North Coast 500

https://travefy.com/trip/6yw9rqrv4j9sqz2atszdhnd738ea8ua

This tour begins and ends in Edinburgh but can begin and end in Inverness.

Time to hit the road; follow the NC500 out of Inverness and through the towns of Beauly and Muir of Ord before heading west bound. Stop in the little town of Beauly and the tranquil ruins of Beauly Priory. Enjoy the stunning scenery as you drive, spotting the islands of Skye and the Hebrides from the west coast. Drive through Achnasheen, Strathcarron continuing on taking the famous road to Applecross, home to around 238 people, and accessed by only two roads, this is a haven from the noise and clutter of modern life. It's not the easiest place to get to but you’ll never forget the journey or the time you spend here, however brief.

Follow the road alongside Loch Maree to the coast and Gairloch with its white sands and crystal clear waters. Big Sands Beach in Gairloch is a must for a stop for fresh air, a walk and of course a photograph.

From here it is a short distance to Inverewe Gardens. A lush, tropical oasis perched on a peninsula at the edge of Loch Ewe amid the rugged landscape of Wester Ross, this world-famous historic garden is one of Scotland’s most popular botanical attractions.

Around the corner is Ardvreck Castle. Standing on a rocky promontory jutting out into Loch Assynt it is a ruined castle dating from the 16th century. Back on the road and just a short drive away is the picturesque Durness. Explore Smoo Caves, Britains largest sea cave and admire the sights of Sango Sands and Balnakeil Bay.

Back on the North Coast 500 route now, passing through the amazing scenery of Ben Loyal, Ben Hope and Loch Eriboll. Smoo Cave is located at the eastern edge of the village of Durness. It is a dramatic location. After a beautiful drive east-bound you will find yourself in John O’Groats! Take a picture of yourself with official signpost with the Orkney Islands in the background. You don’t get much more north than this.

The final leg travelling south and your first stop will be Dunrobin Castle, overlooking the Moray Firth, the most northerly of Scotland's great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands