TNM- THE PERFECT BASE FOR NC500 DAY TRIPS! BOOK A LONGER STAY AND START EXPLORING!
north coast 500 tips
do you have to drive the whole nc500 route in one holiday?
do you have to drive the whole nc500 route in one holiday?
do you have to drive the whole nc500 route in one holiday?
No. Definitely not.
This is a common misconception.
The idea is to explore it slowly and thoroughly, spending quality time in local areas.
Staying only 1 night in one place and driving all day is exhausing and stressful.. .
If you can... take your time...
is tigh na mara on the nc500?
do you have to drive the whole nc500 route in one holiday?
do you have to drive the whole nc500 route in one holiday?
We are a little off the main route but right on the coast so yes we are!
Don't miss the Moray Firth Dolphins at Chanonry Point!
You can find The Black Isle in the North coast 500 route planner.
We even have a stamp!
fill up with fuel, bring a picnic and plenty of drinks
fill up with fuel, bring a picnic and plenty of drinks
fill up with fuel, bring a picnic and plenty of drinks
Especially off-season (but even at busy times) it can be difficult to find shops, service stations, cafes or restaurants which are open or which have availability in some of the quieter areas.
It is best to stock up with fuel and picnic supplies before you start each da.
Leave no trace- take away all rubbish until the next time you find a bin.
Full Day Puffin Adventure
fill up with fuel, bring a picnic and plenty of drinks
fill up with fuel, bring a picnic and plenty of drinks
Day Trip from Tigh Na Mara Guest House to Dunnet Head – Puffin Adventure
Discover the breathtaking scenery of Scotland’s far north on a memorable day trip to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain and one of the best places in the UK to see Atlantic puffins.
Distance: Approximately 180 miles (290 km) return
Allow: A full day (8–10 hours)
Suggested Route
Travel north through the beautiful Black Isle before joining the A9 towards:
● Tain
● Dornoch
● Brora
● Helmsdale
● Wick
● Castletown
● Dunnet Head
Seasonal option: If you’re visiting when it is operating, you may wish to take the Cromarty–Nigg Ferry, which shortens the journey slightly and provides a lovely crossing of the Cromarty Firth. Please note that this ferry is seasonal and may not operate every day or in poor weather, so always check the timetable before travelling.
Dunnet Head
Spend time exploring the lighthouse, dramatic sea cliffs and walking paths while enjoying spectacular views across the Pentland Firth to Orkney.
Wildlife commonly seen includes:
● Atlantic puffins
● Guillemots
● Razorbills
● Fulmars
● Kittiwakes
● Seals and, occasionally, dolphins
When to See Puffins
Puffins usually arrive in late April and remain until early August.
The very best time to visit is:
● May and June – large numbers are present.
● June to early July – adults can often be seen carrying sand eels back to their burrows to feed their chicks.
By mid-August, most puffins have returned to sea.
Suggested Stops
John O’Groats
Enjoy lunch by the harbour, browse the local gift shops and visit the famous signpost marking one end of Britain’s best-known journey.
Castle of Mey
Visit the beautiful gardens and the much-loved Highland home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, overlooking the Pentland Firth.
Top Tips
● Bring binoculars for the best wildlife viewing.
● Wear sturdy footwear and a windproof jacket, as the cliffs can be exposed even in summer.
● Check the weather before setting off, as sea mist can occasionally reduce visibility.
● If planning to use the Cromarty–Nigg Ferry, check the latest timetable before you travel, as crossings are seasonal and weather dependent.
This is one of the finest wildlife and scenic day trips from Tigh Na Mara Guest House, combining dramatic coastal landscapes, fascinating wildlife and unforgettable Highland views..
Nearby north coast 500 attractions to enjoy as day trips
spend some amazing time at chanonry point- enjoy a picnic (on a picnic table) whilst waiting for the dolphins to put on their amazing show!
spend some amazing time at chanonry point- enjoy a picnic (on a picnic table) whilst waiting for the dolphins to put on their amazing show!
spend some amazing time at chanonry point- enjoy a picnic (on a picnic table) whilst waiting for the dolphins to put on their amazing show!
A 20-25 minute walk from us!
take a day trip to dunrobin castle in golspie. stop off in dornoch on the way and watch the seals on the sand banks of loch fleet
spend some amazing time at chanonry point- enjoy a picnic (on a picnic table) whilst waiting for the dolphins to put on their amazing show!
spend some amazing time at chanonry point- enjoy a picnic (on a picnic table) whilst waiting for the dolphins to put on their amazing show!
A 1 hour 10 minute drive from us!
take an amazing caledonian canal trip to loch ness. hunt for nessie and and explore urquart castle
spend some amazing time at chanonry point- enjoy a picnic (on a picnic table) whilst waiting for the dolphins to put on their amazing show!
take an amazing caledonian canal trip to loch ness. hunt for nessie and and explore urquart castle
A 30 minute drive from us!
touch the outlander standing stones at clava near culloden battlefied
visitinverness for shopping live music at hootnanny, good food at the mustard seed, beautiul architecture, shopping and stunning woodland riverside walks across victorian footbridges to the botanic gardens
take an amazing caledonian canal trip to loch ness. hunt for nessie and and explore urquart castle
A 40 minute drive from us!
visit ullapool. view stunning waterfalls, take a boat trip to the summer isles and eat at the seafood shack and
visitinverness for shopping live music at hootnanny, good food at the mustard seed, beautiul architecture, shopping and stunning woodland riverside walks across victorian footbridges to the botanic gardens
visitinverness for shopping live music at hootnanny, good food at the mustard seed, beautiul architecture, shopping and stunning woodland riverside walks across victorian footbridges to the botanic gardens
A 1 hour 15 min drive from us!
visitinverness for shopping live music at hootnanny, good food at the mustard seed, beautiul architecture, shopping and stunning woodland riverside walks across victorian footbridges to the botanic gardens
visitinverness for shopping live music at hootnanny, good food at the mustard seed, beautiul architecture, shopping and stunning woodland riverside walks across victorian footbridges to the botanic gardens
visitinverness for shopping live music at hootnanny, good food at the mustard seed, beautiul architecture, shopping and stunning woodland riverside walks across victorian footbridges to the botanic gardens
A 40 minute drive from us!
SEA VIEW ROOMS SELLING FAST SOME DATES ALREADY SOLD OUT
Surprise a loved on with that extra-special gift of time away on the beautiful Black Isle... Make special memories to treasure forever...