Extra Adventures: Exploring Loch Lomond, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye

If you’re planning a Scotland road trip that includes the NC500, don’t miss the chance to explore some of the country’s most breathtaking spots just a short detour away! Loch Lomond, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye.

Here’s a quick guide on what to see, how to get there and what makes each destination truly special. We tagged these on to all our road trips in the NC500 in the past and they did not disappoint!

Loch Lomond

Why visit?
Loch Lomond is Scotland’s largest freshwater loch, nestled in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. It’s ideal for a gentle start or finish to your Highland adventure, with lakeside villages, forests and easy outdoor activities.

Top highlights:

• Loch Lomond Shores - Shops, restaurants, and water-based activities, including boat cruises.

• Village of Luss - Quaint and picture-perfect, great for coffee and lakeside strolls.

• West Loch Lomond Cycle Path - A traffic-free route offering stunning loch views, perfect for family-friendly cycling or walks.

• Balloch Castle Country Park - Beautiful gardens and woodland trails with views over the loch.

• Ben Lomond - For more active visitors, hiking this popular Munro mountain offers epic panoramic views.

What to expect:
Expect great visitor facilities, easier terrain and relatively mild weather compared to the north! This area is popular with day-trippers from Glasgow and Edinburgh, especially on weekends.

How to fit it into the NC500 trip:
Loch Lomond lies roughly 2.5-3 hours south of Inverness by car, along the M80 and A9 routes. Many travellers start or finish here when combining the NC500 with central Scotland or Glasgow/Edinburgh visits.

Tips:

• Accommodation ranges from luxury hotels and B&Bs to camping and glamping options!

• If hiking Ben Lomond, check weather forecasts carefully and prepare for midges in summer.

• Boat tours run regularly on the loch but book ahead in peak season.

  

Glencoe

Why visit?
Glencoe is one of the most dramatic and beautiful glens in Scotland, steeped in history and surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. It's a breathtaking area!

Top highlights:

• Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail) - A moderate hike leads to a hidden valley once used by outlaws and cattle rustlers.

• Glencoe Visitor Centre - Offers interactive exhibits on geology, history and wildlife - great for families.

• Signal Rock - Accessible by car or short hike, this is a must-see for iconic views of the glen.

• The Three Sisters - Iconic mountain ridges visible from the main road and hiking trails.

• Steall Falls - One of Scotland’s highest waterfalls, accessible via a scenic hike from Glen Nevis.

• Glen Etive Road - Just a short drive from Glencoe village, the single-track was made famous by the James Bond film Skyfall!

What to expect:
Expect beautiful but rugged terrain and changeable weather! Glencoe is a hotspot for hikers, climbers and photographers. It's a nature lovers paradise!

How to fit it into the NC500 trip:
Glencoe is about 2 hours southwest of Inverness by car and lies on the main A82 route heading south towards Fort William. It’s a natural detour either at the start or end of your NC500 loop.

Tips:

• Book accommodation in advance, especially in peak hiking seasons (spring/summer).

• Prepare for rapidly changing weather and pack waterproofs and sturdy footwear.

• Consider stopping at nearby Fort William for food or to break up the drive.

• it can easily be done in a day, if you just want to hot some of the main spots and don't want to hike!

  

Isle of Skye

Why visit?
The Isle of Skye is a dream for nature lovers and photographers. It’s Scotland’s largest island and by accessed by car on via a bridge which is one of the reasons it's so popular! No need for a ferry!

Top highlights:

• Old Man of Storr hike - A stunning moderately challenging hike offering panoramic views of the surrounding area!

• The Fairy Pools - Magical blue pools and waterfalls near Glen Brittle, perfect for a refreshing dip!

• Neist Point Lighthouse - The island’s most westerly point, famous for stunning sea cliff views and sunsets. A great spot to whale-watch!

• Dunvegan Castle - Beautiful gardens and boat trips to seal colonies. It's a gem!

What to expect:
Weather can be very unpredictable, even in summer - bring layers and waterproofs. The popular tourist hotspots can get busy, especially July–August.

How to fit it into the NC500 trip:
Skye is approximately 1.5 hours drive south from Ullapool (depending on your route) via the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh. Many travelers add 1-3 days here, especially if they enjoy hiking or want to experience island culture.

Tips:

• Book accommodation early - Skye has limited options and fills fast in summer.

• Try local seafood and whisky in Portree or nearby villages.