North Coast 500 North Coast Adventure - Achmelvich Bay to Dunnet Head

North Coast 500 North Coast Adventure - Achmelvich Bay to Dunnet Head

Join me on the North Coast 500 north coast route as I uncover some of the most breathtaking and soul-stirring stops from Achmelvich Bay to Dunnet Head — a journey filled with freedom, courage, and unforgettable North Coast 500 highlights. This episode begins at the turquoise sweep of Achmelvich Bay, before heading north to explore Balnakiel Beach, the haunting history of the Ceinnabeine Township Trail, and the dramatic depths of Smoo Cave. I also make the long, beautiful hike to Sandwood Bay, where an unexpected soaking becomes one of my funniest memories of the trip. We continue through John O’Groats and finish at windswept Dunnet Head, the northernmost point on mainland Britain — a perfect finale to this chapter of the Scotland North Coast 500 dream drive.

If you're a woman in midlife craving confidence, clarity, and a sense of adventure, this video is for you. I share the moments that shifted something inside me, and why this stretch of the NC500 is so powerful for anyone travelling solo or celebrating a new chapter.

More NC500 episodes are on the way, so stay tuned for Part 3 and don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and share your favourite moment from the route.

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???? Don’t forget to like, subscribe & follow the full NC500 journey — with Part 3 (the east coast) coming soon!

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - In this video...
01:00 - Road to Clashnessie Falls.
02:39 - We decided NOT to visit the falls & we stopped at Clachtoll beach...
04:10 - Road to Achmelvich Beach
04:38 - The colour of the water is stunning
05:42 - The church next to Balnakiel Beach where John Lennon's aunt is buried
06:10 - Down on the beach
10:32 - Four seasons in one day, four seasons on one beach
10:45 - Smoo Cave
12:42 - Unpicking the legend!
14:30 - Looking out to sea in the direction of the Faroe Islands and next stop Iceland
15:40 - Next stop Ceannabeinne (how do you pronounce it please?!) on the township trail
16:32 - Ruins of the abandoned village by the sea
18:36 - Next stop Sandwood Bay walk from Blairmore car park
19:09 - Passing by some highland friends
19:24 - 2 Kms in admiring the beautiful heather and lichen
20:13 - The first sight of the beautiful beach
23:12 - Wet feet - Keep an eye on that tide!
23:52 - Dunnett Head - The most northerly part of the British mainland
24:40 - 360 degree views at the 2nd world war radar station
27:58 - And finally John O'Groats (not quite the most northerly... wrong order!)


#northcoast500 #womenover50travel #solotravelwomen #travelconfidence #scotlandroadtrip
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???? WATCH NEXT
???? NC500 Playlist – Start the full series
???? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOIZrp_eiuyfOEr72XcNmcKDbWXMdQYNq
???? Sandwood Bay Walk
???? https://youtu.be/h8H2HJDBFe0?si=9UVLwsS119dP6874

???? LET’S CHAT!
Which stop on this section of the North Coast 500 would be at the top of your dream route? Tell me below - I reply to every comment.

???? ABOUT ME | SUE WHERE WHY WHAT
Since 1992, I’ve explored 80+ countries across 6 continents and discovered how travel can heal, empower, and transform. After losing my husband, travel became my path back to myself — and now, I help women in midlife create bold new chapters of their own.
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