conditions. If you wish to know more about the ferry.
Scourie Village, Scourie, Lairg, UK
Kylesku Bridge, Lairg, UK
Driving south from Scourie, you will eventually reach the prominent construction of Kylesku, a contrasting sight against the rugged background of the Scottish highlands. This modern-looking bridge is famous for its sleek and beautiful design, which stands defiant against the breathtaking landscape of the North Coast 500.This is not a culturally significant stop on the NC500, however, it is a worthwhile one nonetheless and is a definite photo stop.
Lairg, UK
One NC500 must-see sight is the ancient Castle Ardvreck. Surrounded by the still waters of Loch Assynt, the ancient ruins of Castle Ardvreck are a sure sight to behold. Thought to date back to 1590, this castle was constructed by the Clan Macleod. This was then the stronghold for Clan Macleod until 1672, when it was captured by Clan Mackenzie. It was then inhabited until 1737, when a mysterious fire destroyed it beyond repair.As you drive along the winding A837, you will see these ruins sitting proudly above the glistening waters.
Tain, Lairg, UK
If you fancy a little walk with a stunning view to round it off, the climb up the Allt nan Uamh (Burn of the Caves) is perfect for you. Parking up at the Bone Caves carpark, about four kilometres south of Inchnadamph, the walk takes you on a loop of this ancient limestone valley. The loop is suitable for families, however, due to the rough path, it is not suitable for pushchairs.At the top of the track, before you begin your return journey to the car, you will find a series of caves dug into the side of the mountain. These caves are all the site of excavations that have uncovered the bones of ancient predators such as wolves, polar bears and lynxes that used to roam these lands.What drove these animals to meet their fate in these caves? Did they use them to shelter from the harsh Scottish weather, or were they killed by a larger predator that called these caves home? The North of Scotland is a land steeped in mythology and folklore, stories that talk of giants as well as other horrible monsters..Visit the caves for yourself and make up your own mind on the fate of these ancient creatures.
Knockan Crag, Elphin, Lairg, UK
Where Continents Collide. That is the phrase used to describe this fascinating part of the world, one which is said to have begun a discussion that revolutionised 19th-century geology. Upon the discovery Moine Thrust Zone, which showed older rock layers situated on top of younger rock layers, the resulting shockwave among geologist at this period of time is comparative to that produced when Charles Darwin released his “Theory of Evolution”.It was later concluded that the reason for this layering of old on top of young was caused when two different areas of rock layers pushed together. The result was like that of a card dealer pushing cards together, with some layers pushing on top of others, allowing older layers to overlap and sit on top of younger rock layers.Upon your visit to Knockan Crag Nature Reserve, you have the choice of either reading more about the fascinating geology of this part of Scotland or taking a walk along the hiking trail to admire the stunning surrounding landscape. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring this beautiful and ancient part of the UK, before you begin your journey to the harbour town of Ullapool for sunset.
A835, Garve, UK
The first stop as you head south from Ullapool is at the cascading water of the Falls of Measach, situated about 12-miles from Ullapool town centre and one of the best waterfalls on the North Coast 500. Also known as the Waterfalls of the Place of Platters, the Falls of Measach is a 46m waterfall that flows through the Corrieshalloch Gorge, just off the A835 road.Parking up at the side of the road, the waterfall lies about 10-minutes from the gates that mark the beginning of the path. Above the falls lies a suspension bridge that spans the gorge and delivers a beautiful, birds-eye view of the waterfall below.If you then continue along the with for another few minutes, you will eventually reach the man-made viewing platform that stretched out from the cliffside and gives a spectacular view down the gorge of the waterfall and bridge.
Achnasheen, Scotland, UK
From the Falls of Measach, there is a right turn just after the car park that will take you along the seaside route through the towns of Poolewe and Gairloch, which are both beautiful places to stop and stretch your legs. Eventually, you will reach the lochside waterfall known as Victoria Falls, a beautiful waterfall made from the burns and rivers tumbling down from the towering Beinn Eighe National Park.Named after Queen Victoria, who visited these waterfalls in 1877, the Victoria Falls lie on the opposite side of the road from Loch Maree. Although the pail in comparison to its African twin, Victoria Falls is still a beautiful place to visit as you wind your way through the Scottish highlands.
Strathcarron, UK
Continuing along the coast of Loch Maree, you will eventually reach the small town of Kinlochewe, which means “head of loch lu“. At this village, your path turns west towards the small fishing village of Shieldaig, which sits on the north coast of the Applecross Peninsula, on the shores of Loch Sheildaig.The name Shieldaig derives from the Old Norse language, meaning “herring bay“. It was initially founded in the 1800s as a training port for seamen to train for the war against Napoleon, however, after his initial defeat, the village became a prosperous fishing town.Today, the town is a peaceful place, with a community of around 80 locals. It has a school, a pub, a village hall, a church and a couple of restaurants. The quiet shorelines of Loch Shieldaig coupled with the quaint charm of the local shops make it a popular resting spot for those touring the North Coast 500 before they begin their final climb to reach the village of Applecross.
Strathcarron, UK
There are two ways to reach the small village of Applecross, one leading around the peninsula to the north and one snaking its way directly over the mountains. If you are driving a large vehicle or are not comfortable driving on narrow, winding roads with steep drops, then I suggest you take the scenic route to the north.The Bealach na Ba is one of the world’s most spectacular drives. It sits as the third highest road in Scotland and has the steepest ascent of any road in the UK, reaching an altitude of 626 metres. Named “the pass of the cattle“, the Bealach na Ba was once the only route from Applecross to the rest of the country and was used by farmers to transport livestock to the markets in central Scotland.Today it is famous for its narrow, twisting turns, similar to those in the Italian Alps, as well as its stunning view of the sea from its highest point. On a clear day, it is possible to see all the way to the Isle of Skye and the beautifully haunting outline of the Cullin mountain range.
March Road, Wick, UK
The next stop is at the Castle of Old Wick, just 15 minutes on from Whaligoe. This castle ruin sits on an outcrop of land from the surrounding cliffs, with perilous drops on either side. The Castle of Old Wick is believed to date back to the 12th century, however, all that remains today is the towering ruins of the 4-storey tower.At the time of its construction, the Kings of Norway dominated this area of Northern Scotland. It is believed to have been built Earl Harald Madadson, the earl of Orkney, with intention of the castle being his chief seat on the mainland.The sign-posting for this castle isn’t too great, but if you use Google Maps you should find it. Turn right onto Old March Road and continue all the way along to the end (take it slow, it gets quite bumpy!). You should see the castle once you reach the end of the road, so park up and walk it from there.There are some stunning views of the cliffs in this part, however, don’t stand too close as they are corroded underneath and it’s a long way down! Head around the cliff till you reach the gate and head on through to the castle.
Wick, UK
Further on towards the end of the world you’ll find the rather impressive remains of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. Seriously, if you are a Game of Thrones fan you do NOT want to miss this! It is definitely the most awe-inspiring castle ruin we have ever visited.A short walk from the car park will bring you past some more stunning cliff faces, full of amazing photo opps. Keep pressing on and you will see the tallest part of the castle come into view. Read the signs as you walk along and you will see the incredible history behind this castle, and understand just how impressive it was in its day.Perched on the edge of a cliff, with a drawbridge entrance and over 3 stories, this castle has an incredible vantage point and stunning views over the ocean. Can you imagine living back in those days and having that view every day of your life?! Also what did they think was on the other side of that vast blue landscape? Mind-boggling!The earliest parts of the castle date back to the 15th century, where over the years it has been subject to a huge amount of horrifying history. From multiple seizures to family murders, Castle Sinclair and Girnigoe has had a truly gruesome history on the north coast of Scotland.Visits to this castle are on a donation basis and it is open 24-7, perfect for a beautiful sunrise location if you fancy an early morning jaunt on your North Coast 500 road trip.
John O'Groats, UK
John O'Groats, UK
John o' Groats, Wick, UK
John o' Groats, John o Groats, UK
Princes Street, Thurso, UK
Granville Street, Thurso, UK
Meadow Lane, Thurso, UK
Princes Street, Thurso, UK
A838, Lairg, UK
If you are looking for a history lesson with a view then the Ceannabeinne Village Trail is one for you. Sitting outside the village of Durness, the ruins of the old Ceannabeinne (meaning “end of the mountains”) township can be found along a guided boardwalk. With views over one of Scotland’s most spectacular beaches, the Ceannabeinne Village Trail tells the story of how locals lived through the 18th century in this remote village.The main focus of the story is of the infamous 19th century “Highland Clearances” when local villagers were forced from their homes by rich land-owners. Life back in these times was unfair and quite miserable, due to harsh living conditions and extortionate rental costs by the greedy land-owners.The Ceannabeinne story, however, tells of a more lighthearted victory by the villagers when locals rose up again this greed resulting in the riot of 1841. Unfortunately, this was to no avail as the village soon emptied of any residents due to a lack of work and food. Whilst you are in the area of Durness, we would suggest admiring the stunning Ceannabeinne Beach, and if you are brave enough, how about trying out the Golden Eagle Zipline that goes across the beach too?
Balvoolich, Durness, Lairg, UK
Durness, Lairg, UK
Durness, UK
Scourie, Lairg, UK
Shore Street, Ullapool, UK
The small town of Ullapool is the main harbour town for the Outer Hebrides, with boats leaving from here to the enchanting islands of Lewis and Harris. The town itself sits on the edge of Loch Broom, sheltered from the wild waters of the Summer Isles and the further abyss of the Atlantic Ocean.There are many great things to do in Ullapool if you have the time. This quaint harbour town has a beautiful charm to it, with old, whitewash houses lining the harbour-front, overlooking the boats that creak and sway in the calm water of the bay. As the day comes to an end, the surrounding hills begin to light up a magnificent pink, which in turn illuminates the buildings and the water.Finish off your penultimate day on the North Coast 500 road trip by watching the sunset over the beautiful Loch Broom, before you settle in at one of the lochside pubs for live music, cold drinks and a great atmosphere.
West Shore Street, Ullapool, UK
Quay Street, Ullapool, UK
Shore Street, Ullapool, UK
Shore Street, Applecross, Strathcarron, UK
After you continue down the other side of the Bealach na Ba, you will eventually reach the refuge of Applecross, a peaceful, seaside village that consists of the main road, a few houses, and a pub. This is the final stop of our trip and what better place is there to reflect on the beauty that you have just witnessed than on the sheltered bay of Applecross, watching the sunset over the water.The Applecross Inn is the venue for the night and it is certain to entertain. Locals and travellers rub elbows in this cosy, low-roof pub, with mouthwatering food on offer from the kitchen, cold beers and wine from the bar, and live music from the local band. Lose yourself in the friendly atmosphere of the Applecross Inn and share your stories of the epic adventure you have just exerienced.I’m sure you will have a story or two to tell!The Applecross Inn is very popular and will book out so we highly recommend booking in advance.
Applecross, Strathcarron, UK
5 Aug 2024 - 11 Aug 2024