Wildlife and Farmlife
Photo: EcoVentures
The North Coast 500 is the perfect family destination – with miles of unspoiled beaches, a wide variety of activities and countless new experiences to be had, the North Highlands is the ideal place to create family memories that will be cherished for years to come. We’ll introduce you to a few of our favourite family-friendly activities to enjoy along the North Coast 500.
The North Highlands abound with wildlife. In this section, we provide more information about how you can get a little closer to Scotland’s native animals on your North Coast 500 trip – from Highland cows to dolphins and orcas, you’ll be amazed at the variety of species found in the north of Scotland.
Wildlife Wonders
See how many species of marine life and wildlife you can spot on the NC500 with a wildlife tour. Read up about some of our recommended boat trips here.
Photos: EcoVentures, Caithness Seacoast, John O’Groats Ferry West Highland Marine.
A fairytale castle
Feel like a princess or prince for the day with a visit to the fairy tale castle that is Dunrobin Castle. From April to September, catch one of their daily birds of prey falconry demonstrations on the castle’s front lawn. Golden eagles and peregrine falcons are both found in the wild in the Scottish Highlands, and both birds take key roles in these dazzling demonstrations.
Image: Dunrobin Castle, Golspie
Try your hand at milking a cow!
If you’ve never milked a cow before, the Animal Centre, based in the East Woods of the Castle of Mey (the Queen Mother’s former home), offers the perfect introduction in the form of Daisy, the wooden cow – used by both adults and children alike. Younger visitors can help to bottle feed the lambs and learn more about our furry friends via hands-on, supervised sessions with the centre’s rabbits and some of the other smaller animals. All of this makes for an educational, enjoyable visit.
Photo: Goats, Castle Of Mey, Mey
Our hairy Heilan coos!
Join the first farm tour of its kind in the north of Scotland with Farm Buggy Tours at Kirkton Farm in Melvich, Caithness! Enjoy some fun off road in a four-wheel-drive buggy – see sheep and Highland cows up close, and maybe some deer and other wildlife!
Photo: Farm Buggy Tours– meet Highland Coos as part of your wildlife tour!
Catching tadpoles
With extensive grounds waiting to be explored, Attadale Gardens is the perfect place from which to enjoy glorious views across to the Isle of Skye. Within this wide network of water gardens, taking in bridges and waterfalls, as well as woodland trails walled by rhododendrons and exotic plants, don’t miss the hidden sculptures which are dotted throughout the grounds. For a fun day out with children, why not try catching tadpoles or spotting frogs in the pond? Buy your tickets to Attadale Gardens here.
Image: Attadale Gardens, Strathcarron
Live among the deer
Live among the deer at Ben Damph Estate – from a log cabin and hot tub to a lovingly restored Highland bothy – stay a night or a week and explore from a base!
Image: Ben Damph Estate, near Torridon
Wild and wonderful family fun with RSPB North Scotland
As you travel the iconic and spectacular NC500 route, take some time to venture slightly off route and explore some of Scotland’s wilder areas. RSPB has several reserves along the route of the NC500 that are teaming with wildlife and fun for all the family.
Bird Watching, image by Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)
