NC500 2 John O Groats to Durness
The north coast of Scotland has always held a fascination for me. It is an area of sublime beauty, with wild bogland and gentle river valleys, peaty estuaries, cliffs and stacks, beaches and tiny harbours. For surfers, this part of Scotland offers opportunities to surf some of Europe’s best waves. But it’s not just for them. Everyone will find something to move them here.
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Places to stay
Attractions

Places to stay (11)

Places to stay

Canisbay - Ferry View

A small, family-owned eco site that’s close to JOG and handy for the ferry. tel: 07591 540 400 email: info@ferryview.scot

Location: 58.637680,-3.168760
Places to stay

Dunnet - Dunnet Bay Campsite

A great site on the grasslands behind the huge beach at Dunnet Bay. Great location close to Castle of Mey. tel: 01847 821 319 email: dunnetbay@camc.com

Location: 58.615180,-3.345610
Places to stay

Bettyhill - Craigdhu, Bettyhill Caravan and Campsite

A small campsite in Bettyhill, with good views over Farr Bay. tel: 07810 021 614 or 07979 840 313 email: bettyhillcaravanandcampsite@gmail.com

Location: 58.525813,-4.220327
Places to stay

Melvich - North Coast Touring Park

Attached to the Halladale Inn, this is a great site that’s been updated recently. It’s now one of the best facilities on the north coast. Really nice people, good food in the pub and a fantastic location. tel: 01641 531 282 email: info@northcoasttouringpark.co.uk

Location: 58.549993,-3.911051
Places to stay

Dunnet - North Shore Surf Club

Facilities can be used for a donation to the surf club. Be generous. tel: email:

Location: 58.626821,-3.354416
Places to stay

Thurso - Thurso Bay Caravan and Camping Park

Nice site on the beach at Thurso. Handy for the town surf, if you are that way inclined. tel: 01847 892 244 email: stay@thursobaycamping.co.uk

Location: 58.597905,-3.529630
Places to stay

Thurso - Murkle Caravan Park

A small site near Dunnet Head. Handy for ferries. tel: 07522 313 559 email: murklecaravanpark@gmail.com

Location: 58.594570,-3.438800
Places to stay

Durness - Sango Sands Oasis

A big site with amazing views in the north coast village of Durness. On-site bar and above a lovely beach. tel: 01971 511 726 email: stay@sangosands.com

Location: 58.568709,-4.743132
Places to stay

Durness - Sango-beag Motorhome Stopover

ÂŁ10 per night to stay overlooking the beach at Sangobeg. No facilities. tel: 07933 991 440 or 01971 511 780 email:

Location: 58.554393,-4.699691
Places to stay

Durness - Balnakeil Motorhome Stopover

A few pitches available next to the craft village. EHU and water. ÂŁ20 per night (cash only). tel: 07597 192 448 email:

Location: 58.570600,-4.764840
Places to stay

Durness - Smoo Motorhome Stopover

Launderette and food truck on site adjacent to Smoo Cave. tel: 01641 521 805 email: kpateraki@hotmail.com

Location: 58.563304,-4.724534

Attractions (11)

Historic House

The Castle of Mey

Owned and loved by the Queen Mother and renovated by her in 1954, now the summer gaff of Charlie. In between times you can go see the old pile…

Location: 58.647030,-3.224480
Natural Space

Dunnet Head

The most northerly point in mainland Britain and an RSPB reserve.

Location: 58.670820,-3.376190
Historic House

Bettyhill - Strathnaver Museum

An interesting museum that looks at rural life in the Naver valley, including lots of information about the Clearances.

Location: 58.529360,-4.209520
Activity

Bettyhill - North Coast Leisure Centre

It’s tiny but if you need a swim, the only place to go.

Location: 58.525967,-4.224481
Food & Drink

Thurso - Community Café

A space for locals and visitors. All profits to the community.

Location: 58.594387,-3.521152
Food & Drink

Thurso - Olive

A lovely community hub and cafe in the heart of Thurso. Good food and coffee.

Location: 58.593098,-3.521446
Local Landmark

Ard Neakie Lime Kilns

Famous stop off on the NC500 and very picturesque. Park and walk.

Location: 58.497000,-4.666900
Activity

Durness - Golden Eagle Zipline

Just turn up and whizz across the bay to great views. Parking nearby.

Location: 58.548387,-4.673409
Activity

Durness - Smoo Cave

The largest sea cave in the UK, with boat trips to the inner sanctum when the weather allows. Otherwise just wander in.

Location: 58.563460,-4.719970
Natural Space

Bettyhill - Strathnaver Trail

An archaeological trail that follows the River Naver from Bettyhill south and includes 29 sites.

Location: 58.529360,-4.209520
Food & Drink

Bettyhill - Crumbs Cake Cupboard

Literally a cupboard at the side of the road selling lovely cakes and pastries. You will not be disappointed by their sausage rolls. Wish we’d bought more. Find it just outside Bettyhill, heading west.

Location: 58.507697,-4.220148