Where to start with the amazing adventure of the NC500? Be prepared to be amazed by stunning coastlines, scenery which can rival many exotic countries all across the world and fantastic wildlife and adventure.
Lets first start with how to get there, your method of travel and your route.
The NC500 is named so as it is 500 miles around the most Northerly part of mainland Scotland. It can be explored anti-clockwise or clockwise and I have met people doing it both but it seems to be most people travel anti-clockwise which is more than likely because there are a lot more places to stop and explore whilst the west coast is abundant in beauty and scenery there aren’t as many “things” to do.
Your travel options are motorbike (which is becoming increasingly popular!), public transport with trains and buses, fly to Inverness and hire a car, drive all the way by car or of course a motor home.
Motorhomes are becoming extremely popular on the NC500 of late, you of course are saving on accommodation costs although your fuel will be much more costly and the beauty of Scotland is that wild camping is permitted. However, do be aware that parking up overnight in passing bays is strictly forbidden, unfortunately it is seen a lot lately and it can frustrate locals but for good reason. Many of the roads are narrow and winding and you will often need to pull in to a passing bay to let other traffic past which is made impossible if someone is parked up sleeping! There are also a number of campsites along the route too if you do prefer to park up somewhere with amenities. Do consider how comfortable you are as a driver though to navigate many of the smaller roads.
In terms of length of stay, I really wouldn’t recommend any less than 2 weeks. It is a lot of driving and there some areas you’re going to want to stay more than one night (we’ll get more in to that later!) But for now, you have your route organised and your mode of transport so let’s get your packing essentials prepared too!
-Midge repellent (June-Sept)
-Midge net (June-Sept) Midge Head Net – I’m afraid function over fashion is most important with this one! The midges are infuriating, persistent little things – they’re particularly worse around the west coast.
-Comfortable shoes/Hiking Boots
-Waterproof Jacket Layers such as thermals
-Smaller bag for your daily clothes (when you’re on the go I find it easier to pack my daily wear in to a smaller bag so I don’t have to rifle through the big one!
-Toiletries bag
-Head Torch (especially winter months)
-All accommodation details saved (signal can be terrible)
-Camera! (with plenty of batteries/charging cable!)
– Your travel journal https://a.co/d/fIXjf1A
Ally Mack Photography
Let’s hit the road!!!! You are ready with your chose route and method of transport, you’re packed and now lets get right in to all of them places you can stop and see!
The list of “must dos!”
Just off the route of the NC500 around the capital of the Highlands: Around -Inverness is Loch Ness River & Landmark adventure park (perfect for with the kids!)
-Golspie Beach
-The Big Burn Walk (Golspie, pictured below)
-Whaligoe Steps
-Latheronwheel Fairy Walk
-Cairn-O-get
-The Trinkie
-Sinclair Girnigoe
-Noss head Lighthouse
-Duncansby Stacks (pictured at the beginning)
-Castle of Mey Gardens (pictured below)
-John O-groats
-Dunnet Head
-Bettyhill beach
-Kyle of Tongue (pictured below)
-Castle Varrich (Tongue)
-Forsinard Flows (slight detour off the NC500)
-Ben Hope – for the keen hikers (slight detour off of the NC500)
-Durness – Golden Eagle Zipline (seasonal) – We loved our trip to the Golden Eagle Zipline -see it in action here: https://youtube.com/shorts/9RXBsPgZWeo?si=M-2r5BgBsCOPS6X2 You can find them on facebook!
The Northern part of the NC500 is also very well known for its honesty boxes. You will find home bakers have created little boxes at the side/front of their house with tasty treats for you to pick up along the way. These are very popular amongst the locals as well as the tourists. Amazingly one of these local bakers has actually put together a map of where to find them!
Here is the link to find these mouth-watering treats as you tour the Highlands.https://no-nonsense-nutrition-coach.co.uk/honesty-box-in-thurso
I also need to make a special shout out to Annie’s Bakery and the River Bothy – whilst they are not honesty boxes these are bakeries you cannot miss out on. The River Bothy is along the A9 in Berriedale and will not disappoint! We especially enjoy their afternoon teas. Annie’s Bakery is ideal for your trip to John O’groats – you will come off as it is in Canisbay but I promise it is SO worth it – the portion sizes are humongous! (peek the little christmas pudding cakes I have stashed up for Christmas 2024)
If you have any questions or want to know anything else about the NC500 then do not hesitate to send an email and we will get back to you! Also, don’t forget if you haven’t followed us on Instagram and Youtube then do so as you’ll continually see videos and pictures from the glorious Highlands!
We hope you take the trip to the Highlands soon!