Multi Activity View Trip Dates North Coast 500 Book Now

Trip Grade: Your Own Pace North Coast 500

This self-drive holiday explores the dramatic North Coast 500 on a tour of the north of Scotland, while enjoying privately guided walks, wonderful boat trips and staying in cosy and comfortable small Highland hotels.

The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to Route 66, starting in Inverness this 500 mile round journey takes in some of the most stunning scenery Scotland has to offer.

On this 8-day self-drive holiday, you will meander through the impossibly quiet roads of the Northern Highlands. Enjoy a number of boat trips and privately guided walks while exploring the unspoilt scenery along the way. At the end of each day, relax in cosy and welcoming accommodation.

Highlights • Soak up the magnificent views of Britain’s highest waterfall while cruising on Loch Glencoul • Enjoy a walk out to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on mainland Britain • Choose from a variety of cliff, coastal or mountain guided and self guided walks

Book with confidence • You pick the dates that suit you – we make all the arrangements required Planned Itinerary

Arrival

• Make your own way to Torridon for the ﬁrst night of your trip. This is a self drive holiday - you can bring your own car or hire from anywhere in Scotland

Departure

• The final night of the trip is in Inverness. Depart from here by your own arrangements

PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary is indicative only and may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guides with regard weather conditions and other factors. Day 1 | Begin the North Coast 500 – Travel to Torridon

Today you’ll start your journey on the NC500 and make your way to Torridon where you will spend the next two nights in a wonderful Highland Lodge located on the shores of Loch Torridon, where you can enjoy the spectacular beauty and diverse wildlife of Loch Torridon.

Day 2 | Walking Torridon/Applecross

After breakfast, meet your Wilderness Scotland guide to discuss options for today’s walk in the Torridon or Applecross area. Your guide will help you select a suitable hike, choosing from coastal or mountain walks, and keeping in mind the weather and your experience. Applecross is a sleepy and idyllic part of the Highlands, surrounded by stunning mountain and coastal scenery. Torridon has a different character altogether, being surrounded by bold, towering peaks, separated by spectacular glens with a real sense of wilderness. Both are wonderful areas to explore on foot so this is a great way to start your adventure. (B)

Day 3 | Morning walk; then onwards North

Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning to discuss the day. Another hike lies ahead and there are many great options to choose from - your guide will suggest the best route. This could include a circuit of the shapely peak of Stac Pollaidh; or exploring the coastline and sandy beaches of Gairloch. After your walk, you will make your way to your next cosy stop for the coming 2 nights. (B) Day 4 | Self Guided and Boat trip Kylesku

In the morning you have some free time – you could enjoy a short hike on your own, explore Lochinver village, or simply relax at the hotel. A visit to Lochinver Larder is a must for one of their famous pies. If you are keen to walk, great options include a walk to Stoer lighthouse and the Old Man of Stoer (a sea stack); or a coastal beach walk to the gorgeous Achmelvich beach.

In the afternoon, drive north and board a boat at Kylesku for a journey along Loch Glencoul through the UK’s wildest mountain range. On board, you will have fantastic views of Britain’s highest waterfall Eas a’Chual Aluinn, with an impressive height of 650 feet. Return via the ‘wee mad road’, as it’s known by the locals, where every twist and turn is rewarded with spectacular scenery. (B)

Day 5 | Cape Wrath

This morning you can visit Cape Wrath, the most north westerly point of the Scottish mainland. It’s not easy to reach and your journey there will involve crossing by boat over the Kyle of Durness you will be met on the other side and then driven across the moors to reach the wild and lonely Cape Wrath lighthouse. You will have an hour to explore the area, taking in the dramatic coastline, looking for passing whales, or simply enjoying a refreshment in what is surely Scotland’s most remote coﬀee shop. To take the ferry simply pay on arrival at Keoldale.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer, you can continue on eastwards to Forss. On your way you can explore some of Scotland’s ﬁnest beaches such as the sand dunes at Durness and Balnakeil. (B) Day 6 | No Further North! Dunnet Head and John O’Groats

Today is a free day to explore the most northerly points in the Scottish mainland. You’ll want to visit Dunnet Head, officially the furthest north point of the British mainland. Enjoy the stunning sea cliffs and a diverse range of birds including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes, shags and cormorants.

John O’Groats is the most northerly settlement on the British mainland and is fun to visit. There is a great cliﬀ-top walk at nearby Duncansby Head. A great way to appreciate the wild coastal scenery is a boat trip. This can take in Duncansby Head and its sea stacks, the Isle of Stroma and the Swilkie whirlpool – Viking legend would have you believe this is where the salt for the oceans is churned. (B)

Day 7 | Journey to Inverness

After breakfast, begin your journey to Inverness passing the stunning white sand beach on Sinclair Bay. Along the way you may want to pay a visit to the Glenmorangie distillery – ensure you have a designated driver! Once at Inverness, there are various options for the afternoon – perhaps visit Culloden Battlefield or take a boat cruise on Loch Ness. (B) Day 8 | Final Hike, then Return to Inverness and Depart

After a leisurely breakfast, and having completed the NC500, you can make your way home. (B)

Optional Orkney Extension We can extend your trip to include a visit to the beautiful Orkney Islands, starting on Day 6 of your trip. The crossing lasts around one hour, and as you sail you can look out for marine wildlife such as dolphins and whales which frequent these waters. Orkney is world famous for its rich archaeological sites such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar. It also offers a fascinating military history from two world wars, and links to the exploration of North America. If you would like to include Orkney please contact the office team to discuss. You may spend just a day there or as long as you like! Trip Grading | At Your Own Pace

On this adventure you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Scotland hiking guide for several days, who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of hikes from gentle low level rambles to challenging days visiting remote summits. Just let them know what type of hike you would like to do and they will be ready!

On the other days of the trip you will self guided and can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

Accommodation and Meals

Our classic self drive holidays feature a range of country houses and hotels in locations across the north of Scotland. Accommodation is in double, twin or family bedrooms. Breakfast is included each morning.

Food is sure to be a highlight on this trip, enjoying excellent Scottish cuisine made from local ingredients throughout the trip.

Please note that alternative accommodations may be offered when you book if availability at any of these is limited.

At all stages of your trip you will be able to enjoy tasty Scottish cuisine, enjoying delicious meals prepared from superb local ingredients.

Packed lunches are not included in the trip cost, but will be available from your hotel or a local cafe/ deli. Inclusions

This trip includes the following: • 7 nights accommodation in comfortable highland hotels. • Breakfast each day • 2 days of privately guided hikes, led by an expert Wilderness Scotland guide • Kylesku boat trip and Loch Ness boat trip or Culloden Battlefield (Cape Wrath excursion is notincluded and can be paid locally) • Route notes and maps, allowing you to explore the region at your own pace Our holidays reviewed in your words…

Excellent trip. The North Coast of Scotland has to be one “of the most beautiful places on earth! Accommodation was superb in every way. Each room had a lovely view, comfortable rooms and delicious food. Don't miss the Lochinver Larder in Lochinver, or the hot chocolate at The Cocoa Mountain cafe in Balnaseil Bay!

Kirstin Pellom ”

All Trip Reviews Here Your Guide

During this trip you will be accompanied and led by one of our professional guides. Our guides are among the most highly experienced and qualified in the country. Defined by their passion for Scotland’s wild places, they have an intimate knowledge of the natural and social history of this land which they will be delighted to share with you. For more info and to meet the team please see our Guide Pages.

Sustainable Travel

Wilderness Scotland is committed to the principles of ecotourism. We work very hard to ensure our engagements with local communities, wild lands and wildlife are positive.

We are a proud partner of the Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics, which enhances our commitment to responsible activity in Scotland’s wild lands, as enshrined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC).

We are also proud to be a John Muir Trust Peak Partner. Thanks in part to the generosity of our clients though our Conservation Contribution scheme the John Muir Trust can rely on our investment to go towards conservation projects that have a deep connection to Wilderness Scotland and the areas we adventure in.

You can learn more about the work we’re doing with the John Muir Trust and the other ways we care for the wild places we love here. Equipment List

Check out our guide on what to wear when adventuring in Scotland. wildernessscotland.com/blog/hiking-in-scotland-what-to-wear

Eat | Stay | See

Looking for accommodation for before or after your adventure with us? Check out our list of where to stay and what to do

Eat – Stay – See – Inverness.pdf

General Info – Scotland

From food and drink to the Loch Ness Monster, our General Info for Scotland guide has got you covered for all your need to know facts.

General-Info-Scotland.pdf Travel Insurance

It is your responsibility to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover you during your trip. This should include cover for cancellation prior to the trip, the activities undertaken (i.e hiking), curtailment, and adequate medical insurance for sickness/ injury and medical repatriation. We also strongly recommend you have cover for your other travel arrangements such as flights, and your personal possessions.

We suggest you do your own research to find the best insurance cover for you however the follow companies offer suitable policies.

Campbell Irvine Direct – campbellirvinedirect.com Journeyman Insurance Services – journeyman-services.com/travelInsurance

If you cancel your holiday charges will apply. Please see section 2 of our terms and conditions for a breakdown: wildernessscotland.com/make-a-booking/booking-conditions

Travel With Confidence

You can book with us in complete confidence that all trip payments made to us are fully protected.

Wilderness Scotland Ltd is a licensed and bonded tour operator. Your financial security is guaranteed through our membership and bonding with ABTA. FAQs

Looking for more information? Check out our frequently asked questions page. wildernessscotland.com/faq

Questions To Ask? Ready to Book?

If you want to get in touch please send us an email or give us a call. We accept bookings online, by email, or over the phone. A deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking to secure the trip with the balance payable 8 weeks (56 days) before departure. If booking less than 56 days before the trip start date, full payment of the trip price is required immediately.

We accept payment by credit or debit card, or bank transfer.

email: [email protected] View Trip Dates Tel (UK and Europe): +44(0)1479 420 020 Book Now Tel (US and Canada): 866-740-3890