OFF SEASON ACTIVITIES ON THE NC500
Off season weather on the North Coast 500 can be unpredictable, but it won’t stop you from doing the most incredible things on your trip. Even though the NC500 is most visited in the summer, visiting it in the autumn, winter and early spring offers a special and peaceful experience.
First things first: preparation is essential. Whenever you decide to visit the North Highlands, we would suggest doing this, but in the winter, it's especially crucial. The weather along the North Coast 500 may be somewhat erratic starting in October. If bad weather is predicted, plan your route ahead of time and make sure you have reservations for campsites and have a destination in mind if staying off track.
Some of the North Coast 500's summertime attractions can close in the winter or have shortened hours. While certain gardens, like those at Dunrobin Castle, will remain open, many museums, heritage centres, and castles may close. Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. It has the castle, gardens, tearooms, a falconry and a museum, all open during the off season.
In your element offers a variety of outdoor pursuits throughout the winter, such as exploring Loch Ness by canoe, Gorge Walking, canoeing, and guided walks, as well as bespoke/tailormade outdoor activities. They create bespoke outdoor experiences for you to enjoy when visiting the nc500 even in off season. Prices range from £25 to £500, from canoeing to guided walks.
Located on the shores of the Cromarty Firth, the fully restored 18th-century storehouse now houses the Storehouse Restaurant and Farm Shop, which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even just coffee and cake. On nicer days, you may have some freshly made ice cream from our farm store or dine outside with views of the Firth. Go so far as to look for any grey seals that could be camped up on the riverbank.
The Torridon, a five-star boutique resort where you may eat by gorgeous mountains and look up to a world of possibilities, is a luxurious alternative to explore on the NC500. You can dine, and enjoy beverages, or you can just stroll around this lovely hotel's grounds. The resort's Torridon Outdoors area caters exclusively to the daring; activities include snorkelling, sea kayaking, archery, and clay pigeon shooting, to name a few! The range of prices for various activities is £45 to £145.
A walk to do on the NC500 during the off season is up to the Fyrish Monument, near Alness. Anyone walking in this area along the A9 will be eager to see the unusual monument perched on top of the hills to the north of the road. This is an easy hike through woodland that will reward you with very good views. It is a good woodland path with a fair amount of up and down and has a small car park on minor road to Boath.
Every minute spent travelling along this route is an adventure in and of itself, whether you're discovering historic castles, meandering along immaculate beaches, or negotiating the turns and turns of the coastal roads. The NC500 is more than just a road trip—it's a voyage into the heart of Scotland's natural beauty and rich cultural legacy, from the untamed highlands to the quaint communities. Upon finishing the loop back to Inverness, you'll be leaving with priceless memories and a profound admiration for one of the most picturesque journeys on the planet. The NC500 promises an experience that is as varied as it is spectacular, leaving you with tales to share and a need to return, whether you're an avid adventurer or a casual traveler.
