Travel Ideas/ Itineraries: Drive the North Coast 500 in Scotland
For those who want to ditch the crowds and get back to the pristine call and serenity of nature, northern Scotland provides that opportunity. In 2015, the country opened the North Coast or NC500 highway. Starting in Inverness, it loops around the rugged coastline of Northern Scotland for a little over 500 miles back to the starting point. Shortly after opening, travel experts hailed it as one of the top six coastal road drives on earth.
Visitors on this route see castles, spectacular coastlines, mysterious ruins, ancient cairns and standing stones, gorgeous scenery, placid retreats, small fishing villages and shining lakes. In addition, add friendly people, fresh seafood, tartans, scones, bagpipes and great whiskey. (Look for several distilleries along the route that offer tours.)
Travelers should expect to spend five or more unhurried days to get the most out of the route. The road twists and turns, rising and falling throughout the Highlands. Sometimes it drops down to a single lane, with passing spots for one vehicle to wait for the on-coming traffic. Do not expect to make good speed here. While you are at it, don't forget to drive on the left side of the road!
Trip highlights depend on the travelers' interest, but there is something for everybody. The three main highlights are scenery, scenery and scenery. Follow that with fine food, history, mystery, outdoor activities, beaches, cliffs, mountains, lakes, streams, waterfalls, wildlife, boat tours, glens and moors.
Interesting stopping places include Rogie Falls at the beginning of the drive just east of Inverness. Bealach Na Ba means the Pass for the Cattle in Gaelic. It features a steep climb, more than 2,000 feet from bottom to top, and hairpin turns. The route provides an alternative, lower road, but this route loses much of the spectacular scenery.
Most people take their first big stop after this, either in Lochcharron or Applecross. Going on, you find Loch Marie and its beautiful waterfalls. Next, Gairloch village offers wildlife cruises with glass-bottom boats and the sub-tropical Inverewe Gardens. Ullapool, the last town of any size on the west coast, makes a good stop before continuing on up the rugged cliff coasts to Durness where you might want to visit the Smoo Sea Caves. At the Northwest Point of Cape Wrath, you can catch a bus tour to the lighthouse and more cliff views.
Continuing on from Durness, you will pass Kyle of Tongue and view the ruins of Castle Varrick. Those interested in modern energy and technology will note Dounreay, one of the earliest nuclear plants in Europe.
A stop at Thurso may lead to a pause to catch a glimpse or a ferry to the Orkney Islands or watch surfers on the incoming waves. Surprisingly, Thurso hosts many championship competitions for both surfing and surf kayaking. Historically, the city dates from the 12th century with some ruins of that time.
The next feature of interest Dunnet Head. This most northern land point overlooks the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands. On down the road find the Castle of Mey, the summer home of the former "Queen Mum". It is open for touring. Not far away is John O' Groats, the northern most stop on the isle of Great Britain. Most visitors love to have their picture made at the crossroads sign here. Also nearby is Duncansby and the spectacular Duncansby Stacks--huge monoliths rising from the shore waters.
After Duncansby, the road turns south to follow the less dramatic, but beautiful East Coast of Scotland, containing multiple, charming, fishing villages. You'll also cover the Barriesdale Braes, another steep, curvy road.
The last big attraction on the route is Dunrobin Castle with its French chateau architecture and beautiful gardens. The next city, Dornoch, offers another beach, castle and the famous Royal Dornoch Golf course.
Your drive ends where it started, Inverness. The city itself provides many interesting sites including several castles, cathedrals and church ruins. Great food, Scottish entertainment and shopping abound in the city. (By the way, there are some of those mysterious standing stone circles near Inverness, also.)
Planning ahead ensures you get the most from the overall trip. For a driving tour, you will want the best vehicle to fit the driving conditions and provide the comfort you want and need while spending a lot of time in the vehicle Before going, contact us to make sure this happens.
Overnight accommodations on the route include castles, hotels, bed and breakfast and camping spots, but reservations are recommended. Stock up on drinks, snacks, camera batteries and gasoline (petrol) when you can. The stores in the small villages along the way may not be open when you are there.
There are alternate roads to use for "short cuts" if 500 miles seems too many. Be advised, however, that you miss some of the best scenery and experiences of the route. No matter when you travel, be prepared for rain, wind and cool temperatures just about every day. On the other hand, don't forget to look for rainbows, too!
Finally, if you're not too tired from the whole trip, take a small trip from Inverness to Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Castle. While there, keep an eye out for Nessie, the loch monster of fame. She hasn't been seen or photographed for many years and many do not believe she really exists. Still--this is Scotland, so who knows?
