Driving the North Coast 500: Why Mackays Hotel is Your Perfect Wick Stop

An Unforgettable Journey

The North Coast 500 (NC500) is one of the most exhilarating and picturesque driving routes in the world. Spanning across the rugged landscapes of Scotland’s northern highlands, the route is a must for any road trip enthusiast. Whether you’re taking in the remote beaches, the rolling hills, or the ancient castles, the NC500 offers an unforgettable experience. Among the many stops along the way, Mackays Hotel in Wick stands out as a haven for weary travellers seeking comfort, hospitality, and a taste of local charm. Here’s why Mackays Hotel should be your perfect stop when driving the NC500.

Discover Local Gems on the NC500 Route

While the stunning landscapes of the NC500 are the main attraction, there’s no shortage of hidden gems along the way that add depth to your journey. One of the highlights is Dunnet Head and the lighthouse standing tall on the most northerly point of mainland Scotland. A place that offers spectacular views of the Orkney Islands and The Pentland Firth. Perfect for nature lovers, it’s also home to a wide variety of seabirds, but most notably the puffins that nest in the cliff face.

Just a short distance from Mackays Hotel, Wick Harbour is another local gem worth exploring. Steeped in history, this working harbour offers an authentic glimpse into the region’s maritime heritage. For a more cultural experience, visit the North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso, a short journey from Wick, which offers fascinating insights into local archaeology, geology, and Viking history.

Further along the route, John O’Groats is a must-visit spot. Known as one of the most iconic landmarks along the journey, it’s signpost acts as a marker for the northernmost point of mainland Britain. The surrounding natural beauty, including coastal cliffs and wildlife, is simply breathtaking.

Whether you’re looking for historical landmarks, nature spots, or cultural experiences, the NC500 offers plenty of local gems to enhance your road trip, and Mackays Hotel is perfectly placed to explore them all.

Which Way to Start? East or West?

One of the most common questions for NC500 travellers is whether to start the route heading east or west. Both directions offer distinct experiences, and the direction you choose depends on the type of journey you want to have. Let’s explore what each direction has to offer.

Heading East:
The official starting point of the NC500 is Inverness Castle, and from there, you can choose to head either east or west. Heading east allows you to experience some of the most beautiful coastal views of the route, as well as historical landmarks like Dunrobin Castle, The Duke of Sutherland Monument, and the Whaligoe Steps. You’ll pass through charming towns and villages along the way, including Brora and Golspie, before ultimately arriving in Wick sooner, at the northern tip of the journey. By arriving in Wick sooner, you have the advantage of easing into the NC500 at a slower pace. Mackays Hotel serves as the perfect base to begin your adventure, offering a warm welcome, comfortable rooms, and a chance to rest before you take in the sights of the coast. Heading west from Wick, you’ll encounter majestic cliffs, the most isolated Scottish Munro’s (the tallest class of mountain in the UK), historic sites, and the wild beauty of Scotland’s northern coast.

Heading West:
If you decide to start your NC500 adventure by heading west, you’ll journey directly into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. This route offers an introduction to stunning mountain landscapes, with remote beaches and dramatic scenery waiting to greet you. As you travel west, you’ll pass famous landmarks like Eilean Donan Castle, the breathtaking Isle of Skye, and the intriguing Smoo Caves in Durness, before ultimately arriving in Wick on the tail end of the journey. Starting your journey towards the west provides an exhilarating experience of rugged beauty and contrasts in landscape as you head further north, leading up to the spectacular final stretch of the NC500.

Ultimately, whether you choose to travel east or west, both directions offer unique views and attractions. It all just depends on what you want to see first! Regardless, arriving in Wick and staying at Mackays Hotel offers an ideal stopping point on your NC500 experience.

Why Mackays Hotel is the Perfect Stop Along Your Journey

The NC500 is a journey to be savoured, and ideally, you should plan for 4-7 days to fully enjoy the route’s beauty and its many attractions. This allows you to experience the highlights at a relaxed pace, with time to explore local gems on your way.

No matter your timeframe, Mackays Hotel in Wick is the perfect place to rest and recharge. Conveniently located at the heart of Wick, Mackays provides easy access to nearby attractions such as the Castle of Old Wick and John O’Groats, making it an ideal stop on your journey, whether you’re heading east or west.

After a day of driving the rugged roads, we at Mackays Hotel offer comfort and relaxation with modern, well-equipped rooms to ensure a peaceful night’s rest. Our hotel creates a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a homely and enjoyable stay. Mackays No.1 Bistro is the perfect place to refuel, offering fresh, locally sourced dishes that reflect the best of Scottish cuisine. From fresh seafood to traditional fare, dining here adds to the full Highland experience.

The hotel’s friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to provide recommendations for things to do and see, ensuring you get the most out of your NC500 adventure while staying in Wick.

Relax, Recharge, and Refuel at Mackays Hotel

The North Coast 500 is an adventure like no other, offering stunning scenery, historical landmarks, and unforgettable experiences. Mackays Hotel in Wick is the perfect place for a first stop, or to break up your journey along this iconic route. With its ideal location, comfortable accommodation, fine dining options at the No.1 Bistro, and proximity to the region’s best gems, Mackays Hotel ensures that your NC500 adventure is as memorable as the landscapes you’ll encounter along the way.