An Insider’s Guide to the NC500 from Durness to Applecross

💌 Just a quick note before we get started: this post contains affiliate links. That simply means I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to book or buy through one of the links. It helps me keep Postcards from Kirsty running — and hopefully helps you plan your own adventure too!

For me personally, the route from Durness to Applecross is the best part of the NC500. The views are out of this world!

From the dramatic mountains to the white sandy beaches, you’ll really want to take your time on this part of the route! Chances are you’ll find yourself pulling over again and again along the West Coast just to take it all in.

Here, it’s all about slow walks, quiet beaches, and – if you’re feeling bold – experiencing the rugged landscape through a bit of adventure.

This is a comprehensive guide detailing the route from Durness to Applecross, including things to do, places to eat and places to stay, so you can get the most out of your time here. Follow along my NC500 blog post series to help you plan your best North Coast 500 trip.

Overview of the NC500 Route from Durness to Applecross

Distance and Travel Time from Durness to Applecross

Driving the most direct route from Durness to Applecross takes around 4 hours without stops, covering 152 miles.

It’ll almost definitely take longer than the estimated drive time — and honestly, it should. If you’re only doing the NC500 once, you won’t want to take the most direct route between Durness and Applecross, and you’ll probably want to stop often and enjoy as many of the incredible spots along this stretch as you can.

To fully enjoy this part of the NC500, I’d recommend setting aside two full days if you’re doing the route in five days or three full days for a seven-day trip. This gives you the freedom to explore all the best stops without having to rush. Check out my North Coast 500 itinerary guide to work out how to split your time effectively.

Driving from Durness to Applecross: Routes and Tips

From Durness to Applecross, you’re going to want to stay on the roads as close to the coast as possible. Sat nav’s will try and take you the quickest route on the main roads down the west coast. So, this is where looking at a map and planning your route is better than using your sat nav.

The roads this side of the NC500 are primarily single-track, so you’ll need to be confident driving on these roads. Be patient as other drivers can be quite slow, and be ready to stop in passing bays to let others pass.

For this leg of the NC500, you will not be sticking to one road. Far from it, actually. The following is a summary of the roads you should take to get the most out of the West Coast.

Take the A838 from Durness to Laxford Bridge.
Switch to the A894, crossing Kylesku Bridge and passing Unapool to just beyond Newton.
Turn onto the B869, winding through Drumbeg and Clachtoll, then join the A837 into Lochinver.
South of Lochinver, follow the unmarked coastal road to Drumrunie.
Pick up the A835 through Ullapool to just past Braemore.
Continue on the A832 through Poolewe and Gairloch to Kinlochewe.
Take the A896 past Torridon to Shieldaig.
From Shieldaig, follow the unmarked road west to Fearnmore and down to Applecross.

Public Transport Options from Durness to Applecross

Just a heads-up for anyone eyeing a train or bus journey from Durness to Applecross — it isn’t really a feasible option. To make it work, you’d have to backtrack from Durness all the way back to Alness and then loop across to Applecross. It’s technically doable, but the detour is so long it doesn’t make sense.

Things to See and Do Along the Durness to Applecross Route

Charming Towns Along the Durness to Applecross Route

As you wind your way from Durness to Applecross, you’ll travel through a string of tiny west-coast villages — Kylesku, Unapool, Clachtoll, Lochinver, Ullapool, Poolewe, Gairloch, Torridon and Shieldaig. Most are little more than a cluster of houses, but each one is well worth visiting.

Ullapool, which you can visit on this Wester Ross tour, is the star of the route. It’s the largest village on the west coast, home to about 1,500 people. It’s the perfect place to pause for some sightseeing, grab a cosy lunch or dinner, and wander into a pub for a glimpse into local life. If you’re lucky, you might just stumble into an impromptu traditional folk music session — a proper Highland treat.

If you don’t have time to do the full West Coast, enjoy some of it on this Torridon, Applecross, and Eilean Donan Castle from Inverness tour.

Castles to Visit Between Durness and Applecross

There aren’t many castles along the west coast, but the few you’ll find are absolutely worth a stop.

Hermit’s Castle: Near Achmelvich, it’s often called the smallest castle in Europe (maybe even the world!). This quirky concrete hideaway was built in the 1950s and covers just 10 square metres. Like King Ludwig II retreating to Neuschwanstein, David Scott built Hermit’s Castle as his own escape from the world — on a far smaller, but still fascinating, scale.
Ardvreck Castle: One of the standout castles on the NC500, this three-storey ruin sits dramatically on a tiny plot of land jutting into Loch Assynt. This 15th-century MacLeod stronghold has seen its fair share of clan battles. Its most famous moment came in 1650, when James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, was betrayed here and handed over to his enemies. You’re free to wander around, and on a good-weather day, it feels incredibly atmospheric — I loved visiting it. If you’re not doing the whole NC500 but still want to visit here, you can do so on this full-day Scottish Highlands tour from Inverness.
Calda House: Just along the road from Ardvreck, Calda House is an easy add-on. Built to replace Ardvreck Castle, the grand mansion was burned by the MacRaes in 1760 and never restored. Today, it stands as an eerie set of ruins, with plenty of local whispers about hauntings.

Distilleries on the Durness to Applecross Route

Compared to the Inverness to Thurso stretch, which is packed with distilleries, the west coast of the NC500 feels surprisingly sparse. Remote transport links meant whisky-makers never really clustered here — in fact, there’s only one notable distillery along this section.

Badachro Distillery: This family-run distillery sits tucked away in the tiny hamlet of Badachro, with wide-open views over Badachro Bay, Skye, and even the Outer Hebrides on a clear day. They produce small-batch gin, vodka, and whisky, which you can experience on their tour. If you don’t have time for a tour, they’re more than happy for visitors to pop in for a quick look around. You can even stay on-site in their self-catering chalet — and honestly, it looks incredible.

Beaches Between Durness to Applecross

You’re in for a real treat when it comes to West Coast beaches. There are far too many to list, so here are the six I visited on my own NC500 adventure. With clear turquoise water, white sand, and a good chance of catching an incredible sunset, they are a perfect place to slow down and just enjoy the moment. If you’re brave enough for a swim, just know the water is super cold all year round, so maybe pack a thermal swimsuit.

Sandwood Bay: The question is… would you walk four miles to reach what many call Britain’s most beautiful beach? That’s the price of admission for Sandwood Bay. There’s no road access, just a flat, scenic path from the gravel car park at Blairmore. The reward is a vast, peaceful stretch of sand framed by the Buachaille sea stack and Cape Wrath. Pure bliss!
Scourie Beach: A brilliant spot for watching seabirds. From the car park, wander up to the cliff point for sweeping views across to Handa Island. The water looks almost tropical — if only it felt that way!
Clachtoll Beach: One of my personal favourites. Clachtoll is picture-perfect, with rugged rock formations including the famous Split Rocks, well worth the short scramble.
Achmelvich Bay: A stunning, popular beach. It’s right next to Hermit’s Castle, so you can blend beach time with a bit of sightseeing. In summer, the bay is great for kayaking and windsurfing.
Achnahaird Beach: Often listed among Scotland’s best, Achnahaird Beach sits in a peaceful, rural spot framed by mountains. The area is a wildlife haven with wildcats, pine martens, and even golden eagles soaring overhead.
Mellon Udrigle Beach: A gorgeous, quiet beach with big views over the surrounding Highland peaks.

Interesting Museums to Visit Between Durness and Applecross

If you’re after something a bit more cultural along the West Coast, you’re in luck, as there are plenty of museums to explore.

RhueArt Gallery: Opened in the 1980s on the shores of Loch Broom near Ullapool, this gallery showcases a mix of contemporary work from both established and emerging artists. Visits are by appointment year-round, which you can easily arrange by giving the gallery a call.
Russian Arctic Convoy Exhibition: Loch Ewe played a crucial role in WWII as the departure point for convoys heading to the Soviet Union with vital supplies. Winston Churchill famously called it “the worst journey in the world,” and this museum honours those who braved the Arctic seas under constant threat. It’s a powerful place to learn about the convoys, right where the history unfolded.
Pool House: A genuine step back in time. This 300-year-old house has held onto its character through centuries of stories — from its days as a courthouse to its role as a WWII headquarters. It’s atmospheric, fascinating, and, according to local whispers, possibly haunted… eek!
Gairloch Museum: Set in a converted nuclear bunker, this museum dives into the history, culture, and heritage of the Northern Highlands. The exhibitions are really interesting, and there’s a cafe to stop in when you get peckish.
Deer Museum: Spotting red deer in the wild can be super difficult, so substantially increase your chances by visiting the Torridon deer enclosure. You can buy deer food at the countryside centre for an up-close encounter, and there’s a small museum on-site too.

Waterfalls Along the Way

Wailing Widow Falls: This 15-metre waterfall sits close to Kylesku Bridge and is only a short 10-minute walk from the Loch na Gainmhich Waterfall Car Park. The effort is minimal, and the payoff is great.
Clashnessie Falls: One of my absolute favourite waterfalls on the NC500, just a short, signposted walk from the Clashnessie Beach car park. The path is boggy in places, but totally worth it. We visited at sunset, and it was just spectacular.
Eas a’ Chual Aluinn: Britain’s highest waterfall, plunging an enormous 200 metres — more than three times the height of Niagara Falls when it’s in full flow. It’s famously tricky to see properly from land, so if you have a drone, this is its moment to shine. Otherwise, it’s a 6-mile hike (4–5 hours) along a boggy then rocky path, leading to the top of the falls, which means you still won’t see the full drop. The hike isn’t easy, so you could opt to take a boat tour from the harbour by Kylesku Hotel for a complete view instead.
Falls of Kirkaig: A lovely, riverside walk of about 4 miles from Inverkirkaig will bring you to this 18-metre waterfall. The path is well-marked but can be rocky and steep in parts, so good hiking boots are essential. The route itself is peaceful and scenic, following the river almost the whole way.
Victoria Falls: Park at the Victoria Falls car park for gorgeous views over Loch Maree, then take the short walk to the viewing area. The falls are named after Queen Victoria, who visited in 1877.
Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach: A dramatic mile-long box canyon where the River Droma plunges toward Loch Broom, forming the impressive Falls of Measach. A short walk along the gorge leads to stunning viewpoints.

Hikes and Scenic Views

If you’re into bagging Munros — mountains over 3,000ft in Scotland — the west coast is packed with them. I can’t cover them all here, but this interactive Munro map will show you exactly where every Munro is.

On the other hand, if you’re not fussed about ticking off Munros, here are a few scenic walks and more challenging hikes on the west coast:

Stac Pollaidh: Start from the Stac Pollaidh car park and ascend this 510m mountain. Reaching the true summit involves some scrambling, making it one of the trickier climbs. Even if you don’t make it all the way, the views over Loch Assynt are breathtaking. Hiking time is between 2 and 4 hours.
Knockan Crag: Formed by the Moine Thrust 500 million years ago, the crag exposes rocks that reveal the collision of ancient continents. From the visitor centre, a one-mile walk (around an hour) brings you to the cliffs.
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve and Loch Maree: Here, there are options for every level. Park at Coille na Glas-Leitir and explore woodland trails, or take on the full challenge of Slioch or Beinn Eighe.
Loch Coulin and Loch Clair: If you prefer something flatter, this 5.5-mile circuit loops around Loch Clair and Loch Coulin in about 2.5–3.5 hours. Even without the climbs, the views across to Beinn Eighe are spectacular, and the route can be shortened if needed.
The Bone Caves: Near Inchnadamph, these caves are reachable via a roughly 2-hour walk from the A837 car park. They were once home to species such as lynx, polar bears, and arctic foxes — a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s prehistoric wildlife.

Adventure Sports to Try Along the West Coast

Most adventure sports centres and companies operate only during the summer high season, from April through September or October. Be sure to check each website for when they are open. Plus, it’s always a good idea to book in advance.

Shearwater Cruises: Departing from Ullapool Harbour, these cruises take you around the stunning Summer Isles, a collection of islands between the Minch and Loch Broom. Cruises run twice daily (morning and afternoon) and last around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Expect breathtaking island views and plenty of seabird and wildlife spotting. It’s worth noting that pre-booking is essential.
Summer Isles Sea Kayaking: You can join a guided kayaking tour or hire equipment to explore the Summer Isles, the Ullapool coastline, or venture out to Lochinver and Assynt.
Hebridean Whale Cruises: Pick from a 2.5-hour whale and wildlife tour, a 3-hour Shiant Island trip, or a 4-hour “Ultimate Orca” adventure. Yes, orcas really do roam the north of Scotland! Tours focus on wildlife spotting and can be booked directly on their website.
Shellfish Safaris: Looking for something completely unique? Well, this is the only experience of its kind in the UK. Enjoy a 90-minute tour on a traditional wooden fishing boat, learn about sustainable fishing and local history, and haul fresh shellfish from the deep.
Shieldaig Outdoor Adventures: Choose from a half-day or full-day guided mountain walk, which will have you exploring Loch Shieldaig, Loch Torridon, or Loch Maree. Alternatively, you could do archery, kayaking, or more. This is a great option for combining land and water adventures.

Other Highlights on the Durness to Applecross NC500 Route

One of the must-see spots is Smoo Cave in Durness, but I covered it in my Thurso to Durness blog post, so I won’t repeat it here.

Kylesku Bridge: One of the most famous landmarks on the NC500, this striking curved bridge offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. It was opened in 1984 to replace the old car ferry over Caolas Cumhann. The best viewpoint is just a few minutes’ walk from the north car park. If you’ve got a drone, this is the perfect spot to capture the bridge from above.
Stoer Lighthouse: Built in 1870 as one of 45 essential lighthouses in Scotland, this iconic spot also offers two self-catering apartments in the keeper’s house if you fancy an overnight stay. The cliffs here make it a fantastic place to watch a sunset, especially on a clear day.
Clachtoll Broch: About a 20-minute walk from Clachtoll Beach, this Iron Age drystone roundhouse served as a defensive structure and refuge for the community and their livestock. Once home to a farming family, until a massive fire destroyed it.
Inverewe House and Gardens: Explore the house’s museum before wandering through the beautifully maintained botanical gardens. The wider estate offers plenty more to discover, and if you’re lucky, you might spot Scotland’s “Big Five”: red squirrels, red deer, otters, seals, and golden eagles.

Bonus Detours from the Durness to Applecross Route

Isle of Lewis and Harris: If you have some spare time, consider taking the CalMac ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and Harris, Scotland’s largest island in the Outer Hebrides. There’s plenty to keep you busy for 2–3 days, from strolling along pristine white beaches, exploring the mysterious Callanish Standing Stones, visiting the historic Lews Castle, or stopping by the Isle of Harris Distillery.

Where to Stop for Food and Breaks Between Durness to Applecross

Cosy Cafes and Local Bites

The Woodland Table: Open from Saturday through to Wednesday, this cosy cafe serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. With delicious cakes and coffee, it’s a perfect place to stop off for a refreshment.
Lochinver Larder: Famous across the West Coast, Lochinver Larder is the go-to spot for hearty pies. They are so popular that you can even have them delivered anywhere in mainland UK — and after tasting them on your NC500 trip, there’s a good chance you’ll sign up for their “pies by post” service!
West Coast Delicatessen: Based in Ullapool, this is a perfect stop for a light lunch, offering deli-filled rolls, toasties, soups, and salads. Their attached delicatessen stocks high-quality local Highland produce, the ideal place to stock up on delicious food to take back home.
The Torridon Stores and Cafe: Set against a stunning backdrop of Loch Torridon and surrounding mountains, this cafe serves breakfasts, light bites, sandwiches, and a tempting selection of home-baked cakes and traybakes. A picture-perfect spot to pause and enjoy the scenery.
Roasters Highland Coffee Box: This artisan coffee box in Poolewe serves Portuguese coffee, Belgian hot chocolate, Spanish churros, and stone-baked sourdough pizza. Need I say more? It’s a little slice of indulgence in the Highlands.

Delicious Restaurants Along the Route

Kylesku Hotel: Just a stone’s throw from Kylesku Bridge, this award-winning Scottish restaurant and bar is famous for its fresh local seafood and unbeatable views over the surrounding lochs. Definitely worth a visit!
The Fish Box: One of the highlights of the NC500 experience is grabbing a takeaway and heading down to the beach. With rave reviews and some of the most beautiful nearby beaches, it’s the perfect combination for a relaxed, comfortable meal.
Seafood Shack: A seasonal gem, opening again in April 2026, it serves fresh seafood from a little food trailer. Since opening in 2016, it’s won multiple awards and garnered rave reviews — a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Carron restaurant: This down-to-earth restaurant serves everything from lunch to early dinner, from starters and mains to indulgent desserts. The food is fantastic, but the real treat is the view.
Applecross Inn: A charming Scottish pub offering hearty meals and cosy accommodation. Stop here before tackling the Bealach na Bà the next morning, and enjoy stunning views across Applecross Bay to the Isle of Raasay.

Accommodation Options Near Applecross and Along the Route

Budget Durness to Applecross Accommodation (£0-£100 per night)

Loch Broom Chalets sit in Leckmelm — just a short drive (about 6 km) from the harbour town of Ullapool. Consisting of a handful of cosy, forest-hillside chalets with sea and mountain views over Loch Broom, this is the ideal place to unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing. Plus, each unit is self-catering, so you can save money by cooking your own meals.

Torridon Youth Hostel lies high among the hills at the head of Upper Loch Torridon — nestled in the dramatic mountainscape of the Highlands, near the shadow of the 3,000-foot peak Liathach. It offers a variety of sleeping arrangements, from dorm beds to private rooms, making it suitable for solo travellers, couples or groups.

Hartfield House sits on the remote and scenic Applecross peninsula. The hostel offers a mix of accommodations: single, twin, triple and dorm rooms, plus a selection of ensuite double and family rooms — allowing for flexibility. On-site amenities include hot showers, shared kitchen and dining room, common lounge areas, drying room and laundry.

Mid-Range Durness to Applecross Accommodation (£100-£200 per night)

Set in the harbour village of Ullapool on Scotland’s rugged coast, Croft No.8 Bed & Breakfast delivers quietly comfortable stays in a peaceful setting. You can enjoy the sea and mountain views from the room, sun terrace or garden, and a generous breakfast in the morning.

Tucked on the shores of a sea-loch near the village of Shieldaig (a short drive from Gairloch), Shieldaig Lodge is a restored 19th-century Highland lodge. Each of the 12 individually styled bedrooms has an en-suite bathroom, underfloor heating, and Egyptian cotton bedding. Start your day with a complimentary full Scottish breakfast, then enjoy lunch or dinner in the loch-view restaurant before rounding off the evening with a post-dinner dram in the cosy whisky bar.

Set on the remote and windswept Applecross peninsula — reached via the dramatic mountain pass over the Bealach na Bà or along the coastal road — the cosy Applecross B&B and Luxury Self-Catering Cabins suit a variety of travellers. Opt for a B&B room and wake to a full Scottish breakfast, while a cabin will give you your own private living space, your own kitchen, and seclusion after a long day exploring the coast.

High-End Durness to Applecross Accommodation (£200+ per night)

Newton Lodge sits near Kylesku (in Unapool), and it offers seven individually styled en-suite rooms, all thoughtfully furnished with modern comforts. The public areas are warm and welcoming with a rustic restaurant and bar, serving local beers, Scottish whiskies, cocktails and seasonal dishes — with beautiful views over the loch from the lounge and outdoor decking area.

Ledgowan Lodge is a grand Victorian-style country house hotel located in the Highland village of Achnasheen — not far from beautiful Loch Maree and nestled amid mountains, glens, and forested trails. The hotel offers a variety of en-suite rooms, from standard doubles and twins to more luxurious suites — some with spa baths or a four-poster bed — giving a comfortable, roomy stay whether you’re alone, in a couple, or travelling with family.

Plockton Inn is set in the charming coastal village of Plockton, on Loch Carron. The Inn offers cosy, en-suite rooms across its main building and neighbouring annexes. Dining is the real treat here, though, with its on-site seafood restaurant serving up locally caught fish and shellfish, and the bar offering whisky, gin, wine, and sometimes live music in the evenings.

Tips for a Smooth Journey from Durness to Applecross

Here are a few handy tips to enjoy your journey from Durness to Applecross:

Download your maps offline – Mobile signal can be patchy on the north coast. Having your Google Maps saved offline means you won’t have to rely on data to find your way.
Respect the landscape – Stick to marked paths and take litter home with you.
Watch for single-track sections – Parts of the route narrow into single-track roads. Take your time, use passing places properly, and be patient with other drivers.
Embrace the pace – Life in the far north moves at a wonderfully gentle pace, and your journey from Durness to Applecross should too. Take your time, pause at viewpoints, and enjoy cosy cafe stops and beach stops along the way.
Book Accommodation Early – If you’re planning to stay overnight anywhere along the route from Durness to Applecross, book ahead — especially during summer when the accommodation on the North Coast 500 fills up super fast!

Loved this guide about the NC500 Durness to Applecross section? Save it to Pinterest for when you embark on this epic road trip!

I’d love it if you could drop a comment below, share my Pinterest pins, and subscribe to my blog to stay updated with new posts. Every bit of engagement helps my little travel blog grow!

This post is all about Durness to Applecross.

Thanks so much for reading – it means the world!

Kirsty x