EVERY year scores of visitors embark on the North Coast 500 – often dubbed Scotland’s Route 66.
Starting from Inverness Castle, the 516-mile route winds past white sandy beaches, rugged mountains and remote fishing villages.
The NC500 boasts magnificent coastal views and beautiful landscapes[/caption]
The stunning Shore Caravan Site boasts fab sea views[/caption]
Kincraig Castle Hotel is surrounded by farmland and woodland[/caption]
Beauly Holiday Park offers a peaceful location for travellers[/caption]
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed break, a chance to relax or simply want to see more of the North Highlands’ breathtaking scenery, this is the trip for you.
But with so much to see, do and eat, costs can quickly start to rise.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the most affordable and convenient hotels, hostels and campsites along the route.
We’ve also picked out a range of free activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Hotels
Columba Hotel Inverness
For travellers starting or finishing the NC500 in Inverness, the city’s Columba Hotel offers the perfect place for a kip that won’t break the bank.
Situated on the banks of the River Ness, double rooms at the hotel start from just £47.
Kincraig Castle Hotel, Invergordon
This stunning, family-owned hotel is situated 23 miles north of Inverness.
The period property is centrally located with easy access to nearby beaches and golf courses.
A classic double room can be snapped up for £88, depending on dates.
Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool
Ullapool’s Caledonian Hotel boasts a “quiet and friendly” atmosphere and offers good road links to a range of locations.
A twin room can be purchased for around £75.
Hostels
Black Isle Hostel, Inverness
This hostel is situated in the city centre, minutes from both train and bus stations.
From here, it’s easy to access other areas of the Highlands by road or public transport.
A small twin room at the Black Isle Hostel can be snapped up for as little as £40.
Inchnadamph Lodge
Situated at the foot of Ben More Assynt, this hostel offers a range of accommodation options including private rooms and hostel dormitories.
A two-person studio can be purchased for £100.80, with other options available.
Sandra’s Backpackers, Thurso
Sandra’s Backpackers is set in the centre of Thurso, the UK’s most northerly town.
Popular attractions nearby include surfing, cycling and walking as well as Caithness’ dramatic cliffs and coastline.
A double room is being advertised for £64.
Ullapool Youth Hostel
Ullapool Youth Hostel is located on the seafront and offers an ideal location to explore surrounding mountain scenery, beaches, sea lochs and islands.
The hostel features a self-catering kitchen, two lounges, laundry and drying rooms.
Prices start from £61 per night.
INVESTIGATION: THE ROUTE & WRONG
By Davie Donaldson
THE North Coast 500, dubbed Scotland’s Route 66, is under the spotlight as locals express frustration over the influx of tourists along the rural route.
While the scenic road trip brings economic benefits to the Highland region, residents are frequently irked by the trail of rubbish and damage to the roads caused by the surge in camper vans and mobile homes.
But tourists claim to respect the environment and the beauty of the route.
As the debate rages on, it seems there’s no easy resolution to the ‘great escape’ conundrum.
Watch as our Scottish Sun video reporter David Donaldson took to the road to uncover the truth about the tensions along the famous- but contested – route.
After an adventurous journey along the North Coast 500 route, our reporter has uncovered a tale of two halves – read all about it here.
Campsites
Beauly Holiday Park
Beauly Holiday Park is the perfect place to start your NC500 adventure, and offers a “peaceful location set in beautiful mature woodland bordered by a majestic river”.
The park welcomes tourers, caravans, campervans, motorhomes and all tents.
In low season, a grass pitch with electric hook up costs £32, and £34 in high season.
Shore Caravan Site, Lochinver
Shore Caravan Site, next to Achmelvich Bay, is located on the north-west coast of the Highlands, 91 miles from Inverness.
This stunning spot boasts beautiful sea views and an on-site fish and chip shop.
Achmelvich Beach is bustling during the summer months and is a popular spot for water skiers, windsurfers and kayakers.
Prices start at £14 per night, depending on electric hook up or not.
Ferry View Night Stop, Wick
Located near John O’Groats, this family run site is just off the A836 at Gills Bay, between Thurso and John O’Groats.
On site “Mr Eddy’s” provides a selection of meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with hot and cold drinks and snacks.
A grass pitch can be purchased for as little as £8.50.
The beaches in Durness are often compared to the Seychelles or the Caribbean[/caption]
Holidaymakers can visit scenic cliffs in Dunnet Head, Caithness[/caption]
Handa Island is a nature reserve home to thousands of seabirds[/caption]
Free attractions
Dunnet Head
Dunnet Head is the most northerly point of mainland Britain – 2.35 miles further north than John O’ Groats.
The area offers up spectacular 360 panoramic views of dramatic cliffs and the sea – a perfect place for keen photographers.
And on a clear day, visitors will even be able to see Orkney in the distance – only 6.75 miles across the Pentland Firth.
Dunnet Head also has a lighthouse which sits on a remote moorland peninsula, perched on top of stunning 300ft cliffs.
Durness
The most north westerly village on the Scottish mainland boasts white sandy beaches with turquoise waters and a stunning rocky coastline.
Its beaches are often compared to the Seychelles or the Caribbean.
Durness is a haven for hillwalkers and mountain climbers offers towering cliffs, rugged mountains and expansive moorlands on challenging walking trails.
Handa Island
The stunning nature reserve is home to thousands of seabirds.
The dramatic cliffs provide stunning ocean panoramas and a chance to spot some larger marine animals such as minke whales, bottlenose dolphins and grey seals.
Bealach na Bà
This is a winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula in Wester Ross.
The challenging drive is a “treat for the eyes” with panoramic views of the dramatic mountains and valleys.
Ullapool
The picturesque fishing village is a perfect holiday destination and considered a gateway to the Northern Highlands.
Ullapool is situated in one of the most unspoilt areas of the UK, with stunning scenery everywhere you turn, particularly around Loch Broom.
It was named the most village town in the UK by Big 7 Travel.
