Image / PxHere
Start at well known spots such as Glen Etive, the Glenfinnan viaduct and Loch Shiel, then follow the coast for scenes that appeared on screen. This guide maps NC500 filming locations, explains how to reach each site, and suggests the best ways to experience them without rushing. You will find practical notes on parking, short walks and good photo angles, plus quieter alternatives like Black Rock Gorge and the Pink House for memorable shots. Use nearby hotels as your base to rest between outings, plan sensible daylight hours, and leave room to savour the landscape rather than chase every sight.
Image / Historic Houses
Walk the cliff path to a medieval stronghold.
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What to expect
You will find steep steps, uneven stone surfaces and exposed cliff edges, so sturdy shoes are essential. There are interpretation panels and guides on site, a small refreshment kiosk and basic facilities. Expect seabirds, occasional seals and wide sea views rather than sheltered interiors.
Plan your visit
Walk from Stonehaven along the coastal path to make the approach part of the visit, or drive to the town and follow the signed route to the castle. Pick up a site map at the kiosk so you don’t miss key ruins and viewpoints. Wear layered clothing and sensible footwear, bring a camera and allow time to pause at the headland and the small beach below.
Image / Tripadvisor
A mountain-fringed loch where film history meets wild scenery
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What to expect
Expect wide, moody views and a sense of space. The water often reflects the surrounding hills on still mornings. Wildlife is common, with deer on the shoreline and birds of prey overhead. Activities are simple and outdoors: walking, canoeing, small boat cruises and viewpoint stops. Facilities are basic, so plan for no-frills, nature-focused time.
Plan your visit
Bring layered waterproofs and sturdy footwear, and pack binoculars for wildlife and distant details. Book boat trips or canoe hire in advance during busy months. Combine this visit with a short walk to the Glenfinnan viewpoints for the viaduct and monument. Respect local land and follow leave-no-trace practices; choose local operators for cruises and kit hire where possible.
Image / Wikipedia
A coastal tower house where history meets the North Sea.
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What to expect
Expect a mix of period rooms and contemporary touches, with sitting rooms, a drawing room and a compact dining offer. Meals are focused and locally sourced, served in an intimate dining room or the on-site pub. Staff are welcoming and you should allow time to explore the tower and grounds, which reveal staircases, chambers and coastal viewpoints.
Plan your visit
If you are driving the NC500, plan Ackergill as an overnight stop or a long afternoon break. Book accommodation and dinner ahead, especially in summer. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven stone floors and the estate paths, and leave time to walk the foreshore for sea views and birdwatching.
Image / escapetothehighlands.org
Walk the loch shore where film and Highland life meet.
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What to expect
Expect long estate tracks, open moorland and a loch-side beach. You will see stag calls in season, quiet woodland loops and broad views of the house from the rear. Accommodation ranges from cosy eco pods to family cottages, with simple on-site facilities and outdoor spaces for picnics and fires. The place feels remote, so plan to bring food, warm layers and walking boots.
Plan your visit
Allow time for the estate track, pack water and a picnic, and wear sturdy footwear for uneven trails. Park near the gatehouse and follow the signed walks to the loch and viewpoints. If you want to stay, book cottages or pods in advance. Combine a visit with a stretch of the NC500 or a stop in nearby Newtonmore for supplies.
Image / Tripadvisor
Stand above Skye’s sculpted skyline
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What to expect
You will find a mix of short, easy walks and a longer circuit that takes you over the ridge. The ground is mostly grass and stone, and some sections are exposed and can feel steep. Weather changes fast, so you may move from wind and mist to clear light in minutes. Facilities are minimal, so plan accordingly. Trails are visible in places but the top is open grass, so use a map or app if you plan the full route.
Plan your visit
Aim to arrive early for calmer light and fewer visitors. Wear stout footwear and layered waterproofs, and bring a snack if you want to linger. The main car park has a pay station and there are no toilets at the top. If you plan the longer circuit, check a route guide or an app such as AllTrails before you set off.
Image / Scotland Off the Beaten Track
Step into a miniature Highland landscape where grassy cones and basalt towers meet the sky.
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What to expect
Expect short, easy paths that lead between low, rounded hills and tiny ponds. There are a few steeper sections and one brief scramble to reach the top of Castle Ewen for wider views. You will see sheep grazing and simple visitor-placed stone circles; locals ask that you do not add to or disturb these. The site is small, so it feels intimate even with other visitors around.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing, the weather changes quickly on Skye. Keep to the marked paths to protect the turf and avoid moving stones or building new circles. If you have a dog, keep it under close control because of grazing sheep. Bring a camera and spare batteries, and allow time to climb the mound for the best views. Combine the visit with other stops on the Trotternish loop if you are driving around the north of the island.
Image / Away With Maja -
A splash of pink by Loch Glass, best seen on foot.
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What to expect
Expect a quiet, scenic walk through estate woodland and open moorland, with wide views across Loch Glass. The route can be muddy in places and uneven underfoot, so wear sturdy shoes. The house itself is derelict with boarded or broken windows, so most people photograph it from the clearing or the far shore. You may spot estate vehicles and local wildlife; keep to the public path and give properties space.
Plan your visit
Drive to the road that leads past the Wyvis Estate entrance and find a safe place to leave your car off the carriageway. Do not block gates or turning areas. From there, follow the public path through the estate, taking the right-hand trail where indicated, and stay on marked routes. Bring waterproofs and layers, a good pair of boots and a charged phone for navigation. Be respectful to any residents or estate staff you meet, and take all litter away with you.
Image / Trail Exposure
A distinctive ridge that rewards a long walk with wide Highland views.
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What to expect
Expect a long, physical walk across open moor and heather. The initial approach can be soft underfoot and wet in places, and the final ascent is steep with some scrambling. Once you reach the summit ridge you get expansive views of neighbouring peaks, loch-filled lowlands and the coastline. Mobile signal can be patchy and facilities are minimal, so you need to be self-sufficient.
Plan your visit
Plan for a full day and build in plenty of time for the walk in and out. Check the weather forecast and tell someone your route and estimated return. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots and carry map, compass and spare layers. Consider joining a local guided walk if you prefer not to navigate remote terrain on your own. Include Suilven as a highlight on an NC500 loop that stops in nearby villages for fuel and supplies.
Image / Third Eye Traveller
A narrow, moss-lined gorge a short detour from the NC500
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What to expect
Expect an easy-to-moderate walk through mixed woodland, with clear signposted trails and some stepped sections as you descend. Paths are generally maintained but can be wet and uneven in places, so steady footwear helps. There are viewing points both from the rim and lower down near the river, and the scale of the gorge is best appreciated from below. Trail maps and a few picnic benches sit near the entrance.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes and waterproof layers, especially after rain. Park in Evanton and follow the signposted footpaths to the gorge, or join the route from the NC500 as a short detour. Bring a camera and a sense of patience for narrow viewpoints, and allow time to walk back via an alternate route if you want a circuit. Check local signs on arrival, some bridges or routes may be closed for maintenance.
Image / Country Life
A winding mountain pass where steep hairpins open out to sea and moorland.
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What to expect
Expect a narrow, steep road with tight hairpins and sudden, wide views. Weather can change fast: mist and low cloud are common, and sun can appear in minutes. Cyclists and campervans share the route, so progress may be slow at times. There are short pull-ins to step out and drink in the scene, but facilities are minimal.
Plan your visit
Allow extra time for slow moving vehicles and for stopping to photograph views. Combine the pass with a visit to Applecross village for local seafood and short coastal walks. Check fuel and your vehicle condition before you climb, mobile signal is patchy, and weather can make the route challenging. Wear layers, pack a waterproof, and leave no trace when you stop.
Image / Forbes Travel Guide
Where mountain, sea and old trails meet on the NC500.
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What to expect
Expect dramatic scenery and quiet moments. Walks range from easy riverside paths to steeper mountain tracks. Wildlife watchers often spot seabirds, deer and the estate’s native horses. Local guides run sea kayaking, guided walks and shooting tuition, so you can add interpretation or skills to a walk. Facilities are limited and feel rural rather than polished.
Plan your visit
Bring layered clothing, waterproofs and sturdy footwear. Book guided activities in advance if you want a guided walk or kayak trip. Pack binoculars and a camera battery; mobile signal can be patchy. If you plan to dine locally, reserve a table ahead of time and check transport back to your base. Respect private land and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Image / Tripadvisor
Windswept pinnacles and wide sea views, a short climb with big rewards.
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What to expect
Expect a raw, elemental landscape: steep sections, stone steps and uneven ground underfoot. Wind and sudden weather changes are common, so you will need sturdy footwear and warm, waterproof layers. The walk builds steadily, and the views open out as you climb, revealing cliffs, sea and distant ridges. Close to the start you will find basic visitor facilities including toilets and a small shop, and there is paid parking at the trailhead.
Plan your visit
Wear good walking boots and bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers and gloves, even in summer. Carry water and a camera, and give yourself time for stops and changing light. Follow waymarked paths to protect the ground, and take the gentler left fork if you prefer a steadier ascent with more varied scenery. Allow extra time for parking at busy times, and pair the visit with other nearby Skye highlights for a full day out.
Image / Mindtrip
Mountains, a quiet loch and the Skyfall road , a must-see detour on the NC500.
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What to expect
Expect a single-track road with passing places, rising crags and wide lochside views. The drive narrows into a quiet valley where you can stop for photos, a short walk or a picnic. Wildlife sightings are common, especially deer. Facilities are minimal, so come prepared and leave no trace.
Plan your visit
Drive in with a full tank and basic supplies, then pick your pace. Pull in at designated passing places or the small car park at the glen’s end to explore on foot. Wear sturdy footwear and layers, weather changes quickly. Bring a camera, a small picnic and a bag for any litter. Be courteous at passing places and give way when needed.
Image / Highland Coast Hotels
Harbour views, fresh seafood and palm trees
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What to expect
You will find small cafes selling good coffee and cake, independent galleries and gift shops stocking local craft, and a handful of friendly pubs with a dog-friendly area. Boat trips launch from the quay, and crew are welcoming to families. The waterfront is calm, ideal for watching boats and tidal reflections.
Plan your visit
Allow time to wander the harbour, browse craft shops and try a seafood starter followed by a heartier main course in a waterside pub. Book boat trips in advance in summer, and look out for small cafes that double as galleries when you want to sit and linger. Wear layers and waterproofs, and bring a camera for the shoreline views.
Jagged ridges, wide skies and a glen that asks you to explore.
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What to expect
Expect rugged terrain and clear viewpoints within a short drive or walk of the main road. There are marked trails for short strolls and full-day hikes, basic visitor facilities nearby, a handful of cafés and accommodation in the village, and seasonal wildlife on the hillsides and along the loch shores. Weather changes fast, paths can be muddy, and some routes are steep and rocky, so plan for varied conditions.
Plan your visit
Dress in layers and bring waterproofs and sturdy footwear. Allow extra time for sudden weather changes and for stopping at viewpoints. If you plan longer routes, tell someone your route and carry a map and compass or a charged GPS device. Check local café and visitor-centre facilities before you go, and leave no trace on paths and peatland. Combine a short walk with a drive deeper into the glen, or use Glencoe as a base for longer outings into neighbouring valleys.
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.
