Often described as “Scotland’s Route 66”, the North Coast 500 is a 516-mile circular journey that begins and ends in Inverness, widely regarded as the capital of the Highlands. The route traces the dramatic northern coastline, linking some of the wildest and most photogenic landscapes in the UK.
This will be the sixth Light & Land visit to this remarkable part of Scotland. Over the course of this 12-day tour, we will complete the full NC500, while staying in four carefully chosen bases. This approach allows us to work more slowly, travel outward from the main route, and spend meaningful time photographing many of Scotland’s most celebrated and lesser-known locations.
Our journey begins with three nights based in Inverness, giving us access to the north-facing coasts of Nairnshire and Moray. This area offers a striking variety of geology, from wave-carved sea arches and rugged headlands to expansive dune systems shaped by wind and tide. We’ll also head inland to explore quiet glens and mountain landscapes, which at this time of year are often enriched by subtle autumn colour.
On day four, we travel north to our next base in Wick, positioning us perfectly to explore the far north-east of the mainland. Nearby lies John O’Groats, just east of Dunnet Head. From here we’ll also visit Duncansby Head, known for its towering cliffs and dramatic, jagged sea stacks. This is a truly northern landscape — astonishingly, it’s almost as far south to London as it is north to the Arctic Circle.
We then spend three nights in the far north at one of the most remote stops on the tour, based in Tongue. Our accommodation provides a welcome retreat after days spent photographing the raw Atlantic coastline. This stretch of coast is characterised by white sand beaches backed by rugged mountains, including views towards Ben Loyal. Locations such as Ceannabeinne, Balnakiel Bay and Loch Eribol offer an exceptional range of photographic opportunities.
On day eight, the character of the landscape shifts again as we head south to Ullapool. From our base on the shores of Loch Broom, we’ll explore the extraordinary mountains of Assynt and Torridon. Over three nights, we’ll photograph iconic peaks such as Suilven and the beautifully sculpted Stac Pollaidh.
We’ll also travel south to Loch Maree and Upper Loch Torridon, where some of Scotland’s most dramatic mountain scenery meets ancient woodland and open water.
For our final night, we return to Inverness, bringing the journey full circle and closing an immersive twelve days of exploration and photography around Scotland’s northern edge.
Autumn is a particularly rewarding season for landscape photography, with softer light, quieter locations, and ever-changing weather. This tour offers the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the wild, remote landscapes of the North Coast 500, at a considered pace and with time to respond creatively to the conditions.
This tour is limited to six participants, ensuring plenty of individual guidance and space to work at each location.
Thanks to Phil Malpas for the use of some of his images from his tours prior to me taking it over.
This is a Light & Land workshop which I am tutoring. To book your spot, please visit the Light & Land website via the link below. The full workshop description and more images are also available on the Light & Land website.