Quick guide to scotland’s north coast 500 drive
North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to Route 66 (but more beautiful). The spectacular drive along Scotland’s scenic route is definitely one to be experienced. Taking in breathtaking views of rugged mountains, white sandy beaches, unspoilt fishing villages and many hidden gems along the way as you explore this wonderful country. We have gathered some places of interest as sample itinerary and some hotels to help you see what this special journey is all about.
The route itself runs through the traditional counties of Inverness-shire, Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland and Caithness. The total journey is 516-miles (830 km) the scenic route start and ends at Inverness Castle, goes round the north of Scotland and features the north Highlands of Scotland in a form of a touring route which is also known as NC500.
Day 1
Visit: Inverness
Day 2
Visit: Dolphin Spirit Cruise, Rogie Falls, Fyrish Monument Walk
Day 3
Visit: Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Journey of Flavour Tour, Brora Beach
Day 4
Visit: John O’Groats, Duncansby Stacks, Castle of Mey
Day 5
Visit: Sangobeg Beach, Smoo Cave, Balnakeil, Kylesku Bridge
Day 6
Visit: Scourie Bay, Handa Island Ferry, Achmelvich and Clachtoll Beach
Day 7
Visit: Ardvreck Castle, Ullapool, Gairloch and Torridon
Day 8
Visit: Eilean Donan Castle, Plockton, Sligachan, Portree
Day 9
Visit: Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, Neist Point, Skye Weavers
Day 10
Visit: Old Man Storr, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Talisker
Day 11
Visit: Fairy Pools Hike, Boat Tour of Loch Ness
Day 12
Inverness
Kylesku Bridge
With so many hotels, lodges and castles to choose from we have shortlisted just 6 to give an insight of the wonderful places available for guests when they travel on Scotland’s North Coast 500.
(from left to right)
1) The Torridon Resort, Set in 58 acres of private parkland, the main house was built in 1887 as a Highland shooting lodge and enjoys a spectacular location at the head of Loch Torridon
2) Links House Dornoch, 5 star award winning luxury accommodation & fine dining with the charm, grace and elegance of the world’s finest boutique hotels, adjacent to the 1st tee at Royal Dornoch Golf Club
3) Roc Pool Boutique Hotel, located in the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, this beautifully renovated Georgian mansion house has stunning views over the River Ness and is only a few minutes walk from Inverness Castle and city centre
4) Granary Lodge, King Charles had opened the 10-bedroom boutique b&b on the Caithness coast, metres from the Castle of Mey, the former home of his grandmother The Queen Mother. The Granary Lodge, run by the Prince’s Foundation, is a calming destination in rugged scenery, with sweeping views over to Orkney
5) Forss House, A 19th century Highland retreat set amongst 20 acres of wonderful woodlands next to a magnificent waterfall on the River Forss in the North Scottish Highlands
6) Smoo Lodge, iconic former sporting lodge has been refurbished and is furnished to a high standard throughout. We offer a variety of comfortable and stylish B&B rooms
The Aspiration Group team can assist with putting together an itinerary which would suit your style of travel, these can include driving the NC500 in vintage cars, cycling or with your own mode of transport. The team can also plan an itinerary which is shorter or even longer to take in more of what Scotland has to offer. Contact us and we would be more than happy to assist.
