An unhurried, immersive journey as Scotland’s changing landscapes unfold before us
This five-day journey offers a well-paced introduction to the North Coast 500, taking in some of its most memorable landscapes while maintaining a comfortable rhythm throughout…
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 11mile 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 across the Pentland Firth to 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!
Heading south now, through the town of Wick, and hugging onto the wild North Sea coastline we’ll encounter some epic cliff views and, on a clear day, sight of multiple off-shore windfarms out on the horizon. We can pop into the Laidhay Croft Museum before negotiating the entertainingly steep Berriedale Braes and then continuing gently south through the villages of Helmsdale and Brora before arriving in Golspie and our exploration of the strikingly handsome Dunrobin Castle.
A stroll along beautiful Dornoch Beach to start the day and perhaps a visit to Dornoch Cathedral before we head across the firth towards Tain.
We have the opportunity to visit one or two distilleries; Balblair and Glenmorangie. Distillery tours are available or you can simply enjoy a dram or two in the tasting rooms. (April to end September only)
Off out to Tarbat Ness Lighthouse for a bracing stroll in the sea air followed by an exploration of the seaboard villages, a mermaid discovery and then onto the Nigg – Cromarty ferry for our brief crossing over to the Black Isle. Such incredible contrasting views here. Oil platforms resting in the Cromarty Firth, a cruise ship or two and the Sutors, the two gentle hills guarding the entrance to the wonderfully sheltered firth.
The fabulous back road from Cromarty to Rosemarkie provides us with spectacular views of the Moray Firth and the hills beyond Nairn and Forres on its southern shore. From Rosemarkie you have the opportunity to walk along the beach to Fortrose and Chanonry Point, famous for its leaping dolphins. If the tide is right, you’ve a good chance of seeing them as you approach the lighthouse.
Only half an hour or so drive on to Inverness and the completion of your epic NC500 tour, or, if time allows, we can drive all the way round the Beauly Firth and enjoy a final dram at The Singleton Distillery, Muir of Ord.
WHAT A FANTASTIC TOUR!!!
Suitable for up to seven people, travelling in our comfortable premium vehicle, this is a five day tour. Pick-up and drop-off will be from your Inverness (or nearby) accommodation and the tour costs £3600 (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.
