Don’t Miss These Sights on the NC500 – 19 Best Sights Along the NC500
One of Scotland's most famous road trips lies along the very northern coast of the country, drawing tourists from all over the world to the remote highlands and for good reason. As you venture north through the wilderness of the central highlands, the sights, sounds, and landscape around you begin to transform into that of a fairytale.
Suddenly, the tales of giants, dragons, and monsters do not seem so far-fetched. Mountain peaks tower around you and the weather blows a gale on your back, preventing you from returning to the safety of civilisation. Not much else to do but continue on to the breathtaking land that awaits you on the epic North Coast 500 Road Trip.
With so many beautiful sights to see around this fascinating and ancient part of the world, planning a trip around the North Coast 500 can be an intimidating thought. To help you along we have listed all of our NC500 highlights, the best things to do on N500 that you cannot afford to miss.
Get planning your ultimate Scotland Road Trip with our 7-day North Coast 500 itinerary
19 Best Sights on the North Coast 500
Below is a list of all of the best sights along the NC500, each of which will be discussed in greater detail later in the article.
Falls of Shin
Dunrobin Castle
Dornoch Beach
Whaligoe Steps
Castle Sinclair and Girnigoe
Duncansby Lighthouse and Stacks
John O'Groats Signpost
Strathy Point Lighthouse
Skerray Bay
Coldbackie Beach
Smoo Cave
Handa Island
Kylesku Bridge
Ullapool Harbour
Falls of Measach
Sheildaig
Bealach na Ba Pass
Applecross
Ceannabeine Village Trail
Where to Stay on the North Coast 500
There is a wide range of accommodations around the NC500 route, so you will not be short on options. Depending on how long you are spending in each area will depend on how long you spend in that location. It is worth bearing in mind that some accommodations will require you to stay a minimum number of nights so it is worth researching this when you are planning your North Coast 500 itinerary.
Our new book North Coast 500 Where to Eat and Stay shares the best places to eat and stay around the NC500 and includes whether places are dog friendly, accessible, have wifi and Electric Vehicle Charging and whether they cater to dietary requirements. Paired with our Destination NC500 guidebook you will have the perfect combo to start planning your road trip of a lifetime.
The remoteness in the highlands of Scotland will leave you with little choice of accommodation in each location along the NC500, however, there are still enough options to choose from to ensure a comfortable trip. These are mostly in the shape of B&Bs, Airbnbs, converted cottages and other quirky accommodations.
What is the North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is the world-famous road trip stretching along the northern coast of the Scottish mainland. Officially launched in 2015, this 516-mile route has seen 30,000 new visitors head to the northern wilderness of Scotland, boosting the economy by more than £9million.
The official starting point of the NC500 is the northern capital of Inverness, which also happens to be the finishing point of this circular road trip. The best part of this route, however, is that you can start and finish it wherever you please, taking as long or as little time as you like on your trip.
The best length of time to see and do as much as you possibly can along this beautiful route is around one week. We recommend spending at least this amount of time exploring the NC500 in order to really make the most of each stop and truly appreciate the beauty around you.
Best Sights Along the North Coast 500
There are so many beautiful sights around the 500-mile road trip of the NC500, however, we have managed to narrow this massive list down to just 19 of our favourite spots along the route. Feel free to see as many (or as little) of them as you wish, however, we recommend spending a good amount of time at each one, rather than squeezing in too many and not spending the appropriate time at each.
Destination North Coast Map
Make sure you have all the resources you need to make the most of your trip to the North Coast of Scotland. Our Destination North Coast Map is the perfect addition to any traveller's toolkit. With detailed information on all the best spots, along the NC500, this map is your ultimate guide to exploring the rugged beauty of Scotland's north coast.
Falls of Shin
Located on the Eastern coast of northern Scotland, the Falls of Shin will be your first stop after Inverness if you are heading anticlockwise around the route. This spectacular set of waterfalls may not be the tallest in the world, however, at certain times of the year, they produce one of the most fascinating sights on the NC500. From mid-May until late Autumn, the Falls of Shin becomes a showground for the natural phenomenon of the leaping salmon.
Making their way back in-land to spawn the next generation, salmon are frequently spotted leaping up these shallow falls. Despite the small size of the falls, to actually see these beautiful creatures getting enough air to leap each step of the waterfall is a beautiful and spectacular sight.
There is also an onsite cafe here to refresh and rest your legs after spending a couple of hours mesmerised by the salmon. The cafe has toilets and serves a small choice of food.
In addition, there is a gift shop where you can pick up a nice memento of your visit.
Dunrobin Castle
One of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses sits just north of the beachside town of Dornoch, Dunrobin Castle. This beautifully restored building dates back as early as the beginning of the 13th century and is believed to have had residents living within ever since.
The success of this castle can be attributed to the stature of the owning families, believed to have been the Earldom of Sutherland. As one of the seven ancient earldoms of Scotland, the Sutherlands were one of the most powerful families in Britain. As much as this sounds like it is from a fairytale, the castle has the looks to match, sitting high up from the nearby banks of the North Sea.
The beautiful gardens situated below the house make for a peaceful spot to wander on a crisp, spring morning, and are the perfect place to admire the amazing architecture and towering spires of the castle.
The castle is open to visitors between April and October, with varying opening hours for the different seasons. Check the website for a full list of opening hours.
Read more about the castles of Scotland in our full guide to the best castles on the NC500.
Dornoch Beach
The golden sands of Dornoch Beach are a beautiful place to stop off on your journey along the eastern coast of Scotland. As you walk along the endless sands, fresh breeze blowing in from the open sea, it is not hard to see why this beach was given a Seaside Award status as a clean bathing beach.
This beach was one of our favourite wild camping spots on the NC500, due to how remote, tranquil and beautiful the scenery is. Walk far along the beach until you are out of sight and prepare for a peaceful night under the stars. Remember to follow wild camping guidelines and leave no trace.
In the town centre of Dornoch itself, there are lots of cute cafes and warming pubs for you to enjoy after a day in the fresh air. One cafe that we recommend you do not miss is the award-winning Chocolatier, Cacao Mountain. Noted as the "best hot chocolate in the world", it is easy to see why this would be the case as this indulgent hot drink is simply to die for.
Whaligoe Steps
The Whaligoe Haven sits hidden in the eastern coast of Scotland, with no real form of signage or significant road crossings. As you head north along the east coast, before you reach the small town of Wick, you will pass a small crossroads with the signage "Cairn o' Get". Once you see this sign take a right turn towards the sea and you will be led down a lane towards a couple of small cottages.
The Whaligoe Steps is an ancient series of limestone steps leading down the 250ft stone cliffs to the remains of the old Whaligoe Haven harbour. Completely surrounded by towering stone walls, this small bay is an incredible place to visit. The 300-odd stone steps leading down to the harbour are believed to date back to the late 18th-century when it was used as storage for over 20 small fishing boats.
Despite the lack of fishing boats today, the steps and remaining harbour are still in fantastic condition thanks to the hard work of the local volunteers.
Castle Sinclair and Girnigoe
The history and splendour of the castles around the NC500 are simply fascinating, none more so than the ancient remains of Castle Sinclair and Girnigoe. By far our favourite castle around the North Coast 500, these silent remains tell a beautiful tale of how life in the north of Scotland used to be.
Perched perilously close to the cliff edges, just north of the town of Wick, these beautiful castle remains look like they are straight out of a fantasy film. The castle itself has had quite an eventful history, including multiple sieges, grand expansions, and family murder. The earliest parts of the castle are believed to date back to the 15th century, with expansion projects being continuously added all thanks to the siege of 1680, which damaged the castle so badly it was never inhabited again.
For the next 340 years, the castle remains slowly fell into decay until the beginning of the 21st century, when the Clan Sinclair Trust was formed in order to restore sites like this to a safe standard for visitors. The magnificent work these volunteers do can be seen all across the country, including the newly installed bridge access to the castle ruins of Sinclair and Girnigoe.
Upon your visit to this site, it is asked that you leave a small donation for the continual maintenance and restoration of projects such as this across Scotland.
The castle grounds are open year-round and are on a donation basis only.
Read more about the castles of Scotland in our full guide to the best castles on the NC500.
Duncansby Lighthouse and Stacks
Situated on the farthest reach of the northern coast of Scotland is the incredible sight of the Duncansby lighthouse. Built at the beginning of the 20th century to guide boats through this perilous stretch of water, known by the title of "Hell's Mouth". The danger in this part of the coastal waters comes from the characteristics produced by the way the Atlantic and North Seas meet, producing eddies and flows that reach up to 10 knots.
As a result of this lively water flow, the coastal scenery around Duncansby Head is some of the most spectacular in Scotland. The main spectacle being the Duncansby Stacks, the largest of which towers 60m above the water below. The true power of the weather up here is evident in the awe-inspiring coastal towers. Over thousands of years, the winds and flows of the ocean have slowly carved the coastline down to what remains today.
The lighthouse at Duncansby is still in use today, however, it remains unmanned ever since it was fully automated in 1997.
This northern part of the UK is perhaps the best place to view the northern lights on the mainland of Scotland, due to the lack of light pollution and how far north it sits. Time your journey here to perfection and you may be able to enjoy the most spectacular, natural show of lights on the planet.
Read our full guide to Duncansby Stacks and Lighthouse to plan your trip to the fullest.
John O'Groats Signpost
The most famous sight in the northern coast of Scotland and end of the countrywide, 874-mile trail from Lands End to John O' Groats is the famous landmark signpost marking the end of the road. This signpost is one of the most photographed signposts in the world and draws thousands of visitors every single year, all eager to capture a picture at the edge of the world.
The sign that you visit today is actually a replacement of the original, which was installed in 1964 on private land and required a fee to have a photo taken beside it. In 2013 the original site was bought as part of a hotel renovation project, and upon completion, a new sign was installed in the original location available to public access.
If you wish to view the original and have your picture taken with customisable text on the sign, you can do so at the John O'Groats Caravan Park 180m from the original site.
When you visit the signpost you will no doubt notice the vast number of stickers left upon it by visitors over the years. Although this seems like a quirky momento to leave behind, the huge popularity of this decoration has started to degrade the enjoyment of the sign, covering the text on the signs above.
If you simply must leave a sticker of yours, the best way to do it is to cover up an already existing sticker so as not to take up any more empty space.
Read our full guide to the John O'Groats Signpost to plan your trip to the fullest.
Strathy Point Lighthouse
Constructed in 1958, Strathy Point Lighthouse remains a fully functional lighthouse, warning passing ships of the dangers lying in wait along the northern coast of Scotland. Fully automated in 1997, the lighthouse no longer has a fulltime worker onsite. Instead, the two units beneath the lighthouse have been converted into holiday accommodation available for short and long-term rent.
If you fancy sleeping on the edge of the world, the minimum length of rent is 1 week and costs start from around £400/week.
Regardless of whether you are wishing to stay in these residences, the views from the coastal walk by Strathy Point Lighthouse are worth the visit.
Skerray Bay
This quaint, off-the-beaten-track harbour is a beautiful spot to stretch your legs and even brave a swim in the calm, sheltered water. Skerray is a small highland village that features a post office and a small shop, with not much else to it. By the harbour is a patch of grass that is frequently used by campers, which functions on a donation basis per night.
We stopped off here on a particularly warm, sunny day and decided it was the perfect time to jump in and freshen up. The water in this part of the world rarely heats up above 10oC, resulting in a very quick dip and a lot of shouting.
Coldbackie Beach
A hidden gem on the north coast of Scotland, sitting beneath the towering mountains by the coast and concealed from the view of the road by a protective barrier of sand dunes, Coldbackie Beach is a true treat for lovers of white sand and blue water. As you drive west towards the village of Tongue, keep an eye out for a sliver of white and blue on your right-hand side.
A layby at the side of the road will allow you to park up and begin the steep descent down towards the beach. This is quite a tricky climb, especially when the ground is wet underfoot, so take care and wear good shoes. Upon reaching the beach, take a moment to appreciate the seclusion around you and stretch your legs along the shore.
Smoo Cave
A cave of mystery, fascination, and one that time itself forgot lies just outside the small town of Durness. Smoo Cave has a very interesting history, dating well back to the first days of the Viking settlers in the UK. As you enter through the 50ft opening to Smoo Cave (one of the largest Sea Cave entrances in the UK), you enter into the story for the ages of this part of the country.
What you will learn about this part of Scotland upon visiting these limestone chasms is simply fascinating. You will learn about the dark history of the caves, including how it was used to dispose of up to 18 bodies in the 17th-century by the infamous Donald McMurdo, who is believed to have been working as Smoo Caves first-ever tour guide (be careful who leads you into the caves!).
You will also learn about the vast historical significance of this part of Scotland, including how the Vikings used to store their boats in the cave, and how due to continental drift, this part of Scotland once sat where South America is today.
The caves themselves are forever expanding thanks to the hard work of the local cave exploration team. 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.
You can visit the Smoo Caves at any time of the day, with the main cave remaining open to the public 24-7. If you wish to explore deeper into the cave system, which is only accessible by boat, you will need to take part in an organised tour. The tour is subject to the local weather, as even a little rainfall can make the cave inaccessible. Due to this there are no advance bookings.
Read more about the cave tour and the work being done on Smoo Cave on their website here.
Handa Island
Stunning cliffside views, turquoise blue waters, and incredible wildlife all around, Handa Island is a special place on the North Coast 500. Between the unbelievable natural scenery and some 100,000 seabirds that call this island home, it is a place made for nature enthusiasts.
It is quite a small island, with a complete walking loop around the circumference only taking a few hours, perfect for a day out on the NC500 road trip. Upon arriving on the island, you will be greeted by a volunteer from the RSPCA who will give you a quick introduction to the island, including where you can go and what to look out for.
Due to the fact that the island is a nature reserve and a crucial resting place for many seabirds, it is asked that you take extreme care not to disturb any of the wildlife that is present on the island. You are also asked to stick to the existing pathways and boardwalks to limit the impact on the natural environment of the area.
The walk around the island is absolutely breathtaking, made even better by the stunning views of mainland Scotland across the light blue water. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales off the shore and as you make your way across to the island by boat.
In order to reach the island, you will need to catch a small, ribbed boat from Tarbet across to the island, normally running between April to September. The furry runs six days a week, with no service on Sundays, and is of course art the discretion of the captain based on weather conditions. If you wish to know more about the ferry, you can find contact details on the website.
Kylesku Bridge
Not a culturally significant sight along the NC500, but a beautiful one nonetheless. Kylesku Bridge is one of the more famous bridges on this road trip, popular for the stunning contrast between the sleek, modern look of the bridge and the rugged, wild nature of the surrounding landscape.
Ullapool Harbour
Ullapool is the main harbour town to the outer islands of Lewis and Harris, which was voted No.1 island in Europe in 2014. This picturesque, fishing town sits on the banks of Loch Broom, surrounded by the towering mountains of the Scottish highlands. In addition to these spectacular views, the history in this part of Scotland is simply fascinating, with evidence of human settlements dating back 2,500 years.
As you walk along the shorelines of Ullapool will show you this history, with a fort system just north of the town of Ullapool, as well as evidence of an old Viking fish trap, visible at low tide dating back to the 8th century.
If the history in this part of the world doesn't interest you, the town of Ullapool itself is a beautiful place for a wander. Stretch your legs along the peaceful, harbour-front street, lined with quaint houses and shops. This is the perfect spot to stop off and pick up some souvenirs for your NC500 adventure.
Finish off the day at the local tavern and enjoy the warm and cosy atmosphere as locals and tourists rub shoulders and exchange stories from the day before. If you are lucky you may even be treated to some live music from the local musicians.
Falls of Measach
Crashing 45-metres through the Corrieshalloch Gorge is the breathtaking sight of the Falls of Measach. Over centuries of heavy rain and raging torrents, the River Droma has carved the deep, box canyon out of the ancient rock in this part of Scotland. This beautiful display of the power of nature has resulted in one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Scotland, and is a sight that you need to see on your North Coast 500 road trip.
After you park up in the newly built car park, a short walk down the wheelchair-accessible track will bring you to the Victorian suspension bridge, built by one of the chief engineers who built the iconic Forth Road Bridge, John Fowler. From this bridge, you can gaze down into the abyss of the crashing water beneath you.
If you fancy a more photogenic view, continue on the path for another 10-or-so minutes and you will reach a custom-built viewing platform. This platform gives you a spectacular view of the entire height of the waterfall, including the beautiful suspension bridge you just crossed.
Sheildaig
With so many quiet, harbour towns along the NC500 road trip, you think they would eventually lose their charm. However, as the white-washed buildings of Shieldaig's main street, complimented by the still waters of Loch Shieldaig, you will soon realise that this is simply not possible.
The town of Shieldaig prospers mostly from the bountiful supply of herring that can be found in Loch Shieldaig, which has supplied the town and the surrounding lands since the days of the Vikings. It is also thanks to these still, peaceful waters that visitors from all over the world choose to visit this small town and enjoy a moment of clarity from the busy world outside.
Another very attractive side to Shieldaig that many other towns lack is the provision of parking for visitors off of the iconic high street, meaning the view of the buildings and loch are not affected by the increase in traffic.
Bealach na Ba Pass
Without a doubt, one of the most spectacular drives in the whole of the United Kingdom is the winding route of the Bealach na Ba pass. Stretching up through the mountain ranges of the Applecross peninsula, this pass features as the third highest road in Scotland and is the steepest ascending road in the UK, going from sea level to 626 metres.
This mountain pass was first constructed in 1822, as a method of getting cattle from the town of Applecross to the markets in central Scotland. Hence the name Bealach na Ba, or Pass of the Cattle. Until the year of 1970, this route was the only road to and from Applecross, with a road more suitable for large vehicles now available leading through Kenmore and Shieldaig.
The views from the top of this road are simply spectacular, as on a clear day you are given pristine views of the mountainous silhouette of the Isle of Skye to the west. Make sure you stop off at the viewpoint at the top of the pass before heading down the other side to Applecross.
The road through the Bealach na Ba is not suitable for large vehicles (anything over 16ft in length) due to the tight twists and turns along the way. If you are driving a large vehicle we would recommend taking the other route around the north of the peninsula. It is not uncommon for larger vehicles to come into difficulty during busy periods of the day, preventing access to the town for tourists and visitors alike.
Applecross
Once you have passed through the intimidating and beautiful Bealach na Ba pass you will arrive into the small town of Applecross. Sitting right on the western coastline of Wester Ross (yes Game of Thrones fans, I know what you're thinking), this tiny village has spectacular views across the water to the small island of Raasay and beyond to the Isle of Skye.
The remote community of Applecross was once made up of two very separate communities. The Bealach na Ba road, which was constructed in 1822, continued south of Applecross to the smaller village of Toscaig, however, there would not be a road north of here for another 150 years. Until then, the communities further north on the Applecross peninsula were only accessible by sea, or experienced horse and motorbike riders.
The village you see today remains as quaint and undisturbed as it would have 200 years ago, with not much but a harbour, a high street, and a local tavern. This pub is the perfect place to end the night, with a fantastic, warm atmosphere, live music and good food and drink to match.
Ceannabeine Village Trail
If you are looking for a history lesson with a view then the Ceannabeine Village Trail is one for you. Sitting outside the village of Durness, the ruins of the old Ceannabeine (meaning "end of the mountains") township can be found along a guided boardwalk. With views over one of Scotland's most spectacular beaches, the Ceannabeine Village Trail tells the story of how locals lived through the 18th century in this remote village.
The main focus of the story is of the infamous 19th century "Highland Clearances" when local villagers were forced from their homes by rich land-owners. Life back in these times was unfair and quite miserable, due to harsh living conditions and extortionate rental costs by the greedy land-owners.
The Ceannabeine story, however, tells of a more lighthearted victory by the villagers when locals rose up again this greed resulting in the riot of 1841. Unfortunately, this was to no avail as the village soon emptied of any residents due to lack of work and food. Ceannabeinne Beach sits just beside the village trail and is also well worth a visit. If the weather is suitable and you are feeling brave, you could also try the Golden Eagle Zipline.
So there you have it, all of the best sights along the North Coast 500, including castles, cliff views, and stunning harbour towns. If you have visited the NC500 recently, let us know what you thought of the sights listed above, or if you have any suggestions let us know in the comments below.
As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head off on their own North Coast 500 adventure. If you are planning the trip for yourself, make sure you have a look at the rest of our Scotland content for more inspiration to our beautiful home country.
When you set off on your own adventure, be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram and we will share them with the rest of our community. In the meantime, why not follow us over there to see what we are currently up to and keep up with us on our Instagram Stories.