Top 12 activities to enjoy on the North Coast 500
The NC500 is the ultimate road trip. You’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery and enjoy breathtaking views while driving. However, it can be difficult to know what to do when you arrive at your chosen stops!
That’s where we come in – we have pulled together our top 12 activities for you to enjoy on the North Coast 500. This article will provide you with everything you need to know, from the activities on offer, how long each will take and lots more.
Whatever activity you enjoy doing, whether that be surfing, kayaking or touring a distillery, we have you covered! Explore our guide, take your pick from our selection below, and get ready for an epic adventure!
Watersports on the NC500
With over 500 miles of stunning rugged coastline, and an abundance of lochs and rivers, there is plenty of opportunities to get your feet wet on the North Coast 500. Here are a few of our favourite watersports to enjoy along the route.
Surfing with North Coast Watersports
Surfing with North Coast Watersports
Based at Dunnet Beach on the north coast of Caithness, North Coast Watersports provides unforgettable surfing experiences amongst some of the best waves in the UK. Anyone of any age can grab a board and enjoy the beautiful waters safe in the knowledge that you are being guided by coaches who are both Scottish champion surfers and have experience teaching surfing all around the world.
Try something new or refresh your skills at a beginner group lesson to have guaranteed fun, where their top coaches will teach you all you need to know about safety, equipment and of course how to pop up on a surfboard and ride along the super fun waves. If the thought of falling off your board in front of a group fills you with dread then don’t worry, they also offer private lessons for any ability that can be arranged at anytime.
Any of North Coast Watersports’ surfboards and wetsuits can be hired out for 2 hours, half a day or a full day. The suits available are great quality and most importantly super warm! Choose a half day surf trip and you will follow them along some of the most beautiful parts of the North coast 500 while being told local stories along the way. We would then carry out a full private lesson at the beach with the best conditions. If this wasn’t enough, they can even arrange for a BBQ to be ready for you after the surf.
You can find out more info on all that North Coast Watersports have to offer here.
Gorge Scrambling with Liquid Footprints
Gorge Scrambling with Liquid Footprints
For those looking to jump right into the Highlands with both feet then gorge scrambling (or canyoning) is for you. The Highlands landscape is full of gorges, providing a range of locations that can be suitable for either an exciting family trip or a full-on adult adventure.
Liquid Footprints will kit you out in full wet-suits and wet socks to help you stay nice and warm, as well as a buoyancy aid and helmet for added safety. You will then head down to the gorge where the adventure begins. Head into an amazing (and not often explored) world of slides, jumps, and stunning waterfalls all along the NC500.
Gorge scrambling or canyoning trips with Liquid Footprints take place all over the Scottish Highlands and the NC500. They build their activities around and your base, and meet you at a location that is convenient to you. Knowing the Highlands of Scotland and the NC500 really well they are always happy to make a suggestion on great gorge scrambling locations.
You do not need to have gorge scrambled before and in fact many of their groups are complete beginners. There are gorges to match young family groups as well as gorges that suit adrenaline seeking adult groups. This activity is the perfect fun filled adventure for all abilities.
Further details on gorge scrambling and all other activities offered by Liquid Footprints can be found here.
White Water Rafting with Ace Adventures
ACE Adventures & Hideaways: White Water Rafting
Are you a bit of an adrenaline seeker? are looking for the best year-round white water rafting in the UK? then ACE Adventures & Hideaways is for you. Located on the River Findhorn, near to the beginning and end of the NC500, white water rafting with ACE Adventures is the perfect way to start your trip around the North Coast 500.
Whether you are new to white water rafting or a seasoned pro, ACE adventures have a package to suit. Choose from either a full day on grade 3 & 4 rapids, or a half day family rafting package on grade 2 & 3 rapids, perfect for both families and beginners.
There are heated change rooms with showers available, ample car parking, food and drink, plus other adventure activities and onsite camping & glamping accommodation.
To find out more about the activities on offer visit aceadventures.co.uk
Hillwalking on the NC500
The North Coast 500 route contains some of the most interesting and beautiful landscapes anywhere in the world. It is home to 37 Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet), 43 Corbetts (mountains of 2,500 feet) and 38 Grahams (mountains of 2,000 feet). It is these rugged mountains that really bring this sensational landscape to life and provide a haven for hill walkers and Munro Baggers.
Guided Walking Adventures with Mckenzie Mountaineering
Guided Walks with Mckenzie Mountaineering
Mckenzie Mountaineering are a friendly local guiding and walking company offering an inspiring experience for visitors to the Scottish Highlands. Based in the lovely village of Ullapool nestled in the north-west Highlands, Mckenzie Mountaineering are they offer great value day walks, 3-day adventures and week-long tours in the mountains and valleys surrounding the village as well as further afield. Many walks are just a stone’s throw from the main NC500 route and can offer a chance to escape from the confines of a car for a few hours or a few days.
New for this year and going forward they are offering some fantastic 1-day walking adventures. Ideal for those wanting to get out into the hills around Ullapool and further afield with a qualified mountain leader providing a safe and fun day out.
They aim to promote the beauty of the great outdoors and mountain environment whilst giving you an inspiring experience, perfect for those intrepid explorers.
You can find out more about there guided walks here.
Experience Wildlife on the North Coast 500
The North Highlands is abound with wildlife. From Dolphins, Whales, Puffins and of course the famous Highland Coo’s. Find out how you can get a little closer to Scotland’s native animals on your North Coast 500 trip.
Meet the Coo’s with Farm Buggy Tours
A famous Highland Coo at Farm Buggy Tours
For a truly unique rural experience, why not get off the beaten track (literally!) at Kirkton Farm with Farm Buggy Tours. Join them for a one and a half to two hour tour where you will stop off at various points around the farm to meet their friendly Highland Cows, sheep and pygmy goats. Find out all there is to know about farming life on the North Coast, and explore the natural environment. You could even end the day with a stay in their fully equipped caravan – all within wandering distance of beautiful, unspoilt sandy beaches.
Their off road, all terrain, 4 wheel drive buggy with open sides will transport you around the farm and countryside. The buggy accommodates 3 adults or two adults and 2 children all with fitted seat belts. Warm clothing is advised but there are also ponchos available.
The tour itself takes around two hours. Stopping off at various points around the farm, you will get the chance to get up close and personal with some of their animals, including the famous Highland Coos. Throughout the tour, you will also find out all about farming life, what is involved in how your food is produced, the history of the farm and surrounding area and the environment.
During the tour, you may also come across the resident wild deer!
Find out more about Farm Buggy Tours and how to book your trip here.
Take a boat trip with West Highland Marine
A curious seal on a trip with West Highland Marine
Get a true taste of the West coast with a boat trip with West highland Marine. Departing from the world famous Inverewe Garden in Wester Ross, they take passengers out on either a one or two hour cruise around the Inverewe Estate Peninsula and beyond (twice daily).
Whilst on a trip you could be lucky enough to spot Herron, harbour seals, grey seals, otters, white tailed Sea Eagles, golden eagles, and so much more!
Having fished these waters all his life, skipper Jamie Elder likes to lift fishing creels/pots to show visitors a variety of shellfish like the Velvet Crab, the Green Crab and also the Edible Crab. You will also catch Lobster, Octopus and many fish, sometimes even Jellyfish!
All animals that are caught are safely returned to the seabed.
Book online for either a one hour trip or a two hour trip.
Experience the East Caithness Coastline with Caithness Seacoast
The Geo Explorer from Caithness Seacoast
See the other side of Caithness with an exhilarating trip on a powerboat. Enjoy breath taking sea tours around the fascinating East Caithness coastline.
Caithness Seacoast, operated by local couple William and Adelaine Munro, leaves from Wick Harbour. The Geo Explorer is their exciting purpose built twin engine boat. Strap in and enjoy seeing castles, sea caves and stacks, harbours and various lighthouses from a different perspective. There is also a variety of wildlife which can be seen, including tern and puffin colonies and occasionally dolphins and whales if your lucky!
visit their website to find out more about the tours available.
Fishing on the North Coast 500
Experience some of the best fishing on the North Coast 500, from pristine highland rivers, alive with the rushing of salmon, to vast blue depths that hold schools of platinum mackerel. Whether you’re planning a fishing adventure or just considering giving it a go, the NC500 provides the perfect fishing spots.
Explore the heart of the Scottish Highlands with James Curley Fly Fishing
Brown Trout caught by James Curley Fly Fishing
With an experienced fly fishing guide such as James Curley Fly Fishing, enjoying great fishing in the Sutherland area couldn’t be easier. With the renowned lochs of Cam, Veyatie and Urigill on his doorstep and exclusive fishing rights on the Ledmore river, James offers a fantastic range of sport for all abilities and ages.
Your experience can be as adventurous or relaxing as you’d like to make it. However, for a little effort there can be rewards. The deeper you venture the more wildlife you’re likely to encounter, and some of the more remote lochs and burns hold better specimens simply because they are fished so infrequently.
James provides guided days and tuition for individuals or parties, families or the seasoned enthusiast.
More information and details on how to book can be found at www.jamescurley.org
Explore the North Coast 500’s east coast
Go on an adventure with Sutherland Adventure Company to experience the local lochs, hills, coastline and culture of the east coast. They offer paddleboard hire & lessons, bike hire, guided walks, body board hire and more. Rhionna and Scott are passionate about the outdoors, adventure and their local area and know all the best spots to get outdoors in Sutherland.
Paddleboarding on Loch Brora with Sutherland Adventure Company
Paddleboard Loch Brora
Take to the water on a paddleboard at Loch Brora to explore the beauty of the local area from the water. They provide wet suits to keep you warm during your adventure and are full of local knowledge to help you explore the best of the east coast. If you’re feeling adventurous or fancying a family day out, they have a Mega-SUP that they hire out which can carry 8 people!
Cycle your way round Sutherland
If biking is your thing, get on two wheels with Sutherland Adventure Company for fantastic views and a whole new perspective of the east coast. They offer guided bike tours where you’ll see splendid views, have a chance to take pics and feel the wind in your hair as you cycle the best spots on the east coast.
Experience the Distilleries of the North Coast 500
Yes it’s true, the North Coast 500 has it all, including a fabulous array of distilleries! Discovering your perfect tipple on the North Coast 500 couldn’t be easier.
Discover the Highland home of Johnnie Walker at Clynelish Distillery
Clynelish – The Highland Home of Johnnie Walker
Clynelish proudly serves as one of the Four Corners distilleries of Johnnie Walker. The rich Highland Malt that is enjoyed around the world on its own and as a vital component of Johnnie Walker whiskies is distilled here on site. Discover the mysterious and hidden spirit of their coastal Sutherland home, where they create the rich, waxy whisky, carrying notes of tropical fruit and honey.
Clynelish Distillery is located on the A9 at the popular coastal holiday town of Brora, Sutherland, around one hour north of Inverness. With beautiful views of the North Sea and the hills to the north, where the Clynemilton Burn runs over seams of gold in the rock. With this water, Clynelish Distillery produces a fruity, waxy, slightly smoky single malt. If you believe you can only really get to know a place through its cuisine, then you’ll delight in their local tasting platters and dram flights, all while soaking in the views from their fantastic bar.
Discover the right tour for you and book your experience today – www.malts.com/clynelish
Indulge in some Gin at Dunnet Bay Distillers
Britain’s most northerly distillery, Rock Rose, is the new gin taking the market by storm. The distillery is most famous for producing the multi award winning Rock Rose Gin, which was launched to critical acclaim in 2015. The gin is hand distilled and features a carefully selected collection of local and traditional botanicals including juniper berries, rowan berries and sea buckthorn, which are used to create a truly exceptional gin with a unique flavour profile.
The distillery also produces Holy Grass Vodka, which as with Rock Rose Gin, features many local botanicals, including the unusual Holy Grass, which brings a distinct herbaceous flavour to the vodka.
Enjoy their new distillery visitor experience, where their Rock Rose Gin Captains will warmly welcome you into the tasting room. You will be seated in your very own Boat Shed, which holds two people, where you will enjoy three samples of their beautifully made spirits plus tonic and water. Your Gin Captain will talk you through each spirit whilst they regale you with lots of maritime themed stories and tales. The experience lasts around 30 minutes and you will be able to enjoy some time in the distillery shop afterwards.
Click here to book the new experience online.
Discover Artisan Spirits at Badachro Distillery
Scotland’s West coast captured in a bottle! That’s what you can expect from the artisan spirits distilled at Badachro Distillery. They use subtle flavours and carefully selected traditional botanicals, herbs & spices to create a delicious and authentic taste of the Highlands inspired by nature.
Their small independent distillery looks over the beautiful hamlet of Badachro in the north-west of the Scottish Highlands, with views to the west over to Skye. This is where they produce their exquisite and rare whiskies, gins and vodka, so no matter what your taste, you are sure to find a dram to suit.
This small but beautifully formed distillery is located in the village of Badachro and is easily found by following the signs through the village. Although they don’t currently offer formal tours or tasting events, don’t let that stop you from visiting, you’re very welcome to drop into the distillery to say hello, have a quick look around, chat and taste whilst buying some of their gins, whisky or vodka from the source.
You can find out more about this family run distillery here.
Experience the North Coast 500 with expert guides from North Coast Explorer
If you would rather leave the planning up to someone else, then contact North Coast Explorer. Travel in luxury and style, as you discover all that this beautiful area has to offer, via a private, chauffeur-driven tour for up to 4 people, tailored specifically to meet your interests and needs.
North Coast Explorer is a family-run tour company, specialising in the far north of Scotland. Their tours are designed to ensure you travel in comfort while giving you the opportunity to visit sites inaccessible to other tour companies in their premium 4 x 4.
Robert, your accredited tour guide, has a passion for the North Highlands which is brought to life when he is sharing his knowledge with others and he’ll provide you with an enjoyable and informative insight into the area.
Tours vary from one day to 7 day trips and can be tailored to your specific needs.
Find out more about the tours available at www.northcoast.scot
