We recommend spending a couple of days in Ullapool to unwind, relax, and appreciate a slower way of living. If you intend on staying in Ullapool, find out where to park overnight for free here!
Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve
Corrieshaloch Nature reserve is home to the most impressive waterfall on the NC500. The 45-foot waterfall is made even better by the suspension bridge that straddles the 100-foot gorge! If that isn’t enough there is also a viewing platform 100 meters away from the bridge where you can truly admire the waterfall from. The Nature reserve also has a few gentle walks around it which are quite pleasant.
To be perfectly honest you don’t need to stop at Corrieshalloch for too long; once you’ve seen the waterfall there is not too much to see. However, we recommend staying here overnight so you can avoid the crowds! Find out more here.
Mellon Udrigle Beach
This beach is another slight detour from the NC500 route. Mellon Udrigle beach is absolutely picture perfect! The water is clean, crystal clear, and incredibly inviting (if you can brave the cold).
Not only is the beach stunning, in the distance there is a mountainous landscape, the perfect juxtaposition to the calm beach! We were in awe.
Unfortunately, there are no facilities here so we would recommend bringing a picnic.
Inverewe Gardens
Inverewe Gardens are located near the town of Poolewe and are privately owned by the ‘National Trust Scotland’. For a fee of £14 per person, you can explore these wondrous gardens. Tropical plants from all over the world can be found here.
Personally, we thought that £14 was a bit excessive to view the gardens, so chose to avoid it.
Applecross Peninsula
Applecross is a pretty little village that is the perfect pitstop before tackling the Baelach na Ba. There is not much to go here except eat! If you like high-quality pub food, we recommend booking a table at the award-winning Applecross Inn.
Note: The Applecross Inn does not cater to “walk-ins” therefore you must book online in advance. However, the internet in Applecross is none existing, so if you want to dine here, make sure you book it when you have internet e.g. when you are in Ullapool!
Baelach Na Ba
This infamous mountain pass is known mostly for the way it zig-zags down the side of the mountain with hairpin bends. The Baelach na Ba actually has the largest ascent/descent of any road in the UK!
It looks like something that would be on top-gear – and in fact, has been featured on the show. The road really is quite the spectacle! We would definitely recommend driving it if you’re able.
Due to the road’s steep and winding nature, it is not recommended for new drivers or large vehicles. Our van managed fine on a dry, sunny day. However, a vehicle larger would likely struggle.
Conclusion
The West Coast leg of the NC500 will leave a lasting impression on you. The landscapes are awe-inspiring and the beaches are pristine. It will make you proud to be Scottish – or jealous that you are not!!
Driving (or cycling) the NC500 will truly make you fall in love with the Scottish Highlands. Every day of our trip was filled with excitement and wonder.
More content about the NC500 coming soon!
If you have any questions regarding the West coast of the NC500 or just the NC500 in general, don’t hesitate to comment down below and we will get back to you!
IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, PIN IT – PRETTY PLEASE XOXO
We even recommend spending the night here. To find out more, check out this post
Ullapool
Ullapool is a quaint harbour village which is the main port for trips to the Outer Hebrides. This village has something a lot of the north coast villages lack – a fantastic atmosphere. There are cute little shops to stroll through and a good selection of restaurants. If you enjoy seafood, this is the place for you!
Ullapool also boasts a good-sized shop (Tesco) and a petrol station which is fantastic for replenishing your food supplies!. Another bonus if you are camping – Ullapool has a free public shower. This village undeniably has the most amenities on the west coast of the NC500.
What we loved most about Ullapool is that there were boat trips around the loch, and even a speed boat to pack it all in quickly. We spotted porpoises, seals, and many seabirds when a boat tour
If you are in Ullapool in the warmer months (July/August) there is also a good chance you will see dolphins and even whales!
We recommend spending a couple of days in Ullapool to unwind, relax, and appreciate a slower way of living. If you intend on staying in Ullapool, find out where to park overnight for free here!
Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve
Corrieshaloch Nature reserve is home to the most impressive waterfall on the NC500. The 45-foot waterfall is made even better by the suspension bridge that straddles the 100-foot gorge! If that isn’t enough there is also a viewing platform 100 meters away from the bridge where you can truly admire the waterfall from. The Nature reserve also has a few gentle walks around it which are quite pleasant.
To be perfectly honest you don’t need to stop at Corrieshalloch for too long; once you’ve seen the waterfall there is not too much to see. However, we recommend staying here overnight so you can avoid the crowds! Find out more here.
Mellon Udrigle Beach
This beach is another slight detour from the NC500 route. Mellon Udrigle beach is absolutely picture perfect! The water is clean, crystal clear, and incredibly inviting (if you can brave the cold).
Not only is the beach stunning, in the distance there is a mountainous landscape, the perfect juxtaposition to the calm beach! We were in awe.
Unfortunately, there are no facilities here so we would recommend bringing a picnic.
Inverewe Gardens
Inverewe Gardens are located near the town of Poolewe and are privately owned by the ‘National Trust Scotland’. For a fee of £14 per person, you can explore these wondrous gardens. Tropical plants from all over the world can be found here.
Personally, we thought that £14 was a bit excessive to view the gardens, so chose to avoid it.
Applecross Peninsula
Applecross is a pretty little village that is the perfect pitstop before tackling the Baelach na Ba. There is not much to go here except eat! If you like high-quality pub food, we recommend booking a table at the award-winning Applecross Inn.
Note: The Applecross Inn does not cater to “walk-ins” therefore you must book online in advance. However, the internet in Applecross is none existing, so if you want to dine here, make sure you book it when you have internet e.g. when you are in Ullapool!
Baelach Na Ba
This infamous mountain pass is known mostly for the way it zig-zags down the side of the mountain with hairpin bends. The Baelach na Ba actually has the largest ascent/descent of any road in the UK!
It looks like something that would be on top-gear – and in fact, has been featured on the show. The road really is quite the spectacle! We would definitely recommend driving it if you’re able.
Due to the road’s steep and winding nature, it is not recommended for new drivers or large vehicles. Our van managed fine on a dry, sunny day. However, a vehicle larger would likely struggle.
Conclusion
The West Coast leg of the NC500 will leave a lasting impression on you. The landscapes are awe-inspiring and the beaches are pristine. It will make you proud to be Scottish – or jealous that you are not!!
Driving (or cycling) the NC500 will truly make you fall in love with the Scottish Highlands. Every day of our trip was filled with excitement and wonder.
More content about the NC500 coming soon!
If you have any questions regarding the West coast of the NC500 or just the NC500 in general, don’t hesitate to comment down below and we will get back to you!
IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, PIN IT – PRETTY PLEASE XOXO
We recommend spending a couple of days in Ullapool to unwind, relax, and appreciate a slower way of living. If you intend on staying in Ullapool, find out where to park overnight for free here!
Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve
Corrieshaloch Nature reserve is home to the most impressive waterfall on the NC500. The 45-foot waterfall is made even better by the suspension bridge that straddles the 100-foot gorge! If that isn’t enough there is also a viewing platform 100 meters away from the bridge where you can truly admire the waterfall from. The Nature reserve also has a few gentle walks around it which are quite pleasant.
To be perfectly honest you don’t need to stop at Corrieshalloch for too long; once you’ve seen the waterfall there is not too much to see. However, we recommend staying here overnight so you can avoid the crowds! Find out more here.
Mellon Udrigle Beach
This beach is another slight detour from the NC500 route. Mellon Udrigle beach is absolutely picture perfect! The water is clean, crystal clear, and incredibly inviting (if you can brave the cold).
Not only is the beach stunning, in the distance there is a mountainous landscape, the perfect juxtaposition to the calm beach! We were in awe.
Unfortunately, there are no facilities here so we would recommend bringing a picnic.
Inverewe Gardens
Inverewe Gardens are located near the town of Poolewe and are privately owned by the ‘National Trust Scotland’. For a fee of £14 per person, you can explore these wondrous gardens. Tropical plants from all over the world can be found here.
Personally, we thought that £14 was a bit excessive to view the gardens, so chose to avoid it.
Applecross Peninsula
Applecross is a pretty little village that is the perfect pitstop before tackling the Baelach na Ba. There is not much to go here except eat! If you like high-quality pub food, we recommend booking a table at the award-winning Applecross Inn.
Note: The Applecross Inn does not cater to “walk-ins” therefore you must book online in advance. However, the internet in Applecross is none existing, so if you want to dine here, make sure you book it when you have internet e.g. when you are in Ullapool!
Baelach Na Ba
This infamous mountain pass is known mostly for the way it zig-zags down the side of the mountain with hairpin bends. The Baelach na Ba actually has the largest ascent/descent of any road in the UK!
It looks like something that would be on top-gear – and in fact, has been featured on the show. The road really is quite the spectacle! We would definitely recommend driving it if you’re able.
Due to the road’s steep and winding nature, it is not recommended for new drivers or large vehicles. Our van managed fine on a dry, sunny day. However, a vehicle larger would likely struggle.
Conclusion
The West Coast leg of the NC500 will leave a lasting impression on you. The landscapes are awe-inspiring and the beaches are pristine. It will make you proud to be Scottish – or jealous that you are not!!
Driving (or cycling) the NC500 will truly make you fall in love with the Scottish Highlands. Every day of our trip was filled with excitement and wonder.
More content about the NC500 coming soon!
If you have any questions regarding the West coast of the NC500 or just the NC500 in general, don’t hesitate to comment down below and we will get back to you!
IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, PIN IT – PRETTY PLEASE XOXO
We even recommend spending the night here. To find out more, check out this post
Ullapool
Ullapool is a quaint harbour village which is the main port for trips to the Outer Hebrides. This village has something a lot of the north coast villages lack – a fantastic atmosphere. There are cute little shops to stroll through and a good selection of restaurants. If you enjoy seafood, this is the place for you!
Ullapool also boasts a good-sized shop (Tesco) and a petrol station which is fantastic for replenishing your food supplies!. Another bonus if you are camping – Ullapool has a free public shower. This village undeniably has the most amenities on the west coast of the NC500.
What we loved most about Ullapool is that there were boat trips around the loch, and even a speed boat to pack it all in quickly. We spotted porpoises, seals, and many seabirds when a boat tour
If you are in Ullapool in the warmer months (July/August) there is also a good chance you will see dolphins and even whales!
We recommend spending a couple of days in Ullapool to unwind, relax, and appreciate a slower way of living. If you intend on staying in Ullapool, find out where to park overnight for free here!
Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve
Corrieshaloch Nature reserve is home to the most impressive waterfall on the NC500. The 45-foot waterfall is made even better by the suspension bridge that straddles the 100-foot gorge! If that isn’t enough there is also a viewing platform 100 meters away from the bridge where you can truly admire the waterfall from. The Nature reserve also has a few gentle walks around it which are quite pleasant.
To be perfectly honest you don’t need to stop at Corrieshalloch for too long; once you’ve seen the waterfall there is not too much to see. However, we recommend staying here overnight so you can avoid the crowds! Find out more here.
Mellon Udrigle Beach
This beach is another slight detour from the NC500 route. Mellon Udrigle beach is absolutely picture perfect! The water is clean, crystal clear, and incredibly inviting (if you can brave the cold).
Not only is the beach stunning, in the distance there is a mountainous landscape, the perfect juxtaposition to the calm beach! We were in awe.
Unfortunately, there are no facilities here so we would recommend bringing a picnic.
Inverewe Gardens
Inverewe Gardens are located near the town of Poolewe and are privately owned by the ‘National Trust Scotland’. For a fee of £14 per person, you can explore these wondrous gardens. Tropical plants from all over the world can be found here.
Personally, we thought that £14 was a bit excessive to view the gardens, so chose to avoid it.
Applecross Peninsula
Applecross is a pretty little village that is the perfect pitstop before tackling the Baelach na Ba. There is not much to go here except eat! If you like high-quality pub food, we recommend booking a table at the award-winning Applecross Inn.
Note: The Applecross Inn does not cater to “walk-ins” therefore you must book online in advance. However, the internet in Applecross is none existing, so if you want to dine here, make sure you book it when you have internet e.g. when you are in Ullapool!
Baelach Na Ba
This infamous mountain pass is known mostly for the way it zig-zags down the side of the mountain with hairpin bends. The Baelach na Ba actually has the largest ascent/descent of any road in the UK!
It looks like something that would be on top-gear – and in fact, has been featured on the show. The road really is quite the spectacle! We would definitely recommend driving it if you’re able.
Due to the road’s steep and winding nature, it is not recommended for new drivers or large vehicles. Our van managed fine on a dry, sunny day. However, a vehicle larger would likely struggle.
Conclusion
The West Coast leg of the NC500 will leave a lasting impression on you. The landscapes are awe-inspiring and the beaches are pristine. It will make you proud to be Scottish – or jealous that you are not!!
Driving (or cycling) the NC500 will truly make you fall in love with the Scottish Highlands. Every day of our trip was filled with excitement and wonder.
More content about the NC500 coming soon!
If you have any questions regarding the West coast of the NC500 or just the NC500 in general, don’t hesitate to comment down below and we will get back to you!
IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, PIN IT – PRETTY PLEASE XOXO
