Planning a North Coast 500 road trip? Here's our guide to the best accommodation
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Planning a North Coast 500 road trip? Here's our guide to the best accommodation
It’s no secret that Scotland has some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet and much of it can be found along its now-famous NC500 route. Make your road trip last longer by checking in to some North Coast 500 accommodation along the way.
How long does it take to drive the North Coast 500?
It varies – the scenic route is 516 miles long, but you can take your time to stop off for hikes and overnight stays to truly take it all in. To really see it properly, you’ll need at least five days.
Is the NC500 worth it?
Short answer: yes. Scotland has been blessed with some wonderful scenery, especially in the Highlands, and this route in its furthest reaches takes you past some of the best of it. You’ll see spectacular shorelines, historic castles, windswept coastal towns, remote villages and the northeasternmost point of the UK mainland, John O’Groats.
What is the best part of the North Coast 500?
It’s hard to say, but one of the highlights is visiting where the UK ends at John O’Groats, which sees 21 hours of daylight in high summer. Castles worth stopping off for include Dunrobin and Mey, and almost-tropical Achmelvich and Portmahomack are just some of the beautiful Scottish beaches along the way.
Where does the North Coast 500 start and finish?
Inverness Castle is the starting point – and the finish line. The route is a circuit from Inverness, along the east coast past Dornoch and John O’Groats, up to Thurso and then around to Ullapool, Torridon and Applecross, before returning to Inverness.
Where is the best NC500 accommodation?
From a fairy-tale castle to the home of whisky royalty and a riverside retreat, we've picked the very best places to stay on your NC500 road trip so you can take your time, soak up the scenery and stay overnight at the best North Coast 500 accommodation…
© Links House at Royal Dornoch - 2/11
1) Links House at Royal Dornoch, Dornoch
This is the North Coast 500 hotel for you if you’re coming to the Highlands to play on one of the region’s famous golf courses. But Links House is not just somewhere for those hoping to tee off – the hotel is an ideal first stop on an NC500 road trip, near Dornoch on Scotland’s west coast.
You may like to stay a while to enjoy some of the activities on offer, which include fishing, cycling and shooting, visiting local castles and hiking in the Highlands – all of which can be enjoyed long into the evenings in the summer, since the days are so long here.
Courtesy of the hotel - 3/11
2) Newhall Mains, Black Isle
A little more modern than many of the classic country house hotels in the North Coast 500’s accommodation options, Newhall Mains is on a 900-acre farm on the Black Isle peninsula, near Balblair.
The 18th-century mains (farm buildings) are now the hotel’s various cottages and suites, styled with contemporary interiors (and transformed from their agricultural days). It has its own airstrip for any incoming private jets should you wish to swap your car for arriving by aeroplane.
Courtesy of the hotel - 4/11
3) Rocpool Reserve Hotel, Inverness
This North Coast 500 hotel is in Inverness, the official capital of the Highlands and where you’ll start your road trip. The Georgian mansion overlooks the River Ness. Rocpool Reserve Hotel is a short walk to the official starting point of the NC500 route, Inverness Castle, and the city centre.
Before you set off on your drive, the hotel can help to arrange activities such as trips to Cawdor castle and the Culloden battlefield, along with whisky tastings at the Glenlivet and Glenfiddich distilleries.Booking.com - 5/11
4) Shieldaig Lodge Hotel, Gairloch
A Victorian hunting lodge near the village of Gairloch, Shieldaig Lodge Hotel is towards the end of the NC500 route, as you come back down along the west coast, past Torridon and just before Applecross.
The huge Highlands estate is precisely the place to experience the very best of Scotland, whether you want to work your way through its staggering selection of 250 whiskies, read beside a cosy fire, enjoy views of Shieldaig Bay, go deer stalking or set off by canoe on Loch Maree. The 26,000-acre grounds also include pristine gardens, beaches, lochs and munros.Booking.com - 6/11
5) Achnagairn Estate, Kirkhill
In the village of Beauly, famous for its priory (the ruins of a church founded in 1230), and just five miles west of Inverness, the Achnagairn Estate is the perfect pitstop for the start or end of your scenic drive.
Unsurprisingly, the fairy-tale castle is often used for weddings – it can accommodate 55 guests in the castle and a further 75 in the bedrooms and ‘mini manors’ spread across the estate. Activities include archery, Highland games, whisky tastings and helicopter trips in search of a certain creature over Loch Ness.
Courtesy of the hotel - 7/11
6) Coul House Hotel, Contin
A 20-minute drive from Inverness, this hotel – run by a couple who returned to their native Scotland in 2003, after a decade running hotels in America – is a good choice for the start or end of your drive. Coul House Hotel, which was built in 1821, is in the hills above the village of Contin, with eight acres of woodland. The decor includes grand fireplaces, ornate ceilings and, of course, views down the glen.
You’ll be able to cycle to the Rogie Falls, and it’s five miles from Loch Achilty and Loch Ussie. Other nearby attractions include Dunrobin and Cawdor castles.Courtesy of the hotel - 8/11
7) The Glenmorangie House, Tain
Once the home of whisky royalty, The Glenmorangie House is now open to guests – it’s the ultimate North Coast 500 accommodation for fans of the water of life. The charming, remote inn has just nine bedrooms, along with an intimate restaurant and a backdrop of spectacular countryside.
Don’t miss a visit over to the whisky distillery for tastings and stockpiling, or venture out further afield – castles within day-trip distance include Urquhart and Dunrobin.
Courtesy of the hotel - 9/11
8) Forss House, Thurso
All the way north near Thurso, Forss House is a riverside retreat with 20 acres of woodland on the banks of the Forss Water. The 200-year-old building now has modern rooms in the main house, as well as a restaurant that puts the produce from neighbouring estates and waters to good use.
It’s in the county of Caithness, famous for its vast skies and open spaces – the ideal destination for adventurers in search of Scotland’s spectacular landscapes and deserted beaches.
Courtesy of the hotel - 10/11
9) Dornoch Castle Hotel, Dornoch
A great first stop on your scenic loop, Dornoch Castle Hotel is in the historic town of Dornoch, an hour’s drive north of Inverness, and opposite the 12th-century cathedral. Dining options include candle-lit suppers in the restaurant that overlooks the walled gardens, or fine-dining with wine and whisky pairings in the Vault.
Unsurprisingly, the 500-year-old castle’s characterful rooms have original features, and you can stay in the tower itself – the Tower Suite has a carved four-poster bed, wood-panelling, high ceilings and a fireplace.Booking.com - 11/11
10) The Royal Highland Hotel, Inverness
This city-centre retreat in Inverness is one of Scotland’s historic railway hotels, opening in 1856. It’s a good first-night option for anyone coming to do the drive from further afield – The Royal Highland Hotel is steps from the railway station, of course, and just 15 minutes from Inverness’s airport.
The Victorian grandeur is intact, with chandeliers, columns and the centrepiece staircase, now adorned with various pieces of art – the hotel has a gallery that champions local artists.Booking.com
