Launched in 2015, the North Coast 500 (NC500) is a scenic driving route in the north Highlands of Scotland, linking various magnificent attractions and coastal spots along a roughly 516-mile-long circuit.
Hugging the northern coast of Britain, the route starts and ends in the city of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. The goal of the NC500 was to encourage more people to experience the castles and rugged coastlines, museums and stunning heritage sites of the sparsely populated region.
Come with us on a visual journey along the NC500 and discover what sites await travellers visiting the so-called ‘Scottish Route 66’.
Inverness
Inverness Castle was created in the 19th century and sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness
Image Credit: Jan Jirat / Shutterstock.com
The start and the end point of the NC500, Inverness is by far the largest city in the Scottish Highlands. There are many historic sites and attractions there which are worth exploring, with some of the highlights being Inverness Castle and the beautiful 19th-century Inverness Town House.
Chanonry Point
Chanonry Lighthouse on the Black Isle
Image Credit: Maciej Olszewski / Shutterstock.com
Chanonry Point is most famous for being one of the best places in the United Kingdom to see dolphins. Located between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle, the site always attracts many wildlife enthusiasts.
Dunrobin Castle
View over Dunrobin Castle
Image Credit: Francesco Bonino / Shutterstock.com
Moving onward one may decide to stop at the beautiful Dunrobin Castle, situated in the village of Golspie. The grand complex has the honour of being one of the oldest inhabited houses in Scotland, with some parts of the building being from the medieval era. The castle, with its magnificent gardens, is open to visitors.
Keiss Castle
The ruins of Keiss Castle
Image Credit: Thetriggerhappydoc / Shutterstock.com
The romantic ruins of this late 16th/early 17th century castle can be found overlooking Sinclair’s Bay, less than one mile north of Keiss village.
John o’ Groats
The colorful buildings of John O’Groats
Image Credit: essevu / Shutterstock.com
The small village of John O’Groats is a popular tourist attraction in Northern Scotland. Visitors can participate in wildlife cruises or take a ferry to Orkney between May and September.
Smoo Cave
Inside the Smoo Cave in Durness, Scotland
Image Credit: Boris Edelmann / Shutterstock.com
The mesmerising Smoo Cave can be found on the very northern tip of Scotland, close to the town of Sangobeg. The natural wonder is open to visitors all year round.
Sandwood Bay Beach
Evening at the Sandwood White Beach
Image Credit: Justina Smile / Shutterstock.com
The Kylesku Bridge
The Kylesku Bridge spanning Loch a’ Chàirn Bhàin in the Scottish Highlands
Image Credit: Helen Hotson / Shutterstock.com
The curved concrete bridge was opened for use in 1984 and has since become a landmark of the region and an iconic stretch of the North Coast 500.
Ardvreck Castle
The ruins of Ardvreck Castle
Image Credit: Binson Calfort / Shutterstock.com
On the shores of Loch Assynt, the ruins of Ardvreck Castle stand near the mountain Quinag. The late 15th century stronghold is surrounded by miles of largely unspoiled countryside.
Stac Pollaidh
Stac Pollaidh sits at the end of Loch Lurgainn in the Wester Ross region of North West Scotland
Image Credit: Ian Woolner / Shutterstock.com
Stac Pollaidh is possibly the best known mountain in Scotland. Located in Inverpolly, it is also notorious for having one of the most difficult summits to reach in the British Isles.
Ullapool
Sunrise over the fishing village of Ullapool
Image Credit: Jose Arcos Aguilar / Shutterstock.com
The quaint little village of Ullapool is one of the major attractions on the NC 500. It is a regional centre of culture, music and the arts and well worth a visit.
Loch Shieldaig
A pretty red-roofed croft on the shores of Loch Shieldaig
Image Credit: Helen Hotson / Shutterstock.com
The gorgeous Loch Shieldaig is surrounded by mountains on all sides, offering beautiful views for any traveler stopping on its shores.
