Nc500
Nc500
The Itinerary Gal
My personal itinerary that I travelled with my dog in 2024 in the van.
Hints and tips.
Top places to stay
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Where to eat
This can also help you plan your route
Alternative things to see on the way up and back down and including the Isle of Skye
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Balmoral Castle
@theitinerarygal
1 hour 20 away from newburgh beach and closer to cairngorm national park
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40 minutes drive between these two castles
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Inverness
@theitinerarygal
Start of the Nc500
Things to do
Touch stone maze 30 mins from Inverness if want a walk
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Rogie Falls
@theitinerarygal
If you decide to hike up Ben Wyvis, you might want to round the day off with a gentle storll along to Rogie Falls, one of the many Forestry Commission attractions in the Ross-shire region in the northern highlands. It is enjoyed by many for its simple walking routes and beautiful waterfalls. There are a number of areas to view the Rogie Falls, the best one being on the suspension bridge sitting directly in front of the falls. The best time to go is first thing in the morning when it is a lot quieter and you won’t have anyone in front of your view. It will also be a lot more peaceful at this time. There is a small car park with space for around 20 cars which will get very busy during peak season. There are also toilets and bins on site.
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Day two
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Cocoa Mountain Dornoch
@theitinerarygal
One of two Cocoa Mountain cafes on the NC500 route, the hot chocolates on offer here are sheer decadence. Rich and creamy hot chocolates with hand-crafted chocolate “chasers” to go on the side. They also sell a selection of cakes and touristy gifts in the coffee shop. Cocoa Mountain offers a takeaway service as well as a comfortable sitting-in area. We would definitely recommend this as a must-try stop on this route. Absolutely Delish!
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Dunrobin Castle & Gardens
@theitinerarygal
Home to Clan Dunrobin, the Dunrobin Castle on the NC500 has a rich history and dates back to the 1300s, and over the centuries, it has been the home of the powerful Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. This historical significance is reflected in the castle’s impressive architecture, which features a combination of different architectural styles, including Gothic, French Renaissance, and Scottish Baronial.
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Whaligoe Steps
@theitinerarygal
The Whaligoe Haven sits hidden in the eastern coast of Scotland, with no real form of signage or significant road crossings. As you head north along the east coast, before you reach the small town of Wick, you will pass a small crossroads with the signage “Cairn o’ Get”. Once you see this sign take a right turn towards the sea and you will be led down a lane towards a couple of small cottages.
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Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
@theitinerarygal
Perched perilously close to the cliff edges, just north of the town of Wick, these beautiful castle remains look like they are straight out of a fantasy film. The castle itself has had quite an eventful history, including multiple sieges, grand expansions, and family murder. The earliest parts of the castle are believed to date back to the 15th century, with expansion projects being continuously added all through to the siege of 1680, which damaged the castle so badly it was never inhabited again.
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Day three
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Dunnet Head
@theitinerarygal
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Durness
@theitinerarygal
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Sango Sands Oasis
@theitinerarygal
Need to arrive early cannot pre book apparently
You park the van right on the cliff edge with beach in background
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Achmelvich Bay
@theitinerarygal
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Ullapool
@theitinerarygal
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Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
@theitinerarygal
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Applecross
@theitinerarygal
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Skye Bridge
@theitinerarygal
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Fairy Pools
@theitinerarygal
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The Storr
@theitinerarygal
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Portree
@theitinerarygal
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Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint Public Parking
@theitinerarygal
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Quiraing
@theitinerarygal
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Corpach Coal ship
@theitinerarygal
Post Code: PH33 7JH
In about a mile and a half, you will reach the village of Corpach. Continue along the A830 for another half mile until reaching a sign for Corpach Railway Station and the Caledonian Canal. Turn left here and in a couple of hundred yards cross over the railway and park next to the Caled
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Glencoe
@theitinerarygal
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James Bond Skyfall Road
@theitinerarygal
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Falls Of Falloch
@theitinerarygal
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Loch Lomond
@theitinerarygal
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Drive back home with a stop or 2 on way back
* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The Itinerary Gal
Hi I'm Emma from the UK and I have been fortunate enough to have been traveling since my 20s in the UK and abroad. I started Thr Itinerary Gal because I wanted to turn my passion of travelling into a business so I became an Independent travel advisor. I also have a love for fitness and the outdoors.
I have spent so much time planning my adventures that I wanted to take the stress and hassle out of planning the perfect escape for others.
I offer 1:1 calls and custom itineraries for all tastes and budgets.
I also accept requests for package holidays/cheap flight deals/ UK staycations/ Spa and theatre breaks/ cruises and Disneyland packages and I will source the best deals and tell you where to book them.
Don't worry if you have a fur baby, I often take my ginger Pomeranian Todd on my adventure's too so I can recommend some great dog friendly places.
I regularly check all the best package deals from the UK so reach out if you want some recommendations on where is cheap and trending right now, as we all love a great deal right?
I hope my guides will inspire you to get out more and explore the world 🌎no matter what your budget or location.
I have created guides on my personal experiences and on places that I know you will enjoy exploring. Hopefully as much as I have. I only recommend places to stay based on personal experience.
Looking for some inspiration?
Feel free to check out my socials or browse my travel shop💗
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