Image / Uicipeid - Wikipedia
Arrive, drop your bag, then set out to swim. This guide collects the best wild swimming spots around Tongue, from clear river pools and sheltered lochs to broad sandy beaches and rocky coves. You will find practical notes on access, water conditions and quieter times to visit, along with gentle routes that start and finish at Highland Coast Hotels. Swim in the calm Salmon Pool, explore Thurso Beach at low tide, or pick a secluded cove near Durness for a restorative dip. The focus is simple: help you plan safe, rewarding swims that leave you feeling relaxed and rooted in this part of the Highlands.
Image / Wavelength Surf Magazine
Rugged headland, ruined castle and wide sea views , a quiet corner of the NC500 to slow down and look out.
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What to expect
A short, mostly gentle walk from the roadside to cliff edges and the shoreline. You will find weather-beaten stonework and rocky foreshore rather than sandy, family facilities or cafés. Expect strong coastal light, fresh sea air and clear sightlines for watching seabirds and passing boats.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes for uneven ground and a warm, windproof layer. Bring binoculars if you want to watch nesting birds from a safe distance. There are no visitor facilities, so carry water and snacks. Combine this stop with other nearby NC500 viewpoints to make a short coastal loop.
Image / Salmon Fishing in Scotland
A quiet stretch of river where you can watch salmon and waterfowl at your own pace.
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What to expect
You’ll find a short, flat approach and places to pause and watch the water. Expect gentle river sounds, wading birds and the chance to see salmon when conditions are right. The setting is low-key and popular with locals who come for quiet time and wildlife watching.
Plan your visit
Bring binoculars and a waterproof layer, and set aside time to sit still. Keep to the paths and give wildlife space. Combine the stop with nearby coastal viewpoints or a short walk through riverside scrub. If you’re travelling with family, choose quieter times so children can watch without disturbing birds or anglers.
Image / UK Beach Guide
Pause by the North Sea, where wide sand, long views and the NC500 meet.
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What to expect
Expect wide, clean sand and steady surf rather than sheltered bathing waters. A low promenade runs above the beach, with steps up to a cliff-top viewpoint and a working harbour at the east end. You will see fishing activity, the occasional cruise ship on the horizon and local people walking dogs or taking late evening boardwalks. The site is straightforward to explore on foot, with rock pools at low tide and good vantage points for watching weather and light change.
Plan your visit
Dress in layers and bring a windproof outer, even on sunnier days. If you want fresh fish, head to the harbour or plan a short drive to Scrabster for direct sellers. Use the promenade and the cliff steps for easy viewpoints rather than venturing straight onto cliff edges. Binoculars help for birdwatching and spotting Orkney on clear days. Combine a stop here with a short town walk for cafés and provisions before you continue the NC500 route.
Image / Tripadvisor
A calm lochside pause on the NC500
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What to expect
Short, level paths and grassy areas for picnics or kicking a ball. Benches sit near the shoreline, offering quiet views and close-up waterbird watching. The space suits families, solo walkers and dogs on leads, and it makes an easy stop on a longer drive.
Plan your visit
Plan a brief stop as part of your NC500 route or a town walk. Pack a light layer and a picnic if you want to linger. If you have a dog, bring a lead and a bag. Allow time for a short stroll and a few photos, then continue exploring nearby trails or cafés.
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What to expect
You will find broad sandy areas, grass-topped dunes and clusters of sculpted rock that form little bays and tide pools. Expect changeable weather, strong wind at times and solid waves rolling onto the shore. The terrain is good for short walks, rock scrambling and beachcombing. Families, solo travellers and couples all use the beach for relaxation and photography.
Plan your visit
Turn up with sturdy footwear and layered clothing, and leave time to explore the rocks and the stream that runs through an arch onto the sand. There’s a campsite nearby if you want to stay local. Bring a simple picnic and take all litter with you. If you’re travelling the NC500, factor in narrow single-track lanes and limited services beyond the village; fill up and stock supplies before you head out.
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.
