North Coast 500
Distance 516 miles Duration Five to seven days Start – finish Circular Best time to visit May to October northcoast500.com
Awe-inspiring landscapes, mysterious history and rich local life are all in abundance on the famous NC500. This epic road trip can be joined anywhere, but is loosely divided into six.
Inverness-shire
Vibrant Inverness makes a fine gateway and finish line, offering a wealth of culture, cuisine and nightlife. Mysterious Loch Ness lies to the south-west.
The Black Isle
Just north of Inverness, the Black Isle peninsula is teeming with wildlife in glens, waterfalls and woodland. Spot dolphins from the cliffs and beaches, then wander pretty villages and explore Pictish history.
Caithness
Once a hub of prehistoric life in Scotland, the area is replete with memories of the Pictish and Norse civilisations. Ancient ruined castles, such as Keiss and Sinclair Girnigoe, seem to spring straight from the cliffs.
Easter Ross
Pausing to explore charming towns such as Dingwall, Tain and
Invergordon, and the peaceful villages of Contin and Evanton, you’ll find ample opportunities to sample the superb local food and drink. And along with the area’s many beautiful beaches and nature reserves, you can discover the Pictish Trail.
Sutherland
Here, serene roads wind their way into heathland, coast and some of Scotland’s most remote wildernesses. Beaches such as Durness and Sangomore offer crystal waters, while a scattering of villages, including Lochinver and Kinlochbervie, lie beside mountains and open water.
Wester Ross
Scotland’s past can really be appreciated in the landscape of this region, from ancient woodland in the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve – the first in Britain – to the silent mountains, waterside villages and romantic beaches.
Stay at…
• John O’ Groats Caravan Site johnogroatscampsite.co.uk
• Shore Caravan Site shorecaravansite.co.uk DID YOU KNOW? Magnificent Loch Ness contains more fresh water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined (and a monster, allegedly!)