I’m always surprised when people claim to have “seen Scotland” once they’ve visited the (admittedly wonderful) cities of Glasgow or Edinburgh – when just a few hours’ drive north, is some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The Scottish Highlands are full of beautiful bays, craggy snow-dusted mountain peaks, peat-stained streams and heather-clad moors scattered with golden gorse and wild deer, all linked by quiet single-track roads dotted with passing places. Where you can drive from bright sunshine to a swirling snow-flurry in just a few miles or a few minutes. And best of all, where you can experience one of the world’s last wilderness areas without giving up any modern comforts, enjoying luxurious accommodation, delicious food, true Highland hospitality and, of course, a warming dram or two of excellent whisky. Scotland’s North Coast 500 (NC500), a loop route covering 500 miles of the most spectacular highland scenery, has been named among the planet’s top coastal roads, alongside the likes of the Amalfi Coast in Italy and the USA’s Pacific Coast Highway. Add it to your bucket list now! My preference is to drive up the west coast and down the east, picking up these highlights along the way.
Views – Applecross Pass, Wester Ross
www.visitscotland.com
For the most spectacular views on this route of fabulous scenery, climb over the high mountain pass, Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle), through misty hairpin bends and down to the remote village of Applecross, then follow the coast for beautiful views of the Hebridean islands of Raasay and Skye.
B&B – The Albannach, Lochinver
www.thealbannach.co.uk
Lesley Crosfield and Colin Craig have been offering true Highland hospitality for over 30 years in their luxurious B&B. It’s a great base for a few days exploring this stunning west coast location, rooms have gorgeous views and the menu, including local seafood and game, delights both neighbours and guests. See Top 5 Scottish Breakfasts for more.
Hotel – Forss House, Forss, near Thurso
www.forsshousehotel.co.uk
Built in the early 1800s, this heritage-listed Georgian Manor set in 8 hectares of garden and woodland, has a lovely outlook from the large comfortable rooms. Full of memorabilia from the original owner (a keen adventurer and fisherman) and with a whisky bar offering over 300 single malts.
Distillery – Clynelish, Brora
www.discovering-distilleries.com
Clynelish distillery, dating back to the early 1800s, makes a picturesque stop on the east coast to Inverness. Tours include the chance to try drams from the long-closed cult Brora distillery and distillery-only bottlings, as well as to see the stills running and sample direct from the cask.
Restaurant – The Captain’s Galley, Scrabster – UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
www.captainsgalley.co.uk
This wonderfully atmospheric 28-seater restaurant in an old stone salmon icing station and bothy (sleeping quarters), was home to some of the best seafood in Scotland under Jim & Mary Cowie. I believe that new owner, Jody Sinclair, continues Jim’s legacy of buying from the boats literally at his front door and look forward to re-reviwing this iconic destination on my next trip to Scotland
See some of my favourite Scottish highlands scenery at Franz Scheurer Photography.
A couple more spots to consider along the way: the beautifully located and very hospitable Ben Loyal Hotel in Tongue on the wild north coast; Dunnet Bay Distillers, where Martin & Claire Murray use local botanicals to produce their Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka. For more information, visit North Coast 500.
Updated 21 May 2023
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