Details
Day One – Torridon
This driving route could start in Inverness, or further south and we can tailor-make it to suit.
Your first destination is in one of the most scenically beautiful and secluded locations in the whole of Scotland in the wild and rugged area of Wester Ross. Your route today could include Loch Ness and the famous Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle), with its series of exhilarating hairpin bends.
Your Hotel
This small, family-run inn makes a picture-perfect base for exploring the dramatic west coast with its abundance of lochs, forests, mountains and rivers. The grandeur of the surrounding mountains forms a stunning backdrop to your hotel, which nestles in the crescent-shaped village high street. Converted from a row of white-washed fishing cottages, the hotel overlooks an idyllic loch which reflects a tiny island covered in Scots Pines. Two snug lounges both feature glorious views over the peaceful loch, and offer visitors the chance to idle away an afternoon watching the occasional boat come and go, and maybe enjoy a wee dram from the honesty bar in the corner. If you’re lucky you could even be treated to one of the west coast’s spectacular sunsets.
Day Three – Ullapool
Next head further north, following the coast road as it traverses deeply set lochs, and pass more soaring mountains. Plenty of time today to explore as you tour. Your next stop is the colourful harbour village of Ullapool.
Your Hotel
This unique hotel offers visitors a genuinely warm welcome, and is a particularly interesting place to rest awhile. Behind a traditional row of whitewashed fishermen’s’ cottages lies an assorted collection of coffee bar, book shop, arts venue, restaurant and hotel. The owners have developed their eclectic establishment over the years to become the genial and sociable hub of the local arts community.
The large and cheerful visitors lounge on the first floor is stuffed full of comfy sofas and cosy corners, books, games and pictures. Conversations spill out into general discussions, with excellent advice offered on local things to see and do. Ceilidhs, plays, poetry readings, and local artists’ exhibitions are frequent events. Complimentary tea and coffee is available here and there is an honesty bar too. The excellent food is sourced locally with the emphasis on fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes.
The book shop is a great place to browse. Here you will find a large selection of special and unusual Scottish literature, arts and history books, and can stock up on scarce editions and hard-to-find volumes. Each bedroom also has a selection of books which guests are welcome to read during their stay, and are available to buy when they leave.
Day Five – Caithness
Drive further north, now entering Sutherland and some of Scotland’s most dramatic coastal landscapes, passing Durness and crossing the Kyle of Tongue before entering the area of Caithness at Scotland’s northeastern tip.
Your Accommodation
Your accommodation here is a friendly and welcoming family owned guest house, conveniently placed within easy walking-distance of the centre of the small, historic town of Thurso.
Day Six – Caithness
You have a full day to relax and explore Caithness – perhaps visit John O’Groats for those keen to cover one of Britain’s “extremities” and the Castle of Mey, as well as Wick, home of the Old Pulteney Distillery. A day trip to Orkney is also possible.
Day Seven – Dornoch
Your final section of the NC500, brings you south down the east coast of Caithness and Sutherland, perhaps stopping to take in the village of Helmsdale and clifftop Dunrobin castle. Your route could even take you inland to explore the remarkable flow country of Sutherland, on the way to your accommodation by the cute and genteel Highland town of Dornoch.
Your Hotel
In a peaceful rural setting, yet only five minutes’ drive from the centre of Dornoch, your accommodation in Sutherland is an impressive, recently repurposed barn, one of the original E-shaped structures built as a grain store on the Duke of Sutherland’s estate some 150 years ago.
Here, you’ll find many features of a modern small hotel, such as spacious, beautifully appointed bedrooms and splendid bathrooms. The striking guest lounge, heated by wood-burning stove, is the perfect spot in which to flop in an armchair with a dram from the in-house bar. Admire the exquisite scenery through the double-height cathedral-style windows, perhaps kept company by the resident dog.
Breakfast is continental and extensive, with hot porridge available as well as a vast range of cold delicacies.
Day Eight – Exploring Dornoch
This very pleasant seaside town is a perfect place to linger for a while: take a lengthy walk along the expansive beach. Indulge in a little shopping for Scottish crafts. Enjoy a tasting of rare whisky. Dornoch boasts Scotland’s smallest cathedral, and in 1727, it became the last place in Scotland where a witch was burnt. The HistoryLinks community museum is the spot to learn all about local culture and history.
Miles of golden sand from Embo Beach to the Loch Fleet Nature Reserve make this a special place for those interested in nature and the great outdoors. The Loch Fleet Nature Reserve, a large tidal basin, with mudflats, dunes and pine forest, provides a natural habitat for an array of wildlife. Waders feed, whilst dolphins and seals can be spotted in this area designated as a Site of Scientific Interest, right on Dornoch’s doorstep.
This corner of the North East Highlands has plenty to offer the whisky fan, too, with world-famous Glenmorangie and lesser-known Balblair and Clynelish distilleries open for fascinating tours, each with their own stories about what makes their amber liquid unique.
Day Nine – Return Home
The trip ends making the short drive to the Highland capital of Inverness. We can arrange additional nights here or further south as suits.
