NORTH COAST 500 – THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S EPIC DRIVE

Plan your North Coast 500 trip with plenty of time to see the sights. Although we drove the loop for ten days, it was a hectic experience. Two weeks is more appropriate to enjoy it fully. To help you make the most of your time in Scotland’s highlands, we have created the ultimate NC500 trip planner.

North Coast 500 Guide

Below is a list of stops along the North Coast 500. You can jump directly to any of them by clicking the links in the table of contents.

The Capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness, was the starting point and ending point for our North Coast 500 drive. We drove counterclockwise along the north coast of Scotland, covering 516 miles (830 km) in a circle route. This took us through some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. Before returning to Inverness, we stopped at numerous towns and attractions.

Inverness – 2 days

Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is the principal city along the North Coast 500 route. Inverness is worth at least two full days. Capital of the Scottish Highlands and home to Loch Ness, Inverness is where you can find Nessie.

Highlights from Inverness

• Inverness Castle
• St. Andrew’s Cathedral
• Abertarff House dates back to 1592
• Nessie Islands – Islands linked by beautiful walkways or gardens
• Check out our complete article Things To Do in Inverness

There are many things to do in Inverness and the surrounding areas. You will want to spend time here. You should see these top attractions before heading along the North Coast 500.

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

Inverness is the hub for exploring Loch Ness. Many people visit Loch Ness to search for the Loch Ness Monster. However, it is also worth visiting the beaches and scenery surrounding Inverness.

Drumnadrochit’s visitors center is fun and quirky. It is a great place to learn more about the history of the Loch Ness Monster. But the best part is exploring the vast lake.

You can also stay in Drumnadrochit if you have more time. There are many B&Bs around the area. Staying in the area, drive up to Glen Affric and enjoy the stunning scenery. You can also view the Plodda Falls.

The tour buses stop here but are aware of large crowds and traffic.

You can watch the sunset at Dores Beach. And you might even meet the Nessie Hunter, who has established camp in this spot to keep an eye out for the mysterious monster.

Urquhart Castle is another essential stop along the lake. It is a stunning ruin that has survived many battles over the last 1000 years.

The Kingsmills Hotel can be found on a nearby golf course. This historic mansion is on a vast treed estate with a spa and pool. The spa area was the most modern and comfortable. Breakfasts and parking are free.

Road Trip North To Dornoch – 1 Day

Driving from Inverness, your next overnight, is only a little more than an hour. However, it is the ideal base for your next set.

Many things can be seen, and stops made along the A9 towards NC500. Dornoch is known for its Dornoch Castle, and it’s a great base from which to explore the whisky route.

Take your time to the next town. Stop by these landmarks on your way to Inverness before heading to the North Coast 500 Route.

Culloden Battlefield

The modern visitor’s center was opened in 2008, and it starkly contrasts the land that saw one of the most bloody battles on British soil.

In just one hour, more than 1200 people were killed on a spring day in 1746. It was the decisive battle of the Jacobite rebellion.

The headsets are activated by GPS and tell the story of the bloody battle while the visitors walk on both sides of the battlefield. The interior museum is where the best moment occurs. Inside the room, you can see a 360-degree reconstruction of the battle. The cries of warriors awaiting their fate surround you.

Clava Cairns

Cairns’s ancient stone cemeteries date back to 4000 years. Although many cairns are on the nc500, none is as well-known as Clava Cairns. This is where Diana Gambon took Claire back in time, and it’s why this place inspired the Outlander series.

Standing stones and circular cairns are magical. Visitors can walk the grounds of the Cairns of Scotland and feel the tranquility and peace of this sacred site. You can visit it for free, so remember!

• Tip: NC500 Roadtrip Snacks Remember how we said we love snacks for road trips. Inverness was our first stop for water and snacks. But Roberston’s The Larder has local meats & dairy, fresh fruits, and other goodies.
• You can also meet farm animals, and if you’re worried about missing the famous highland cattle on the route, don’t be.
• GPS coordinates: Latitude: 57.493216/ Longitude: -4.453883

Dornoch Castle – Overnight

Dornoch Castle is the perfect place to end your night. It’s a must-see. It offers a delicious set menu and rooms that make you feel like royalty.

The Dornoch Castle is right on the Dornoch Cathedral’s market square. Madonna christened her son Rocco here after this 12th-century cathedral was such a draw. As the pub’s fire crackles and whiskey pours, it feels like you’re in a 17th-century tavern.

Dornoch Castle and Whisky Bar

Dornoch Castle houses one of the most renowned whisky bars in the world. It was named the #1 Whisky Hotel of the Year by whiskybase.com. The main attraction is the whisky bar. It has a giant fireplace that roars with flame and thick stone walls.

Its extensive whisky collection has been awarded the best whisky bar globally. According to whiskybase.com, it is currently the number one whisky hotel.

After chatting with the bartender, we ordered a tasting flight of three whiskeys. After asking you about your preference for Scotch, he will offer you options at different prices and help you choose the proper whiskey.

Dornoch To Wick – 1 Day

Distillery Tours

Road trippers can find a bottle of their favorite Scotch whisky at many distilleries in Northern Scotland. While stopping at least one distillery is worthwhile, you can also take a day trip to see them all. There are half a dozen distilleries within walking distance of Dornoch.

• Balblair
• Glenmorangie
• Dalmore
• Dunnet Bay
• Nearby are the Pulteney Distilleries.

Glen Ord Distillery

We visited Glen Ord Distillery. It’s the nearest distillery to Inverness, so it is easy to do as a day trip. Glen Ord is unique because it is the only distillery in Scotland that still malts its barley. Their Singleton blend is only available in Scotland and Asia.

It was also the first time we had seen wooden fermentation barrels. We have never taken a distillery tour that wasn’t made of stainless steel. The term was a great way to learn about making Scottish whiskey. It also gave us insights into the flavors and aromas used to make the drams we sipped at Dornoch Castle’s whisky bar. We felt like we were on a historical tour. Our guide Alistair was passionate about his Scotch and informative.

Dunrobin Castle

Dunbrobin Castle is open from April 1 through October 15. The gardens and grounds are available all year. We parked our cars and walked down the steps for a spectacular view of the 800-year-old castle. It differs from other castles in Scotland, resembling a French Chateau instead of the plain stone castles we saw elsewhere. Since the 13th Century, it has been the home of the Earls and Duchess of Sutherland.

You can visit this castle from Dornoch or make it a stop on your way to Wick. Donrobin Castle is available here.

Wick To Dunnet Head – 1 Day

This was our favorite place to visit on the road trip. While everyone said the west coast was our favorite, the north tip was breathtaking. We could have stayed for at least another day exploring the coastal walking trails.

This is where you will see the massive sea cliffs, sea stacks, and migrating seals. This area is excellent for wildlife and hiking.

Whaligoe Steps

The Whaligoe Steps offer a great trek if you’re looking for something like the Geo of Sclaites. Three hundred thirty steps lead down to the Whaligoe step, one of Scotland’s most remote harbors. The Whaligoe Steps date back to the 18th Century. Fishermen’s wives used them for hauling fish in their baskets. These waters were home to 24 fishing boats that fished for herring at their peak.

Wick Heritage Centre

The Wick Heritage Centre offers information about fishing in the area and the history of Wick. Wick was Europe’s most crucial herring fishing port in the 19th Century. Devoted guides are available to share their historical knowledge and tell their stories.

Many artifacts are on display, and some rooms portray the past. Visit the Wick Heritage Centre website for directions and hours.

Ackergill Tower Overnight

Ackergill Tower, like Dornoch Castle, is a place that’s a destination. The Tower, a 600-year-old tower of stone that proudly stands on Sinclair Bay’s shores, is an impressive feat of engineering. The Northmost point in Scotland. This luxury estate in the highlands is as remote as it is romantic.

The castle’s most well-known story is about Helen Gunn. She was known as the Beauty from Braemore and was taken hostage on her wedding night. She was held captive in this Tower. She leaped to her death to escape her fate. Her ghost is believed to haunt the halls today.

Dunnet Head – 2 Days

Castle Sinclair Girnigo

The impressive Castle Sinclair Girnigo ruins are just a few minutes’ drives or a walk from Ackergill Tower. This was visible from the road. However, when we went for a walk, it was raining.