Pies are our passion, we make no secret of that. The only other thing that comes close is how we feel about our home in the Highlands. There’s nowhere else on Earth quite like it!

We knew how special the North Coast 500 was before the North Coast 500 was even a thing, and we want visitors to make the most of their time here, without racing around like scenes from an episode of Top Gear.

The NC500 is a place to get up close and personal with the outdoors; breathe in the fresh mountain air, feel the calm of the sea or the rush of adrenaline. Why not try something new? Step away from your vehicle and out of your comfort zone.

Choose your adventure and get stuck in! Here are our top picks.

GOLDEN EAGLE ZIPLINE AT DURNESS

Flying is a super power we’d all love to have and Durness is where dreams come true! All you need is a trusty harness, a sturdy steel line across the cliffs, and you’re ready to fly. Soar at a speed of up to 45mph from a height of 100ft towards a beach so bonnie you’ll feel like you’re heading directly for paradise. For more info click here.

guided hike with mckenzie mountaineering

Leave the road behind and boldly go where only your two legs can take you. McKenzie Mountaineering offer guided walks and hikes around Ullapool taking in some of the area’s most incredible and unmissable trails and mountains; from lower level walks featuring the Bone Caves at Inchnadamph and the famous ‘Postie Path’ between Ullapool and Achilitibuie, right up to Grahams, Corbetts and Munros.

sCRAMBLE STAC POLLAIDH WITH HAMLET MOUNTAINEERING

Photo by: Lochinver Landscapes

For those who fancy getting more hands-on hardcore with their hikes, Hamlet Mountaineering can whisk you off for a good old scramble. Even if you’re not ready for full-on, full-day mountain scramble, you can literally learn the ropes on Stac Pollaidh, one of the most iconic peaks on the NC500, thanks to its impressive, jagged ridge.

story walks with telliesperie

One of the things we always hear from our customers, is their awe at the beauty and diversity of the terrain around the NC500. But very few are fortunate to delve deeper into the tales and history of our landscape. Griogair brings the undiscovered and overlooked areas of the Highlands to life, explaining how the landscape has shaped beliefs, rituals and uncovering the hidden flora and fauna.

STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING 

Not all outdoor pursuits need to be high-energy; in fact, we are fully in favour of the relaxing kind. ‘Water wellness’ is all the rage at the moment and there is nowhere better to find your balance than on a Stand Up Paddle Board with North Coast Watersports. Beginners can book a group or private lesson departing from Scrabster Beach or Dwarwick Pier, while more experienced SUPers can hire a board and go solo.

wild swimming at achmelvich beach

Feel the real benefits of cold water exposure with a wild swim at one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland, if not the world! The sheltered bays of white sand and turquoise sea at Achmelvich Bay are perfect for a dreamy dip. Be warned though, the beach may look tropical but the temperature most certainly is not! There are no lifeguards on the NC500 beaches so always be cautious and prepared. Check out these safety tips and kit list.

sea kayak the summer isles

Photo by: Summer Isles Sea Kayaking

Venture off the popular NC500 tourist trail and into the wildly scenic – and much quieter – territory of the Coigach Peninsula for a paddle around The Summer Isles archipelago. Both Kayak Summer Isles and Summer Isles Sea Kayaking, offer Half Day, Full Day and even Overnight Camping sea kayaking trips. Landing on a secluded, sandy beach on an uninhabited island is an experience you won’t forget.

canyoneering at corrieshalloch gorge

A company with many strings to their ‘outdoor adventure’ bow, Kayak Summer Isles also offer canyoneering trips in the dramatic Corrieshalloch Gorge. At 60 metres deep it is the deepest box canyon in the UK and an absolutely stunning sight to behold. Take a wet and wild journey, splashing and swimming through a narrow, hidden world of waterfalls, lush plant life and spectacular ancient rock.

explore the geopark

The landscapes in the North West Highlands are among the best in the world and that’s thanks to the incredible range of rock types we have here. Covering more than half of Earth’s history, our rocks can tell amazing stories of the first life on Earth, colliding continents, and the rise and fall of vast mountain chains. Take a tour with the Geopark to learn more about our unique landscape or visit the Rock Stop information centre in Unapool, where you can experience hard-to-reach places in virtual reality.

dISCOVER nORTH WEST SCOTLAND BY SEA

If private charters, evening cruises or even a day out sea angling sound like the perfect adventure, then look no further than North Coast Sea Tours. See birds and wildlife along the way, as well as exploring the coast of Handa Island and the fantastic Stoer Lighthouse. And, since they run from Lochinver Harbour, it's the perfect place to pause for a pie post adventure.

All this outdoor exertion will be sure to work up an appetite, so swing by to pick up a pie at Lochinver Larder to keep you well fuelled on your adventures.

If you can’t wait until then, order your Pies by Post now