NC500

The NC500 (or North Coast 500) is the name for a roughly 500 mile road trip around northern coastal Scotland, traditionally beginning and ending in Inverness. The route passes through spectacular Highland scenery, as well as amazing cultural and historic places. We took it on as a challenge and, in true Thunder Puffin style, somehow managed to make it more of a NC1000! In reality, we started in more southerly Edinburgh and headed all the way up the east coast to the most northerly point at Dunnet Head. Then, fearing a transmission breakdown, drove the whole way back down to Glasgow, on the west coast, for repairs. Finally, we ventured back up along the west coast – this time, to reach the extreme north coast again. It was a wild ride, filled with beautiful scenery, incredible experiences and great people.

*Geography nerd alert* The Appalachian Mountains and the Scottish Highlands were once all the same mountain range – the Central Pangea Mountains! Now-a-days they are separated by an ocean and a few million years. 😉

Here’s a few shots of places we visited. Most were recommended to us by fellow campers we met along the way!

View west over our campground toward Longa Island

Looking south across Gair Loch

The Torrridon Hills

Looking across the Northern Minch to Ben Mor Coigach

Mellon Udrigle Beach

Camas a Carraig (‘bay and rock’ in Scots Gaelic)

A crazy seaside cavern

Clear waters of the Wester Ross Marine Protected Area

View across Loch Broom from the town of Ullapool

Our camping spot right on the water at Ardmair Point

Loch Canaird with a cloud covered Ben Mor Coigach in the background

Hiking up the trail to the ancient rock formations of Stac Pollaidh

The views from the top were amazing

Chris at the peak of Stac Pollaidh

Gratuitous selfie

Heading back down the curious rock outcroppings of Stac Pollaidh