NC500 / North Coast 500

The NC500 or "North Coast 500" is the ultimate road trip in north Scotland, taking in 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery.  Caves, castles, beaches, mountains and wildlife all feature on Scotland's best-known road trip.  The articles here relate to places you can visit on the NC500.
The Cromarty Ferry: A Scenic Route on the North Coast 500

Find out about crossing details, fares, and the ferry's fascinating history. Photos and videos included.

Tarbat Ness Lighthouse in Scotland's Easter Ross

Plan your visit with our guide, featuring travel tips, historical insights, and wildlife highlights. Perfect for families and road trippers!

Free guide: 5 Days in Inverness Travel Itinerary

From Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle, experience the magic of the Scottish Highlands. Plan your trip now!

Free guide: 5 Days in Dornoch Travel Itinerary

Dornoch Travel Itinerary: How to spend 5 days in Dornoch in north Scotland, activities, hotels and places to eat.

NC500 Petrol Stations: Fuel Stops along Scotland's Iconic Route

A comprehensive guide to petrol stations along the iconic NC500 coastal route. Includes location map.

Discover the Breathtaking Loch Fleet in the Scottish Highlands

Explore Loch Fleet, a serene tidal sea lagoon in Sutherland boasting diverse habitats, rich wildlife, and stunning landscapes.

When is the best time of year to visit Scotland?

A guide to visiting Scotland at different times of the year. When is the best weather? When is the high season for tourists?

The best things to do in the Dornoch area

A guide to great places to visit in the Dornoch area of Scotland - beaches, castles, wildlife and history.

Fairy Glen Falls Rosemarkie on The Black Isle.

A detour from the NC500 to the beautiful Fairy Glen Falls walk near Rosemarkie, The Black Isle in the Scottish Highlands.

A comprehensive guide to caravan holidays in Scotland

I love a good caravan holiday in Scotland! Let's look at the best holiday parks available, caravan types, and top tips.

Carn Liath Iron Age Broch near Golspie, Sutherland.

An ancient broch not far from Golspie and Dunrobin Castle. Carn Liath is around 2000 years old and is a fascinating place to visit.

Loch a' Chroisg, picturesque small loch west of Dingwall

Learn more about the beautiful Loch a' Chroisg in this short article. Fishing, wild camping and Lochrosque House.

Grannie's Heilan' Hame Holiday Park near Dornoch

A brilliant caravan park in north Scotland, near Dornoch in the Sutherland area. Fantastic beaches, castles, waterfalls and wildlife.

The Royal Burgh of Dornoch in the north Scottish Highlands

The town of Dornoch in north Scottish Highlands on the east coast. A lovely place with a cathedral and many nice restaurants.

Redcastle ruin near Inverness<br>and Beauly

The ruin of Redcastle, situated on the Beauly Firth it is a wonderful castle and gardens to visit in The Black Isle.

Rogie Falls, a spectacular waterfall in the north Highlands

A visit to Rogie Falls with my wife in early October. A fantastic waterfall with a suspension bridge and salmon leaping.

Dunrobin Castle, one of Scotland's great houses

Held by the Sutherland clan for over 700 years, Dunrobin Castle is steeped in history and has a beautiful Victorian garden.

Dornoch Cathedral, 13th century church in the Scottish Highlands

Learn about the rich history surrounding Dornoch Cathedral and its Bishop - Gilbert de Moravia in 1222.

Skelbo Castle, overlooking Loch Fleet in Sutherland

A charming ruin of a Scottish Castle located near Dornoch in the north of Scotland. Currently owned by a Russian billionaire!

Golspie Golf Club, in Sutherland, on the Dornoch Firth

Visit this beautiful golf course that lies in the shadow of Ben Bhraggie and looks out onto the Dornoch Firth.

The Falls of Shin Waterfall and Salmon leaping, Sutherland

The Falls of Shin Waterfall, visitor centre and Salmon leaping in Sutherland. Fantastic restaurant, play park and woodland walks.

Family lunch out at Sandstone Cafe, Dornoch

Lunch out with my family at Sandstone Cafe, our favourite place to eat in Dornoch. Amazing paninis and homemade cakes.

Big Burn Walk near Golspie, Sutherland

A fantastic walk along a deep forest gorge surrounded by waterfalls and wildlife, near Golspie. Great to visit after Dunrobin Castle.