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Arrive, drop your bag, then set out to explore the Kyle of Tongue. This guide explains why Tongue is a quiet but lively base for the NC500, and how to use your stay to get the best of the north coast. Expect straightforward advice on dining, from the hotel restaurant serving local seafood to simple cafés nearby. Read about outdoor options, whether you want to try sea kayaking, surf lessons at nearby Dunnet Bay, or short coastal walks on the John o' Groats Trail. Practical tips cover family friendly activities, seasonal timings, and how to weave local partnerships into an easy, restorative Highland visit.
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Surf Dunnet Bay with skilled local instructors and thick wetsuits to keep you warm.
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What to expect
Small, friendly groups with patient instructors who guide technique on the sand before you enter the water. Warm wetsuits and boots are provided, so the sea feels more comfortable than you might expect. Expect clear briefing, personal attention and practical tips you can use beyond the lesson.
Plan your visit
Book ahead, especially during the NC500 season, and tell the school about any previous experience. Bring swimwear, a towel and a warm change of clothes for afterwards. Allow time to get a pre-lesson briefing and to take photos on the beach; instructors are happy to pose for an action shot after your session.
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A coastal dinner with views over the Kyle of Tongue
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What to expect
Expect seafood-led plates alongside familiar pub-style mains, from langoustines and fresh fish to generous portions of fish and chips. Service is generally warm and professional, and many guests praise the cooking and wine list. The setting is a hotel dining room with clear views to the water, so ask for a window table if you want the vista with your meal.
Plan your visit
Book ahead, especially in summer evenings, since hotel guests and NC500 visitors often book the restaurant. Ask for a table by the window for the best views. If you want local flavour, ask staff about seasonal seafood and whisky pairings. Combine the meal with a short walk nearby to stretch your legs before or after dinner.
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Hands-on Highland adventures on water and rock
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What to expect
Friendly, patient instruction from an experienced guide who adapts routes to weather and group ability. Briefings and full kit are provided for most activities, with an emphasis on practical skills and rescue techniques. Trips range from calm paddles that showcase coastal scenery to adrenaline-filled gorge scrambling. Families, solo travellers and groups are welcome, and guides tailor sessions to different ages and abilities.
Plan your visit
Book ahead and discuss ability levels or any access needs with the guide. Wear layered clothing and footwear with good grip, and bring a change of clothes, water and a waterproof bag for valuables. The operator is flexible with meeting points and can tailor sessions for families, corporate groups or youth programmes. Let them know about any medical or behavioural needs before you arrive.
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At the very tip of mainland Britain, where the coast opens out and the sea takes over.
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What to expect
You will find a mix of easy coastal paths and rougher cliff-top sections. The terrain is mostly clear underfoot, with some stony tracks and grass stretches. Wildlife sightings are common, from seabirds to occasional dolphins and seals. There are places to stop for coffee, toilets and small gift shops in the village, plus parking close to the shore. Strong winds and changeable weather shape the experience here, so scenery can feel dramatic and elemental.
Plan your visit
Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes, the weather can change fast and wind is a constant. Plan a visit that includes a short walk along the headland and time for a coffee in the village afterwards. If you are tackling longer sections bring water and a map, and allow extra time for photo stops and wildlife watching. Combine this stop with other NC500 highlights or a ferry link to nearby islands if that fits your route.
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Golf at the cliff edge of the NC500
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What to expect
Expect a rugged, scenic round rather than a manicured parkland experience. Greens are well kept and the course uses different pin positions to vary play, so nine holes can feel like two very different rounds. Wind and uneven ground add challenge, wildflowers grow in the rough and some tee shots play toward sheer cliff drops and the sea. The team who run the club are friendly and practical, making it an easy stop on the NC500.
Plan your visit
Check the weather before you travel and pack waterproofs and a warm layer. Bring spare balls and sensible footwear for uneven ground. If wind is strong consider a buggy or a more cautious tee selection. The clubhouse offers a straightforward welcome and a small selection of merch, though popular items can sell out. Combine your round with other NC500 stops so you can relax and savour the coastal views afterwards.
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.
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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.
