Inverness Castle

📍 Inverness Castle – The Gateway and Official Start/Finish of the NC500

Back in Inverness, Vanilla and I rolled up to the iconic Inverness Castle, perched proudly above the River Ness in its striking red sandstone. This isn’t some crumbling ruin hidden in the hills – it’s a landmark that dominates the skyline and sets the tone for the city.

What makes it even more special is its role in the great Highland road trip: this castle is the official start and finish point of the NC500. Whether you’re about to embark on the 516-mile adventure around the north of Scotland or just completed it with tired wheels and a full memory card, this is the marker, the ceremonial archway into the Highlands.

The castle’s grounds offer sweeping views across the river, the bridges, and the bustle of Inverness below. When you stand here, there’s a sense of anticipation – either of journeys beginning or stories just completed. For me, it was about taking a pause, letting Vanilla cool her engine by the river, and looking out over the city with a coffee in hand.

At the moment, parts of the castle are being transformed into a new visitor attraction, but you can still climb up to the viewpoint tower. From the top, you’re rewarded with 360-degree views: the cathedral, the old town, the rolling Highland hills, and the water shimmering its way out to the Beauly Firth. It feels like the perfect place to plant your flag, to say: I’ve started – or I’ve finished.

✨ Highlight: Standing on the castle esplanade, knowing this spot ties the whole NC500 together – the full circle of the Highlands, beginning and ending under the watch of Inverness Castle.Read more