![]() (After visiting Torridon, this was when I did a detour to the Isle of Skye, which again, I highly recommend. Then find somewhere to camp near Torridon. Swing by Gairloch for more petrol and then continue on 30 miles south to Am Ploc which is an ancient open-air church. Then continue on for 16 miles to Mellon Udrigle Beach. Make sure you get out of your car to do this walk. The food options in Ullapool are amazing so do not miss the chance to eat out here!ġ3 miles south of Ullapool is the Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach. Then I did a food shop in Ullapool and hung out in the cute town all day. On the way to Ullapool, I stopped by the Rhue Lighthouse. ![]() I have visited Ullapool before, and I absolutely love it. After your waterfall hike, head 10 miles south and camp near Achmelvich beach. Your first real chance to stretch your legs on that day is to go 6 miles west of Drumbeg to the Clashnessie Falls. Then from there, continue on for 11 more miles to the Drumbeg viewpoint. Make sure you get out of your car to snap some photos. On your drive, head 33 miles south to the Kylesku Bridge. Then camp around the Kyle of Durness viewpoint. Then hop back into the car and drive for 2 miles to the Balnakeil Craft Village and have one of the best hot chocolates that you’ll find in the Highlands. Exploring the Smoo Caves was one of the highlights of my trip. (The zipline and bungee jumps are cash only.) After your adrenaline rush, drive west for 3 more miles to Smoo caves. Then you must continue on for 25 miles to Durness to visit the Golden Eagle zipwire. The Kyle of Tongue is 33 miles west of Strathy. But if you have a few more days you must visit!) If you are not going to Orkney, keep going and wild came near Strathy Beach.ĭay 5: Strathy Beach to the Kyle of Durness (At the end of this day I hopped on the ferry to go to Orkney for several days but I’m continuing this itinerary for my readers missing out on Orkney. 13 miles west of John o’Groats is Dunnet Bay – which is a must-visit. ![]() Then back into the car for a short 3 mile jaunt to John o’Groats (and to take the obligatory Jon o’Groats sign photos). Then I drove for another 22 miles and then got out of the car for a big walk around Duncansby Lighthouse, followed by a short walk down to see Duncansby Stacks and the Geo of Sclaites. In Wick, I stocked up on groceries and petrol before camping at Wick River Campsite.ĥ miles north of Wick, I visited Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. My last stop of the day was at the Old Pultenay Distillery. I got out of the car again to see the Needle Eye Rock (5 miles north of Whalingoe). Then 45 miles north of Dunrobin I stopped at Lybster Harbour and then walked the Whalingoe Steps. I went to see Dunrobin Castle (9 miles north of Skelbo) and spent an entire morning at this stunning castle. Then I went on to explore the ruins of Skelbo Castle (46 miles north of Inverness) and watched the seals basking on Loch Fleet before setting up my tent for the night. Chanonry Point is 16 miles east of Inverness. ![]() They can only be seen 1-2 hours before high tide. I stopped at Chanonry Point to see dolphins. I also saw the Touchstone Maze and the Prisoner’s Stone before spending the night with a friend outside of Inverness. I also visited the Clootie Well, Culloden Moor and Rogie Falls. Inverness is the last big city for awhile so I did my big grocery shop here. But without further ado here is my itinerary if you are planning on camping the NC 500. One word of caution for your NC 500 trip is that although some of the milage between destinations doesn’t seem very far, due to the winding, single-track nature of the roads, they take a LOT longer to drive than you might think. I did a combination of wild camping and pre-booked campsites. Last summer I was very excited to do the NC 500 (North Coast 500) with a detour to the Isle of Skye and the Orkney Islands.
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