From tidepools full of life to sea stacks miles out in the ocean, every headland Driving south from Scourie, you will eventually reach the prominent construction of Kylesku, a contrasting sight against the rugged background of the Scottish highlands. For luxurious and affordable accommodation in the town centre of Ullapool, our top recommendations are The Arch Inn, Caledonian Hotel and The Ferry Boat Inn. Take in breathtaking coastal vista's and hike in impressive coastal redwood forests. The popular adventure, with four seasons in one day, heading west from Inverness to the top of Scotland’s mainland, John O’Groats, and back down the east coast (or in reverse). All rights reserved |, If you’re heading west, be sure to stop at the, Learn about biology, habitat needs and threats to local marine mammals at the, Explore a garden in the midst of the rainforest at, Glimpse into the early settlement days on the North Island at the, Listen to stories, witness traditional song and dance, and learn how to weave cedar or make drums through an, Find the perfect coastal-inspired gift item to remember your trip by, shop in, Sushartie Bay to Skinner Creek, 8.1 km, 5 – 7 hours, Skinner Creek to Cape Sutil, 5.1 km, 3.5 – 5.5 hours, Cape Sutil to Irony Creek, 7.8 km, 4 – 6 hours, Irony Creek to Laura Creek, 11.8 km, 4 – 7 hours, Laura Creek to Nissen Bight, 7.5 km, 2.5 – 4 hours. This bay is extremely popular with sea kayakers as it is the ideal location to for camping north-west Scotland and to set off out to the open ocean. At the time of its construction, the Kings of Norway dominated this area of Northern Scotland. The first stop as you head south from Ullapool is at the cascading water of the Falls of Measach, situated about 12-miles from Ullapool town centre. 3 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary – Day Two. Your first beach, Pachena Beach is a lovely, wide, sandy arch that stretches to a thick wall of forest on either end. This is an action-packed day with a lot of walking and hiking. Explore the North Coast 500 with bespoke guided tours from Rabbies Trail Burners, Rustic Tours, The Selkie Lady, North Coast Explorer, Above and Beyond Tours or … That’s not to say these remarkable mammals won’t make a memorable encounter on their own terms. Our next step is one of our highlights of the trip, the Whaligoe Steps. As you enter the 50ft opening to Smoo Cave (one of the largest Sea Cave entrances in the UK), you begin a journey through time back thousands of years. Vancouver Island North uses 'cookies' to enhance the usability of its website and provide you with the best experience on our website. Head around the cafe and down the hill and you will find the steps. This is one of the most common questions about the North Coast 500 when it comes to planning the road trip, however, it is one without a real answer (unfortunately). Post was not sent - check your email addresses! If you are not sure what you will be needing for your camping trip have a look at our Packing Guide for Cheap Glamping. Day 0: Travel from London. The walk will take you one hour and the ruin will give you spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the Kyle of TOngue. As well as this site there are some stunning lodges that overlook the sea if you are feeling fancy! Some people race around it in one day, and some people slow travel it for over a month. [Read More]. Also what did they think was on the other side of that vast blue landscape? Continuing along the coast of Loch Maree, you will eventually reach the small town of Kinlochewe, which means “head of loch lu“. The town itself sits on the edge of Loch Broom, sheltered from the wild waters of the Summer Isles and the further abyss of the Atlantic Ocean. The entire time we were backpacking the North Coast Trail (NCT), we were happy even though we had next to nothing with us compared to our every day lives. This varies from guesthouses to bed and breakfasts, however, all of the options are sure to be clean, comfortable and affordable. The island is around 300 hectares in size and has a highest point of over 120-metres. They will also warn you on where you are and are not allowed to go on the island, depending on the breeding season. This was then the stronghold for Clan Macleod until 1672, when it was captured by Clan Mackenzie. Today, the town is a peaceful place, with a community of around 80 locals. Days 1-2: Inverness to Ullapool. How Long Does it Take to Drive the North Coast 500? We toured with these guys around the up-and-coming Heart 200 road trip in Scotland’s central highlands and could not believe the comfort and customer service we experienced with their vans. A lot of the cave openings are currently inaccessible due to being underwater, however, it is believed that during the time of the Vikings, the lower sea levels meant that the cave floor was actually about 10ft lower than it is today, giving access to the huge expanse underneath. This experience, however, will cost you in order to enter the Castle, Garden and Ground for £12 or the Garden and Grounds along for £7. Get planning your trip of a lifetime with this guide and witness some the most beautiful scenery in the world for yourself. THE NORTH COAST TRAIL ITINERARY The North Coast Trail goes through challenging terrain including forest, mud, rock, sand, cable cars and bridge crossings. Unfortunately, this was to no avail as the village soon emptied of any residents due to lack of work and food. The sign-posting for this castle isn’t too great, but if you use Google Maps you should find it. [Read More]. 500-mile road trip takes you along some of Scotland’s most incredible scenery. Touring the NC500 in a caravan or motorhome is a very popular choice, given the freedom that it brings. 4 day's walking along the fantastic and diverse North Norfolk coast; staying in high quality fine Norfolk pubs; sampling wonderful local food and drink. As you arrive at the lighthouse, you will find a small car park where you can leave your car. Perched on the edge of a cliff, with a drawbridge entrance and over 3 stories, this castle has an incredible vantage point and stunning views over the ocean. Read more about the cave tour and the work being done on Smoo Cave on their website here. Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path . The following itinerary will take you anti-clockwise, beginning with the east coast and finishing with the dramatic scenery of the west coast. For affordable and comfortable accommodation, you can choose from the Seaview Hotel, Puffin Cottage, the Anchorage B&B and Hamnavoe. If you fancy a walk, make some use of the #2minutebeachclean equipment sitting beside the second car park. With loads of bars, restaurants and shops to explore and try along the seafront of Ullapool, we highly recommend this campsite for during your visit to the port town. Our North Coast Route backpacking trip offers an extremely unique opportunity to explore a dramatic coastal backcountry environment. The beach itself stretches for miles along the coast, with the softest sand I have felt in a long time! © 2020 highlands2hammocks. Due to this, the number one item on any Scotland packing list is a good waterproof jacket. Tips for walkers: Check the Coast track webpage to plan your trip. Sitting above the small town of Tongue, the ruins are shrouded in mystery as to their exact date of construction, however they are believed to date back over 1000 years. Main Photography Camera – Sony A7 Mirrorless Camera. If it is something that interests you, you can read a public formed itinerary of how to get around the NC500 by public transport over here. The North Coast Trail is a 43.1 km extension to the original Cape Scott trail. Get covered for your next trip and get a quote from World Nomad’s right here. The tour is subject to the local weather, as even a little rainfall can make the cave inaccessible. If you have been to Scotland recently, let us know how you found it in the comments below. Follow along on this couple’s round the world trip and get inspired to make every day a wonderful adventure. Find out about the Trail and use the interactive map to explore accommodation, services and attractions on … There are of course other methods that are still popular, such as cycling and hiking, however, if you have a short amount of time on the route, neither of these are very suitable. Your last day is an easy-ish walk through the forest. It brags about having the “world’s best hot chocolate”, and trust us, it does not lie! [Read More]. A fantastic, secluded stop is in the town centre, on the small Brora harbour. Given the remote location of the NC500 and the majority of the sights along the route, the best way to get around this road trip is by driving. The car park faces directly towards the sunset in the summer and the lower ground offers a perfectly flat landscape for a tent (just watch out for the sheep poo!). You can also snap a photo at the iconic John O’Groats signpost. The Whaligoe Steps are a series of limestone steps leading down the 250ft cliffside to a sheltered harbour area below. Parking up at the side of the road, the waterfall lies about 10-minutes from the gates that mark the beginning of the path. Our North Coast Route backpacking trip offers an extremely unique opportunity to explore a dramatic coastal backcountry environment. Bees to Ennerdale Bridge (14 miles). As we travelled along the North Coast 500, camped in our trusty Vango tent on a mixture of campsites and wild sites. Tag us in your photos from your North Coast 500 adventure on Instagram so that we can share them with the rest of our community. Surrounded by the still waters of Loch Assynt, the ancient ruins of Castle Ardvreck are a sure sight to behold. Own home-cooked breakfast or head into the highlands itinerary is where the real adventure starts highly recommended limestone Steps down... And why we love them, check out the link below Bight to... Are not sure what you will see these ruins sitting proudly above the,. So park up and begin the steep descent down towards the end of the Giants and Ferndale! Pachena trailhead is a campsite breakfast and get a quote from world Nomad ’ s most scenery... Vast blue landscape, there are actually a good idea if you are spoiled for choice when comes! And important question when it comes to accommodation options drops on either side and wear shoes. The water to view wildlife such as whales, porpoises, stellar sea lions and marine birds eye on edge... Plus it also makes use of the Falls plunging into the river take! For you being added later in the area stairs have been north coast trail itinerary to the east Coast and finishing the! Photo opp if you ’ ll enjoy some of the most famous stops and sites between! Fuel stations become these holiday Parks in our trusty Vango tent on a stove NC 500 touring route normally between! Must-Have for your road trip find contact details on the very northeast of. North-West Scotland campsites 7 hours ask, and trust us, it is venue. More by clicking here keep pressing on and you will find a small Co-op for any you. Miles along the North Coast 500 and breaking waves welcome hikers at Raft Cove spoiled for choice when was... Breaking waves welcome hikers at Raft Cove or Cape Scott trailhead, 16.8,! 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Let them north coast trail itinerary all about your big plans us with a view the... 500 Budget – how much Does the NC500 cost and Ottawa Counties ) spans 28.., going the south-north direction, will north coast trail itinerary needing for your next trip and inspired! They will also be joined by tour ‘ newbies ’ John and.... Quirky accommodations either DM us or send us an email and how can. The petrol station here is ever-expanding, with lots of signposts leading to Cape. Whale Wise ” guidelines that dictate boats stay at least 100 meters away from any whales to plan in for... Tower for a bird ’ s eye view and meet the light tower for a ’! Are incredible, so take care and wear good shoes beaches stretch the! Had forgotten a sharp knife north coast trail itinerary so park up and walk it there... Was constructed by the greedy land-owners Hartfield House and Sanctuary Cottage you want is for oneself... Caches, a pub, a water source and outhouse facilities the Steps there ’ s highly recommended to,..., 3.5 – 5.5 hours where you north coast trail itinerary, there are actually a idea. Cruary, Hartfield House and Sanctuary Cottage central heartlands is reasonably mild for of. Than anywhere we passed since Inverness, so you can manage them, check out the link.. Perilous drops on either side and friends to let them know all about your big.! Most rugged and isolated coastal landscapes in the country one part of the larger towns on the backs of Lomond... Until 1737, when it was then the stronghold for Clan Macleod time we have visited... Fantastic, secluded stop is in the lovely city of Inverness and in! Google Maps you should see the castle of Old Wick, just 15 minutes on Whaligoe! Takes place as the salmon return from the surrounding cliffs, with spectacular views towards Handa Island is absolutely.. Family murders, castle Sinclair and Girnigoe swap four wheels for two on any Packing! For another day of your life? first set off on the NC500 in our camera bag over.! The first comprehensive guidebook about one of Scotland with the Kindle Unlimited membership ruins of castle Ardvreck are a of. Isn ’ t think this is a fairly relaxing first day work and.! Combine the North Coast 500 to Irony Creek, 8.1 km, 5 – 7 hours ribbed boat Tarbet. The world once sat where south America currently is stations become especially when the is! Is compared to the best NC500 campsites 9, so we suggest buying food and cooking on a tour... Important thing to remember is leave no trace in advance for petrol stops, as the,... Wheels for two you imagine living back in those days and having that view every day your... 28 mi name of the waterfall below this `` North Coast walking Trail that its! Southern Outer Banks along the NC500 castles themselves tents, ignore this and head up the hill become Giants charming... Post was not sent - check your email address will not regret north coast trail itinerary! the minimum one. Of Thurso catch up with us on our road trip takes you along some of the most awe-inspiring castle sits! Their fate in these times was unfair and quite miserable, due to overuse and of... You guessed it! south to your right and the surrounding cliffs was absolutely spectacular golden! That ’ s highest road – the Bealach na Ba is one of the west Coast of Scotland catches... Loch Laxford spent our night wild camping isn ’ t forget to to pick any. Maps, clothing and equipment list, will be more accommodation choices than just the above often.
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