Highlights of Cape Wrath and North West Sutherland
This route forms part of the North Coast 500. Begin this journey on the West Coast of Scotland, at Ullapool. This trip would make a great extension to a trip to Skye. If starting from Edinburgh, allow at least five hours to drive from Edinburgh to Ullapool.

Highlights
This region of Scotland is sparsely populated and is an area of outstanding natural beauty and geological interest. Boggy moorland, rugged cliffs braced against the wild Atlantic, white sandy bays dotted with small crofting communities, friendly villages and numerous places to stop and camp.
Total time: 3/4 days from Ullapool, 5/6 from Edinburgh
Day One

Head north on the A835 from Ullapool towards North West Sutherland. At Ledmore continue on the A837 and then, at Newton, the A894.
Take the A894 to Scourie and make a stop at the Scourie Beach for swimming and sun bathing. Three miles along the road at Tarbet you can catch the ferry to Handa Island. This is a nature reserve with 120m cliffs and many thousands of seabirds. The island is now unpopulated, but it was until 1841 when the inhabitants were driven to the mainland to escape potato famine.

There are numerous wide sandy beaches along this stretch. As you drive north and leave the A894, turning left onto the B801, you will come to Oldshoremore and Phollain. Head to Phollain (sign says Polin), the quieter of the two beaches which is a wonderful place to swim. This area is famous for its more than 200 species of flowering plants in the machair.
Places to camp
Scourie campsite is family run and has an on-site bar and cafe.
Day Two
From the Phollain you can walk 3 miles to Sandwood Bay along a well signposted track across the moorland.
Sandwood Bay is one of Scotland’s most iconic wild beaches. A long stretch of pale pink sand secured by cliffs, the sea stack of Am Buachaille and sand dunes. You may spot the remains of a Spitfire engine, all that is left of a crash landing in 1941.

Useful to know
Be careful swimming in Sandwood Bay as rip currents frequently develop.
Day Three
Cape Wrath Point and Lighthouse are situated at the most north-westerly point of the mainland. They are also pretty inaccessible! To get there you must do a proper hike across country or take a passenger ferry from Keoldale Pier – the crossing takes around 10 minutes. Once on Cape Wrath Point, you can enjoy the surroundings, the Lighthouse and a coffee or more in the Ozone Cafe which is open 24/7 every day of the year.
Staying on the A838 to Durness there are small roads off to the left that will take you towards the cliff edges and sandy bays of this wonderful coastline, including Faraid Head where you will find some of the highest sand dunes in Scotland and Balnakeil Bay, sheltered and perfect for swimming. Balnakeil itself is home to the famous Cocoa Mountain, makers of delicious luxury chocolate and the most remote chocolatier in Europe.

Useful to know
Stop overnight at Sango Sands where you can camp by the steep cliffs overlooking the north coast beaches and enjoy the sea views. There is also a nearby cafe and bar.
Day Four
As you carry on along the A838 between Sangomore and Sangobeg you will see signs to Smoo Cave. This huge, mixed sea and freshwater limestone sea cavern is the largest sea cavern entrance in Britain. The cavern can be explored to an extent on foot and in the summer boat tours take explorers further in.

Continue on towards Kyle of Tongue, a deep sea loch with Ben Hope and Ben Loyal bearing down. Tongue Bay is home to three small islands which are enjoyed by kayakers and divers as well as being great spots to enjoy a wander and picnic.
Now you have a choice. Either turn south on the A836 and meander back to Edinburgh enjoying the scenery (6+ hours). Or stay north hugging the coast and enjoy the dramatic cliffs and sea views of Caithness and East Sutherland.

Check availability and book
Campervan hire Edinburgh
Got a question? Give us a call.
+44 (0)7768 973804
Or send us a mail
Reviews

Follow us on Facebook
Awards
