7 reasons to travel the NC500 during spring

If you’re planning a holiday along the NC500, have you considered visiting during spring?

While the Scottish Highlands are beautiful no matter when you visit, there is something magical about springtime. The days get longer, the weather gets warmer and there is new life emerging wherever you turn.

We may be biased - but we do not think it gets much better than up here at the tip of mainland Britain.

Planning your NC500 spring trip?

Order our famous pies delivered to your door before you go — or pop in when you arrive!

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Jump to a reason:

1. Businesses open back up

2. Longer days & epic sunsets

3. Cherry blossom & lambing season

4. Fewer tourists

5. No midges

6. The start of the Highland Games

7. May is whisky month

1. Businesses open back up

After closing for the winter season, local businesses begin re-opening in spring - meaning there is plenty of independent shops and cafes and experiences to enjoy.

If it’s food you’re after, why not stop for an infamous pie at Lochinver Larder, or even pre-order via Pies by Post 

You’ll also find wonderful local producers such as Elphin Tearooms, Assynt Aromas, and Lochinver Landscapes reopening their doors.

For days out, consider a visit to John O’Groats Brewery, explore the geology around Inchnadamph, or walk across the suspension bridge at Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve.

Read our guide to the best things to do around Lochinver

2. Longer days, warmer (and hopefully drier!) weather

It’s no secret that Scotland gets its fair share of rain - but spring often brings dramatic skies, changing light and unforgettable views.

Being so far north means incredibly long daylight hours from March onwards. If you’re lucky with sunshine, you’ll catch spectacular sunsets at Stoer Head Lighthouse and the Old Man of Stoer.

3. Cherry Blossom and lambing season

Spring is the season of new life.

Across the Highlands you’ll see daffodils, bluebells, primroses and cherry blossom bringing colour back to the landscape.

Visit in late spring and you’ll spot lambs in surrounding fields (and occasionally on roads - drive carefully!). Bird life increases too, with puffins and swallows returning for summer.

4. Fewer tourists

Tourism along the NC500 doesn’t truly peak until late May and June.

That makes March - May the perfect window for:

Quieter roads

Easier restaurant bookings

Greater accommodation choice

Uninterrupted views

🥧 Stopping in Lochinver?

Our kitchen is open - freshly baked pies, cakes and coffee with a view.

Check our opening hours 

Or travelling later in the year
Order Pies by Post and enjoy a taste of the Highlands at home 

5. The best one: no midges!

You can’t imagine a Scottish summer without hearing about midges - but here’s the good news:

March to May is typically midge-free.

That means you can enjoy lochside walks, coastal hikes and mountain climbs without constantly swatting the air.

6. The start of the Highland Games

Spring marks the return of the Highland Games - celebrations of Scottish culture that date back centuries.

Expect caber tossing, Highland dancing, pipe bands and ceilidhs.

Games take place across the country throughout spring and summer - a brilliant way to experience living tradition.

Our guide to Highland Games along the NC500

7. May is whisky month

May brings World Whisky Day - the perfect excuse to raise a dram.

Scotch whisky is celebrated worldwide, spanning regions from Islay and Campbeltown to Highland, Lowland and Speyside.

Even if you’re not following the official whisky trail, there are plenty of cosy spots along the NC500 to sample something local after a day exploring.

Planning your spring NC500 trip?

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline on mountain trails or enjoying slower days by the sea with seasonal food and fresh air, there’s nowhere quite like the north coast of Scotland in spring.

If you’re planning your route:

See our full pie menu

Order Pies by Post

Explore local accommodation options

And don’t forget to pop in for a pie when you’re passing through.

We can’t wait to see you.