Day One On The North Coast 500
Take the scenic route from Inverness to Shieldaig on your NC500 journey with this extract from the latest Scottish Caravans & Motorhomes Touring Special…
Before you leave Inverness and set off on the road, it’s worth spending some time getting to know the capital of the Highlands. The attractions in and around the city are fascinating and rich in heritage, from Inverness Castle to Culloden Battlefield. It’s worth going a day early to explore the area – and stock up on snacks for the road.
Heading west from Inverness the initial stage of the journey really whets the appetite for what lies ahead. Wild moorland, gorgeous lochs, colossal mountains and rugged coastline are all on show, perfectly illustrating the wonderful country we live in.
This scenery is perhaps best exemplified by the 27km (17-mile) stretch between Kinlochewe and Shieldaig. Here iconic peaks such as Beinn Eighe, Liathach and Beinn Alligin strike skywards above Upper Loch Torridon before Shieldaig, and a slice of Scotland’s renowned west coast, grants a perfect spot for an overnight stay.
Before this, though, drivers have to tackle the infamous Bealach na Bà, a winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula. Expect your ears to pop in the descent from 625 metres (2,053 feet) to sea level in less than 10km (six miles).
Discover four fantastic touring routes in Scotland and plan your perfect road trip! Get your copy of the Touring Special at www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk
