nc500 route planner

Bringing together a route of just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery in the far north of Scotland, the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most beautiful road trips. The NC500 route is just over 500 miles and begins in the capital of the Highlands- Inverness. Even more, if you have a drone (if it’s not windy and raining). The perfect trip for any major golfing fan! If you need a bit more comfort, try the Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park or the gorgeous glamping pods at Evelix Pods Dornoch. Inverness … The popular adventure, with four seasons in one day, heading west from Inverness to the top of Scotland’s mainland, John O’Groats, and back down the east coast (or in reverse). The top was covered in snow which gave us a great opportunity to take lots of snow pictures! When we drove into the free parking area we could see why most people say it’s a bit of a tourist trap. Built by Clan MacLeod, it was later taken over by Clan Mackenzie. On the way to Dunrobin, you can also take a little detour to the Falls of Shin, where you can spot jumping salmon (between May and late Autumn) – but it will add over an hour to your journey! Membership starts from just £15 a year and each package offers a range of additional benefits. Whereas the North Coast 500 offers the wild, rugged, untamed side of Scotland, Edinburgh is more touristy, like Scotland on steroids, with history and culture, and all the tartan and whiskey you could wish for. In fact, I might someday! If you love a bit of history, visit the beautiful ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, located right on the cliff edge. For me personally, I like the Inn as it has everything you want – food, drink, cute rooms, and it’s right in the centre of the village however they were fully booked when we went, so we stayed nearby in the Hartfield House Hostel. You’ll also get to see Am Buachaille, a sea stack out in the water. Itineraries. I’d like to think it was because he was excited to meet two fellow travel writers and adventurers, but I think it may just have been a coincidence…, We had a little chat at the bar about travelling in Africa, Brenna chatted to him about her book, I introduced him to ‘Johnny Fox’ (“Have you met Johnny Fox?” is the Scottish equivalent of “I carried a watermelon.”), he took the piss out of me for being a Scouser and said he’d give my blog a read – which I’m sure he does on a regular basis these days (Hi Lev! They also do a fabulous afternoon tea in their 1887 Restaurant and there are lots of activities on offer if you want to get outdoors. We looked into getting tickets to the talk, but we didn’t have time to get there in time, so I tweeted him to say ‘Come to Hootenanny’s later’. The village of Luss makes for a lovely stop and Loch Lomond is also part of the West Highland Way, one of Scotland’s best-loved hikes (which I’m hoping to do very soon). )…, Although I was too embarrassed to ask him if he’d seen my tweet… . Scotland’s North Coast 500, also known as the route 66 of UK – something we’re yet to do, but has been on our bucket list for years! We spent the first day driving up from Edinburgh to Inverness. For camping, try Broomfield Holiday Park or nearby Badrallach Campsite, Bothy and Holiday Cottage. The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile scenic route along Scotland’s northern coast that begins and ends in the city of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Save money with a Clan Membership for up to 4 people. I don’t know why I’ve never written about it – it was one of the best road trips of my life. We both got the train to Edinburgh, stayed overnight, and then picked up a car to use for the rest of the trip. There are a number of taxis/private drivers in the area who can take you around. Stop for a photo at Gairloch Harbour, and if you’re thirsty, pick up a cuppa at the highly recommended Coast Coffee Company. It is important to plan ahead! We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. With so much to see, we spent the majority of the time driving, doing a few little hikes and taking pictures, and not really ‘doing’ much. If you are planning to road trip around this scenic area of the Scottish Highlands, you may be wanting to spend … ✨ INTRODUCING ✨ Africa & Wild A bit further on, you’ll come to Shieldaig, one of the most picturesque villages in Scotland. The campsite is open from the beginning of April until the end of October. Like everywhere else in the world, Scotland is currently under restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The name itself means ‘end of the mountains’. It’s a bit of a walk to get to the Duncansby Stacks, parking either at Duncansby Head or you can park a bit further away at John o’Groats. Firstly, which season are you embarking in? As you head north, you’ll pass the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. The History, Heritage and Archaeology and the Luxury itinerary are available to view fully, however to unlock the full NC500 itineraries, you will need to become a member. Known alternatively as the Scottish This is the best road trip in Britain. I love to share travel tips on my blog, and whilst I love to travel all over the world, it’s Africa that holds a special place in my heart! The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s iconic coastal route that covers over 500 miles of the stunning North Highlands. Road Cycling Scheduled Departures. Whilst not on the North Coast 500, Edinburgh is a great place to stop if you are travelling up from other parts of the UK, either by car or train, or if you’re flying in from abroad. There are also a couple of great little cottages to hire if you’re not camping but would still like to stay right near the beach. Known as Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the incredibly scenic North Coast 500 has been Scotland’s most popular road trip since its launch in 2015 And with good reason… it’s amazing! Have a look at the options below! From there, it follows the A835 towards the west coast, and snakes along the coastline upwards through the North West Highlands, across the north edge of mainland Britain and finally down the east coast on the A9 from Britain’s most northerly town, John O’Groats, completing the loop in … The ever-changing landscape will take your breath away, leaving you eager to get back in the saddle wanting more every day. Interactive planner with routes, distances and must-see attractions on the way. https://www.spendlifetraveling.com/north-coast-500-itinerary Where to Stay in the Cairngorms National Park: There are literally so many gorgeous places to stay in the Cairngorms, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Or you can check out some other options here. The route is also known as the NC500 and was launched in 2015, linking many features in the north Highlands of Scotland in one touring route.. Give yourself a good 3 hours if you want to walk the circuit from Duncansby Head/John o’Groats and to the Stacks and back. Since the NC500 marketing strategy has been so successful, accommodation is in high demand on the North Coast 500 route. The capital Portree was also used as a main filming location for the film Made of Honour. Dornoch Beach is also a great place for wild camping – just make sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code rules and regulations and leave no trace. Just don’t drink and drive – the drink driving limit in Scotland is very low, so I wouldn’t even risk it! The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile scenic route along Scotland's northern coast, offering drivers rugged landscapes, sandy benches, wildlife, museums, castles, whisky distilleries, and so much more! So in total, our trip was 7 nights, 8 days in total. Twice the size of England’s Lake District, the Cairngorms is a great place to explore with tons of hiking/biking trails, rivers, lochs (lakes), waterfalls, wildlife, and villages to see. Get off the main roads and tour Scotland the scenic way now John O’Groats! Just be aware that the road between Kylesku and Lochinver can be a bit tricky, so it may take you longer than you think! You can also take a wildlife-spotting boat trip from the Inverewe Garden jetty to see eagles. Discover 13 of Scotland’s most spectacular driving routes, from the Fife Coastal Route to the epic North Coast 500. To climb Ben Nevis takes around 7 hours up and down so give yourself enough time. You could easily keep yourself occupied for 1 – 2 weeks! They do day trips from Wick, or shorter tours that leave from Lybster. Where To Stay in Inverness: We stayed at the Royal Highland Hotel, which was right in the centre of town – quite grand, a little bit old school, very Scottish – we loved it. From an overview of the route, tips on driving and sights you can't miss, we'll help you plan perfectly for the NC500 - Scotland’s answer to Route 66. thanks. The next stop on our road trip was the gorgeous Dornoch Beach and the famous Dornoch Castle Hotel with their famous whiskey tastings at the Whiskey Bar & Grant Macnichol restaurant. We also spent 2 days travelling up to Inverness – her from London, me from Preston. We have created ten itineraries to help you plan your ideal North Coast 500 trip. It has been dubbed Scotland’s answer to the renowned ‘Route 66’ and doesn’t disappoint. Edinburgh to Inverness. Helen x. Helen in Wonderlust is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. You can read my full Outer Hebrides itinerary here. Finding fabulous places to stay on the North Coast 500! Hopefully, you enjoyed your first taste of the North Coast 500 yesterday and are … It was a little bit spooky as we were the only people there – literally, there wasn’t even any staff, but in high season I’m sure it would be great! Dating back to around 1590. Where to Stay Near Dunnet Head & John o’Groats: There are a few great places to stay in the area, but the ones that I love the most are The Old Tea Shop,  Dunnet B&B Escapes, and Braeside Retreats. Both warm and exceptionally comfortable, and both virtually on the sea shore with a lovely outlook across the sea to Skye and the Applecross hills. You can find it all. I always thought it was THE most northerly place of the British mainland, but it isn’t… it’s actually Dunnet Head, a few miles down the road and the actual place that is furthest from Lands End is Duncansby Head. Leaving Ullapool, your next destination could be the fantastic Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve. The North Coast 500 - Highlights. Alternatively, you can travel down to Oban. The North Coast 500 (NC500) was created in 2014 by the North Highland Initiative to highlight some of Scotland's magnificence to the world. How Long SHOULD you spend on the My friend Brenna (This Battered Suitcase) and I drove the NC500 in early March. This is the best road trip in Britain. From Oban you can catch the ferry to the islands of Mull, Coll, Colonsay, Islay, and Tiree in the Inner Hebrides, Barra and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, as well as Kennacraig and Mallaig on the mainland. One of the most beautiful is Ceannabeine Beach, with mountains on either side, even without a drone you’ll get some fabulous shots overlooking the beach. From there, you can hike (or drive) to the Whaligoe Steps which lead down to Whaligoe Haven, a unique 18th century harbour surrounded on 3 sides by tall cliffs. Have I mentioned I love glamping pods? If you take one of the coastal boat trips, it’s highly like you’ll get a great view from the water too. At Africa & Wi, ✨ANNOUNCING✨ Just be aware that they advise some campervans not to travel this road and it may be closed in bad weather – but you can go around it. Ever wanted to climb the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis? I'm a travel blogger and tour operator with a passion for Africa travel. You’ll find plenty of dog-friendly cafes along the North Coast 500, perfect for a stop en Families or groups will also like the Scandanavian Village Aviemore which has apartments, suites, and villas. With golden/pinky sands and cool rock formations, you’ll get plenty of amazing pictures. Join the revolution and become a member of the NC500 club to get access to exclusive deals and key benefits to get the most of your NC500 adventure. Day 2 Highlights: Wick Heritage Museum, Castle of Mey, most northerly part of mainland UK. Are you ready for a week packed full of adventure? With just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, the route path naturally follows the main roads across the coastal edges of the North Highlands taking in … This some of the best North Coast 500 accommodation which we tried and tested on our 12 Scottish Highlands road trip. Glentruim Lodge Chalet, is super cosy and romantic, and the Dava Schoolhouse looks really welcoming and stylish too. At the moment, travelling along the North Coast 500 is a bit different. These itineraries are based on the minimum amount of time we recommend to allocate for your journey. 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