Road tripping fun on the NC500 – explore Scotland your way

Honestly, we cannot think of anything more fun than a road trip with friends or your partner, and while some people just throw some clothes in a bag and head out the door to see whatever they can find, some of us prefer a more structured road trip offering.

We have found that many of our walkers have been adding The North Coast 500, commonly known as the NC500 to their schedules.

This beautiful 516-mile coastal touring route is designed to truly showcase the Highlands of Scotland in all their glory – from sandy beaches to wildlife, rugged landscapes, castles, local food, and drink – there really is something for everyone.

Whether you drive, walk, or cycle it, the NC500 is certainly one of the best road trips in the entire world – and let us tell you why…

Inviting Inverness-Shire

There is so much to do in Inverness that you would be forgiven for battling to decide where to start. The historic Inverness Castle is a popular spot with visitors and although entry into the 15h century castle is not allowed; the grounds themselves and the surrounding views are utterly breathtaking.

A visit to Loch Ness of course is another must, the history surrounding the Loch Ness monster is always intriguing for visitors, who knows if you will spot ‘Nessie’ or not (maybe a few pints at the local inn may help!) while you are there.

Wander Wester Ross

Wester Ross is a real place in Scotland and served as the inspiration for the kingdom of Westeros as seen in the recent hit TV series Game of Thrones, and while you may not spot Cersei Lannister up to her usual tricks here, you will discover many delightful sandy beaches and beautiful villages along your road trip.

If beautiful views are your thing then, Bealach na Ba is worth the rather hair-raising drive up this single-track route with a climb of more than 2000 feet. Views across the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides await you – however due to the nature of the road only very experienced drivers should consider tackling it with caution – and certainly not in a camper van!

If a slightly more chilled offering suits you, why not play a spot of golf, spend some time on the beach or take a walk to the top of Britain’s highest waterfall, Eas a’Chual Aluinn.

Salute Sutherland

The county of Sutherland plays home to Scotland’s first Geopark, an area given UNESCO status to celebrate its significant geological heritage and to promote conservation, which is a highly informative visit.

You can also visit Cape Wrath, the tip where the north and west coasts of Scotland meet, or go spelunking in Smoo sea cave and check out the dramatic waterfall contained within its limestone walls.

Exploring Easter Ross

Located on the East coast, Easter Ross plays home to three local malt distilleries that are fabulous for getting a taste of real Scottish whisky, as well as discovering more about how it’s made and the great history that surrounds this thriving industry.

Easter Ross is also well known for The Pictish Trail, a series of mysterious stone sculptures described as ‘one of the great puzzles of Dark Age archaeology’ with the sculptures featuring intriguing and unique symbols and designs.

Dunrobin Castle, a French-style chateau is also a great spot to visit, it has been inhabited since the 1300s, and was even made into a war hospital during the First World War.

Check out Caithness

Caithness is home to the well-known village of John O’Groats, the most northerly village in mainland Britain, and it is a great spot for bird watching, as a variety of sea birds abound along its beautiful coast, which also offers two miles of sheltered sandy beach which is ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

Another popular spot to visit is the beautiful Castle of Mey, which until 1996 was the holiday home of the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth, who bought and lovingly restored the castle in 1952.

Beautiful Black Isle

Technically Black Isle is not actually an isle, but rather a peninsula, surrounded on three sides by water, which is becoming well known for its local food and drink.

Visit some of the farm shops, bakeries, whisky distilleries and even the brewery – and there are many markets throughout the year where you can enjoy the produce as well as local arts and crafts.

Work off some calories on the many mountain bike trails in the area, or wildlife lovers will want to visit the two nature reserves on the Black Isle – Fairy Glen and Tollie Red Kites, while Chanonry Point is a great place to try to spot the bottlenose dolphins, which have made the Moray Firth their home.

There is something for everyone here, and the NC500 is fast becoming the road trip destination for visitors and locals alike, who are looking to explore not only the beautiful Scottish countryside and shoreline but to get a taste of local food and drink and gain some historical insights as well.

Whether you cycle, walk or drive, the North Coast 500 is for you. Let us know if you have done the NC500 yet – and what was your best discovery along this epic stretch of Scotland.

See you in Scotland again soon, The Walkers Club Team