After starting at the hotel in Bettyhill we briefly leave the coastline.

Although everyone here expects to go along the Tongue Causeway, we choose, after a quick fuel stop at the Tongue Filling Station, to briefly leave the original NC500 to take a detour along the Kyle of Tongue for its exceptional landscape views.

It's also interesting to note that the southern and western parts are owned by the Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, born in 1972 and owner of brands like Jack & Jones and Zalando. Besides several mountains in this region (including Ben Hope and Ben Loyal), he owns a total of 11 estates in Scotland, totaling 89,000 hectares. Anders invests considerable effort in preserving natural elements such as forests and wildlife.

The walk takes you past several beautiful viewpoints over the water, as well as the mountains Ben Loyal and Ben Hope, which, at 764 m and 972 m respectively, are the highest mountains in northern Scotland and, as mentioned above, are privately owned. Be aware that the roads are narrow and in poor condition, so you won't be able to fully appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

On the way back towards the Tongue Causeway you also have a beautiful view of this bridge.

Continuing westwards, having passed the Standing Stone of Achuvoldrach and the ruined Moine House (a former important inn for weary travellers through this marshy area), we pass the Ard Neakie Lime Kilns.

The Ard Neakie Lime Kilns, situated on what is practically its own island, are four exceptionally well-preserved kilns believed to have been filled with coal, coke, or peat brought from the sea. Located near a limestone quarry, a boathouse, and an inn, the kilns symbolize an era when people relied heavily on the sea for trade and raw materials.

Enjoy the view and the many historic, though often dilapidated, signs of old castles and fortifications. They are often difficult to spot, but they all bear witness to a period when defending Scotland was considered a major priority.

After a brief stop along Loch Eriboll with a view of the island of Eilean Choraidh, it's worth noting that the island was used for four months as a training ground to prepare for the bombing of the Tirpitz warship. Successfully, by the way, because the Tirpitz was sunk in April 1944 by Operation Tungsten while she was at her base in Kaafjord Bay after undergoing repairs. The sinking of the Tirpitz was a crucial event that undeniably contributed to the course of World War II. The sinking of the Tirpitz freed up considerable capacity for ships that no longer had to fear the guns of this large German battleship.

Thirty-three surviving U-boats surrendered to the Allies in Loch Eriboll, ending the Battle of the Atlantic, the largest and longest naval battle in history. Over the course of five years, 3,500 merchant ships supplying the British Isles and 175 warships were sunk by German forces. 783 German U-boats and four German warships were sacrificed for this. All of this, in addition to a number of other smaller boats that were also sunk without mercy. The German U-boats were Churchill's greatest fear.
The surrender of the 33 U-boats, along with the sinking of Tirpitz, brought an end to this five-year naval battle, so Loch Eriboll certainly played its part.

As fascinating as the history may be, a little relaxation never hurts... after your break, you can enjoy a refreshing breath of fresh air on the UK's northernmost zipline in Durness. Less energetic riders can visit the slightly further-away Smoo Cave, which is definitely worth a visit. Beach lovers will find what they're looking for at Sango Bay. There's something for everyone on the northernmost section of the NC 500.

The route then flows along beautifully, and the next 55 kilometers are simply a smooth ride until you reach Kylesku Bridge, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views, especially in clear weather. The passage along the bay is one you won't soon forget.

After passing this bay, we briefly leave the NC500 to take a look at Allt Chranaidh Waterfall, also known as Wailing Widow Falls. The road to it (about 300 meters) is quite adventurous, but the waterfall is exceptionally beautiful, especially after heavy rainfall.

Then we drive back along the same road to once again enjoy the beautiful scenery. Every now and then, there are nice places to stop for a while.

A final highlight can be found on the shores of Loch Assynt, where the ruined Ardvreck Castle and the dilapidated Calda House recall the tragic fate of the bankrupt MacKenzie Clan. After a period of exuberant partying came the financial downfall that ended with the plundering of Calda House. No Sutherland would ever live here.
We finish in Ullapool where The Arch Inn will provide us with a well-deserved rest.