NC500 Road Trip - iPhone Pics and Blog

Introduction

Hello, fellow adventurers! I’m thrilled to share my upcoming NC500 road trip around Scotland’s magnificent NC500 with my wife Su. We’re embarking on an epic journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, and I can hardly contain my excitement! As a passionate photographer, I’ve packed all my camera gear, eager to capture the awe-inspiring scenery, charming puffins, iconic Jacobite railway, and so much more. Time for the NC500 Road Trip.

Now, I must confess, I won’t be able to post process all the DSLR photos I take until after the trip. Neither will I be lugging around heavy DSLRs or fancy lenses everywhere! Instead, I’ve decided to challenge myself with my trusty iPhone camera to document our adventures. While it may seem like a limitation, I see it as an opportunity to explore the creative possibilities of mobile photography and capture the essence of the NC500 through a different lens.

The NC500, a 500-mile route that loops around the northern coast of Scotland, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and historic castles. It’s a road trip that promises to be filled with unforgettable moments, and I can’t wait to share it all with you. From the serene lochs to the misty glens, from the charming villages to the majestic mountains, this journey is sure to be a visual feast for the eyes.

One of the highlights I’m eagerly looking forward to is the chance to spot (read Photograph) puffins. These adorable seabirds are known for their colourful beaks and comical antics, and I’m hoping to capture some candid shots of them in their natural habitat. I’m also excited about the iconic Jacobite railway, famously known as the “Hogwarts Express” from the Harry Potter movies. This steam train journey across the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a must-do for any Potterhead and promises to be a nostalgic and picturesque experience.

Of course, it won’t be all about photography. Su and I are also excited about immersing ourselves in the local culture, trying out traditional Scottish cuisine, and connecting with the friendly locals along the way. We plan to make pit stops in quaint villages, explore hidden gems, and learn about the rich history and folklore of the region.

While I may not be able to publish some of my images in real-time due to the limitations of iPhone photography and signal issues, I’m looking forward to the post-processing and publishing as soon as I can. I can already envision myself spending hours sifting through thousands of images, reliving the moments, and creating stunning visuals that will help me cherish this adventure for a lifetime.

So, join us as we embark on this personal and photographic journey around Scotland’s NC500 Road Trip. Through my lens and words, I hope to share the beauty, excitement, and magic of this journey with you all. Let’s hit the road, capture the moments, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Drive to Stirling

On the morning of our holiday, my wife and I woke up early, filled with excitement and anticipation for our trip. We quickly got ready and set off from our home in north Hampshire at 4am. Our aim was to avoid any potential traffic and make good time on our journey, as we were eager to start our holiday as soon as possible.

The journey was smooth and uneventful for the most part, but we did encounter some fog between Newbury and Birmingham. Despite this, we were able to navigate through it without any difficulty, and it didn’t cause any significant delay in our journey.

As we approached the Lake District, we were greeted with a band of rain, which was somewhat disappointing, as we had been hoping for clear skies and scenic views. Nonetheless, we pressed on, determined not to let the weather dampen our spirits.

Fortunately, as we crossed the border into Scotland, the sun started to shine, and the landscape around us began to brighten up. It was a welcome sight, and we both felt a sense of excitement as we approached our holiday destination.

Finally, we arrived in Stirling, and the warm, sunny weather welcomed us with open arms. We were both relieved and elated to be there, and we made our way to a local restaurant for lunch, eager to start exploring all that the city had to offer. It was a great start to our holiday, and we couldn’t wait to see what other adventures awaited us in the days ahead.

some of the iPhone photos from our first glimpse of Stirling.

Ultimate NC500 Road Trip: A Photographer's Dream

The Wallace Monument & Stirling Castle

Our walk from Stirling centre to the Wallace Monument was a wonderful experience that we will always remember. We crossed over the old bridge and enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the way. Once we reached the monument, we were in awe of its impressive architecture and historical significance. The Wallace Monument is a towering structure that stands at 67 meters tall and was built in the 19th century to honor the Scottish hero William Wallace. It features a spiral staircase with 246 steps leading up to the first level, and an additional 50 steps leading up to the Crown at the top. Despite my initial fear of heights and spiral staircases, we decided to climb to the top for the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. From the top, we could see for miles around, and the view was truly magnificent. We took some stunning pictures to capture the moment and commemorate our visit to this iconic Scottish landmark.

After we had descended the monument, we were feeling exhilarated but also a little tired from the climb. We decided to take a moment to relax and reflect on the experience, and what better way to do that than with a hot cup of tea! We found a cozy spot to sit and enjoy our well-deserved cuppa, taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The warm tea was just what we needed to rejuvenate our energy for the rest of the journey. We then retraced our steps back to the old bridge across the River Forth, where we continued our adventure by heading toward Stirling Castle. The castle is a magnificent fortress that has stood for centuries, and we were excited to explore its rich history and see the stunning architecture up close. As we walked along, we took in the sights and sounds of the bustling town of Stirling, soaking up the unique atmosphere of this wonderful Scottish destination.

As we entered Stirling Castle, my wife and I were filled with excitement and anticipation to extend our tour and explore the magnificent fortress. Stirling Castle is steeped in history, having been a site of great importance for over 800 years. The castle has played a significant role in many key events throughout Scottish history, including the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite Rising of 1745.

As we wandered through the castle’s grand halls and rooms, we were struck by its impressive architecture and intricate details. The castle boasts an impressive collection of fine art, tapestries, and furnishings that tell the story of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.

One of the highlights of our visit was the Great Hall, a grand space that has hosted many significant events over the years, including royal banquets and celebrations. We were fascinated by the intricate carvings and decorations that adorned the walls and ceiling of this magnificent space.

Another must-see attraction at Stirling Castle is the Royal Palace, where we marveled at the opulent furnishings and décor that were once used by Scottish monarchs. We also enjoyed exploring the castle’s gardens and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Overall, our visit to Stirling Castle was an unforgettable experience that brought us closer to Scotland’s rich history and culture. We left feeling inspired and grateful to have had the opportunity to explore this magnificent fortress.

What a fantastic stay we’ve had in this historic town. Tomorrow we pack up and move on to Inverness.

From Stirling to Inverness

After bidding farewell to the captivating city of Stirling, we embarked on the next part of our NC500 road trip, which led us to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. En route, we made a stop at Doune Castle, situated in the village of Doune. The chilly morning weather didn’t deter us from exploring this well-preserved medieval castle, which has been featured in popular films and TV shows, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Outlander.

As we continued our journey, we entered the Cairngorms National Park, where we encountered all kinds of weather. Our next stop was at Pitlochry, where we took a brisk walk to stretch our legs over the hydroelectric dam, which provides electricity to the local area. Did you know that Pitlochry Dam was built in the 1950s and generates enough electricity to power over 16,000 homes!!

Afterwards, we drove to the Falls of Bruar, where we embarked on a refreshing hike to the top and back. The falls are a series of waterfalls that cascade down through the gorge, offering stunning views and a peaceful ambiance. The area is also known for its scenic woodland walks and is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Finally, as we headed towards Aviemore, we were treated to a breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks of the Scottish Highlands. We arrived in Inverness in the evening, feeling invigorated by the beautiful sights we had witnessed throughout the day.

Stay tuned for more updates from our exciting NC500 road trip.

From Inverness to Thurso

Continuing our NC500 journey from Inverness was an exciting adventure that led us to explore one of Scotland’s most impressive castles – Dunrobin Castle. As we drove through the stunning Scottish countryside, we couldn’t wait to explore the majestic castle and learn more about its fascinating history.

Dunrobin Castle is one of the oldest continuously inhabited houses in Scotland, dating back to the early 1300s. It is also one of the most magnificent, with its soaring turrets, fairytale-like architecture, and stunning gardens that offer breathtaking views of the North Sea.

But as we arrived at the castle, the weather took a turn for the worse. The blue skies that had accompanied us on our journey quickly gave way to dark clouds, and soon we found ourselves being pelted with sleet and snow.

Despite the sudden change in weather, we remained undeterred and continued to explore the castle. We marveled at the castle’s exquisite interior, filled with ornate tapestries, antique furniture, and stunning works of art. We also took in the breathtaking views of the Scottish coastline from the castle’s many windows and balconies.

After leaving Dunrobin Castle, we were uncertain about what the rest of the day would hold. But as we continued north, the weather suddenly cleared up, and we found ourselves surrounded by stunning vistas of the rugged Scottish coastline.

We decided to take advantage of the good weather and continued our journey to John o’ Groats. This small village on the northeastern tip of Scotland is famous for being the northernmost point on the British mainland. Here, we took in the stunning views of the North Sea and even spotted some seals basking on the rocks.

As we made our way back to our hotel, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the unexpected twists and turns of the day. Despite the unpredictable weather, we had managed to experience the best that Scotland had to offer, from its stunning castles to its rugged coastline.

Exploring the North Coastline

Our first day in Thurso and the weather turned cold, dark and wet. However, with the desire to explore each of the nooks and crannies of this beautiful piece of Scotland, the following images reflect this rugged beauty.