1 day in the North East mainland - what to stop at?
Discussion
I really want to do the full NC500 at some point but I have a couple of days spare so heading up to look at the north east corner later this week. Got a night booked in the outskirts of Wick.
I'm familiar with the A9 up to Inverness so will probably stop for lunch around Bruar and take a walk up the falls but I'm open to ideas on stops to make both on the way up and way back down. I won't have a lot of time so things near the roadside are preferred, I can't do a day trip to Orkney for instance. I'll probably head north after the nights stay and loop round Dunnet Head and Thurso before taking the A9 back south, so that triangle really or anywhere off the A9 between Wick and Inverness.
I'm familiar with the A9 up to Inverness so will probably stop for lunch around Bruar and take a walk up the falls but I'm open to ideas on stops to make both on the way up and way back down. I won't have a lot of time so things near the roadside are preferred, I can't do a day trip to Orkney for instance. I'll probably head north after the nights stay and loop round Dunnet Head and Thurso before taking the A9 back south, so that triangle really or anywhere off the A9 between Wick and Inverness.
The Hermitage near Pitlochry is immediately off the A9 and provides you with a lovely gentle walk up to the falls and the folly there, a very pleasant hour or so (more if you wanted) out of the car and in proper old Caledonian forest. Also the tallest tree (s) in Scotland. Much more pleasant than the Bruar falls. Better eating options in both Pitlochry and Dunkeld than the tourist trap that is house of bruar too.
Whisky distillery tour option? Most of them provide sample bottles so you don't have to taste it there and then and therefore still be ok to drive. Tullibardine and Dalwhinnie are both right next to the A9, there's a lot more further up too although I don't know that neck of the woods so well.
Whisky distillery tour option? Most of them provide sample bottles so you don't have to taste it there and then and therefore still be ok to drive. Tullibardine and Dalwhinnie are both right next to the A9, there's a lot more further up too although I don't know that neck of the woods so well.
Lots of places will shut on 31st of September until next April but in that area.
Advisable to check if things will be open.
Dalmore or Glenmorangie are the 2 whisky distillieries that would likely have tours available.
Tain is a nice spot to stop at for lunch too. If you need petrol.
Advisable to check if things will be open.
Dalmore or Glenmorangie are the 2 whisky distillieries that would likely have tours available.
Tain is a nice spot to stop at for lunch too. If you need petrol.
Edited by sherman on Monday 16th September 13:41
Thanks both. Some good ideas there, will check out the hermitage as a Bruar alternative. Probably on the way back as I’ll be past it by lunchtime while heading up.
Yes heading this week rather than next month as I’ve had the “welcome to Scotland, we’re closed” experience in October before.
Finger crossed the weather forecast is right. While the west cost has the best scenery there should still be some good views across the east out to sea. Think I’ll try Duncansby head lighthouse and take a walk down to see the stacks if time allows.
Yes heading this week rather than next month as I’ve had the “welcome to Scotland, we’re closed” experience in October before.
Finger crossed the weather forecast is right. While the west cost has the best scenery there should still be some good views across the east out to sea. Think I’ll try Duncansby head lighthouse and take a walk down to see the stacks if time allows.
If you’re nr Inverness, an hour or two at Chanonry Point to see whales / dolphins? They should still be active and one of the best areas in uk to see them.
Just sent you a PM - I could send you some info on places in the NE. From an article that might be helpful, but can’t post publicly.
Just sent you a PM - I could send you some info on places in the NE. From an article that might be helpful, but can’t post publicly.
Edited by thepritch on Tuesday 17th September 07:57
Edited by thepritch on Tuesday 17th September 08:09
Thanks all.
Up here now. Have emailed you thepritch but no worries as I’ll definitely be returning next year with a bit more planning and time to spend.
Stayed overnight in Wick and dropped by the old castle. Been to Whaligoe Steps first thing this morning. Brilliant in the sun. Off to Duncansby head next.
Up here now. Have emailed you thepritch but no worries as I’ll definitely be returning next year with a bit more planning and time to spend.
Stayed overnight in Wick and dropped by the old castle. Been to Whaligoe Steps first thing this morning. Brilliant in the sun. Off to Duncansby head next.
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