Recomendations for places to visit close to the NC5OO

IANPICS · March 2017

Hi All
Just joined and introducing myself to the community.
I am an extreme sports photographer and I'm looking at doing a couple of trips this year in Scotland
The first one will be the NC500 (anti clockwise)
I have been to other areas regularly but wanted to extend the range and experiences.
So
I know a few people close by to this route who do some sports or activities but for the first time in a long time I will be wanting to 'have a go' myself and I will be carrying kayaks (sit on), bikes (mtb), kites (power) and a kite buggy (if there's enough room) as well as fishing gear (sea). - ANY good places for any of this including trails, empty beaches, MTB trails, surf locations or boat trips / fishing locations
I was also wondering if people could recommend any outstanding spots to visit that will enhance the trip.
Could be historic, cultural, food / drink (definitely a distillery or two or three ;-) ) or walking spots.
As said I'm a photographer so would like to grab a few selfies or nice pics along the way for my blogs.

Thanks

Ian

IANPICS · March 2017

That's a good start ...!!
Drumbeg looks good for the kayak as well!!
Cheers
Ian

Samantha_Grant · March 2017

@ianpics I loved Carn Liath Broch, The Hill o' Many Stanes and Dunrobin Castle on the East Coast.

North west highlights for me were Smoo Cave and Balnakeil Beach (spectacular) plus Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve.

Food wise I really liked the Bealach Cafe at the Strathcarron side of the Bealach na Bà.

Natures Retreat at John O'Groats was also really good for food and the tiny Alt Inn at Lairg. It serves brilliant, unfussy home cooked evening meals and has amazing sunsets on the doorstep!

It's a fabulous route with so much to see and do. You'll have a wonderful trip.

Horizons · March 2017

Does "trails" include hiking trails or just biking? The Torridon area has some magnificent hikes, some of which are rated extreme by WalkHighlands. I did the simplest walk in the region (Triple Buttress of Coire Mhic Fhearchair) last year and was overwhelmed by the beauty.

Image: https://beyondourhorizons.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/dsc_0346_1-1_o1.jpg?w=1240

IANPICS · March 2017

Hi again
Preferably bike but walking is also good Have had a few 'tasters' up North from Thurso for surfing to Loch Lomond for wakeboarding and The Inner and Outer Hebs for kitesurfing.
Wanted to do a bit more but for myself rather than following athletes around photographing their antics.
Just a couple of very low res images from previous trips below ... hoping to get a few more !
Berneray

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6027156/uploads/editor/h5/omoocty1qu8k.jpg

Tiree

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6027156/uploads/editor/66/f6bw0yuks51g.jpg

Exit to the Minch

Ballephuil Beach Tiree

Boat North Uists

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6027156/uploads/editor/x2/6ncaoajd106f.jpg

Now whats this castle called ....? ;-) (Eilean Donan)

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6027156/uploads/editor/di/1h28hdo8al8a.jpg

Ullapool and beyond

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6027156/uploads/editor/4m/g8k2rvheuupx.jpg

Wakeboarding outside Ullapool

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6027156/uploads/editor/yg/u8s6mr9v1hjh.jpg

Loch Lomond

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6027156/uploads/editor/02/ld9dexay6acq.jpg

Loch Broom

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6027156/uploads/editor/d6/ill92g4c3sht.jpg

And got loads more!!! ;-)

VisitScotlandNikki · March 2017

Hi @IANPICS some great suggestions for you already! If you're looking for more attractions on the route (think castles, distilleries, beaches and more), check out our new advice on road trips in Scotland which includes 10 things to do around the North Coast 500. Hope you have a good trip!

willmackenzie · May 2017

Hey @IANPICS!

I've not undertaken any extreme sports along the route, although I know there's an Air Extreme between John o'Groats and Thurso and I see it hasn't been mentioned here yet. When I undertook the route in June last year we found Olshoremore beach completely deserted, and it was an incredible day and big beach, so that's got to be on your list. Also, because Sandwood Bay is remote and you can't drive to it (it's a 4 mile walk I think) this might be a good one for a chance at solitude.

Anyway, the reason I wanted to write was to offer up two less well-known spots for photos: the Clashnessie Falls and Wailing Widow Falls. They're in Assynt/Sutherland, both about 30mins north of Ardvreck Castle and both about 30mins apart. The photo of the Wailing Widow Falls on that second website isn't great so here's one of mine, and because of the angle I've not done its height justice:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6027156/uploads/editor/9l/bn618j8rv96j.jpg

Hope this helps. If you want to chat about it any more just DM me on Instagram

ImogenB · May 2017

@IANPICS
I spent a summer in Wick, so some of the spots I would recommend around there are Castle Sinclair Girnigoe and Reiss Beach. Duncansbay Stacks up near John O'Groats are pretty spectacular too - definitely worth a visit. And, slightly off topic, if you fancy an ice cream I'd definitely recommend Flavours ice cream shop in John O'Groats - so yummy!