Northwestern Coast Panoramic Road

The Northwestern Coast Panoramic Road is a 96mi road trip that starts in Durness and ends in Ullapool, both located in Scotland. It is a perfect one-day journey, best enjoyed in the summer months. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy some of the most stunning landscapes Scotland has to offer. The road trip starts in Durness and takes you through the small town of Scourie and past the breathtaking Lochinver. The road conditions are generally good and the scenery is simply stunning. You will be able to take in the vastness of the Highlands and the incredible beauty of the sea. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, regardless of their budget. It is a great way to experience the beauty of Scotland and create some amazing memories.

Durness, located on the extreme northwestern coast of Scotland, is an ideal starting point for the "Northwestern Coast Panoramic Road" road trip. Its picturesque landscape, with its rugged cliffs, white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. The main attractions of Durness are the Smoo Cave, the Balnakeil Craft Village, the Sango Bay and the Faraid Head. Smoo Cave is a mystical sea cave with two entrances, a waterfall and a subterranean river. Balnakeil Craft Village is a charming settlement with a variety of art galleries, craft workshops and cafés. Sango Bay is a beautiful beach with a breathtaking view. Finally, Faraid Head is a spectacular headland and a haven for wildlife. If you are traveling by air, the closest international airport is Wick John O' Groats Airport (WIC), located about 100 km from Durness. Car rentals are available at the airport. So, if you are looking for a road trip full of adventure and breathtaking views, the "Northwestern Coast Panoramic Road" is the way to go. Start your journey in Durness and explore all the amazing sights this beautiful Scottish town has to offer.

Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Durness to Scourie? This 25-mile drive will take you less than 1 hour, giving you plenty of time to explore the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Highlands. Your journey starts in Durness, where you can find Smoo Cave, a stunning sea cave with a waterfall, and Balnakeil Craft Village, a unique shopping experience. As you drive, you’ll be surrounded by the majestic hills and lochs of the area. Make sure to take a break and take in the picturesque landscapes. Once you reach Scourie, you’ll find a variety of attractions, including the Handa Island Bird Reserve, the ruins of Kinlochbervie Castle, and the stunning beaches of Scourie Bay. To make the most of your trip, make sure to check the “Itinerary” section of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Durness to Scourie!

Welcome to the Scourie-Lochinver road trip! This 35mi journey will take you less than two hours to complete, but the picturesque landscapes you’ll encounter along the way will make it feel much longer. Starting in Scourie, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the ruins of a 13th century castle. From there, you’ll cross the beautiful Loch Laxford and continue to the village of Achiltibuie. Here you can explore the Summer Isles, a group of islands that make up one of the most stunning views in Scotland. Continuing your journey, you’ll reach the village of Lochinver. Here, you can take a stroll along the harbor and take in the views of the loch, or visit the local museum to learn more about the area’s history. As you take this scenic journey, be sure to take in all the sights and sounds that you come across along the way. The rolling hills, the rocky coastlines, and the lush green forests will make for an unforgettable experience. Remember that more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your Scourie-Lochinver road trip!

Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Lochinver to Ullapool! This 36-mile drive will take you less than an hour, and you’ll find plenty of beautiful sights along the way. Start your journey with a visit to the beautiful Achmelvich Beach, where you can take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Then, make your way to the picturesque Lochinver Harbour, where you can admire the colourful boats and the serene waters. Continue your journey to the peaceful village of Stoer, where you can explore the ruins of a 13th century castle. Then, make your way to the quaint village of Achiltibuie, where you can visit the Coigach Community Garden and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Finally, end your journey in Ullapool, a charming fishing village with a rich history. Here, you can take a stroll along the harbour and admire the colourful boats and the beautiful scenery. This is just one of the stages of your journey, and you can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey and explore the sights of Lochinver to Ullapool!

Ullapool is a charming fishing village in the Highlands of Scotland and the perfect destination to end your Northwestern Coast Panoramic Road trip. Located in the north-west coast of Scotland, it offers breathtaking views of the sea and its rugged coastline. The village's colorful buildings, fish and chips restaurants, and art galleries are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. For travelers looking to explore the area, Ullapool is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. The Corrieshalloch Gorge is a spectacular natural gorge with a suspension bridge that offers a stunning view of the gorge below. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking and biking trails, sailing and kayaking, and fishing. Ullapool is also a great place to sample local cuisine. There are plenty of cafes, pubs and seafood restaurants to choose from. You can also find local art galleries and craft stores. The closest international airport to Ullapool is Inverness Airport (INV), located about an hour and a half away by car. If you're looking for a peaceful getaway with plenty of activities to explore and a stunning view of the sea, Ullapool is the perfect destination to end your Northwestern Coast Panoramic Road trip.

Before you set off

The Northwestern Coast Panoramic Road, part of the famous North Coast 500, is a breathtaking 96-mile journey in Scotland that weaves along the country's rugged coastline. Starting from the village of Durness, renowned for its spectacular beaches such as Sango Sands, and culminating in the bustling port town of Ullapool, this route can be comfortably driven in one day. It offers an immersive experience of Scotland's dramatic landscapes, including towering cliffs, serene lochs, and sweeping vistas of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Durness: Beyond its stunning coastline, Durness is home to Smoo Cave, a striking sea cave accessible by foot, and the John Lennon Memorial Garden, a tribute to the musician's time spent here.
• Scourie: A serene hamlet offering a glimpse into the tranquil life of the Highlands, with opportunities for birdwatching and hiking.
• Lochinver: This scenic village lies near the shores of Loch Inver, with the dramatic peak of Suilven providing a stunning backdrop. Here, you can enjoy fresh, locally-sourced seafood and explore the surrounding wilderness.
• Ullapool: A lively final destination, Ullapool is nestled on the shores of Loch Broom and serves as a cultural hub with galleries, music venues, and a museum documenting the region's history.

Best Time to Go:

The optimal time to embark on this Road Trip is during the summer months, from late May to early September, when the weather is milder, and the days are longest—sometimes with up to 18 hours of daylight. This extended daylight allows for more exploration and the chance to witness the phenomenon of the 'midnight sun' in the northernmost parts.

Potential Risks:

Drivers should remain vigilant due to narrow and winding stretches of Road, quickly changing weather conditions that can reduce visibility, and the presence of free-roaming Highland cattle and sheep.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The Northwestern Coast Panoramic Road belongs to the larger North Coast 500 route, which is often referred to as `Scotland's Route 66.`
• The route passes through areas rich in geology, such as the North West Highlands Geopark, a UNESCO site with some of the oldest rocks in Europe.
• Along the way, travelers can explore ancient ruins, castles, and historical sites that delve into Scotland's complex past.

A good choice for:

The Northwestern Coast Panoramic Road Trip is a captivating journey that encapsulates the untamed beauty and cultural depth of Scotland. With each mile traveled, Roadtrippers will encounter landscapes that have been shaped by centuries of history and be afforded countless opportunities to create lasting memories amidst Scotland’s majestic natural splendor.