NC500 – Magical Wester Ross Tour – Itinerary
It is we who think that the Wester Ross Tour on the North Coast 500 (NC500) is magical. Leaving Inverness we head west to lonely Achnasheen, and thereafter follow the Wester Ross Coastal Trail. Looking towards Loch Maree we see one of the last fragments of the original forest that once covered so much of Scotland. Whether your passion is great mountains or fantastic seascapes the far west will deliver. Gairloch Beach, followed by sub-tropical Inverewe Gardens are two of the major stops on this tour. We return by Gruinard Bay, a location used by many thriller writers, and there’ll be time for a waterfall visit, before arriving back in Inverness.
Loch Maree
Film-makers and the media have long recognised the view down Loch Maree from Glen Docherty as one of the finest in the Highlands. As a result has graced many a TV advert. Loch Maree is the largest unaltered freshwater lake in the country. Its shores are dressed in one of the last fragments of the “Great Wood of Caledon” – the original Caledonian Pine forest that once covered so much of Scotland. Towering above the waters are two of Scotland’s best loved mountains – Slioch and Beinn Eighe.
Gairloch
Gairloch is our first main stop, and it has options. You could enjoy a walk along the beach to the ruins of an Iron Age Fort or visit the local museum. Alternatively, if you enjoy spending time at pretty harbours then Gairloch fits the bill. A couple of the boat operators also list all of the wildlife seen, day-by-day, over the preceding month.
Inverewe Gardens
Inverewe Gardens, created by Osgood Mackenzie from 1870, are one of the main visits of the day; due to being a must-see for all garden lovers. There are 50 acres of sub-tropical wonderland and as a result there are exotics and specimens from all around the world, such as Chile, the Himalayas, New Zealand and China. There is also a shop, restaurant and visitor centre onsite.
Corrieshalloch Gorge
Corrieshalloch Gorge is a famous canyon where the Falls of Measach tumble 46 metres (150 feet) into the abyss. A forest walk takes you to the suspension bridge and, farther on, a superb photo viewing platform. The path leads you through a wonderland of rare mosses, worts and ferns flourishing due to the waterfall’s nourishing spray.
NC500 – Magical Wester Ross Tour – Price
£590 for the tour.
NC500 – Magical Wester Ross Tour – Departure
The tour departs from your Inverness accommodation, or any transport hub, such as bus station, train station or airport. You tell us, and we’ll be there.