Lochinver to Loch Ness ... the final part of our NC500 road trip and a wonderful relaxing stay with Abbey Holidays at Fort Augustus

As we reached the final leg of our NC500 road trip, we were ready for a couple of slower-paced days to rest and recharge. Our base for this stretch was a cosy little Airbnb in Lochinver, where we finally had a chance to catch our breath and catch up on some much-needed washing! From there, we began the journey south, travelling via Ullapool and the stunning west coast to Loch Carron, before leaving the official NC500 route and heading towards Fort Augustus on Loch Ness. We were kindly invited to spend a couple of nights with Abbey Holidays Loch Ness, staying in one of their beautiful self-catering cottages within the historic Highland Club — the perfect place to round off our adventure.

We fell in love with the rugged, remote and majestic Scottish Highlands!

Lochinver

​Lochinver is a small but scenic village on the west coast of Sutherland, surrounded by rugged mountains and dramatic coastline.  It is a working harbour village and a little industrial at the far end but it has a good selection of local shops and several good restaurants so it is a good place to pause!

The approach to Lochinver is either via the coastal road (single track and very winding and uneven) or on the A837 a faster more direct - as we'd had a long day we decided on the latter but we were able to go back the next day and explore the coastal road which is one of the highlights of the NC500 as it is so scenic, a little adventurous and very rugged!

We stopped at Achmelvich Beach, which is stunning sweep of white sand and turquoise sea, often compared to the Caribbean (on a sunny day!). It’s a popular stop for wild swimming, coastal walks, or simply soaking up the views.  We loved it!

Next, the road winds past Clachtoll, a small crofting community with another beautiful beach and fascinating geology — including the remains of an ancient Iron Age broch. A little further on, a short detour takes you out to Stoer Lighthouse, perched on a remote clifftop with panoramic views across the Minch — keep an eye out for dolphins or even whales. This is also the starting point for a walk to the famous sea stack, the Old Man of Stoer, if you have time and good weather.

Continuing along the single-track route, you’ll reach Clashnessie, a tiny hamlet with a peaceful beach and a short walk inland to Clashnessie Falls, a dramatic waterfall set against a wild Highland backdrop. This entire stretch of road is narrow and winding but full of charm and beauty — a true off-the-beaten-path experience that captures the magic of the NC500’s west coast.

While in Lochinver, a visit to the famous Lochinver Larder is a must — their handmade pies are legendary and perfect for taking away or enjoying by the loch.

​The next morning we left Lochinver for the final part of our NC500 journey, our destination was Loch Ness but first we had another stunning stretch of road to discover ....

Achmelvich Beach, NC500 routte

Ullapool

We arrived in Ullapool in time for morning coffee, fortunately the rain stopped just as we were ready to get out the car!  Ullapool is a charming harbour town nestled on the shores of Loch Broom, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and full of Highland character. Though small, it has a lively feel, with independent shops, cosy cafes and seafood restaurants lining its main street. It’s a popular stop on the NC500 and it’s also the gateway to the Outer Hebrides, with regular ferries to Stornoway.

Ullapool Harbour

After leaving Ullapool, we knew we had to be selective about where we stopped, the NC500 guidebook had warned against rushing this section of the NC500 but I am afraid I was guilty of exactly this, I just hadn't quite appreciated how long it would take and just how beautiful it is, it deserved more time and is one of a few little regrets - if you read this, don't make the same mistake, include another overnight stay near Applecross! We didn't make it to Applecross, to do so would have added 3 hours to our day and we didn't want to still be driving in the evening, but we did make it as far as the Bealach na Bà pass then we diverted.

Our last selfie before we left the NC500 to drive to Loch Ness! This is at Loch Carron.

A few stops we made en-route to Loch Ness ...

Gairloch Beach is a peaceful stretch of golden sand with views across to the Isle of Skye and the Torridon mountains.  We had a very enjoyable wander here!

Victoria Falls (near Loch Maree) are tucked away in the woodlands, they are named in honour of Queen Victoria who visited them and loved them!  There is a marked trail and it is a very peaceful and easy stop from the NC500.

Loch Carron is a long sea loch offering stunning views, especially from the high vantage point at Strome Viewpoint, just off the NC500.  We stopped here for an ice cream and a final photo on the official NC500 route ... we were the detouring to head for Loch Ness.

Eilean Donan Castle isn't officially on the NC500 but it was on our route to Loch Ness and if you have plenty of time it is worth the little detour.  Eilean Dolan Castle is maybe one of Scotland's most iconic sights, it is located at the point of three lochs and is connected to the. mainland by a stone bridge.  We stopped for photos and to enjoy the view, but we didn't go inside.  It is also famous for being in the James Bond movie, The World Is Not Enough and is used as M16 Scottish HQ!

A peaceful two nights with Abbey Holidays Loch Ness

Our adventure on the NC500 route was officially completed!  We missed out two small sections (the Applecross peninsula and the inland stretch that links the circulate route up at Inverness.  But we were happy, it really had been incredible!

We arrived at The Highland Club at Fort Augustus early evening just as the sun was making an appearance, ​

Abbey Holidays Loch Ness set within The Highland Club at Fort Augustus

​The Highland Club at Fort Augustus is a beautifully restored former Benedictine abbey, rich in history and set on the southern shores of Loch Ness. Originally built in the 18th century as a fort and later transformed into a monastery, it has been carefully converted into unique and luxurious holiday accommodation. Today, Abbey Holidays Loch Ness offers a selection of self-catering cottages and apartments within the Highland Club, giving guests the chance to stay in this iconic location while enjoying the comforts of a modern home, all surrounded by stunning scenery, heritage architecture and access to exclusive on-site facilities including a gym, swimming pool, games room and tennis courts.

We stayed in a two-bedroom cottage on the banks of Loch Ness

We were staying in Taigh Nan Caorach - Courtyard Cottage 8 - a two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage with a pretty outlook onto the river running from Loch Ness, it was a short walk down to Loch Ness and around the grounds of the abbey, and had really easy access into Fort Augustus.  The cottage is dog-friendly with patio doors opening onto a small patio area.  We loved watching the rabbits on the grass outside and were excited to see a mother duck with her 8 ducklings!  The dogs were also very excited!  There is a strict 'dogs on leads' policy for obvious reasons!

On our first evening, we wandered along the shores of Loch Ness and into Fort Augustus for a fish and chip supper at The Lock Inn right next to the famous Caledonian Canal locks.

The next day we had a walk along the Caledonian Canal, learnt more about the impressive Caledonian Canal lock system, a series of five locks that step boats up or down between the canal and the loch.  The canal, originally designed by Thomas Telford in the early 19th century, remains a working waterway and adds a fascinating historic and engineering dimension to the picturesque Highland village.  We browsed in some of the gift shops and had lunch in a little café by the canal, a very easy day!

In the afternoon we joined a cruise of Loch Ness with Cruise Loch Ness, the weather was a little cool and windy out on the loch but it didn't matter, we enjoyed listening to the commentary and obviously looked out for Nessie!

In the evening we had dinner at The Boathouse Restaurant which is situated in the grounds of The Highland Club and right next to Loch Ness with stunning views of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.  They have big picture windows (if you are lucky to get a table in one of them) and an outside area for warmer days.

Walking in the grounds of The Highland Club, Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness

What can I say, it really was a fabulous 11-night trip to Scotland, I feel very proud that we completed the NC500 and loved experiencing everything it had to offer!  For me it was a more challenging holiday (not a relaxing beach break), the packing and unpacking isn't really in my comfort zone but it is a necessity of a trip like this.  I wish I'd packed less and better but hey ho, you live and learn.  

If I was organising it again I'd go for a little longer and slow down on the west coast, I'd make sure we visited Applecross and stay the night there.  But there was lots we got right ... going in late April early May was a good call as we didn't have any of the infamous Scottish midges, I also took the attitude that we may never go again so stopping off wherever we could was important to me, I didn't want to end up missing things because it was raining or we were short on time.

The NC500 is very well set up for visitors it is excellently signposted, the (toilet) facilities were clean and plentiful, and other road users were considerate, there was a lot of passing places and the whole route was clean and tidy and well-maintained.  It was also mostly dog friendly - we had to leave Katy and Bonnie in the car at The Castle of Mey but we parked up close to the wall in the shade and it wasn't a hot day and we couldn't take them into Dunrobin Castle (I understand why they can't go in the castle itself but it was disappointing they couldn't go in the grounds at all).

Fort Augustus, Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal

Driving the NC500 in midlife was everything we hoped for and more — a true adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, quiet moments and a real sense of freedom. It was at times challenging, often awe-inspiring but absolutely worth it. We came away feeling reconnected, recharged, and so glad we took the leap. If you’re even thinking about it, don’t wait. Say yes, pack the car, and go. You won’t regret it!

Love from
Michelle xx


Disclaimer: our two-night stay with Abbey Holidays Loch Ness was gifted to us.

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