NC500

Distance: 516 miles
Duration – five to seven days

The North Coast 500 provides access to Scotland’s most awe-inspiring scenery and has been hailed as one of the world’s finest road trips. Starting and finishing in Inverness, the route takes you on a 500-mile road trip through Scotland’s most northerly counties: Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Inverness-Shire.

The route is packed with attractions and activities, so whether you are an adrenaline junky, an aspiring historian, a wildlife enthusiast or just want to enjoy the ride, there is something for you. There are also some fantastic bacon butties to be had along the way.

Our holiday cottages are ideally located to start or finish your NC500 experience, check availability and book now we can’t wait to meet you and hear about your north coast itinerary.

Here are some of our highlights of the NC500, visit us on Facebook to join the conversation and tell us yours.

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Loch Fleet Nature Reserve surrounds The Old Granary - Dunrobin Holiday Cottages, Caithness
Loch Fleet Nature Reserve surrounds The Old Granary | Dunrobin Cottages

Castle of Mey

Open daily from 1st May to 30th September

The Castle was built between 1566 and 1572 and is situated on the north coast of Caithness about 15 miles east of Thurso and six miles west of John O’Groats. It stands about 400 yards from the seashore and provides stunning views over the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands. The Castle of Mey was owned by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from 1952 until 1996 and still holds many of her personal mementoes.

IN addition to The Castle itself there is a spectacular walled garden which still welcomes input from HRH Prince of Wales – or the Duke of Rothesay as he is known in Scotland. In the East Woods, there is a new animal centre where visitors can get hands-on with some of its residents. And providing the cherry on the top is a wonderful tearoom full of delights.

Smoo Cave

Situated around a mile from Durness, Smoo Cave is a sea cave set into the limestone cliffs of Sutherland. The movement of the sea has formed the outer chamber, whilst the inner chambers are freshwater passages – these combined make Smoo Cave truly unique. Its 50ft entrance is the largest in the UK and is truly awe-inspiring. The cave can be explored by boat or by the path from the car park on the cliffs.

NC500 Smoo cave - by Colin Horn (Unsplash) - Dunrobin Holiday Cottages, Caithness
Loch Fleet Nature Reserve surrounds The Old Granary - Dunrobin Holiday Cottages, Caithness
Loch Fleet Nature Reserve surrounds The Old Granary | Dunrobin Cottages

Brora Beach

A small unspoilt beach with golden sands not far from our holiday cottages on the East Coast of Sutherland. Dolphins, mink whales and seals are frequently spotted as you walk on the beach—the perfect spot for a picnic and to revel in a moment of calm.

Brora itself has a long industrial history, with the village sitting at the heart of northern Scotland’s coal mining, tweed production, whisky production and salt panning industries. You can find out more at the Brora Heritage Centre.