The North Coast 500 (NC500) is one of the UK’s most exhilarating road trips. This magnificent route is 516 miles in length and spans some of the most beautiful countryside in Scotland and is a firm favourite among passionate drivers and tourists alike. On this route visitors get to experience the rugged mountains and breath taking scenery of the Northern Highlands. There are beautiful Highland towns to explore as well as enchanting fishing villages and magnificent deserted beeches. The NC500 route truly has it all.
As luck would have it there are a number of famous Scottish salmon rivers that run close to the NC500. This provides the ideal opportunity for anglers who also want to experience the NC500 to wet a line. We at Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland with our selected partners have carefully designed this exciting highland salmon fishing and NC500 trip. This package gives salmon anglers the opportunity to fish on two famous highland salmon rivers whilst enjoying their time on the NC500 route. Anglers have the opportunity to fish on both the River Alness and the famous River Thurso during their tour.
The River Alness is a typical Highland spate river which truly showcases Highland river salmon fishing at its best in a very intimate setting. The Alness is located just a few miles north of Inverness and is the starting point of your highland salmon fishing and NC500 trip.
The Thurso, is one of the most northerly rivers in Scotland where you can fly fish for salmon. It is also one of the most productive in the country. The prime months for anglers fishing the River Alness and River Thurso is usually from June through until the end of September.
Whilst fishing on the River Alness anglers will stay in the local area close to the river and when fishing the Thurso anglers will stay for two nights at the Ulbster Arms Hotel.
After a day’s fishing on the Thurso River you will spend the next three days seeing at first-hand the delights of the NC500 stopping at your leisure along the route as you move from Caithness to the dramatic region of the Isle of Skye. We recommend an overnight stop at the beautiful fishing town of Ullapool and in conjunction with our accommodation partners we have some fantastic options available in the local area.
On the final day of your highland salmon fishing and NC500 tour you will enjoy the spectacular drive along the west coast route back to Inverness.
The River Alness and the River Thurso are usually at their most productive between the months of June and September and this is usually when the weather is at its best in the area so we recommend visitors book this package around this time of year.
This package includes a single day’s fishing on each river as well as seven nights’ accommodation. As with any of our packages these can be tailored to suit your requirements.
If you are looking to salmon fish on two of the most iconic salmon rivers in the Scottish Highlands and combining this with travelling on the world famous NC500 then this could be the perfect trip for you!
TIME OF YEAR – May – October
LOCATION – NC500 Route, River Alness & River Thurso
WHAT’S INCLUDED – a single day’s salmon fishing on the River Alness and River Thurso, seven night’s accommodation, all fishing permits /licences, fishing tackle, fishing guide
EXTRAS- private transport, riverside catering, car hire
COST- POA, dependent on month
Welcome to the tranquil Highlands of Scotland ready to commence your mixed north coast 500 tour and highland salmon fishing package! Upon arrival check-in to the Kincriag Castle Hotel and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Please note standard check-in time at the hotel is 15:00hrs.
Kincriag Castle is nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and is a hidden gem that promises a serene getaway. The Kincraig Hotel is ideally situated for salmon fishing on the Alness being just a stone's throw away. As you meander along the captivating tree-lined driveway, prepare to be mesmerised by the sheer grandeur of Kincraig Castle. Surrounded by vast farmland and enchanting woodland, this remarkable hotel treats its guests to breathtaking views over the Cromarty Firth and Black Isle. With a rich history dating back centuries, the Mackenzie Clan once called this castle their home. Today, as an esteemed 4-star country house hotel, Kincraig Castle offers a luxurious retreat, complete with exceptional dining options and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Overnight: Kincraig Hotel (Highland Classic Room)
Today’s meal inclusions: None
Today you will be salmon fishing on the tranquil River Alness! Your Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland guide will be waiting to meet and greet you at the meeting point on beat 2. (Private transfers can be arranged if required.)
Your guide will be with you throughout your fishing day on the River Alness, providing you with a unique service. He will give you advice on what tackle to use, point out the best salmon fishing spots, help you with your fishing techniques if required and fly casting. When you hook a wild Atlantic salmon, your guide will be there to advise you during the long and exciting fight, ensuring that you have the best chance of landing that unforgettable River Alness salmon.
Duration: 0900-1700hrs
Overnight: Kincraig Hotel (Highland Classic Room)
Today’s meal inclusions: Breakfast
Today you will travel north to the banks of the River Thurso and the beautiful village of Halkirk. Check-in to the Ulbster Arms Hotel and enjoy a scenic walk along the banks of the river or alternatively enjoy a little tipple in the hotels fishing themed bar. Please note that standard check-in time at the hotel is 15:00hrs.
The North Coast 500 offers a picturesque journey from Alness to Thurso, allowing you to witness the enchanting views of Scotland's northeast coast. As you venture north towards the River Thurso in Caithness, immerse yourself in the breathtaking views and attractions in Brora, Helmsdale, Berriedale, Wick and the most northerly point on Scotland’s mainland John o’ Groats.
Located in the picturesque highland village of Halkirk, right by the tranquil banks of the Thurso River, lies the Ulbster Arms Hotel. Once the cherished home of the Sinclair family, this hotel has been a haven for shooting, fishing, and tourists for more than 150 years. Despite its modern amenities, the Ulbster Arms Hotel has managed to preserve the traditional character of the building. Each of the deluxe bedrooms is distinct in its own way, with large sash windows that offer breathtaking views of the historic village and the Thurso River, creating a bright and airy ambiance.
Please note standard check-in time at the hotel is 15:00hrs.
Overnight: Ulbster Arms Hotel (Standard Double Room)
Today’s meal inclusions: Breakfast
Today you will be fishing on one of the most productive highland river, the River Thurso. After a traditional Scottish Breakfast your guide will be waiting at the rear of the Ulbster Arms Hotel ready to meet and greet you.
Your guide will be with you throughout your day on the River Thurso, providing you with a unique service. He will give you advice on what tackle to use, point out the best salmon fishing spots, help you with your fishing techniques if required and fly casting. When you hook a wild Atlantic salmon, your guide will be there to advise you during the long and exciting fight, ensuring that you have the best chance of landing that unforgettable River Thurso salmon
Duration: 0900-1700hrs
Overnight: Ulbster Arms Hotel (Standard Double Room)
Today’s meal inclusions: Breakfast & Lunch
Today, following a delightful traditional Scottish breakfast, continue your NC500 tour from Thurso to Durness. Take pleasure in a leisurely walk along the sandy Strathnaver beach en route and make a brief stop at the captivating Smoo Cave before reaching your destination in Durness.
The Tongue Hotel is a former Victorian sporting lodge boasting stunning views over the Kyle of Tongue, Ben hope, Ben Loyal and the ruin of Castle Varrich. The hotel offers luxurious rooms which are all individually designed but retains period features and antique furnishings. The Tongue hotel offers a cosy bar and restaurant serving both formal and informal dining. Please note standard check-in time at the hotel is 15:00hrs.
Overnight: Tounge Hotel (Standard Double Room)
Today’s meal inclusions: Breakfast
As part of your NC500 itinerary, you will be making your way from Durness to the Isle of Skye today. This stretch of your journey is notably brief, making it one of the quickest routes you'll encounter.
Begin your journey by visiting Sandywood Bay, a secluded beach in Scotland before visiting Hander Island, one of Scotland’s leading observation points for viewing wild birds. After which follow the NC500 route to reach Lochinver, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch seafood lunch. After lunch choose between the A837 or B869 route to reach the stunning Isle of Skye.
Bosville Hotel offers stunning views over Portree’e Harbour. The hotel is a contemporary hotel with modern designed rooms. The Dulse & Brose restaurant boasts a wide variety of meal options including seafood and shellfish which come straight from the Minch waters and served within a matter of hours. Please note standard check-in time at the hotel is 15:00hrs.
Overnight: Bosville Hotel (Standard Double Room)
Today’s meal inclusions: Breakfast
After breakfast embark on your final leg of your NC500 trip. Today you will be travelling from the Isle of Skye to Inverness. This leg of your NC500 trip will be a firm favourite for any member of party interested in history.
Your first stop en route to the City of Inverness will be Eilean Donan Castle before visiting Random Highland Pit Stop then Culloden Battlefield.
The Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel is a chic, informal, stylish hotel which is situated on the banks of the River Ness and is ideally located just a stone’s throw away from the city centre. The hotel offers luxury accommodation and boasts an award winning restaurant and modern cocktail bar.
Overnight: Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel (Standard Double Room)
Today’s meal inclusions: Breakfast
After a fun-filled week touring the North Coast 500 and fishing on two of Scotland’s premier highland rivers, enjoy a traditional Scottish breakfast before embarking on your onward journey.
Today’s meal inclusions: Breakfast
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