If you are a regular follower of our travels, you may have noticed our NC 500 blog, however if you haven’t, welcome and enjoy the ride. The real arduous part of this trip is the planning and that is where you want to visit and what you want to see, we had lots and lots of places plotted on our and off our route, as we went round we took some off and found some others. So what you will find this an easy read and it mapss all the places we stopped and a photo. What do we get to relive it all again, woohoo. We will put together separately another guide of our day by day journey so you can see how it breaks down, if you have read any other guides they would have definitely referenced the time it takes to get between places and the roads on which you will travel. We start in the Capital of the Highlands, Inverness.
As we start this we stayed in Inverness for an extra day to start to visit some of the places of interest local to Inverness before we went North.
Chanonry Point
This land is between Rosemarkie and Fortrose and you get views across the Moray Firth. There is a car park at the end of the road which splits a golf course. Remember to buy a ticket for the car park before you get swept up in the beauty of this place. This is where you can dolphin watch, people just start appearing with their binoculars and long lens cameras and wait. There is also a lighthouse and nice walks to have. We didn’t get to see the dolphins but your best chance of seeing them is when the tide is coming in as they spend more time feeding close to the shore. We loved it, even without seeing Flipper!
Fairy Glen Falls
So, with less than a 10 minute drive from Chanonry Point, we found our next place, with a car park right by the footpath to take us to the falls. As you would expect with a name like it has, you have a trail through lush green terrain, maybe an enchanted forest for the imaginative. There are bridges, steps and a stream to follow.We were there when the bluebells were out, covering the woodland like a carpet of blue. It’s takes about an hour and covers around 3km. We didn’t see any fairies but you can understand why it has this name.
Loch Ness
Some interesting facts about Loch Ness
It’s 23 miles, it’s a freshwater Loch and stays at 6 degrees all year round, and doesn’t freeze over. Loch Ness is the 2nd largest loch in the UK, 1st is Loch Locmond for surface area.
The home of the famous Nessie ( didn’t see her either). We ventured out on the Loch with a Boat trip with Jacobite Cruise costing £18 each. We took the Clansman Cruise taking in the Loch and passing by Urquhart Castle from the water. It took around an hour. If your going to Loch Ness we would definitely take time to have a cruise round and get some photos from different areas. There is an exhibition about the Loch and shops with Scottish souvenirs. Remember a jacket you are going onto open waters and it can get cold.
Urquhart Castle
So, as above we had seen the castle from the Loch, and so we drove round to the landside, there is a big car park and attendants. This trip was down as lockdown was lifting so booking in advance is a must. We pulled up thinking we could just buy a ticket but couldn’t as you need to book online. Adult tickets at the time of writing are £9.60. You can wander the ruins, with great views across the Loch. All was not lost, The attendant said we could park and get a photo of the castle from the roadside which is higher than the castle so we took up this opportunity. The castle has a rich history as a Scottish stronghold on the edge of Loch Ness.
Ness Walk
We thought we would drive into Inverness and have a look around, however we ended up walking round and unwinding by following Ness walk. The 3.1km walk takes you through woodland , crossing bridges, seeing different art installations on the way. Some of the views walking by the river. You can find the route on the All trails app. Ness Walk on AllTrails
Rogie Falls
There are two routes to get to the falls, the salmon trail and the Riverside trail. We took the Salmon Trail and it took about 30 minutes to walk the ½ mile up and down the winding trails and through the woods , there are viewpoints on either side and a suspension bridge to get you over. What we appreciated about this site was there was a car park right next to the trail, toilets, benches and you can park motorhomes overnight ( not sure if this was free) . There was some information boards about the area and it was free – what more could you want.
Dornoch
Durnoch in the county of Sutherland is better known for golf and the birthplace of Donald Ross, who was a golf course designer, this what not the reason we were here.
We went here specifically to go to the beach, for some chill time and a break from the driving. The beach is on the north shore of the Durnoch firth and what a beach golden sands extend as far as the eye can see, what a place to chill and take in the fresh salty air. There are walking trails around Durnoch and if you are travelling with dogs, great beach for it. While we were in Durnoch, we went to Cocoa Mountain self proclaimed serves best hot chocolate in Scotland – and they were not wrong. What a treat after the beach, we had read some of the reviews of trip advisor, yes there were no tables due to covid, they were in takeaway cups, yes we did buy the hot choc with chocolate deal and we thoroughly enjoyed the amazingly smooth chocolate treat. So Dornoch for us was well worth a visit.
BIG BURN WALK
Our next stop was a 20 minute drive from the Dornuch. There is a car park straight off the A9, and you just follow the trail round, we came back on our sleeves once we had seen the big of the waterfalls. There are dog walkers and jogger who also use this trail, so they are plenty of people around. But for us it was an explore from the bridges to cross, bluebells were out in force decorating the way with a blue haze, above
the green green canopy guiding us forward. On this walk there were a couple of different water features one was a full on waterfall and the other was delicate running down the side of a cliff. Both beautiful. As mentioned it is a trail and there are bridges and puddles here and then so wellies may be in order.
DUNROBIN CASTLE
So from the big burn walk we went to Dunrobin Castle which was actually a 3, maybe 5 minute drive. Being 50 miles north of Inverness it makes this castle the most northern and largest in the Highlands, with 189 rooms. Entrance to the castle, gardens etc is £12.50 adults, and open10-5 during the summer months. Check out the website for full details. We didn’t actually go into the castle, we parked walk down to the castle, and walked down a lane which said no unauthorised vehicles, (which was a bit of a hill, which you didn’t notice until you come back up) at the bottom you come out onto a promenade and a stony beach, turn and face the castle and you have an outstanding view, a bit further along is a iron gate with if open would enter onto the castle gardens. With a bit of nifty weaving you can easily get a photo. Also standing on the retaining wall of the beach gives a different view as well.
CARN LIETH
On the Opposite side of the road to Carn LIETH is a layby (and a crossing point) which we actually missed and had to turn round and come back on ourselves to park up, great little snack bar selling burgers and drinks here and the owner gave us great stories and insight to the local area. So it was a 4 minute drive from Dunrobin Castle to the Carn Lieth. Its a third of its original height and its is a broch a type of Iron Age settlement it is a ruin, its great to wander round and get a feel for how those who come before us lived and if you go up the stairs you have a panaromic view around. There are quite low ceiling part so watch your head. We had never been in one before, so it was quite interesting.
Whaligoe steps
We had this on our plan to go, However when we got there , the steps were shut . So we wandered round, read the signs etc and left . But we just wanted to say it was there. This in mind the car park held about 20 cars. I would definitely check Google to see if they are open. A little overview of what is here – there are 360 steps which date back to the middle of the 18th century. They look quite steep and you need to be very careful when negotiating as the cliff edge is quite close.
Castle of Old Wick
This ruin dates back to the late 14th century. It has great views all around the area . There is a carpark about 15 mins, maybe ½ mile walk from the castle.
Castle sinclair
From cairn leith to Castle sinclair was about an hour and 20 minute drive, with lots of gorse (the yellow plant/Bush) covering the hills you had plenty of scenery to keep the passenger busy. Just outside the town of Wick. Fro. The car park to the castle is about ¼ of a mile walk. Its the ruins of two castles first in the 15th century and the second in the 17th. The castle sits on the edge of a cliff and makes it all the more dramatic when you see it. My favourite part of this whole experience was the little cove over looked by the castle which you can easily reach by descending before the bridge. We sat at the bottom just imaging the comings and going of ships sat on the horizon with little boats bringing stuff ashore. The colour of the sea against the rocks is quite mesmerising.
Duncansby Head
So 22 miles drive on from Castle Sinclair we got to Duncansby Head. Do not miss this out!! There is a lighthouse at Duncansby Head and some great scenery and views, however if you walk about 40 minutes southeast or in walking terms face the light house and go right, up and down the hills you will get to see the Duncansby Stacks. You can say ‘hello’ to the odd sheep here and there on the way, but don’t miss out the rugged coastline and the stacks.
John O’Groats sign post
We got to the signpost – however after so much stopping we had reached here after all the shops had shut. We got time to take photos at the sign without much interruption. The sign we was put in 1964 to mark the journeys end the very tip top point of the UK, the landowner used to charge to take photos with. However luckily this is not the case anymore. John O’Groats is where you can catch a ferry to the Orkney Islands. In this area is a hotel, various souvenir shop, eateries and toilets along with parking.
So we have now travelled to both ends of the country Lands End to John O’ Groats
Dunnet Beach
What a place to end the day on- just a 20 minutes drive from John O’Groats and well worth it, a beautiful curved bay with the rolling vibrant green grass of the sand dunes, encasing the white of the sand and the blue of the sea. Over 2miles in length and with the sun twinkling down on the sea like diamonds. It was really somethingto see. To just breathe and take in, was quite romantic with the expanse of the beach, there were horse riders, dog walkers and people braving the cold but inviting looking sea, but no one close to you.
Puffin Cove
So there is a little layby which again we missed between two signposts on different sides of the road one way welcome to sutherland and the other welcome to sutherland and the parking spot can hold about 3-4 cars depending on how they have parked. It’s about 1 mile walk there over boggy marshland, so where wellies or other suitable footwear. Trainers are really no good as your feet will get wet. There are little footpaths where this is used so often over to the cove, and then you descend. There is a flat kind of shelf part way down and then you descend further into the cove. Lots of nesting spots in the cliffs for all types of birds.
Kyle of Tongue view point
This was a great place to stop and take some photos, stretch your legs. We have included the sign from the stop in the parking place. Also a photo from each directions of the bridge.
Ard Neackie View Point
A838, Lairg IV27 4UJ
Smoo Cave
So if you park in the car park thats next to Smoo Cave it’s about a 10 minute walk descent. If you have no luck there, there is another car park up the hill on the left (which is where we parked) when we went it was £2 an hour. After all the other places we visited this was far the busiest.
Smoo cave is a natural sea cave, and it has a waterfall chamber inside the cave. You can see these for free, however if you want to go further in and learn more there is a tour £10 adults and last about 20 minutes. As mentioned above it was very busy when we went so we didn’t wait, however experiencing the cave ( no waterfall as we had very warm weather and no rain) and the surrounding area and coast we still enjoyed this stop.
Sango Bay
When we pulled into the car park here and looked into the bay, can’t believe these secret beaches that you don’t hear much about. This area has lots to offer , camping site, information centre, surfing , sand dunes , amazing views.
Kylesku Bridge view point
This bridge was opened by the Queen in August 1984 , costing £4 million, The bridge is 275 metres (902 feet) long with a 79 metre long main span. The bridge deck is at a height of 24 metres (79 ft) above the water of Loch a Chairn Bhain
Kylesku Bridge, Lairg IV27 4HW
Clashnassie falls
Once parked, next to the bay we walked up towards the route to the falls, this could be better signposted.
You need good walking shoes , the terrain is uneven. There are stepping stones to cross, so the potential to get wet feet is high.
We think it took around 30 – 45 minutes to get to the falls and quite striking standing about 15 m above you , you can stand in the base of the waterfall. It was quite refreshing and energising taking in the falls , the sound of the crashing to the bottom.
These waterfalls are remote, the roads are not in a good state of repair in most parts , some parts are single track with passing places, and it did begin to feel like you were on a rollercoaster with the rise and fall of the winding road.
Lochinver,
Lairg,
Sutherland,
IV27 4JF
Achmelvich Beach
When we got our of the car, we both said this is like being abroad, if you didn’t know where you were. Absolutely stunning white sand, sand dunes and the colour of the sea. Camping site up above by the car park.
Again, lots of single track roads and winding along, with passing places to get here.
Ardvreck castle
The castle dates back to around the late 1400’s when the lands were owned by the Macleods of Assynt.
Travelling along A837 we just happened to come across this and pulled in, meaning it wasn’t on our planned route, you will find you do this quite alot, just stop and view, hey that’s what road trips are all about, right?
View facing the other way
Where we pulled in there was a little waterfall before we crossed the road
And further along was another ruin called Calder House as below.
Good stop, to have a walk around
Lairg IV27 4HN
Victoria falls
These falls were easily accessible, a carpark on site, and a short walk to a viewing platform. You can then go up and see the top of the falls. The photos don’t really do credit to the falls. The water is coming down from Beinn Eighe and the falls over look Loch Maree.
Glen Docherty View Point
Great spot to pull in and take the most wonderful photo
IV22 2HJ Achnasheen
Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve
We stopped and followed one of the routes around the park, there is a visitor centre and toilets ( the cleanest toilets as well) . We took the woodland trail, up and round the reserve which took about an hour, maybe 45 minutes. Good to get some fresh air. We took in Vries of the local hero mountain Beinn Eighe, with beaches to sit and take in the views.
Hairy Coo Stop
Honestly thought I wasn’t going to see one however on our way to Sheidaig, my wish came true, in a field ,just in case you don’t see any here are the goggle coordinates 57.534194,-5.511383 further along on our way we did see some deer and stags however we didn’t get any chance to take any photos
Shieldaig
Shieldaig is a village in Wester Ross in the Northwest Highlands.
We spent a good hour or so wandering the banks of Loch Sheidaig, places to eat and drink, and do water sports. Benches to sit on to watch the world go by whatever your pleasure is. The light around the Loch was pretty cool.
Train track
So driving along the A890 you are right next to a railway line, unfortunately we didn’t have a train to partner with, maybe next time.
Eileen Donan Castle
A 13th century castle where three lochs meet. Big car park with tourist information, toilets, shop and places to get food. We spent about an hour here without actually going into the castle. £10 per adult to go into the castle, which I’m sure must be worth it, as there were lots of people around and the car park was quite busy. We walked around the area looking from different sides, most enjoyable time spent.
Hope you have enjoyed reading through our guide on where to go on the NC500, you may have noticed that we didn’t go to Applecross, at this time they were deciding whether they wanted to stay on the route so we we bypassed, but as you can see we had an amazing time and we hope you take the plunge and follow in our footsteps.
