NC500 hikes – the most memorable trails in the North of Scotland

Eight of the most memorable hikes on the NC500 and Isle of Skye – including Beinn Eighe (18 km, 1,116 m ascent), Sandwood Bay (13 km), the Quiraing loop, Old Man of Storr, and Fairy Pools. Each trail listed with distance, time, and honest notes from the route.

With all the COVID-19 going on, it was clear that this year, the most sensible thing we could do is have a staycation. We have decided to go on a road trip, and not just any, but the famous North Coast 500 route. We also wanted to challenge ourselves and make this trip the most budget-friendly getaway we’ve ever had. I will be writing a separate post about the logistics of how we managed to have a bucket list holiday for nearly 2 weeks, barely spending anything and will drop a link here. As for now, this is our pick of the most memorable NC500 hikes from two weeks on the North Coast 500 route, plus the best trails on the Isle of Skye.

Some places seemed so unreal that I felt I was walking into the fairytale.

It goes without saying that Scotland is absolutely wonderful. Some places seemed so unreal that I felt I was walking into a fairytale. And if you’re anything like me, and love The Lord of the Rings, you will love the Quiraing loop and the Old Man of Storr. The scenery was just phenomenal.

Beinn Eighe mountain trail, Distance 18km / 11.25 miles, Time 7 – 9 hours, Ascent 1116m. With a bunch of mountain peaks, ancient pinewoods and gliding golden eagles, it’s no wonder that Beinn Eighe has been chosen as Britain’s first National Nature Reserve.

^{Beinn Eighe}

Sandwood Bay Beach, Distance 13km / 8 miles, Time 4 – 5 hours. Reputedly the most beautiful beach in Britain. This remote bay has no road access but can be reached by a 4-mile path leading from the car park in Blairmore.

^{Sandwood Bay Beach}

Faraid Head, Distance 6.5km / 4 miles, Time 1.5 – 2 hours. It’s an absolutely gorgeous loop trail, located near Kinlochbervie, Highland. It features beautiful tall beach dunes, cliffs and crystal clear water.

^{Faraid Head}

Duncansby Head and John o’Groats, Distance 8.5km / 5.25 miles, Time 2.5 – 3 hours. It’s certainly a must-see for anyone who likes their scenery, natural and dramatic.

^{Sea stacks of Duncansby Head}

Bla Bheinn mountain trail, Distance 8km / 5 miles, Time 5 – 6 hours, Ascent 990m. Nature at its best. Its isolated position gives it some of the best island views.

^{Bla Bheinn}

The Old Man of Storr, Distance 4.5km / 2.75 miles, Time 1.5 – 2 hours. It’s probably the most famous walk on the Island of Skye, famous for its magnificent scenery and views. Worth mentioning that it’s one of the busiest as well.

^{The Old Man of Storr}

Quiraing loop, Distance 6.5km / 4 miles, Time 3 – 4 hours. The truly spectacular Quiraing loop is one of the most iconic hikes in the Isle of Skye.

^{Quiraing loop}

Fairy Pools, Distance 8km / 5 miles, Time 2.5 – 3.5 hours. These beautiful, crystal clear blue pools are excellent for Wild Swimming. It’s by far the most popular place in the Isle of Skye.

^{Fairy Pools}

If you like to see all the hiking spots on a Google map, press on the link below.

View Google map