Best NC500 Stops: Castles, Beaches & Places to See

John O’ Groats is a key place to visit on the NC500 route. You can take a stroll down the coast, catch a ferry to Orkney, or head to the brewery and distillery if you’re partial to a tipple.

We opted to get some chips from The Cabin, which were very tasty, grab some NC500 merch, and take some pictures with the iconic signpost.

You can see a difference between these two pictures; in 2019, the signpost had stickers from around the world decorating it, and it was amazing to see how far some people had travelled. And so, when we returned in 2020, I was disappointed to find that all the stickers had been removed! I feel that the stickers added more character and charm.

I love Dunrobin Castle. When I was a kid, I used to dance around proclaiming that I was born in a castle, and so this felt like a homecoming.

Our first visit was in July 2019 with my in-laws’ dog, Skye. Sadly, Dunrobin isn’t dog-friendly (only assistance dogs are allowed in the castle or gardens), so Hayden waited outside with Skye while I had a quick wander through the gardens. I didn’t linger long, but even that short glimpse was lovely.

When we returned in August 2020, this time dog-free, we bought the full entry tickets and explored the castle. It’s worth noting that there’s no free access to the gardens anymore; entry includes the castle interior, museum, gardens, and falconry display.

The castle itself was interesting to look around, with some interesting exhibits. Still, I recommend it more for those interested in looking at the displays and reading up on the history and architecture.

As for the gardens, everyone can enjoy a stroll through this beautiful landscape. We enjoyed walking through and looking at all the different flowers and features. They’re beautifully laid out with fountains, floral borders, and neatly trimmed hedges; a peaceful place to slow down on your road trip.

There’s also a falconry area tucked into the garden grounds. While we didn’t catch a live display, we did see the birds perched on their stands. If you’re keen to see the falconry in action, displays usually run from April to October – check the official Dunrobin Castle website for up-to-date timings.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe was a fantastic stop, combining a dramatic coastal setting with atmospheric ruins. There are helpful information boards along the footpath, explaining different features of the castle and how it changed through the centuries. It honestly brought back memories of my GCSE History classes!

To reach this castle, park up at Noss Head car park. The footpath leading to the castle is opposite the car park.

While in the area, you can also walk out of the car park, turn right, and head to Noss Head lighthouse. In good weather, you should be able to see north to the Duncansby Stacks.

There’s also a beautiful little shingle beach just beyond the castle, which you can reach via a narrow path. It’s worth the detour if you fancy a peaceful spot by the sea – just be aware the path can be a little steep and overgrown with nettles, so sturdy shoes (and maybe long trousers!) are a good idea.

I can’t believe I didn’t take a photo of Castle Varrich itself – but at least you can see the view from the top! The walk to the castle takes around 30 minutes, and the trailhead is marked on Google Maps as Castle Varrich Footpath. There’s a small parking area nearby, which we’ve pinned on our map above for easy reference.

Make sure to set your GPS to the footpath, not the castle itself. I made that mistake when navigating for Hayden, and we ended up having to turn back around!

The trail was pleasantly quiet when we went – it was a dreary day, but honestly, I was grateful for the cooler weather. The incline is steady, and there are a few benches along the way if you fancy a rest.

While there’s not much left of the castle itself, there are interpretation boards along the route that share a bit of history, and a metal staircase takes you up to the top for panoramic views over Tongue and the Kyle.

After the walk, I recommend popping into the post office in Tongue for a little tub of Isle of Arran ice cream.

Ardvreck Castle and nearby Calda House both have fascinating histories, which you can read about on the information boards at each site. We enjoyed exploring the area; it’s not a long walk between the two, so it’s well worth visiting both.

The surrounding scenery is absolutely stunning. It’s wild to imagine what it must have been like to live here when the castle and house were in their prime!

Strathy Beach is one of my favourite places on the NC500 route; the views are stunning, the beach is fairly quiet, and there’s a well-maintained toilet block in the car park (with a donation box to help keep it running).

We originally found this spot on Park4Night and stayed here in our van during visits in 2019 and 2020, with no issues at the time. Waking up to that view was something special, and something we will always cherish.

However, the car park is next to a cemetery, and signage now clearly states that overnight stays in campervans, motorhomes, or roof tents are not permitted. It would appear that daytime parking to access the beach is still welcomed, but please be sure to park with consideration for others and the environment, and respect all signage.

Ceannabeinne Beach is gorgeous, but parking is limited. There’s a small designated car park, and some additional laybys along the road – but please avoid blocking access, parking on grass verges, or stopping in passing places, especially as the A838 narrows to a single track west of the beach.

This beach is also home to the Golden Eagle Zip Line, which soars about 100ft above the ground. I didn’t do it and honestly regret it – just look at the view! If you’re feeling brave, definitely give it a go (and yes, I’ll be very jealous).

If zip lining’s not your thing, there’s still plenty of space to unwind. Whether you fancy a picnic on the grassy bank or a peaceful wander along the sand, it’s a brilliant stop.

Balnakeil Bay is beautiful – and a dream for drone photography! White sand, clear turquoise waters… who says you need to go abroad for views like this?

We took a relaxing walk along the beach here, and it was the perfect spot to stretch our legs and take a breather from the NC500 drive. It’s a peaceful stop that captures the beauty of the north coast.

Hot dogs or hot legs? I never thought we’d be sunbathing on the north coast of Scotland – but here we were! The water was freezing, so if you’re tempted for a dip, just be prepared!

The beach is a short walk from the car park, which is complete with a toilet block, and the soft sand and sweeping views make it well worth a stop. I’ll never get over how beautiful Scottish beaches can be.

When we visited, we parked up and stayed the night, which meant we were treated to an unforgettable sunset – definitely one of my NC500 highlights. However, there are now signs clearly stating no overnight parking, so please respect these and park responsibly to help keep spots like this accessible for everyone.

The NC500 officially starts and ends in Inverness. While we skipped the city itself (parking a 6m van in the city? No thanks), we couldn’t resist a detour to try and spot good ol’ Nessie.

Our original plan was to visit Urquhart Castle, which sits right on the shore of Loch Ness, but the whole area was heaving. We couldn’t get parked anywhere near it – definitely one of the more popular stops on the route. Instead, we pulled into a layby a little further north on the A82 and just enjoyed the view over the loch. Honestly, after a couple of hours of driving, it was the perfect place to pause and stretch our legs.

If you’re set on seeing Urquhart Castle properly, try to arrive early in the day, especially in peak season. There’s a pedestrian footpath along the A82, so parking a bit further away and walking is doable.

Alternatively, and what we might look into for next time, is booking a Loch Ness boat trip that includes a castle stop. It takes the parking stress out of it (most operators have a car park you can use), and provides a totally different view of the loch. You can browse a few options below:

The Hill O’ Many Stanes sits just off the A99, making it an easy and convenient stop along your NC500 route, but it’s not something I would go out of my way to see. There is no definite reason why the hillside is home to these stones, but there is an information board that provides some speculation.

What stood out more for us was the peaceful setting and open views, so this may serve as a place to stop for a rest on your journey instead of a key must-see attraction.

Smoo Cave is a popular stop along the NC500, and it can get pretty busy. There’s free parking next to the public toilets, but it fills up quickly. Parking along the A838 is no longer permitted, so make sure to follow the signs for the pay-and-display car park opposite the youth hostel, just up the road. There’s also parking in Durness village, which is about a 25-minute walk from the cave.

The cave is accessible year-round, and entry to the main chamber with the waterfall is free. If you want to explore deeper, you can book a guided tour that dives into the cave’s natural and human history.

We stuck with the waterfall chamber, and it was worth it. A really atmospheric spot and well worth a stop.

Knockan Crag is a haven for those interested in geology. There is a wealth of information on how Scotland formed, and you can see geological features created by the Moine Thrust. But even if geology isn’t your thing, the walk around the reserve provides stunning views.

When we first visited in 2019, it was raining, but it was still a fascintaing place to explore, and we even saw some deer!