15 Must See Places NorthCoast 500
This is 15 must see places on the North Coast 500 route. This guide is for everyone who is travelling the route and wants to know some awesome sights and landscapes to see. I hope you get as much enjoyment as I did going there and feel free to share this with others.
Ness Islands
This little set of islands in the heart of Inverness is a little paradise away from the city. Beautiful trees and lovely stroll by the river.
2. Rogie Falls
An amazing waterfall with great power. This was simply stunning, especially in autumn an absolute must see. Didn’t expect the sheer force coming from it.
3. Dunrobin Castle
Beautiful garden of the castle and makes a very picturesque picture. They also do a little falconry display.
4. Whaligoe steps
When you first go you don’t really think much of it, but make sure you climb a little bit down so you can see the waterfall round the corner. Also don’t be afraid to speak to locals about the history of the place. Used to be a port and the history of the name is linked to Whales landing there. Couldn’t think of a harder place to harbour boats. Crazy 😜
5. Duncansby Stacks
You can walk here from John o groats be sure to walk further along to give you different perspectives of the stacks, and any bird lovers, will want to see the different birds nesting there.
6. Ben Hope
Is one of the smallest munroes but certainly worth the view at the top. I went right at dusk, had been pretty miserable day, but was lucky enough to actually see the view when at the top. Easy route up but a little slippery underfoot if it’s been raining.
7. Smoo Cave
Quite a unique place, make sure you walk along the bridge in the cave and poke your head round to see the waterfall. Then make sure you go up cross over the road and see the water vanish down. To create the waterfall. Rather cool little spot and near a great hot chocolate place too.
8. Balnakeil Bay
By far one of the most beautiful walks I did, the bay with the isolated broken church then the sand dunes that were amazing, like walking through a mystical land, glimpse of the sea. Then you get up onto the hill and can see the edge of the land in all its glory the coastline. Truly brilliant a definite. Be prepared for wind though.
9. Sandwood Bay
Another must if you like beaches and sand dunes. You can only access this beach by walking 4 miles to it. But don’t worry the walk is beautiful and then you get to the stunning cove of the beach. I had sun, rain and rainbow whilst there and you have got it, it’s windy. Definite to do.
10.Kylesku Bridge
This happened to part of just driving to the next section, but there are walks you can do by this beautiful scenery near by. If doing the route it’s worth stopping for a picture.
11. Wailing Widow Falls
This is a secret 🤫 this beautiful waterfall is located just off the road and only a short walk away. In less than half an hour you are looking at an amazing waterfall. Be sure to walk round to get this stunning view.
12. Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
Even on a grey rainy day, it’s a easily accessible walk and well worth the views over the lochs. No longer than a hour and a bit to get round the loop and definitely breaks up any journey you are on in the area. Well worth a little stop.
13.Stac Pollaidh
Okay a longer walk here, but the views are certainly worth it. Absolutely stunning, can see for miles in many different directions. Different routes up and down, I did a circular one as I like to mix things up. But not too difficult incline certainly not as hard as the Ben hope one previously.
14. Corrieshalloc Gorge National Nature Reserve
Another only need to take a hour or so here walking around. Now this gorge is deep, pictures do not show how deep it is. Peaceful and powerful nice little stop.
15. Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail
Great hike, feels like you are in space at the top with all the fallen rocks and little water craters. Good views over the loch on the ascent, nice to go through woodland as well, has a bit of everything. Easy trail for beginner hikers.
Bonus Pictures from the NC500
