Self-Drive - Skye & The North Coast 500

Day 1 - Tuesday 20^th August - Travel to the Isle of Skye

Your journey starts by heading west toward Scotland’s most famous island. As you travel through the Highlands enjoy incredible scenery and pass famous landmarks. You could visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle which is situated on a private island at the confluence of three sea lochs and is certainly one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland. After crossing the Skye Bridge you’ll make your way to your accommodation, arriving in time to settle in and relax before dinner.

Overnight: Sleat | Kinloch Lodge

Day 2 - Wednesday 21^st August - The Clearance Villages (Guided)

Today you’ll meet your Wilderness Scotland guide, Alan, and head out to explore Skye’s breathtaking scenery. The hikes will be individually tailored, taking into account your experience, interests and the weather! One poignant option is a coastal circuit that passes through the ruins of two crofting villages which were abandoned during the Highland Clearances. Alan will share the stories of the area and help you picture what life was like for the crofters who lived and worked on this land. Whatever option you choose, keep an eye out for wildlife. Skye is home to Scotland’s largest population of white-tailed sea eagles.

Overnight: Sleat | Kinloch Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Thursday 22^nd August - Loch Coruisk & The Black Cuillin (Guided)

With a sharp amphitheatre of summits rising straight from the shoreline above mysterious deep grey waters, Loch Coruisk deserves its reputation as Scotland’s most dramatic loch. From a tiny harbour, you’ll cross Loch Scavaig to the remote southern edge of the Cuillin. There is a good chance to spot wildlife, including porpoises and dolphins as well as the seal colonies that occupy the skerries at the mouth of the loch. Once dropped off in this lonely and wild spot, you can choose to circumnavigate the Loch navigating through the erratic boulders left behind by glaciers or, for a more challenging option, hike up a nearby peak for some of the most incredible views on Skye.

Overnight: Sleat | Kinloch Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Friday 23^rd August - Travel to Torridon

Today you’ll start your journey on the iconic North Coast 500 and make your way to Torridon where you will spend the next two nights. Soak up the spectacular beauty of the area; the rugged mountains, the scenic loch and the diverse wildlife.

Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Saturday 24^th August - Hiking in Torridon & Applecross (Guided)

After breakfast, meet your Wilderness Scotland guide, James, to discuss options for today’s walk in the Torridon or Applecross area. James will help you select a suitable hike, choosing from coastal or mountain walks, and keeping in mind the weather and your experience. Applecross is a sleepy and idyllic part of the Highlands, surrounded by stunning mountain and coastal scenery. Torridon has a different character altogether, being surrounded by bold, towering peaks, separated by spectacular glens with a real sense of wilderness. Both are wonderful areas to explore on foot so this is a great way to start your adventure.

Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Sunday 25^th August - Morning Walk & Onwards North (Guided)

James will meet you at your hotel this morning to discuss the day. Another hike lies ahead and there are many great options to choose from – James will suggest the best route depending on what you feel up to and the weather conditions. This could include a circuit of the shapely peak of Stac Pollaidh; or exploring the coastline and sandy beaches of Gairloch. After your walk, you will make your way to your next cosy stop for the coming 2 nights.

Overnight: Lairg | Newton Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Monday 26^th August - Self-Guided Exploration & Handa Island

In the morning you have some free time – you could enjoy a short hike on your own, explore Lochinver village, or simply relax at the hotel. A visit to Lochinver Larder is a must for one of their famous pies. If you are keen to walk, great options include a walk to Stoer lighthouse and the Old Man of Stoer (a sea stack); or a coastal beach walk to the gorgeous Achmelvich beach.

A fantastic option for today is to take the Handa Island ferry across to the island to explore. Handa Island is home to over 200,000 seabirds such as guillemot, and razorbills, and upwards of 250 pairs of puffins breed here. The summer months are the perfect time of year to see the the puffins, along with other marine life such as minke whales, dolphins and if you’re lucky, even orca. 
The ferry cannot be booked in advance as it is very small, so simply arrive and pay on the day (last ferry outwards to the island departs at 2pm, and the ferry does not run on Sundays).

Overnight: Lairg | Newton Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Tuesday 27^th August - Cape Wrath

This morning you can visit Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point of the Scottish mainland. It’s not easy to reach and your journey there will involve crossing by boat over the Kyle of Durness you will be met on the other side and then driven across the moors to reach the wild and lonely Cape Wrath lighthouse. You will have an hour to explore the area, taking in the dramatic coastline, looking for passing whales, or simply enjoying a refreshment in what is surely Scotland’s most remote coffee shop. To take the ferry simply pay on arrival at Keoldale.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer, you can continue on eastwards to Forss. On your way, you can explore some of Scotland’s finest beaches such as the sand dunes at Durness and Balnakeil. (B)

Overnight: Tongue | Tongue Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Wednesday 28^th August - John O' Groats & Dunnet Head

Today is a free day to explore the most northerly points in the Scottish mainland. You’ll want to visit Dunnet Head, officially the furthest north point of the British mainland. Enjoy the stunning sea cliffs and a diverse range of birds including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes, shags and cormorants.

John O’Groats is the most northerly settlement on the British mainland and is fun to visit. There is a great cliff-top walk at nearby Duncansby Head. A great way to appreciate the wild coastal scenery is a boat trip. This can take in Duncansby Head and its sea stacks, the Isle of Stroma and the Swilkie whirlpool – Viking legend would have you believe this is where the salt for the oceans is churned.

Overnight: Tongue | Tongue Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Thursday 29^th August - Journey to Dornoch

After a relaxed breakfast, travel from Tongue to Dornoch along the North Coast 500. The route winds through rugged coastlines, where cliffs plunge into turquoise waters. Passing through charming villages like Bettyhill, you’ll see rolling hills and expansive beaches. The road meanders by lochs and ancient forests, with the towering peaks of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope in the distance. As you near Dornoch, the scenery softens into serene farmland and quaint, historic towns, culminating in the picturesque beauty of Dornoch’s sandy shores and medieval cathedral. Settle into your final accommodation, overlooking Dornoch Beach.

Overnight: Dornoch | Dornoch Station Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Friday 30^th August - Depart

After breakfast, begin your journey to the Highland capital of Inverness. Along the way you may want to pay a visit to the Glenmorangie distillery – ensure you have a designated driver! Once at Inverness, there are various options for the afternoon – perhaps visit Culloden Battlefield or take a boat cruise on Loch Ness. This is where your trip will conclude.

Meals Included: Breakfast