SCOTLAND’S MOST SPECTACULAR ROAD TRIP: NORTH COAST 500

One of the best, most beautiful ways to clear your head is with a road trip. Whether you’re in the middle of a quagmire, wanting to start a new season with a clean slate, looking to find yourself, or simply up for adventure, we’d like to suggest you hit the road in Scotland, recently voted as the most beautiful country in the world. We’re pointing you towards the North Coast 500 (aka Scotland’s Route 66).

North Coast 500 will take you through some of the most magnificent scenery through rural landscapes and along Scotland’s rugged coastline, punctuated picturesque towns, historic castles, and ancient ruins.

Begin your journey at the northeastern city of Inverness and head to Applecross on the northwest coast. You will continue your circular route by traveling further north, towards Ullapool, then up to the top jagged edges of the country as it kisses the frigid North Sea at Caithness and John O' Groats, where you’ll find unexpected luxury at Natural Retreats.

The road carries around, heading south through Dingwall to deposit you back where you began, at Inverness.

What can you see and do along the way? We’ve got some beautiful ideas for you below.

APPLECROSS

The drive to Applecross, a remote peninsula on the northwest coast of Scotland, is nothing short of spectacular. You can take either one of only two possible routes. Drive along the winding coast road and enjoy breathtaking views along the way.

Or take the thrilling Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle), one of the highest roads in Britain, reaching 2,053 ft, where hairpin bends keep your heart pounding and incredible views across the bay to Raasay and Skye will give you even more rushes.

Once there, connect with the ancient history of Applecross, one of the earliest settled areas of Scotland. Check out the important archaeological site of Sand, along the coast.

THURSO

Thurso is the most northerly town on the British mainland. Situated in the historical area of Caithness, it this coastal settlement is graced with traditional shops and ancient landmarks dating back many hundreds of years.

If you love surfing and don’t mind the cold, Thurso offers endless thrills. Even if you don’t want to brave the heavy icy surf yourself, you’ll want to watch the pros take on the town’s international surfing competitions. Check out the two World Championships for Kayak surfing held here.

The reefs here are abundant, the beaches are pristine. Despite its northern clime, Thurso offers year round paradise for surfers and watersports aficionados.

DORNOCH - GOLF & WHISKEY

If you love golf, or even if you don’t, you will be blown away by the beauty of the Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Well worth the drive to its remote location, it is considered as one of the finest golf courses in the world.

The club has two 18-hole courses: the Championship Course and the Struie Course. The older Championship Course is a links course located on the Dornoch Firth.

Golf was played on this land as early as the 17th century. The current golf club was established in 1877 and was awarded its royal status in 1906. The Championship Course was designed by Tom Morris, Sr. Legendary golfer Tom Watson is an honorary member of Royal Dornoch. Legendary golf course architect Donald Ross once called it home.

After you’ve mastered the 18th hole, if you love whiskey, you’ll want to head to the local highland distilleries of Glenmorangie, Balblair, and Dalmore. Make sure to plan for a designated driver or, better yet, plan to stay a while to sample some of the finest handcrafted whiskies ever created.

MORAY FIRTH

Nature and wildlife lovers will want to spend time at Moray Firth, an important inlet of the North Sea. It is one of the best places in the world to see dolphins. Estimates of around 130 bottlenose dolphins live in and leap out of the waters here, close to shore where you can really see them well.

White-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales, pilot whales, killer whales, and seals will also keep you company.

Moray Firth is an important area for seabirds and migratory wildfowl. You’ll see thousands nesting on the cliffs, pecking along the beaches, and gliding overhead.

The Culbin Forest, on the southern shore of Moray Firth boasts one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK. The area is considered one of the most important ecosystems, with broad diversity of unusual plant life, including the rare, colorful oyster plant.

SCOTTISH CASTLES

The ruins of Ardvreck Castle, built in 1450, are heavily crumbling but they are still a beautiful sight to behold. Sitting on the edge of Loch Assynt, just north of Inchnadamph, the remaining pieces of this stone structure have witnessed many bloodthirsty power-grabs.

Urquhart Castle, on the banks of Loch Ness, had its own Game of Thrones drama happening as early as 1000 years ago. Its ruins offer a glimpse of medieval life and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Check out the architectural guide to the North Coast 500 for a complete list of castles and other ancient structures.

MUNROS

Mountains in Scotland are known as “munros.” Climbing them is referred to as “bagging munros.” Your drive along North Coast 500 will bring you to the rugged peaks of Ben Hope, Stac Pollaidh, An Teallach or Suilven.

Leave your car to rest and take a hike! While they will definitely offer you a challenge, these remote munro trails will reward you with incredible views of the Scottish Highlands.

SMOO CAVE

Smoo Cave, at the northernmost tip of Scotland, is a fascinating massive limestone sea cave. It was formed both by a stream that runs down into the rear chamber and erosion caused by the sea. The entrance is 50 feet high. The cave is about 280 feet long. Inside, you’ll find a gorgeous waterfall.

Archaeologist have found Neolithic, Norse and Iron Age artifacts here, and it is thought that usage may extend back to the Mesolithic age.

Read more about Beautiful Scotland in See Scotland’s Crown Jewel Park.

And check out more beautiful things happening now in BN Mind/Body, Soul/Impact, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Arts/Design, and Place/Time, Daily Fix posts.

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IMAGE CREDITS:

1. Image: Courtesy of Natural Retreats John O' Groats. North Coast 500. Scotland.
2. Image: by Liz Smith. “On the A836 - Loose Sheep.” North Coast 500 Drive, Scotland.
3. Image: by Dani Oliver. “Applecross.” Applecross, Scotland.
4. Image: by Sara Simmons. “Dornie, Kyle Of lochalsh, Applecross & Beyond.” Applecross, Scotland.
5. Image: Dave Ellis. “Thurso Reef.” Thurso, Scotland.
6. Image: by Surf 30. Untitled. Thurso, Scotland.
7. Image: by John Haslam. “5th hole, Royal Dornoch Golf Club.” Dornoch, Scotland.
8. Image: by John Haslam. “16th Green, Royal Dornoch Golf Course.” Dornoch, Scotland.
9. Image: by sobolevnrm. “Glenmorangie whiskey distillery.” Glenmorangie, Scotland.
10. Image: by John Loach. “Moray Firth.” Moray Firth, Scotland.
11. Image: by Jane Carnall. “Worth the wait…” Moray Firth, Scotland.
12. Image: by zahikel. “Ardvreck Castle.” Loch Assynt, Scotland.
13. Image: by Andy Harbach. “Urquhart Castle.” Scotland.
14. Image: by John Mcsporran. “The Forge of the Gods.” An Teallach, Scotland.
15. Image: by Dave Ellis. “Hope.” Ben Hope, Scotland.
16. Image: by Geraint Rowland. “Smoo Cave, Durness, Scotland.” Durness, Scotland.
17. Image: by Praveen Mahesh. Untitled. Ardvreck Castle. Loch Assynt, Scotland.
18. Image: by John Mcsporran. “Striking Polly.” Stac Pollaidh (Stac Polly). Scotland.
19. Image: by BN App - Download now!
20. Image: by Bob the Lomond. “Old Man of Stoer from south.” Scotland.