Image / PxHere
Arrive, drop your bag, then set out with your dog. This NC500 dog friendly guide points you toward beaches, short woodland walks and small heritage stops that welcome well behaved dogs. Expect practical notes on parking, terrain and any nearby facilities so you can plan each stop with ease. You will find pebbled loch shores, a compact waterfall walk, and accessible viewpoints perfect for a brief break together. Use your hotel as a base, return to warm drying rooms and local meals, then head back out refreshed. The guide focuses on sensible routes, honest terrain descriptions and a few cafés and viewpoints where dogs are welcome.
Image / RSPB
A short woodland walk to two peaceful waterfalls
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What to expect
Expect a well-trodden but uneven footpath that climbs gently then steepens toward the upper pool. The route passes two waterfalls, stone platforms for views and narrow sections with exposed tree roots. Surfaces get muddy after rain and a few spots lack railings, so balance and care are needed. Dogs and families use the trail regularly, and you’ll often hear a range of woodland birds.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear and bring a light jacket in case of sudden showers. Carry binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching and a small pack for snacks. Head for the trailhead early if you want quieter paths and easier parking. Follow the clearly marked route from the car park, favour the right-hand path if the bridge on the left is closed, and take care on narrower or steeper sections.
Image / Tripadvisor
Ride an Argo, meet red deer, and stand on a Highland ridge.
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What to expect
You join a small-group Argo ride that climbs forest tracks to open ridgelines. Expect close but respectful views of red deer, chances to spot sea eagles overhead, and stories about local wildlife and history from your guide. The terrain is rugged, so the journey feels adventurous rather than formal. Tours are hands-on and family-friendly, and the guide’s dog often appears for cuddles.
Plan your visit
Book your place with the tour operator well in advance, especially in summer and autumn. Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing for wind and changeable weather. Bring a telephoto lens or zoom for quieter, respectful close-ups of the deer. If you have mobility needs or are travelling by public transport, check with the operator before arriving, as meeting points and terrain can be rough. The site is dog-friendly but check if dogs need to be kept on a lead during the tour.
Image / Mindtrip
Small stones, big views , a quiet stretch of Loch Ness to pause and breathe.
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What to expect
You will find a low, pebbly shore with glossy stones that catch the light, open views across Loch Ness and a peaceful atmosphere. The slope down from the roadside is uneven in places, so wear sturdy shoes. Families and dogs visit for short strolls, while photographers and solo travellers come for the light and reflections on calm days.
Plan your visit
Allow time to explore the shoreline and then sit for a picnic or a quiet tea break. Bring a small bin bag and pick up any litter you find, as there are few bins nearby. Wear layers and waterproofs, the weather can change quickly. If you plan to swim, be prepared for cold water and a stony entry. Keep dogs on a lead if livestock are nearby.
Image / Caithness and Sutherland
Step into Iron Age Scotland where stone meets the sea.
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What to expect
You will find a stout circular broch with a narrow entrance passage, a guard cell and the layered stone walls that once supported upper floors. Ruined stone houses lie close by, and a short path leads down to the beach. There are no visitor facilities, surfaces are uneven and parts of the structure are climbable, so take care on wet or windy days.
Plan your visit
Use the designated car park opposite the site, then use the marked crossing to reach the broch. Follow the established track rather than cutting new routes, to protect the banks. Wear sturdy shoes and bring windproof layers. Supervise children on the uneven stone and steps. Combine the stop with a short beach walk or other NC500 sights nearby.
Image / Choosewhere
A harbour-side lookout with wide views across to Skye.
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What to expect
Expect a compact, windswept spot with clear sightlines over the harbour and across the Sound of Raasay. There’s room to pause, take photos and watch ferries and fishing boats come and go. On busy days you’ll share the space with day-trippers and walkers from nearby paths, while quieter mornings bring still water and sharper vistas.
Plan your visit
Wear a windproof layer and sensible footwear, especially if you plan to explore nearby shoreline paths. Combine the viewpoint with a walk along the harbour or a stop at local cafés and seafood shops for a warming drink or snack. If you’re following the NC500, allow a short pause here for photos and a stretch of the legs.
Image / The Scotsman
A wee house on the loch, a quick stop with a story.
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What to expect
Calm water, a diminutive wooden house framed by trees, and clear views across the loch when the weather is kind. The site is mostly for looking and photographing rather than exploring the island. There are carved wooden sculptures along the path and open space suitable for families and dogs on a leash.
Plan your visit
Drive as part of an NC500 leg and allow time to park and take the short walk to the viewpoint. Wear sturdy footwear for uneven woodland paths. Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens for close-up views of the house on the island. Keep dogs on a lead and take any litter away with you. Pair this stop with other nearby viewpoints around Lairg for a fuller stretch of the legs.
Image / Hidden Scotland
A cool, shady gorge tucked into the NC500 route.
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What to expect
You will follow a well-marked trail through mixed woodland, with boardwalks and a few stepped sections. The air feels cooler as you enter the gorge and the sound of falling water grows louder. Some parts are wet and can be slippery after rain, but most visitors find the route easy to moderate. Dogs are welcome on leads and there are several good vantage points, though the best view is usually from the bottom of the falls.
Plan your visit
Allow time to move slowly, especially where the path narrows and boards are wet. Wear sturdy footwear and a light waterproof layer. There is free parking nearby, then a short walk to the trailhead. Keep dogs under control and follow any on-site signs where access is restricted. Combine this stop with a broader NC500 day, but leave room to linger by the water if you want to explore the lower gorge.
Image / Tripadvisor
Sea air, curious animals and a quiet Highland shoreline.
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What to expect
Friendly hosts and an informal farmstead atmosphere. You can meet llamas, cows, ducks and other farm animals, buy fresh eggs on site, and feed birds from hand. Lodges have large windows and small balconies that frame the water, and the farm includes a stretch of beach, a railway bridge and steep, grassy slopes to explore.
Plan your visit
Bring layered clothing, sturdy shoes and binoculars for birdwatching. Check tide times if you want to walk to the nearby small island at low tide. Have some cash or check local payment methods for on-site purchases like eggs and animal feed. If you plan to stay in a lodge, book in advance and mention if you’re travelling with dogs.
Image / North West Highlands Geopark
Learn the landscape, linger by the loch.
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What to expect
A compact but well-curated exhibition that brings deep time to life, with interactive displays such as a virtual sandbox and VR experiences. Staff are knowledgeable about local routes and geology. The café serves simple, homemade food and drinks with views across the loch. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs. The site is a useful stop on the NC500 for visitor information and short walks.
Plan your visit
Plan to include the centre as a pause on your NC500 route. Spend time in the exhibition first, then relax with a drink and a scone while you take in the view. Ask staff for local walking suggestions and rock-route maps. Wear sturdy shoes and a waterproof layer if you plan to explore nearby trails. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Image / Tripadvisor
Rooted history, local stories, a cosy cafe to pause and plan your next Highland walk.
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What to expect
Expect a friendly, low-key visit. You can browse artefacts and photographs that trace Brora’s industries and daily life, chat with knowledgeable staff and volunteers, and pick up locally made gifts and snacks in the Clyne Kitchen. The setting opens onto parkland, so there are short walks nearby and good views across the landscape. Some exhibition areas remain under development as the centre grows into a larger space.
Plan your visit
Check the centre’s current status before you go, since exhibitions are still being developed. Allow time to speak with staff if you have family history questions or local curiosities, they are generous with information. Combine a visit with a short walk along the river or a stop at the nearby beaches. Dress for changeable Highland weather and bring a camera and notepad if you want to record names, dates or local leads you uncover.
Image / My Voyage Scotland
Where the river rises and you watch salmon cut through the current.
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What to expect
Expect the steady roar of the falls, pine-scented walking paths and close-up views of salmon during the run. The site feels relaxed and family-focused, with informal picnic spots and easy, waymarked paths that take you to river viewpoints. Children’s play areas and light outdoor activities make it an accessible stop for most visitors.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes for muddy sections, bring binoculars for wildlife and pack a warm layer for river-side breezes. Allow time for a short walk and a break at the café or picnic benches. Check current visitor-centre status before you travel, and factor in extra time if you want to explore nearby stops on the NC500.
Image / Dornoch
A quiet loop through pines, wildlife and small histories
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What to expect
Expect flat, easy paths with a few narrower tracks for exploring. You can follow a clear loop, or branch off to peer at hut circles and mossy banks. Wildlife is a highlight: dragonflies and birds in summer, and close-up views of the pine canopy year-round. Facilities are basic, so plan for a picnic or a short stop rather than a long stay.
Plan your visit
Bring sturdy shoes and a small bag for finds like blaeberries in season. If you have children, pack a picnic and a small map to make the loop into a simple adventure. Keep dogs on leads near archaeological features, and follow leave-no-trace principles. Combine this stop with a visit to Dornoch or as a short detour along the NC500.
Image / Dunrobin Castle & Gardens
A fairy-tale chateau on the edge of the Moray Firth.
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What to expect
You start with the main staircase and move through richly furnished state rooms, then explore older chambers that hint at medieval origins. Volunteers and information panels bring the castle’s history to life. The garden grounds include formal beds, terraces and a small museum and falconry area. You will find a tearoom and a small gift shop on the ground floor.
Plan your visit
Allow time to see both the interior and the gardens. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven paths in the grounds. If mobility is limited, plan ahead and check access for garden routes, as some areas have slopes and steps. Bring layers, as coastal weather can change quickly. Combine Dunrobin with a coastal leg of the NC500 or nearby villages for a fuller day out.
Image / Wheree
Walk the wide sands, breathe the firth air
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What to expect
Expect miles of golden sand that change with the tide, patches of dunes and scattered rocks for exploring. Seas can be lively or calm, and you will see waders and other coastal birds along the shore. Facilities are practical rather than extravagant: a beach car park leads down to toilets, a café selling local seafood and a play area with sensory equipment. The beach is known for good cleanliness and accessible features, including beach wheelchairs and hoists that help people reach the sand.
Plan your visit
Bring layers, a windproof layer and footwear suited to sand and rock. Check tide times before setting off if you want a long walk near the waterline. Pack a picnic or plan to try the local café for fresh seafood and coffee, then stroll into the town for a quick look around the cathedral and shops. If you need mobility support, enquire at the car park about beach wheelchairs before you arrive. Leave no trace and use dog bins if you bring a pet.
Image / AllTrails
A calm coastal marsh where shoreline light and wild birds take centre stage.
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What to expect
Expect flat, natural paths that follow the shoreline and thread around marsh pools and reedbeds. You will see herons, ducks, swans and, if you are lucky, kingfishers and shorebirds feeding at low tide. Benches sit by the water for pauses and sunsets, and the path links with the Caledonian Canal towpath for longer walks. The terrain can be muddy after rain and some sections are more rugged than the city centre, so wear sensible shoes.
Plan your visit
Bring binoculars and waterproof shoes, and plan around the tides if you want to see feeding shorebirds. Morning and evening are best for quiet wildlife activity and soft light. There are interpretation panels and local volunteers who help keep the place tidy and informed, so take a moment to read the displays. If you want a warming stop afterwards, combine the walk with a nearby pub or café in the Clachnaharry area. Keep dogs under control near nesting areas and avoid disturbing feeding birds.
Image / www.highlandcoasthotels.com
Highland Coast Hotels is a collection of hotels across the Scottish Highlands, from Inverness to the far north coast. Each property sits within the landscape, with warm rooms, honest food and local knowledge at every stop on the North Coast 500. Choose your hotel and start planning your trip.
