Scotland 12 days in Inverness, Skye, Outer Hebrides, St.Kilda & NC500
Jul 1, 2021, 10:13 pm
#31
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Let me check my Logbook
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards; AAdvantage; Alaska Mileage Plan; Wyndham Rewards; Choice Hotels
Posts: 2,350
Fantastic Trip Report. Great scenery. Thanks for your time and effort and thanks for sharing the pictures so I could vicariously partake.
Jul 2, 2021, 2:16 am
#32
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: SE U.K.
Posts: 123
It is interesting that you found many people were doing the NC500 in an anticlockwise direction. We did our trip clockwise and, to be perfectly frank, the section from John O'Groats to Inverness was pretty bland and boring. The only parts we found pretty and interesting were Dornoch and Dunrobin Castle. The same cannot be said for the west coast with stunning views at every turn, so perhaps it is better to go anticlockwise as the scenery just keeps getting better and better. Will be researching our 2022 trip this weekend. Thank you once again, an excellent TR!
Jul 2, 2021, 11:30 am
#33
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Programs: BA Bronze, Emirates Silver, Virgin Silver, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,399
Thanks for a fantastic trip report. It isn't too often we see one featuring Scotland, so thanks for doing it!!
Great pics on your approach to Inverness! Your other photos were great too but there is something about Scotland, that when its a cloudy day, the photos are much more scenic I think? That last one in your report on the way to Skye is simply spectacular!!!
I think the best place to get pictures of Urquhart Castle is to do a cruise on Loch Ness - I got some fantastic photos of the Castle on our trip... sadly none of Nessie!
I too did a Scotland holiday this year (Shetland - highly recommend it!) but seeing your pics of the West Coast makes me want to venture there next.
Great pics on your approach to Inverness! Your other photos were great too but there is something about Scotland, that when its a cloudy day, the photos are much more scenic I think? That last one in your report on the way to Skye is simply spectacular!!!
I think the best place to get pictures of Urquhart Castle is to do a cruise on Loch Ness - I got some fantastic photos of the Castle on our trip... sadly none of Nessie!
I too did a Scotland holiday this year (Shetland - highly recommend it!) but seeing your pics of the West Coast makes me want to venture there next.
Jul 3, 2021, 2:45 pm
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 2,644
Thanks everyone for your comments!
Great trip report. Scotland is amazing. Reminds me of a family I met hiking up Kilimanjaro (I never made it - sadly), but the father kept saying that as we passed each various geographic zone - "reminds me of Scotland."
Having seen the photos you posted, yes, I can see how the rest of the world looks much like Scotland.
Having seen the photos you posted, yes, I can see how the rest of the world looks much like Scotland.
For future reference or anyone following the NC500 route who has an interest in ancient structures, there's another broch that's quite close to the main route between Durness and Tongue on the north coast. Broch Dun Dornaigil (500-1000 BCE) is located on an un-numbered road that runs from Altnaharra to the A838. It sits in a gorgeous and wild setting in Strathmore just south of Ben Hope, well worth the detour off the main "NC500" route.
Wow, so beautiful, Congrats on your wonderful pictures, It really makes me think I should see Scotland, although I am less adventurous than I once was. But maybe next summer along with a trip to London/Paris . I suppose the Queen won;t have me at Balmoral, but I;m not much for parlor games anyway. Take care, and thanks again.
It is interesting that you found many people were doing the NC500 in an anticlockwise direction. We did our trip clockwise and, to be perfectly frank, the section from John O'Groats to Inverness was pretty bland and boring. The only parts we found pretty and interesting were Dornoch and Dunrobin Castle. The same cannot be said for the west coast with stunning views at every turn, so perhaps it is better to go anticlockwise as the scenery just keeps getting better and better. Will be researching our 2022 trip this weekend. Thank you once again, an excellent TR!
Thanks for a fantastic trip report. It isn't too often we see one featuring Scotland, so thanks for doing it!!
Great pics on your approach to Inverness! Your other photos were great too but there is something about Scotland, that when its a cloudy day, the photos are much more scenic I think? That last one in your report on the way to Skye is simply spectacular!!!
I think the best place to get pictures of Urquhart Castle is to do a cruise on Loch Ness - I got some fantastic photos of the Castle on our trip... sadly none of Nessie!
I too did a Scotland holiday this year (Shetland - highly recommend it!) but seeing your pics of the West Coast makes me want to venture there next.
Great pics on your approach to Inverness! Your other photos were great too but there is something about Scotland, that when its a cloudy day, the photos are much more scenic I think? That last one in your report on the way to Skye is simply spectacular!!!
I think the best place to get pictures of Urquhart Castle is to do a cruise on Loch Ness - I got some fantastic photos of the Castle on our trip... sadly none of Nessie!
I too did a Scotland holiday this year (Shetland - highly recommend it!) but seeing your pics of the West Coast makes me want to venture there next.
The mystery was solved above - a bus shelter!
Jul 3, 2021, 8:01 pm
#36
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: YUL
Posts: 1,001
Well I am definitely hoping I can get into Scotland before xmas. My brother lives in Perth and parents near Lindisfarne. But likely the full coast/island trip will wait until 2022 when we can book and plan. It was a super hard trip to lose, after all our planning, so want to make sure we can make it happen.
Absolutely loved your report.
Absolutely loved your report.
Jul 4, 2021, 2:58 am
#37
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tokyo, Japan (or Vienna whenever possible)
Posts: 6,378
Cool report! I am doing the NC 500 and adding a side trip of a few days to Orkney next summer as well. Will spend 9 days in the endeavor. But in early May as the only Midge I want is the one who played in Ultravox. 
Jul 4, 2021, 8:46 am
#38
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Programs: BA Bronze, Emirates Silver, Virgin Silver, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,399
You will enjoy Orkney mjm !
A friend swears by using The Body Shop satsuma body mist spray for getting rid of not just the midgies but all bugs too!
A friend swears by using The Body Shop satsuma body mist spray for getting rid of not just the midgies but all bugs too!
Jul 8, 2021, 5:04 pm
#41
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 2,644
Well I am definitely hoping I can get into Scotland before xmas. My brother lives in Perth and parents near Lindisfarne. But likely the full coast/island trip will wait until 2022 when we can book and plan. It was a super hard trip to lose, after all our planning, so want to make sure we can make it happen.
Absolutely loved your report.
Absolutely loved your report.
You will enjoy Orkney mjm !
A friend swears by using The Body Shop satsuma body mist spray for getting rid of not just the midgies but all bugs too!
A friend swears by using The Body Shop satsuma body mist spray for getting rid of not just the midgies but all bugs too!
Haha, sadly i'm not a whisky drinker. I'm much more a rum guy!
Jul 9, 2021, 5:54 pm
#45
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,636
Great report! There are so many trips such as yours that are enticing. I very much look forward to the day when I can land in LHR and walk out of the airport and explore!! Transited last month to Greece, but can't wait to wander the countryside there.
