Definitely try and pencil in some time in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. It’s an attractive, walkable place with a few interesting sights an easy drive away.

Do this at the beginning or end of your trip, depending on what fits with your arrival and departure times.

Along the NC500

The first leg of the NC500 heads on various minor roads west of the city before settling on to the A890 to Lochcarron.

The few minor attractions along the way include the pleasant little old spa down of Strathpeffer and a couple of places for walks such as a Rogie Falls and Torrachilty Forest.

But overall it’s nothing too extraordinary, so I suggest a different route below. If you decide to press on with the official NC500, then you should have time to push on beyond Lochcarron on your first day: as far as Applecross or even Torridon instead.

The southern alternative