Hi, Floyd,
This is me waving across the river to you! First of all, your car rental company may add a surcharge because of your age. The best thing to do is not say anything about your age when you pick up the car. The rental agents rarely look closely at your driving licence.
I haven't driven the NC500 since it became the NC500. Who knew? I've driven all of it over several holidays in Scotland, but only once did I make the entire circuit. The scenery is magnificent, especially along the West Coast.
One more thing to look for in Durness - there is a memorial garden to John Lennon. His family used to spend summers there during his childhood.
If you have the opportunity, there is a boat trip out to Handa Island from the tiny hamlet of Tarbet, which is just north of Scourie. There is a bird sanctuary there. Last time we were there, there was a great skua (bonxie) nesting, as well as puffins out on the stack. There is also the Shorehouse Seafood Restaurant by the ferry pier in Tarbet, which serves locally caught seafood from Easter through September. Very highly recommended. Also, since you enjoy hiking, there is a wonderful hike out to Sandwood Bay from Oldshoremore, which is just west of Kinlochbervie. Sandwood Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on mainland Britain.
Unfortunately, Rick Steves has bypassed just about the entire Northeast of Scotland, which is a pity, because it contains some of the best scenery Scotland has to offer. Buy or borrow a copy of the Rough Guide to Scotland, which contains a lot of useful information. Also check out Steve Marsh's video of the NE250 on YouTube. Actually, check out all of Steve Marsh's Scottish videos. Very entertaining and helpful.
I have an affinity for Aberdeen, so I certainly think that it's worth visiting. Central Aberdeen, especially along Union Street, its main thoroughfare, has seen better days. There are lots of closed businesses and litter. Once you get outside the town centre, however, you'll find some beautiful parks, a classic old university, and a part of the city which looks as though it should still be in the 19th. Century.
Outside of town there are many castles, some of which have been mentioned above. My personal favourite is Fyvie Castle and Gardens; however, there are Crathes, Craigievar, and Drum Castles, plus the magnificent Haddo House. Those are just the castles that are staffed and open to the public. Slains Castle, just north of Aberdeen, and Dunnottar Castle, just south of Stonehaven, are ruins in spectacular settings.
Just south of Slains Castle is the beach at Newburgh, which is home to a large seal colony. Just south of Dunnottar Castle is the Foulsheugh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to over 100,000 seabirds, including puffins.
There are excellent hikes at Glen Tanar, near Aboyne, and Loch Muick, near Ballater. Also, the hike up Bennachie, near Inverurie, is a rite of passage for Aberdonians of all ages.
Aberdeen has what I believe is the longest beach esplande in Scotland, although the water is rarely warm enough to swim without a wetsuit. Billy Connolly has said that the beach at Aberdeen is proof that God has a sense of humour. You may see surfers at the top end, near where the River Don flows into the North Sea. Duthie Park, along the River Dee, has a beautiful Winter Garden, which is a misnomer, as it's in bloom year round. The cacti display is the best I've seen outside of Longwood Gardens.
Can you tell I like Aberdeen? One more thing - if you get down to the beach, get ice cream from the Inversnecky Cafe, along the beachfront. Try a single nougat, with one scoop of vanilla, and one scoop of Scottish Tablet. Absolute heaven, but if you sit outside, watch out for marauding seagulls!
Have a wonderful time on your holiday!
Mike (Auchterless)
