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Whisky Heritage Discovery Tour

Ideal for all travellers, the North Coast 500 boasts breath taking scenery, from  awe-inspiring mountain ranges, Meditterean-style beaches, haunting castle ruins to charming lochs and rivers, the North Coast 500 has it all…including a fabulous array of whisky distilleries!

Whisky from the Gaelic (uisge-beatha) “water of life” has been produced in Scotland for hundreds of years. Scotland is split into five whisky producing areas: Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Islay and Campbelltown. The north Highlands boast an array of distilleries, each with their own distinct character and flavour. No two distilleries are the same – tour the NC500 whisky trail and discover how the distinct setting and story has shaped the unique tastes created.

Most distilleries have a range of tours to choose from

Discover the right tour for you! From the whisky amateur to the whisky connoisseur…! Many tours offer you the chance to indulge in tastings – specific to your tour! There are also opportunities for group tours and that special VIP experience.

Refer to distillery websites for opening times prior to visiting.

Whisky Heritage Discovery Tour - Day 1

Are you ready for the ultimate whisky pilgrimage?!

AM Inverness to Strathpeffer

How would you like to travel the NC500? Clockwise or anti clockwise? There is no right answer! You can go one of two ways. However, if whisky wets your whistles then taste your way up the east coast first where you will find the majority of the distilleries…alternatively, you may wish to save the best for last!

Welcome to the city of the Highlands – the start and end of your North Coast 500 journey! Spend your morning exploring the bustling wee city of Inverness. Despite being one of the smaller cities in Scotland with a rising population of approx. 55,000 inhabitants, the city boasts an array of exciting things to see and do -ease yourself in with a relaxing stroll around the city and islands.

Take a stroll along the River Ness, passing Inverness Cathedral, Inverness Castle and folk fishing for salmon and trout. After about a mile and a half you’ll reach the idyllic Ness Islands – a group of natural islands connected by suspension bridges and a real hidden gem.

Inverness is a hub for independent retailers and is the perfect place to treat yourself or to take something home for loved ones. There are tonnes of independent shops, galleries and market stalls to keep you occupied. Visit the Victorian Market and browse traditional tartan crafters, artisan chocolatiers, art spaces and more.

Lunch
Inverness is fast becoming a foodie haven – with a sharp focus on Scottish, locally sourced produce,  Torrish restaurant within Ness Walk is a refreshing addition to the city’s restaurant scene – The menu draws on influences and flavours from throughout the world and is filled with curiosity, discovery and adventure!

PM Time to hit the road!

Begin your journey west before heading up the east coast. Travel through the delightful villages of Dingwall, Muir of Ord before reaching the market town of Beauly.

Once you arrive in Beauly, why not learn more about Scotland’s history? Downright Gabbler offer an award winning experience which combines locally sourced fine food and drink with fascinating and fun tales of Scotland.  The sumptuous 7 course Highland Banquet is a romp through 2000 years of our history – the tragedies and the triumphs, the loves and loyalties.

 

Evening Accommodation & Evening Meal

Spend the remainder of your day and evening in the charming Victorian spa village of Strathpeffer, just a few miles off route – famous for its collection of Victorian style buildings and hotels that were built up around the spa.

Enjoy a stay at the unique 18th Century Coul House Hotel one of the Highland’s best loved country house hotels.  Relax in the lounge, have a drink in the bar, or take a walk in their beautiful gardens where guests of all ages enjoy their fairy trail, the mature woods and the pitch and putt. With comfortable rooms and delicious dining – experience the Coul House effect!

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more.

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Vehicle Hire

Looking to Hire a Vehicle?Whether you need a compact car, an off-roader or something to keep the whole family comfortable, Arnold Clark in Inverness offer an unrivalled range of vehicles to take on every terrain.

Alternatively you could use our Interactive Map to search for classic car, 4×4, motorcycle or motorhome and campervan hire.

Road Safety

When you are on this wonderful touring route, you will be sharing it with the people whose lives and livelihoods depend on the roads in and around the NC500, as well as your fellow travellers from all over the world, so make sure you know how to drive and ride responsibly, safely and respectfully, and remember to leave the countryside as you would all wish to find it – leave no trace of your visit!

  • The legal drink-drive limit in Scotland is lower than anywhere else in the UK: 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. If you are the designated driver and visiting breweries and distilleries across the route, many of them will provide samples for your to enjoy back at your accommodation provider or on your return home.

Please read our Road Safety advice and visit our Top Tips section for other useful advice to help you plan your trip.

Traveling to the Highlands

With Caledonian Sleeper, you get to say goodnight to queuing in traffic, and wake up to something different while you travel to Scotland. Allow yourself to unwind from the stress of everyday life as you snooze your way through the night. After a comfortable night’s sleep wake up in the very heart of the Highlands feeling refreshed and ready to make the very most of your adventure.

Itineraries Info

All our itineraries are based on suggestions alone. If you would like a more comprehensive option please head to our interactive map. Itineraries are based on main seasonality opening times from March to September – remember to pre book meals/activities/tours.

Set up base:

While many NC500 travellers spend one night in a handful of different locations as they travel the route, a large proportion of visitors opt to set up base in a number of locations around the route – spending two or three nights in each place and getting to know the different regions that make up the route.

Guided tours:

Why not explore the North Coast 500 with bespoke guided tours from North Coast Explorer.

Additional Itineraries

View All Itineraries

Sample Food & Drink Savour some of Scotland's best seafood, local produce & distilleries 9 Day Trip View Sample
Full
Itinerary Luxury Luxury must be comfortable otherwise it is not luxury at all 8 Day Trip View Itinerary
Sample Happy Campers Take a trip on the wild side and rest your weary head where you like 8 Day Trip View Sample
Full
Itinerary History, Heritage, Archaeology Let's Time Travel! 9 Day Trip View Itinerary

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