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Begin in Plockton, drop your bag, then set out along winding coastal roads. This guide gathers the best nearby viewpoints and coastal drives, from the Plockton viewpoint to quick roadside pauses at Loch Duich and the Plock by Kyle. Expect sea lochs, island sightings and mountain skylines framed by short walks. Route highlights include the hairpin rise of Bealach na Ba, the friendly Glenelg ferry to Skye, and photo stops at Eilean Donan and Sligachan Old Bridge. Use your hotel as a base between excursions, pause for local seafood and maps, and plan each day so you return refreshed rather than rushed.
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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 / Skye Ferry
A short, charming crossing where the ferry, the dogs and the view make the journey the highlight.
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What to expect
Expect a short, hands-on crossing on a vintage-style turntable ferry. You can stay in your vehicle or step out on deck to watch the shoreline and wildlife. The crew are chatty and welcoming, and a couple of local dogs often add to the atmosphere. The approach roads wind through scenic, narrow country lanes, and there is a small lighthouse shop and tearoom on the Glenelg side.
Plan your visit
Allow extra time for the winding single-track roads and a short stop at the tearoom and shop. Drive slowly on the approach, especially if you’re in a larger vehicle. Bring a warm, windproof layer for decktime, and some change for the honesty box at the shop. If you have a dog or bike, they travel easily. Check local crossing information before you set off, and factor in limited mobile signal on the back roads.
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.
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Harbour-side base for exploring Skye’s north coast
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What to expect
A compact, lively harbour with a friendly, workaday feel. You’ll find seafood stalls and pubs near the quayside, independent shops and a handful of galleries. Expect a steady flow of day trippers in summer and a practical network of tour operators offering boat and wildlife trips from the harbour.
Plan your visit
Use Portree as a base rather than a destination to rush through: book any boat trips or guided tours in advance in high season, choose a harbour-side café for lunch, then set off on a coastal walk or a short drive along the NC500. Pack waterproof layers and a good pair of shoes for uneven paths. If you want to sample local produce, look for small fishmongers and cafés that champion Skye suppliers.
Image / Hidden Scotland
Get out on the water from Kyle and meet dolphins, seals and the sea life beneath the surface.
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What to expect
Board a small, comfortable boat from the pontoon and head into the Kyle and coastal waters. Expect close encounters with seals and regular dolphin sightings, plus underwater viewing and fishing options on many trips. Guides are knowledgeable, family-friendly and happy to tailor private charters. Sea conditions vary, so the crew will adjust the route to keep you safe and maximise wildlife chances.
Plan your visit
Book in advance in summer, and tell the operator if you need a private charter or have mobility needs. Wear layered, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes. Bring binoculars, a telephoto lens or a compact zoom, and a waterproof phone case. If you get seasick, take precautions beforehand. Combine the trip with a drive along the NC500 or a visit to Skye, and check meeting details in your booking confirmation.
Image / Wander Scotland
Stand above the loch and watch the light change over island and hill.
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What to expect
Expect a short but fairly steep walk to reach the top, with a couple of benches to rest on once you arrive. You will find an interpretive panel that names the lochs and mountains in view. The path is popular with dog walkers and day visitors, and the terrain is uneven in places so take care on the descent.
Plan your visit
Start from Plockton village and follow the signed footpath that climbs up from the harbour area; allow time for a steady walk and a pause to take in the view. Wear sturdy shoes and a windproof layer, especially outside summer months. Combine the visit with a stroll along the harbour and a stop at a local café afterwards, or include it as a short detour on an NC500 leg of your journey.
Image / Mindtrip
Clear pools, small falls and a mountain-backed view , simple Skye calm.
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What to expect
A short, easy path leads past a string of pools and small waterfalls. The water is clear and shallow in places, deep enough for a quick dip if you’re brave. You’ll find grassy spots for a picnic and open views across loch and hillside. A seasonal snack van and a nearby café mean you can pick up a scone or coffee without a long detour.
Plan your visit
Pack warm, waterproof layers and sturdy shoes, the weather can change suddenly. Bring a towel and a dry change if you plan to swim. Leave no trace and be considerate of wild campers and other visitors. Combine the stop with a coastal drive around Torrin as part of an NC500 day, and keep an eye on road conditions before you set out.
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Compact reserve, wide Highland views
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What to expect
You will find a mosaic of habitats: birch woodland, wildflower meadows and shoreline. Trails range from fully accessible loops to narrower footpaths that lead you closer to the water. Expect lots of birdlife, occasional sightings of otters and deer, wildflowers including several orchids in season, and interpretation boards that explain local plants and wildlife. Surfaces can be muddy after rain, and there are picnic tables and basic facilities for a short stop or a gentle walk.
Plan your visit
Drive in from the A87 and follow the single-lane access up to the car park, or walk from Kyle of Lochalsh station in around 10 minutes. Wear sturdy shoes for muddy sections and bring binoculars for watching birds and otters. Close any gates behind you and take litter home. If you want a guided experience, group walks run in the summer months and local volunteers often lead conservation activities you can join.
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Pause for a wide, mountain-framed view over Loch Duich.
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What to expect
A compact layby and short level approach that opens onto a panoramic sweep of loch and ridgeline. Expect open skies, clear sightlines across the water and often only a handful of other visitors. You may spot grazing horses or sheep nearby and seasonal birdlife on the shore.
Plan your visit
Drive carefully, the old road is narrow in places with passing spots. Wear layers and bring a windproof layer, even on warm days. Take a small picnic or a thermos and a blanket for a relaxed stop. Pack binoculars and a camera; the viewpoint suits wide panoramas and close-up shots of livestock if they’re present. Combine this stop with nearby NC500 highlights to make the most of the route.
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A quiet place to stop, breathe and take in the Cuillin.
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What to expect
A calm, open spot rather than a theatrical viewpoint. You can stand by the river to listen to running water, walk beneath an arch for a framed view of the mountains, or pause on the bridge for a wide vista. The site is popular with photographers and hikers starting routes into the Cuillins, so expect brief bursts of activity between quieter moments. There is little in the way of facilities, so bring layers and waterproof footwear if you plan to explore the riverbank.
Plan your visit
Aim for a short, mindful stop rather than a long stay. Arrive early or late to avoid the busiest periods, and leave space for other visitors when taking photos by the river. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to climb down to pools and small waterfalls. If you’re combining stops, slot Sligachan into a day exploring the Cuillin or as a pause on a longer drive around Skye.
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Cascades beneath the Cuillin
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What to expect
Expect a short, well-marked path that climbs beside a series of falls. The route can be wet and muddy in places, so sensible footwear helps. There are several cascades upstream, so you can turn back after the first fall or continue for a longer quiet walk. Parking is roadside and limited, which usually keeps crowds low.
Plan your visit
Arrive early or late in the day to avoid the busiest periods. Wear walking boots and bring a waterproof jacket, the path can be squelchy after rain. Plan for a short stop of 30–60 minutes, or longer if you follow the stream upstream. Combine this pause with other NC500 highlights on Skye so the visit fits easily into a driving day.
Image / Eilean Donan Castle
A castle on a tidal island where sea and story meet.
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What to expect
You cross a low stone bridge to reach compact castle grounds, then follow a short visitor route through restored rooms and exhibition spaces. Staff are welcoming and informative, and there is a simple cafe and a small gift shop to round out the visit. Interiors contain delicate artefacts and some areas restrict photography, so plan to listen to the audio guide or speak with staff to get the most from each room.
Plan your visit
If you are travelling the NC500, Eilean Donan makes a natural stop. Buy entry tickets on site and allow time for the audio guide if you want context for the rooms and displays. Storage is available near the approach, and large rucksacks are often not allowed on the visitor route. Expect short queues at peak times, and leave room in your schedule for the cafe and the gift shop.
Image / www.applecrossheritage.org.uk
A small centre, a big slice of Applecross history.
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What to expect
Displays are compact and carefully chosen: family artefacts, fishing and crofting tools, and panels that tell personal stories from the peninsula. Volunteer guides are on hand to expand on exhibits and point you to nearby viewpoints. The centre keeps things low-tech and authentic rather than high-tech and cinematic.
Plan your visit
Allow around one to two hours to see the displays and take a short walk on the beach. Ask the volunteers about particular families or events, they often share anecdotes you won’t find in guidebooks. Wear layers and sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the shoreline. If you are driving the NC500, factor in extra time for single-track sections and passing places.
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Bring your camera and a windproof jacket , the view is worth the stop.
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What to expect
A short walk from a small parking area leads to a purposefully sited viewing point with informational plaques. The path is uneven and can be slippery after rain, there are no facilities at the viewpoint, and space for lingering is limited when coach parties arrive. You will find excellent framing for photos, occasional interpretive signs, and a steady stream of visitors in summer.
Plan your visit
Aim to combine the lookout with a visit to nearby towns or a longer castle trip. Wear sturdy footwear and a waterproof layer, the weather changes quickly. Bring binoculars for close-up details and a tripod if you want sunrise or sunset shots. There are few onsite facilities, so plan food and comfort stops elsewhere. Be respectful of posted drone rules and other visitors when photographing.
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Step off the train and into a quiet coastal scene with castle views.
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What to expect
Expect a simple, well-kept waiting room and a genuine request-stop experience where you may be the only person boarding. The coastal path from the station is uneven in places, with muddy sections after rain. The walk brings you close to the castle grounds, though the castle operates as a private B&B and is not open for casual visits. The reward is wide sea views, coastal light and a peaceful stretch of the NC500 corridor.
Plan your visit
Plan to include Duncraig as a short stop on a longer NC500 day or a rail outing from Inverness. Wear good shoes and a waterproof layer, the path can be muddy. If you use the train, make sure you understand how request stops work so the driver knows to stop. Allow time to walk the coast to Plockton or back along the line, and check rail connections for onward travel.
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.
