NC500 Activities: Your Guide to Scotland's Adventure Hotspots
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 516-mile-long invitation to adventure, stretching across the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. While many come for the breathtaking scenery – the lochs, the mountains, the isolated beaches – the real magic lies in diving headfirst into the action.
Forget the car for a while: this is your essential guide to the activity hotspots dotted along Scotland’s ultimate driving route, focusing on the adrenaline-pumping, the refreshing, and the gloriously wild!
Let’s jump in!
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Surfing: Our Favourite Spots
Think surfing in Scotland is a myth? Think again. The rugged coastline, especially in the north and west, is pummeled by Atlantic swells, creating world-class breaks that rival any in Europe – minus the crowds.
Thurso East (Caithness)
Often considered the jewel in the crown of Scottish surfing, Thurso East is internationally renowned. It’s a heavy, decisive reef break that works best in big north-west swells, producing long, fast barrels. This spot is definitely for experienced surfers, but even if you’re not ready to tackle the waves, watching the pros brave the cold North Sea is an experience in itself.
Pease Bay (The East Coast Gateway)
While technically just off the NC500’s official start/end point, Pease Bay, south of Inverness, is a vital part of the Scottish surf scene and a good place for intermediate surfers to warm up. It offers a mix of beach and reef breaks that are more manageable than the northern beasts.
Cold Spots, Warm Welcome
Don’t let the water temperature deter you. With a good 5mm wetsuit, booties, gloves, and a hood, you’ll be surprisingly comfortable. Several small surf schools and rental shops operate near the main spots, offering lessons and gear hire for beginners looking to dip a toe in the water!
Surf Spot | Difficulty Level | Best For | Gear Rental Available |
|---|---|---|---|
Thurso East | Expert | Heavy Reef Breaks | Yes (nearby) |
Farr Bay (Bettyhill) | Intermediate | Beach Breaks/Consistency | No (BYO or hire from Thurso) |
Pease Bay | Intermediate/Advanced | Reef and Beach Breaks |
More From The NC500!
Wild Swimming: A Chilly Thrill!
Wild swimming has exploded in popularity, and there is no better place to embrace the cold-water therapy than the NC500. From crystal-clear lochs to secluded turquoise bays, the options are endless. Remember always to prioritise safety: never swim alone, know your entry and exit points, and wear bright colours!
Smoo Cave Waterfall (Durness)
For a uniquely sheltered swim, head to the pool beneath the powerful waterfall inside Smoo Cave. The cave itself is magnificent, but swimming in the cold, clear water fed by the stream above offers a truly primal experience. Be mindful of the tide if you explore the sea entrance!
Loch Maree (Wester Ross)
Widely considered one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs, Loch Maree offers stunning scenery, with the majestic Slioch mountain rising in the background. Its many islands and accessible banks make for ideal, safe swimming spots. The water here is truly pristine – an unforgettable dip.
The Fairy Pools of Achmelvich (Near Lochinver)
While not as famous as the Skye pools, those near Achmelvich Bay are a revelation. Tucked away from the main stretch of sand, these small, sheltered pools warm up relatively quickly on a sunny day and offer clear, shallow water perfect for a leisurely, less challenging wild dip.
Hiking and Climbing: Peaks and Troughs
The NC500 winds through some of the UK’s most sparsely populated and dramatically mountainous regions, offering hiking for every fitness level.
The Assynt Giants
The area around Lochinver and Ullapool is a paradise for walkers. Iconic mountains like Suilven (the ‘Sugar Loaf’ mountain), Stac Pollaidh, and Ben Hope (the most northerly Munro) offer challenging but hugely rewarding climbs. Stac Pollaidh is perhaps the most accessible ‘big’ mountain, offering a relatively short (3-4 hour) scramble with 360-degree views of the Assynt landscape.
Gorge Walking and Canyoning
For a different kind of vertical adventure, several local operators in the Wester Ross and Inverness areas offer gorge walking. This involves scrambling, swimming, and even rappelling down natural waterfalls and through narrow river gorges – an authentic way to feel the raw power of the Highlands!
In Need of a Trusty Highland Steed?
Sea Kayaking and SUP: Paddle Away!
Getting out onto the water is the best way to appreciate the sheer scale of the coastline, and sea kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) offers a silent, intimate connection with the ocean that feels truly special.
The Summer Isles (Near Ullapool)
Hiring a kayak or joining a guided tour to explore the Summer Isles is highly recommended. These small islands are a haven for wildlife – you might spot seals, dolphins, puffins, or even a basking shark. The waters here, when calm, are sheltered and manageable for novice paddlers!
Loch Torridon
With the magnificent mountains of Beinn Eighe and Liathach towering over you, paddling on Loch Torridon is simply sublime. The loch is large but often sheltered, making it perfect for a peaceful paddleboarding session. Look out for local wildlife along the banks.
Clachtoll
There’s free water sports equipment hire when you book in at Clachtoll Campsite on the West Coast, allowing you to hit the idyllic West Coast beaches armed and ready. This rugged stretch of Scottish coast is now your playground, but be safe!
Practical Tips for NC500 Activities!
- Be Prepared for Midges: Scotland’s tiny, biting insects are relentless in summer, especially near still water. Bring repellent (Smidge and Avon Skin So Soft are local favourites) and long sleeves/trousers.
- Respect the Environment (The Scottish Outdoor Access Code): Remember the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle. Take all litter with you, park responsibly, and respect private land and livestock.
- Check the Forecast (and Tides): Scottish weather changes in an instant. Always check the mountain forecast for hiking and the tide times and swell report for water activities.
- Embrace the Cold: We say that a decent dry bag, a warm woolly hat, and a flask of hot tea are non-negotiable for recovery after any wild water activity!
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NC500 Activities: Make The Circuit Sing!
The NC500 is truly an adventurer’s playground.
Whether you’re chasing the perfect barrel at Thurso East, floating in the clear waters of Loch Maree, or battling the heights of Suilven, your next North Coast 500 road trip demands your participation. The castles, the villages, and the sea-scarred lighthouses may define the route, but don’t be afraid to make it yours! Bring your hobbies north, or even risk picking up some new ones!
Pack your gear, top up your thermos, and get ready to earn your sunset views. The raw, untamed spirit of Scotland awaits – don’t let it down.
Happy travels!
Useful Links
- North Coast 500 site – for local info!
- CalMac Ferries – book well in advance!
- Met Office – check the weather!
- Traffic Scotland – for route changes and updates.
- WalkHighlands – the 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.
