South Africa is blessed with 2500 kms of stunningly beautiful coastline, and this 280 kms of lush green coastline along the east coast overlooks the warm Indian Ocean. North Coast 500 Itinerary. We stayed at youth hostels throughout our road trip and I found them to be a fantastic, budget-friendly option for solo travellers, friend groups and families alike. Before you decide on am NC500 itinerary and how many days you spend on this road trip, go through this list of things to do on the North Coast 500 or inspiration. John O Groats gained fame as the northernmost point of mainland Britain (today we know it’s at Dunnet Head Lighthouse) and is thus the natural endpoint of so-called end-to-end walks and cycles. We only had a week and it felt rushed – there are so many places I missed and I wanna go back to all the places we saw – how is that even possible You’re lucky to live up that way! Cocoa Mountain! If you have a bit more time and would like to stay in the area, get in touch with Gairloch Trekking Centre who offers guided pony trekking in the area. I’ve STILL never done the west coast, so that’s on the list for this year. As you continue north past Ullapool you may begin to get glimpses of this giant iconic mountain. The counties of South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire all have their own delights to offer, including Leeds, York, Scarborough and Beverley. Flanked by cliffs on both sides and Am Bauachaille sea stack in the distance, don’t be surprised to find this unspoilt corner to yourself. Before setting off on your North Coast 500 road trip, make sure you have a valid travel insurance policy. Here are some tips for driving on the North Coast 500: For more tips, read my post about driving in Scotland. Check out VISIT SCOTLAND or UK GOVERNMENT for more guidance and advice on driving in Scotland or POLICE SCOTLAND for driving in winter. In the 18th century, its owners built a new Baronial-style townhouse a stone’s throw away (known as New Keiss Castle) and left the old castle to the elements. On Watch Me See I share my top tips and travel stories from around Scotland. We’ve put together this comprehensive North Coast 500 guide to help you plan the perfect North Coast 500 road trip in Scotland. Because the livestock don’t take too much notice of the green cross code, you’ll see cows, pigs, sheep and even geese on the road ahead. There is no strict North Coast 500 route – where you stop, stay and play is entirely up to you but here is a flavour of the villages and activities we think make up the best North Coast 500 places to visit. We picked up several flyers and recommendations at the VisitScotland iCentre in Ullapool, called around and ended up booking a spontaneous half-day sea kayaking trip with Will from Kayak Summer Isles. End-to-enders are walkers or cyclists make their way across 1,407 km (874 miles) from Land’s End in Cornwall to John O Groats in Scotland. Imagine riding across this beautiful beach! In terms of activities and walks, a lot of the walks we did, such as the Mountain Trail at Beinn Eighe, Handa Island or the coastal walk to the Duncansby Stacks were not paved or wheelchair accessible. Nearby Clava Cairns is a much older historic site. North Coast 500 Highlights (The Best Places to Eat on the NC500 Route) by Ivana December 10, 2018. Durness is the most north-westerly village in the British mainland and a good stop on the NC500 to stock up on the essentials such as fuel. The sand is soft, and the water although cold is a beautiful turquoise color. North Coast 500, Inverness: "What is the best time of year to experience the..." | Check out answers, plus see 705 reviews, articles, and 842 photos of North Coast 500, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 288 attractions in Inverness. The North Coast of Natal is a dramatically beautiful coastline from north of Durban, to St Lucia, towards Mozambique. Ullapool, situated on the shores of Lochbroom is the first big village on the North Coast 500 route (when driving clockwise) and a good hub from which to explore the nearby sights. Sandwood Bay is one of the most magical places in the northwest of Scotland. Across the turquoise water, you will be able to see the distinctive outline of Suilven. We mostly cooked ourselves, but here are some of the restaurants where I really enjoyed the vegan options: YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How to travel Scotland as a Vegan. There are many maps and guidebooks for the North Coast 500. There is a 6 km (4 miles) trail around the island which takes about 3 hours to complete. During peak season, I also recommend booking campsites in advance if you travel by campervan. Our days out consist of visiting two or three of the places you mentioned. Sitting beside the River Ness, and dominated by the towering Inverness Castle, there is plenty to keep you occupied for a day or two. You might also meet some of the resident scientists who spend all summer on the island to research different species of plants and birds. There is plenty of parking and easy access to the shore of Loch Maree with possibly the best view of Slioch mountain peak in the distance. But the best views are from the single-track road that circles the southern end of the Kyle of Tongue. We made an overview of the best accommodations, where to find them and what rules to follow. A handy map you can save to your Google Maps. The shop is on the A836, on the most northerly section of the North Coast 500, the touring route launched in 2015 to promote less-visited parts of the northern Highlands. Leaving the coast and driving inland to loop around to Ullapool felt a bit like a disappointment – where are the views? If you are planning to road trip around this scenic area of the Scottish Highlands, you may be wanting to spend … Starting and ending in Inverness, or specifically Inverness Castle, you will tick off the regions of Wester Ross, Caithness, Easter Ross, Black Isle, Sutherland and Inverness-shire. Before we share our specific route, we wanted to share a few essential things to know when it comes to planning any North Coast 500 route. Achmelvich is very remote, which means there is very little (if any) reception, but to be honest you want to unplug in an area like this. Wondering which places to visit? Stunning coastal scenery, magnificent Munros, historic castles and vast lochs, Scotland’s version of a road trip will leave you in awe…. North Coast 500 | Scotland's answer to Route 66. If you love outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking etc), Torridon would be a great homebase for a few extra days in the area. The far north-west of Scotland is very sparsely populated and the small and winding country roads connect one natural spectacle with the next. Ackergill Tower – If there’s one place you must stay on the North Coast 500 it is this fantastic 16th century castle with a dark and haunted past. This article may contain affiliate links that provide us with a small income. Handa is a small uninhabited island near Scourie that is managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Starting and ending in Inverness, or specifically Inverness Castle, you will tick off the regions of Wester Ross, Caithness, Easter Ross, Black Isle, Sutherland and Inverness-shire. Beaches & Pools – There are dozens of beaches along the North Coast 500 and they are great places to stop and let the kids explore and let out some energy. What is certain is that the views of the Kyle of Tongue are magnificent from here. Pick up an educational leaflet at the car park for more info and find a detailed trail description here. What is the food like along the North Coast 500? I would set aside at least 4 hours to visit the island – the more the better. I highly recommend booking your accommodation in advance, particularly if you travel during the summer (May to September). Legend has it, that this was the site of the last ever witch burning in Scotland. As you can see, we brought down our daily mileage significantly in order to make time for activities. The above from your article is incorrect information. For the serious walker, the 12.5-mile hike to the summit at 731 meters will provide spectacular views. Will took us out to the Isle Martin, the furthest outlier of the Summer Isles and the one with the most impressive sea cliffs (40m tall and another 40 m under the surface). September 11, 2018 By // by Jo 20 Comments This post may contain affiliate links, and links to Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. The cafe offers a variety of refreshments and snacks as well as cakes, teas and coffees in a quirky setting among model gondolas, national park stickers and shelves filled with adventure books. As well as stunning scenery along the North Coast 500 you will find foodie heaven. The kitchen garden of the Highlands! Stunning coastal scenery, magnificent Munros, historic castles and vast lochs, Scotland’s version of a road trip will leave you in awe… Stac Pollaidh and Loch Lurgainn (Kav Dadfar). So I prepared myself for a quick and uneventful drive back to Inverness. If you are on a budget – or simply don’t have the time to tour that many rooms, you can walk down a road on the right side of the castle and take photos of it from the seaside. Destinations in North Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This post contains affiliate links, which I may make a commission from. If you are looking for stunning landscapes, fascinating history, endless horizons, ancient castles, golden beaches and crystal-clear water, all wrapped up in a 500-mile road trip, then the NC500 is for you. A clear track leads from Blairmore car park near Kinlochbervie all the way to Sandwood Bay. When in fact, you just need to make a little extra effort to seek out the beautiful spots along the east coast! Aside from stunning mountain views, it also boasts lovely views across Upper Loch Torridon. A sign at the beginning of the road warns drivers of the notorious single-track road that climbs up to 626 metres (2,054 ft) above sea level and has several hairpin bends. If you can find it amongst the rocks, the Hermit’s Castle is supposedly Europe’s smallest castle. Walk Barefoot on The Beautiful Beaches of the NC500. However, it is important to keep in mind that many roads in north-west Scotland are narrow and winding. Fancy visiting the northernmost point of mainland Britain? The North Coast 500 is a road trip destination and best done by car or with a campervan. The town was only on my radar because we spent a night at Helmsdale Youth Hostel to break up the drive back. Plan on spending at least two days in Inverness. The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to Route 66. From the dramatic north western scenery, where the mountains meet the sea, to the varied lands of the east – with scattered fishing communities, award winning golf courses, fairy tale castles, archaeological wonders and quaint harbours. It is not difficult or antisocial to drive them here. Hence, walking barefoot on … Planning on travelling the North Coast 500? Couples should note that not all hostels have private rooms available and some only have bunk or twin beds instead of double beds. There are a few shops and restaurants – I recommend Stacks Bistro for vegan options – and several boat tours leaving from the little harbour. The mountains of Wester Ross north of Ullapool offer trails for all levels. This delightful village sits along the shore of Loch Shieldaig and Loch Torridon and might be the most picturesque you will come across on the NC500. It would almost be rude not to pay her a closer visit. My wife and I, with a friend (all in 60's) plan to drive the North Coast 500. Named after the Dutchman who ran a ferry to Orkney, Jan de Groot, this is an area teeming with wildlife and offers plenty of activities. Want to know where to go, what to see and what not to miss? Places to Visit Tourist Guide. I also enjoyed our visit to the local VisitScotland iCentre – the staff there was super helpful and knew everything about everything in the area! Where Does the North Coast 500 Start? It’s best to park at Keiss Harbour and walk to Old Keiss Castle along the shore. Ullapool is a small seaside town on the shore of Loch Broom. The castle is currently closed to the public [2020], but the viewpoint from the top (£5) offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding areas. We stayed at Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel, which gets its name from its proximity to the beautiful beaches of the area. Well, that pretty much sums up some of our favourite photography locations on the North Coast 500! If you are in a small vehicle though, you are rewarded with mind-boggling hairpin bends and fantastic views throughout the drive. But regardless, the views from the unofficial peak are awe-inspiring. There used to be a diner in the house next to the bridge, which was fantastic. NOTE: Bealach na Bà is closed during the winter months due to ice and snow. I loved the selection at Ullapool Bookstore, including the children’s book The Guillemot Who Wouldn’t Jump which is written and illustrated by a local artist Jenny Rant. Scottish tour company Rabbie’s offers a 3-day NC500 tour from Inverness. Helmsdale was one of the biggest surprises on our North Coast 500 road trip. The hike takes about 4-5 hours round-trip, but add a few hours to enjoy the beach in its full glory! The woodland trails make for a lovely walk to break up the drive and you get a lovely view of the waterfalls and bridge from the viewpoint further down the gorge. The Marquis of Montrose, a Royalist commander, fleeing after losing the battle of Carbisdale, sought refuge in the castle. Cairns mark the trail from here and they can be a little hard to spot sometimes – keep your eyes peeled. See map North Coast Map NSW - Mid North Coast Map NSW - Far North Coast Map NSW.. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 20 Beautiful Towns to Visit in Scotland. Given its position as Britain's best road trip and the likelihood for a staycation boom in the UK this year, it's likely many of you reading this will now … 30 EPIC Things to do on the North Coast 500. The main road of the North Coast 500 route is scenic as it is, but there are many little detours you can drive to reach even more off the beaten path villages and mountains views. Some people we met on the road had suggested that the east of the North Coast 500 was not quite as scenic and exciting as the west. The castle looks like it has been plucked from Southern France with its towering spires and perfectly manicured gardens. The further you walk along the cliff tops the more your angle of view changes and the quieter the experience becomes. The River Droma rushes through the rock over a series of waterfalls, cutting it deeper and deeper over millions of years. The castle dates back to the 16th century and stands in a prime location overlooking the wide-spanning Loch Assynt. With its 189 rooms, it is one of Scotland’s largest castles and is surrounded by a well-landscaped garden. There really is no shortage of beautiful beaches on the North Coast 500. During my last visit to Scotland I decided that I would go on an epic road trip and take on the highlights of the North Coast 500. Route Overview The NC500 starts in the northern city of Inverness, weaves along the west coast to Applecross and then northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. On the final day, we drove back down to Edinburgh. From guided walks to trips to Orkney, it’s a popular stop on the NC500 road trip. It is a circular coastal route that takes you through the North West of Scotland. I strive to provide correct and factual information on this blog, but sometimes things fall through the cracks. Needing some local tips? It is small, but there are many international flights to Inverness. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, Ullapool offers great hiking and cycling routes, good accommodation options and has a few pretty cafes. Of its largest be able to spot sometimes – keep your eyes peeled myth has it, this... 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