North Coast 500 The Road Trip of a Lifetime – NC500 Guide Book by Robbie Roams

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Some that you might want to consider visiting along or near the route (all open to the public, although some have seasonal hours) are Cawdor Castle, Dunrobin Castle, Castle SinclairGirnigoeruins, and the Castle of Mey which all lay along the eastern part of the route between Inverness and the small village of Mey.

The North Coast 500 is in one of the most remote and beautiful parts of the UK, which has a low population density. As such, cell coverage can be spotty. Photos: The Storehouse Restaurant & Farm Shop, Applecross Smokehouse, West Coast Delicatessen, Robertson’s the Larder 10. Be a safe driver This is a wonderful part of the world and we’d love for it to stay that way. If everyone does their bit, including things like being careful with litter, disposing of chemical toilets at official disposal points and driving carefully, it will hopefully remain wonderful for many generations to come. Head into spots that require some hiking such as Sandwood Bay or climb up one of the munros. The mountains are a great way to get away from the crowds. The Caledonian Canal– stretching the length of Scotland’s spectacular Great Glen, take a walk along the 62-mile Caledonian Canal down to Loch Ness.

Cape Wrath– the north west point of Scotland, Cape Wrath is accessible by the Cape Wrath Ferry or a very long hike over mooreland! Visiting Cape Wrath on the ferry takes around 3 hours. This itinerary assumes you’ll be driving the North Coast 500 in a car or motorbike, and staying in hotels or guesthouses along the way, and we have recommended some of our favourite accommodation options along the route for each night. Today you’ll be finishing the North Coast 500 and returning to Inverness. Of course, if you have more time and want to continue exploring, you could also head to the Isle of Skye at this point. If that sounds good, see our tips for visiting the Isle of Skye to help you plan. If you plan to go swimming or spend time in the water doing water sports, you’ll also want to bring along a wetsuit or drysuit, towel, and a pair of water shoes. Planning a North Coast 500 road trip can be a bit overwhelming as it is a relatively new route and there isn’t as much information available online or in guidebooks compared to other top road trips around the world. But not to worry, we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to plan your NC500 road trip.

Photos: Wallis in Scourie & Estuary View in Brora, Sutherland from Morven by @Saoghal_fasach, RSPB Scotland Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve 4. When to visit? Suilven –At 731m Suilven might be considered a wee hill in Scotland (Ben Nevis is nearly twice its height) but once seen, Suilven (pronounced Sool-ven) is a hill never to be forgotten – it is one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains. Hike the Golspie Big Burn to Ben Bhraggie– At Golspie make sure you visit the beautiful waterfalls at the Big Burn, and if you are feeling energetic there are mountain bike trailson Ben Bhraggie – or you could climb to the top for a view!

Adventure

Scrabster Harbour– walk from the harbour to Holburn Head to see the blowholes with views of Orkney. Your second day on the North Coast 500 will have you actually driving along Scotland’s northern coastline, and visiting the most northerly point in mainland Britain. Interewe Gardens– Large gardens run by the National Trust for Scotland that include tropical plants, California redwoods, native plants, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Lots of walking paths and a cafe. There is a special family entrance price.