About Us
The NC500 Experience site has been created to showcase local businesses and the entire highlands region to the world with “fresh eyes”.
The North Coast 500 route is the perfect backdrop to do this and we are purely focused to promote this amazing journey to the world.
We are cataloguing every single business, beach, ferry, hotel, golf club and place of interest around the North Coast 500.
If you are a business situated in the Highlands, we would love to hear from you can do that via our Contact Us page.
Meet the Team
It’s just not one if us, there are three of us!
Matt
Howdy, I am a web developer, father, power-lifter and I love going on adventures in the XLWB boxer van I converted with my miniature schnauzer The NC00 has always been a passion of mine, when I saw there was an opportunity to make the whole highlands area a better place, well, we’re here. "The NC500 Experience"
Precious
Really, that is my Name. "Precious". I work with Matt here on the NC500 Experience site and create content on several other websites too. I have never been to Scotland, but I have learnt so much about all the exciting places there are. If I’m honest, I love the beaches the most and the idea that I could see a seal or dolphin pop up at any moment. Maybe one day.
Jannie
I have worked with Matt for several years now. He made me put my face on several other sites before. This time I made him try an avatar program, we all laughed at him on it, so he made me this one. I quite like it if I’m honest. Oh and I keep the directories up to date, along with the odd blog post every now and then.
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The North Coast 500
The North Coast 500, also referred to as the NC500, is a picturesque driving route located in the Scottish Highlands that spans approximately 500 miles (805 kilometers) along the northern coast of Scotland. The route was established in 2015 to boost tourism in the region, and since then, it has become a well-known tourist destination in Scotland.
The route passes through stunning landscapes, such as rugged coastlines, mountains, lochs, and forests, and provides access to numerous attractions, including castles, distilleries, and historic sites.
The NC500 generates millions of pounds for the local economy every year, with a significant amount of revenue generated by businesses associated with tourism, such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. Additionally, the route has brought new investments and job opportunities to the region.
Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a breathtaking natural light display that can be observed in high latitudes, including the Scottish Highlands. The mesmerizing spectacle occurs when the charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in vivid and colorful light patterns that adorn the night sky.
The Scottish Highlands are a prime location to witness the Northern Lights, particularly during the extended and darker winter months. With low levels of light pollution, the region provides optimal conditions to view this natural phenomenon. For the best experience, it is recommended to venture out to remote areas with clear skies and minimal cloud cover to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
As the appearance of the Northern Lights is not guaranteed, it is essential to check the aurora and weather forecasts before planning a trip to view them. Moreover, visitors should prepare for cold and erratic weather conditions, and ensure to dress in warm layers and bring appropriate equipment, such as a camera and tripod, to capture the stunning spectacle.