NC500 Girls Trip

Day 1 - Monday 17^th June - Arrive in Aviemore

Arrive in Edinburgh and make your way to Aviemore either via train or bus.

Overnight: Aviemore

Day 2 - Tuesday 18^th June - Aviemore and Area

Spend the day exploring the Aviemore area.

Overnight: Aviemore

Day 3 - Wednesday 19^th June - Exploring Balmoral

Explore the historical cairns erected by the Royal Family on the Balmoral Estate on this superb circuit, with great views over Deeside and Balmoral Castle itself. This walk is not advised when the Royal Family is in residence; at all times the privacy of those living at the Castle and estate houses should be respected. The route is not waymarked and so requires careful navigation.

HERE

Overnight: Aviemore

Day 4 - Thursday 20^th June - Jewellery Making Workshop

Today we will embark upon a jewellery making workshop with Amy, a local silver smith.

Overnight: Aviemore

Day 5 - Friday 21^st June - North Coast 500

Today, we shall embark upon our journey along the North Coast 500!

Starting from Aviemore, we will head north to Inverness and pass over the Kessock Bridge to the Black Isle, a peninsula known for its charming villages, such as Cromarty, and opportunities to see bottlenose dolphins at Chanonry Point. The route then continues through Easter Ross, passing through towns like Tain and Dornoch, known for their golf courses and historical sites.

We will spend the night in Dornoch, enjoying the scenic views from our beach camp site.

Overnight: Dornoch | Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park
Room Type: Non-electric tent pitch

Day 6 - Saturday 22^nd June - Drive to Thurso

Reaching the northeastern tip of Scotland, the route takes us through Caithness, where we can explore John O’Groats, the most northeasterly point of mainland Britain. The region also features the Duncansby Stacks, a group of large jagged sea stacks.

Call if arriving later than 5pm!

Overnight: Thurso | Thurso Bay Caravan & Camping Ground
Room Type: Electric tent pitch

Day 7 - Sunday 23^rd June - Drive to Durness

Heading west along the north coast, the landscape becomes increasingly remote and wild. Key stops include the beaches at Bettyhill and Durness, and the dramatic sea caves of Smoo Cave.

Must arrive before 5pm to check-in to campsite!

Overnight: Durness | Sango Sands Oasis
Room Type: Electric tent pitch

Day 8 - Monday 24^th June - Drive to Achiltibuie

Turning south along the west coast, we will pass through the scenic region of Wester Ross. Highlights include the local fishing villages and the stunning beaches of Achmelvich and the Summer Isles.

Overnight: Achiltibuie | Port A Bhaigh
Room Type: Non-electric tent pitch

Day 9 - Tuesday 25^th June - Drive to Gairloch

Departing the Summer Isles, we will pass through Ullapool and Loch Broom today. Stopping at various beaches along the way before finishing the day in the sandy dunes of Gairloch Beach.

Overnight: Gairloch | Sands Caravan and Camping Park
Room Type: Electric tent pitch

Day 10 - Wednesday 26^th June - Explore the Gairloch Area

Gairloch is a charming village on the northwest coast, known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage. Some suggestions for the day are as follows:

Gairloch Beach: A beautiful sandy beach perfect for a relaxing walk, beach combing, and enjoying views of the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides.

Flowerdale Glen: A picturesque walk leading to a stunning waterfall.

Inverewe Garden and Estate: Located a short drive from Gairloch, this renowned botanical garden boasts a diverse collection of plants from around the world, thriving in the mild Gulf Stream climate.

Rua Reidh Lighthouse: Situated on a remote headland, this lighthouse offers stunning coastal views and is a great spot for wildlife watching.

Local Arts and Crafts: Visit local galleries and craft shops to see works by local artists and artisans, including paintings, pottery, and handmade jewellery.

Overnight: Gairloch | Sands Caravan and Camping Park
Room Type: Electric tent pitch

Day 11 - Thursday 27^th June - Drive to Applecross

Departing Gairloch, we will drive along Loch Maree, taking in the stunning views and scenery and enjoying a walk along the shores. From here we will drive to Torridon, a village set against the backdrop of majestic mountains, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The Bealach na Bà is a famously steep and winding pass in Wester Ross offering dramatic views over the Applecross Peninsula, which we shall traverse at the end of the day before finishing the day in Applecross village.

Overnight: Applecross | Applecross Caravan and Camping Park
Room Type: Electric Tent Pitch

Day 12 - Friday 28^th June - Drive Back to Aviemore

The North Coast 500 offers an unforgettable journey through some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes, rich in history and natural beauty. We will take in the last of it’s scenery today as we drive back to Aviemore and finish our camping trip.

Overnight: Aviemore

Day 13 - Saturday 29^th June - Journey to Edinburgh

Spend your last morning exploring the Cairngorm area before departing to Edinburgh for the night.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 14 - Sunday 30^th June - Depart

Travel to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.