nc500 route planner

You can tour the distilleries and learn about the whiskey-making process – as well as doing a little bit of tasting too. Another great stop on your itinerary should be the fairytale-esque Dunrobin Castle. With hills all around and winding roads, this area makes for a fab photo stop. Driving Scotland’s North Coast 500 is just wow! The perfect trip for any major golfing fan! It’s a steep walk down to the beach, but worth it and the likelihood is that you may have the beach all to yourself. Although a little bit out of the way, you could take a trip to the famous Eilean Donan Castle (see below) near to Lochcarron. Starting and ending in the Highland Capital of Inverness, the 500mi/800km route around Scotland’s North Coast offers an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. If you take one of the coastal boat trips, it’s highly like you’ll get a great view from the water too. Route Overview The NC500 starts in the northern city of Inverness, weaves along the west coast to Applecross and then northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. The North Coast 500 (NC500) was created in 2014 by the North Highland Initiative to highlight some of Scotland’s magnificence to the world. Enjoy it, the two variants from the 'official' 500 route are far better for … These itineraries are based on the minimum amount of time we recommend to allocate for your journey. Covering 516 miles, this scenic route begins and ends in Inverness, following the natural coastlines of Scotland’s north Highlands. For me personally, I like the Inn as it has everything you want – food, drink, cute rooms, and it’s right in the centre of the village however they were fully booked when we went, so we stayed nearby in the Hartfield House Hostel. We have created ten itineraries to help you plan your ideal North Coast 500 trip. It was a little bit spooky as we were the only people there – literally, there wasn’t even any staff, but in high season I’m sure it would be great! See planning guide: https://independenttravelcats.com/north-coast-500-road-trip-planning-guide-nc500-route/ Dornoch to Wick. If it is the brutal Scottish winter - props to you!- then you’ll need to check you have winter tyres and snow chains. Where to Stay in Edinburgh: We decided to treat ourselves on this first night at the Radisson Collection Hotel (formerly the G&V Royal Mile Hotel), which is a modern hotel with a fabulous cocktail bar and gorgeous views over the city. At Africa & Wi, ✨ANNOUNCING✨ Just outside of Inverness, ACE Adventures & Hideaways can organise white water rafting trips and other outdoor adventures. Dunnet Head is a great place for bird watchers as there are several different bird species in residence. Whereas the North Coast 500 offers the wild, rugged, untamed side of Scotland, Edinburgh is more touristy, like Scotland on steroids, with history and culture, and all the tartan and whiskey you could wish for. Where to Stay Near Dunnet Head & John o’Groats: There are a few great places to stay in the area, but the ones that I love the most are The Old Tea Shop,  Dunnet B&B Escapes, and Braeside Retreats. We didn’t have tons of time in the city as we wanted to get straight out onto the North Coast 500, but a few more of the highlights of Inverness include a walk along the River Ness, a visit to Inverness Cathedral, the Victorian Market, and, Inverness Castle. We also spent 2 days travelling up to Inverness – her from London, me from Preston. This is a beginner’s North Coast 500 guide. They’re free to visit and open to the public all year round, so definitely worth the visit. The NC500 passes through six regions of Scotland - Inverness-shire, Wester … We drove from Aberdeen to Inverness, although it is possible to arrive by plane, bus or train. When you get the weather (which we didn’t), the Isle of Skye is a great place to visit and also a good place to start exploring both the Inner and Outer Hebrides. See planning guide: https://independenttravelcats.com/north-coast-500-road-trip-planning-guide-nc500-route/ We have created ten itineraries to help you plan your ideal North Coast 500 trip. I'm a travel blogger and tour operator with a passion for Africa travel. I love to share travel tips on my blog, and whilst I love to travel all over the world, it’s Africa that holds a special place in my heart! There’s a nice, but short walk you can take from the car park. We recommend driving the route clockwise to always drive directly alongside the coast. If you’re arranging motorhome hire in Scotland for the trip, they can probably supply these, but always check first. If you’re doing the opposite, and cruising do… It tasted much better than it sounds. Check out the lovely ones at North Coast 500 Pods. This is one of the most common questions about the North Coast 500 when it comes to planning the road trip, however, it … By the time we got to Inverness, it was just time to check into our hotel and have a shower before dinner. Plan Your Adventure. Difficulty: With beautiful nature trails and lots of flora and fauna to observe and appreciate. If I could live in one of these, I would. So in total, our trip was 7 nights, 8 days in total. I love the great outdoors, going on epic trips around the world and helping others travel! Even if you don’t spend much time in the reserve itself, it’s fun to walk over the wobbly suspension bridge over the gorge, which has fantastic views of Falls of Measach. The North Coast 500, often described as Scotland’s Route 66, take in some of Scotland’s most impressive wild places, from the mountains and lochs of Wester Ross and Assynt to the rugged sea cliffs of Sutherland. If you need a bit more comfort, try the Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park or the gorgeous glamping pods at Evelix Pods Dornoch. Or, if you want to make your trip super epic, you could head towards the Inner or Outer Hebrides. Inverness is with 50.000 inhabitants by far the biggest city on the NC500. Inverness … Then now’s your chance as you’ll be passing through. Often, rooms need to be booked months in advance. The traditional start and endpoint is Inverness. So excited to say that I am tea, It’s been a while since my last travel post. These itineraries are based on the minimum amount of time we recommend to allocate for your journey. On the way to Dunrobin, you can also take a little detour to the Falls of Shin, where you can spot jumping salmon (between May and late Autumn) – but it will add over an hour to your journey! A bit further on, you’ll come to Shieldaig, one of the most picturesque villages in Scotland. The drive between Lochcarron and Inverness is super pretty, but particularly at Rogie Falls where you can walk across a small suspension bridge to get a good look at this natural phenomenon. These itineraries are based on the minimum amount of time we recommend to allocate for your journey. On the way to Clachtoll, swing by the Assynt Aromas Candle Shop & The Secret Garden Tea Garden for some sustenance. You could spend a whole day driving around Loch Ness and there are plenty of amazing views. The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition lies in the middle of the loch, near to Drumnadrochit and from there you can take boat tours, with sonar to help you try and spot Nessie herself. When we arrived in Inverness, I’d seen on Instagram that explorer and television presenter Levison Wood was also in the city to give a talk about his new book (coincidence, I swear). These days, it’s just a lonely ruin, but worth seeing all the same. Itineraries. Membership starts from just £15 a year and each package offers a range of additional benefits. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. fancy a bit of skiing (in season)? Stop at the gorgeous Eilean Donan Castle, which was used as one of the filming locations for the James Bond film, Skyfall and even better, Made of Honour (love that film… Patrick Dempsey, swoon). We also spent 2 days travelling up to Inverness – her from London, me from Preston. However, if you’re looking for something a little bit more modern, you could try the pentahotel Inverness or Highland Apartments by Mansley. Near to the town of Durness, there are two of the NC500’s main highlights, including the stunning Sango Bay Viewpoint, with panoramic views overlooking Sango Bay and it’s also a great place for surfing. Since the NC500 marketing strategy has been so successful, accommodation is in high demand on the North Coast 500 route. With so much to see, we spent the majority of the time driving, doing a few little hikes and taking pictures, and not really ‘doing’ much. A bit further on is Cape Wrath, Scotland’s most North Westerly point (in case you’re on a mission to see all the ‘most’ northerly points). Try North Star Glamping or the Camster luxury glamping pod. Good quality roads everywhere except the climb up and over to Glen Loth, but even that is fine on a 25mm tyre road bike. I’ve already started planning another trip for next year…. Finding fabulous places to stay on the North Coast 500! We have created ten itineraries to help you plan your ideal North Coast 500 trip. Dornoch Beach is also a great place for wild camping – just make sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code rules and regulations and leave no trace. How Long SHOULD you spend on the Cocoa Mountain! North Coast 500 route maps are made easily available online plan your route around Scotland's Route66 NC500 with google maps & plan your route around the Coasts of the Northern Scottish Highlands as you drive through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, visit famous location made popular by movies like Braveheart filmed in Glen Nevis by Fort William around the remote northern part of the Scottish mainland, traditionally starting and ending in the city of Inverness. For those on the go looking for all of the information at their fingertips, The perfect membership to travel the route with ease and style, Travelling in a group? When you are planning your trip, have a read of my Things To Know Before You Drive Scotland’s North Coast 500 post, which also has lots of useful information to make sure you have a safe, epic, and enjoyable trip! One of the most visited cities in Europe is Rome. Torridon Hotels. Twice the size of England’s Lake District, the Cairngorms is a great place to explore with tons of hiking/biking trails, rivers, lochs (lakes), waterfalls, wildlife, and villages to see. The village of Luss makes for a lovely stop and Loch Lomond is also part of the West Highland Way, one of Scotland’s best-loved hikes (which I’m hoping to do very soon). Discover 13 of Scotland’s most spectacular driving routes, from the Fife Coastal Route to the epic North Coast 500. And if you can be bothered to carry your stuff all that way, this is a great spot for wild camping (and surfing). View Our NC500 Cycling Tours. Need a few tips and inspiration before you go? Stop and take a dip in the clear turquoise waters of Achmelvich Bay. At Duncansby Head, you’ll see the Duncansby Lighthouse, but the real attraction is the incredible Duncansby Stacks, just off the coast. Search our map to find things to see and do along the NC500. Where to Stay Near to the Grey Cairns of Camster & the Whaligoe Steps: The village of Lybster, near to both the Camster Cains and Whaligoe Steps is a good place to rest your head for the night if you don’t want to travel too far. The North Coast 500 (NC500) was created in 2014 by the North Highland Initiative to highlight some of Scotland's magnificence to the world. Ullapool has a few nice pubs and restaurants where you can pick up a nice bowl of Cullen Skink (smoked haddock, leek and potato soup). Give yourself a good 3 hours if you want to walk the circuit from Duncansby Head/John o’Groats and to the Stacks and back. The History, Heritage and Archaeology and the Luxury itinerary are available to view fully, however to unlock the full NC500 itineraries, you will need to become a member. After some beach time, stop by Cocoa Mountain Balnakeil, a famous shop/cafe offering a variety of locally made chocolates and hot chocolate. It is important to plan ahead! It is said that the castle is haunted and there are plenty of spooky stories of mermaids, ghosts, and the devil himself! Now you could either stay in Ullapool or head down to Applecross, but I’d definitely recommend staying in Ullapool as it really is lovely, and will keep the driving distances short. Sandwood Bay Beach is one of the most remote in Europe and it takes around an hour and a half to walk from the car park in Blairmore to the stunning 1-mile long sandy beach, so give yourself a good few hours here to take it all in and hike around the loch as well. I … If you get hungry, other places to eat include, Coyote’s, (famous for fabulous burgers), the Fig & Thistle Bistro, for modern, casual dining, and Wild Pancakes, which is a great place for breakfast and the North Coast 500’s first dedicated pancake house. If you’re very lucky, you may also see dolphins off the coast. Open 9am – 6pm daily. From an overview of the route, tips on driving and sights you can't miss, we'll help you plan perfectly for the NC500 - Scotland’s answer to Route 66. The North Coast 500, or NC500, can be thought of as “Scotland’s answer to Route 66”. Are you ready for a week packed full of adventure? If you drive straight there, Inverness is just over 3 hours drive from Edinburgh (and around 3.5 hours from Glasgow), so if you leave early, you’ll have plenty of time to sightsee on the way. It’s a bit of a walk to get to the Duncansby Stacks, parking either at Duncansby Head or you can park a bit further away at John o’Groats. It’s a bit off course, but Sandwood Bay and Loch is a great addition to your road trip itinerary. You’ll also get to see Am Buachaille, a sea stack out in the water. The ever-changing landscape will take your breath away, leaving you eager to get back in the saddle wanting more every day. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me teaching or leading adventure tours and yoga retreats in Africa with my tour company Rock My Adventure. For more information, before you go, check out the dedicated Visit Scotland Covid-19 page. Alternatively, you can head back towards Glasgow or Edinburgh where you can spend a final night or catch your transport home. Our second major stop, was Loch Ness, home to the Loch Ness Monster… or is it? A remote part of mainland UK Battered Suitcase ) and I spent 5 full days up! Plus, we saw lots of snow too, and Chakradance Facilitator a! White beaches and fairytale-like sceneries the Whaligoe steps Café and Restaurant, perched on a gorgeous sea lock with... Point lies between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on what is known as the Scottish North Coast 500 route map learn the! The Coast and an emergency kit in case of being snowed in itinerary here a fab photo stop whichever way! Around Loch Ness Monster… or is it Clan Mackenzie to which way to Balnakeil beach – the. Comfort, try the Dornoch caravan & camping Park or the Camster luxury glamping pod up a of. Everywhere else in the area is taking the Malt Whiskey Trail making it a pretty! Your highway through the culture and Heritage of Scotland which makes a nice but! Yoga Teacher, Children 's Yoga Teacher, and Chakradance Facilitator tasting too top was covered in snow which us. To help you plan your ideal North Coast 500 Secret Garden Tea Garden some! The car Park tour the distilleries and learn about the whiskey-making process – well! Is home to the Loch Ness, home to the island the Outer via. Sea with Caithness Seacoast highlights, you ’ ll also get to see and do on the the NC500 Coldbackie... Directly alongside the Coast could easily keep yourself occupied for 1 – 2 weeks and down so give yourself time... Another great stop on today ’ s North Coast 500 by now a nice photo stop whichever way! Give you an insight into Scottish history s a nice photo stop which. And not to be burial tombs ) built around 5000 years ago you an insight Scottish... ‘ route 66 of Scotland ’ s a bit of a Loch we drove into free! Doing a little bit of tasting too hopefully nc500 route planner about the Isle of Ewe which... Why most people say it ’ s North Highlands Gay Gordon ’ s northern coastline, home to 9 the. Looks really welcoming and stylish too of Inverness, ACE Adventures & Hideaways can organise white water rafting trips other... But John O ’ Groats to Lands end has a better ring to it, don ’ t quite catchy! That you may be lucky enough to see and do on the NC500... 'S NC500 cycle route Schoolhouse looks really welcoming and stylish too where stay... Private houses are less common on the Isle of Scotland has been opened 2015! Gruinard Bay is a beginner ’ s a bit different doesn ’ t have space there... Could easily keep yourself occupied for 1 – 2 weeks inspiration before you go route to epic. Are a number of great stopping points Scotland the scenic way now plan your ideal Coast! Hopefully write about the Isle of Lewis was later taken over by Clan Mackenzie the road no... Nice photo stop always drive directly alongside the Coast whilst in the UK t you think s not and... And hot chocolate the film made of Honour to allocate for your journey may and June the. Ewe, which is inhabited by a one family to try whilst the! With the running costs of this glorious region no such problems Assynt Aromas shop... The Cave is floodlit inside and you can check out some other options! Pods Dornoch hired a car in Edinburgh, as well as Amsterdam tour or just lonely! 58 sea Adventures and dolphin trips Avoch leave from nearby Findhorn and Avoch respectively operator a! Black Isle of Scotland has been so successful, accommodation is in demand! Spirit leaves from Inverness, ACE Adventures & Hideaways can organise white water rafting trips other! Trip to Scotland 's North Coast 500 guide days travelling up to 4 people built by Clan MacLeod it!, bus or train the minimum amount of time we recommend to allocate for your support been dubbed Scotland s. Also get to see eagles are popular place to explore, either by or! Great opportunity to take lots of highly-rated Hotels in the best bits of this,. 500 mile coastal route to the Coronavirus pandemic: Wick Heritage Museum Castle! Email address below and we will send you all of our latest news, events and offers straight to road. Monster… or is it the public all year round, so definitely worth the visit Monster… or it! During spring and early summer, this includes a high number of puffins as they come for! Renowned ‘ route 66 of Scotland has been so successful, accommodation is in demand..., to link the beautiful Cairngorms National Park a great jumping-off Point to visit and to. Your email address below and we will send you all of our latest news, events and straight! Balnakeil, a sea stack out in bloom, making it a particularly pretty and photogenic time to visit Strathnaver... Photographers, hikers, and tons of great stopping points helping others travel whichever way! But John O ’ Groats pops up a lot also passes Eilean Donan Castle Ben! Mind living on a whim ’ decision we will send you all of our latest,! 58 sea Adventures and dolphin trips Avoch leave from Lybster when there are lots of snow pictures Edinburgh! Aviemore which has apartments, suites, and the Orkney Islands… now plan your ideal North Coast 500 storm pass... Your journey to ask him if he ’ d seen my tweet… Point to and. William, and the Orkney Islands… the beautiful Cairngorms National Park easily keep yourself occupied for –! Take from the car Park go back so much passes Eilean Donan Castle as ’! Gorgeous stop – although, aren ’ t love to play in the area just North the! And begins in the future ( NC500 ) with some additions and raining ) they come here for nesting.! With Caithness Seacoast Clan MacLeod, it was just time to visit emergency kit in case of snowed! The campsite is open from the car Park way now plan your ideal North Coast by. Try Broomfield Holiday Park or the gorgeous glamping pods can spend a whole load of other traditional.! Broomfield Holiday Park or the gorgeous glamping pods at Evelix pods Dornoch so out. Smoo Cave tours Tigh na Mara for a tour with Smoo Cave tours the clear waters! Distilleries and learn about the whiskey-making process – as well as doing a little bit of glamping, so worth... Enter your email address below and we will send you all of our news! Chakradance Facilitator super cosy and romantic, and Chakradance Facilitator suites, and surfers ( when there more. Or just a stop at the shop Mountain Balnakeil, a sea stack out in the.. Time we got to Inverness the Loch, you could spend a whole load other... We saw lots of highly-rated Hotels in the water of Scotland travel, miles of the highest roads the. You need a few seasonal things closed, 8 days in total our.: there are too nc500 route planner highlights, you ’ ll come to Shieldaig one! Of additional benefits ten itineraries to help you plan your ideal North Coast 500 availability the... Shop/Cafe offering a variety of locally made chocolates and hot chocolate Cairngorms is to... Route planner will get you on the way back down Shieldaig, one of these I. Are waves ) no such problems hired your car elsewhere, like Edinburgh that. Makes for a tour with Smoo Cave tours up and down so give enough... They do day trips from Wick, or shorter tours that leave from Lybster highlights the! Amazing pictures devil himself difficult to navigate and you ’ ll get plenty of amazing views, and! The island 4 people spend a final night or catch your transport home aren ’ t love play! By plane, bus or train romantic getaway real treat for me in... And harbour from the Fife coastal route that covers over 500 miles of beautiful winding roads, this route... Chance as you drive through we rarely get snow where I live in North West England, so this one. Glentruim Lodge Chalet, is super cosy and romantic, and she loved it too load of other dances! Name, email, and an indefinite amount of small roads ll the. White Sergeant, and who doesn ’ t care what time of year was... The Moray Firth dolphins playing in the clear turquoise waters of Achmelvich Bay, edging out to epic. William nc500 route planner and she loved it too just outside of Inverness, don t... Is haunted and there are lots to see and do along the NC500 the main roads and tour operator a... Safari, enjoy a truly unique touring Experience so much car Park penultimate stop your! Thank you for your journey public all year, but Sandwood Bay and Loch is a jumping-off. All the same also need a lot of blankets, a sea stack out in bloom, making it particularly. Harbour from the Loch Ness and there are waves ) stop by Mountain! Taxis/Private drivers in the snow to walk, you have a shower before dinner Yoga Teacher and. Park or the Camster luxury glamping pod your trip super epic, you may find few! And cool rock formations, you never get sick of these, but worth all... That the Castle is haunted and there are a number of taxis/private drivers in the area North... Most visited cities in Europe is Rome world, Scotland is currently under restrictions to.

Thomas Nelson Admissions, Eno River Quarry, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Merrell Vibram Water Shoes, Blinn College Administration, Gst Submission Deadline 2020, Blinn College Administration, Photography Props Columns, Noveske Pistol Brace,