Launched in 2015, the NC500 or North Coast 500 is a scenic touring route around Scotland’s northern coastline. The route stretches for over 500 miles, giving you plenty of scope for family fun on the NC500. Whether you complete the full 516 miles or travel along selected stretches only, this guide will give you all the inspiration you need for doing the NC500 with kids.
Family-friendly things to do on the NC500 range from encounters with local, farm or even imported animals to the best cafes, boat rides and play parks on the route. There’s also beautiful beaches and waterfall walks to enjoy. Plus we even suggest the best places to satisfy your chocolate or cheese cravings along the way.
Taking an NC500 road trip with children is an unforgettable bucket list experience. If you don’t want to miss out on the holiday of a lifetime, here are 21 of the top things to do on the NC500 with kids.
21 Best Things to Do on the NC500 with Kids
Inverness – Whin Park
Inverness is an essential stop on any traveller’s Scotland itinerary. This handsome city is the capital of the Highlands, and packed with cultural attractions. It’s also home to Whin Park, a pretty green space positioned on the banks of the River Ness.
At Whin Park you can allow the kids to let off some steam on the play equipment, perhaps while you relax with a coffee. Alternatively, break into a sweat at the outdoor gym while the children play. You can also rent a rowing boat, discover the nearby Hydro Ness Archimedes screw hydroelectric system, or even take a trip around the park on the Ness Islands Railway.
RIB ride with dolphins in Inverness
Though dolphin-spotting is often associated with warmer climes, you actually have a really good chance of seeing them when travelling the NC500 with children. In fact, if you book a trip with Dolphin Spirit Inverness, you could even see seals, porpoises, sharks or whales too. As well as native seabirds.
Your journey on the Mischief will last for a couple of hours or so, with no more than a dozen passengers per outing. Travelling at speed across the water is great fun, whether you get lucky with the local marine life or not. Do note that sightings cannot be guaranteed, and it’s best to wear warm clothing, even during summer.
Dolphins at Chanonry Point (Black Isle)
Head to Chanonry Point on Moray Firth near Inverness for your best chance of seeing bottlenose dolphins on the NC500. The ideal time is around an hour after low tide, as the appealing creatures tend to frequent these waters most often as the tide rises.
Chanonry Point is located on the Black Isle, which is actually a peninsula within the Scottish Highlands. In addition to dolphin spotting, you can also explore the pretty villages dotting the area, or pay the Fairy Glen waterfalls a visit.
Fairy Glen waterfalls (Black Isle)
Also on the Black Isle are the Fairy Glen waterfalls. The fact that these can be reached via an easy walk places this among the best family friendly activities on the NC500. It’s also a delightful route through a wooded Highland glen.
As it can get muddy here, footwear that’s both sturdy and waterproof is recommended. Once you reach your destination, you’ll be greeted by a pair of lovely waterfalls tumbling into the pool at the base. It’s a magical place, and well worth the walk of around a mile-and-a-half.
Big Burn Walk in Golspie
If you like to take a wander, the Big Burn Walk is another family friendly option. Again a waterfall awaits at the end of the trek, and the route to get you there is nothing short of spectacular. With stunning scenery throughout, you’ll want a fully charged camera for completing this one.
The walking trail is also conveniently close to the A9, and takes around an hour to complete. You’ll follow the Golspie Burn throughout, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for local wildlife. The gorge here is also criss-crossed by a series of footbridges, making things even more fun for the younger members of the family.
Beach walk with Dunrobin Castle
Another lovely walk to take when travelling the North Coast 500 with kids is the coastal route to Dunrobin Castle. Expect to encounter stunning sandy beaches along the way, with views of a fine Scottish castle thrown in for good measure.
The circular route is only a mile-and-a-half long, and you’ll skirt along the sides of the castle. Also look out for glorious views across the Firth, towards Tarbat Ness Lighthouse. This dates back to 1830, while the castle was constructed slightly later, between 1835 and 1850. If you have time, you could also visit the castle and enjoy the falconry show.
Timespan Museum in Helmsdale
Timespan Museum in Helmsdale tells the tales of the local area while focusing on heritage and the arts. It’s an ambitious project, aiming to create social change through a range of ever-growing collections.
This area has a rich and intriguing history, and it’s yours to discover at Timespan. Here adults and kids can learn all about the Highland Clearances or the 19th century gold rush, or delve deeper into herring fishing and local agriculture. As well as a whole lot more.
Whaligoe Steps
Though Whaligoe Steps are not recommended for younger children, they’re not to be missed if you can all cope with the climb down. The harbour here is simply breathtaking, as it’s surrounded by cliffs up to 250 metres tall.
The name of the harbour comes from the word ‘goe’, an old name for a rocky bay enclosed by cliffs. A whale is said to have once washed up on the shore here, hence the ‘whali’. Make sure you’re feeling energetic when you attempt the descent, as there are 330 steps to climb down. It’s well worth the effort, though.
Feeding alpacas in Ulbster
Those in search of child-friendly activities along the NC500 ideal for little ones should head to Ulbster. This traditional crofting community in Caithness is around seven miles from Wick, and kids will love meeting the resident furry creatures here.
The company offers both guided treks and farm visits, and the latter are most suitable for the youngest children. Do note that this is a seasonal activity, so do check ahead with Ulbster Alpaca Trekking before making the trip.
Puffin Croft (petting farm) in John O’Groats
Puffin Croft is also worth a visit if you have kids who love animals. This place lays claim to the honour of being the UK’s most northerly petting farm, and you can drop in without making an advance booking. At just a few pounds per person, entry fees for both kids and adults are also very reasonable.
At Puffin Croft you can get up close to donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, ponies and more. Once everyone’s enjoyed a friendly animal encounter, you can drop into the farm shop to stock up on delicious local produce. Puffin Croft is also a B&B, so you can even stay overnight here at John O’Groats.
Castle of Mey
The Castle of Mey in Caithness isn’t only worth a visit due to its architecture and history. The site also offers superb views across to the Orkney Islands, and these are best enjoyed on a clear, cloudless day.
The fortress is only around six miles from John O’Groats, so it’s perfect to visit during the same day. In the past, the castle was home to the Queen Mother. It was originally built by the fourth Earl of Caithness, George, for his son William.
Hot chocolate at Cocoa Mountain
Cocoa Mountain can be found within the craft village at Durness. The fact that the cafe has 10,000 Facebook followers surely makes it worth popping in to see what all the fuss is about. Their aim is to provide visitors with a unique chocolate experience.
Sampling the ‘original Highland formula’ hot chocolate is a must, and at certain times of year, seasonal specials are also offered. During your time here you can also stock up on handmade confections from this Scottish chocolatier. Who can resist such temptation?
Smoo Cave at Durness
Another cafe worth adding to your NC500 itinerary is Cheese ‘n’ Toasted at Smoo Cave. Their signature grilled cheese sandwiches are outstanding, and there’s a branch at Stockbridge in Edinburgh too. But that’s not the only reason to visit Smoo Cave.
The ‘smoo’ name is thought to be related to Norse words for a hidey-hole, rather than smuggling. Set in striking limestone cliffs in Sutherland, Smoo Cave is only about a mile from Durness. You can also pass through the 50 foot entrance without charge, and the sea cave is fully floodlit inside.
Golden Eagle Zipline at Durness [seasonal opening]
If you’re in the Durness area and fancy a real thrill, why not book a trip on the Golden Eagle zipline? You can travel at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour for the ultimate adrenaline rush, all while taking in sublime views of one of Scotland’s best beaches. The jump from the cliff is utterly exhilarating, and it’s the location that really makes this short but fun-filled ride really stand out.
You don’t need to book this activity, although we recommend checking whether they’re operating on your chosen day as they’re very much impacted by the weather conditions.
North Coast Sea Tours from Lochinver
Book a boat tour of the north coast sea from Lochinver and you won’t only experience incredible mountain and coastal views. You can also expect to see some wildlife if you get lucky, and each trip lasts for around an hour-and-a-half.
Sunset as well as daytime tours are offered by North Coast Sea Tours. Private and specialist angling charters are also available. Creatures regularly sighted include porpoises, seals, whales and dolphins, plus local seabirds such as cormorants and gannets.
Handa Island
Handa Island lies off the coast close to Sutherland, and is home to a wonderful wildlife reserve. A brief ferry trip from Tarbet will take you there, and most people head here to see the local puffin population. There’s other wildlife to discover too, however.
Around 500 of the orange-beaked birds call Handa home, and you can also see other bird species such as great skua, guillemot and razorbill. Other creatures are also resident on land and in the sea, including otters, minke and pilot whales, dolphins, basking sharks and porpoises. Orca – aka killer – whales also sometimes pass by.
Gairloch pony trekking at Red Point
Gairloch Trekking Centre offers both full and half day equestrian experiences. The setting for your ride is the beautiful beaches of the Red Point area, so you can expect incredible scenery throughout your trek.
The centre uses ponies and horses for riders of all abilities, and is staffed by friendly, approachable locals. For kids and adults alike, trekking on horseback along a stunning Scottish beach isn’t something anyone would forget in a hurry.
Corrieshalloch Gorge
At around a mile long and 60 metres deep, Corrieshalloch Gorge is a textbook example of a canyon created by melted glacial waters. The site is also home to a nature reserve and an impressive suspension bridge.
Things to look out for while discovering Corrieshalloch Gorge and the woodland trails include unique species of fern due to the gorge’s natural microclimate, the local wildlife and the Falls of Measach.
Wyvis Natural Play Park
If the kids just need to play after spending hours in the car or looking around sites more aimed at adults, then head to Wyvis Natural Play Park in Little Garve. A local resident came up with the idea for this one-off playground, which features equipment made from natural wood.
Part of the park’s unique attraction stems from the fact that there’s plenty of unspoiled woodland for kids to use as they wish. There’s also a two mile looping nature walk here, which of course appeals more to kids when they know there’s plenty of places they can play.
Please not: it’s not all that well signposted – park up at the forestry car park at Little Garve and cross the stone bridge, follow the path to the right and you’ll quickly find the entrance to this delightful playpark.
BEACHES
Another top thing to do when travelling the NC500 as a family is to take a trip to the beach. With white or pink sands, here are some of the area’s finest.
Dornoch Beach
A generous stretch of golden sand on the Dornoch Firth by Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. The area is rich in flora and fauna, and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. It has a playground and toilets, plus a Seaside Award for cleanliness.
Sango Sands
Sango Sands has to be home to one of the most stunningly sited campgrounds in the whole of the British Isles. The curving bay itself is also magnificent, with pinkish sands lapped by water ranging in colour from royal blue to teal, turquoise or aqua.
Balnakeil Beach
Balnakeil beach is one of Scotland’s most northerly, and is located close to Cape Wrath and Durness. It’s both accessible and clean, with a perfect sweep of white sand backed by sand dunes. This unspoiled spot is especially memorable at sunset.
Achmelvich Beach
White sand Achmelvich Beach is just a few miles northwest of Lochinver. Make the trip along the single track road and you can see red and black throated divers, or even great northern divers during winter. Dolphins, porpoises and minke whales have also been seen. Kids will also love rock pooling here.
Clachtoll Beach
Clachtoll Beach also belongs on a seemingly endless list of the Highlands’ white sandy beaches. The fact that it’s free to park here also adds to the appeal, and you can learn about local geology and wildlife at the ranger’s hut. Don’t forget to take in the superlative mountain views from the headlands at each end too.
Gairloch Beach
We may have saved the best until last here, as Gairloch Beach is a family favourite. The picturesque crescent of pink sand is pleasingly secluded, and the backdrop of mountains and moorland makes it even more pretty. The beach is also ideal for swimming, kayaking and snorkelling.
Gairloch Canoe and Kayak Centre
Another way to see the Gairloch area is to hire a kayak or canoe from the local rental centre. Gairloch Canoe and Kayak Centre also offers full or half day trips, during which you can explore the northern Scottish coastline and the lochs of the region.
The company’s guides are experienced in wildlife spotting, maximising your chances of a memorable encounter. You can choose between tours exploring Gairloch, Loch Maree or Loch Ewe.
