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Top tips for exploring North Coast 50
VisitScotlandRonan
Member, Administrator, Moderator, VisitScotland Staff ✪
Driving the North Coast 500 is bucket list stuff for driving enthusiasts and explorers alike and if you’re thinking of ticking this off your own list once lockdown measures have been lifted, then you’re in for a treat!
Known as Scotland's answer to Route 66, the 516-mile scenic route takes in some of Scotland's most beautiful coastal views, including the Black Isle, Easter Ross and Caithness.
Whilst the NC 500 route can be completed in five to seven days, the joy of the experience is that you can take your time and enjoy some of Scotland’s greatest treasures along the way, whether it’s having a round of golf or visiting a historical landmark. There are hundreds of things to see but we’ve earmarked some of our favourite spots below.
The route is also only a few minutes from Inverness Station, meaning you could even explore doing the route by public transport, bike or on foot!
If you've been lucky enough to experience the stunning winding coastal route before, we hope it was a memorable! We’d love to hear your stories and top tips to inspire people’s future trips. What are the must-see stops for the 500 route? Places to visit. Restaurants to eat in. Hotels to stay in. Method of travel. Please let us know below!
1. If you’re a golfer, Wick Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise. As the most northerly links course and the oldest establish club on the route, having been established in 1870, the course offers breathtaking views of the Caithness cost.
2. Balnakeil Beach in Sutherland offers secluded pristine white sands that could rival something in the Indian Ocean. Pure natural beauty.
3. The Seafood Shake in Ullapool,
Ross-shire, offers freshly cooked seafood from the local fisherman from a
catering trailer. Authentic Scottish seafood fresh from the sea!