NC500 Hidden Gems: Quiet Spots To Avoid The Crowds
The North Coast 500 road trip (NC500) has become a global phenomenon, and rightly so – it’s an exceptional blend of untouched wilderness, hidden gems and Highland hospitality. But let’s be real: dodging coaches at Kylesku Bridge and battling for space at the iconic viewpoint of the Duncansby Stacks isn’t always the ‘wild escape’ you dreamed of – it’s the quieter spots that make your travels unforgettable!
If your idea of adventure involves silence, solitude, and the genuine discovery of untouched Scotland, then this guide is for you. We’re swapping the famous bottlenecks for the quiet corners, and the tourist traps for the genuine Highland escapes.
The key to unlocking the North Coast 500 route’s authentic spirit lies not in where you choose to stop, but why you choose them.
Ready? Let’s go.
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
The Campervan Advantage: Your Private Highland Home
For the truly crowd-averse, a campervan or motorhome is a non-negotiable option. It offers the freedom to bypass busy campsites and mainstream hotels, allowing you to follow the less-trodden path. It’s about being self-sufficient, respecting the environment, and finding those secluded spots where the only sound is the rush of a stream or the call of a seabird (always adhering to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code regarding responsible wild camping/parking, of course!).
Your home on wheels means you can linger longer at a hidden waterfall or spend a silent night beneath the darkest skies in Europe.
Our on-road abode changed the game for us – for the endless opportunities of the NC500, we believe a campervan is indispensable.
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NC500 Gems: Quiet Coastal Spots
We all love Achmelvich and Clachtoll, but let’s look further afield for that truly deserted beach experience.
Sandwood Bay’s Quieter Neighbour: Oldshoremore
North of Kinlochbervie, Sandwood Bay gets all the attention, requiring a four-mile walk in. However, the stunning, often overlooked beach of Oldshoremore offers a similar slice of turquoise water and pristine white sand, but with much easier access and fewer footprints.
It’s a sublime spot for a morning coffee stop, a wild swim, or simply watching the Atlantic waves roll in.
The Durness Dunes: Balnakeil Bay
While nearby Smoo Cave is often busy, the expansive dunes and vast sweep of sand at Balnakeil Bay remain relatively peaceful, especially if you walk further along the beach towards the headland. This spot is a photographer’s dream, with its ever-shifting sands and dramatic sunsets.
Park up nearby (responsibly!) and feel the world fade away.
Summiting in Solitude: Unsung Hiking Heroes
Suilven and Stac Pollaidh are magnificent, but they are magnets for walkers. For a less-congested, but equally rewarding climb, look to these giants.
Foinaven (Northwest Highlands)
Often overshadowed by Ben Hope, Foinaven is a vast, sprawling giant offering arguably more dramatic and challenging walking. Its complex structure means you can spend an entire day exploring its various summits without seeing another soul. The views of Arkle and the distant coastline are unparalleled – from on high, you can gain the genuine sense of isolation you crave.
Ben Klibreck (Sutherland)
Located away from the immediate coastal route in central Sutherland, Ben Klibreck is a Munro that feels truly remote. It’s a straightforward, satisfying climb that promises exceptional solitude and a vast, unbroken view of the Highlands interior, making it a perfect detour for those looking to swap sea air for high-altitude silence.
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Enjoy the NC500’s Nature (Without the Crowds!)
Some of the NC500’s most profound experiences come when you step out of the car and truly engage with the ancient landscape.
The Corrieshalloch Gorge Walk (Ullapool Area)
While the suspension bridge is popular, many people miss the opportunity to really explore the surrounding Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve. Instead of just pausing for the viewpoint, take the time to walk some of the quieter paths through the ancient woodland. The deep gorge, carved by glacial meltwater, is awe-inspiring, and the surrounding flora and fauna offer a peaceful respite from your drive.
Inverkirkaig Falls (Assynt)
Everyone knows the signs for Achmelvich, but turn down the narrow road to Inverkirkaig instead. Here, you can park and take a delightful walk through native woodland to the stunning waterfalls. It’s a less-frequented trail than the path up Suilven, offering an excellent, sheltered environment – perfect for a picnic and a chance to listen to the mighty rush of the water!
A Truly Quiet Gem: Loch Eriboll
Loch Eriboll, a massive, sheltered sea loch on the north coast, offers a sense of scale and isolation that is hard to beat.
It’s too vast ever to feel crowded. Drive slowly along its eastern side, where the views across the water to the rugged west coast are spectacular. Loch Eriboll is an ideal location for launching a kayak or SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard). The seas are often incredibly calm, allowing for a long, silent paddle.
For campervanners, there are numerous spots around the loch (again, be discreet and responsible) where you can pull in for the night and wake up to a pristine, mirror-like loch surface.
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Your NC500 Mindset
To truly escape the crowds, you must embrace the authentic Highland pace – this means planning less, being flexible, and having the courage to turn down the unmarked track.
- Rise Early: The golden hours of dawn are yours alone.
- Embrace the East: The eastern side of the NC500 (Caithness and Sutherland) is generally quieter than the dramatic west.
- Carry Everything In, Carry Everything Out: The wild parts of the NC500 need your respect. Leave no trace of your visit!
The NC500 is a fantastic route, but the real adventure begins when you leave your pal’s Top 10 list behind. Arm yourself with a campervan, a good flask of tea, and a taste for the unexplored.
The vast, empty spaces of the Highlands are waiting for those willing to seek them out. You can find your solitude – if you’re ready to go beyond the crowds.
Happy travels!
Useful Links
- The North Coast 500 official site – for local info!
- CalMac Ferries – book well in advance!
- Met Office – check the weather!
- Traffic Scotland – for route changes and updates.
- WalkHighlands – the best hiking trails and tips.
- Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) – be informed!
- Highlands2Hammocks (That’s us!) – for our online shop, other blogs, and brand-new campervan rental service.
