We drove the NC500 – our top beauty spots include golden beaches & hidden caves

TRAVEL experts have picked out their top beauty spots after a road trip along the stunning North Coast 500.

Scotland’s answer to the famous Route 66 is a 516-mile stretch of magnificent coastal views and stunning landscapes through the Highlands.

The journey is full of magnificent cliff views, golden sandy beaches and turquoise coloured water.

It’s not surprising that it’s such a popular route for travellers looking to explore.

From castles to distilleries there is something for everyone to enjoy.

And Adventures Scotland has put together a list of the must-see places along the NC500.

Dunnet Head

Dunnet Head is the most northerly point of mainland Britain – 2.35 miles further north than John O’ Groats.

The area offers up spectacular 360 panoramic views of dramatic cliffs and the sea – a perfect place for keen photographers.

And on a clear day, visitors will even be able to see Orkney in the distance – only 6.75 miles across the Pentland Firth.

Dunnet Head also has a lighthouse which sits on a remote moorland peninsula, perched on top of stunning 300ft cliffs.

Durness

The most north westerly village on the Scottish mainland boasts white sandy beaches with turquoise waters and a stunning rocky coastline.

Its beaches are often compared to the Seychelles or the Caribbean.

Durness is a haven for hillwalkers and mountain climbers offers towering cliffs, rugged mountains and expansive moorlands on challenging walking trails.

Handa Island

The stunning nature reserve is home to thousands of seabirds.

The dramatic cliffs provide stunning ocean panoramas and a chance to spot some larger marine animals such as minke whales, bottlenose dolphins and grey seals.

Ardvreck Castle

The ruins of the 15-century castle is located on the shores of Loch Assynt.

It’s a perfect stop for history buffs as the castle tells a story of clans and conflicts as a reminder of Scotland’s turbulent history.

Bealach na Bà

This is a winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula in Wester Ross.

The challenging drive is a “treat for the eyes” with panoramic views of the dramatic mountains and valleys.

Torridon

The small village has a dramatic and desolate setting beneath the mountains and situated on the shore of Upper Loch Torridon in Wester Ross.

The area is packed full of great walking paths including the magnificent ridge walk along the Liathach massif.

It offers trails through some of the oldest and wildest landscapes in the world.

Ullapool

The picturesque fishing village is a perfect holiday destination and considered a gateway to the Northern Highlands.

Ullapool is situated in one of the most unspoilt areas of the UK, with stunning scenery everywhere you turn, particularly around Loch Broom.

It was recently named the most village town in the UK by Big 7 Travel.

Judges previously said: “The pretty little harbour has a timeless buzz with fishing boats casting their nets as they’ve done for centuries.

“While you could easily perch on the waterfront and soak it all in for hours, there is so much to do in Ullapool. Inverpolly National Nature Reserve is a short drive away, where you can spot golden eagles, wildcats, pine martens, and other wildlife, as well as the highly photographed hill, Stac Pollaidh.”

Smoo Cave

The largest cave in Scotland formed by both the sea and a river is well worth a visit, travel experts reckon.

It is set into the limestone cliffs in Sutherland and can be explored by boat or by the path from the car park on the cliffs.

The dramatic cave boasts one of the largest entrances to any sea cave in Britain at 50ft high and is floodlit, with a waterfall inside.

Inverewe Garden

This stunning botanical gardens is one of a kind.

Plants species that shouldn’t grow there are thriving, thanks to the effects of the Gulf Stream.

From pre-historic trees such as Wollemi pines to rhododendrons from China, Nepal and India, Himalayan poppies and Tasmanian eucalyptus, there is something to discover around every corner.

Plockton

The picturesque village has been dubbed “The Jewel of the Highlands”.

It sits on a sheltered bay with stunning views overlooking Loch Carron.

Plockton is known for its mild climate, palm trees and calming waterfront.

Other beauty spots which also made the extensive list were Gairloch, Cape Wrath, Dunrobin Castle and Strathpeffer.

Loch Ness and Corrieshalloch Gorge were also places the experts recommended.