3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour from Inverness

Scotland's 'Route 66' is a rollercoaster road of ruined castles, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages. On this 3-day small-group tour from Inverness, you explore all of it in the comfort of a luxury, 16 seat mini-coach. 

You clamber through scattered boulders and spot a beach so white it makes you reach for your sunglasses. You ramble along cliffs and find a village so small you try to pack it in your suitcase. And you travel along tumbling roads and see castles so ancient you rub your eyes in disbelief.

This is the North Coast 500. And over every horizon, you find something surprising.

Itinerary

Day 1: Inverness - Ullapool

Stop At: Corrieshalloch Gorge, Ullapool Scotland
Take a walk through a beautiful forest and discover a gushing waterfall.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Bealach na Ba Road, Loch Kishorn, Applecross Scotland
Quick photo stop, overlooking the loch and just before the famous twisty road up. More photo stops can be made if the weather permits (e.g stop at the top of the road looking down).
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Applecross, Kinross KY13 8AH, UK
There's an ancient chapel here and a famous pub that serves delicious seafood. Short stop for refreshments at a scenic location with amazing views.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Shieldaig Lodge, Badachro, Gairloch IV21 2AN, UK
Lunch stop in Shieldaig; one of Scotland's most outrageously picturesque villages, overlooking the waters of Loch Gairloch. Your driver guide will give you directions and perhaps some suggestions of good places to eat.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Gairloch IV21 2BP, UK
Beach walk from Gairloch Harbour to Gairloch Beach (this is quite hilly and rocky so maybe not idea for those with accessibility difficulties) or visit to the beach and a wee coffee shop. Crystal clear water and white sands beach.
Duration: 40 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Ullapool.

Day 2: Ullapool - Thurso

Stop At: Ardvreck Castle, A837 11 mi east of Lochniver, Assynt Scotland
Short stop for a nice wander around the castle ruins (mostly accessible).
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Balnakeil Craft Village, Durness IV27 4PT Scotland
Passengers here have two options:

Option 1: Craft village made from old world war buildings, really cool and quirky with a chocolate coffee shop. Glass shop, craft shops, and hats/gloves and paintings to buy

Option 2: go to Durness beach in the van.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Smoo Cave, Durness Scotland
This dramatic and spectacular sea cave is set into the limestone cliffs in Sutherland. The cave boasts one of the largest entrances to any sea cave in Britain at 50 ft high and is floodlit inside.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Thurso Library & Gallery, Thurso Library Davidson's Lane Thurso Library, Thurso KW14 7AF Scotland
Day 2 finishes in Thurso, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation at approx. 18:00ish. Free time for dinner and a short walk around this delightful little town.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Thurso.

Day 3: Thurso - Inverness

Stop At: Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, Golspie KW10 6SF Scotland
This beautiful castle of 189 rooms flaunts 'Scottish Gothic' style architecture.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: John O' Groats, Airor KW1 4YR Scotland
Look out to the North Sea at the island of Britain's most northerly point
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Pulteney Distillery Visitor Centre, Pulteneytown Centre Huddart Street, Wick KW1 5BA Scotland
In the morning we have a chance to visit a fine Scottish Highland Whisky distillery. Quick visit around the visitor centre and tasting available.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Duncansby Stacks, United Kingdom
Scotland is packed full of amazing natural wonders and the stacks at Duncansby Head are one that should definitely be on the list. Whilst they are not accessible on foot, you can still take in the amazing views of the stacks from the clifftops. These natural rock formations stand out from the sea and make a fascinating place to take pictures and enjoy the rugged beauty that Scotland has to offer.
Duration: 20 minutes

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.