Scottish Highlands North Coast 500 Route

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then we journey north and cross the border to Scotland, where we will spend our first night.

We travel north through Scotland and call at Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and the official starting point of the NC500 touring route.

We then travel to the western coast of the NC500 and to Gairloch. The village has a golf course, museum, hotels and restaurants. There are many stunning beaches nearby, such as Redpoint beach, which is well known for its red-hued sand and picturesque dunes.

We stay overnight at the Gairloch Hotel.

A relatively short journey to Ullapool takes us via some stunning scenery. We call at Poolewe, a pretty fishing village situated at the sheltered south side of Loch Ewe, before enjoying time at leisure in Ullapool. Situated in one of the most unspoilt natural environments in the UK, the town boasts a wealth of things to see and do. There is a great choice of varied walks in the area and the harbour is filled with fishing boats of all sizes; spend some time watching the fishermen at work sorting out their catch for the day or perhaps enjoy them for lunch in a local restaurant. Ullapool is also an artist’s dream with many local painters, potters, musicians and free spirits residing or performing here.

We stay at the Caledonian Hotel for the night.

Sit back and relax as we journey up the eastern coast and marvel at the stunning scenery. We call at Achmelvich Bay, whose clear blue waters and white sandy beaches may easily be mistaken for the Caribbean rather than Scotland! We then enjoy lunch at Smoo Cave Hotel before continuing to Thurso where we stay for two nights.

Today, we continue to the very tip of Britain and have a photo stop at the famous John O' Groats sign.

We then leave the NC500 route and make the short crossing to Orkney, an archipelago of islands with incredible history. Our local guide joins the coach for a memorable day out. As the day unfolds, the islands' Neolithic ancestry is evident as we visit many ancient monuments, stone circles, settlements and tombs – a testament to its UNESCO World Heritage status. Our scenic circular tour of the island includes most of the main sights, including 5000-year-old Scara Brae, Standing Stones, and the Italian Chapel. Along the way, listen to the tales of Viking intruders and wartime exploits, immersing yourself in Orkneys' rich maritime heritage.

We begin our journey back south, following the eastern coast of the NC500. En route, we call at the fairy tale Dubrobin Castle and admire the scenery of the Black Isle, before continuing onto the Perthshire area for our final night.

We continue south, passing through the Trossachs National Park and calling at Loch Lomond before making our way to the Scottish Borders for our final night.

Today, we wave farewell to Scotland and make our way back home.

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then we journey north and cross the border to Scotland where we will spend our first night.

After breakfast today we set off to travel through Perthshire. We make a stop in ancient Perth where you will have time to visit the free museum which is home to the "Stone of Destiny" which has seated all the ancient Kings of Scotland. There is a lovely coffee shop to enjoy before we depart and travel north through the Cairngorms National Park. Enjoy spectacular scenery as we travel deeper into the Scottish Highlands to our hotel for two nights stay,

Today we enjoy a visit first to Fort Augustus before continuing along the breathtaking Loch Ness – have your cameras ready in case you spot the infamous 'Nessie.' We then have some free time in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and the official starting point of the NC500 touring route.

Today we head for the North Coast of Scotland along the Western shores of Loch Maree to start our journey along the North Coast 500 route. We will pass Gairloch and call at Poolewe, a pretty fishing village situated at the sheltered south side of Loch Ewe, We continue with views of Gruinard Bay along the coast to our home for overnight in Ullapool. Situated in one of the most unspoilt natural environments in the UK, the town boasts a wealth of things to see and do. There is a great choice of varied walks in the area and the harbour is filled with fishing boats of all sizes; spend some time watching the fishermen at work sorting out their catch for the day or perhaps enjoy them for lunch in a local restaurant. Ullapool is also an artist’s dream with many local painters, potters, musicians and free spirits residing or performing here.

Sit back and relax as we journey up the eastern coast and marvel at the beautiful scenery. The coastline is stunning with the clear blue waters and white sandy beaches you may easily be mistaken for being in the Caribbean rather than Scotland. We then enjoy included lunch at Smoo Cave Hotel which is set in spectacular scenery close to the famous Smoo Cave and Cape Wrath, famous for puffins, fishing and golfing and in the heart of Scotland’s first Geopark. After lunch we continue to Thurso, where we stay for two nights.

Today is a day at leisure. Relax and recharge in the hotel or for those wishing to explore there are plenty of lovely walks. Thurso is the northernmost town on the island of Great Britain and has scenic views of Thurso Bay and the Pentland Firth. It has a fine harbour and beach popular with surfers, that looks out to the island of Orkney and you can view the Old Man of Hoy. One of the attractions in Thurso is the Wolfburn Distillery which has been distilling Single Malt Scotch Whisky since 1821 and offers tours and tasting for visitors. A visit to Old St Peters Church is also popular. Dedicated to Saint Peter, it dates to at least 1125, and at one time was the principal church for the county,

After breakfast we begin our journey back south but not before we travel to the very tip of Britain and make a photo stop at famous John O Groats. Get your cameras ready for a photo of the famous sign.

We then continue along the eastern part of the North Coast 500. En route, we call at the fairy tale Dubrobin Castle and admire the scenery of the Black Isle. Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands. The castle is also one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland. Entrance is included and visitors can take a self-guided tour through the state rooms on the first floor before making their way through the smaller rooms in the older parts of the castle plus formal garden and Victorian museum..

We then journey to our overnight hotel in the highlands area.

Today, we wave farewell to Scotland and make our way back home.

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then we journey north where we will spend our first night.

After breakfast today we set off to travel through Perthshire. We make a stop in ancient Perth where you will have time to visit the free museum which is home to the "Stone of Destiny" which has seated all the ancient Kings of Scotland. There is a lovely coffee shop to enjoy before we depart and travel north through the Cairngorms National Park. Enjoy spectacular scenery as we travel deeper into the Scottish Highlands to our hotel for overnight stay.

This morning you will have some free time to explore Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands before we head for the North Coast 500 route via some stunning highland scenery. We call at Poolewe, a pretty fishing village situated at the sheltered south side of Loch Ewe, before continuing on with views of Gruinard Bay before reaching Ullapool.

Situated in one of the most unspoilt natural environments in the UK, the town boasts a wealth of things to see and do. There is a great choice of varied walks in the area and the harbour is filled with fishing boats of all sizes; spend some time watching the fishermen at work sorting out their catch for the day or perhaps enjoy them for lunch in a local restaurant. Ullapool is also an artist’s dream with many local painters, potters, musicians and free spirits residing or performing here.

We stay overnight in Ullapool.

Sit back and relax as we journey up the eastern coast and marvel at the beautiful scenery. The coastline is stunning with the clear blue waters and white sandy beaches you may easily be mistaken for being in the Caribbean rather than Scotland. We then enjoy included lunch at Smoo Cave Hotel which is set in spectacular scenery close to the famous Smoo Cave and Cape Wrath, famous for puffins, fishing and golfing and in the heart of Scotland’s first Geopark.

After lunch we continue to Thurso, where we stay for two nights.

Today is a day at leisure. Relax and recharge in the hotel or for those wishing to explore there are plenty of lovely walks. Thurso is the northernmost town on the island of Great Britain and has scenic views of Thurso Bay and the Pentland Firth. It has a fine harbour and beach popular with surfers, that looks out to the island of Orkney and you can view the Old Man of Hoy. One of the attractions in Thurso is the Wolfburn Distillery which has been distilling Single Malt Scotch Whisky since 1821 and offers tours and tasting for visitors. A visit to Old St Peters Church is also popular. Dedicated to Saint Peter, it dates to at least 1125, and at one time was the principal church for the county,

After breakfast we begin our journey back south but not before we travel to the very tip of Britain and make a photo stop at famous John O Groats. Get your cameras ready for a photo of the famous sign.

We then continue along the eastern part of the North Coast 500. En route, we call at the fairy tale Dubrobin Castle and admire the scenery of the Black Isle. Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands. The castle is also one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland. Entrance is included and visitors can take a self-guided tour through the state rooms on the first floor before making their way through the smaller rooms in the older parts of the castle plus formal garden and Victorian museum.

We then journey to our overnight hotel in the highlands area.

We continue our journey south today through Scotland, passing through Cairngorms National Park making a stop at Pitlochry and Queens View. One of the most photographed views in Scotland and considered by many as Scotland's finest view. Overlooking Loch Tummel, the view was a favorite of Queen Victoria.

We then journey on across the Scottish Border for an overnight stay in northern England,

Today, we wave farewell to Scotland and make our way back home.