The Northcoast 500 overview
“The NC 500 is one of the most beautiful road trips you can explore”
I’d say this has to be Scotland’s most famous & epic road trip, it encompasses everything a road trip of the highlands should, starting and ending at Inverness castle (although you can start at any point you wish), it will not disappoint with its many scenic destinations along the way.
A 2-hour drive is all it takes to get to the west coast of Scotland where you can take in views of the Isle of Skye from the quaint village of Applecross. If you have an extra couple of days we’d recommend a d-tour over to the Isle of Skye, even if only to do the Misty Isle Boat Trip from Elgol to Loch Coruisk, so you can stop for a picnic on the water’s edge of Loch Coruisk, surrounded by the majestic and iconic Black Cuillin Mountains!
The west coast of Scotland is full of striking scenery, as the mainland curves in and out, houses are positioned on the edges of the hills. There’s a mix of bridges, lochs & rocks protruding from the ocean creating small islands where you’ll catch lots of glimpses of seals lazing about on rocks.
“You will drive around some of the bends to be wowed with views of idyllic beaches”
On the north stretch from Durness to John o Groats you will drive around some of the bends to be wowed with views of idyllic beaches. These hidden gems are not ridden by tourists and so more than once we found ourselves completely alone on a golden sandy beach with the sun shining down. Moments to treasure for a lifetime. The North Sea does have a bitterly cold edge to it but if you catch it on a good day like we did, the warm sand and tranquillity more than made up for it.
You’ll appreciate getting to John O’Groats and reaching the most northerly part of the UK, looking out towards the Orkney islands. You may even get a glimpse of the Atlantic puffin in the right season, or a passing pod of whales or dolphins. Coming back down the east coast the scenery will never stop to amaze you with its rolling hills and fields of different colours.
Just over 516 miles, the NC 500 is one of the most beautiful road trips you can explore, incorporating idyllic beaches, mystical castles & manageable Munro’s to name a few, you will be spoilt for choice & I’d highly recommend it.
Asha McKinnon