NC500 Castles Directory
The North Coast 500 is one of Scotland’s most scenic road trips, taking visitors through dramatic coastlines, Highland villages, historic towns, mountain landscapes and some of the most impressive castles in the country.
This NC500 Castles Directory brings together castles on the route, nearby historic sites and popular castle detours often enjoyed as part of a wider Highland tour.
Castles on or Immediately Beside the NC500
- Inverness Castle – Inverness
- Ardvreck Castle – Loch Assynt, Sutherland
- Dunrobin Castle – Golspie, Sutherland
- Carbisdale Castle – Ardgay, Sutherland
- Bucholie Castle – near Duncansby Head, Caithness
- Old Wick Castle – Wick, Caithness
- Keiss Castle – Keiss, Caithness
- Castle Sinclair Girnigoe – Wick, Caithness
- Castle of Mey – Mey, Caithness
- Dunbeath Castle – Dunbeath, Caithness
Additional Castles and Historic Sites Around the Wider NC500 Area
- Clynelish Castle – Brora, Sutherland
- Skibo Castle – Dornoch, Sutherland
- Dornoch Castle – Dornoch, Sutherland
- Castle Varrich – Tongue, Sutherland
- Balnakeil House – Durness, Sutherland
- Mey Hall – Mey, Caithness
- Ackergill Tower – Wick, Caithness
- Castlehill Heritage Centre – Castletown, Caithness
Popular Castle Detours Often Combined with the NC500
- Eilean Donan Castle – Dornie, Highlands
- Urquhart Castle – Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness
- Ardross Castle – Alness, Highlands
- Brodie Castle – Forres, Moray
- Kilravock Castle – Croy, Highlands
- Fort George – Ardersier, Highlands
Must-See NC500 Castle Highlights
If you are planning a castle-themed trip around the North Coast 500, these are some of the most memorable stops to include:
- Dunrobin Castle
- Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
- Ardvreck Castle
- Castle of Mey
- Old Wick Castle
- Eilean Donan Castle
- Urquhart Castle
- Dornoch Castle
- Ackergill Tower
- Castle Varrich
Explore the NC500 with A1 Coaches
A castle trail around the North Coast 500 is a fantastic way to experience Scotland’s history, scenery and Highland character. From fairytale castles and royal residences to dramatic cliff-top ruins, every stop has its own story to tell.
At A1 Coaches, we provide comfortable minibus and coach hire for private tours, group travel, photography trips, Scottish sightseeing tours and bespoke Highland adventures.
Whether you are planning a one-day castle tour, a multi-day NC500 itinerary or a custom Scottish adventure, we can help you travel in comfort while you enjoy the journey.
Enquire About NC500 Coach and Minibus Hire
Planning a group trip around Scotland’s North Coast 500?
Contact A1 Coaches to discuss your route, group size and travel plans.
A1 Minibus and Coach Services
Website: www.a1coaches.com
Facebook: A1 Minibus and Coach Services