Scotland’s North Coast 500 Road Trip: A Breathtaking Journey
Embark on an unforgettable adventure along Scotland’s North Coast 500, a scenic road trip that winds through the country’s rugged landscapes, picturesque coastal villages and historic sites. In this comprehensive travel guide, we explore the highlights featured in the video, providing valuable insights, tips and recommendations to help you plan your own North Coast 500 road trip.
The Honest Truth About Driving the NC500
The North Coast 500 is marketed as Scotland’s answer to Route 66. It’s spectacular — but the marketing glosses over the reality of driving 516 miles on some of Britain’s most challenging roads. Here’s what you need to know before committing.
- Five days is the minimum — seven is sensible. Everyone tries to do it in three days and spends the entire trip driving. At five days you can stop properly at Durness, Lochinver, Ullapool, and Applecross. At seven days you can explore side roads, eat at local restaurants, and actually enjoy where you are.
- The Bealach na Bà to Applecross is terrifying in a large vehicle. This mountain pass has hairpin bends, steep gradients, and single-track sections with sheer drops. It’s exhilarating in a small car and genuinely dangerous in a motorhome. If you’re in anything larger than a standard car, take the coastal road via Shieldaig instead.
- Don’t follow the route clockwise just because the brochure says to. Anti-clockwise puts the sea on your left (driver’s side on UK roads), giving better views. It also means you hit the most dramatic west coast section first, while you’re still fresh and excited rather than road-weary.
- Book Kylesku Hotel and the Lochinver Larder in advance. These two stops are NC500 legends for good reason. Kylesku’s seafood comes straight from the loch outside, and Lochinver’s pies are the best in Scotland. Both get fully booked by midday in summer.
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From the vibrant city of Edinburgh to the remote beauty of Sandwood Bay and the charming village of Applecross, this journey promises breathtaking views and incredible experiences.
Trip Overview:
The video offers an enticing glimpse into the North Coast 500 road trip, taking you through the journey’s various segments. With its timestamped breakdown, you can easily navigate to the specific sections that interest you the most.
General Tips:
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Before setting off on your adventure, it’s essential to be well-prepared. The video shares valuable general tips, such as ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy, packing appropriate clothing for the ever-changing Scottish weather and making accommodation reservations in advance.
Gear:
To fully enjoy the North Coast 500, having the right gear is crucial. The video suggests essentials like sturdy walking shoes, rain gear, camping equipment if you plan to camp and a good camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes along the way.
Edinburgh:
Begin your journey in Scotland’s vibrant capital, Edinburgh. Explore the historic streets of the Old Town, marvel at the iconic Edinburgh Castle and soak in the city’s rich history and culture before hitting the open road.
Cairngorms National Park:
Venture into the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, where majestic mountains, serene lochs and abundant wildlife await. Immerse yourself in nature, hike picturesque trails and enjoy the tranquility of this stunning wilderness.
Inverness:
Make a stop in the historic city of Inverness, known as the “Gateway to the Highlands.” Discover its rich heritage, visit the impressive Inverness Castle and enjoy the charm of this bustling city situated on the banks of the River Ness.
East Coast, North West and West Coast:
As you traverse the North Coast 500, you’ll encounter the diverse beauty of Scotland’s east, north-west and west coasts. Marvel at breathtaking cliffs, white sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages along the way. Each segment offers unique landscapes and experiences that will leave you awe-inspired.
Sandwood Bay:
Explore the remote and wild beauty of Sandwood Bay, a pristine beach hidden away on the northwestern coast of Scotland. Take a leisurely hike through the dramatic landscape and be rewarded with the sight of this untouched natural gem.
Applecross:
Experience the charm of Applecross, a small village nestled amidst the mountains of Wester Ross. Enjoy scenic drives, indulge in fresh seafood and soak in the tranquility of this hidden treasure.
Home Time and Future Changes:
As your North Coast 500 road trip comes to an end, the video touches on departing Scotland and hints at future changes that may impact the route and visitor experience. Staying informed about any updates is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
The North Coast 500 is a journey of a lifetime, offering breathtaking landscapes, captivating history and warm Scottish hospitality. By following the insights and recommendations shared in this video guide, you can plan a memorable road trip that encompasses the best of Scotland’s North Coast. Get ready to embark on an adventure filled with natural beauty, cultural treasures and unforgettable experiences.
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Is Inverness Worth Visiting?
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Inverness is the perfect base from which to explore the Northern Highlands of Scotland. It is close to popular tourist destinations such as Loch Ness, the Speyside whisky region or the North Coast 500 road trip. Inverness itself is an amazing city to visit, so yes, Inverness is definitely worth visiting.
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A Traveller’s Perspective
The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to Route 66, and it deserves the hype — mostly. The route loops around the top of the Scottish Highlands from Inverness, following 516 miles of coastal road through some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe. But it is not a quick drive. Single-track roads, campervans, and sheep on the road mean that average speeds are low. Do not underestimate the time it takes.
Allow at least five days for the full loop, ideally a week. Drive anticlockwise — the west coast section from Durness down to Applecross is the most spectacular, and doing it this way means the sea is on your side of the road. Book accommodation well in advance for summer, especially around Torridon, Ullapool, and Durness. Fill up with fuel whenever you see a station — they are sparse in the north and west. The Bealach na Ba pass to Applecross is not for nervous drivers, but the view from the top is worth every hairpin bend.
Driving the west coast section of the NC500 on a September afternoon, with the sun dropping towards the Atlantic and the road clinging to the cliff edge, is one of the finest driving experiences I have ever had. The light turns the sea lochs gold. Empty white sand beaches appear around every headland. The air through the open window smells of heather and the sea. At Applecross, the road drops down to a tiny bay where you can sit outside the inn with a plate of langoustines and watch the sunset over Skye.
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