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Drive the NC500, pull over at viewpoints and walk short trails. From Glen Docherty to Bealach na Ba and Loch Duich, each stop rewards a different view. This guide points you to the best coastal drives in Scotland along the North Coast 500, with practical notes on short walks, photo spots and wildlife watching. Use Highland Coast Hotels as your base, return each evening to a warm room and local food. Expect compact itineraries that fit roadside stops, tide times and simple rambling. Whether you have an afternoon or a full day, these viewpoints and drives help you make the most of the Highlands without rushing.
Image / Mindtrip
A straightforward stop with one of Skye’s best viewpoints.
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What to expect
You will park in a roadside lay-by and step out to clear views of the Old Man of Storr mirrored in the loch on calmer days. Expect an easy, short walk from the car to better vantage points rather than a long trail. The place suits quick photo stops, brief birdwatching and a pause to admire the landscape before you carry on your route.
Plan your visit
Plan this as a short stop within a wider Skye itinerary: include it alongside the Storr walk or a coastal stretch. Wear waterproof outer layers and sturdy shoes, as conditions change quickly. Bring a camera and binoculars, and be mindful not to block the lay-by while you shoot photos. Leave no trace and keep dogs under control near livestock and water.
Image / UK Hidden Gems
A small coastal cascade tucked between Skye’s hills and shoreline
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What to expect
Expect a short walk over uneven ground and a peaceful shoreline setting rather than a tall plunge. The cascade sits against grassy slopes and rocky outcrops, with small sandy and shell beaches on nearby islets at low tide. Bring a pair of binoculars: white-tailed eagles and seabirds are often seen in the area.
Plan your visit
Choose your approach before you go: walk in from the Church of Kilchrist along the path beside the old marble works, or launch a canoe from the Ord slipway and make a short crossing. If you plan to visit the nearby islets, time your trip for low tide to get the best beach access. Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear and layered clothing for changeable coastal weather. Carry binoculars and a small pack, and take any litter away with you.
Image / Letterewe Estate
Stop the car, step out and watch the glen open up.
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What to expect
Wide, steep-sided valley views framed by heather and moorland. A clear car park sits close to the viewpoint, so you only need a short walk to reach the best vantage points. You may see grazing cattle and changing light that makes the scene look very different through the day. There is no formal visitor centre, though a mobile coffee may appear at times.
Plan your visit
Treat this as a short stop on a longer drive: park, walk a few minutes and take different angles. Pack insect repellent for still summer days and warm layers for wind or rain. If you want quieter photos, aim for sunrise or late evening. Combine the stop with nearby walks or other NC500 highlights, and take care pulling off the road safely when you arrive.
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What to expect
A straightforward walk on dedicated foot and cycle paths, with open views of tidal waters and nearby shorelines. The bridge’s lines make for an interesting study in modern engineering, while the firth often shows clear shifts in colour where river meets sea.
Plan your visit
Allow time for a short walk across and a shoreline detour for a different angle. There are parking bays on both sides and a café and small hotel close by if you want a longer break. Wear a windproof layer, secure loose camera kit, and plan your route if you’re cycling as the bridge links to local cycle tracks.
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What to expect
Expect big skies, long sightlines and a sense of space. Winds can push whitecaps across the surface, and midges appear on still summer evenings. Birdlife and occasional deer are common along the shore. Facilities are sparse: small villages, a few cafes and lodges sit nearby, but services are spread out, so plan ahead.
Plan your visit
Bring waterproof layers, insect repellent and a warm layer for changing conditions. If you plan to go on the water, use a buoyancy aid and check wind conditions first. Pack a picnic and allow time to explore quiet bays and viewpoints along the shore. Respect private land and follow leave-no-trace principles. If you rely on public transport, check timetables in advance as services are limited.
Image / Life Well Wandered
Stand at the cliff edge and watch the Atlantic open out.
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What to expect
Expect a short, uneven path across sheep fields with some boggy stretches and narrow sections. Wind can be strong and there are a few steep scrambles to reach the highest viewpoints. There are no facilities here, and the tide influences the lower shore, so you should plan for simple, rugged conditions.
Plan your visit
Wear waterproof, grippy footwear and layers for wind and quick weather changes. Bring a windproof jacket, water, and a charged phone or map. Keep dogs on a lead and close gates behind you. Parking is a small roadside layby, so arrive early in busy months or be prepared to wait. Pack food if you want to linger, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
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 / Sandee
Pause at the causeway, breathe the salt air and take in the wide, coastal view.
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What to expect
Expect broad, changeable skies, glittering water and long stretches of sand. You can walk along the causeway, watch seals on the sandbanks and hear curlews at dawn or dusk. The area is largely unspoilt and peaceful, with a small caravan park, a hostel with a café and a basic shop within easy reach.
Plan your visit
Allow time for short walks from the parking pull-ins and for stopping at viewpoints along the causeway. Use passing places on single-track roads and drive with care, especially if you’re not used to this style of road. Bring binoculars for wildlife, sturdy footwear for beaches and dunes, and layered clothing for sudden weather changes. If you want refreshments, support the local café or caravan-site facilities rather than relying on town services.
Image / Rexby
A short, rugged walk to a roar of water and mossy rocks.
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What to expect
Expect a brief but uneven walk over loose stones, boggy ground and short climbs. You will feel spray when you get close, so waterproofs help. The path is not ideal for people with mobility issues. Dogs should be kept out of the water because of the public supply warning. Bring sturdy footwear and take care on wet rock and riverbanks.
Plan your visit
Wear walking boots or shoes with good grip and a waterproof layer. Pack a small towel or spare top for the spray if you want to get near the fall. Travel light on the path, and keep children close on the steeper sections. If you have a dog, keep it on a lead and away from the stream. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid the few roadside visitors, and leave no trace of your visit.
Image / Inchnadamph Explorers Lodge
A quiet loch framed by rugged hills and a ruined castle, perfect for a roadside pause.
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What to expect
You will find a roadside layby with easy access to shoreline views and short walks to the castle ruins. Expect rocky shorelines, small islands, and steep hills rising from the water. Wildlife is common: deer and birds of prey are often seen. There are no staffed facilities, so this is a simple, nature-first stop.
Plan your visit
Pull into the layby on the NC500 and take the short path to the shore and ruins. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and layers for changing weather. Wear sturdy shoes for rocky ground and uneven paths. Plan a picnic if you want a longer stop. Motorhomes and campervans can use the roadside area for an overnight stay if you follow local signage and respect private land.
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 / The Independent
Drive a high mountain pass where road, sea and mountains meet.
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What to expect
Expect a dramatic drive up a single-track mountain pass with tight bends and passing places. The viewpoint sits above the valley and offers sweeping panoramas, often with clear light or low cloud hugging the ridges. You may spot deer and other hill wildlife near the summit. Facilities are basic: there is a layby at the top to stop, stretch and take in the view.
Plan your visit
Drive it as part of the NC500, allowing extra time for slow sections and photo stops. Check the weather before you set out and dress in layers, the summit wind can feel cold even in summer. Fuel up at the last service town, the route has few filling stations. If you want a refreshment stop, plan to visit Applecross after the pass. Take care at passing places and be patient with other drivers; courteous passing keeps traffic moving.
Image / Scotland Off the Beaten Track
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.
Image / Scotland Off the Beaten Track
Pull over, breathe, and take the view.
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What to expect
You’ll find a compact layby and a low stone viewing area with an information plaque. Weather changes the scene rapidly, from clear blue sea to misty hills, so every visit feels different. There are no facilities, so plan to enjoy the view from your car or a flask and a quick walk around the viewpoint.
Plan your visit
Bring warm layers and a hot drink in cooler months, and a windproof jacket at any time of year. Pack binoculars or a telephoto lens if you like spotting distant features. Read the plaque and the AA box below the viewpoint to get local context. Leave no trace and keep the layby clear for other visitors.
Image / Third Eye Traveller
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.
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.
