Wildlife on the NC500

Please remember, do not touch or feed wild animals, always keep your distance and always give way to any animals you see on the road.

As these are wild animals, therefore there is never a guarantee you will see them.

The NC500 has some fantastic wildlife along the route, some of which you can see from the road! Eagles, ospreys, red kites, seals, dolphins, otters, red squirrels, stags and even orcas. The wildlife in Scotland is incredible!

• Give them space – Do not get too close to wildlife. If the animal changes its behaviour because of your presence, you're too close. Use a zoom lens or binoculars to admire them without disturbing their natural routines.

• Wildlife spotting tips – Early mornings and late evenings are often the best time to spot animals like otters and deer. Bring a pair of binoculars and keep your camera at the ready!

• Drive slowly in wildlife areas – Especially at dawn and dusk when animals are more active. We've often seen stags or sheep stepping right into the road unexpectedly, be patient and give them the right of way.

• Never bait animals – It might be tempting to encourage them closer with food or noise, but it’s harmful to their health and encourages dangerous habits.

PUFFINS

Best time to see them: Usually between May and July

Best location to see them: RSPB Scotland Dunnet Head Nature Reserve

The RSPB Scotland Dunnet Head Nature Reserve is a fantastic place to spot them, along with Razorbills and Guillemots! Don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars.

Another great option to see them is visiting Handa Island. This does require a bit of forward planning as there are limited boats that cross to Handa Island from the very small harbour of Tarbet.

If you're visiting between May and July, try to go early or late in the day for a quieter experience. Puffins are especially active during nesting season but very sensitive to disturbance, so please stay behind any viewing barriers.

STAGS/ RED DEER

Best time to see them: All year, but best during rutting season which is September & October.

Best locations to see them: Applecross and in Beinn Eighe/Torridon area

Red deer are the UK's largest mammal and native to Scotland.

Keep your eyes peeled as you often can spot them from your car! If you are heading to Cairngorms National Park or Glencoe following your NC500 road trip, there are also great places to spot them there too!

During rutting season, males can become aggressive - do not approach them, even for a photo. Use your zoom lens.

HIGHLAND COWS

Best time to see them: All year round

Best locations to see them: Applecross, Shieldaig, Durness, and Lochinver.

Is any trip to Scotland complete without seeing a Highland cow?!? Keep your eyes open as you'll often just see them grazing in fields along the NC500. If you want a more up-close and personal experience then head to Kirkton Farm (near Melvich) which offers buggy tours of their farm!

ORCAS

Best time to see them: May - October

Best location to see them: Orkney Islands

It always blows our mind that you can find orcas in Scotland! Your best chances for seeing them are during the spring and summer months. You may get lucky and spot these beautiful animals from a cliff top, however, for your best chances we would recommend booking a boat trip!

There are also Facebook Groups where people post regular sightings around the NC500, so this is another great way to see if they are in the area during your trip. You can get to Orkney via a Northlink ferry from Scrabster on the NC500.

DOLPHINS

Best time to see them: Between April and August!

Best location to see them: Chanonry Point

One of the best places to spot dolphins on the NC500 is at Chanonry Point! Fortrose Campsite is the perfect location to stop as it's a short walk to the lookout point. The best time to spot them is usually on a rising tide. Around 1 hour after low tide, the tide turns and dolphins start to chase fish in.

You are able to see the dolphins all year round, however, it has been noted that they are usually spotted more frequently between April and August!

Please note that the parking is EXTREMELY limited. No vehicles over 6 meters are permitted in the car park.

It's a no fly zone for drones.

If you're visiting in peak season, try to go midweek and early in the morning for the best view (and easier parking).

There are also boat trips from Cromarty or Avoch.

EAGLES, OSPREYS & RED KITES

Best time to see them: Spring and summer (April to August)

Best locations to see them: Wester Ross, Sutherland, and around Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve

You’ll often spot them gliding in wide circles with massive wingspans. Golden eagles tend to stick to remote highlands, while ospreys and red kites are more likely seen hunting near water.

Some of the best areas include the Torridon Hills, Loch Maree and Beinn Eighe. The RSPB hide at Forsinard Flows is another great detour if you're keen on birdwatching.

Bring binoculars and a long lens if you have one — and don’t forget to look up when you stop for a break!

You’re most likely to see them on calm, dry days with minimal wind — especially in the early morning or late afternoon.