Drive & Hike: North Coast 500 & Orkney

Ballifeary Guest House is an impressive Victorian Villa with many original features. It is ideally located only a matter of yards from Eden Court Theatre and a short walk from the River Ness where you can find many restaurants, Inverness Castle and the cathedral. Rooms have been refurbished to a high standard offering every comfort you would expect.  

Aye Stay is family run B&B in situated close to the renowned Eden Court theatre right in the heart of Inverness, the Gateway to the Highlands, providing a base to explore the city and the spectacular sights of the surrounding areas. All rooms are equipped with high speed free wifi, USB charging ports, Smart TV, Scottish fine soap toiletries, and coffee & tea making facilities with yummy biscuits!

The house that this accommodation is located in was built in the mid-19th century by a local shipping merchant. It is full of character and still has the original fireplace. It is an approximate 8-minute walk from the city centre and a large choice of restaurants and pubs. The rooms are warm and cosy. 

Tigh an Eilean is situated in Shieldaig village on the shores of Loch Torridon. It is a small family run hotel owned by Chris and Cathryn who will provide a warm welcome. The hotel has an award-winning AA restaurant, cosy lounge, and residents bars with views out onto the loch, perfect for watching those spectacular west coast sunsets.

This B&B overlooks Loch Gairloch with stunning views of the Isle of Skye.

Easan Beag (Gaelic for little waterfall) is situated on the outskirts of the village of Gairloch and is an ideal base to explore the surrounding countryside.

The Stables is located close to the shores of Loch Torridon and enjoys superb views of the mountains. Stay in a cosy en suite room, and enjoy great food and a homely atmosphere in its traditional pub.

Tigh an Eilean is situated in Shieldaig village on the shores of Loch Torridon. It is a small family run hotel owned by Chris and Cathryn who will provide a warm welcome. The hotel has an award-winning AA restaurant, cosy lounge, and residents bars with views out onto the loch, perfect for watching those spectacular west coast sunsets.

This B&B overlooks Loch Gairloch with stunning views of the Isle of Skye.

Easan Beag (Gaelic for little waterfall) is situated on the outskirts of the village of Gairloch and is an ideal base to explore the surrounding countryside.

The Stables is located close to the shores of Loch Torridon and enjoys superb views of the mountains. Stay in a cosy en suite room, and enjoy great food and a homely atmosphere in its traditional pub.

Harbour House is a family-run bed and breakfast situated on the shores of Loch Broom just a short stroll from the village of Ullapool. The comfortable and pleasantly furnished en-suite bedrooms have modern amenities and look out to either the loch or the rugged mountains. The spacious lounge with its panoramic view of the harbour, loch and hills, provides a place to relax and unwind.

The Arch Inn in Ullapool offers comfortable ensuite rooms with views over Loch Broom and the Fannich Mountains in the distance. It is also known as a great place for live music and the restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced products such as local scallops, langoustines, lobster and oysters. Meet the locals in the Drink Inn Bar before enjoying a night of restful sleep.

The Royal Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Ullapool and occupies a prestigious location. They have 54 beautifully-renovated, stylish and contemporary bedrooms, many with panoramic views over Loch Broom and beautiful mountains. All rooms are equipped with en-suite facilities (with a bath or shower) and offer hospitality trays with tea and coffee; flat screen colour TV and free wifi. They have a choice of bars and restaurants available offering fresh market produce or some of the finest seafood available prepare to perfection by their dedicated chefs.

Harbour House is a family-run bed and breakfast situated on the shores of Loch Broom just a short stroll from the village of Ullapool. The comfortable and pleasantly furnished en-suite bedrooms have modern amenities and look out to either the loch or the rugged mountains. The spacious lounge with its panoramic view of the harbour, loch and hills, provides a place to relax and unwind.

The Arch Inn in Ullapool offers comfortable ensuite rooms with views over Loch Broom and the Fannich Mountains in the distance. It is also known as a great place for live music and the restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced products such as local scallops, langoustines, lobster and oysters. Meet the locals in the Drink Inn Bar before enjoying a night of restful sleep.

The Royal Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Ullapool and occupies a prestigious location. They have 54 beautifully-renovated, stylish and contemporary bedrooms, many with panoramic views over Loch Broom and beautiful mountains. All rooms are equipped with en-suite facilities (with a bath or shower) and offer hospitality trays with tea and coffee; flat screen colour TV and free wifi. They have a choice of bars and restaurants available offering fresh market produce or some of the finest seafood available prepare to perfection by their dedicated chefs.

You will be guaranteed a warm welcome when you check into this accommodation. This small guest house is a modern property and the guest rooms have all the amenities you require for a comfortable overnight stay.

This small family run friendly hotel is situated in the east of Durness the most north westerly village on Mainland Britain in the Northern Scottish Highlands named after the famous Smoo cave. They are in the heart of Scotland’s first Geopark. Set in a tastefully extended traditional crofting house the hotel has developed with character and keeping with its surroundings Each room has its own Tea and Coffee making facilities, heating and television.

Situated by the sea and close to the famous Smoo Cave, the former sporting lodge dates from 1790 and is one of the most iconic period properties in Durness. Set in nearly two acres of private grounds from which you can enjoy stunning views of the sea to the north, the mouth of Loch Eriboll, Whiten Head and the nearby hills of the Dionard valley to the east & south and westwards to Cape Wrath.

You will be guaranteed a warm welcome when you check into this accommodation. This small guest house is a modern property and the guest rooms have all the amenities you require for a comfortable overnight stay.

This small family run friendly hotel is situated in the east of Durness the most north westerly village on Mainland Britain in the Northern Scottish Highlands named after the famous Smoo cave. They are in the heart of Scotland’s first Geopark. Set in a tastefully extended traditional crofting house the hotel has developed with character and keeping with its surroundings Each room has its own Tea and Coffee making facilities, heating and television.

Situated by the sea and close to the famous Smoo Cave, the former sporting lodge dates from 1790 and is one of the most iconic period properties in Durness. Set in nearly two acres of private grounds from which you can enjoy stunning views of the sea to the north, the mouth of Loch Eriboll, Whiten Head and the nearby hills of the Dionard valley to the east & south and westwards to Cape Wrath.

The Bed & Breakfast at 4 is a traditional town house centrally located in Thurso within easy walking distance of bars and restaurants. The rooms are all well-appointed with en-suite facilities which include a fully pressurised shower. Guests also have use of a lounge which has a large flat screen TV and fridge. Free Wi-Fi is also available for your convenience. Through the Highland Highlife card scheme, they can offer their guests free access to the local swimming pool, sauna, and gym.

Y-Not is situated in the heart of the coastal town of Thurso, a stone’s throw from all amenities, shops, bars and restaurants. It is just a short 5 minute walk to Thurso river, harbour and beach. There is also a 2 mile coastal walk with fantastic views over the Pentland Firth to Scrabster Habour, with views of the Orkney Islands and Dunnet Head.

The hotel retains much of its character with the thistles above each of the dormer windows and a cockerel above the main entrance. The restaurant uses locally sourced seasonal produce and has a warm and relaxed atmosphere, there is also a well-stocked bar area for you to relax in after a day’s sightseeing.

A small family run hotel with 11 en-suite rooms and 2 self-contained annexes. Rooms are simply furnished and have all the amenities you need. There is a restaurant on site where you may enjoy the taste of Orkney’s finest produce and 3 bars serving local beer and whisky. 

Established in 1901 this historic hotel is perfectly situated to enjoy the many walks in the area. The hotel offers comfortable accommodation in a relaxed setting. The bay windows of the Hamnavoe Bar look out over the picturesque harbour, why not sample an award-winning Orkney Ale? There's also a restaurant - the Scapa Flow - serving locally sourced Orcadian dishes.

Situated on the harbour front on the heart of Stromness the Ferry Inn provides an ideal base your trip. They serve great all day food in the cracking community bar. The Inn boasts a restaurant with pub and a la carte menus centred around fresh local produce - fantastic seafood, great beef and lamb, home baked breads and desserts (along with interesting vegetarian options).

A small family run hotel with 11 en-suite rooms and 2 self-contained annexes. Rooms are simply furnished and have all the amenities you need. There is a restaurant on site where you may enjoy the taste of Orkney’s finest produce and 3 bars serving local beer and whisky. 

Established in 1901 this historic hotel is perfectly situated to enjoy the many walks in the area. The hotel offers comfortable accommodation in a relaxed setting. The bay windows of the Hamnavoe Bar look out over the picturesque harbour, why not sample an award-winning Orkney Ale? There's also a restaurant - the Scapa Flow - serving locally sourced Orcadian dishes.

Situated on the harbour front on the heart of Stromness the Ferry Inn provides an ideal base your trip. They serve great all day food in the cracking community bar. The Inn boasts a restaurant with pub and a la carte menus centred around fresh local produce - fantastic seafood, great beef and lamb, home baked breads and desserts (along with interesting vegetarian options).

Ballifeary Guest House is an impressive Victorian Villa with many original features. It is ideally located only a matter of yards from Eden Court Theatre and a short walk from the River Ness where you can find many restaurants, Inverness Castle and the cathedral. Rooms have been refurbished to a high standard offering every comfort you would expect.  

Aye Stay is family run B&B in situated close to the renowned Eden Court theatre right in the heart of Inverness, the Gateway to the Highlands, providing a base to explore the city and the spectacular sights of the surrounding areas. All rooms are equipped with high speed free wifi, USB charging ports, Smart TV, Scottish fine soap toiletries, and coffee & tea making facilities with yummy biscuits!

The house that this accommodation is located in was built in the mid-19th century by a local shipping merchant. It is full of character and still has the original fireplace. It is an approximate 8-minute walk from the city centre and a large choice of restaurants and pubs. The rooms are warm and cosy.