🇬🇧 Scottish Highlands, Scotland · 7 cities · 6 nights
Photo: Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Cropped and resized for display.
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Rocpool Reserve
Inverness · 7 nights
Pick up the car and start the loop in Inverness
Inverness
Inverness is the official start and end point of the North Coast 500, and picking up your car here is essential for the journey. Book your car rental well in advance, especially during peak season.
Dinner at Chez Roux
Inverness
Walk along the River Ness before dinner
Inverness
A gentle stroll along the River Ness offers a pleasant introduction to Inverness and a chance to stretch your legs before dinner. It's a great way to soak in the city's atmosphere.
The Torridon
Torridon · 1 night
Drive Inverness → Applecross · 180 min drive
Drive the Applecross pass (Bealach na Bà)
Applecross
The Bealach na Bà is one of Scotland's most dramatic roads, offering breathtaking views and a thrilling drive. It's a single-track road with passing places and steep gradients, so drive carefully. Check weather conditions before you go, as it can close in winter.
Lunch at the Applecross Inn
Applecross
Arrive at the Torridon under the mountains
Torridon
The Torridon offers a luxurious stay amidst stunning mountain scenery, a perfect reward after the drive. Book your accommodation far in advance, as it's a popular and highly-rated destination.
Drive Torridon → Braemore · 90 min drive
Stop at Corrieshalloch Gorge
Braemore
Corrieshalloch Gorge is a spectacular chasm with a Victorian suspension bridge offering incredible views of the powerful waterfall below. The walk to the bridge is relatively short but can be steep in places.
The Ceilidh Place
Ullapool · 1 night
Evening by the harbour in Ullapool
Ullapool
Ullapool is a charming fishing village with a picturesque harbour, ideal for an evening meal featuring fresh seafood. Many restaurants will require reservations, especially during peak season.
Kylesku Hotel
Kylesku · 1 night
Drive Ullapool → Inchnadamph · 60 min drive
Walk to the Bone Caves near Inchnadamph
Inchnadamph
The walk to the Bone Caves near Inchnadamph is a fascinating journey into geological and archaeological history, with impressive limestone caves. The path can be boggy in places, so wear appropriate footwear.
Cross the Kylesku Bridge at dusk
Kylesku
The Kylesku Bridge is a modern architectural marvel set against a stunning loch landscape, particularly beautiful at sunset. There are viewpoints on either side for photos.
Seafood supper at the Kylesku Hotel
Kylesku
Mackays Rooms
Durness · 1 night
Drive Kylesku → Sandwood Bay car park · 60 min drive
Sandwood Bay beach walk
Sandwood Bay
Sandwood Bay is a truly remote and wild beach, often considered one of Britain's most beautiful. It requires a 4-mile walk each way from the car park, so allow plenty of time and bring supplies. Check the tide times before you go.
Smoo Cave at Durness
Durness
Smoo Cave is a unique sea cave with a waterfall inside, accessible via a short walk from the car park. Entry to the main chamber is free, but guided tours into the inner chambers may have a small fee. Check accessibility for the inner cave, as it can be restricted by water levels.
Drive Durness → Duncansby Head · 180 min drive
Duncansby Stacks walk past John o' Groats
Duncansby Head
The walk to Duncansby Stacks offers dramatic coastal scenery and impressive sea stacks, a true highlight of the north-east coast. The path can be exposed, so be mindful of the weather.
The Natural Retreats John o' Groats
John o' Groats · 1 night
Stop at the Whaligoe Steps
Whaligoe
The Whaligoe Steps are a historic and incredibly steep set of 330 steps leading down to a hidden harbour, a testament to the area's fishing heritage. The descent and ascent are challenging, so wear sturdy shoes and take your time.
Drive Whaligoe → Loch Ness · 180 min drive
Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle on the way back
Loch Ness
Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle are iconic Scottish landmarks, offering stunning views and a chance to delve into history and legend. Book castle tickets online in advance to save time. Check opening hours before you go.
Close the loop in Inverness
Inverness
Returning to Inverness marks the completion of the North Coast 500, a chance to reflect on your incredible journey. Ensure you return your rental car with a full tank of fuel.
Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland
County Antrim, Northern Ireland
3 nights · 3 cities
A Reveldays guide, drafted with AI from real, mapped places: not a trip anyone has lived yet.
