If you are not able to get such a car, I’d be sure to rent with an agency that has a 24-hour number and you know what to do if there are any car issues or flat tires. The route is also known as the NC500 and was launched in 2015, linking many features in the north Highlands of Scotland in one touring route. Jessica. Some self-catering properties in the area may not be on any of the aggregate booking websites, and the best way to track some of them down is to search for things like “cottage near Thurso” or “house rental near Inverness” online or check the local tourism office listings. So along the east, there is a train line so you could use that to return to Inverness. The infrastructure of the Highlands in some areas is not fully ready to handle mass tourism, but most traffic incidents can be avoided by following the driving laws, knowing how to safely drive your vehicle, and being prepared. The route runs through a number of loosely defined areas or historical counties in northern Scotland including Inverness-shire, the Black Isle, Wester Ross, Easter Ross, Sutherland, and Caithness. Best, Jessica, Hi Jessica and Laurence The North Coast 500 Map has been created for those interpid adventurers undertaking the 500 mile round trip from Inverness, through the Black Isle all around the North Coast of Scotland, down the uniquley scenic West Coast of Sutherland and Wester Ross before finally returning cross-country to Inverness. I am guessing you are specifically referring specifically to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)? Thanks for all the useful information. They service the entire region including the North Coast 500. “My life up here is just one long excuse for a very scenic cup of tea,” … There are a lot of options in this category, from log cabins to beach villas to entire apartments and houses. So I would just avoid those 2 stretches and you should be fine. You can see more about all the suggested attractions and where they fit on the route by taking a look at our North Coast 500 itinerary. Between those, you should probably have everything you need in terms of route and dining suggestions, but let us know if you have additional questions. There are some hostels in Inverness and in a couple of the towns. Lambs are most vulnerable in the Spring and early summer. Several hotel & B&B owners are in the process or have recently renovated to be able to offer more accessible rooms that can accommodated those in wheelchairs and others with restricted mobility. -Day 2: Wick: Thrumpster House or The Clachan B&B Would appreciate any help. We’ll try to keep this list updated but if you know of any other group tours, please let us know! Hi Carrie! What a great write up, thank you…. The Bealach Na Ba is a narrow windy stretch of road near Applecross, and the most difficult and steepest stretch of the official NC500 route. For camping / caravaning, see our suggested NC500 camping itinerary for suggestions. Could you please recommend a route? Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. So, take this famous route of twists and turns and explore one of the most beautifully wild parts of Scotland. As you have read on our blogs as well as it sounds like from other people online who have done the trip, we’d not recommend that route for you. There are many archaeological sites that are not far from a parking area and are easy to visit. Here is a partial list of places where we’ve stayed or visited, across a range of budgets and styles, that I believe allow dogs (in at least certain rooms): – Kingsmill House in Inverness – dogs are allowed here But if you are parked somewhere you are allowed to legally park and it is in a safe place that does not prohibit BBQs (some beaches, parks, etc. There are also a couple of specialty food spots along the route such as Robertsons The Larder farm shop. My Dad (82), has never been out of the states and has left me in charge of this trip (no pressure) It will truly be memorable for the both of us. That sounds like a fun trip, and very happy you are finding our blog helpful in planning your North Coast 500 road trip! There are a couple of good museums there and the remains of a fort. I have just started planning my trip for late summer/autumn and this is a huge help. 250 miles (402 km) North East 250 Choose this route for - 250 miles of outstanding coastline, magnificent castles, spectacular mountain landscapes and a wealth of fascinating history to explore. I stumbled upon your incredible website a few weeks ago and brilliant photos and enormous information that you posted has drawn me into planning a holiday to highlands this summer. The first is that if you are not used to single track roads, driving the route counterclockwise helps ease you into them better than driving it clockwise. in line with their website/Booking.com and, whilst it didn't spoil the overall experience, it is worth spending some time checking hotel reviews before booking. Also if you only have 3 nights from Edinburgh, that is not really enough time as the route as it is not near Edinburgh so that would probably not leave you much time, especially if you are on a budget. The route runs just a bit north of where you would have been when visiting the Isle of Skye, the Isle is a common detour for people driving the route. You can check out our guide to the top things to do in Edinburgh, lesser known Edinburgh attractions, and Edinburgh photography guide for idea to put together an itinerary there. The North Coast 500 website promises “fairy-tale castles, beaches, and ruins,” and deliver it does. Drive Route 66 for American roadside culture and drive NC500 for Scottish Highlands culture, historical sites, and scenic coastal views. Do let us know if you have any questions. Since the NC500 route forms a loop, you have the option of driving it either clockwise or counterclockwise. Experience Scotland's answer to Route 66 on our scenic self-drive tour of the North Coast of Scotland. Where Can I Rent a Car, Campervan, Motorcycle, etc.? To get starated, you can check out Ticket to Ride and Inverness Bike Hire in Inverness and West Coast Biking in Kinlochewe. The route is also known as the NC500 and links many features in the northern Highlands of Scotland, taking you through some of the most breath-taking scenery in the world. Golfing. But it sounds like you still had some great stays on the NC500 and were well looked after by the hosts and staff along the route. I don’t need to look for information anywhere else.. So just to be clear, there is no actual road named North Coast 500 but it is a designated tourist route. How to Be a Responsible Traveler of the NC500? But of course, do keep checking the latest advisories. Are NC500 Guided Group Tours or Private Tours Available? Absolutely stunning! If you plan to speed around, you could do it with 3 full days and night, but we’d recommend more time. Here are some ideas and resources to help you plan your trip: 1. Some things that may be new for you are driving on the left side of the road, driving on single-track roads, and driving in areas where livestock is unfenced. You can check out this NC500 camping itinerary for some ideas for campsites along the North Coast 500 and camping tips. – Durness may be a good corner for some more remote hiking opportunities. Really useful , Thanks Lois, glad you enjoyed our guide and hope you have a wonderful North Coast 500 road trip. Hope that helps and just let us know if you have more questions as you continue planning your trip! Unfortunately we don’t have an other option that go within the Dutch holliday weeks because of school. You can see more about these places and a list of all the main sites around the North Coast 500 when reading our day-by-day NC500 itinerary. Most attractions along the route don’t require any pre-booking or reservations, but if you want to do a specific activity (e.g., fly fishing, guided hike, kayaking, wildlife tour, etc.) And drive NC500 for Scottish Highlands helpful in planning your road trip large... 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