Scotland's North Coast - Route 500 & Isle of Skye

Day One

Our Scottish adventure begins as we head North of the border enjoying an overnight stop in the Glasgow area.

Day Two

We journey into the West Highlands today, following the shores of Loch Lomond, "The Queen of Lochs", then through "The Weeping Glen" of Glencoe and into Fort William, where we spend our lunch break. Our journey then continues along the Great Glen with loch & mountain scenery all the way. We stop for photos at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles, before reaching Skye via the spectacular Road Bridge. We spend the evening at the Dunollie Hotel.

Day Three

We spend the day on Skye with an experienced guide to make the most of the area. The Island has a wealth of history from Jacobite battles to feuding clans with evidence of the Highland clearances still very much in evidence. The island is abundant in wildlife and the scenery ever changing from the patchwork of velvet moors to jagged mountains and towering sea cliffs. Today's tour makes the most of the island visiting Portree the islands capital & Dunvegan Castle - home of the Macleod Clan for over 800 years, sweeping back round the west coast with clear coastal views of the Cullins.

Day Four

From Skye head Northwards to the vast region of Wester Ross. Along the shores of Loch Maree, regarded as one of Scotland's bonniest lochs. Time free to take in the Highland air in Gairloch with its pretty harbour where the next night will be spent before embarking on the true beginnings of the NC500. Overnight Gairloch.

Day Five

Todays' journey makes up a large part of the North Coast 500 and will leave a lasting memory too. Mile upon mile of crumbling cliffs, sheer rocky headlands, picturesque lochs, sheltered bays & deserted perfect white beaches to rival those abroad. It is here you will feel Scotland in an entirely different way - its' not all about tartan and bagpipes! Included is lunch at Smoo Cave Hotel, Durness as we travel to the Pentland Hotel in Thurso, where we spend the next two nights.

Day Six

Morning free in Thurso, around midday we plan to take the short drive to historic Castle of Mey, once a cherished refuge of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Roaming through its regal rooms and gardens offers a glimpse into royal history and Scottish elegance. Please Note the visit to Castle of Mey is dependent on the diaries of the Royal Family, should we be unable to visit we will have arranged a visit to Wick Heritage Museum, depicting the harsh Highland life over 100 years ago. Later in the afternoon take a spirited turn at Wolfburn Distillery, where the art of crafting Scotch whisky comes alive. The air is rich with the scent of malted barley as you witness the meticulous process. We will also take time at John o Groats for photos today.

Day Seven

We begin our Southern descent today taking the coastal road between Wick and Inverness, passing many interesting places -historical Helmsdale, white sands at Brora with a stop for photos at fairytale Dunrobin Castle. There'll be free time in the Highland capital Inverness, before continuing through the Spey Valley, over the Drumochter Pass and into Perthshire for our final night's stay.

Day Eight

From Perthshire we travel back to the North West.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, EM=Evening Meal