A guide to the NC500

Why visit the NC500?

For those seeking solace in nature and to be awed by some of the world’s finest scenery, the NC500 is a dream come true. The 516-mile driving route traverses through some of Scotland’s most untouched regions, where wildlife roams free and there’s a good chance you’ll spot an eagle soaring overhead or a red deer grazing while you sip your morning coffee. 

This part of Scotland unlocks something inside you, where your heart feels truly free, and the endless opportunities for hiking, secret wild swimming spots, and awe-inspiring landscapes will likely become some of your most cherished memories. 

Whether you’re looking to explore parts of the highlands as part of a shorter trip or to commit to the full route, the NC500 promises to nourish, inspire, and connect to something deep within you. 

Landscape and wildlife

Scotland's north highlands are one of the most unspoilt regions in Europe, with a unique scenery and wildlife you won’t find anywhere else in the world. 

The route starts where the waters of the River Ness converge with the Moray Firth, before heading onto the Black Isle peninsula. A wildlife haven and one of the best places in the UK for spotting bottlenose dolphins, the Black Isle has a steep rocky coastline, and its sheltered bays are also home to fossils and ancient geological formations. 

Inland, ancient glens and coniferous forests provide a habitat for woodland species – buzzards fly overhead, wildflowers flourish in the spring, and song thrushes and long-tailed tits sing from the branches in the winter. 

Travelling northward, pass by ancient Pictish stones and the seaside villages of Hilton, Balintore, and Shandwick in Easter Ross, where the landscape softens into rolling agricultural hills carpeted in all shades of green. Here, seals bask in the coves, and migrational birds wade in the low-lying mudflats, salt marshes, and grasslands of RSPB Nigg Bay Nature Reserve.

Along the eastern edge of Sutherland, the road hugs the coastline, taking you past wide sandy beaches and serene bays with views over the North Sea. Near Golspie, Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve is a haven for seasonal birds, and there’s a good chance of spotting ospreys fishing in the waters below. In the winter, otters, geese, and wildfowl settle in the tidal basin and a patchwork of water and dune habitats.

Continuing to the route’s north-eastern corner into Caithness, the landscape becomes notably wilder, rising into vast open landscapes with sea stacks lining the coast. Sheer-faced cliffs, crumbling castle ruins and Highland Cows add further excitement to the experience. Inland is The Flow Country, a deep boggy peatland and UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in biodiversity – including all six of Scotland’s reptile species, rare plants and insects, red foxes, deer and otters. 

As you head into north-west Sutherland, ‘Europe’s last wilderness’, the landscape is defined by mountains and sea, where fishing ports are met with Britain’s highest waterfall (Eas a’ Chual Aluinn), the highest sea cliffs, and some of the oldest geological formations on the planet. This coastline attracts seabirds and sea life in abundance, along with white-tailed eagles, golden eagles, and majestic red deer. 

The remainder of the route takes you through Wester Ross, where hill lochs and misty mountain peaks capture the imagination and offer one last chance to see Scotland’s ‘Big Five’ animal species, including red squirrels near Shieldag and Ullapool. 

Beaches

With over 500 miles of coastline to explore, just a stone’s throw from the winding route, it’s easy to discover not one, but dozens of new favourite beaches. Getting lost in the beauty of these quiet corners is something you’ll never tire of – whether it’s appreciating the allure of perfect silky white sand and crystal-clear waters at the height of summer, or the stark mountaintops swirling with mist and snow reflecting on the lochs and ocean during the cooler months. 

Durness Beach

Known locally as Sango Bay, this sweeping sandy beach is ideal for families looking to linger amidst sun, sand, and sea for a while. The powdery sands are great for beach games, while the azure waters beckon for refreshing dips.

Rosemarkie Beach

Near the start of the route on the Black Isle, Rosemarkie Beach sits on a rugged rocky coastline backed by magical woodland and waterfall glens. A mile-long walk along the sand leads to Chanonry Point, the best spot in the UK for dolphin watching. 

Portmahomack Beach

Continuing into Easter Ross, Portmahomack Beach provides a sheltered retreat perfect for families and those looking to watch the sun melt into the sea. Backed by pretty houses and with lots of great walks and sightseeing spots nearby, this is one of the more easily accessible beaches along the route.

Melvich Beach

Melvich Beach is popular with surfers and seals alike because of its dreamy waters, while remote Peedie Sands is also a notable stop-off point near the northernmost point in Britain. Offering a touch of wildness, Melvich invites you to lie back on the golden sands to soak up the serene views, or walk along the river for an idyllic leg stretch. 

Shandwick Bay

Shandwick Bay and nearby Balintore and Hilton Beach provide long, sandy stretches connecting the Seaboard villages, with the latter home to the bronze ‘Mermaid of the North’ statue, a nod to local folklore. Plenty of rockpools are revealed at low tide, and the beach welcomes dogs throughout the year, making it a wonderful place for family-friendly days out.

Strathy Bay

Continuing along the northern edge of the route and back into Sutherland, Strathy Bay offers stunning views over Pentland Firth with plenty of seastacks to admire and caves to explore. Surfers adore this secluded haven, while the cliffs at the eastern end provide shelter (and a breathtaking backdrop) for beachgoers.

Dornoch Beach

Along the eastern coast of the route, the award-winning Dornoch Beach and Golspie Beach are admired for their clear, calm waters and immaculate sand, which look tropical in the summer sun. Dunes run behind the beach, with hills unfurling further along the coast, so make sure to pack your walking boots when stopping here. 

Sinclair’s Bay

As you head further north, the beaches are some of the best in the world. Favourites in Caithness include the castle-fringed Sinclair’s Bay, where winter brings northern light spectacles, and summer means daylight until near midnight – both otherworldly experiences. 

Sandwood Bay

For the intrepid, Sutherland is also home to one of Europe’s most remote beaches, Sandwood Bay, which is accessed via a 4-mile gravel path near Kinlochbervie. The untouched beach is more than worth the effort, though, as you’ll be met with turquoise waters and honeyed sands at your paradisiacal destination.

Red Point Beach

Along the remainder of the route, Red Point Beach has unusual iron-rich red sand, which contrasts beautifully against the green tops of the dunes and offers views over to the Hebrides on a clear day. This russet sanctuary rarely feels busy, and often promises a moment of utter solitude amidst the storybook setting.

Achmelvich Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches along the NC500, Achmelvich Beach, invites you to bask in the glory of turquoise waters and bright white sand made from crushed seashells as you marvel at the majesty of nature. If you’re looking for a place to escape the everyday, Achmelmich is the perfect destination.  

Things to do

Escape into the depths of Scotland's wilderness while traversing the famous NC500 route. Breathtaking beaches, trails that unfurl through mountain passes, and culture come to life await. 

Walking

The mesmerising beauty of the NC500 makes it one of the best places to immerse yourself in nature. Hiking along sandy beaches, through nature reserves, and into highland landscapes is sure to nourish the soul, with popular routes including the Eas a’ Chual Aluinn waterfall hike near Assynt, the mountain trails of Torridon, and coastal walks past Duncansby Stacks, John O’ Groats, and Duncansby Head. Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve offers Britain’s only waymarked mountain walk through Scots pine forests with elevated views at the top and the mesmeric chance to spot golden eagles.

Driving

While the entirety of the NC500 is beloved for its scenic roads, there are a few stretches that deserve special mention, especially if you only have time to take in one or two sections. 

Highlights include the Bealach na Bà pass, a single-track road with tight hairpin bends winding over the Applecross mountains from Loch Carron to Applecross Bay, and the road between Shieldaig and Kinlochewe for elevated views over Upper Loch Torridon and the famous Torridon mountains. 

Cycling

Or, if you prefer to soak up the scenery under your own steam, mountain biking at Learnie Red Rocks near Inverness provides mixed forest trails for all skill levels. Of course, the breathtaking roads of the NC500 lend themselves perfectly to cycling too. You can cycle the entire 516-mile route for a thrilling challenge, or choose sections as you go, discovering gorgeous trails and backdrops. 

For a truly unforgettable route, the Pictish Trail offers a fascinating insight into Scottish history between the 3rd and 9th centuries, when warrior kings ruled the northern Highlands. The 750 km route traces the seaward edge from the Black Isle to the north coast, with a series of local museums, intricately carved Pictish stones, ancient jewellery, religious sites and remote hillforts making up the many stop-off points. 

Bird watching

Wherever you are along the NC500, there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with RSPB Forsinard Flows in Caithness home to rare species like short-eared owls, merlins, and hen harriers. Other favourite birdwatching spots include woodland species at RSPB Fairy Glen Nature Reserve, migrational wading birds at RSPB Nigg Bay, and wintering wildfowl and summer ospreys at Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. For seabirds, Dunnet Head is home to puffins in the summer, along with breeding fulmars and shags.

Wildlife watching

For the best chance of spotting marine wildlife, Chanonry Point near the start of the route is one of the best places in the UK to see dolphins from land, while Strathy Point on the north coast also offers opportunities to spot orcas and minke whales. For a more immersive experience, join a wildlife watching tour with EcoVentures from Cromarty or set sail from Lochinver with North Coast Sea Tours. Alternatively, Gairloch Kayak Centre provides half-day and full-day tours of one of Scotland’s largest sea lochs and the surrounding coastline. 

Wild swimming

For a more tranquil outdoor experience, go wild swimming at one of the pristine beaches, beautiful lochs, or the 200-metre-long Scotland’s Haven tidal pool in Caithness. Achmelvich Bay is perhaps one of the most bewitching beaches along the NC500, promising super-soft sands and azure waters that dance in the sunlight. 

For a mix of drama and serenity, head to Sango Sands, where the cliffs boast spellbinding views as waves lap against the shore. And for those seeking a hidden beach to escape the everyday, head to Coldbackie Sands, where dunes frame a white-gold curve - perfect for beach days all to yourself. 

Whisky tour

Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to try the local larder along the way. The Black Isle is known for its fertile soils and a growing food and drink scene, including craft beer and small crofting farmsteads with a focus on sustainable produce. For whiskey, Easter Ross is home to half a dozen whisky distilleries (including the famous Glenmorangie in Tain).

Places to visit on the NC500

From ancient castles to natural marvels hewn from stone and time, there are many fascinating places to uncover during your tour of the NC500.

Inverness

Wedged on the banks of the Moray Firth and oozing with history, Inverness is a cultural stop-off point at the start of the route. Explore the Victorian markets for independent shops and eateries, then Inverness Castle for a taste of the city’s past. Afterwards, soak up the tranquillity of the Ness Islands, accessed by beautiful Victorian footbridges. 

Loch Ness

Though not strictly on the NC500 route, it’s worth a slight detour to Loch Ness and a tour of the Great Glen, where serene deep-water lakes and verdant waterside forests are overlooked by the dramatic Urquhart Castle. 

Castles

The NC500’s castles are important historical attractions along the route, standing amidst the timeless beauty of the lochs and clifftops. The 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt are a captivating sight, perched atop a rocky promontory, while The Castle of Mey, once home to The Queen Mother, is a favourite with fans of royal history and has views over to Orkney. Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s Great Houses and looks like something out of a fairytale, resembling a French chateau with conical spires and Versailles-style manicured gardens. 

Dunnet Head

John O’Groats is a popular stop-off point; however, it’s often mistaken for the northernmost point in Scotland. To reach the true northernmost point, visit Dunnet Head for far-reaching, uninterrupted views across the North Sea, where Dunnet Head Lighthouse has stood sentinel on the 300-foot cliffs for almost two centuries. Also in Caithness, Duncansby Head offers breathtaking scenery with huge stacks erupting from the ocean, and a sea cleft provides a haven for nesting seabirds like puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. 

Smoo Cave

Travelling westwards, the natural wonders of Smoo Cave take you through wooded valleys, pretty waterfalls, and an impressive underwater cavern. Book onto a boat tour for further exploration and to learn more about this geological feature. 

Kylesku Bridge

Kylesku Bridge is another must-visit for views over the waters and hills of Caolas Cumhann and fans of cosmic skies. Its remote position makes it perfect for stargazing, watching sunsets, and on special occasions, seeing the northern lights. 

Ullapool

For coastal quaintness, Ullapool is a great stop-off point for delicious seafood, seaside views, and boat trips to the Summer Isles. It’s also a hub for artists and musicians, with a number of galleries, live music venues, and festivals entertaining the town throughout the year. 

Places to eat 

For foodies, why not plan your route around a series of fantastic local eateries to make the most of Scotland’s abundant produce and world-famous distilleries?

McBains

Known for its Highland ingredients and refined yet relaxed bistro dining, McBains sits in Inverness’ city centre and promises bewitching views across the Ness River. 

North Kessock Hotel

Crossing over the water, the North Kessock Hotel makes the most of the Black Isle’s local larder with menus infused with Highland tradition and views over the Moray Firth. 

The Storehouse Restaurant and Farm Shop

In Easter Ross, The Storehouse Restaurant and Farm Shop offers relaxed dining and a changing seasonal menu. It’s also a great pitstop for coffee and cake, and the food hall is packed full of local farm produce and gifts, so you can take a taste of the Highlands home with you. 

Golspie Inn

Near Dunrobin Castle, the Golspie Inn provides hearty pub grub in an 18th-century coaching inn, with a choice to dine in the refurbished restaurant or on the outdoor decking for alfresco repasts. 

Lochinver Larder

Head to Lochinver Larder for a tantalising selection of award-winning pies, including savoury and sweet, with views over the surrounding lochs making it a feast for all the senses. 

Puldagon Farm Shop & Restaurant

For a hearty highland breakfast, Puldagon Farm Shop & Restaurant is set in the beautiful Caithness countryside and celebrates Scottish cuisine with a farm-to-table philosophy. We particularly recommend the burgers, which are sure to excite your taste buds. 

Crofter’s Kitchen Scourie

For fans of seafood, Crofter’s Kitchen Scourie brings top-quality, sustainably sourced local seafood fit for high-end dining to their roadside seafood shack next to the beach. Think lobster, hand-dived scallops, and more on the daily menu. 

The Ceilidh Palace

In Ullapool, The Ceilidh Palace is a combined bookshop, restaurant, bar and café loved for its live music, fresh coffee, cake and provincial recipes. There’s nowhere better to immerse yourself in the local community.  

When should I do the NC500?

Experiencing the magic of the NC500 is an option at all times of year, with each season bringing a different allure. During spring, early flowers and blooming landscapes add a heavenly dash of colour to the route, while summer promises exceptionally long daylight hours for more exploring,  and a better chance of sunny weather. 

Autumn is a riot of colour in its own right, and also brings the red deer rutting season, when stags roam the landscapes. During winter, there are fewer people and fewer attractions are open, meaning you can fully appreciate the remote wilderness and ruggedness of the north highland landscapes – though be sure to check the weather before you plan your escape. 

Hideaways on the NC500

Whether you’re travelling by car, bike or campervan, our beautiful selection of hideaways in Scotland offers a tranquil retreat tucked into some of the NC500’s most beautiful corners. Overlooking shimmering waters and boasting an idyllic place to bask in the magic of nature, our two cabins in Ullapool, Silva and Solas, are the perfect place from which to explore the famous NC500 route.