Scotland Fly & Drive: 7 Days on the North Coast 500

Suggestion For The Day:

• Drive just 15 minutes east of Inverness to visit the Culloden Battlefield, site of the final Jacobite uprising in 1746.
• Walk through the windswept moorlands and explore the immersive visitor centre.
• Continue to the nearby Clava Cairns, a remarkably preserved Bronze Age burial site steeped in mystery and ancient energy.
• Stop for lunch at Culloden Moor Inn, a rustic pub offering local dishes like cullen skink or steak pie.
• In the afternoon, return to Inverness and unwind at Leakey’s Bookshop, a hidden gem for book lovers inside a former church.
• Enjoy dinner at Rocpool, an upscale bistro known for its creative dishes using Highland produce.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Set off early for a full-day guided tour into the heart of the Northwest Highlands.
• Drive through the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, admire the rugged peaks and ancient woodland, and stop at Loch Maree, one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs.
• Continue through Torridon and cross the Bealach na Bà, a dramatic mountain pass with hairpin bends and stunning sea views. Arrive in the remote village of Applecross, where the scenery opens toward the Isle of Skye.
• Have lunch at Applecross Inn, beloved for its seafood platters and local ales.
• Visit the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Return to Inverness via the shores of Loch Ness.
• Back in the city, opt for a casual late dinner at The White House, serving modern Scottish tapas in a relaxed setting.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Today is all about Scotland’s most famous spirit - whisky. Head into Speyside, the heart of Scotch whisky country, starting with a tour at the Tomatin Distillery, including a guided tasting.
• Drive to Elgin, where you can visit the ruins of Elgin Cathedral and enjoy lunch at The Drouthy Cobbler, offering hearty pub fare and an excellent whisky selection.
• In the afternoon, visit Glen Moray Distillery or the historic Balvenie Castle for a dose of history with your whisky. Stop by Speyside Cooperage, where you can witness traditional barrel-making in action.
• Return to Inverness and toast your day with dinner at Contrast Brasserie, a sleek riverside venue known for steaks and inventive Scottish cuisine.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Set out early for a scenic drive through the Great Glen toward Glencoe, one of the most dramatic valleys in Scotland. Along the way, stop at Fort Augustus and the Caledonian Canal, and enjoy coffee with loch views.
• Explore the hauntingly beautiful Glencoe Valley, known for its history and jaw-dropping vistas. Take a short hike or visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn more about the area’s volcanic past and clan legends.
• Lunch suggestion: Clachaig Inn, nestled in the glen and perfect for rustic Highland fare.
• Drive back through Loch Lochy and Loch Ness, stopping for a final photo at Urquhart Castle at sunset.
• Back in Inverness, celebrate your last night with dinner at Cafe 1, a family-run restaurant offering refined seasonal menus and warm hospitality.