Where to Stay on NC500

So we’ve just got back from our honeymoon and wanted to share everywhere we stopped as well as some other good options. All of the places we stayed were dog friendly for Barney, we’ll also link at least one other place so there is more options of where we stopped isn’t quite right for you. We would recommend booking at least a year in advance if you’re travelling in peak times like we did, all the best places will get snapped up really quickly.

Inverness

We stayed in an Airbnb the first night and we loved it! Stephen, the host, met us when we got there and showed us around and how everything worked. He’d even got us some Prosecco to congratulate us on our wedding. We spent the evening chilling out in the hot tub over looking the zen garden with a takeaway Pizza Hut from Inverness.

If you want to stay actually in Inverness this Airbnb is the one for you. Its five minutes to the city centre. Sleeps 4.

If you’re not as fussed about the city then this one is great, at the heart of Loch Ness.

Dornoch

This was our second Airbnb of the trip, its an eco lodge. Not something we’d ever stayed in before. It was spacious, has amazing views and even has a balcony. The toilet is outside too. It was a really enjoyable evening, we ate and then chilled in bed looking out at the view. Barney was not as big a fan as us because the walk to it is over wooden decking so be warned if your dogs don’t like gaps.

If you want something unique this yurt is a great choice. It has all the basic amenities you could need.

A hotel between Dornoch and Wick.

John O’Groats

This was our first B&B of the trip. And it was by far our favourite place to stay! Kacey the owner was wonderful from the minute we arrived. Barney was looked after from the moment we arrived with treats in the room to bacon for breakfast! The room itself was very spacious, had all you could need, and the bed was so comfy Phoebe fell asleep straight away.

Together Travel is a luxurious stay for those seeking something more in life. set amongst a stunning and extreme landscape that combines awe-inspiring coastal stacks, dramatic cliffs, forests and white sandy beaches.

Melvich

I don’t remember how I found this hotel all I remember is seeing the photos and saying we have to stay here. It was nice but maybe overhyped on my end. The staff were all very welcoming, the room large and comfortable. The food was ok, we took pizza down to the beach for a picnic which was nice. Be warned they have a resident cat!
There are not many places now to stay that aren’t hotels/B&Bs. Here’s an Airbnb I did find.

Durness

We really struggled to find somewhere to stay in Durness that would take dogs. Luckily just as Phoebe was about to give up she found this B&B. Hannah and Jack were both very welcoming when we arrived. We were shown to our room, which was puffin themed, every room has a different theme. We had dinner there that night, it was great, Chris’ burger was gone in seconds.
The only Airbnb option we could find.
If you’re happy to camp there is what we would describe as the most beautiful campsite in Durness. You still need to book this in advance as it gets very busy.

Lochinver

This was our first double stay of the trip. Phoebe originally found it on Airbnb but then found a website for it instead. It was a great spot to relax for the day as the weather turned when we got here. There were some midges about when we used the hot tub the first day, so please do be prepared for this in summer months.
Another Airbnb option is this one. A hotel option.

Applecross

So you’ll know if you’ve read our other NC500 posts we didn’t stop anywhere between Lochinver and Applecross. The year prior to this we visited just the west coast for a full week, so on this trip we stopped off at the places we’d liked previously but not overnight.
We stayed in a hostel in Applecross as there really isn’t much accommodation here. And it was great. The room was absolutely huge, we’d never seen a room so big in accommodation before. The staff were all friendly too.

If you want to stop in Ullapool or Gairloch unlike us here are a few places.

Ullapool Hotel Melvaig Airbnb Gairloch Airbnb Torridon Hotel

We hope this will help make it easier for you to book your trip to the NC500!