100% customisable travel idea
The Highlands in all their majesty Road trip along the North Coast 500
Scotland - Highlands - Lochalsh - Thurso - Inverness - Edinburgh
100% customisable travel idea
Scotland - Highlands - Lochalsh - Thurso - Inverness - Edinburgh
100% customisable for you
Eurostar to London, then one night on board the Caledonian Sleeper, the iconic train service connecting London to Inverness, the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands. Your ticket includes priority boarding for the train and a private cabin, fitted with two single beds and a bathroom with a shower and toilet. The gentle rocking of the train lulls you to sleep and helps you drift off quickly as you travel up the West Coast Main Line. English breakfast is served in your cabin before you arrive in Inverness at around 9 am.
Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and drive to Plockton. The route carefully follows the banks of Loch Ness before heading west into the Highlands. Shortly before you arrive, don’t miss the majestic Eilean Donan Castle, off the shore where Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh meet.
In Plockton, stay for one night right on the bay, a stone's throw from the church. With a pub and a seafood restaurant, this property is like a perfect advert for the country and the local area. Inside, there is just the right amount of polished wood and fine fabrics to make you feel truly comfortable. Flashes of traditional tartan are cleverly thrown in.
It's time to hit the road again, heading for Torridon. The village of Plockton disappears in the rear view mirror as the car heads north. After skirting the loch, the road climbs to Ardorroch, the gateway to the Applecross Peninsula, where it winds through sublime, deserted stretches of landscape surrounded by mountains, before reaching Loch Torridon.
Stay for two nights in the village of Torridon at a hotel housed in the former stables of the nearby castle. The twelve cosy, warm and inviting rooms are ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. There’s a pub there too where you can enjoy local food and a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.
Things to see and do - Before going any further, spend some time at Loch Torridon, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and surprising lochs in the country. Get to know its rocky landscape, green moorland and shimmering waters. The Bealach na Gaoithe viewpoint, on the north shore, is one of the best places to take it all in. Glen Torridon and its dark, rugged landscape will make a lasting impression on you. The road then leaves the coast and heads inland. Now you are in the heart of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, and there are lots of hiking routes departing from the Visitor Centre. The road then continues peacefully on to Gairloch and, further on Inverewe.
On your schedule - Inverewe Gardens. You already have your tickets. After spending so much time in the barren landscape of this corner of Scotland, these award-winning gardens are a breath of fresh air, a riot of colours and scents. As well as the garden, the estate is home to Scotland’s Big Five species, red squirrel, red deer, otter, harbour seal and golden eagle, so keep your eyes peeled.
Drive to Achiltibuie, still following the North Coast 500. Pick up where you left off the day before, in the area around Inverewe. Heading north, the road leads to Gruinard Bay with its pink sand beaches and rugged coastline. Gruinard Island lies out in the bay hiding its dark history. Your destination lies on the horizon, yet the road veers away from the coast and heads inland before returning back to the sea.
Arrive in Achiltibuie and stay for two nights at a former late 19th century inn that has long welcomed travellers. Ten of the fourteen neat and cosy rooms have sea views. The bar and restaurant are pleasant places to have a meal or a drink. Have a gin or a local ale at the bar first then find a table in the restaurant for some fish and seafood.
Things to see and do - A new day, a new stretch of the NC500 to explore. Driving from Achiltibuie to Lochinver, the road runs alongside two lochs, with superb views of Stac Pollaidh (613 metres [2,011 feet]), a striking mountain. It then continues to Lochinver through a rugged landscape featuring lakes and coastline. The route is dotted with beautiful beaches, such as Achnahaird Beach. This is Scotland at its wildest, in all its raw and captivating beauty.
A beautiful road trip awaits you today as you head to Thurso, in the north east of the country. Following the coast northwards, you draw closer to the Point of Stoer. A stunning three hour hike on the headland is a great way to stretch your legs before setting off on the next stage of the journey. After rejoining the main road, the drive continues north along the coast, which is dotted with small lochs. As you reach Durness, the landscape changes until it becomes sea as far as the eye can see. Way beyond are the Faroe Islands and Iceland.
Arrive in Thurso and stay for two nights on the estate of a castle no less. The buildings are fine examples of 17th century Scottish architecture, sturdy and dark. Inside it's quite different, with bright and airy spaces and tasteful splashes of colour. The rooms are restful and comfortable with superb facilities. The classic Scottish decor is inspired by country living. The fabrics are beautiful, the wallpapers are handmade, the furniture is impeccably polished, and the overall feel is muted and cosy. A hearty Scottish breakfast is served in the dining room.
Under Viking rule for several centuries, Thurso can lay claim to being the northernmost town on mainland Britain, which is no small feat. It is also home to an inordinate number of pubs and shops, especially given the town’s relatively modest size. This is partly due to it being the gateway to the nearby Orkney Islands. In summer Scrabster Harbour teems with visitors eager to catch ferries there.
Optional extra, with a few more days - The Orkney Islands.
Drive to Brora along the coast. Shortly after John O'Groats, you catch a glimpse of Duncansby Stacks. The sight of these unusually shaped rocky pillars rising proudly from the water is quite eerie. Further along, the coastline is dotted with ruined castles overlooking the sea. Arrive in Brora and stay for one night in an early 20th century country house. In the lounge, a fire crackles softly in the hearth, tempting guests to linger. Comfort reaches another level in the rooms, where large beds are topped with Scottish tartan blankets. On sunny days you can sit outside in the garden.
On your schedule - Dunrobin Castle : you already have your tickets. A short drive from your accommodation, overlooking the Moray Firth, Dunrobin Castle is one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses. Although it dates back to the early 14th century, it was transformed into a French Renaissance style château five centuries later. It goes without saying this fairytale castle is one of a kind in Scotland and well worth the detour!
Drive to Invergordon, 45 minutes away. The route alternately hugs the coast, then heads inland. The drive over Dornoch Firth Bridge, though brief, is stunning, especially at the end of the day when the sun’s rays set the water aglow. Arrive in Invergordon and stay for one night in a charming 17th century country house. The entrance to this impressive building, with its turrets and immaculate white stone walls is down a beautiful tree-lined driveway. There are fifteen rooms spread over various floors. After your day of adventures, the restaurant serves delicious homemade food with a local twist. Then what could be better than decamping to the lounge, to be warmed by the fire and sample some fine whiskies.
On your schedule - Wildlife watching boat trip in the Moray Firth. Board a Rigid Inflatable Boat to patrol Moray Bay, which teems with wildlife and birds. Scan the water looking for any sign of life. You might spot puffins, egrets, herons or northern gannets. And if you're lucky porpoises, seals and whales might break to the surface. As with any wildlife watching trip, nothing is guaranteed, but with such a diverse range of species you should see something.
Drive to Inverness, return the rental car, then take the train to Edinburgh. Arrive in the capital and stay for one night right in the city centre, a stone's throw from the castle and the train station. The rooms, of course, are full of Scottish charm, but also have beautiful contemporary features. The works of a renowned photographer are displayed above the beds. These photos of the country’s wildlife and flowers are like mementos of your journey.
Edinburgh is the embodiment of Scotland old and new, all rolled into one. From its medieval heritage to its Georgian buildings, the city’s architecture proudly displays successive layers of history and influences. Old Town and New Town are perfect examples of this. From its promontory, the castle overlooks their perfect union and from the top of Arthur’s Seat, visitors can survey the whole scene.
Things to see and experience - Stroll down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace - enjoy scones or millionaire’s shortbread at one of the city’s cafes - wander through Inverleith Park or stroll to Dean Village - cheer on the Edinburgh Capitals, the local ice hockey team - try not to feel scared exploring the labyrinth at Mary King’s Close - go to a ceilidh and try some traditional Scottish dancing.
Optional extra - Private tour of Edinburgh.
Your last few hours in Edinburgh and Scotland too! Quick, there’s just enough time to soak up the atmosphere of Leith, clown around at Camera Obscura, spend your last pounds on souvenirs, and slip your postcards into the big red postboxes. At the end of the day, at Edinburgh station, it's back to your cabin on board the Caledonian Sleeper. The train travels through the night to London, where you arrive the next day ready for your return journey home.
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
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