Ten Stops for the Ultimate UK Road Trip: Scotland’s North Coast 500

Domestic tourism in the UK has exploded in the last few years and for good reason. Scotland’s North Coast 500 – a 500 mile circuit looping north from Inverness and Applecross – takes in the remote beauty of the North and West Highlands. Whether planning to drive your own car and stay at the numerous B&Bs and hotels, find a place for a campervan or pitch your tent each night, North Scotland is one of the best places in the UK for dramatic coastlines, delicious food, and unrivalled access to nature. Here are ten highly recommended stops to make along the way.

Drive the Baelach Na Ba

This alpine-style pass has the most climbing of any road in the UK, rising from sea level at Loch Kishorn to 626m at its highest (picture 1). It brings travellers to the heart of the Applecross peninsula and offers views to the dramatic islands of Skye, Scalpay and Rassay. The charming Applecross Inn awaits you on the other side of the pass, and for walkers wishing to explore further Uags bothy can be found an hour’s walk south from Toscaig pier.

Torridon

Driving north around the Applecross peninsula brings the picturesque Torridon into view (picture 2). With mountains towering from behind the village and porpoise gliding through the deep blue waters below it can be a challenge to keep your eyes on the road, so make the most of regular viewing points. For those looking for a night of luxury, The Torridon offers 5-star quality accommodation on the shore of Upper Loch Torridon.

Loch Maree

Scotland boasts a wealth of scenic lochs but few of them can rival the tranquillity of Loch Maree. A couple of picnic sites are located along the east shore, allowing vehicles to drive right up to the water. The islands in the middle are a protected National Nature Reserve but can be enjoyed on half or full day kayaking trips organised by Gairloch Kayak Centre (www.gairlochkayakcentre.com) giving incredible views of the surrounding mountains (picture 3).

Ardvreck Castle, Lochinver and Achmelvich

Relax into Highland life during an afternoon starting with local history, moving to white sand beaches and finishing with hearty local food. The ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the shore of Loch Assynt provide a window back to the times of clans MacLeod and Mackenzie. Continue round to Achmelvich Bay for white sands straight from a Caribbean island (picture 4) before heading down to the Lochinver Larder who offer up a selection of homemade pies – Haggis, Neeps and Tatties for the true Scottish experience. Enjoy all of this in the shadow of Suilven, a mountain unlike any other in the region, shaped by the glacial forces once at play in this region.

Sandwood Bay

The beaches of the North Highlands come in to their own on this section of the drive, however, access to them does not always come easy. Continuing north, take the road to Kinlochbervie and Shegra. From here park up your vehicle and set off on the 90-minute walk to Sandwood Bay. After wandering through grassland and past small lochs, the tall cliffs and sea stacks become visible allowing you to enjoy its remote beauty in all of its glory (picture 5).

Balnakiel and Durness

Only the most determined visitors make it to the true northwest tip of the mainland UK by visiting Cape Wrath, typically requiring an overnight stay at Kearvaig Bothy and a short ferry ride at Keoldale. Instead, settle for a visit to the expansive sands of Balnakiel Beach which can be driven to directly (picture 6). Heading into Durness, Beatles fans should check out the Lennon Memorial Garden before dropping down to the Smoo Caves to hear smugglers stories woven into local folklore.

John o’ Groats and Dunnet Head

Leave behind the towering mountains of the northwest as you glide above the peat bog that dominates the inland region of Scotland’s most northerly reaches. Loch Eriboll and the Kyle of Tongue provide drama to the drive, pause at Thurso to watch surfers wrapped up in dry suits tackle the waves before heading to the most northerly point of the mainland UK at Dunnet Head and the iconic photo location of the John o’ Groats signpost. With some cloud often in the air and reflections off of the sea, sunrises and sunsets can be incredibly dramatic here. Duncansby Stacks are another great spot to watch the swell rise and fall whilst seabirds weave amongst the waves (picture 7).

Wick

This small town on the northeast coast is home to the stunning Old Pulteney Distillery. Sample a number of aged single malts whilst on a tour of the distillery which was opened almost 200 years ago. Then head out to the ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, actually the ruins of two distinct castles. Perched perilously on the cliff edges, wandering amongst the ruins also allows time to admire your proximity to the sea.

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle has a conflicting place in Highland and Scottish history as the seat of the Duke of Sutherland – majorly involved in the Highland clearances. However, the castle and gardens today transport visitors to the French countryside with heavy architectural influence from the French chateaux style (picture 8). It is possible to walk through the gardens, tour the interior of the house and also visit the private collection of the family in the attached museum.

Rogie Falls

Heading south there is one last stop before you round off your NC500 road trip. Turning inland before Inverness head to Rogie Falls to watch the Black Water pour over the cascades. From the wooden suspension bridge keep an eye out for leaping salmon (end of summer) or visit after snowfall or heavy rain to see the falls at their full force. Walking trails provide well maintained tracks for further views of the falls and exploration of the surrounding woodland.