Highland Roads…
Our guests come to The Northern Highlands for the epic, big-scale landscapes. The roads themselves often a key part of this experience. Many of our guests base themselves with us being in the middle of the NC500 route to get the best experience of these roads. Often this is NOT the coastal roads of the actual NC500, but the interior roads of The Northern Highlands.
These roads are certainly quieter, have more opportunities to see wildlife and the landscapes can feel almost other worldly – certainly unlike what most people might associate with British roads.
– through the Cairngorms National Park
Keep your wits about you though as there are many dual and single carriageway sections with traffic often crossing fast and busy sections. While keeping switched on, do enjoy the scenery without rushing – take a break in one of the many lay-bys. Or, head off the A9 to one of the local communities where there are facilities. For example, Aviemore where you’ll find EV chargers and lots of choices for refreshments.
The views across the Dornoch Firth and up the Kyle of Sutherland are superb – and it saves at least 15 minutes when travelling to or from Inverness.
There are snow gates on this road – so please plan ahead in the winter.
We will sometimes head over to a west coast beach to watch a sunset – typically August or early September. In the low season, maybe you’ll see a fog bow – a wonderful phenomenon of nature. On the way back you can enjoy amazing views across Loch Assynt. Don’t forget to check out Ardvreck castle on its shore.
The North – A838
When you cross the causeway at Tongue stop and take in the views of Ben Hope and Ben Loyal. Ben Hope is the most northerly Munro – a simple but steep hike to the summit.
Head down the A836 to Lairg and ultimately back to us. Watch for sheep on the road – especially in the spring. Many of these roads will have sheep wandering so take care.
Watch the water below for seals or an elusive otter. Spot deer on the hills and maybe an eagle soaring high.
Heading south take the northern entrance to the Drumbeg Loop. This road is known as the ‘Wee Mad Road’ by locals. Many blind crests dominate the first half especially so do be careful. The magnificent Quinag mountain with three Corbett peaks dominates the scenery on your left and the ocean on your right. There’s much to see on this route including a beach and waterfall at Clashnessie, an ancient broch and beach at Clachtoll and then beaches or Hermits Castle at Achmelvic. You can also head out to the dramatic cliffs and lighthouse at the Point of Stoer.
A small turning not long after Knockan Crag takes you past Stac Pollaidh (Stac Polly), a popular hill to climb. The road goes to Achiltibue and then to Lochinver. There’s some stunning spots – but spring with the gorse out to see Stac Pollaidh is our favourite.
Unquestionably, the view going into Ullapool is awesome – so is the view a short way south. Epic landscapes totally dominate this area.
Now we’re on the Eastern side of The Northern Highlands near Invergordon. Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are a number of historic sites from WW1 and WW2 around here. Just off the B9175 near the north gun sutor is a wonderful view back to Nigg and Cromarty. During your visit to this area it could be fun to take the car ferry (2 cars max) across from Nigg to Cromarty or vice-versa which you can see from up here. Check our our short YouTube video for an idea of what it is like.
The Tain peninsula a bit further north has some wonderful drives and you can sometimes see amazing weather phenomena outside of the main season. Below is a sun halo that we saw while on the B9165.
And that is one of the things we love about Ceol Mor. From here, you can head in almost every direction and find another spectacular Highland road waiting to be explored.
If you’re planning a Northern Highlands road trip take a look at our availability – and see if we can be your base for the journey.
