North Coast 500 and the Orkney Islands - 5 day tour

Day 2 - Inverness - Golspie - Kirkwall

A hearty breakfast prepares us for the second day of our adventure, which sees us head north past Tain and the distinctive Glenmorangie distillery. Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve is our first port of call, where we can enjoy peace and quiet amongst the wildlife.

We enjoy another pause in the planned village of Golspie, before a short trip bring us to the splendid Carn Liath. Set against a stunning North Sea backdrop, the ruins of this ancient broch stir memories of a once-thriving Iron Age settlement.

Moving north, the port of Helmsdale is our next stop, where our history lesson continues. Here, there’s time to study the moving Emigrants statue and learn more about the Highland Clearances that devastated a community centuries before.

Later we head for Gills Bay, where we raise anchor and cross by ferry to the beautiful islands of Orkney. First stop is the moving Italian Chapel, lovingly crafted from a humble Nissen hut by Italian prisoners held there during World War II.

Our day ends gazing out to sea across beautiful Scapa Flow, before we retire to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, our home for the next two nights.

Overnight: Kirkwall (2 nights)

Day 3 - Exploring the Orkney Islands

A day of discovery lies ahead, so another hearty Highland breakfast is on the menu as we prepare to explore Orkney’s abundance of hidden treasures.

The magnificent Stone Age settlement at Skara Brae is our first port of call. Lying hidden for centuries, these Neolihthic homes were only revealed to the world by a storm in 1850. We duly pause awhile, glimpsing Orkney’s fascinating past among the beautifully preserved stone hearths and furniture.

Equally wondrous is our next stop – the Maeshowe cairn. Built almost 5,000 years ago, we descend into its stunning chambered tomb, complete with ancient graffiti daubed by Norse visitors in the 12th century.

Once back into the light, we make our way to one of Orkney’s most celebrated and photographed attractions – the rugged Stones of Stenness. These four proud monoliths each stand 6m tall, and were once part of a mysterious circle whose purpose is now lost to time.

Our final destination is the Broch of Gurness, a magnificently preserved Iron Age settlement nestled beside Eynhallow Sound, with stunning views to the isle of Rousay.

Returning to Kirkwall, there’s time for a stroll around the harbour to work up an appetite before dinner.

Day 4 - Kirkwall - Smoo Cave - Ullapool

We bid farewell to the Orkneys and board our faithful ferry once again. Pulling away from the shore, our 60-minute crossing is accompanied by the many colourful seabirds who soar beside us.

Once on the mainland, it’s a short trip to Thurso, where today’s adventure begins – after a delicious Highland lunch of course. Once replenished, we turn our thoughts to the North Coast 500, on which we will enjoy some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery.

We begin our journey at Tongue and its famous causeway, with panoramic views across the Kyle under the watchful eye of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope. Just up the coast we’ll then explore Britain’s deepest sea inlet beside rugged Loch Eriboll.

Our coach then takes us onwards to the breathtaking Smoo Cave near Durness. Wander inside its 50ft high entrance and marvel at the waterfall cascading inside – a sight not to be missed.

With the scent of history in our nostrils, we continue across Kylesku Bridge to the haunting ruins of Ardvreck Castle. Here, we savour the spellbinding view across Loch Assynt, framed in the distance by the towering Assynt Hills.

From here, we wind our way to the pretty fishing port of Ullapool on Loch Broom, where a relaxing evening awaits.

Overnight: Ullapool

Day 5 - Ullapool - Culloden Moor - Edinburgh/Glasgow

As the sun rises on our final day, we enjoy breakfast in this charming village, before our coach pulls away through the picturesque countryside of Easter Ross.

Our journey takes us through the tiny village of Garve where, just a short distance away, we can take a leisurely woodland stroll to the tumbling sprays of Rogie Falls. If you’re lucky enough, the wild salmon may even be leaping!

Later, outside Inverness, we visit Culloden Moor, site of the last battle ever fought on British soil. Close your eyes and imagine the clash of steel and smell of gunpowder on that fateful day in 1746 as Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were routed by the British Army.

More history awaits at our next stop as we visit the intriguing chambers of Clava Cairns. Wander among the remains of this ancient cemetery, whose prehistoric stones inspired the Outlander books and TV show.

We continue southwards, driving through the beautifully unspoilt surroundings of the Cairngorms National Park and crossing from Highlands to Lowlands through the ancient Pass of Drumochter.

Our final stop is a fitting one as we sample the Victorian delights of Pitlochry, before meandering through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Firth of Forth back to Edinburgh.

If you started your tour in Glasgow the coach will pause at Edinburgh Waverley Station. Here you catch the express train back to Glasgow. The train operates every 30 minutes and the journey time is only 50 minutes or so. The fare is included in the cost of the tour.