Image / PxHere
Use Kylesku as your base each morning. This guide gathers the best Kylesku hiking and cycling routes, from short family-friendly loops to full day climbs. Walk to the Bone Caves or the Falls of Measach, tackle Suilven, Quinag or Stac Pollaidh for memorable summit views, or pick quieter coastal paths like Split Rock and Culag Woods. For cyclists there are gentle lochside rides, local e-bike hire and guided options to stretch your legs on NC500 roads. Afterward, return to warmth, dry kit and a hearty meal before your next outing. Practical tips, route notes and wildlife pointers help you plan safe, rewarding days outdoors.
Image / Visit Wester Ross
Step onto a 150-year-old suspension bridge and watch the gorge open beneath your feet.
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What to expect
You will hear the river long before you see it, then peer down from the suspension bridge to the frothing falls far below. Trails loop through mossy woodland and past viewpoints on both sides of the gorge, with a mix of broad paths and some steeper, muddier sections. Staffed facilities include a visitor centre and café where you can rest after the walk. Wildlife is often visible in the trees and river corridor, and the site has clear interpretation that explains how the gorge was formed.
Plan your visit
Plan to arrive in daylight and wear sturdy footwear, as paths can be steep and muddy after rain. Bring insect repellent in summer; midges can be a nuisance at dawn and dusk. Allow time to walk the main loop and the short fern trail, then warm up in the visitor centre or café. If you’re following the NC500, treat this as a short, high-reward stop on a longer driving day. Check the National Trust for Scotland website for the latest on access and any temporary closures before you set out.
Image / Tripadvisor
Local bikes, Highland routes, your ride on the NC500.
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What to expect
You’ll meet a hands-on local team who know the area and the best loops. Expect solid, recently maintained bikes suited to hillier Highland terrain, clear route tips for Loch Achall, Loch an Daimh and nearby singletrack, and straightforward help with repairs or tyre pumps if something goes wrong. Staff are used to advising riders of all abilities, from gentle shoreline cycles to tougher mountain routes.
Plan your visit
Book ahead in peak season and tell them your height and experience so they can set up the right bike. Ask about e-bikes if you want help on steep sections, and request panniers or a pump if you need them. Wear layers and bring water and snacks for longer rides. Before you head out, get local route tips and check which sections are best avoided in wet weather.
Image / Stunning Outdoors
Three Corbetts, wide Highland skies.
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What to expect
Steep, thigh‑testing climbs and exposed ridgelines with short scrambling sections. Paths are generally clear but loose rock and sudden wind are common. On a fine day you get wide, uninterrupted panoramas and plenty of space on the summits.
Plan your visit
Choose a clear day, tell someone your route and carry a map, compass or reliable GPS. Many walkers tackle the loop clockwise for a steadier finish. Wear sturdy boots, layered clothing and bring adequate food and water. Take care on rocky descents and follow leave-no-trace principles.
Image / Countryfile.com
A jagged ridge, wide Highland views , your short climb for a big horizon.
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What to expect
Start on a clear, well-formed path that leads to the craggy crest. The route becomes steeper and involves scrambling around rock towers, with some sections where a slip would have serious consequences. Expect raw rock underfoot, strong coastal winds at times and panoramic views that open out across Loch Lurgainn and the surrounding peaks.
Plan your visit
Wear stout boots and bring windproof layers, water and a camera. If you plan to attempt the westerly summit keep in mind the final moves need climbing skill and protective gear. Stick to marked paths, move carefully on exposed sections and leave no trace. Combine the walk with a stop in Ullapool for supplies or a coffee afterwards.
Image / Flickr
A dramatic split in the coastal slab where sea, sky and the NC500 meet.
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What to expect
Expect a short, unpaved walk across grazing land, through a small gate and over a stile. Terrain is uneven and sometimes grassy rather than a formal path. The main reward is the view: the split rock in the foreground and a sweeping coastal skyline beyond. You may see sheep nearby, so keep dogs on a lead and close to hand. There are no visitor facilities at the site.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy footwear and a windproof layer, the coast can be exposed even on mild days. Bring water and a small pack, there are no facilities at the site. Keep to the farm access points, close any gates and leave no trace. If you have a dog, keep it on a lead because of grazing sheep. Fit this stop into an NC500 day, pairing it with nearby beaches and viewpoints for a fuller coastal stretch.
Image / Venture North
Stand beneath Arkle's striking summit, where raw Highland geology meets wide northern skies
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What to expect
Expect steep, rocky climbs, short but sharp ridgelines and expansive views across moor and sea. Trails are rough in places and route-finding matters, so plan for uneven ground and variable weather. There are no visitor facilities at the summit, and the landscape feels wild and open.
Plan your visit
Build Arkle into a broader day on the NC500 or a Sutherland exploration. Wear sturdy boots and layers, carry a map and compass or GPS, and pack food and water. Tell someone your plan if you head off-trail, and allow extra time for single-track roads and slower driving. Local B&Bs and inns in nearby villages make good bases if you prefer a gentler start.
Image / Britain Express
A short, accessible walk with big Highland views.
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What to expect
You will find firm, well-maintained surfaces for most of the route and a shorter all-abilities section suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, though some steeper stretches may need a little help. Several raised platforms give framed views towards the Quinag. The route can be extended along rougher tracks if you want a longer walk. Simple facilities at the parking area include shelters and a WC, so it works well as a picnic stop or a brief nature break.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven sections and bring layers for changing weather. Pack a picnic and a small blanket for the shelters. If you need a wheelchair-friendly experience, stick to the all-abilities path and be ready to ask companions for a little help on the steeper parts. Combine this stop with other nearby Assynt highlights on the NC500 to make the most of the drive.
Image / Venture North
Climb Suilven and watch the Highlands unfold around you.
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What to expect
Expect a long walk in across boggy moorland and peat hags, followed by a steep, sustained ascent to a narrow ridge. The path is clear in places but can be indistinct and wet underfoot. Once you reach the top, the panorama opens up in all directions, giving a strong sense of remoteness. There are no facilities on the route, and the weather can change quickly, so plan for wind, rain and cold even in summer.
Plan your visit
Set out early and treat the route as a full day. Wear sturdy boots, bring waterproof layers, food and plenty of water, and carry a map and compass or GPS. Check the forecast for wind and rain before you leave, and read route notes if you’re unfamiliar with long moorland navigation. If you’re unsure about the steep final sections, consider joining a local guided walk for added confidence.
Image / Wheree
A tumbling waterfall in a quiet Highland glen
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What to expect
Expect a well signposted path that passes through wooded glen and then opens onto boggy moorland. The final descent to the waterfall is a short, steeper scramble and can be slippery. The river is fast-flowing, the sound is constant, and there are several viewpoints both above and close to the water.
Plan your visit
Leave time for unhurried walking and a picnic by the falls. Wear sturdy boots and bring poles if your knees are sensitive. Park carefully, follow the signposted route through the gate, and stick to the path across boggy sections. Carry water, a waterproof layer and a small first-aid kit. If you have more energy, continue on towards the loch for extended views.
Image / Tripadvisor
Walk where river, moor and loch meet
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What to expect
Expect three distinct stages: a sheltered riverside path with plenty of stopping points, an exposed moorland section where you may spot deer, and a final approach that follows the loch and a paved road back into Lochinver. The trail is not always clearly waymarked, surfaces range from firm tracks to muddy sections, and parts can be narrow or stony. Bring waterproof boots and a basic map or phone GPS, and allow time to pause for views and wildlife.
Plan your visit
Start from Lochinver, where you can park and pick up snacks before you set off. Wear waterproof boots and layered clothing, and carry water and a simple map or GPS. If you prefer to avoid the paved road section on the return, make the walk an out-and-back to Glencanisp Lodge. Dogs are welcome, but keep them under control around wildlife. Check the weather and leave plenty of daylight for the moorland stretch.
Image / Lochinver Larder
Calm lochside walks, a little seaside village and woodland art to discover.
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What to expect
You will find easy, short paths along the shore and into a nearby stand of trees. The loch is sheltered, with placid water on most days and views across to low hills. Cafes close to the harbour serve light meals and hot drinks. Sculptures and small, family-friendly installations appear among the trees, adding a domestic, local feel to the walk.
Plan your visit
Drive the NC500 and plan a short stop here as part of a wider coastal day. Wear stout shoes for pebbles and uneven woodland paths, and bring a waterproof layer in case of sea spray or a sudden shower. Allow time for a coffee at one of the local cafes and a slow stroll along the shore. If you travel with children, the sculptures and tipi structures make for easy exploration close to the main path.
Image / Britain Express
Woods, shore and easy paths, a gentle Highland wander.
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What to expect
Expect well-graded, gravel paths for most routes and a few steeper stretches with stone steps. There are picnic tables and seats scattered through the trees, plus a small constructed barbecue area down by the shore. The pebble beach gives a safe spot for dogs to swim, and you can choose an easy level circuit or a rougher climb if you want more exercise. Signage is generally clear, but some informal shortcuts are best avoided.
Plan your visit
Follow the main gravel route rather than small woodland tracks, and wear sturdy footwear for uneven or steep sections. Bring a picnic or a flask, and a lightweight bag for any litter. If you have a dog, keep a lead handy for sections where control may be needed. Arrive earlier in the day at weekends for quieter paths and easier parking.
Image / Tripadvisor
A short Highland walk to cliff caves, waterfalls and wide valley views.
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What to expect
Expect a varied path: well-trodden trails, steps, rocky sections and some boulder fields. The last approach to the caves is steeper and uneven, so go at your own pace. Along the way you will pass freshwater springs and small waterfalls, with several natural stopping points for a picnic or to watch wildlife. There are no visitor facilities at the trailhead, and mobile signal can be patchy in places.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy footwear and layers, and bring waterproofs in case the weather turns. Pack a small picnic and water, you will find scenic spots to stop. Dogs are welcome but keep them under control near wildlife and fragile ground. There is a small car park at the trailhead with a suggested donation box, so plan for limited spaces. Follow the marked path and take care around springs and sink holes.
Image / northwestseatours.co.uk
Watch eagles wheel and seals bask as you glide along the loch.
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What to expect
Expect a calm, conversational outing on a tidy, small boat. The skipper will steer close to seal haul-outs and seabird cliffs, pause for eagle sightings, and steer past the loch’s waterfall and interesting rock formations. Groups stay compact, so you get good viewing and chances to ask questions. Wear layers, as spray and wind are part of the experience.
Plan your visit
Book ahead during the main season to secure a place. Arrive a little early to load gear and get settled on board. Dress in windproof and waterproof layers and bring a hat and gloves out of season. Pack a camera with a zoom lens or a phone in a waterproof case, and keep spare batteries warm. If you’re following the NC500, allow extra time for photos and a short walk along the shore before or after your trip.
Image / Visit Inverness Loch Ness
Explore the Highlands by bike, guided by a local who knows the roads and the stories.
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What to expect
Clear briefings, paced rides and plenty of scenic stops. Expect a mix of quiet country roads, forest tracks and loch viewpoints. Guides set the pace for the group, carry local knowledge about landscape and wildlife, and take photos for you. Tours are family-friendly and suit solo riders, couples and groups. Bike hire and organised lunches or picnics can be arranged in advance.
Plan your visit
Book ahead and tell the guide your experience level so they can match the route and kit. Reserve an e-bike or specific bike type if you need hire. Pack layers, waterproofs and a small dry bag if you plan to swim after a stop. Ask about picnic or lunch options when you book, and let the guide know any transport or hotel-transfer needs.
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.
