DESTINATIONS

The North Coast 500 Highlights

10 minute read
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Jessica Way

Discover the natural wonders, thrilling activities, historical sites, and cultural gems of Scotland’s North Coast 500 route with Dream Escape’s knowledgeable expert travel designers.

The North Coast 500 route, a Scottish gem, is not just about the miles; it’s about the unique experiences that await you. Imagine immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of stunning coastal scenery, or discovering unforgettable adventures that last a lifetime. 

Boat charters and watersports, island-hopping, visits to natural landmarks and castles, gardens, distilleries, and national nature reserves; with Dream Escape, these experiences are not just imagined, but brought to life with magical touches that make your journey even more special. 

Dream Escape’s team of travel designers provide a diverse selection of thrilling watersports and outdoor activities, ranging from mountain guiding and sea kayaking to archery and gorge scrambling. Additionally, in the region that is rich in both history and natural beauty, there are museums, attractions, and charming villages to explore, as well as a luxurious hotel to unwind in at night. 

Here’s a look at just some of our guests’ favourite experiences when journeying with us on the awe-inspiring North Coast 500 route through the Scottish Highlands:


On the water

Private charter on Loch Ewe

On a wildlife-sailing experience with local scallop diver Jamie Elder, you’ll witness the beauty of wildlife as he lifts up fishing creels to reveal velvet, green, edible brown crabs, lobsters, octopus, sea stars, and various types of fish. You may also spot northern European otters, seals, golden eagles, white-tailed sea eagles, and many seabirds.

Watersports on Dunnet Beach

Based near Thurso, the cold-water surfing hub of the world, Dunnet Beach is where Dream Escape will arrange for you to have a private surfing lesson with Iona McLachlan (a Scottish surfing champion), a private RIB tour or  a stand-up paddleboarding experience.

Sea Kayaking on Loch Torridon

Upper Loch Torridon is surrounded by beautifully wild mountains, including Beinn Alligin, Liathach and Ben Damph. Explore by sea kayak and these great views are met with a wide variety of wildlife, such as otters, eagles and seals.

Island-hopping 

Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting puffins and other seabirds on a boat ride to the Orkney Isles’ many attractive beaches. The Summer Isles are reached from Ullapool or Achiltibuie; and Handa Island (a nature reserve off the west coast near Scourie) is accessed via a short boat ride from Tarbet. 

On the land

Cycling to Suidhe Viewpoint 

Cycling to Suidhe Viewpoint in Fort Augustus, near Loch Ness, is a great adventure for those who love to explore the beauty of nature. The route can be challenging, but the remarkable views along the way make it worth the effort. After a long ride, reaching the Suidhe Viewpoint rewards you with an awe-inspiring view of the famous Loch Ness and the surrounding hills. 

Visiting Duncansby Stacks and Lighthouse 

A wonder to behold, the towering stacks, which rise up from the sea, are a sight to see in and of themselves. But when you combine them with the extraordinary scenery that surrounds them, it’s truly a magical experience. Take a leisurely stroll along the coast, taking in the astounding views of the cliffs and sea. And the lighthouse itself, with its bright red-and-white stripes, is a charming addition to the landscape. 

Private tasting experiences at a whisky distillery 

The North Coast 500 route boasts several renowned distilleries, such as Old Pulteney, Brora, Clynelish, and Glenmorangie. Each distillery offers a unique tour where you can learn about the history and production process of its whisky, as well as enjoy tastings of its finest blends. 

Pony trekking on the beautiful Red Point beaches

Riding a pony along the beach is a unique and enjoyable experience, with the added bonus of taking in the magnificent views at a leisurely pace. Explore the stunning scenery surrounding the Red Point beaches, with picturesque hills and mountains in the distance. The gentle sound of waves crashing on the shore adds to the tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind. 

Electric Land Rover tour of the Bealach na Bà 

Dream Escape will arrange an Electric Land Rover tour along the road to Applecross, overlooking Applecross Bay, with breathtaking views of the surrounding Scottish Highlands. The tour takes you through winding roads, steep climbs and beautiful valleys, and the electric Land Rover guarantees a smooth and quiet ride. You can sit back, relax, and take in the incredible scenery as your knowledgeable guide shares interesting information about the area. The tour is a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of Scotland in a sustainable and eco-friendly way.

Wildlife spotting at Beinn Eighe

With a cluster of mountain peaks, ancient pinewoods, secretive crossbills and soaring golden eagles, it’s no wonder that Beinn Eighe was chosen as Britain’s first National Nature Reserve. From a distance, the pale scree slopes on the mountainside look like barren fields of snow, but get up close, and you’ll be amazed by the diversity of wildlife that thrives on this reserve.  The mountains, seas and lochs in this part of Scotland are some of the finest in the world.  

Hiking Scotland’s most northerly ‘Munro’ 

There are many mountains to summit on the North Coast 500; however, an exhilarating hike of Ben Hope with a height of over 3,000 feet is an experience of endurance that stays with you for a lifetime. Our expert guide is on hand to lead you on a day’s trek in this wildest of landscapes.

Scotland’s most remote dining experience

We want you to get the most out of walking in the Highlands – and our guides have the local knowledge to take you to lesser-known spots with the best views. One of our favourite North Coast 500 hiking experiences is in Kinloch’s remote mountains, with a stunning bothy lunch in front of the open fire, so you can relax and enjoy the vast vista of hill and moor all to yourself.

History and Culture

The North Coast 500 region has a long and fascinating history, with evidence of human settlement dating back thousands of years, and is home to a diverse range of cultural traditions, including Gaelic language, music, and dance. Here are a few of our favourite days out and attractions to visit while in the Scottish Highlands

The Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield is a historic site well known for the Battle of Culloden in 1746. One of the most prominent features of the site is the large memorial cairn that stands in the centre of the battlefield. The cairn was erected in memory of the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives during the battle. Visitors can pay their respects to those who perished by visiting the cairn and taking a moment to reflect on the events that occurred at this historic site.

Mary Ann’s Cottage 

Dream Escape guests love this unique experience of stepping back in time to explore a traditional Caithness crofter’s cottage near the village of Dunnet. Built in 1850 by Mary Ann’s father, the cottage has been meticulously preserved and converted into a museum, complete with period furnishings and artefacts. The cottage offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of a crofter in Caithness and provides an opportunity to learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage. The surrounding countryside is also outstanding, with views of the nearby village of Dunnet and the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands beyond.

Mary Ann’s Cottage is a traditional Caithness cottage near the village on Dunnet. Built in 1850 by Mary’s Ann’s father, the cottage is now a museum and an example of a Caithness crofter’s cottage.

Spending the day at Gairloch Beach

The breathtaking scenery of Gairloch Beach and the Wester Ross Hills beyond is why this location has made our NC500 experiences list, not to mention the awe-inspiring Scottish sunsets from its westerly position. The crystal-clear water and the soft sand with the Wester Ross Hills in the background provide a stunning backdrop, so remember to take your camera. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Scotland’s natural landscape.

Ullapool Harbour and the surrounding mountains

Ullapool Harbour has plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. The harbour is a hub for fishing boats and ferries, making it a great place to watch the ships come and go. Additionally, Dream Escape will arrange a boat trip for you to explore the nearby islands of the Outer Hebrides.

Visiting castles and gardens

Castles are a big part of the North Coast 500 experience. The Castle of Mey, Dunrobin Castle, and Castle Leod are just a few of the many impressive castles to visit. Gardens are also remarkable in this beautiful region, and Attadale and Inverewe are two excellent spots where Dream Escape will arrange a private garden tour. 

Visiting natural beauty spots

There are so many beautiful and untouched wild places to visit on the North Coast 500, but to name just a few: Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach, Bealach na Bà and Applecross Peninsula and Smoo Cave (with a small river running through it and a waterfall), and Duncansby Stacks (pictured below) are among our Dream Escape favourites.

Where to stay

The Torridon

Explore the 58-acre parkland estate, home to a two-acre kitchen garden and farm providing mouthwatering produce with a field-to-fork ethos, where roaring log fires welcome you. Let Dream Escape and the Torridon team curate Highland adventures, from whisky tasting in a classical whisky and gin bar to outdoor adventure in Loch Torridon or the surrounding Munros. Rest assured, this hotel is ecologically sound and recognised for its commitment to sustainability. At day’s end, step outside and look to the stars in some of the country’s darkest skies. 

Kinloch Lodge Wildlands

Nestled in a serene, tranquil setting between a mountain and the shores of Loch na Dal, with views of the spectacular Cuillin Mountains in the distance, Kinloch Lodge is a very special place. 

The exclusive-use lodge is tucked away amid the trees and offers spectacular views from every window. The food is a standout feature, with locally-sourced ingredients used to prepare delicious dishes. Every meal at Kinloch promises to bring the island and its rich larder of seasonal ingredients to life: from shore to moor, mountain to sea. The family spirit of Kinloch remains with Isabella Macdonald now at the helm, welcoming guests from around the world into not just a hotel, but her ancestral, family home. Here you will find true Highland hospitality: roaring fires, an extensive whisky collection, giant beds and some of the best food Scotland has to offer.   

Skibo Castle

Skibo Castle, located in the Scottish Highlands, is a beautiful 19th-century house that was built between 1899 and 1903 by Andrew Carnegie, one of the richest people in history. The castle was the venue for Madonna’s wedding and has hosted many esteemed guests, including R. Kipling, King Edward VII, Elgar, Paderewski, the Rockefellers, and even Helen Keller. Carnegie himself described the castle as “Heaven on Earth,” and interestingly, all mirrors and door handles were low to suit his height of only 5’2″. Skibo Castle enjoys a unique microclimate, with mild weather and low rainfall due to the ‘fone’ – a westerly airflow that is dried and warmed in the lee of the mountains. 

The castle features unheated greenhouses, and food is brought to the house by a model train. In 1990, Peter de Savary bought the house and grounds and turned it into the Skibo Club, a private residential sporting club with 300 members. Guests at Skibo Castle are awoken by the sound of bagpipes, and after dinner, they are entertained by Carnegie’s organ.

IMAGE CREDITS: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

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