Drive & Hike: North Coast 500 & Orkney
- A classic road trip; 500 miles of the Scottish Highlands
- Enjoy freshly caught seafood on the pier in Ullapool
- Peace, tranquillity and miles of wide open space
- Orkney's ancient standing stones, Skara Brae and The Old Man of Hoy
- Choose from a variety of great walks each day
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in InvernessSitting on the Banks of the River Ness, between Loch Ness and the sea Inverness is the capital of the Highlands.
Either fly to Inverness airport or drive from Glasgow/Edinburgh (~170 miles) or Aberdeen (~100 miles).
Glencairn and Ardross Guest House is a family run guesthouse. The building is an elegant detached listed Victorian building situated in a quiet street close to the scenic River Ness. Room are comfortable and tastefully furnished and have all the amenities you require.
Built in 1842, your accommodation is a well-appointed Victorian villa with stunning views over the River Ness and Cavell Gardens. All rooms have TV, hospitality tray, hairdryers and free wireless Internet. They also have available on request bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, iron and ironing board and DVD player.
A warm welcome awaits you at Birchwood B&B, Birchwood offers secluded accommodation in a large modern country house, set in an acre of garden grounds on the beautiful Black Isle only 15 minutes from Inverness. They aim to ensure their guests have a thoroughly enjoyable stay and their priority is to provide the best they can at all times.
The North Coast 500 is a 516 mile route starting and ending at Inverness Castle that takes in the best of the best the North Highlands has to offer.
Today you head west through remote Highland glens past Garve, Achnasheen and Strathcarron to Applecross and Torridon.
Tigh an Eilean is situated in Shieldaig village on the shores of Loch Torridon. It is a small family run hotel owned by Chris and Cathryn who will provide a warm welcome, and complimentary tea and scones on arrival. The hotel has an award-winning AA restaurant, cosy lounge, and residents bars with views out onto the loch, perfect for watching those spectacular west coast sunsets.
The Torridon Inn lies close to the shores of Loch Torridon and enjoys superb views of the mountains. Stay in cosy en-suite accommodation, many rooms have ground-level access straight into the courtyard so you can park outside your door. All rooms feature tea and coffee making facilities, modern HD televisions with Sky Sports. There is a traditional pub with great food and a homely atmosphere. Please note that you will be staying at the Inn (the Inn is part of the ‘Torridon Hotel’ group).
The Inn offers seven well-appointed en-suite bedrooms which all have beautiful sea views. Each room is comfortable and relaxing and offers tea and coffee facilities and a CD radio alarm. The en-suite is well appointed with cleansing products available. There are no televisions in the rooms but free wifi is available.
The mountains of Torridon fall almost straight into the sea. There are numerous walks from Torridon and the adjacent Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, ranging from gentle strolls to epic mountain days.
Alternatively, the Applecross Peninsula is a delight, drive over the twisting Bealach na Ba mountain pass, walk to the coral sands and tuck into a fresh caught seafood platter at the Applecross Inn. The Applecross Smokehouse is on the way home.
Tigh an Eilean is situated in Shieldaig village on the shores of Loch Torridon. It is a small family run hotel owned by Chris and Cathryn who will provide a warm welcome, and complimentary tea and scones on arrival. The hotel has an award-winning AA restaurant, cosy lounge, and residents bars with views out onto the loch, perfect for watching those spectacular west coast sunsets.
The Torridon Inn lies close to the shores of Loch Torridon and enjoys superb views of the mountains. Stay in cosy en-suite accommodation, many rooms have ground-level access straight into the courtyard so you can park outside your door. All rooms feature tea and coffee making facilities, modern HD televisions with Sky Sports. There is a traditional pub with great food and a homely atmosphere. Please note that you will be staying at the Inn (the Inn is part of the ‘Torridon Hotel’ group).
The Inn offers seven well-appointed en-suite bedrooms which all have beautiful sea views. Each room is comfortable and relaxing and offers tea and coffee facilities and a CD radio alarm. The en-suite is well appointed with cleansing products available. There are no televisions in the rooms but free wifi is available.
You continue to wind your way through the mountains and lochs of Scotland’s wild west coast. The island-strewn Loch Maree is widely regarded as the most beautiful in Scotland and reputedly has a monster.
Stretch your legs on the sandy beach at Gruinard Bay and then reward yourself with some delicious home baking at the Gairloch Pantry. Continue to Ullapool, a fishing village nestled at the head of Loch Broom.
The Riverside Guesthouse has a central yet quiet village location. Stay in modern, en suite rooms with free WiFi, flat screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities. There is a guest lounge and drying room for wet weather gear.
The Royal Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Ullapool and occupies a prestigious location. They have 54 beautifully-renovated, stylish and contemporary bedrooms, many with panoramic views over Loch Broom and beautiful mountains. All rooms are equipped with en-suite facilities (with a bath or shower) and offer hospitality trays with tea and coffee; flat screen colour TV and free wifi. They have a choice of bars and restaurants available offering fresh market produce or some of the finest seafood available prepare to perfection by their dedicated chefs.
The Peatcutter's Croft has only one bedroom. The stylish self-contained bed and breakfast room is adjacent to the family home and is equipped with crisp bedding, fine toiletries and quality furnishings. The room has its own front door, well-appointed bathroom, comfortable beds, easy chairs, Sky TV and gorgeous views across the loch below.
Enjoy a free day in Ullapool; stroll on the pier and watch the fishing boats offload their catch, join in a traditional ceilidh at the Seaforth Inn or enjoy one of the many excellent walks in the hills around Ullapool.
The Riverside Guesthouse has a central yet quiet village location. Stay in modern, en suite rooms with free WiFi, flat screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities. There is a guest lounge and drying room for wet weather gear.
The Royal Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Ullapool and occupies a prestigious location. They have 54 beautifully-renovated, stylish and contemporary bedrooms, many with panoramic views over Loch Broom and beautiful mountains. All rooms are equipped with en-suite facilities (with a bath or shower) and offer hospitality trays with tea and coffee; flat screen colour TV and free wifi. They have a choice of bars and restaurants available offering fresh market produce or some of the finest seafood available prepare to perfection by their dedicated chefs.
Braemore Square Country House, a high quality Bed and Breakfast. A beautiful former stage post, built in 1840 to tend to the horses facing the arduous climb up and down the rise to Braemore,. One mile north of the stunning and historic Corrieshalloch Gorge, and eleven miles south of the fishing village of Ullapool, Braemore Square Country House offers an ideal location for anyone seeking a base to appreciate the Highlands of Scotland.
Assynt, a wild concoction of mountains and lochs, is your first destination as you head north. Climb the little, craggy hill of Stac Pollaidh for the perfect viewpoint on a clear day.
The North Coast 500 continues north to Lochinver, and the white sands of Achmelvich beach, before the Kylesku Bridge takes you over the Atlantic to Scourie. A perfect stop for afternoon tea, and before arriving in Durness on Scotland's nort coast.
Fiona, Robbie, their family and friendly staff will welcome you warmly to their scenic retreat with every aspect of Highland hospitality. All seven bedrooms are individually decorated with their own unique style, offering total relaxation and comfort. In the name of achieving total luxury for all guests every room has an oversized feather topped bed with goose feather pillows and luxurious 500 thread count bedlinen. Select Rooms have Merino blankets instead of Duvets. Each room has a sumptuous bathroom with Elmis cosmetics to indulge you after a long day.
This small family run friendly hotel is situated in the east of Durness the most north westerly village on Mainland Britain in the Northern Scottish Highlands named after the famous Smoo cave. They are in the heart of Scotland’s first Geopark. Set in a tastefully extended traditional crofting house the hotel has developed with character and keeping with its surroundings Each room has its own Tea and Coffee making facilities, heating and television.
You will be guaranteed a warm welcome when you check into this accommodation. This guest house is a modern property and the guest rooms have all the amenities you require for a comfortable overnight stay.
The hardest thing today is choosing what to do; visit Cape Wrath the isolated, most north westerly point in mainland Scotland, Smoo Cave or Sandwood Bay.
Fiona, Robbie, their family and friendly staff will welcome you warmly to their scenic retreat with every aspect of Highland hospitality. All seven bedrooms are individually decorated with their own unique style, offering total relaxation and comfort. In the name of achieving total luxury for all guests every room has an oversized feather topped bed with goose feather pillows and luxurious 500 thread count bedlinen. Select Rooms have Merino blankets instead of Duvets. Each room has a sumptuous bathroom with Elmis cosmetics to indulge you after a long day.
This small family run friendly hotel is situated in the east of Durness the most north westerly village on Mainland Britain in the Northern Scottish Highlands named after the famous Smoo cave. They are in the heart of Scotland’s first Geopark. Set in a tastefully extended traditional crofting house the hotel has developed with character and keeping with its surroundings Each room has its own Tea and Coffee making facilities, heating and television.
Situated by the sea and close to the famous Smoo Cave, the former sporting lodge dates from 1790 and is one of the most iconic period properties in Durness. Set in nearly two acres of private grounds from which you can enjoy stunning views of the sea to the north, the mouth of Loch Eriboll, Whiten Head and the nearby hills of the Dionard valley to the east & south and westwards to Cape Wrath. The lodge offers a variety of comfortable B&B rooms, all with central heating, en-suite shower or bath & shower facilities, Hypnos beds, goose feather down pillows & duvets. Smart TVs with FreeSat & WiFi. Complimentary tea, coffee and toiletries are provided.
Head east across the top of Scotland to John O’Groats and Duncansby Head, the most northerly point of the UK. Towering cliffs, hordes of seabirds and wild waves make this walk a classic.
The Bed & Breakfast at 4 is a traditional town house centrally located in Thurso within easy walking distance of bars and restaurants. The rooms are all well-appointed with en-suite facilities which include a fully pressurised shower. Guests also have use of a lounge which has a large flat screen TV and fridge. Free Wi-Fi is also available for your convenience. Through the Highland Highlife card scheme, they can offer their guests free access to the local swimming pool, sauna, and gym.
The hotel still retains much of its character and charm with the thistles above each of the dormer windows and a cockeral above the main entrance. They have a restaurant which uses locally sourced seasonal produce and has a warm and relaxed atmosphere, there is also a friendly well stocked bar that you can relax in after a day’s sightseeing.
Located in the centre of town - rooms are decorated in a modern but contemporary style, light and airy with everything you’ll need for the days ahead. Breakfast is served every morning between 7:00am and 9:00am, cooked fresh to order using local produce. The bar offers a place to relax, to socialise and to watch the latest sporting events at the hub of the hotel. Choose from a wide selection of beers from around the world, spirits, liqueurs and soft drinks including some hand crafted local delights.
The ferry from Scrabster (Thurso), whisks you over the water to Orkney (1h30). Rich in Neolithic history, wildlife and with it’s own unique culture the Orkneys will delight you. Spend the afternoon walking to the Neolithic sites of Skara Brae or the Ring of Brodgar.
A small family run hotel with 11 en-suite rooms and 2 self-contained annexes. Rooms are simply furnished and have all the amenities you need. There is a restaurant on site where you may enjoy the taste of Orkney’s finest produce and 3 bars serving local beer and whisky.
Established in 1901 this historic hotel is perfectly situated to enjoy the many walks in the area. The hotel offers comfortable accommodation in a relaxed setting. The bay windows of the Hamnavoe Bar look out over the picturesque harbour, why not sample an award-winning Orkney Ale? There's also a restaurant - the Scapa Flow - serving locally sourced Orcadian dishes.
Situated on the harbour front on the heart of Stromness the Ferry Inn provides an ideal base your trip. They serve great all day food in the cracking community bar. The Inn boasts a restaurant with pub and a la carte menus centred around fresh local produce - fantastic seafood, great beef and lamb, home baked breads and desserts (along with interesting vegetarian options).
Why not hop across to the Isle of Hoy and walk to The Old Man of Hoy (approx. 6-14 miles), a sea-stack standing 137m tall? Alternatively, you may opt to take a guided history and wildlife tour on the island of Westray. Noup head is also a real highlight with its huge seabird colonies including auks, fulmars, shags and skuas.
A small family run hotel with 11 en-suite rooms and 2 self-contained annexes. Rooms are simply furnished and have all the amenities you need. There is a restaurant on site where you may enjoy the taste of Orkney’s finest produce and 3 bars serving local beer and whisky.
Established in 1901 this historic hotel is perfectly situated to enjoy the many walks in the area. The hotel offers comfortable accommodation in a relaxed setting. The bay windows of the Hamnavoe Bar look out over the picturesque harbour, why not sample an award-winning Orkney Ale? There's also a restaurant - the Scapa Flow - serving locally sourced Orcadian dishes.
Situated on the harbour front on the heart of Stromness the Ferry Inn provides an ideal base your trip. They serve great all day food in the cracking community bar. The Inn boasts a restaurant with pub and a la carte menus centred around fresh local produce - fantastic seafood, great beef and lamb, home baked breads and desserts (along with interesting vegetarian options).
Return to Scrabster (1h30) and head south to Inverness. Dunrobin Castle, the scenic Black Isle and Cromarty Firth are just a few of the highlights on the way to Inverness. We have of course included a few optional walks.
Glencairn and Ardross Guest House is a family run guesthouse. The building is an elegant detached listed Victorian building situated in a quiet street close to the scenic River Ness. Room are comfortable and tastefully furnished and have all the amenities you require.
Inverglen is a Victorian stone villa built in 1894. All bedrooms are en-suite and have complimentary toiletries. Each room has a digital flat screen television, a radio alarm clock, hair dryer and hot water bottle. Their large comfortable guest lounge has an extensive library of guides, reference books, novels and magazines, as well as many CD’s and DVD’s for you to borrow. They also serve complimentary tea/coffee together with biscuits or other home-baked treats most afternoons.
Built in 1842, your accommodation is a well-appointed Victorian villa with stunning views over the River Ness and Cavell Gardens. All rooms have TV, hospitality tray, hairdryers and free wireless Internet. They also have available on request bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, iron and ironing board and DVD player.
Your trip ends after breakfast. The return drive to Glasgow (3h30) or Aberdeen (2h30) is truly beautiful.
This trip has a carbon score of 5kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our greenest trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 5kg is equivalent to 1 Neapolitan margherita pizza. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?The squawk of thousands of fulmars, the Old Man of Hoy teetering in the sea, deserted beaches, crashing waves, remote Cape Wrath lighthouse, juicy fresh-caught langoustines, island hopping ferries, dolphins leaping from the sea, and bracing walks through the Highlands. Take a classic road trip on Scotland’s North Coast 500.
Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!
Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.
Solo Travellers
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This holiday is graded easy to moderate overall. We offer a choice of walks each day so can choose to do as much or little as you wish.
You will stay in carefully chosen small 3 and 4 star guest houses and B&B’s. We regularly use the following properties but may accommodate you elsewhere if these are unavailable. We do recommend that you book this trip early as the areas covered are always popular and the guesthouses and inns do fill up early, especially in high season.
Single Rooms
This independent walking holiday is available to solo walkers. As all our trips are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs that are not shared. If you require single rooms within your party we will, of course, try to accommodate your request, subject to availability.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning, while lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival, alternatively, your guidebook also includes details of local shops and convenient lunch stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants.
We supply a detailed road book including walk descriptions, driving directions, a North Coast 500 map, places to see and personal recommendations.
- 11 Nights in 3 & 4* B&B's and guesthouses
- 11 Breakfasts
- Information pack, route notes, and maps
- Return ferry crossing from Scrabster to Orkney (1 car per booking)
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office in the event of a problem
- Travel to / from Inverness
- Car hire (available as an optional extra)
- Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
- Travel insurance (required)
- Personal equipment
- Car hire
- Additional nights
You can start your tour on any day. The best time of year is from early-April to late-October when the weather is best, most attractions are open and the days are long. The weather in winter is wild, the days are short, many attractions close and not all walks may be possible. You will have the place almost to yourselves though.
By Air: Inverness and Glasgow Airports are the most convenient. Edinburgh or Aberdeen are also an option.
For public transportation within Scotland, including train and bus timetables, please see the excellent Traveline Scotland website.
Car Hire: Car hire is available as an optional extra. Collection and drop-off available in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen.
The distances and ascent/ descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Car hire is not included as standard in your arrangements. You can either bring your own vehicle, or we can provide you with arrangements at an additional supplement.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
Yes. We have a comprehensive route book which includes detailed descriptions of all the walks we suggest along the route, as well as a detailed NC500 map, so you need never worry about getting lost on this trip.
Our suggested itinerary and NC500 route map are all you will need to build a framework for your trip. You can then contact our NC500 specialists who will be able to tailor your trips and plan the route to your specifications.
This trip is graded easy to moderate and is perfect if you enjoy a good level of fitness. However as all of the walks are optional, you can choose whether or not youd like to walk each day. The trails we recommend follow footpaths, bridleways, coastal trails, open fields and some minor roads. The walks may involve some relatively steep ascent and descents and days of up to 6 hours of walking.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Highlands are popular and accommodation can be limited, especially over April/May and July/August. All trips are subject to availability and we will always try and accommodate your plans.
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. We provide you with a comprehensive kit list so youre fully prepared.
The best time of year is from early-April to late-October when the weather is best, most attractions are open and the days are long.
The weather in winter is wild, the days are short, many attractions close and not all walks may be possible. You will have the place almost to yourselves though.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
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Why Macs
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Positive Impact
At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.
This is active travel led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.