Tag: NC500 Route

Scottish Castles List Map

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Scottish Castles List Map
Touring Scottish Castles on the NC500 Route
The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s ultimate road trip route, passing by castles, wild animals, and other natural treasures. The route is not set in stone so you can carve your own route and take in other Scottish coastal villages and castles, and there is plenty of them!

NC500 Pocket Map Book

Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is the starting and ending point of the 516-mile route. Inverness is renowned for both its historical and cultural attractions as well as for its vibrant shopping, eating, and entertainment scene. Leaving Inverness, you head westward through a lovely region where, in the fall, leaping salmon may be seen on the rivers.
Next, on the North Coast 500, you’ll travel to one of the UK’s steepest roads, climbing up the Balach Na Ba to Applecross, a remote peninsula in Wester Ross.
Out of this world stunning, views of Skye and Raasay, it has a rich history as one of Scotland’s first settlements and is home to an important archaeological site. When you’re ready to leave Applecross’ seascapes, immaculate beaches, and “edge of the world” vibe, it’s time to go north via the mountain roads of the Torridon district to return to the coast at Gairloch. You may have a picnic on the sandy beaches or go whale watching, deep sea fishing, or snorkeling on a boat tour here.

 

After arriving at Ullapool, you can explore the area by sea kayak or go on a trip to view the wild horses, eagles, seals, and dolphins. Ullapool is a great location to attempt fly fishing or just take in lunch by the seaside for a more leisurely excursion (Check out the Fish & Chip Restaurant near the ferry terminal!!).
If time permits, why not get a ferry across The Minch from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides? The Outer Hebrides are not on the NC500 but the island communities provide excellent produce and the landscape will challenge the best of photographers. It is worth the 3-hour ferry trip for a few days exploring these unbelievable islands.

Calmac Ferries

You’ll reach the county of Caithness after traveling along the north coast in your motorhome or campervan and take in the breathtaking scenery. This outdoor playground offers pristine beaches, castles straight out of Game of Thrones, mysterious brochs, and hill-climbing, among other things. There is world-class surfing available here over the clear waves, which may be followed by a hearty lunch of local cuisine.

One of the more amazing sights in Caithness, along with Orca and Minke whales, braying stags, and Highland cattle, is the Northern Lights, which may be viewed in the winter. The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), make for an amazing experience and a true bucket list item. John o’ Groats, which is located at the highest top of the British mainland and provides beachcombing as well as regional foods.
The road now follows the shoreline back to Inverness, where you may relax and think back on all the amazing experiences you had on the North Coast 500.

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