Multi Activity North Coast 500 View Trip Dates 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 deluxe small 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 deluxe 4-star country house hotels. 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 Day 1 Begin the North Coast 500 Travel to Torridon Day 2 Walking Torridon/Applecross Day 3 Morning walk; then north to Lochinver Day 4 Self Guided and Boat trip Kylesku Day 5 Cape Wrath Day 6 No Further North! Dunnet Head and John O Groats Day 7 Journey to Inverness Day 8 Depart 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. Overnight at the 4-star gold Torridon Hotel 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. Overnight at the 4-star gold Torridon Hotel. (B) Day 3 Morning walk; then north to Lochinver 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 between Torridon and Lochinver 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 you way to the coastal village of Lochinver, your home for the next 2 nights. A visit to Lochinver Larder is a must for one of their famous pies! Overnight at the 4-star Inver Lodge Hotel. (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. 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. Overnight at the 4-star Inver Lodge Hotel. (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. If you don t fancy it today then instead 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. Overnight at 4-star Forss House Hotel (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. Overnight at 4-star Forss House Hotel. (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. Overnight at the elegant, award-winning 5-star Rocpool Reserve Hotel. (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 deluxe self drive holidays feature a range of 4 or 5 star country houses and hotels in locations across the north of Scotland. A warm welcome is assured and you can enjoy superior comfort and the finest service in these. 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 the finest of 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 excellent 4 and 5 star 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: info@wildernessscotland.com Tel (UK and Europe): +44(0)1479 420 020 Tel (US and Canada): 866-740-3890 View Trip Dates Book Now