North Coast 500: From Applecross to Inverness

The North Coast 500 is arguably Scotland's most famous road trip; a 512-mile round trip around the Highlands, starting and finishing in Inverness. In 2018, my friends and I did our own week-long NC500 trip and I also used to live in Wick, which is a town on the NC500. This meant that I picked up a lot of local spots to go. Since I've got a lot of tips, I decided to write a comprehensive 5-part blog series on the NC500 and I've made it freely available on this blog (links are at the bottom of this post). This is the final blog post of this series and we're going to be covering the final leg of the North Coast 500 route (that is unless you are starting clockwise, which means this'll be the first leg of your journey).

This is a comprehensive guide detailing the route from Applecross to Inverness including things to do, places to eat and places to stay. Follow along my NC500 blog post series to help you plan your best North Coast 500 trip.

This blog post covers...

The road from Applecross to Inverness
How long should you take to do this part of the NC500?
Things to do
Places to eat
Places to stay
Additional optional places to visit along the way
My NC500 blog post series

The road from Durness to Applecross

You'll go over the Bealach na Ba on this portion of the NC500, which is a winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula. You're advised not to attempt this road if you are a learner driver, in a large vehicle like a truck, a campervan, a motorhome or a caravan. Having driven this road myself, it's understandable why as the single track roads are particularly small and the passing spots are few and far between. I would suggest only attempting it, if you are a competent and confident driver. If you don't feel up to doing this part of the road, not to worry, there is an alternative route which hugs the coastline.

Factoring in the Bealach na Ba, the following are the roads you will take to get from Applecross to Inverness.

From Applecross, you'll be taking the Applecross pass (a.k.a the Bealach na Ba) to join the A896.
You'll continue on the A896/A890 through Lochcarron and all the way to Achnasheen.
At Achnasheen, go on to the A832 road until you merge onto the A835, just outside Garve.
Continue on the A835, then take a right at Wester Moy back onto the A832 road, which you'll take to the Muir of Ord.
Then, switch to the A862 through Beauly, all the way to Inverness.

How long should you take to do this part of the NC500?

It depends on how long you will be taking to complete your NC500 trip.

For a 5-day and 7-day NC500 trip, I would suggest taking 1 day to get from Applecross to Inverness. This is entirely possible as it only takes roughly 2 hours from Applecross to Inverness.
For a 10-day NC500 trip, I would suggest taking 2 days to get from Applecross to Inverness.

Things to do

Places:

On your way from Applecross to Inverness, you will pass through Lochcarron, Achnasheen, Garve, Muir of Ord and Beauly. There's not loads to do on this part of the North Coast 500 and I actually think a lot of the highlights of this part (Plockton and Eilean Donan Castle) are situated off the main NC500 route.

Castles:

Strome Castle - Built in the 1400's on a strategically important location on the shores of Lochcarron guarding the Strome Narrows. The castle changed hands between the Macdonalds and MacKenzies of Kintail before the castle was blown up in the 1600's by the MacKenzies leaving the ruined castle you see today.
Eilean Donan Castle - This stunning castle is located 30 minutes off the NC500 route, but it's well worth the visit! It's located on it's own little island, overlooking the Isle of Skye and settlement on this location dates back to 63AD. The first castle was built in the 13th century by Alexander II in a bid to protect from the vikings and when through a series of alterations until the 1700's. In 1719, it was heavily bombarded by the Royal Navy upon learning that the castle was occupied by Jacobite leaders during the Jacobite uprising. Although, this didn't do much damage due to the 5m thick walls, the castle was intentionally blown up using the 343 barrels of gunpowder stored inside the castle. It remained as ruins for 200 years. The famous and well-recognised castle you see today was actually built between 1912 and 1932. It costs £10 to visit the castle.

Castle Leod - Situated in the spa village of Strathpeffer, the castle has been occupied by the same family for 500 years and is the seat of the Clan MacKenzie, their chief, Earl of Cromartie, and his family. The castle was heavily involved in the Jacobite uprising of 1745. Tickets to the castle are £10 and go directly to the Castle Leod building trust.
Red Castle and Gardens - Named after the colour of brick used to build it, the castle is situated near the Muir of Ord and its ruins date back to the 1500s. The nearest car park to the Red Castle is the Lunan Bay car park on the North side of the Bay, then it's a short walk from here to the castle.

Museums:

Applecross Heritage Centre - Showcasing historical displays, artefacts and records from the local area allowing you to learn how the past affects the present. The museum is open from April to October from 12-4pm and costs £2 to visit.
Applecross Photographic Gallery - This stunning art gallery is set up in a disused telephone exchange offering panoramic views. It showcases incredible photographs from Scotland's Northwest coast and you'll also get a cup of free coffee when you visit - bonus! The summer opening hours are from April to October from 9am-5pm.
Inverness Museum - Situated in the heart of Inverness, this museum will allow you to discover more about the history and culture of Inverness and the Scottish Highlands. Check out their website for opening hours as they change depending on the season. It's also completely free to visit!

Distilleries:

Glen Ord Distillery - This distillery is based in Muir of Ord and was founded in 1838. They offer a range of tours, which I advise you book in advance, including a tasting tour (£10) and flavour journey tour (£8.75). Check out their website for more information about their opening times as they change depending on the season.

Vintage crystal glass of bourbon whiskey by an outdoor campfire — Photo by Thomas Park / Unsplash

Beaches

Sands Beach, Applecross - Only 4-miles from Applecross, this is the best beach in the area with calm waters, perfect for watersports and the beach is backed by sand dunes, perfect for sand-sledging. It also has beautiful views across to the Isle of Skye, Isle of Raasay and Rona. It's also only a stones through away from the Applecross Heritage Centre.

Waterfalls:

Black Water Falls - Just up the road from Rogie Falls, but just as impressive. A very short walk from the Silver bridge car park, the falls are best viewed from the silverbridge.
Rogie Falls - A series of cascading falls viewable from the suspension bridge. It's only a short walk from the car park. A good time to visit is when there has been heavy rainfall or during August and September, when there's a good chance of seeing wild salmon leaping upstream.

Falls of Orrin - Situated just to the west of Muir of Ord, the Falls of Orrin is a waterfall on the River Orrin. Fun fact - apparently it holds the record for the highest leap by a salmon at a staggering 12ft.

Walks/hikes:

Beinn Bhàn - If you are looking for a challenge, you could climb Beinn Bhàn, which is the highest of the Applecross mountains. Standing at 3200ft, it features views over to the peaks of Torridon and views to the islands. It will take between 5-7 hours to climb. The starting point is in the layby before the bridge over the River Kishorn. Follow this link for more information on the climb: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/Beinnbhan.shtml
Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve - Are you all about bagging those munros (a Scottish mountain over 3000ft)? Well, you could hike to the summit of Ben Wyvis. To climb Ben Wyvis will take about 6 hours. Or if munro's isn't your thing, you can park in the Ben Wyvis car park and just go for a nice walk through the natural reserve. Here's a guide on how to tackle Ben Wyvis: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochness/Benwyvis.shtml
Contin Forest - The forest is home to red squirrels, red deer, butterflies and birds. You can actually walk or cycle through the forest to Rogie Falls. For information on this walk, follow this link: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochness/Rogiecontin.shtml
Reelig Glen - Home to a running burn and an ancient mix of old conifer, douglas fir and broadleaved trees, some of which are over 50 metres tall, this makes for a lovely walk in nature. There's a short 1 hour circular route around the forest, follow this link for all the details: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochness/Reeligglen.shtml

Adventure sports/excursions:

Adventure sports centres and companies tend to only run for the summer high season between April and September/October. Please check each website to find out if that company is open when you want to go and booking in advance is advisable.

Mountain and Sea Guides, Applecross - Choose from a mountain activity, rock climbing and abseiling, or kayaking. Book your own tour by visiting their website: https://www.applecross.uk.com/msg/
Unexplored Scotland, Garve - This company offers bespoke tours and courses, featuring sea kayaking, hillwalking, mountaineering or river kayaking. Get in touch with them via their website to get your own tailor-made tour: https://unexplored.scot/tour/personalised-service/
Fairburn Activity & Conference Centre, Muir of Ord - You will be spoiled for choice at this activity centre! Some of the available activities include archery, body zorbing, orienteering or even, raft building. It's even got onsite accommodation if you want to stay overnight. Check out their website for full details: https://fairburnactivitycentre.co.uk
Explore highlands, Inverness - If you're up for it at the end of your NC500 trip, you could book a tour or activity with Explore Highlands. Anything from canoeing, kayaking (sea or white-water) or stand-up paddleboarding. You could also just hire equipment if you don't want to book a tour. Follow this link to book your tour: https://www.explorehighland.com

Other attractions:

Bealach na Ba (including the Viewpoint) - This is a single-track road, which winds all the way over the mountains of the Applecross Peninsular. It's became a rather famous section of the NC500 route due to it's sharp bends and steep gradients. It used to be the only road linking Applecross to the rest of the country up until the 20th century. There's a warning before turning on to the Bealach na Ba, that it's not advisable for learner drivers, large vehicles like trucks, campervans, motorhomes or caravans. The passing places are very tight on the road too. You will be rewarded with a lovely viewpoint over the winding roads and a good chance of spotting some highlands cows on your way.

Kishorn Selfie Box - A truly unique experience on the NC500. The local community turned this disused red telephone box into a selfie box. Make sure you stop off to take your own picture in the booth!
Plockton - This little picturesque village overlooks Loch Carron. It is situated around 30 minutes off the main NC500 route. However, I would strongly recommend visiting. It's on the way to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle so you could fit all these in whilst your around that area.

Little Garve Bridge - This is a beautiful arch bridge over the Black Water river and is located in the village of Garve. A lovely place to have a picnic.
Beauly Priory - One of three priory's founded in Scotland in 1230 for a group of monks. Their religious lives remained here for over 300 years. You can wonder around the ruins, situated in a wooded, riverside location.
Robertson’s Farm Shop - If you haven't managed to spot any beautiful highland cows on your NC500 trip, then visit them at Robertson's Farm Shop. There's also a lovely Farm Shop where you can pick up a range of local produce.

Loch Ness - Only 20 minutes from Inverness is Loch Ness. I would suggest visiting Dores Beach on the shores of Loch Ness, especially if the weather is good. The views are incredible over the loch from here and you can even try and spot Nessie! If you have more time to explore the loch, then you could also visit Urquhart Castle, which is on the opposite side of the loch to Dores Beach.

Places to eat

Cafes:

Kishorn Seafood Bar, Strathcarron - This lovely little seafood bar is nestled by the side of the road, serving the freshest of the fresh seafood straight from the catch to the restaurant door. It also offers incredible views over the Isle of Skye and the Applecross hills. Its open from March to October. Check their website for opening hours.
Café Ceàrdach, Strathcarron - Their lunch menus vary but you can expect typical lunch options from sandwiches to soups. Once your done eating, check out their craft shop showcasing local artists work.
The Midge Bite Cafe, Achnasheen - Located on the NC500 route, this little cafe gets rave reviews! Serving delicious coffee, yummy cakes and lunch options. The perfect place to stop off to refuel.
Deli In The Square, Strathpeffer - Situated in the spa village, Strathpeffer, this deli serves bakery products, filled rolls and gifts. They have long opening hours from 8am-10pm (subject to change), so you can go there for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whenever suits!
Cafe Artysans, Inverness - Located in the heart of Inverness, this cafe is a great place to kickstart or finish your NC500 journey, serving both breakfast and lunch options. Eating here, you won't only be having some delicious food but because the cafe is part of the Calman Trust, you will also be helping young people in the highlands learn the essential skills for work.

Restaurants:

Rockvilla Hotel & Restaurant, Lochcarron - You will need to book this restaurant in advance. Their menus are subject to change as it depends upon the availability of local produce at that time. However, you can expect to find delicious unique menus!
Carron restaurant, Strathcarron - A family-run restaurant, which showcases the very best of the Westerross area including scottish seafood and venison. They also offer seasonally changing special menus, for example for Burns Supper or St Patricks Day.
Red Poppy Restaurant, Strathpeffer - This restaurant is currently closed but they are offering cold ready meals or hot takeaway service from their Muir of Ord site. Perfect for an on-the-go option.
River House, Inverness - Situated on the banks of the River Ness, it has lovely views over the river, the bridge and to the castle. A fantastic spot for finishing your NC500 trip by enjoying the finest seafood and delicious complimentary wine.
Urquhart's Restaurant, Inverness - In need of some traditional hearty home-cooked comfort food in the centre of Inverness, then, this is your place.

Places to stay (off-peak prices)

Accommodation is quite pricey along the NC500, unless you have a motorhome/RV or are camping. It tends to also book up months in advance. In fact, it's usually the deciding factor on which direction you will take on the NC500. For my friends and I, we had to go clockwise on our NC500 as the accommodation choices were so limited. So, make sure you book your accommodation quickly!

Budget (£0-£75 per night)

Near Garve

Inverness

Mid (£75-£150 per night)

Near Garve

Inverness

High-end (£150+ per night)

Near Garve

Inverness

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post. However, please note I only recommend products that I have verified and/or personally used.

Additional optional places to visit along the way

Isle of Skye - I would highly recommend if you have extra time to spare, going to visit Skye. It's absolutely stunning! The Isle of Skye is joined onto mainland Scotland by Skye bridge, which is just past Kyle of Lochalsh and only 30 minutes from the NC500 route. To really see what Skye has to offer, I'd recommend taking 3 days to explore the island. There's loads to do from visiting the Fairy Pools to the climbing to The Storr or going to watch the sunset at Elgol. You can also take the ferry from Skye to the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

My NC500 blog post series

Contact me via the contact form to let me know how your North Coast 500 trip goes and if this post has helped you to plan your trip!