With road trip season officially here, both locals and travellers will be looking to venture out on the North Coast 500.
The 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, which starts and ends at Inverness Castle, was launched in 2015 and has quickly become one of the most popular routes in the UK and beyond.
Those who complete the full NC500 will see many highlights in the north Scottish Highlands, including heritage sites, castles, and countless stunning landscapes.
Even if you don't have five to seven days to spend completing the entire route, it is well worth spending a day travelling along certain stretches and seeing what you can discover. The Highlands are home to some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the world, you can't really go wrong anywhere along the NC500.
With spring well and truly here, though, there's nothing quite like a trip to the beach to make the most of the slightly nicer weather. There are plenty of beaches along the route that all offer great views, but if you have to pick just one then Coldbackie Beach is a great choice.
Situated just outside the crofting township of Coldbackie, the beach lies at the mouth of the Kyle of Tongue, approximately two miles north east of Tongue. It is concealed from the roadside and can be difficult to access, so is unsurprisingly a hidden gem spot that is mostly only known to locals.
Being one of the lesser known beaches in Scotland, it is usually quiet—making it perfect for a relaxing day out. In fact, according to VisitScotland, the beach is often completely deserted, so if you are looking for some quiet time you probably won't find a beach better suited than Coldbackie.
Another reason, aside from its isolated location, that Coldbackie Beach is often quiet is that it can be rather difficult to get down to. The path down from the road is rather steep and uneven, and so care should be taken—particularly when journeying back up.
Those who make the effort, though, will be rewarded with truly stunning views that very few NC500 travellers get to see. If you are lucky enough to visit on a clear day, the views across to the Rabbit Islands and Orkney are indescribable, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
It is therefore no wonder that the beach is a favourite amongst photographers. Make sure you snap some pics of the white sands and turquoise water before you head home.
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