Like seriously, if you are a Game of Thrones fan you do NOT want to miss this! Now is the perfect opportunity to pick up any last-minute necessities before you head into the highlands. Our North Coast Route backpacking trip offers an extremely unique opportunity to explore a dramatic coastal backcountry environment. Complete North Coast 5oo Itinerary. Read more about these holiday parks in our complete guide to the best NC500 campsites. ), camping here shouldn’t be an issue. The award-winning Sango Sands Oasis sits high above the spectacular, golden Sango Sands beach, one of the most popular north-west Scotland campsites. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The North of Scotland is a land steeped in mythology and folklore, stories that talk of giants as well as other horrible monsters.. Visit the caves for yourself and make up your own mind on the fate of these ancient creatures. From the Falls of Measach, there is a right turn just after the car park that will take you along the seaside route through the towns of Poolewe and Gairloch, which are both beautiful places to stop and stretch your legs. This bay is extremely popular with sea kayakers as it is the ideal location to for camping north-west Scotland and to set off out to the open ocean. The beach sections contain: logs, deep sand, wet sand, pea gravel, pebbles, sloped surfaces, seaweed, algae, boulders, creeks, rocky headlands, tide problems, and tidal rivers. Can you imagine living back in those days and having that view every day of your life?! You’ll enjoy some beautiful beach hiking and gorgeous Tsusiat Falls on your first two days. [Read More]. At the time of its construction, the Kings of Norway dominated this area of Northern Scotland. Given the remote location of the NC500 and the majority of the sights along the route, the best way to get around this road trip is by driving. Take a Photo with the John O’Groats Sign Post, Drive Britain’s Highest Road – The Bealach na Ba. As you enter the 50ft opening to Smoo Cave (one of the largest Sea Cave entrances in the UK), you begin a journey through time back thousands of years. The best of which is the fantastic Sango Sands campsite about 2.5miles from the Ceannabeinne village trail. Today, the harbour at the bottom lies in ruin, however, thanks to the hard work of the local volunteers the stairs remain in good condition. This way you can admire the beauty of the east coast and have your road trip build to a climactic ending with the stunning west coast. Named “the pass of the cattle“, the Bealach na Ba was once the only route from Applecross to the rest of the country and was used by farmers to transport livestock to the markets in central Scotland. Today, the town is a peaceful place, with a community of around 80 locals. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'highlands2hammocks_co_uk-box-4','ezslot_4',116,'0','0'])); The NC500 road trip traditionally starts in the northern capital of Inverness, from which it either winds its way clockwise or anti-clockwise around the north coast. Named as “between the rock and sea”, Skerray is a small town filled with artists, tree-planters and fisherman. On the seaside of Skerray lies the quiet and peaceful area of water of Skerray Harbour, which was a spot we used for a quick swim in the sea. These colossal monuments to time are a fantastic photo opportunity and, if the weather is okay, are the perfect spot for some light reflection of your trip so far. Ride the best sections of the spectacular NC 500 touring route. Head around the cafe and down the hill and you will find the steps. These are mostly in the shape of B&Bs, Airbnbs, converted cottages and other quirky accommodations. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your 7-day NC500 road trip you will probably experience at least a drizzle of rain. Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail is the first comprehensive guidebook about one of Vancouver Island's most iconic destinations. Whale watching day tour duration ranges from 2 – 5 hours. We then caught the 1:45 p.m. West Coast Trail Express shuttle from Pachena Bay to Port Renfrew, which got us there at at 5:45 p.m. We overnighted at the Trailhead Resort Hiker Huts. Sitting along the north coast of Scotland this (you guessed it!) This 5-day North Coast 500 itinerary takes you along the route and past all of the most famous stops and sites. Click here for more options for accommodation near Durness. Read more about this wild camping spot and all the best wild camping spots along the NC500 in our full guide. I don’t think this is a good idea if you’re visiting outside of that season. There is no shortage of comfortable accommodation available in the seaside town of Ullapool, however, due to demand, it will definitely book up quickly. It is the perfect place to enjoy the smell of the sea and watch the fishermen unload their catches. Perched on the edge of a cliff, with a drawbridge entrance and over 3 stories, this castle has an incredible vantage point and stunning views over the ocean. Be sure to share this article with your family and friends to let them know all about your big plans. The visitor centre is open every year between May and September, 7 days a week, apart from 10 days in summer when it is used as accommodation. Hiking legs to consider: This is a true backcountry adventure and is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best coastal hikes in the world. Two Scots with a passion for adventure and a craving to see, well .. everything! A complete itinerary along with maps, clothing and equipment list, will be issued upon registration. We stopped off here for a bite to eat by the harbourside, enjoying the peaceful water of the docks and the beautiful view out to sea. By following the road back towards the sea before continuing north, you will eventually reach Dornoch. At the top of the track, before you begin your return journey to the car, you will find a series of caves dug into the side of the mountain. As one of the larger towns on the North Coast 500, there is plenty of accommodation available in the town centre of Thurso. Don’t forget to to pick a stone from the beach in St. Smoo Cave is one of the most fascinating stops you can make on the NC500 and is one we highly recommend. Easy 3-Day West Coast Trail Itinerary Starting at Nitinaht Narrows. Nissen Bight to Nels Bight, 6 km, 2.5 – 4 hours; Once you’ve set camp, you can explore the most western regions of the park. This is one of the most beautiful beaches we found on the NC500 and is definitely worth a visit. https://www.outdoorproject.com/canada/british-columbia/north-coast-trail SHOPPING TIME : In Dornoch town centre there is a small Co-op for any essentials you need to pick up. The answer to this is a simple one; it can take however long you want it to. The main spectacle at this sight is the natural phenomenon of the leaping salmon, an annual display of the resilience and power of nature. Parking up at the side of the road, the waterfall lies about 10-minutes from the gates that mark the beginning of the path. Resembling a beautiful French Chateau, with is conical spires and quaint details in its architecture, this castle has been kept in pristine condition throughout the years. You will see a small field on your left as you approach with campers and tents, ignore this and head up the hill! If you arrive late and leave early (and of course leave no trace! To help you plan your own epic adventure, we are giving you this North Coast 500 itinerary free of charge. The last thing you want is for an unexpected medical emergency to ruin your trip of a lifetime. Don’t forget that sharing is caring! From tidepools full of life to sea stacks miles out in the ocean, every headland [Read More]. SHOPPING TIME: There is a huge Tesco on the outskirts of Wick, which is perfect to stock up on supplies if you missed the Morrisons. Travel our North Coast 500 cycling holiday to experience a satisfying active journey – swap four wheels for two. When we finally managed to peel ourselves from the spectacular Castle Sinclair, we headed to Duncansby Bay lighthouse in search of a bed for the night. Read more about the best campsites on the North Coast 500 in our full guide. It crosses headlands, remote beaches and coastal temperate rainforests within Cape Scott Provincial Park. My Itinerary. Parking up at the Bone Caves carpark, about four kilometres south of Inchnadamph, the walk takes you on a loop of this ancient limestone valley. This secret paradise is known as Coldbackie Beach and is one of the most spectacular beaches on the NC500. The best hotels and holiday homes that you can stay in are all within close vicinity of the stunning sunset spot of the Duncansby Lighthouse. As you begin to make our way down the Western coast of Scotland, you will enter into the true, untamed region of the NC500 road trip that it is famous for. Mind-boggling! Look for signs to Raft Cove or Cape Scott Provincial Parks. Waking up at the edge of the world, it is time to begin our journey west along the most northerly part of mainland Britain. Upon reaching the beach, take a moment to appreciate the seclusion around you and stretch your legs along the shore. Don’t let this put you off, however, if you do not have 7 days, as you can still do PART of the NC500 on your trip to Scotland. This article may contain affiliate links that provide us with a small income. The closest wild camping spot lies about 10-minutes north of Scourie, on the backs of Loch Laxford. It is possible to visit the island by catching a ferry from the local port across to the island, where you will be met by an RSPCA volunteer who will give you a quick induction to the island. Climb the light tower for a bird’s eye view and meet the light keepers. Our directions take you from Inverness on a clockwise tour around the scenic highlights of Scotland’s North coast. It requires a flexible attitude and adventurous spirit and in return rewards guests with truly remarkable moments in stunning wilderness settings. On a clear day, it is possible to see all the way to the Isle of Skye and the beautifully haunting outline of the Cullin mountain range. With an onsite bar and restaurant, stocked full of all the best Scotch Whisky, this cosy campsite is ideal for your stay in the north-west of Scotland. This is because of the Artic winds which come down from the North. Depending on how adventurous you are, there may be more accommodation choices than just the above, often with an even better view. The horizon is endless and the sights along this remote part of the world are incredible, so let’s get going! The quiet shorelines of Loch Shieldaig coupled with the quaint charm of the local shops make it a popular resting spot for those touring the North Coast 500 before they begin their final climb to reach the village of Applecross. Vancouver Island North sightseeing crews operate with respect, ensuring safe, sustainable encounters that serve the whales and the sightseers in equal measure. In the town centre of Durness, you have a few options to choose from for comfortable accommodation for the night. If you are not sure what you will be needing for your camping trip have a look at our Packing Guide for Cheap Glamping. Tag us in your photos from your North Coast 500 adventure on Instagram so that we can share them with the rest of our community. Experience the wild beauty of British Columbia’s coastal rainforests through the eyes of your First Nations guide as they share their culture, history and traditions. Click here for more options for accommodation near Applecross. Make sure you subscribe to our Youtube channel for more by clicking here! It turns out the carpark for the Duncansby Light House is a popular layup spot for motorhomes, but we were the only ones to enjoy the scenery from a tent. We will gladly answer any questions you have with regards to your trip, so either DM us or send us an email. Head around the cliff till you reach the gate and head on through to the castle. North Coast 500 Route Completed. For us, 7 days was the answer, with no two nights spent in the same place, although plenty of time to see lots of sights. The walk around the island is absolutely breathtaking, made even better by the stunning views of mainland Scotland across the light blue water. The day builds up through crashing waterfalls, quaint, lochside towns, and climaxes with one of the most epic drives in the UK. Continuing west along the northern coast, with the beautiful, blue waters of the North Sea, with nothing between you and the Arctic Circle, our next stop is at the small, isolated bay of Skerray Harbour. Click here for more options for accommodation near Ullapool. As for public transport, the use around the NC500 is understandably difficult due to how remote each location is, however, with the increasing problem of congestion along the route, this is a good option to research if you have time. Whenever we travel abroad, we get covered with World Nomad’s Travel Insurance, a reliable, friendly and extremely affordable method of covering yourself on any adventure. This was then the stronghold for Clan Macleod until 1672, when it was captured by Clan Mackenzie. South West Coast Path Information & Map . Thank you for the feedback! Inside the cave, you are able to board a small boat and enter deeper into the realms of the hidden world beneath the surface of Durness. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'highlands2hammocks_co_uk-banner-1','ezslot_8',117,'0','0'])); The main sight we wanted to see in the city centre of Inverness was the local castle, Ness Castle. These include how to get around the route, including being aware of single track roads, etc., what to pack for Scotland, where to stay along the route and what travel insurance to book. At every turn, there’s opportunity to uncover another hidden passage and reveal long-forgotten treasures. 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