North Coast 500
Www.northcoast500.com about my trip below: “The North Coast 500 is one of the most beautiful road trips in the world, covering over 500 miles of breathtaking coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, remote fishing villages, hidden gems and a wealth of unforgettable experiences.”
Sounds amazing, I can’t wait!
Torridon
I have arranged to meet up with my travel friend Mick, but first we do a hike in Torridon. Walking trails right next to our parking spot, brilliant! We see some deer on the way and it is heavenly until I lose sight of Leo, panic! Fortunately we quickly find each other again.
Gruinard Bay
A tropical bay with extensive beaches, the sea water is azure blue! Leo runs like crazy and is very happy on the beach. A stunning landscape 😍
On the way to Knockan Crag I stop a few times to enjoy the view and take pictures. The driving is relaxed here, the roads are not very narrow and there is little traffic. I love it!
Knockan Crag Nature Reserve
We spend the night at the visitor center for a nice walk. But we ‘can’ not get out of the car, whaah too many midgets!
And again in the morning! Great view, Leo outside and I just open the door without thinking, gosh bizarre, the whole car is full with midgets!!
We flee with the fan on full and the windows open. Luckily they don’t like wind.
Loch Assynt hike
At Loch Assynt there are many small lakes and we can walk endlessly. Not too much up and down, no midgets and a gorgeous environment. Oh yes we are early so also completely alone, perfect!
Scotland fan
Then I drive to Durness, the surroundings are magnificent. In Scotland you can reach the most wonderful places by car, even with a camper. Otherwise I would have to walk for hours to see this scenery, but here I can enjoy it while driving. A fantastic experience, I am a Scotland fan!
John O’ Groats
John O’ Groats is the most northerly village in Scotland and the UK. It is on the NC 500 route. There is a signpost, we walk past the coloured houses and the most northerly pub, past the artwork with boulders and then Duncansby Stacks…, what a splendid view!
And also the view at the lighthouse wow, a superb coast here. I also find a nice camper place with a view of the sea, sleeping with the sound of the waves. Recommended!
Bye bye NC 500
The route continues along the east coast, very different from the west coast but also a nice drive. Rolling fields, an occasional farm and sea view. In Dornoch we go dolphin spotting. It is busy on the beach on this sunny day, but no dolphins here.
The next day we make a second attempt. The first stop for today is Chanonry Point, where we go dolphin watching again. And we succeed haha I didn’t expect that! They swim right off the coast and you can see them well, very nice!! I also see a seal twice, I’m completely satisfied 😊
The second stop is in the city of Inverness. We walk through the city and along the river. There are many churches here! A delicious coffee & cake in the city and on to the last stop, Loch Ness. Wow that is an immensely large lake! We didn’t see Nessie…
Eyemouth
In the meantime we have left the NC 500. After an unexpected nice morning walk through the forest and to the waterfall near Pitlochry, I drive further south again.
Our last stop in Scotland, Eyemouth. A brilliant place! At the golf club with a view of the golf course and the sea. This parking spot can be in the top 10 special spots. A delicious lunch in the restaurant and then walking on the Coastal Path, a great day!
I enjoyed the breathtaking landscape of the Scottish Highlands! And in my opinion this region is perfect for a round trip by car or camper van.
Leo and I travel further in England, will you travel with us?
