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Amazing Destinations in Scotland’s NC500 

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If you are a road trip enthusiast, you might have already heard about Scotland’s NC500 Road. Also known for its nickname Scotland’s Route 66, this popular destination is regularly acclaimed as one of the top coastal roads, not just in Europe, but around the entire globe. 

Planning to head on to the area on your next campervan trip? Here is a list of some of the area’s must-visit locations. Check out the list below for a guaranteed enjoyable and memorable holiday trip. 

Strathy Bay 

Strathy Bay is also an award-winning beach with stunning views and amazing spots to explore. A full day is almost not enough to explore and enjoy all the amazing attractions and activities the area offers which include cave exploration, lighthouse visit, surfing, whale watching, and more. 

The bay is also complete with amenities such as a car park, toilets, diners, running water and more for an amazing stay. 

Bealach na Bà 

The route towards the picturesque location of Bealach na Bà is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Located in the Applecross Peninsula, this winding mountainous road in the Scottish Highlands is the steepest in Britain.  

But the tough drive along this 17-mile route is all worth it as soon as the amazing beauty of nature 2,000 ft above sea level greets you when you arrive at the area. 

Dornoch 

Known for its miles of golden sand, the Dornoch Firth is an award-winning beach and wildlife haven along the NC500 Road. The Dornoch Firth is Blue Flag accredited and houses various amenities to make visitors’ stay convenient and hassle-free. There is a car park, play park, toilets, and diners in the area.  

A few miles walk from the beach is Dornoch town where you also can find hotels and diners that offer meals and snacks even to non-guests. 

Chanonry Point 

This remote and wild area on the NC500 Road is known as the best dolphin-spotting place. You may book a tour from the area’s licensed boat trips to see the dolphins up close. 

Smoo Cave  

The Smoo Cave is a sea and freshwater cave that is known for its spectacular features – a huge outer chamber and an inner cave with a waterfall. You can book an official guided tour where you will ride on a boat to access the inner chamber. 

If you have no plans on booking an official tour or you are visiting during the off-season, you may also access the cave via the walkway. Day visits are available every day. 

Whaligoe Steps 

This man-made stairway has 365 steps sloping 250 feet down a cliff. To get there, you need to drive about seven miles south of Wick until you reach Occumster and look for the “Cairn of Get” sign. 

John o’Groats 

This is one of Britain’s famous landmarks with its signpost can be seen in various magazines and travel photographs around the world. Besides driving to reach the village, you may also access the location via ferry boat during summer. 

Ullapool 

The small village of Ullapool is one of the best areas to spend your day walking and exploring. This second biggest settlement in NC500 is home to a wonderful port that is a starting point for boat cruises and ferry rides. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, bike hire, and other facilities in this wonderful must-visit location. 

Dunrobin Castle 

This stately home is the largest of its kind in the northern Highlands with 189 rooms. The castle has a fairytale appearance and features extensive, ornate gardens. Self-guided tours are available every day for those who want to explore the castle, its gardens and the museum inside. Foods, drinks, local crafts and woollens are also available in the castle’s gift shop. 

Corrieshalloch Gorge 

If you are an adventure seeker, the Corrieshalloch Gorge is the place for you. This mile-long box canyon is part of a nature reserve where you can spot plenty of wildlife while walking on the woodland trail.  

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