Holidays abroad are still uncertain this year, but there’s a beautiful world out there on our doorstep. And it’s ripe for a roadtrip.
The North Coast 500 offers hundreds of miles of rugged coastlines, rolling countryside, striking lochs and majestic mountain ranges.
"It is a special place where people will be able find tranquillity, restore their wellbeing and refresh after lockdown,” says Tom Campbell, executive chair of North Coast 500 Ltd.
“Every corner offers wild, rugged and varied landscapes that encourage visitors to take their time to appreciate, explore away from the beaten track and focus on wellbeing experiences, such as walking, hiking and swimming, as part of their travels.”
But be warned, locals have told of “big holes in huge sections” and “suspension-destroying” potholes on the 519-mile tourist trail.
As many consider a staycation this year, we asked hospitality owners across the route about their recommendations of places to stop and things to do.
Contributions came from the Dornoch Castle Hotel, The Torridon, Mackays Hotel, Attadale Gardens, The Storehouse and Links House Hotel.
"It is a special place where people will be able find tranquillity, restore their wellbeing and refresh after lockdown,” says Tom Campbell, executive chair of North Coast 500 Ltd.
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The North Coast 500 in Scotland makes for an incredible roadtrip in the Highland wilderness. Photo: Getty Images / North Coast 500
. Canoe in Loch Torridon
Upper Loch Torridon is surrounded by beautiful mountains and its waters are home to a variety of wildlife such as otters, eagles and seals. The Torridon Hotel offers tours with expert guide Ben Watson, where you can explore the loch, land, and munros and immerse yourself in the Highland wilderness. Photo: North Coast 500
5. Walk the world's shortest street
“If you’re looking for an iconic landmark to highlight your NC500 journey, look no further than Ebenezer Place, the World’s Shortest Street and the home of Mackays Hotel!" says Ellie Lamont, owner of the family run hotel in Wick, "It was so named in recognition of the kindness and caring shown by the townsfolk of Wick to Alexander Sinclair, the man who built the hotel in 1887." Photo: North Coast 500
6. See the best view in East Sutherland
"For the best view in East Sutherland, combined with a heart pumping but not too challenging walk, would be Ben Bhraggie next to Golspie," says Phil Scott of Links House Hotel, "The site of the infamous statue of the Duke of Sutherland.” Photo: geograph.co.uk
7. Get off the main roads
“I would highly recommend getting off the main A roads and discovering the back roads and tiny hamlets all around the 500 miles. It really is that simple," says Quintin Stevens, of The Storehouse farm shop and restaurant near Dingwall, "If you go clockwise around the route, turn left if you love the sea and beautiful beaches and turn right if you love the mountains and discover the rivers, glens and inner highlands. Fresh Seafood on the West Coast is hard to beat." Photo: Getty Images
8. See the Stacks of Duncasby
“Stacks of Duncansby are an iconic attraction and only a ten-minute walk from John O’ Groats," says Ellie Lamont of Mackays Hotel at Wick, "grab a quick stroll before continuing your journey. This remarkable landscape is home to breath-taking views and an abundance of highland wildlife.” Photo: Getty Images