Which route would you take?

It highly depends on time of year. The puffins are only around late-April to August. The NC500 can get pretty crowded by June. Applecross is pretty quiet outside of high season.

Assuming you've never done either and never seen puffins, I'd do the Mull tour. If puffins are important, the tour that includes Lunga is the best show. Staffa is more interesting for the geology. We did it in May and had shirt sleeve weather, even on the boats. The other option is typical beautiful Scottish scenery and narrow roads, but I wouldn't call it exceptional.

Where are you conming from and where are you heading to afterwards?
How long have you to do this?
What are your priorities? (Only you can decide this and what I would choose might not be right for you!)

I agree that more information would be helpful, especially your dates of travel. But otherwise, I agree with jjgurley in that option 1 would be better for seeing puffins, probably more relaxing and lovely scenery on a wonderful island. I really enjoyed my stay on Mull and would highly recommend it. Also as jj noted, the North Coast 500 route can get VERY crowded and backed up during high and even shoulder season.

Hi, tommyquicksand,

If puffins are a priority, and you decide to do the NC500 (or at least part of it - and if you do, the West Coast is the best part), Handa Island, off the coast near Scourie, would be the best place to see them. They're most common in late spring to mid summer. Handa is also home to a great number of other seabirds, including razorbills, guillemots, and great skuas. If the skuas are nesting, they will attack if you get close!

If you do go to Handa Island, be sure to eat at the Shorehouse Restaurant, in the hamlet of Tarbet (which is where you go to catch the boat for Handa). Some of the best seafood you'll ever eat, almost all of it locally caught.

Whichever route you decide to take, have a wonderful time in Scotland!

Mike (Auchterless)

Tommy…I think I may have answered your question on the TripAdvisor Scotland forum but just in case this is in fact a different enquiry…

Both areas are gorgeous but Applecross/ Torridon including north of Ullapool and Lochinver /Assynt and up to Durness are off the charts for splendour and wow moments re landscapes.Handa Island does have puffins but if this is a minibus tour I don’t think it will include Handa.These areas are the very best, scenically, of the NC500.

I adore Mull, Iona and have done the boat trip three times over to Staffa and Lunga.Wonderful if you get the weather and are a puffin fan(as said, best by far on Lunga if you want up close and personal views though they are also on Staffa.) The boat trip does not always go out of course as it is weather dependent.Always better to base on Mull for a couple of days, if the boat trip is a must and maximise your chance of the trip actually happening.

Thank you everyone

Thinking of going around late may. Although I just realised this may be a bad idea due to midges at that time. Not really sure whether i need to replan.

Puffins are not a must do, I just wrote it down to remind myself that was the place to see it. But certainly not a must do. The hairy coos on the other hand are a must! :D

But thanks for the responses, they give me a better idea of what to expect.

Hi again, tommyquicksand,

Don't let the midges get in the way of your plans. If you're going to do a lot of hiking, then come prepared. I've found Repel to be a good protectant, or once you arrive in Scotland, Smidge is a good local product. You can get midge hats at most outdoor shops. We've used the Lifesystems brand for years. They work well, and only cost around 12 pounds. Long sleeved shirts are very helpful, too. And no shorts.

There's a good chance that you'll never encounter midges. They generally swarm in morning and evening, or on cloudy days. They don't like sunny days, wind, or rain.

As many times as we've visited Scotland over the years, we've only been bothered (read: attacked!) by midges four times, and the last two times, we've had our hats for protection.

So again, don't let the possibility of midges control your plans.

Have a wonderful time in Scotland!

Best wishes,

Mike (Auchterless)

Thanks Mike.

Thanks for the reassurance. I’m kind of an insect magnet and I often get a bit of a reaction when bitten. Do they come indoors like mosquitoes? Would they be an issue at night inside the hotels.

I read that the west is usually an issue, in places like Glencoe, skye are places I was thinking to visit.

And I also read about ticks as well, I don’t intend to do any hiking or camping but I read they pose a bit of a problem on green land regardless.

I live in Skye. Midges not usually a problem until late June. And then only in certain circumstances. They like still, damp conditions and tend to be around most at dawn and dusk. They hate wind and can't fly in more than about 5mph wind. Where I live in Skye it's nearly always windier than that! Also if you have a light on and a window open they will fly inside the house.

Smidge is the locally used repellent. Sold in supermarkets and outdoor shops.

Yes there can be ticks about. Usually in longer grass. People who hike about in shorts and short sleeved t shirts are more vulnerable than those who wear long trousers with hiking socks. But still worth checking yourself after a day out in the hills.