The route’s beautiful beaches

As its name suggests, the North Coast 500 is comprised of beautiful northern coastal roads so, as you can imagine, it passes along – and brings you near to – some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches. To save you trying to hunt these down, Your Guide to N

SANDWOOD BAY BEACH, Kinlochbervie, Sutherland

The so-called “most beautiful beach in Britain”, Sandwood Bay is located in Kinlochbervie. It is part of an estate in Sutherland owned by the John Muir Trust. You cannot drive directly to this beach though, as it has no road access, so it is best reached on foot. It’s worth the fourmile walk as it brings you to the bay and its 1.5 miles of pink sand.

OLDSHOREMORE BEACH, Sutherland

With its white sands and turquoise waters, Oldshoremore Beach on a sunny day resembles an exotic Caribbean island. Travellers say it is “well worth the detour” with stunning views.

SHEIGRA BEACH, Sutherland

This is a popular spot for wild camping, and if you visit this small bay, you will see why – those who visit this remote bay are so blown away by its beauty they don’t want to leave in a hurry, so pitch up and stay for the night. It’s well worth a visit.

BALNAKEIL BEACH, near Durness

This beach, located not far from Cape Wrath, is known for its amazing sunsets and dunes. Visitors to this secluded tourist spot also describe it as “wild and windy”, so wrap up for the experience.

POLIN BAY, Lairg

Polin is a tiny village (with a population of around 30) best-known for its spectacular sandy dunes.

DORNOCH BEACH, Sutherland

Dornoch lies just two miles off the NC500 route and is worth the diversion as here you will find Dornoch Beach, on the tranquil Dornoch Firth. It holds a Seaside Award so is perfect for bathing.

EMBO BEACH, Sutherland

A little further along the coast lies Embo. It has been described by visitors as “nice and clean” and “calm and relaxed”. However, the access is not obvious. Here’s how to get there: drive into Granny’s Heilan Hame Caravan Park, take the first left, and then follow the road to a small car park and you have arrived.

MELLON UDRIGLE BEACH, Wester Ross

It is said that Mellon Udrigle is “one of the most attractive pieces of coastline in Wester Ross”. They also say the beach is spectacular “in itself without its stunning location”. Check it out and see for yourself.

SANGO SANDS BEACH, Durness

This award-winning bay on the north-west coast of Scotland offers panoramic views of North Minch. It is both sandy and rocky, and is home to caves, with free car parking too.

RED POINT BEACH, Gairloch

This is a picturesque beach near Badachro, Gairloch. Be sure to check out both the ‘Near’ and ‘Far’ beaches. You can enjoy horseriding along Red Point and visit the very spot where the 2014 British film. What We Did On Our Holiday, starring Billy Connolly and David Tennant, was filmed. So, when in the area, what will YOU do on your holiday?