NC500 Scenic Viewpoints and Coastal Drives of the Highlands

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What to expect

Start at the viewpoint and take in the shore before heading down on foot. The route is straightforward enough for a relaxed outing, with changing sea views as you descend. At the beach, you can follow the sand, watch the tide line, and build it into a wider day out from Highland Coast Hotels. The beach gives you space to slow down, listen to the surf, and turn back when you are ready. It works for families, couples, and solo walkers alike, especially if you are using Highland Coast Hotels as your base on the coast.

Plan your visit

Wear sturdy shoes, because the descent is easier when the ground is dry and stable. Bring water and give yourself time to come back up without rushing. It makes a calm stop between drives, with Highland Coast Hotels a good base to return to afterwards.

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What to expect

You pull into a simple roadside lay-by, then take in the information board and the open view straight across Loch Alsh. The Skye Bridge sits in the middle distance, with Kyleakin, the small islets and the east lighthouse easy to pick out on a clear day. It is a good place to pause, watch boats moving through the loch, and get a proper sense of the crossing between mainland and Skye before carrying on.

Plan your visit

Keep it as a short stop and come ready to linger only as long as the view holds your attention. If you are travelling with family or in a group, give yourself a little extra time so everyone can photograph the same outlook without crowding the pull-in.

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What to expect

Pull in, walk a few steps from the car, and take in the sweep of Loch Awe. On clear days, the water sits bright between the slopes, and the view changes fast as cloud moves over the hills. It suits a short pause on a longer drive, a quick photo stop, or a quiet reset before you head back to your Highland Coast Hotels base. Bring a layer, because the open roadside can feel breezy. Even ten minutes here feels well spent.

Plan your visit

Treat it as a short roadside stop. Pull in fully before you get out, and give yourself time to look both ways if you cross the verge for a photo. A light jacket helps, as the open spot can feel breezy. It fits neatly into a day out from your Highland Coast Hotels base.

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What to expect

Come here for an unhurried pause rather than a full outing. You can wander the paths, take in the open ground around Ribigill, and use it as a calm break from the road. It suits a quiet stretch of the legs, a short family stop, or a solo visit when you want some air before returning to Highland Coast Hotels. Keep your camera ready for the simple Highland views and the sense of space around Lairg.

Plan your visit

Wear sensible shoes if the ground is damp, especially after rain. Treat it as a short stop and keep your plans flexible, so you can add it to a wider loop around Lairg. If you are based with Highland Coast Hotels, it works well as an easy pause between drives.

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What to expect

You pull in, step out, and the view opens straight down to the beach and out to sea. On clear days, the pale sand and changing water stand out at once. It works well for a short pause, a few photos, or a quiet minute before you drive on. If you are based with Highland Coast Hotels, it fits neatly into a slower day of coastal stops.

Plan your visit

Leave enough time to stop properly, because the best part is getting out of the car and looking back over the beach. Bring a layer if the wind is up. It suits a short pause on a longer drive, before heading back to Highland Coast Hotels or on to the next coastal stop.

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What to expect

Visitors usually pull in, get out for a few minutes, and take in the open Highland landscape from the roadside edge. It suits a leg stretch, a photo stop, or a quiet pause between drives. On a clear day, you can pick out long views across the hills and see how quickly the light changes. If you are staying with Highland Coast Hotels, it is an easy outing before heading back to dinner or a slow evening in.

Plan your visit

Treat this as a pause in your journey rather than a destination in itself. It works well when you are already passing through the area and want a clear, unhurried look at the landscape. If you are staying with Highland Coast Hotels, it fits neatly into a day on the move.

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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.

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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.

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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.