The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a breathtaking road trip route that takes you through the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. For photographers, this route is an absolute dream, offering stunning landscapes, historic castles, and quaint villages that make for incredible photo opportunities.
The route is a 500-mile loop that starts and ends in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. It takes you through the most beautiful and remote parts of Scotland, including the stunning beaches of the North Coast, awe-inspiring lochs, and the rugged mountains of Assynt. The route can be completed in a few days, but you’d simply be driving, most of the time, on single track roads. It’s so much better to take your time, and plan to spend a week, or more, to explore the incredible sights along the way.
Here are some favourite spots, and some tips for taking great photos on the NC500:
1. Inverness Castle is the starting point for the NC500, and the first stop on your journey should be Inverness Castle. The castle sits on a hill overlooking the city and the River Ness, and it makes for a great photo opportunity.
2. Rogie Falls is a stunning waterfall that’s located just off the main NC500 route. It’s a short hike to get there, but it’s definitely worth it. The waterfall is surrounded by beautiful woodland, and you can get some incredible shots of the water cascading down the rocks. Be sure to bring a tripod to capture the movement of the water.
3. Loch Maree is a large freshwater loch that’s surrounded by rugged mountains. It’s a stunning sight, and there are plenty of opportunities for photos, allowing you to capture some incredible shots of the surrounding mountains.
4. Smoo Cave is a fascinating natural wonder that’s located near the village of Durness. The cave is made up of two chambers, one of which is illuminated by a large natural skylight. It’s a great spot for some moody, atmospheric shots. I recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon, as this will give you the best light.
5. Applecross Pass is a narrow, winding road that takes you up and over the Applecross Peninsula. It’s really not recommended for caravans or camper vans, so take a detour to avoid it, if driving these or if you’re a new or nervous driver. The views from the top are absolutely incredible, with sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and the sea.
6. Applecross is a small coastal village located in the Scottish Highlands, known for its stunning natural beauty and remote location. The village is nestled between the rugged mountains of the Applecross peninsula and the deep blue waters of the Inner Sound, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. With its rugged terrain and stunning scenery, Applecross is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The village is also home to a number of historic sites, including the ruins of a 7th-century monastery, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs.
Those are just a few of my favourite spots on the NC500 for photographers. Of course, there are plenty of other incredible sights to see along the way.
I’ll revise this page periodically as I find time to add more about the places I’ve visited on the route.
