Explore the North Coast 500 from a base
Photo: Cottages and Castles, Wallis Property in Scourie
If you’ve already visited the North Highlands, you’ll know just how much there is to see and do along the North Coast 500. The route is an experience in itself and driving the full 516 miles of coastline makes for an exhilarating holiday – although don’t be limited by the road trip itself. With so many activities to enjoy, why rush? From gold panning to snorkelling, Munro bagging and many other outdoor adventures, the North Highlands is abound with new experiences to enjoy with your family and friends.
Explore from a few bases
While many North Coast 500 travellers spend one night in a handful of different locations as they travel the route, a large number of visitors opt to set up base in a number of locations around the route – spending 2 or 3 nights in each place and getting to know the different regions that make up the route. Each region has different characteristics and an abundance of sights to see and activities to do. Head over to our handy interactive map to search for ideas based within each region.
By planning your trip in this way, you’ll have enough time to explore each area properly. Time and time again, accommodation providers have said that visitors often wish they booked an extra night to explore the area in greater depth. This will also give you the chance to explore more on foot, rather than simply by wheels. This is also a popular option for returning visitors who didn’t give themselves enough time the first time round, or those who simply fell in love with the Highlands. We promise that you will, and you’ll return – possibly time and time again!
Likewise, if you have ancestors from the North Highlands who you are eager to learn more about, follow in their footsteps by sticking around and exploring the area. You’ll be glad you did! Find out how you can retrace your roots here.
Explore the interior
Another option during your trip is to set up a base within the interior of the NC500 route and explore from the middle of the area, taking short trips each day to fully appreciate the scenery and unique character of each area. The heart of Sutherland is the only county with access to the east, west and north coasts of Scotland – you’ll only be 40 minutes away from the sea at any one time.
Choose your base
The North Coast 500 was recently applauded by Lonely Planet for the variety of accommodation on offer. From tree houses to castles, you’ll find a huge variety of quirky accommodation choices along the route, many of which are experiences in themselves. However, don’t overlook other types of accommodation! B&Bs, hotels and campsites make excellent bases for exploring the North Coast 500, and with such a wide range of facilities on offer at accommodations all around the route, you’ll definitely want to spend more than one night in each place. B&Bs and hotels also provide the added value of local knowledge; be sure to speak to the owners and staff to find out all the best tips about the local area. Quaint self-catering cottages, too, are often the perfect solution for those who wish to get off the beaten path and explore each area for more than one night.
Along the North Coast 500 you will find a superb range of accommodation, from B&Bs to self-catered apartments and homes, hotels, glamping pods, campsites and castles. With so much warm and welcoming hospitality along the route to help you feel at home on your travels, you’re bound to want to stay for at least two nights or more!
Visit our interactive map to find our full array of properties.
Photos: Kylesku Lodges, Ardconnel Court Apartments, NC500 Pods, The Old Manse Bed and Breakfast
