Exploring Scotland by road is an unforgettable experience, and back in September 2022 we took on the journey from Edinburgh to John O’ Groats with our toddler in tow. We managed to squeeze lots in on our epic road trip along some of the NC500. Here’s a breakdown of our four-day adventure.
Day 1: Edinburgh to Inverness via Pitlochry
We left Edinburgh in the morning and headed to Faskally Forest in Pitlochry for our first stop. This peaceful woodland was perfect for a quick walk and some fresh air. The tall trees and calm loch created a lovely spot for our packed lunch before we continued our journey north.
Next, we visited Loch Eilein in Rothiemurchus, a serene and picturesque loch surrounded by pine forests. We spent a while here playing with our toddler and enjoyed the easy walk along the shore.
For our overnight stay, we headed to Muir of Ord, near Inverness. This small Highland village was the perfect resting spot before starting the North Coast 500 (NC500) drive. We stayed in a farmers cabin booked through Airbnb.com and were greeted by horses and chickens in the morning, which we all loved!
Day 2: NC500 Adventure – Dunrobin Castle & John O’ Groats
Our NC500 adventure officially began! Our first major stop was Dunrobin Castle, an elegant fairy-tale castle overlooking the North Sea. The stunning gardens and the falconry display were definite highlights.
Continuing north, we finally reached John O’ Groats—the iconic signpost marking one of the UK’s most northern points. It was surreal to stand at this famous landmark after a long journey.
We stayed overnight at Alba Sunrise B&B, a cozy accommodation just a short drive from John O’ Groats, offering stunning sunrise views over the coast.
Day 3: Exploring the Northern Coast & Return to Inverness
The day started with an amazing veggie breakfast at the B&B. Then a visit to Dunnet Head, the true northernmost point of mainland Britain. The dramatic cliffs and views over the Pentland Firth were breathtaking.
Next, we stopped at Whaligoe Steps, a hidden gem with a steep stone staircase leading down to an old harbor. We didn’t do the full descent, but the scenery was worth it. We left a little note in the guestbook, I wonder if it’s still there?
In the evening, we returned to Inverness, where we checked into a Premier Inn for a comfortable and familiar stay.
Day 4: Inverness, Loch Ness & Drive Back to Edinburgh
We spent the morning exploring Inverness city, wandering along the River Ness and visiting Inverness Castle.
No trip to the Highlands would be complete without a stop at Loch Ness. Though we didn’t spot Nessie, the loch’s vast and mysterious waters were mesmerizing and there was even a playground where we happened to stop. Always a bonus with a toddler!
After soaking in our final Highland views, we began the drive back to Edinburgh where we lived at the time, completing our scenic road trip.
Final Thoughts
Taking this trip at a relaxed pace allowed us to fully enjoy the journey without feeling rushed—essential when traveling with a toddler! Scotland’s landscapes are breathtaking, and this route gave us a perfect mix of nature, history, and adventure.
Check out my previous post about road trips with young kids for tips on how to make it road trips like this as smooth as possible!
Road Trips with Young Kids and Babies: Tips for a Smooth Journey
Leave a Reply