NC500: Has Scotland created greatest road trip ever?
Wide open road —
With towns and villages few and far between, the coastline of northern Scotland is one of the most unspoiled areas of Europe. Roads here are empty of traffic and typically offer gorgeous views, although they are often single-lane and require the use of passing places from time to time.
Courtesy Daniel Allen Photography
Cascades —
Well worth a visit on the route out from Inverness, Rogie Falls are a series of dramatic cascades on the River Blackwater in Torrachilty Forest. Visit from July through late September for a chance to see Atlantic salmon leaping up the adjacent salmon ladder.
Courtesy Daniel Allen Photography
Seafood smorgasbord —
Undoubtedly one of the best seafood restaurants in the British Isles, the Kishorn Seafood Bar in Strathcarron is a simple, award-winning eatery located between Lochcarron and Shieldaig at the foot of the Applecross hills, with beautiful views of the Isle of Skye. The emphasis here is on local produce.
Courtesy Daniel Allen Photography
Smoked fish —
Beautifully sited on the northern shore of Loch Ewe, the Isle of Ewe Smokehouse boasts fantastic views toward the Torridon Hills to the south and the Outer Hebrides to the west. This small artisan company specializes in hot and cold smoked salmon from Loch Duart.
Courtesy Daniel Allen Photography
Birds and beasts —
Wildlife fans will enjoy the fauna on the NC500, with attractions ranging from Highland cattle, red kites and sea eagles to puffins, red squirrels and otters. Binoculars and a telephoto lens are indispensible.
Courtesy Daniel Allen Photography
Fortress of solitude —
With the imposing Quinag mountain range as a backdrop, the atmospheric ruined fortress of Ardvreck Castle sits on a promontory on the edge of Loch Assynt. Built in the 16th century, it was the traditional seat of the MacLeods of Assynt. The promontory is sometimes cut off by high water, leaving Ardvreck on its very own island.
Courtesy Daniel Allen Photography
Northern delights —
What would a road trip be without decent sustenance? From freshly caught scallops and mouthwatering pies to the finest kippers and succulent venison, there are more than enough culinary highlights on the NC500. High-end eateries line the route, such as The Albannach, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Lochinver, Helmsdale's Thyme and Plaice and Ullapool's The Arch Inn. The Lochinver Larder (pictured right) serves some of the best sweet and savory pies Scotland has to offer. Dunnet Bay Distillers produce a handcrafted Rock Rose Gin (pictured left).
Courtesy Daniel Allen Photography
Blissed-out beaches —
Whether travelers are looking for private tranquility, pounding surf or pristine beauty, the beaches of the NC500 have it all. On the road from Gairloch to Ullapool, Mellon Udrigle is an arc of pure white sand bordered by turquoise water -- more reminiscent of the Mediterranean than northern Scotland. One of the most beautiful beaches in Sutherland, Oldshoremore (known locally as Am Meallan), developed from eroded sandstone and seashells, is another favorite. A short drive beyond Kylesku, its remote sands are often completely deserted.
Courtesy Daniel Allen Photography
Chocolate heaven —
Perhaps one of the most remote chocolate shops in Europe, Cocoa Mountain in Durness has won rave reviews for its hot chocolate and awesome varieties of dark and white chocolate. An essential pit stop for NC500 travelers with a sweet tooth.
Courtesy Daniel Allen Photography
Smoo Cave —
Carved out of the limestone cliffs near Durness, the Smoo Cave is dramatic enough to warrant an hour or two's exploration. Depending on the tide, it can be viewed by boat, or by a path running down from the clifftop car park. It boasts one of the largest entrances to any sea cave in Britain (50 foot or 15 meters), and is floodlit inside. A noisy colony of fulmars can be found perching on the cliffs outside.
Courtesy Daniel Allen Photography
Fairytale castle —
Disneyesque Dunrobin Castle, located on the outskirts of Golspie, is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses. It's also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland. The castle, which is more akin to a French chateau with its towering conical spires, has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry, who designed London's Houses of Parliament and Scotland's own Sir Robert Lorimer. The site also boasts a falconry center and picturesque gardens.
Courtesy Daniel Allen Photography
Hidden harbor —
On the road from Wick to Golspie, the well-concealed Whaligoe Steps were built into the precipitous cliff face in Ulbster sometime in the 1700s. The 350-odd flagstone stairway was once used by fisherwomen to transport to market baskets of fish from the vessels landing at the highly inaccessible harbor below.
Courtesy Daniel Allen Photography
Something new, something old —
Whatever the time of year, the NC500 offers travelers a wild and wondrous slice of remote and often highly traditional Scottish Highland life.
