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North Coast 500 itinerary

Day 1

Pickup Motorhome in Forres and head 10 mile East on the A96 stopping at Sainsbury on the outskirts of Nairn for groceries. then continue on along A96 towards Inverness. Head west out of Inverness towards Beauly, through Strathpeffer and finally towards Wester Ross.

bealach-na-ba-simon-li
Pass of the Cattle

You will be driving through the spectacular Bealach na Bà, Gaelic for Pass of the Cattle. The historic pass through the mountains from Applecross, with very tight hairpin bends that switch back and forth up the hillside and gradients that approach 20%. It boasts the greatest ascent of any road climb in the UK, rising from sea level at Applecross to 626 metres (2,054 ft), and is the third highest road in Scotland.

Set up camp at the Applecross Campsite and saunter down to the nearby Applecross Inn, which serves meals between 12noon to 9pm.

Applecross Inn, Applecross IV54 8ND

 

Day 2

AM
Wakey wakey!
Time to head North. Explore the coastline of Wester Ross, and a visit to both beaches at Red Point is not to be missed. With great views out to the islands, the beaches are both tranquil and beautiful.

After this, it’s definitely time for lunch. The Badachro Inn offers a daily changing menu featuring local seafood.

PM
How about a visit to Inverewe Garden and Estate? A lush, sub-tropical-style, oasis perched on a peninsula at the edge of Loch Ewe amid the rugged landscape of Wester Ross, this world-famous historic garden is one of Scotland’s most popular botanical attractions.

Stock up with any needed supplies in Ullapool, before heading to Ardmair Point Holiday Centre to set up camp. The site enjoys one of the most spectacular locations of any in Europe: set adrift on its own peninsula, with the Atlantic lapping at three sides, the Coigach Ridge rising impossibly steeply just to the north and the famed Summer Isles tempting on the horizon.

Take a wander to The Ceilidh Place, which offers relaxed dining and often features live music.

 

Day Three

AM
Interested in how the fantastic scenery you are surrounded by came about?
Take a visit to Knockan Crag. Here you can see the internationally-famous Moine Thrust, where much older and darker Moine schists have been pushed over the younger lighter Durness limestone so the older rocks are on top of the younger ones. Take a hike on the rock route!
PM
Head to Lochinver for one of the famous Lochinver Larder pies, perfect for filling hungry tummies.

Have an explore in the village before heading north passing the Kylesku Bridge and aiming for Durness. Sango Sands Camping and Caravanning is your stop for the night, which overlooks Sango Bay with magnificent views.

 

Day Four

AM
Time for an adventure along the whole North coast of Scotland.
How about exploring Talmine Bay near Melness? One of the joys of travelling in Scotland is that it is still possible to take a turning off a main road and find at the end of it a gem that can still qualify for the title of undiscovered. Talmine is a perfect example.
PM
Nip into the Weavers Café on the A836 near Tongue for a spot of lunch, before heading to Bettyhill to explore Strathnaver Museum. Discover the vibrant local culture, inherited from Norse and Gaelic ancestors.

Wick Caravan Site is a quiet site in one of the larger towns of the area. This family run site is suitable for motorhomes, and offers electric hook-up points, dish washing facilities, a chemical disposal point and a well-stocked shop.

 

Day Five

AM
After a glorious drive from Caithness down the east cost of Sutherland, enjoy a visit to the award winning Dunrobin Castle in Golspie. With falconry displays, a museum, and the Castle and Gardens themselves there is something for everyone.

Take a trip to the lovely town of Dornoch, featuring a spectacular beach and cathedral, as well as a golf course and shops.
PM
Stop into ANTA Pottery for a bite to eat, and to see the handpainted ceramics.

Head to Tollie Red Kites, run by the RSPB. With stunning views across Easter Ross to Ben Wyvis, Tollie Red Kites provides close-up views of our most graceful bird of prey. A team of volunteers feed the birds every day and you can watch them feed from the comfort of a specially-converted farmstead building.

After this, head down the road to Inverness, and finally on to Forres where the end of your adventure awaits.

Well done! you have completed the North

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