Top 10 Reasons to Travel the North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 (NC500) measures in at just over 500 miles and takes you along the Highland’s rugged coastline bringing together ancient castles, serene lochs and glistening beaches. The north Highlands are one of Scotland’s best kept secrets. If you’re planning a visit to Scotland this year, why not take the road less travelled? Taking the NC500 route helps you to discover everything the Highlands has to offer. There is no right way to travel the NC500. As it is a circular route, you can go clockwise or anti-clockwise – or even choose a base to explore it from each day.
We asked Claire Farquhar of Highlands and Islands Enterprise her top tips…
1. Stunning Scottish Scenery
If the NC500 was a menu, then its top seller, sitting gloriously in the forefront, would be the scenery. Initiating an appetite for adventure and discovery, just a quick flick through the North Coast 500’s Instagram has your mouth watering for more.
The beauty of the NC500 is unquestionable. From the inspiring fairy-tale castle of Dunrobin, perched on the edge of the east coast, to the sandy gold tones of the remote Gruinard Bay, the NC500 has it all.
2. Fresh, Local Produce
Don’t let the media fool you – it’s not all deep-fried Mars bars and Irn Bru in Scotland. The North Coast certainly has fine dining covered, with much-lauded restaurants such as The Captain’s Galley, Forss House Hotel and Mackays Bistro No.1 all ready to serve you mouth-watering, gourmet meals.
Pop by the Applecross Smokehouse to try their award winning smoked fish dishes.
3. The Finest Distilleries!
Whisky lovers: don’t forget you’re in the home of the world famous Glenmorangie and Old Pulteneydistilleries, as well as the formidable Glen Ord and Clynelish distilleries. If you also fancy part owning a whiskey distillery then check out GlenWyvis distillery – the world’s first 100% community owned distillery.
There’s also the option to sample some of mainland Britain’s northern-most gin at Dunnet Bay Distillery which creates the flavourful yet fruity Rock Rose Gin.
4. Wildlife Wonders
Dolphins? Check! Puffins? Check! Seals? Check! Deer? Check! Haggis? Not that we know of…
Explore the authentic outdoors with one of the many tour operators that take you directly to the habitats of dolphins, seals, puffins and more along the coastline of the NC500.
Visitors can also check out Handa Island, which is home to dozens of guillemots, razorbills and great skua and of course, not forgetting the Highland’s very own Heilan’ Coo’s and sheep who like to roam around the route. If you would like a guided tour then it’s worth checking out Caithness Wildlife Toursand Reraig Forest Tours to see some of the amazing tours they have on offer.
5. Fascinating Scottish History
Behind every castle is a story, and aren’t they fascinating? Discover what happened to the Clans of Sinclair at Girnigoe Castle by exploring the ancient ruins on the outskirts of Wick.
Or how about the 365 man-made steps that fisherwomen used to climb every day to deliver fish during the booming 1800’s in Caithness? Or learn about the ancient brochs of Scotland, several of which can be found across the route.
Visitors to the route can delve in to Highland history by visiting the many heritage centres, which are sprinkled along the NC500. There are also an abundance of local museums, such as Caithness Horizons Museum, where you can learn all about the Highland way of life throughout the past few centuries.
6. Adrenaline-Pumping Activities!
Fancy scrambling a gorge or mountain-biking over some of the most challenging bike trails in the UK? You can do all of that and more along the NC500. Home to one of the biggest surfing destinations, Thurso East.
If mountain biking is more your style, check out the trials at Golspie and around the Black Isle. Check out Ticket to Ride Highlands if you’re looking to hire a bike for your travels.
For more information on some of the activities you can undertake around the route, check it The Torridon’s activities page which is packed full of information.
7. Getting the Craic – or Tossing a Caber!
We may be biased, but part of what makes the experience worthwhile… is the people! Have a dram at The Malt Room, a craft beer at The Black Isle Brewery and get the craic with locals in great haunts like The Arch Inn in Ullapool.
If you are traveling during the months of May and September you will also be lucky enough to enjoy the famous Highland Games and local gala parades that occur in the main towns and villages on Saturdays!
8. Fun for all the Family
If you have a little one, or even a couple of temperamental teens, don’t be put off! There’s something for everyone along the route to keep both parents and children entertained.
From mountain guiding to mountain climbing to canoeing and sea kayaking – there’s something for everyone with Hamlet Mountaineering.
9. Spot the Northern Lights!
We can’t guarantee anything, but did you know the North of Scotland is one of the best places in the world to spot the Northern Lights. Autumn and Winter offer you the best chance to see this phenomenon as the dark skies above the Highlands are regularly luminous with magical auroras. Photographers can often be seen scrambling outdoors to catch a glimpse of those enthralling dark sky displays!
10. Unforgettable Memories
If there is one reason to do the North Coast 500 – it is to create memories. Camp and watch the sun set over Dunnet Head on the extreme edge of Europe. Bottle your own Scottish Malt in a whisky distillery. Explore the depths of Britain’s largest sea cave. Climb a munro. Dance at a traditional ceilidh. And of course, enjoy every single mile of it. Our NC500 Passport is a great way to help you direct your journey, stamp off attractions around the route and to help you remember your journey for years to come.
