SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Inverness to Dornoch

It’s a short hop from Inverness, driving around the shimmering Firths of Beauly and Cromarty, to the pretty Highland town of Dornoch. You may wish to stop at an historic distillery along the way.

Your accommodation

Nestling in a peaceful location just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Dornoch, your accommodation for the first two nights is a charming and well-appointed family run guest house. With warm, welcoming rooms offering a peaceful haven with picturesque views.

Day 2 – Out and about in Dornoch 

Probably most famous for its Royal Dornoch links golf course, Dornoch is one of the Highlands’ prettiest towns. Enjoy a bracing stroll to the white sandy beach, where blonde sandstone seems to glow in the northern sunlight – remember in mid-summer, daytime here can stretch to 11 pm. The historic cathedral stands watch over the neat high street with its ‘scratch’ bakery, antique shop, whisky specialist, museum and gift shops.

Further afield, there’s great driving routes to Spinningdale, Bonar Bridge and hidden Loch Migdale. Take a picnic and you’ll likely have the place all to yourself.

Day 3 - Divert inland to the Flow Country

After a relaxing over a continental breakfast, return to the North Coast 500 route and continue northwards. Along the way, perhaps stop off at amazing Dunrobin Castle and the atmospheric harbour town of Helmsdale. From here you divert inland, striking off into the Flow Country, an expansive wilderness and peatland straddling Caithness and Sutherland. Eventually you will reach a most welcoming oasis for your next three nights.

Your accommodation

If you are seeking “remote”, then you’ve found it here. On some days, the only passing traffic will be the postman. While out and about, you’re likely to see more sheep and deer than fellow humans. Keep your eyes peeled on the vast skies for birds of prey too. Your hotel has an ancient inn at its heart and is the kind of place that encourages sociability and the swapping of stories, whether in the company of fellow guests during meal times or over a dram or two with your genial hosts in one of the cosy lounges. There is no whiff of pretension here – just good old-fashioned hospitality, home-cooked produce and the most relaxing ambience. Dinner is included on each night of your stay here. The pace of life lends itself to at least a three night stay.

Day 4 - Private tour of the Flow Country

Like any location, it takes time to get under the skin of the Flow Country, and there’s no better way to start your discovery than in the company of an expert local guide.

Leave the car behind today, because after breakfast you’ll be collected and whisked away for a full day private tour of highlights of this deeply historical and fascinating area. Your tour will cover a figure of eight route through the heart of the North Highlands. The landscapes are vast and almost entirely devoid of human habitation – having been cleared during the notorious Highland Clearances in the 19th century. There will be ample opportunities to stop to enjoy the views as well as explore a number of locations, both ancient and modern. This tour can be tailored to your exact wishes, or simply sit back and allow your guide to open up this northeast corner of Britain for you.

Day 5 - At leisure in the Flow Country

Today is free to explore at your own pace, seeking out the places that didn’t quite make it onto yesterday’s itinerary. Maybe stretch your legs on the boardwalk into the heart of the magical peatlands, spotting rare flora and fauna, head out on a more adventurous hike into the hills or simply snuggle up with a good book in the hotel lounge.

Day 6 – Return to the North Coast and Tongue

Taking the direct route, it’s under an hour back to the North Coast and your next stop in the village of Tongue. But this holiday is not about ‘direct’. Along the way, spend the day exploring some of Scotland’s hidden corners such as the poignant Naver Valley; the staggeringly beautiful beaches at Melvich, Sandside and Bettyhill; and the sleepy hamlets of Totegan, Achtoty and Skerray, each with its own distinct identity.

Your accommodation

A longstanding coaching inn, your hotel in Tongue is a family owned gem at the heart of this Highland community. The unassuming exterior gives way to a newly refurbished guest lounge, a lively and popular bar and a stylish restaurant serving some of the best food in the Highlands alongside a tempting wine list.

Day 7 – the Kyles of Tongue, Ben Loyal and surroundings

You’ll find world-class walking on the doorstep of your hotel today - with trails around the evocative Kyles of Tongue to Ben Loyal, the ‘Queen of Scottish Mountains’ and the high set ruins of Castle Varrich.

Alternatively take the car out for the day and explore the vast interior of Lairg, and perhaps learn something of the turbulent and bloody history hereabouts.

Day 8 - Around Loch Eriboll to Badcall Bay

Another easy day on the road, driving through stupendous scenery.

First travel the high-set roads around Loch Eriboll on the way to Durness, for more fabulous beaches and a spooky descent in to Smoo Cave. Here the road swerves southwest and traverses the great Highland sporting estates, with tributary routes trailing off around Loch Inchard to Kinlochbervie and Oldshoremore, before arriving at your hotel in a glorious spot overlooking Badcall Bay.

Your accommodation

This former manse has enjoyed life as a hotel for some years, but only when the current family took over was its potential fully realised. A programme of refurbishment and upgrade has seen appealing improvements made throughout, from the gorgeous gardens to the glass sunroom and the ancient dining room with 2-foot thick walls. Upstairs, several of the en-suite bedrooms feature quite staggering views across the bay. On a clear day you can see the ‘Big Island’ of Lewis.

Dining here is a treat, as the Scandinavian roots of the lady of the house gives the menu of fine local produce a Swedish twist.

Day 9 - Out and About

A day at leisure to do as you wish.

If marine life attracts, from April to early September you can take a 20-minute drive to the tiny jetty at Tarbert and board the Handa Ferry for a fun and informative 3-hour trip around the island of Handa, with its spectacular cliffs and soaring seabirds. Or if you fancy a little time off from driving you can pack a lunch, put on your walking boots and lose yourself in the wilderness surrounding your hotel.

Day 10 – Journey on to Ullapool

Today continue your journey south, crossing the curving Kylesku Bridge and taking the twisting, pitching Drumbeg loop by Stoer Point. Enjoy the wonderful beach at Achmelvich, before arriving at the classic Wester Ross fishing village of Ullapool.

Your accommodation

A family owned guest house of rare quality awaits in Ullapool. This gorgeous property has been given a thorough makeover by its talented artist owners. Vivid colours, mid-century modern furniture and an eclectic collection of books and records (with turntable for your enjoyment) make the ground floor guest lounge a lovely spot from which to plan your day. Upstairs, each of the 6 en-suite rooms is brightly decorated along its own local theme, some with freestanding baths, each with fabulously comfortable beds into which you’ll sink after a day’s exploration.

Day 11 - Take to the Water then Explore Ullapool

Today enjoy a 2-hour boat trip out into Loch Broom and towards the beautiful Summer Isles, spotting wildlife and learning of local history as you go.

Return to Ullapool where the streets feature galleries, shops and cafés. One of its corners hides a seafood shack acclaimed as serving the UK’s best street food – a treat not to be missed.

Day 12 – To the shores of Loch Shieldaig

Another wonderful day on the road today, as your route pitches and bends around Loch Ewe, where Inverewe Garden, the Cove anti-aircraft Battery and Russian Arctic Convoy Museum are must-sees.

Further south, marvel at breathtaking Gairloch and Loch Maree. Continue through the vast open spaces of Achnasheen to your accommodation in the cutest of loch side villages.

Your accommodation

A whitewashed row of classic former fishermen’s cottages makes up your hotel for your final three nights at one of the most peaceful locations in Scotland. Help yourself to a beer or a dram from the well-stocked honesty bar and choose a comfortable pew with views across the gleaming waters towards enigmatic Shieldaig Island. Dinner is served either in the calm restaurant or more lively bar – the choice is yours. Either way, each menu majors on the best of what’s available from the huge local larder.

Day 13 – Admire the Ancient Mountains of Torridon

Another leisurely day today to do as much or as little as you please, while drinking in the magnificent vistas and ancient geology of Torridon. These mountains of sandstone are borne out of unfathomably old Lewissian Gneiss.

Day 14 - Applecross and around Loch Carron

We’ve possibly saved the best ‘til last today, as you take to the roads around your hotel for some of the best driving experiences the UK has to offer. Chief among these is famous Bealach na Ba - the ‘Pass of the Cattle’ - one of the country’s highest mountain passes. Weather permitting, at its summit you’ll enjoy views west across the Isle of Raasay to Skye, as well as south across Loch Carron and Loch Alsh.

North from your hotel, try Bealach na Gaoithe - the ‘Pass of the Wind’, a hauntingly beautiful route to the tiny village of Lower Diabeg.

Day 15 - Completing the North Coast 500

Snake your way east towards Inverness today. As you ease into the city, steer towards Inverness Castle, park up and give yourself a pat on the back, as you have just completed the North Coast 500!

It is also possible to head south towards Fort William, Glencoe and Glasgow.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes and suggestions on places to visit, depending on your interests, to help you get the most from your holiday.

We would be delighted to facilitate your travel to and from Scotland, if required. This holiday can also be done on a fly-drive basis, with flights to Scotland & car rental. Please do ask if you would like us to arrange this for you.