Ultimate 1-Day NC 500 Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Scenic Coastal Adventure

Inverness, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Mustard Seed

Start your day with a hearty Scottish breakfast at this charming restaurant set along the river, known for its locally sourced ingredients and welcoming atmosphere.
Take a short stroll from your hotel in Inverness, as the Mustard Seed is conveniently located in the city center.
GBP15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Applecross

Set off for Applecross, a picturesque village reached by the famous Bealach Na Bà pass, offering breathtaking views of the Highlands.
Follow the A87 and A896 route towards the Applecross peninsula, which is approximately a 2-hour drive.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Applecross Village

Wander through the quaint village, visit the ancient church, and take in the stunning coastal views.
Once in Applecross, park at the village center for easy access to the main attractions.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Applecross Inn

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at this renowned restaurant, famous for its catch of the day and panoramic sea views.
The inn is a short walk from the village center, making it easy to reach.
GBP20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Drive to Torridon

Continue your road trip towards Torridon along the beautiful coast, where the rugged mountains meet the sea.
Follow the A896 straight to Torridon, taking in the extraordinary scenery along the way. This drive takes roughly 45 minutes.
Free, 45 minutes

2:15PM

Hike in Torridon

Take a short hike in Torridon to enjoy the dramatic landscapes, perhaps exploring the famous Beinn Alligin trail.
Parking is available at the Torridon Visitor Center, which provides easy access to the trails.
Free, 2 hours

4:15PM

Continue to Gairloch

Drive onwards to Gairloch, a delightful coastal village known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife.
Follow the A832 heading south to reach Gairloch; the drive is about 30 minutes.
Free, 30 minutes

4:45PM

Visit Gairloch Beach

Relax at Gairloch Beach, perfect for a stroll or to simply absorb the spectacular views of the Wester Ross coastline.
The beach is easily accessible from the center of Gairloch, requiring just a short walk.
Free, 1 hour

5:45PM

Dinner at The Gairloch Restaurant

End your day with a meal filled with traditional Scottish fare, featuring locally sourced produce and fresh fish to satisfy your cravings after a long day of exploring.
This restaurant is centrally located in Gairloch, making it convenient for your last stop of the day.
GBP25, 1.5 hours

7:15PM

Head Back to Inverness

Wrap up your adventurous NC 500 road trip by heading back to Inverness, reflecting on the incredible sights and experiences of the day.
Take the A832 back towards Inverness, which takes approximately 1.5 hours to return.
Free, 1.5 hours
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