A beautifully paced journey, with time to pause and explore Scotland’s landscapes in greater depth.
This four-day journey offers a more spacious way to experience the North Coast 500, taking in some of its most memorable landscapes while maintaining a comfortable rhythm throughout.
We begin our journey with a gentle drive along the southern shore of the Beauly Firth. Arriving in Beauly to explore its famous 13th century Priory and visit the Heilan Coos at Robertson’s Farm, we’ll then take a short diversion to The Glen Ord Distillery, home of The Singleton Malt. You may wish to take a tour of the distillery, or just enjoy a dram or two in its fabulous tasting room… Remember, it’s never too early for a taste of the uisge beatha (water of life) when you’re on holiday!
We’re now heading west through Achnasheen to Strathcarron and a visit to the beautiful Attadale Gardens. Back across the head of the sea loch, the first of many over the next couple of days, we’ll pay a visit to the wonderful Lochcarron Weavers Heritage shop. There’s an opportunity for lunch in Lochcarron village at The Old Butchers coffee shop and gallery, or the Beallach café, before heading for the Beallach na Ba itself!
Our dramatic route takes us over The Beallach, one of Scotland’s highest mountain passes, rising from sea level at Kishorn, to over 2000 feet before descending back to the shore at Applecross. We can pop into the wonderful Applecross Inn for a wee refreshment to celebrate our successful navigation of The Beallach.
The road around the Shieldaig peninsula is simply spectacular; wonderful views across the inner sound to the Isles of Rona, Raasay and Skye, before finding your hotel in Shieldaig, Torridon or elsewhere locally.
Our day out in the magnificent West Highland scenery begins with one of the iconic views of the NC500; Glen Docherty and Loch Maree.
We’ll drive down through Glen Docherty and alongside Loch Maree towards Gairloch as Slioch, one of Scotland’s finest Munros*, looms over the loch.
This lovely route will provide many opportunities for impromptu diversions along dramatic little back roads.
We can visit some beautiful wee villages like Badachro and Poolewe, and take stunning beach walks at Red Point, Big Sand or Mellon Udrigle. The famous Inverewe Garden showcases rare species thriving where the effect of the Gulf Stream meets the Scottish Highlands. Take your time to explore this beautiful NTS (National Trust for Scotland) garden on the eastern shore of Loch Ewe.
Our day continues with more dramatic views; coastal vistas to our left and another towering Munro, An Teallach, to our right as we pass through Dundonnell on our way to Corrieshalloch Gorge. Corrieshalloch is one of the most spectacular gorges of its type in Britain and provides striking evidence of how glacial meltwater can create deep gorges. A short steep walk will bring you to a Victorian suspension bridge, where you can gaze down over a series of crashing waterfalls.
Just a short drive from here on to Ullapool, the gateway to The Outer Hebrides, and its fine choice of bars and restaurants. Definitely worth taking a look in at The Ceilidh Place for a tune.
*A Munro is a mountain in Scotland over 3000 feet (914m) in height. There are 282 Munros in Scotland.
Heading north out of Ullapool we can explore Achiltibuie briefly, and enjoy views of Stac Polly as we set off on a wonderful exploration of some of the West Highlands most remote wee roads, sandy beaches and beautiful settlements; Clachtoll, Clashnessie and Drumbeg.
We’ll enjoy a coffee or early lunch at the fishing port of Lochinver too.
We continue north passing over the beautifully elegant bridge at Kylesku towards mainland Scotland’s most north westerly village, Durness. At any point during our journey from Ullapool we can take exciting wee detours and/or jump out the vehicle to explore perfect little beaches and dunes, wander around coves and admire any Heilan Coos we might happen to encounter.
Would you like to visit Cape Wrath; the most north westerly point on mainland Scotland? There is a track, but it is not accessible to private vehicles. We can arrange to take the ferry across the Kyle of Durness where a mini-bus will take you the 11 mile journey to Cape Wrath.
Smoo Cave with its wonderful internal waterfall is well worth a visit whilst we’re in Durness.
Finally, a short journey east along Scotland’s north coast to Tongue or Bettyhill.
Our day begins with a visit to Strathnaver Museum followed by a gentle drive eastwards along Scotland’s north coast, through the town of Thurso and on to Dunnet Head, mainland Scotland’s most northerly point. Splendid views here of Hoy, South Ronaldsay and more of the Orkney Islands.
On a really clear day it almost feels as if you can reach out and touch these mystical islands.
Our final eastward drive to John O’Groats and Duncansby Head, mainland Scotland’s most north-easterly point. More fabulous views of the Orkney Islands. If the wind is blowing, hang on to your hats!
Time to begin our journey south; destination Inverness. After passing through the town of Wick and navigating the Berriedale Braes we’ll head for Dunrobin Castle. We’ll aim to catch the afternoon falconry display there, before enjoying a dram or two at Balblair and/or Glenmorangie Distilleries.
The last leg of our epic journey around the NC500 takes us along the increasingly busy A9 road, passing the oil rigs in the Cromarty Firth and over the Kessock bridge to Inverness!
Suitable for up to seven people, travelling in our comfortable premium vehicle, this is a four day tour. Pick-up and drop-off will be from your Inverness (or nearby) accommodation and the tour costs £3000 (including all taxes and driver expenses) for the tour. Please note that entry fees for any attractions / visitor experiences are not included. Accommodation will also be organised separately – we are very happy to help with this.
Would you prefer a longer or more tailored experience? We would be delighted to create a bespoke tour to suit the time you have available.
How about adding the Isle of Skye to your journey – a place of dramatic landscapes, quiet corners, and some of the most memorable scenery in Scotland.
