The NC500 is one of the best road trips in the whole of the UK. Starting in Inverness, the NC500 encompasses just over 500 miles of Scotland’s finest scenery. Beaches, mountains, castles… the NC500 has a whole heap of attractions and activities. It truly is a once in a lifetime road trip. We took a slightly different route to the traditional NC500 shown on the below map, and you can read about our whole journey on our NC500 in a Week post. As for now, what is on the cards for Day 1 on the NC500?
Starting in the most northerly city in the UK, Inverness, we made the trip anti-clockwise up to Castletown with a number of stops along the way. Our first stop was the beautiful Dunrobin Castle, before heading onto the Whaligoe Steps, Duncansby Stacks and the famous John O’Groats signpost.
Inverness
We didn’t have much time to spend in Inverness on the morning of our first day of the NC500, but the city shouldn’t be overlooked. In our time there we took a walk down the River Ness, where we were able to see some of the cities famous landmarks including the Cathedral and the Castle. We saw the UK’s most northerly cathedral first, and then headed over Ness Bridge and up to the Castle. Unfortunately, the Castle was closed as it is being redeveloped as a visitor attraction, but we will be back to visit once the works are complete! Next door to the Castle is the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, we spent half an hour in there and it is well worth a trip. The museum celebrates life in the Highland’s and is full of knowledge that you wouldn’t be able to pick up anywhere else.
After picking up some lunch, we headed to Leakey’s bookshop. A gem for book lovers, this two storey bookstore is said to have inspired JK Rowling when writing the Harry Potter books. When you see it you’ll see why!
Dunrobin Castle
We made the 1 hour drive from Inverness to Dunrobin Castle & Gardens. The Castle is set to the east of the town ‘Golspie’. Beautiful is a word that I feel we will use an awful lot blogging this trip, but seriously words don’t describe how stunning this place is! The castle features on pretty much every Vlog and Blog of the NC500 and it is clear to see why. It is arguably the main attraction on the east coast. It costs £12 (adult) which gives you access to the Gardens, the Castle and a Falconry experience… a bargain for what the Castle entails! The stately home has lots of rooms to explore, and the gardens are spectacular. The view of the sea from the castle is worth the entry fee alone.
Whaligoe Steps
The next stop was the Whaligoe Steps. This 1 hour drive is straight up the east coast of the NC500, a stunning drive. Unfortunately for us, the Whaligoe Steps were closed on the day that we visited, however, we did find an alternative route which allowed us to catch a glimpse of the amazing rock and cliff formations. We got some great shots with the drone, that can be viewed on our YouTube channel.
Duncansby Stacks
It is a 30 minute drive from the steps to the stacks. We recommend stopping at Tesco in Wick on the way, and stocking up. Parts of the NC500 are very remote, so it’s essential that you have some food and drink in the car at all times. The Duncansby Stacks are the most north easterly part of the mainland UK. The Stacks and the Lighthouse are very popular tourist destinations and for good reason too given the views and scenery. The Duncansby Stacks are one of the must-see items on the NC500 and a key feature of day 1.
John O’Groats
John O’Groats is famous as the start or end point of the end-to-end challenge, where the mainland UK is traversed. James recently completed Lands End to John O’Groats challenge in 10 days whilst cycling unsupported, so it was great to go back to the signpost. From here it was a 25 minute drive to Castletown where we spent our first night.
ROUTE DETAILS
Inverness (IV2 3EG) – Dunrobin Castle (KW10 6SF) – 1hr 10 mins
Dunrobin Castle (KW10 6SF) – Whaligoe Steps (KW2 6AB) 1 hr
Whaligoe Steps (KW2 6AB) – Duncansby Lighthouse (KW1 4YS) 35 mins
Duncansby Lighthouse (KW1 4YS) – John O’Groats (KW1 4YX) 5 mins
John O’Groats (KW1 4YX) – Castletown Hotel (KW14 8TP) 25 mins
WHERE TO STAY
Castletown Hotel is the perfect place to stay. The hotel is en route so there is no need for any D-tours after a long days worth of travelling. The hotel serves great food, and is walking distance to the sea. Click here to get booked in to the hotel.
If you would like some further details on how to spend day 1 on the NC500 then send an email to hannah@hj-visuals.com or james@hj-visuals.com, or message us via Instagram.
Before we embarked on the NC500 we spent a day in Edinburgh. Find out How To Spend a Day in Edinburgh!
