15 Top Villages along the North Coast 500

The famous route known as the North Coast 500 has many fantastic stops along the way. This post lists the top 16 villages along the North Coast 500. 

The stops include the settlements – towns and villages unique to the Scottish Highlands.

There is an abundance of charming fishing villages along the route. These villages feature small harbours and show history and heritage dating back to when the fishing industry was at its peak.

Also, most of the villages are located along the coast therefore, there are some amazing beaches. Moreover, many mountain peaks and Munro’s surround the village which creates a picturesque atmosphere.

Some of the villages on the North Coast 500 are excellent day trips from Inverness.

Inverness

Inverness is known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. It is the main starting and finishing point for those completing the North Coast 500.

There are some great exciting attractions in Inverness. You can pay respect at Culloden Battlefield, travel back in time at the Clava Cairns, visit the Potter-style bookshop or explore Inverness Castle. 

Inverness Accommodation: The Cottage, Daviot Lodge & Glen Mhor Hotel

Things To Do In Inverness

• Inverness Castle
• St Andrews Inverness Cathedral
• Ness Islands
• Urquhart Castle
• Cawdor Castle & Gardens 
• Leaky’s Bookshop

Lochcarron, Wester Ross

On the shores of Loch Caron, you will pass through the white-washed cottages which make up the village known as Lochcarron.

This small town offers peace and tranquillity in the western Highlands, with an abundance of wildlife and stunning scenery. Lochcarron is a great place to base yourself with easy access to Applecross, Torridon and Gairloch. 

The Kyle Line is one of the UK’s most scenic rail routes and it runs through Lochcarron.

Also, Lochcarron has its own nine-hole golf course. You can visit the Attadale Gardens where you can explore ancient woodland, waterfalls and exotically planted ponds. 

Lochcarron Accommodation: Roisin Dhu, Moriston Cottage

Things To Do In Lochcarron

• Kyle Train Line
• Strome Castle
• Attadale Gardens
• Balnacra Pottery

Applecross, Wester Ross

To get to Applecross you can drive through the winding road called the Bealach na Ba. The Bealach na Ba translates to the “Pass of the Cattle” and it reaches 2,053 feet.

Applecross has been a village for over 1,300 years and the locals simply call it “the street”. From Applecross, you will be rewarded with views out towards the Isle of Raasay and Skye.

While you are in Applecross do not forget to support the locals and visit the Applecross Inn or the Applecross Smokehouse. Due to the inaccessibility to Applecross, you will feel like you are on the edge of the world. 

Applecross Accommodation: Cruary, Hartfield House Hostel

Things To Do In Applecross

• Bealach Na Ba
• Applecross Bay

Shieldaig, Wester Ross

The village of Shieldaig is located on Loch Torridon and looks out onto Shieldaig Island.

Shieldaig is managed by the National Trust for Scotland and the village is covered with rocky outcrops, seaweed, scrub and Caledonian Pine trees. 

Also, the village features pretty whitewashed cottages and other buildings along the shore of the loch.

Moreover, there is a shop and a hotel with brilliant dining. It is a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle. 

Shieldaig Accommodation: Tigh en Leigh

Things To Do In Shieldaig

• Loch Shieldaig
• Shieldaig Island
• Loch Torridon

Torridon, Wester Ross

This village has spectacular scenery as it is located on the shore of Upper Loch Torridon and is situated at the foot of the mountains. The area is filled with plenty of walking trails and 5 of the 46 Munros are found here.

You can tackle the amazing ridge walk along the Liathach Massif or the strenuous traverse of Beinn Eighe. 

You may be lucky rough to get a glimpse of red deer on the steep hillsides in the early morning or evening.

Visit the Deer Enclosure and Deer Museum for a closer encounter with the gorgeous animals. Also, Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve is nearby, there is a wide variety of flora and wildlife including golden eagles. 

Torridon Accommodation: Ben View, Chapel House

Things To Do In Torridon

• Liathach
• Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
• Loch Maree

Gairloch, Wester Ross

For more awe-inspiring views of the Wester Ross region, make sure to head to Gairloch. The small village is located on the shore of Loch Gairloch and there are many sandy beaches nearby.

Some notable beaches are Big Sand and Redpoint, with views out towards Raasay, Skye and the Western Isles.

Visitors can head to the GALE Centre in Gairloch where there are free leaflets with information on the area.

Moreover, you can find information regarding the weather, local events and timetable for swimming pools. Or you can visit the shop and exhibition space.

Game of Thrones fans may think that the small village has connections to the show’s “Westeros” location. This is due to similarities created by the coastline and the naturally beautiful setting of the area. 

Gairloch Accommodation: Shiskine, Longa House & The Old School House B&B

Things To Do In Gairloch

• Redpoint Beach
• Big Sand Beach
• Longa Island
• Gairloch Museum
• Badachro Distillery Experience
• Victoria Falls
• Loch Maree

Poolewe, Wester Ross

On the side side of Loch Ewe, you will find very attractive buildings in stunning locations. Poolewe is home to a white rendered building and a beautiful and modern St Maelrubhas Church. 

Poolewe Accommodation: The Old Smiddy, Mackenzie Cottage

Things To Do In Poolewe

• Loch Maree
• Inverewe Garden

Ullapool, Ross Shire

Ullapool is a small village located on the shores of Loch Broom and it is a very popular holiday destination.

There are plenty of short walking routes in the area. Also, it is a good village to base yourself on bagging some Munros in the North West Highlands. 

Ferry services are available from Ullapool to the Isle of Skye, Lewis or Harris.

There is some great food at the Ferry Boat Inn and Arch Inn. Also, there is a good selection of hotels in Ullapool.

Ullapool Accommodation: The Hide, Rosslyn Cottage

Things To Do In & Near Ullapool

• Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
• Corrieshalloch Gorge
• Ullapool Museum
• Meall Mhor
• Handa Island
• Bone Caves
• Stac Pollaidh
• Achmelvich Beach
• Wailing Widow Falls

Durness, Sutherland 

The most north-westerly village on this list is Durness. The village is thriving and is surrounded by amazing Sutherland scenery.

There are rocky coastlines, pristine beaches, a wide array of wildlife and vast open spaces which makes it a great place to escape.

Interestingly, Durness was of particular significance to John Lennon, and the village is believed to have inspired the Beatles song, “In My Life”.

During the summer months, you can jump from the top of a 37-metre-high coastal cliff and zip line across Ceannabeinne Beach.

This area is a haven for hillwalkers and mountain climbers as there are some great walking trails.

Also, there are a lot of sheltered bays to explore. One of the most famous attractions is Smoo Cave, a gaping hole in a sheer limestone cliff.

Durness Accommodation: Durness Youth Hostel, Bae Seren

Things To Do In Durness

• Smoo Cave
• Sango Bay 
• Balnakeil Beach
• Cape Wrath
• Ceannabeinne Beach

Thurso, Caithness

Thurso is the most northerly town on the British Mainland and it is one of the main destinations along the North Coast 500. There is a good range of lovely traditional shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.  

At Thurso, you can take a deep dive into history and learn about how the Vikings built settlements in Thurso and Caithness.

A couple of ‘must-sees’ in Thurso are the circular wellhouse of Meadow Well, a fine public library and the impressive Janet Street overlooking the River Thurso close to Thurso Bridge.

Moreover, the area around Thurso is a major surfing area and hosts the World Championships for surfing. From the area around Thurso, you can see the Orkney Islands.

Thurso Accommodation: Four Waves, North Coast House & North Point Pods

Things To Do In Thurso

• Sir John’s Square
• The Fisher Biggins
• Old St Peter’s Church
• Holburn Head Lighthouse
• Thurso Castle
• Wolfburn Distillery
• Castle and Gardens of Mey 
• Brims Castle

Wick

Next on the list is a former Viking village across the River Wick. The town is named after the Norse “Vik” meaning bay. Back in the 1800s, Wick was one of Europe’s busiest herring ports.

Head to Wick Heritage Museum to view the fascinating array of artefacts from the old Herring industry.

Alternatively, discover the harbour from Caithness Seacoast’s powerboat. Wick is actually two towns – Wick proper and Pulneytown. 

Wick Accommodation: The Stable, Cheviot Cottages

Things To Do In Wick

• John O’Groats
• Sinclair’s Bay
• Castle of Old Wick 
• Ebenezer Place
• Old Keiss Castle
• Wick Heritage Centre
• Pulteney Distillery
• Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
• Nucleas: Nuclear & Caithness Archive
• Noss Head Lighthouse

Lybster, Caithness

As you make your way past Wick, you can pass through Lybster. To reach the heart of the village, turn off the wide main road and descend towards the impressive harbour.

You can learn about the history of the harbour and the village as a whole at Lybster’s Heritage Centre. Lybster is now well known for the ‘World Knotty Championships’ – a variation of shinty. 

Lybster Accommodation: The Antlers, Acarsaid B&B

Things To Do In Lybster

• Whaligoe Steps
• Lyster Harbour

Helmsdale, Sutherland

Helmsdale is located on the east coast of the North Coast 500. It is a pretty town with a picturesque harbour. At the Timespan Heritage Centre – Sutherland’s only public contemporary art gallery, you can learn about the history of Helmsdale. 

Since ancient times, the natural harbour has been in place. During the 1800s, highland clearances forced crofters to relocate to the area.

Therefore, houses were built then and have been standing since. 

If you find yourself spending a lot of time in Helmsdale, try gold panning up the Kilodonan River.

Also, you can spend some time angling, the river that runs through Helmsdale is one of the finest salmon fishing rivers in the North Highlands. 

Helmsdale Accommodation: Sunrise, Farr & Dunvegan House

Things To Do In Helmsdale 

• Timespan Museum and Arts Centre
• Brora Beach 
• Dunrobin Castle

Golspie, Sutherland

A long sandy beach in this hamlet attracts visitors from all over the world. Golspie is where you can find Dunrobin Castle.  Also, there are plenty of scenic walks.

One of my favourites includes a route which takes you through a glen over plenty of wooden bridges. This route is called the Big Burn Golspie.

As well as walking routes, Golspie has plenty of mountain biking trails waiting to be discovered. 

Golspie Accommodation: Drummuie House, Station House

Things To Do In Golspie

• Big Burn Walk
• Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve
• Golspie Beach

Lairg, Sutherland

A small detour inland off the A9 is a parish in Sutherland called Lairg.

To get to Lairg you will turn off the A9 at Golspie and drive for approximately 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can reach Lairg via Bonar Bridge. 

Lairg is fairly unique as it is one of the largest non-coastal settlements in the North Coast 500 Highland villages. Four roads meet in the centre of Lairg and it was once known as ‘the crossroads of the north.

From Inverness, there are train services available. The Far North train line has made the northwest of Scotland more accessible. 

Lairg Accommodation: Altanaharra Hotel, Burnside Cottage

Things To Do In Lairg

• Falls of Shin 
• Loch Craggie

Portmahomack, Easter Ross

In the Tarbat Peninsula, you will find the small village of Portmahomack. The village is a great place to start the Tarbat Ness Walk.

Also, you can complete a coastal walk of Tarbat Ness headland where you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins and seals frolicking beyond the Tarbat Ness Lighthouse. 

Back in Portmahomack, make sure to visit the Tarbat Discovery Centre, a local heritage museum, and a learning and activity centre.

One of the benefits of Portmahomack and it is believed to be one of the direst places along the North Coast 500. 

Portmahomack Accommodation: Sheaf Dale, Grieve’s Cottage

Things To Do In Portmahomack

• Mermaid of the North
• Tarbat Ness Lighthouse
• Tarbat Discovery Centre

What towns does the NC500 go through?

The North Coast 500 route beings in the capital of the Highlands – Inverness. From there the route passes through Lochcarron, Applecross, Gairloch, Poolewe, Ullapool, Durness, Thurso, Wick, Helmsdale, Golspie and others. 

Thurso and Wick are the second and third largest settlements along the route of the North Coast 500.

They are located in the northeastern corner of the route. The villages are small towns along the way that are rich in character, heritage and culture, also, they have an extensive history.

From castles on cliff tops to informative museums and ancient harbours, there is so much to explore in the small villages. As the villages are extremely remote, you will not be far from exploring hidden gems on the route. 

Is the North Coast 500 worth it?

The North Coast 500 is a 500-mile driving route which covers the north coast of the Highlands of Scotland. The route is 100% worth it as the scenery is so dramatic and there is a wide variety of attractions which will suit everybody. 

The North Coast 500 has some of the best well-preserved fishing villages which were established in the 1800s. Also, there are famous mountains, waterfalls, lochs and beaches along the route.

There is so much flora and fauna to explore as well as history and heritage to learn about. This part of Scotland is truly unique and it is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. 

How long does it take to go through the North Coast 500?

You can drive around the North Coast 500 in a day if you wish, however, this is not recommended as you will not get to stop at any of the sites.

The length of time to complete the North Coast 500 varies from three days to two weeks. The most popular time length to complete the trip is 5-7 days. 

The length of your trip will depend on what sites and attractions you are wishing to see. You can check out the best beaches on the North Coast 500 or one of the hidden waterfalls.

There is so much to do on the route including pottery classes, Munro bagging, zip-lining, nature walks and water activities including surfing and kayaking. You can spend up to two weeks completing the route.