nc500 road trip

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Comprehensive North Coast 500 Road Trip Planning Guide

Last updated: March 27, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 177 Comments

The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile scenic route along Scotland’s northern coast that begins and ends in the city of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. We’ve put together this comprehensive North Coast 500 guide to help you plan the perfect North Coast 500 road trip in Scotland.

The NC500 route offers visitors the opportunity to see rugged landscapes, frolic on sandy beaches, spot wildlife, visit museums and heritage sites, stay in castles, sip whisky, sample the local produce, and get to know the people who live there. The route was designed to encourage more visitors to visit this sparsely populated region of Scotland and it has been very successful.

Laurence and I have driven the full route several times and we have put together this guide to help others who are planning their own North Coast 500 road trip. We’ll explain the North Coast 500 route, what you can expect to see, the best time of year to plan a road trip, how many days you need to drive the NC500, suggestions on where to stay and eat along the route, what to pack, and tons of other tips and advice on driving the North Coast 500.

Table of Contents:

North Coast 500 Road Trip Planning Guide

Planning a North Coast 500 road trip can be a bit overwhelming as it is a relatively new route and there isn’t as much information available online or in guidebooks compared to other top road trips around the world. But not to worry, we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to plan your NC500 road trip.

In this first section we’ll try to answer the most common questions such as: what is the route, how many days do you need to drive the North Coast 500, when is the best time of year to drive the route, where should I stay along the NC500, how far ahead to starting booking, and other common questions.

Then the second section will explain how to find and stay on the North Coast 500, provide driving safety tips, list local car and campervan rental agencies , and discuss guided tour options. The last section provides packing tips and a list of supplies you may need for your NC500 road trip. So let’s get started!

What is the North Coast 500 Route?

The North Coast 500 (NC500) was created in 2014 by the North Highland Initiative , which is a non-profit organization that was established by Prince Charles in 2005 in an effort to develop economic growth across the North Highlands. Following its creation, private investment was raised and the route is promoted by a for-profit corporation called North Coast 500 Ltd. The company provides a number of resources for both visitors and local businesses.

The NC500 is not an actual single road or highway like Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway , but is a series of existing roads that form a loop around the northern Highlands.

The route is just over 500 miles and mainly hugs the northern coast of Scotland, hence the name. It was designed to showcase the natural beauty and local businesses in this part of Scotland which has previously received a relatively low level of tourism. It has become a major tourism success in Scotland with tens of thousands of people having already driven the route.

The North Coast 500 route runs 516 miles to and from Inverness, forming a loop around the northern Highlands. So if you drive the full route, you’ll end up where you started which can be very convenient if you are flying in and out of Inverness or renting a car.

However, you can of course start and end your drive wherever you please. The route runs through a number of loosely defined areas or historical counties in northern Scotland including Inverness-shire , the Black Isle , Wester Ross , Easter Ross , Sutherland , and Caithness .

What Will I See Along the North Coast 500 route?

The North Coast 500 route follows the main roads across the coastal edges of the North Highlands. The largest city (by far) is Inverness with a population of close to 50,000 people and the next biggest places are towns and villages like Ullapool, Durness, Dornoch, Wick, Thurso, and Lochinver which each have a population of under 2,000 people! So expect to spend time in lots of small villages and rural areas.

The highlights of the route for many people are the scenic views along the coast and the feeling of “being away” from it all for a while. Scenery includes rugged coastline, beaches, rural farmland, marshland, rivers, forest, lochs, and munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 ft high). You’ll also have the opportunity to see local wildlife such as deer, squirrels, pine martens, birds of prey, seabirds, and sea mammals such as dolphins, whales and seals.

Of course there are also loads of sheep and the iconic Highland coos which you’ll spot in the fields. In addition to nature and wildlife, there are loads of things to see and do along the route which include hiking, golfing, castles, heritage sites, prehistoric sites, a geological park, museums, beaches, whisky distilleries , and much more.

You can also sample the local food of the Scottish Highlands and stay in unique lodging from simple B&B’s and inns to grand family country homes to luxurious castles. If you want to know more about specific places to see and visit, you can check out Laurence’s post about some of the highlights of the North Coast 500 and our detailed North Coast 500 itinerary .

Is the North Coast 500 similar to Route 66?

The North Coast 500 is often called “Scotland’s version of Route 66”, especially by mainstream media. In some ways they are similar in that they are great routes for a road trip and both offer some great scenery and attractions along the way.

We have driven Route 66 , and we can say that there are a lot of differences between a historic route that spans over 2,400 miles and crosses 8 U.S. states and the North Coast 500. The NC500 is a mainly coastal route that goes through small villages and rural areas in a sparsely populated area of northern Scotland.

If you’ve driven Route 66, don’t expect the vastly varied landscapes, the range of small towns to big cities, quirky roadside attractions, or historic diners of Route 66. It is probably more similar to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way but every route has its own unique personality and charm!

Drive Route 66 for American roadside culture and drive NC500 for Scottish Highlands culture, historical sites, and scenic coastal views.

When is the Best Time of Year to Travel the North Coast 500?

The best time to drive the North Coast 500 for most people is between May and October as during this period you’ll find most attractions and restaurants open, the greatest variety of lodging, and the best chances for warmer weather. However, this also corresponds with the busiest time along the North Coast 500 which is from early May to late September.

If you are looking to drive the route during a quieter time of year, I’d consider April, early May, late September, or October, avoiding holidays, festivals, special events, and school breaks.

Winter can be a nice time for photography and solitude, although the weather can be bad and certain minor roads (e.g. the Bealach Na Ba) may be closed due to bad weather. If you plan to drive the NC500 out of season (e.g., October to March) just note that many businesses (including hotels, restaurants, tourist information offices, and attractions) in the Scottish Highlands are seasonal or have reduced winter hours.

Obviously, the best time to drive the North Coast 500 is the time you have available, and if you need to set out at a less than opportune time of the year, just be prepared and be flexible.

If you are trying to plan your trip around Scottish weather, weather conditions are fickle in Scotland and we experience rain, clouds, and chilly weather year round (that is what keeps Scotland green!). However, we also get these bursts of sunshine and warm weather than can occur any time of the year with probably May and September being two of the better months in our experience thus far.

Our first time along the NC500 we were lucky in August with a few days of sunny warm weather. Out of an 8 day NC500 trip in May, we had 2 particularly rainy bad weather days, 3 mixed days (rain part of day, sunny part of day), and 3 nice weather days.

During our 12 day winter trip in February most days were mixed (rain/light snow/clouds/some sun) and it rained at least a little on almost every day of the trip. During that time we had 2 bad days (snowed all day, roads uncleared, stayed inside) and 1 especially nice and sunny day.

Just come prepared for the weather and don’t let it stop you from enjoying your trip!

How Many Days Does it Take to Drive the North Coast 500?

This really depends on how much you want to see, how much you want to drive each day, and how many detours you plan to make. You could speed along the entire 500 miles in less than 24 hours if you don’t mind not sleeping or seeing anything along the way!

But the North Coast 500 is designed for touring, sightseeing, and taking things slowly. The minimum number of days we’d recommend to drive the North Coast 500 is 5 days, but 7 to 10 days would be ideal. If you plan to speed around, you could do it with 3 full days and night, but we’d recommend more time.

If you really want to explore the route slowly, relax, and maybe take some detours (e.g., visits to Loch Ness, Orkney Islands, Summer Isles, Isle of Skye), I’d recommend 2 weeks. For those with more time, you could easily fill up a few weeks and not run out of things to do, especially if you love hiking, nature, and historical sites.

I Don’t Have Time for the Full Route, What Section Should I Drive?

If you only have a 2 or 3 days, you can still get a taste of some of the things that the North Coast 500 has to offer without speeding along the entire route. I would focus on either a section of the route or focus on a special interest or theme (e.g., castles, historical sites, beaches, distilleries). For more reasons to drive the NC500 and themes read this article .

Below is but a short list of suggestions:

Castles:  There are a number of castles along the route, ranging from crumbled ruins to the former home of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother to picturesque Disney-like castles.

Some that you might want to consider visiting along or near the route (all open to the public, although some have seasonal hours) are Cawdor Castle , Dunrobin Castle , Castle Sinclair Girnigoe ruins, and the Castle of Mey which all lay along the eastern part of the route between Inverness and the small village of Mey.

You can enhance your stay by staying at a castle hotel such as Kincraig Castle Hotel , Tulloch Castle Hotel , or Dornoch Castle Hotel which are all also along the eastern part of the route.

For more on castle hotels along the route, you can see our North Coast 500 accommodation guide which has over 25 recommended places to stay along the route, from castle hotels to B&B’s and guesthouses.

Distilleries and Breweries. Scotland is well-known for its whisky and just about every visitor to Scotland wants to try at least a dram or two of whisky during his or her trip. But Scotland also has a growing craft beer industry and gin scene and you’ll find a bit of everything along the North Coast 500.

Whisky distilleries are more prevalent along the eastern part of the route between Inverness and Dunnet and include Glen Ord Distillery , Glenmorangie Distillery , Clynelish Distillery , Dalmore Distillery , and Old Pulteney Distillery . For non-whisky stops, consider Black Isle Brewery and Dunnet Bay Distillery (best known for its gin and vodkas). Most distilleries give public tours and tastings, but some you’ll need to book in advance. We expect more will continue to pop up as the tourism increases in this area.

For more on whisky, see our comprehensive guide to whisky distilleries in Scotland , which has everything you need to know. We also have a guide to whisky distilleries on the North Coast 500 specifically.

Wildlife:  Those interested in Scottish wildlife should be able to find some spots of interest. For those interested in sea mammals or seabirds I’d recommend the section between Inverness and Thurso. Chanonry Point (one of the most popular spots), North Kessock, Fort George, and Spey Bay are popular places near Inverness to spot bottlenose dolphins as well as potentially seals, porpoises, and whales. The Scottish Dolphin Center  at Spey Bay is a great place to stop for more information on dolphins and other area wildlife.

For whale watching, we were told that Duncansby Head, Dunnet Bay, and Strathy Point are popular spots for whale watchers as well as for dolphins, porpoises, and other sea animals. There are wildlife boat tours you can do in the Caithness area for a better chance to see the wildlife. The Orkney Islands (can be reached by ferry from John O’ Groats) is also a great place for wildlife, including sea mammals, voles, and sea birds.

For birdlovers, I’d highly recommend checking out the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) website for information, and I’d also consider contacting them before your trip or visiting one of their centers for local information to find the best spots depending on the kind of birds you are most interested in (e.g., birds of prey, seabirds, waders).

The RSPB has several reserves around or near the NC500 that help protect the local wildlife. For seabird lovers, there are several spots along the route but I’d highly recommend the Dunnet Head Nature Reserve which is home to a number of species, depending on the season, including cormorants, puffins, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars.

Deer lovers can spot red deer throughout the Scottish Highlands and the best time to see them is early in the morning in the fields away from villages. We saw loads of them, especially along the western and southern parts of the route. If you want to get really upclose to a large herd of deer, we can recommend a guided tour with gamekeeper Colin at Reraig Forest near Lochcarron.

Laurence personally favors the western side for landscape photography, but we found great photography spot throughout the route. Here is a guide to some of the photography highlights of the North Coast 500 .

Heritage Sites, History, Geology, Culture, & Museums:  Pictish stones, local history and heritage museums, cairns, crofts abandoned during the Highland Clearances, important geological and archaeological sites, churches, castles, old battlefields, and more can be discovered along the North Coast 500. If you have an interest in one (or all!) of these areas, I’d do a little research on sites of interest and plan your itinerary accordingly.

You’ll find interesting cultural and historical sites throughout the route, although you’ll find a higher concentration along the eastern coast between Inverness and Thurso as it is (and probably always has been) a more populated area than the north and west coasts.

There are a lot of great sites, depending on your interests, in and around Inverness such as Inverness Museum & Art Gallery ,  Fort George , Clava Cairns , Cawdor Castle , Culloden Battlefield , and Urquhart Castle . Heading north from Inverness, there are places like Beauly Priory , Hugh Miller’s birthplace , Groam House Museum , Tarbat Discovery Centre , Dunrobin Castle , Timespan Heritage & Art Centre , North Coast Visitor Centre (formerly Caithness Horizons Museum & Art Gallery), and tons of small relatively unknown sites like the Bronze Age stones at Hill o’ Many Stanes .

If your interests lie in historical sites (churches, museums, prehistoric sites, old homes), I’d highly recommend checking out the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland websites, as both manage many of Scotland’s historical sites.

To save money, I’d also take a look at the  Historic Scotland Explorer Pass  (includes entry into over 70 sites such as Urquhart Castle, Fort George & Edinburgh Castle) and/or the Scottish Heritage Pass (valid April to October, includes over 120 sites including Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Brodie Castle, Hugh Miller’s Birthplace, and Edinburgh Castle). These passes may save you money if you are planning to visit a lot of historical properties during your trip.

For those interested in geology, I’d recommend heading to the North West Highlands GeoPark which covers a large section of the northwestern part of the route and includes sites such as Smoo Cave, Knockan Crag, and The Bone Caves near Inchnadamph. This is an internationally significant geological site that has been recognized by UNESCO, so is a must-see for any rock hound (and recommended for anyone driving the NC500!).

Coastline & Beaches:  The route has coastline (and several beaches) along its western, northern, and eastern sections. Our favorite coastline in terms of views is probably the rugged western and northern sections. Our favorite beaches are around the northwest between Melvich and Sandwood Bay in the northwest, and then around Achmelvich Bay.

Melvich Beach, Durness Beach, Balnakeil Beach, Sandwood Beach, and Achmelvich Beach are a few of our favorites in the northwest. Closer to Inverness, you can also find some nice little local beach spots around Nairn, the Black Isle, Potmahomack, Dornoch, and Embo. There are lots of seldom visited sandy spots along the route, and you can discover your own spots by just asking a local villager.

Just note that the water is always cold, even in the summer so bring a drysuit or wetsuit if you want to spend some time in the water! Many Scottish beaches have limited or no facilities so be sure to bring anything you may need.

Golfing.  Scotland is the home of golf and attracts golfers from around the world who want to play some of Scotland’s best known courses. For golfers, I’d recommend driving the route between Inverness and Dornoch, and also detouring a bit from the NC500 to the Nairn area.

There are over 10 golf courses in this area but a few golf courses to consider are the Inverness Golf Club in Inverness, The Nairn Golf Club  in Nairn, Nairn Dunbar Golf Club in Nairn, Castle Stuart Golf Links near Nairn, Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club  in Fortrose,  Invergordon Golf Club in Invergordon, and the  Royal Links Championship Course & Struie Course in Dornoch.

Least Crowded Areas. I’d probably head to the northwest section for the most wild and least crowded area. I’d also consider going to spots just off the route, such as Nairn and the Black Isle, spots along the minor roads of the interior like Lairg, a visit to the Summer Isles, and harder to reach spots that require some hiking such as Sandwood Bay or one of the munros.

The most crowded sections are probably around Inverness, the Inverness to Thurso section, around Ullapool, and the Bealach Na Ba road near Applecross. Of course, if you drive the route between November and March, you’ll find few visitors along the entire route except for during holidays and special events.

Best Stops for Families with Children along the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500 can be a fun trip for families. We’ve had several readers ask us if the North Coast 500 is appropriate for younger children and what stops we’d recommend for kids.

We haven’t traveled the route with kids, but we definitely think it doable and can make for a nice holiday for children of any age. I think you just need to do a bit more planning to make sure you allow more time for breaks and plan visits to places the kids will enjoy.

For those with younger kids, you might consider camping as a family (lots of campsites along the route for tent camping and motorhomes), planning picnics, or staying in self-catering accommodation. Not only can this save you money, but they are also great ways to accommodate picky eaters or early dinner times.

Crime rates in this region are low, so the main dangers to kids are cars and natural ones. Many of the scenic sites along the North Coast 500 don’t have any fences or safeguards and most beaches have no lifeguards, so always keep little ones in sight.

Here is our list of some children-friendly places that you might want to include in your list:

• Beaches & Pools – There are dozens of beaches along the North Coast 500 and they are great places to stop and let the kids explore and let out some energy. The water is often too cold for much swimming, so I’d consider bringing wetsuits or drysuits if the kids want to spend a lot of time in the water. Remember there are no lifeguards at most beaches. There are also a number of public swimming pools along the route as well if the kids prefer indoor swimming.
• Playgrounds – Many of the towns along the NC500 have community playgrounds and if you are camping, some of the campsites also have playground areas. There are also woodland playgrounds such as the ones in Evanton Woods (about a 10 minute walk from the free town parking area in Evanton) and Ben Wyvis Natural Playground near Garve.
• Guided Activities – There are many opportunities to book some fun activities and tours along the route. Examples include wildlife boat trips with EcoVentures , Caithness Sea Coast , or Hebridean Whale Cruises , ziplining with Golden Eagle Zip Line , geology walks (kids 10+ only) with Deep Time , fishing with Assynt Fly Fishing , loch canoeing or kayaking with Kayak Summer Isles , pony trekking with the Gairloch Pony Trekking Centre , and deer spotting and ATV trip at Reraig Forest . Note many of the above activities have age limits and most require advanced booking.
• Camping – Camping can be a fun family activity and allows you to prepare some of your own meals along the route. There are a number of campsites along the NC500 and most are very family-friendly.
• Short hikes – There are hiking trails all over the North Coast 500 and you’ll likely find many suitable for your kids. If you have babies or infants that need to be pushed in strollers, look for all-ability paths which are suitable for wheelchairs as they also work for prams.
• Robertson’s Farm Shop – In addition to being a farm shop, in the summer kids can go visit the farm animals and pet some of them (small fee). There are Highland coos, goats, sheep, etc. You can also pick up goodies from the farm shop to have a picnic later in the day.
• Dunrobin Castle – This might be a bit expensive for taking really young kids if they are not that interested in the interior, but there is also a beautiful garden here and the falconry display (usually once or twice a day in summer, check times in advance) is also often appealing to kids.
• There are many archaeological sites that are not far from a parking area and are easy to visit. For example, Càrn Liath (an Iron Age broch) is a short walk from the parking area. It is just a short drive past Dunrobin Castle. Free to visit.
• Loch Fleet – This national reserve is a nice spot and there are plenty of walking trails, many flat and easy. Good chance for spotting birds. The Skelbo Forest Walk is an easy and mostly shaded option and there are some woodcarved animals along the walk.
• Castle of Mey – Former home of the Queen Mother (Queen Elizabeth) and it has a farm animal petting/viewing area that might appeal to kids even if the castle doesn’t.
• Smoo Cave – An impressive cave. It is free to see the exterior. You can also join a seasonal tour to visit more of the inside of the cave that includes a geological tour on foot and a raft ride to reach the inner chambers. Tour requires appropriate footwear.
• Cocoa Mountain – Located in Dornoch, this is a popular stop for hot cocoa for both kids and adults.
• Rock Stop (has a small interactive indoor exhibition plus cafe) at Unapool and Knockan Crag stop (outdoors) are both good places to teach the kids a bit about the North West Highlands Geo Park and the amazing local geology.
• Achmelvich Beach – This is a really pretty beach and fairly protected by the bay so a good beach for families.
• Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve –  At this nature reserve, kids have the chance to walk across a “scary” suspension bridge and there is also hiking trails. Just be careful to keep hold of young children.
• Interewe Gardens – Large gardens run by the National Trust for Scotland that include tropical plants, California redwoods, native plants, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Lots of walking paths and a cafe. There is a special family entrance price.

The above are just some suggestions, and there are many more places your kids are sure to love. With a bit of imagination, we think just about any stop, whether it be a historical site, museum, beach, or archaeological site, can be fun for kids.

You can see more about these places and a list of all the main sites around the North Coast 500 when reading our day-by-day NC500 itinerary .

Is the North Coast 500 Dog Friendly?

Many travelers, especially those who live in the UK, want to do the North Coast 500 with a dog. It is definitely a place that you can bring your dog, but a dog will limit some of the places you can visit or stay. Here are some tips for traveling the North Coast 500 with pets and how to find dog-friendly lodging.

If you are traveling from outside the UK you will need to make sure you check the laws and guidelines (papers, vaccinations, quarantine) for bringing a dog into the UK as it differs depending on the country of origin. You can find out more about that here .

When dogs are in a vehicle in the UK they need to be properly restrained for safety. Specifically, Highway Code, Rules 57 states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage, or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

The main thing to know when bringing dogs to this area is that they will need to be kept on a lead (leash) in most places because of livestock and wildlife. April and May is lambing season in Scotland so lots of baby lambs will be around all spring and summer and you’ll want to keep dogs away from the sheep. Dogs can scare and cause harm to the baby lambs and other livestock.

Spring and summer is also bird nesting season and dogs can disturb ground nesting birds so good to be aware of if doing walks/hikes. Some of the bird and wildlife reserve areas do not allow dogs for obvious reasons.

Many of the indoor and paid attractions (museums, castles, guided tours, gardens) along the route do not allow pets. If you are traveling with a partner or group, you may want to take turns spending time with your dog and one going inside.

Although most restaurants don’t allow dogs inside, several have outdoor areas that allow dogs and some bars allow well-behaved dogs. There are also takeaway places in many of the towns. If you are staying at a dog-friendly hotel or campsite, someone there can probably give you recs for the best places to eat or get a drink with your dog.

Most parks, hiking areas, beaches, and wild places allow dogs, but not all of course so do check signs before setting out. Most ask that dogs be kept on a lead at all time.

Of course, it is required that dog waste be picked up by dog owners and then properly disposed of. At some places, there are places to dispose of it, but not in all places so be prepared to pack it out and dispose of it properly later.

For dog-friendly accommodation along the North Coast 500, you can see our North Coast 500 hotels guide  and  NC500 B&Bs guide as both note if each recommended hotel or B&B is dog-friendly or not at last check. Always be sure to double check pet policies before booking.

Most campsites along the North Coast 500 allow pets so camping is a pretty popular for pet owners who want to drive the NC500. You can see individual campsites mentioned throughout our suggested 1 week NC500 itinerary and you can also see our NC500 campsite guide for more information on camping along the route.

Many holiday home rentals and glamping sites also accept pets and are especially great for those wanting to base in one place for longer than a night or two.

If you are looking for dog-friendly accommodation in a certain town or area and can’t find anything, feel free to ask and we’ll let you know if know of any. From our readers who have traveled with dogs, we have a good list of dog-friendly places along much of the route.

How to Avoid the Crowds along the North Coast 500?

The busiest months are going to be the summer from June to August with some crowds in May and September. Festivals, special events (e.g., music concerts, bike races, car rallies), and holidays (e.g., Christmas, Hogmanay) also bring more people to the area. So avoiding these times of year can help but since they are also when there are the most daylight hours, most open attractions and lodging, and perhaps best chance of warm weather, chances are this is also when you plan to drive the route.

Even if you are planning to visit at the busiest time of year (say July or August), you can still avoid some of the crowds and find some peaceful spots along the route if you make an effort to do so. First, go out when fewer people are going to be around. Get up early or stay out late as most people don’t get onto the road until after 8:30am and stop for lodging around dinner time. Early risers will be rewarded by local wildlife sightings, especially the local deer and birds.

But even right along the route, few people get out of their cars to hike around lochs, hills, beaches, or fields so if you get out into nature you’ll probably find yourself relatively alone. Relatively few people even stop to visit the local museums and we’ve often had them to ourselves. You might also consider heading out on a boat to see the coastline from another angle.

To get even further away, head to towns and areas located just off the official route, such as Nairn, Borgie, Altnaharra, Portmahomack, Cape Wrath, Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve, or Bonar Bridge. Follow themed trails like the Strathnaver Trail, Pictish Trail, or Pebble Routes to learn about some specific subjects and get off the beaten path.

Head into spots that require some hiking such as Sandwood Bay or climb up one of the munros. The mountains are a great way to get away from the crowds.

If you plan to hike, just be prepared by bringing along good hiking shoes, rain gear, midge repellent (May to September), and hiking supplies so you are prepared to go off and find the peaceful spots along the route.

How Much Should I Plan Ahead?

This really depends on your style of travel, some people plan little in advance and others plan in great detail what they are going to see each day. I’d recommend that you at least make a loose itinerary of places you definitely want to stop before you leave so you have an idea of how much time you want to spend in each area so you can plan your accommodation.

Have at least a tentative itinerary can also help you identify and fit in places you really want to see that have limited opening times (e.g., a museum or attraction only open 3 days a week or a restaurant only open on weekends for dinner).

In terms of making reservations, very few attractions take reservations or pre-sell tickets, but I’d strongly recommend booking your lodging in advance and also any special dinners. You’ll also want to book most activities such as guided hikes, kayaking, boat rides, fishing trips, wildlife tours, surfing lessons, etc. in advance as many require prior reservations.

For the North Coast 500, we would recommend that you start researching lodging options as soon as you know your dates. I would book at least 3 months in advance if possible. Staff at several of the busiest properties recommended to us that travelers should try to book 6 months in advance to guarantee a room as they had some dates fully booked 6 to 9 months in advance.

Now, six months is a pretty long time in advance so don’t worry if you just decided to drive the NC500 and it is 2 months away, you’ll still find plenty of places with availability, but start booking now. Just note that the most in-demand properties and the best value ones often get booked up well in advance. See our prior article for more information on where to stay along the NC500 which covers some of our favorite hotels and B&Bs along the route.

If you are someone who hates planning ahead and wants to be able to stop and spend as much time in a place as you wish, I’d consider doing a camping or campervan trip along the NC500 . That way you won’t need to search for last-minute lodging each night which can be difficult on sections of the route. This way all you need to worry about in advance is your transportation and camping gear and you will have the flexibility of either traditional lodging or camping each night.

Dining along the NC500?

In terms of food, I’d expect fresh, rustic, and homestyle meals that rely on the local produce at most eateries along the NC500. However, whereas there are fewer options than you’d have in a large city like Edinburgh or Glasgow, there is still a wide variety of food stops that range from budget-friendly cafes serving simple salads and sandwiches to Michelin-starred restaurants serving four-course menus.

Lunch and coffee stops are generally easy to find along the route, but dinner options can be more limited (often at hotel restaurants) and some may require 24 to 48 hour pre-booking. Note that some cafes and restaurants, especially in the smaller towns and villages, are seasonal so be sure to check opening dates and hours in advance, especially if traveling outside of the main season (May to September).

Most towns have a small grocery store (not usually open late in the evenings so stop during the day) where you can pick up picnic supplies, snacks, and food to cook your own meals. There are also a couple of specialty food spots along the route such as Robertsons The Larder farm shop.

It is wise to think ahead each day about where you’ll be for meals as some hotels or campsites may be a 30 minute to 1 hour drive from a restaurant. It is also a good idea to also have some snacks and maybe a couple cups of pot noodles in your car just in case you arrive later than expected and there is no place to eat for dinner.

Some places we’d recommend checking out for sit down lunches or dinners include the Chez Roux restaurant at the Rocpool Reserve Hotel in Inverness, Mustard Seed in Inverness, Boath House hotel restaurant near Nairn (Michelin-starred),  Dornoch Castle Hotel restaurant in Dornoch,  Y-Not Bar and Grill in Thurso,  Kylesku Hotel restaurant (known for its fresh local seafood), The Ceilidh Place in Ullapool, The Arch Inn in Ullapool, and  The Torridon hotel restaurant in Annat.

If you follow our 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary , we provide a list of restaurants for dinner for each day along the route.

No matter where you dine, I’d highly recommend trying dishes using the local produce and products such as local seafood (e.g., salmon, crabs, scallops), lamb, game, Stornoway black pudding (from the Isle of Lewis), and fresh in-season vegetables. You can also find local whiskies, beers, and other beverages made in the Scottish Highlands offered on most menus.

If this is your first time in Scotland, you’ll probably want to try some traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, black pudding, Scottish salmon, cullen skink (smoked haddock, potato, & onion soup), stovies (potato dish), and a full Scottish breakfast.

Where to Stay on the North Coast 500?

Along the North Coast 500, you have a range of lodging options from hostels and campsites to inns and seaside cottages to historic castles and country homes. Lodging options cover just about every budget and lodging type, but don’t expect to find hotel chains or massive resort-style properties.

Staying in cozy bed-and-breakfasts, historical properties, and luxury castles was part of the experience we wanted on our North Coast 500 journey, and our lodging choices definitely added to the experience.

In terms of budgeting for lodging, it will depend a lot on your accommodation type and time of year. I would say average hotel costs on the NC500 for a basic double room at a hotel with private bathroom are around £75-£110  per night.

But you can spend less if you stay in simple B&Bs (£40-£80 per night for 2 people), hostels (£17-£25/person), or campsites (£5-£30). The least expensive B&B rooms usually have shared bathrooms. If you are looking for more luxury oriented properties, expect prices in the £160 to £350 range.

As noted earlier (worth repeating!), we’d recommended trying to book your lodging 3 months in advance (especially if you are thinking hotels, B&B’s or self-catering options) as the amount of lodging in some areas is currently not sufficient for the demand at the busiest times of the year.

Hotels & B&B’s

Hotels and B&B’s represent the most popular lodging option along the North Coast 500. Hotels range from simple budget options to luxury castles. We’ve written an article on lodging tips (what to expect, when to book) and created a list of over 25 North Coast 500 hotels  we recommend checking out.

Also check out this guide to bed-and-breakfasts along the North Coast 500 .

Self-Catering Options

Self-catering options are generally less expensive than hotels, allow for more privacy, and most allow you the opportunity to cook your own food. There are a lot of options in this category, from log cabins to beach villas to entire apartments and houses.

One option is of course  vacation rental sites like Vrbo , where you can book rooms, apartments, and houses. These types of property along the North Coast 500 are not as plentiful as they are in other parts of the UK since most of this stretch is through small towns and countryside but you will find them scattered along the route.

We suggest trying out Snaptrip which searches many of the major holiday cottage booking sites in the UK for the best deals, and often has good last minute availability and deals.

You can also check out our list of  Airbnb alternatives for other websites to check, as well as our guide to h oliday cottage booking websites in the UK . Another local booking website that specializes in holiday properties in Scotland is Cottages & Castles , and it offers hundreds of self-catering holiday homes and cottages in Scotland, including a number along the NC500.

Some self-catering properties in the area may not be on any of the aggregate booking websites, and the best way to track some of them down is to search for things like “cottage near Thurso” or “house rental near Inverness” online or check the local tourism office listings.

There are at least a dozen hostels located along the North Coast 500, and you can easily do an entire NC500 road trip only staying in hostels. Ideal for budget backpacker types of any age who don’t want to spend a lot of money on accommodation and like to meet other travelers.

To get started, I would check out the Scottish Youth Hostels Association , which operate over 60 hostels in Scotland. Their website also lists some affiliate hostels along the NC500.

Camping and RVing

If you are planning to camp, you have a lot of options and should be able to find facilities throughout the route from April to September. Since many campsites are seasonal, I’d be careful to check ahead if you are planning to go outside those months.

You can stay at campsites with a tent or campervan, do wild camping if you don’t need any facilities, or rent out camping huts, static caravans, or cabins if you want to travel with limited camping gear.

We haven’t stayed at most of these campsites so we can’t personally recommend them but this list should help you get started in your research if you are planning to stay at campsites along the North Coast 500.

Most of the campsites have facilities for tents, campervans, and RVs, and many also have structures such as camping huts, set up tents, static caravans, wigwams, or cabins you can rent if you want to “camp” but want to bring limited camping gear. Many also rent bedding and camping gear for the night.

Note that many of the campsites along the North Coast 500 are seasonal and close during the winter months. If you are traveling off-season you’ll want to really check ahead.

Some campsites (in order as they are located counterclockwise along the route) include  Bught Park Camping and Caravan Site in Inverness,  Bunchrew Caravan Park near Inverness,  Camping and Caravan Club Sites (multiple locations including Rosemarkie, Nairn, and Dingwall),  Fortrose Bay Campsite in Fortrose,  Black Rock Caravan Park near Dingwall,  Inver Caravan Park near Dunbeath, Caravan and Motorhome Club Sites (multiple locations including Inverness, Dunnet Bay, and Kinlochewe),  Sango Sands Oasis in Durness,  Clachtoll Beach Campsite in Lochinver,  Shore Caravan Site in Achmelvich Bay,  Sands Caravan and Camping Park in Gairloch, and  Applecross Campsite in Appelecross.

If you are planning to camp, you’ll want to check out this 1 Week North Coast 500 camping itinerary , which provides a 7 day itinerary geared towards campers, camping campsite recs, and camping related stops and resources along the route. We also have a comprehensive guide to campsites on the NC500 .

if you want to rent a campervan for the drive, we recommend using Motorhome Republic, They compare prices across the major rental firms in the UK to find the best price for you. You can book your RV for the UK through them here .

If you’d like a more robust camper vehicle, check out the four wheel drive camper trucks from Wild Camper Trucks. See their Scotland options here .

Guide to Driving the North Coast 500

In this section, we’ll assume you have decided to drive the North Coast 500, and we’ll discuss how to find the route, how to stay on the route, safe driving tips and laws you should know, and where you can rent a car, motorcycle, or RV for your North Coast 500 road trip.

We’ll also provide information about North Coast 500 tours you can book if you want to experience the NC500 without driving.

Where Specifically Does the Route Start and End?

The NC500 route officially begins and ends in the city of Inverness at Inverness Castle, forming a loop. However, you can begin and end the route anywhere you choose although Inverness, as the largest city along the route, is a convenient place to start and stop.

How Do I Find and Stay on the North Coast 500 route?

Since the NC500 is not a single road or highway like Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway , you won’t find it on a regular map and your GPS probably won’t know the route. So just to be clear, there is no actual road named North Coast 500 but it is a designated tourist route.

However, in recent years, they have added North Coast 500 brown tourist signs along the route to help people stay on the route. So it is much easier to follow the route now.

The official North Coast 500 map is no longer being printed (we believe printing ended in 2020) and the organization said it will not be printing any further printed maps (although a digital one is available on their app). This is a shame as it was a great map and very popular and was given out for free at the Visit Scotland Tourism Information Centres along the NC500.

However, if you want a physical North Coast 500 map, there are two main other options. There is the Collins NC500 Pocket Map and the 500 Route around the Northern Highlands road map by Yellow Publications. Both are sold at the Visit Scotland Tourism Information Centre in Inverness, as well as in other places along the route. If you want a physical copy of a North Coast 500 map before you leave for your trip, you can sometimes also find them on eBay .

Since there are few main roads in the area, once you leave Inverness, you shouldn’t have any problems using the map to stay on the route. It is hard to accidentally stray too far from the route. If you are using your phone or GPS to help you navigate, I’d try to download any needed maps beforehand as you’ll likely lose satellite and Internet connections during parts of the road trip.

Note that many businesses don’t have street numbers in the Scottish Highlands but since the towns are so small, just keep an eye out once you are near and you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding them. Once you are in a town, any local person should be able to point you in the right direction if you do get lost.

Of course, getting a little lost is just part of the journey!

Which Direction Should I Drive the North Coast 500?

Since the NC500 route forms a loop, you have the option of driving it either clockwise or counterclockwise. Some of the official NC500 materials discuss the route as going counterclockwise and others clockwise, so there appears to be no “official” direction. The direction makes little difference and we’ve driven it from both directions with no difference in our trip experience.

There are small advantages to driving the NC500 in each direction though. One advantage of driving it clockwise (heading towards Garve and doing the west coast first) is that since the Scottish drive on the left side of the road, you’ll be driving directly alongside the coast during the coastal portions of the route. However, this is only a small advantage as you often need to park and walk a little to see the coastline along the route.

There are two main advantages of driving it counterclockwise (heading towards Invergordon and seeing the east coast first). The first is that if you are not used to single track roads, driving the route counterclockwise helps ease you into them better than driving it clockwise. So we recommend this direction for those tackling single track roads for the first time.

The other advantage of driving the route in the counterclockwise direction is that the most dramatic portions (to us anyway) are along the north and west coasts so you save those towards the end of the trip. So the ruggedness continues to increase along the drive which is nice.

However there is no right way to drive the route so head in the direction that makes the most sense for you! Lodging reservations is often an important factor in people’s route.

Planning a North Coast 500 itinerary?

If you are trying to plan your route and what attractions you might want to stop at along the route, we recommend that you take a look at our detailed 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary .

Our NC500 itinerary covers route advice for each day, a list of the main attractions along each section of the route, dining recommendations, and lodging recommendations for each day. For those with less time, you can also check out our less detailed 5 day NC500 itinerary .

If you are thinking about doing the route and tent camping or traveling by campervan or motorhome, we recommend checking out our North Coast 500 camping itinerary .

Can I drive the North Coast 500 with an electric or hybrid car?

Yes, as of 2016, there are now enough electrical charging points around the route for those with fully electric cars to drive the route safely. There are electrical charging points throughout the route, including rapid charge points.

You can find charging points using this interactive map  (list only free and public ones) and this website/app  (lists any kind of charging point, free, fee, and customer use only ones).

Can I do the NC500 without driving?

The most popular way to experience the North Coast 500 is by car, but it is also a popular route for motorcyclists and cyclists. If you have a lot of time, you can also traverse it by foot. Just note that some sections can be dangerous for bikers, horse riders, and pedestrians (e.g., blind turns, no bike lanes, one-track roads) so be sure to take proper safety measures and I would not recommend this route for inexperienced cyclists.

If you prefer not to be at the wheel or handles at all, you also have the option of booking a guided tour or hiring a private driver guide. See section on tours below.

You might also be wondering if you can do the North Coast 500 by train. The simple answer is no, there is no train route that approximates the route and an entire portion of the northwest of Scotland has no train connections.

However, if you really want to travel via train you can do a portion of the route by train and stop at several of the towns in the area. You can take the Inverness to Thurso train route (it also branches to Wick as well) train route and then head back to Inverness and take the train line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. Check the ScotRail website for the route details and to buy tickets.

Are NC500 Guided Group Tours or Private Tours Available?

Yes, if you prefer not to drive yourself you do have some options to book a guided North Coast 500 group or private tour. For those who don’t want to drive the route, this is your best option as public transit is spotty around the route.

Currently, the best guided tour along the NC500 is this 3-day tour from Inverness from Rabbie’s Travel. It is a fast-paced tour but allows you to see all the best scenery and highlights along the route while the driver guide keeps you safe on the single-track roads!

Rabbie’s also offers this 5-day Northern Scotland and Orkney Island tour from Edinburgh that both include 2 full days on exploring Orkney and a drive around most of the North Coast 500 so you see many of the highlights and scenery.

We haven’t done these tours but have done several tours with Rabbie’s and can definitely recommend the company. They also offer a 5-day Highlands and Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh (this one we have done).

If you only have a day or two, you might consider doing a day tour from Inverness that explore some of the NC500 highlights, such as this day tour up north to John O’Groats , or this one which visits Torridon and Applecross.

For those wanting a private tour, you can arrange a private NC500 tour from  Rabbie’s or other local tour companies. Most Scotland-based tour companies should be able to arrange a guided NC500 private tour to suit your needs although you will pay a lot more than you would if you did a group tour or a self-drive trip. Inverness is probably the most convenient place to start a NC500 tour, but tours can also be arranged to depart and return from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness.

Currently few companies are offering NC500 tours, especially group tours, but the options will likely increase as the popularity of the route increases. We’ll try to keep this list updated but if you know of any other group tours, please let us know!

Where Can I Rent a Car, Campervan, Motorcycle, etc.?

If you are not bringing along your own vehicle, you can easily rent one in Scotland. You can also rent motorcycles, bikes, cycling gear, campervans, and camping gear once you arrive. Depending on where you arrive and plan to leave in Scotland, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, and Aberdeen are the four largest cities and best places for rentals.

Along the NC500, Inverness has the largest selection and I’d highly recommend picking up your rental and any gear before you leave the city as there is much less opportunity to do so elsewhere on the route.

Rental Cars for NC500

It is easy to rent a car from Inverness Airport or downtown Inverness. Main rental car companies include   Avis ,  Budget , Thrifty, Arnold Clark, Europcar , Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car , and Focus Vehicle Rental. I’d recommend getting the smallest size vehicle you need and to be sure your rental is fully insured. A GPS unit can also be helpful for navigation. Enterprise are usually our favourite for car hire.

Each rental car agency has its own rental policies. But generally, to rent a car in Scotland (or elsewhere in the UK), you must be at least 21 to 30 years old (many have 23 as an age limit) depending on the vehicle category and car rental agency, have held a valid driving license for at least a year (some require up to 3 years), and the driver’s license must be in English or using the Latin alphabet. Surcharges may apply to drivers under age 25.

If the license is not in English or Latin alphabet, then you will need to get a validated English translation or have an International Driving Permit . If you need an International Driving Permit, you will need to apply for this in your home country prior to your trip.

NOTE . If you plan to rent a car in another country, please check your rental agreement as bringing a car to Scotland may be against your car’s rental terms (particularly any ferry crossings). For instance, even cars rented in Ireland can sometimes not be brought by ferry over to Scotland.

Renting a Motorcycle for the NC500

There are a couple of places you can rent motorcycles along the North Coast 500.  You can check out the North Coast 500 Moto Experience in Inverness and the Highland Motorcycle Hire in Muir of Ord (20 km west of Inverness).

If you are arriving elsewhere in Scotland or the UK, you’ll have additional options such as  Rent a Motorcycle in Edinburgh.

Renting a Campervan and Camping Gear

There are several places to rent campervans around Inverness, including GoBoony , Highland Campervans , Loch Ness Motorhomes , Outdoorsy , and Rover Rentals .

If you are arriving elsewhere in Scotland or the UK, you’ll also find plenty of options around Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, London, etc.

We suggest taking a look at Motorhome Republic as a good starting point for comparing prices on campervan rental in the UK. They have listings for many of the major campervan rental firms in the UK. You can see their UK listings here .

If you are starting in Edinburgh or London, Spaceship Rentals  is another place to check for campervans and motorhomes.

We would recommend renting the smallest size campervan or RV that you need as the narrow roads of the Highlands are not designed for large vehicles and RVs are prohibited on some roads.

For camping, hiking, biking, and outdoor gear, we can recommend the following outdoors gear stores which are all located in Inverness: Go Outdoors, Blacks, Tiso, and Trespass.

Renting Bikes and Biking Gear for NC500

There are several places to rent bikes along the NC500. To get starated, you can check out Ticket to Ride and  Inverness Bike Hire in Inverness and West Coast Biking in Kinlochewe. Most bike companies also rent bike gear and accessories and some also can arrange for guided day or multi-day tours.

Driving Safety Tips for the North Coast 500?

If you have never driven in Scotland before, you’ll want to review some of the driving laws and road safety tips before your North Coast 500 road trip. This is particularly true if you are planning to drive a rental car, caravan, or motorhome.

Some things that may be new for you are driving on the left side of the road, driving on single-track roads, and driving in areas where livestock is unfenced. Increased tourism in the Highlands has led to more traffic accidents and complaints. We have a post full of tips for driving in the UK that you should check out.

The infrastructure of the Highlands in some areas is not fully ready to handle mass tourism, but most traffic incidents can be avoided by following the driving laws, knowing how to safely drive your vehicle, and being prepared.

To get started I’d advise first reading these general Scotland driving tips and laws and then these tips for  road safety along the NC500 . I’ll highlight some of the bigger issues below:

Single Track Roads

A large amount of the North Coast 500 involves narrow single track roads, so you’ll need to use designated passing places. Here’s a brief introduction to passing on single-track roads if you have never driven on one before.

If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind you wants to pass, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right until the car goes past you. Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. You may need to reverse to get into the nearest passing space which is why it is important to know how to safely reverse your vehicle which can be a problem for those in caravans or with rental vehicles.

Here is a guide to driving on singe-track roads in Scotland  with a relevant infographic explaining how to use passing places.

Stopping & Parking

We noticed a lot of people who were stopping on the road, to the side of the road, or in passing places during our trip. This is unsafe and also illegal in some cases.

Do not use passing places for parking, these are needed for traffic to properly pass on single-track lanes. Stopping in the middle of the road to take in a view or photo is holding up traffic and may result in an accident.

If you want to stop, find a safe place to pull off in a designated parking space or lot. Pulling over onto the side of the road or into a field can be unsafe, lead to damage to the fragile environment, cause erosion, and mar someone’s private property.

Bealach Na Ba & RVs

The Bealach Na Ba is a narrow windy stretch of road near Applecross, and the most difficult and steepest stretch of the official NC500 route. This route often gets blocked by inexperienced drivers and also shut down by bad weather conditions, and you should not drive this route unless you know how to drive single-track roads, use passing places, and reverse your vehicle safely. Here is what the official NC500 website has to say about the Bealach Na Ba as well as the B869:

“The ‘Bealach Na Ba’ stretch however is not suitable for large motorhomes, caravans and inexperienced drivers due to its sharp bends and steep gradients so we would advise taking the slip road up at the A896 instead which will be much safer for you and your passengers. We would also recommend avoiding the B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku as this can be a tricky route to follow for large vehicles. If you take the A837 back from Lochinver on the main road you will be fine. As always, please take due caution on the roads and use passing places where possible.”

Slow Drivers

You want to drive at a speed that feels safe and you are likely going to be driving slower if you are new to single-track roads or are driving a motorhome or caravan. However, you are likely going to be causing frustration to those behind you wanting to drive at a normal speed, especially those not on vacation. So be mindful and pull over into a passing place or parking area every so often to let faster traffic pass you. They will be very grateful!

Livestock & Deer

Large sections of the Scottish Highlands have unfenced livestock which include cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. It is not uncommon to see animals, especially sheep, on or right next to the road. Drive slowly around turns, follow the speed limits, and keep vigilant for livestock.

They will rarely run out onto the road in front of you, but it can be easy to miss a little lamb lying on the road until it is too late. Lambs are most vulnerable in the Spring and early summer.

Wild animals, particularly deer, may also be on the road and are much more likely to run out in front of you. Be extra mindful for deer in the early morning and evening hours when they are most active.

The North Coast 500 is not a route for those who want to drive fast. The speed limits are often low and single-track roads mean a lot of slowing down and stopping. If you are trying to get somewhere in a hurry, you’ll be frustrated and you’ll frustrate other drivers. Even if you are an experienced driver and know the route, you can be sure that you are sharing it with less experienced drivers and speeding could cause you to hit them or they hit you.

Be safe, follow the speed limits, and don’t drive this route if you are in a rush!

This one is easy, don’t litter! Bring along bags or containers you can keep in your car to store your trash and wait until you get to a proper place to dispose of it responsibly. One common issue is that tourists are throwing garbage into proper trash receptacles but the receptacles are already overflowing so the garbage ends up on the ground or in the water anyway.

Campers should follow the leave “no trace” policy and should pack out all garbage and waste with them.

Alcohol Limits

The drink drive laws in Scotland were changed in 2014 and are now very strict with low limits to discourage drinking and driving. The legal drinking limit is now lower than in any other part of the UK. You could still be charged even if you are riding a bike.

If you are planning on drinking, even one drink could put you over the legal limit, so plan to stay in after drinking, have a designated driver, or call a taxi.

Note that if you are visiting a distillery or brewery, most will be happy to give samples in “takeaway cups” so that the driver can still enjoy a dram back at the hotel!

How to Be a Responsible Traveler of the NC500?

The popularity of the North Coast 500 has brought both benefits and negative consequences to this part of Scotland. Some of the negative side effects of increased tourism have been increased littering, overwhelmed local services during the summer, and more traffic accidents and complaints.

Common tourist complaints by locals in the area include improper driving on one-track roads, parking in passing places or in places that are not designated parking spaces, putting garbage into overflowing trash cans, not picking up after dogs, dogs chasing or harming livestock, leaving garbage and human waste at campsites (yuck!), speeding, hitting lambs and other livestock on the road, getting large vehicles stuck in narrow places such as the Bealach Na Ba road, trespassing on private property, and causing damage to the environment.

All of the above issues are easy to avoid by following road safety guidelines and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code . I strongly recommend checking out the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website which covers information, tips, and guidelines relevant to campers, cyclists, hill walkers, dog owners, horse riders, farmers, beach goers, park visitors, and more!

Be a good traveler and respect this beautiful area of Scotland, which has been relatively unspoiled by mass tourism. Remember that it is just not a tourist destination but also a place where people live and many have moved to this area to “get away”. Locals don’t want to be stuck behind people who stop in the middle of the road to take a photo, see dead lambs alongside the road hit by careless drivers, or have to pick up someone else’s litter from their garden.

Do your part to leave “no trace” on this area and encourage others to do the same.

Things to Pack for a NC500 Road Trip

What you need and want to pack is going to depend a lot on you (what do you normally pack for trips?) and the type of NC500 road trip you plan to have (e.g. family RV trip staying at campsites or romantic couples getaway staying at luxury hotels).

But we’ll cover recommended general road trip supplies, special items you may need for the Scottish Highlands, and gear you’ll want to have with you in the car. Then you can use this to create your own personalized North Coast 500 Packing List.

General Road Trip Supplies

Everyone will have a different set of general packing items they bring on any trip and things they enjoy having on a road trip. Be sure to check the weather before you go and pack for Scotland’s notoriously fickle and damp weather (e.g., rain gear, layers, warm coat). Here are some general road trip supplies to help you get started:

• Clothing that can be layered
• Camera (if you need a new camera, see our list of the best travel cameras for all budgets)
• Camera accessories (e.g., batteries, film, charger, lenses)
• Hat and/or sunglasses
• Umbrella or poncho
• Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, etc.
• Sunscreen (remember sun damage can happen any time of the year!)
• Travel journal
• Reading materials (e.g, books, magazine, Kindle)
• Cards or games
• Extra storage bags to store garbage, wet clothes, etc.
• Picnic supplies
• Duct tape (because it is good for so many things!)
• Hiking, climbing, or cycling gear (as needed)
• Camping supplies (as needed)

Special NC500 Road Trip Supplies

For the most part, you’ll want to bring the same things you’d bring on any road trip, but there are a few things you may want to consider for a Scottish road trip. First, you may want to invest in a guidebook for the North Coast 500 or if your travels are taking you elsewhere in Scotland, a Scotland guidebook.

If you are going to visit Scotland from May to September it is midge season and if you plan to spend time outside, you’ll likely want to invest in some midge repellent and/or a head net to keep away these annoying tiny mosquito-like creatures (they swarm together in clouds and bite you!). Ticks can also be a problem in these same months, especially if you plan to hike.

The rain in Scotland can be frustrating but if you come prepared, it doesn’t have to restrict you. We’d recommend bringing a rainproof jacket, rain cover (e.g., umbrella or poncho), and waterproof hiking shoes. You may also want to bring waterproof bags to keep wet clothing, supplies, and camera gear.

If you plan to hike, you may want to invest in a good set of hiking maps, especially for those planning to do longer distance hillwalking, climbing, or hiking. Ordnance Survey maps are the ones we recommend (see below).

If you plan to go swimming or spend time in the water doing water sports, you’ll also want to bring along a wetsuit or drysuit, towel, and a pair of water shoes.

• Guide book such as Charles Tait’s guidebook or Rough Guides book
• Scotland general travel guidebook, such as Rick Steves Scotland or Fodor’s Scotland
• Midge repellent ( Smidge  [most recommended] or Avon So Soft )
• Midge head/face net, such as this Trespass head net for midges & mosquitos
• Insect repellent for ticks (recommend a repellent with DEET for best protection)
• Rainproof jacket with hood (we both wear Scotland-based Trespass waterproof jackets )
• Waterproof hiking shoes (we wear  Scarpa brand waterproof hiking shoes )
• Waterproof dry bags or zipper pouch bags to keep valuables dry and store wet things
• Ordnance Survey maps for hikers. There are OS 1: 50,000 scale Landranger maps (good for those planning to stick to established hikes and paths) as well as the OS 1:25,000 scale Explorer Maps for those wanting to get off the paths. You’ll need to choose the maps specific to the area(s) you plan to do the most hiking. For example, this is the Landranger Map  for Assynt & Lochinver and this is the Explorer Map for that same area. Some of the maps are also available on Amazon .
• Wetsuit or drysuit, towels, and water shoes (if you plan to spend time in the water)

Supplies for the Car

If you are bringing your own car or renting, most of the things you need should already be in it, but it is important to check before you go. If you have a rental car or RV, make sure you know how everything works (e.g., headlights, turning signals, heater) before you go and ask who you should contact in cases of a flat tire, accident, or mechanical failures. Some things to consider:

• Car manual, insurance information, emergency/accident contact info
• Spare tire and tools to change it
• Road safety kit (e.g., safety vest, flares, extra headlight bulbs)
• First Aid Kit (loads of options under $20 )
• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
• North Coast 500 map (download the digital map and then considering buying a physical map at the Inverness Visitor Center)
• Scotland road map or atlas
• Road Trip music (in a format that works with your vehicle!)
• Needed attachments or gear for RV or campervan (e.g., hoses, leveling blocks)
• Bike rack (if planning to take or rent bikes)

We hope you have found this North Coast 500 guide helpful! If have additional questions about the NC500, just write us a comment below and we’ll be happy to answer them. Is a North Coast 500  road trip on your bucketlist?

If you’ve driven any part of NC500, feel free to share any tips or advice you have from your own trip! As always, all questions and comments are welcome.

Planning a North Coast 500 road trip, PIN this article to Pinterest to read again later:

**Disclosure: We partnered with North Coast 500 who helped us plan the logistics of our trip and also arranged many of our meals and accommodation in order for us to share our experiences as travel writers. We had input into every place we stayed, ate, and visited, and we covered our own transport costs and additional expenses. You can read more in our  Ethics Code  about how we accept work.**

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Vernon Post author

February 14, 2024 at 5:34 am

Hello Jessica & Laurence, Your NC500 is very very helpful to me. My family will probably only be in Scotland for 5 full days/nights and we want to see the highlights of the NC500. We are thinking of flying into and out off Edinburgh and wodnering what you think would be best course of action? We have seen Edinburgh before so can cover what we want to do there in short time. We are thinking of doing the recommended 3 day guided small group tour so we can avoid renting a car and focusing on sightseeing rather than logistics. Spring nice time to do this? Looking forward to your thoughts as we plan our North Coast 500 experience.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

February 15, 2024 at 2:48 pm

So that sounds like a fun trip. And since you do have limited time, I would say a guided tour is a great way to try to see a lot without working about driving and logistics.

I am assuming you are specifically interested in this 3 day tour by Rabbies? So if so, you will need to make your way to Inverness if you are planning to fly into Edinburgh. The tour leaves early in the morning so I would recommend coming up the day before and spending the night in central Inverness (a B&B or hotel within walking distance is a good idea). Also this tour departs about twice a week (mostly on Mondays and Thursdays in 2024), so you will need to ensure your flights and travel arrangements are in line with the departure and return dates for this tour. I’d recommend letting Rabbies book your lodging for you as part of the tour for ease (although you can book it yourself, just ensure it is within Rabbies pickup distance for each location). I would just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to make sure you are not rushed to make the tour departure or your flights, but 5 full days/nights should allow for this with good planning.

If flying into/out of Edinburgh you might plan something like this:

Day 1 – Arrive into Edinburgh, take train (or bus or flight) up to Inverness, overnight Inverness near departure point Day 2 – Tour (overnight on NC500) Day 3 – Tour (Overnight on NC500) Day 4 – Tour, overnight in Inverness near departure point (same place as on Day 1) Day 5 – Return to Edinburgh, overnight in Edinburgh Day 6 – Fly home

Now, if you haven’t already booked your flights and have already visited Edinburgh, I would recommend flying in and out of Inverness instead of Edinburgh. Inverness is the starting and ending point for the North Coast 500 and will save you from having to get between Edinburgh and Inverness. This will save you a lot of transit time (6-8 hours) and allow you more time to explore Inverness before or after your tour. It would also potentially give you time, depending on your flight times, to do an additional day tour (such as this one to Loch Ness which a nice tour.

Day 1 – Arrive into Inverness, explore Inverness, overnight Inverness Day 2 – Tour (overnight on NC500) Day 3 – Tour (Overnight on NC500) Day 4 – Tour, overnight in Inverness Day 5 – Explore Inverness, consider a day tour such as to Loch Ness, overnight Inverness Day 6 – Fly home

And yes, I think Spring is a very nice time to go along the North Coast 500. You never really know about the weather but it can be really nice (it can also be rainy and chilly) but fewer crowds than summer and no midges.

Anyway, hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Scotland!

Best, Jessica

Emma Post author

January 23, 2024 at 4:49 am

Are you able to help, Im feeling a bit over whelmed with how long we should go for and where we should stop. This will be my first time to Scotland and I really don’t want to miss anything.

We have 7 days in Scotland, we would like to start in Inverness and we will be heading south on the west coast after the trip. Can you recommend any towns, places that should be on the must stop list, Im so worried I will plan something and it wont incorporate what we really want or I don’t allow ourselves enough time to explore the beaches, walks to find the views. The beautiful beaches, waterfalls, lochs really are a must.

Any guidance really would be appreciated.

January 23, 2024 at 12:52 pm

Happy to try to help. First, can you tell me a bit more about your travel plans as that will help me give more specific advice? What time of year are you thinking to visit? Who all are you traveling with? Do you have 7 days total in Scotland (or just 7 days total to explore the North Coast 500 route?) and if so where else are you planning to go? Have you been to Scotland before? Do you prefer to drive yourself or join a tour of some kind?

It sounds like you are more interested in natural attractions than town/city attractions? Are you also wanting to do activities like hiking/boating/golfing or mainly just sightseeing and walks?

January 23, 2024 at 2:10 pm

Hi Jessica, It wouid just be myself & husband, we wouid like to travel independently. We would drive upto scotland & have 7 days for the NC500. We’re thinking mid-late April.

Although we would like to enjoy the beaches, loch & natural sites, if we have time we would like to see some of the cities. No golf, but we would enjoy walking & a few boat trips if it’s not to rough 🤪

Many thanks

January 24, 2024 at 3:27 pm

So since you have 7 days and are self driving, I think our suggested 7 day itinerary should work very nicely for you as a base for your planning. That will give you a very good sense of how to divide up the drive into 6-7 days and what you can see each day along the route. You can’t of course do everything so you can adjust and prioritize based on your preferences for more walking, beaches, scenery, etc.

So in April, most, if not all, of the seasonal businesses will be open as most of those open around Easter or early April. The main things we’d recommend that you should book in advance are lodging, rental car (if needed), and any specific tours you want to do (for instance if you want to do a private kayaking trip on a certain date) as most of the tour operators are very small businesses with one or two guides.

The only real city here is Inverness which is worth stopping to see and visit some of the attractions in and around the city before your NC500 road trip begins. You can see our guide to things to do in Inverness for lots of ideas.

Since you are particularly interested in the lochs, I would recommend a trip to Loch Ness (not too far from Inverness), the most famous of Scotland’s lakes. But honestly, the area around Loch Ness is more beautiful than the loch itself in our opions as we’ve been lucky to spend some time in that area. You can read our guide to visiting Loch Ness for lots of details – for a day trip I’d recommend going to the loch, doing the boat ride, a visit to castle, perhaps the Loch Ness Centre, and maybe visiting one of the waterfalls in the area. The Rabbies complete day tour here is a good option if you want to do it as a day tour, it includes the option to do the boat tour and such, but also includes the surrounding area.

Inverness is the only city but there are a number of small towns and villages alogn or near the route like Dornoch, Wick, Thurso, Ullapool, and Strathpeffer which all tend to have at least one museum or attraction worth visiting if you have the time. We always try to stop and support as many of the local attractions as we can as many are run by volunteers (some have entrance fees, some rely on donations). Many also have little heritage town walking paths you can follow as well. We try to note these all in our day to day itinerary so you can pick and choose the cultural attractions that are most interesting to you, we’ve visited about all of them so if you have any questions or are looking for a one that covers something specific, happy to try to advise.

Loads of beaches worth stopping to see and to be honest for the most part you’ll just see these as you go by and most are not going to be busy at that time of year. Some of the dozens of beaches along the route include Rosemarkie Beach, Nigg Beach, Embo Beach, Dunnet Bay Beach, Farr Beach, Sandwood Bay (this one requires a long hike to reach so you need to set aside a lot of time to do this), Balnakeil Bay, Clachtoll Beach, Mellon Udrigle Beach, and Achmelvich Beach. We mention most of these in our day to day itinerary but generally since you are driving along the coast, you’ll have at least a couple sandy or stone beaches along the route you can stop at each day. Just note that the majority offer few, if any services (we are almost always alone on the smaller little beaches). Two more developed and busy ones to note are Rosemarkie Beach on the Black Isle (east part of route) where you have the chance to see dolphins (at Chanonry Point) and Achmelvich Beach in the west which is considered on the most beautiful easily accessible beaches along the route. Both are near popular camping sites and both offer more services.

Like beaches, possible walks are all along the route. We note many of them again in our itinerary and asking at your hotel or B&B is also a great way to find local walks.

I think the tours and guided activities have been some of our favorite memories of the many times we’ve visited. The local guides are often great and you learn a lot. There is a bit of everything from boat trips, fishing, geology walks, caving, clay pigeon shooting, kayaking, hiking, etc. So if you have time and interest, taking half a day to a full day to indulge in something like that can be a highlight.

In terms of some outdoor activities that you may enjoy and we’ve personally done are the wildlife boat tour with Ecoventures from Cromarty, fly fishing (from river, shore, or boat) with Stewart of Assynt Fly Fishing, canoeing (or sea kayaking or guided mountaineering!) with Tim from Hamlet Mountaineering (he can tailor a day of hiking/kayaking etc for your abilities), and a guided tour to see deer with gamekeeper Colin at Reraig Forest near Lochcarron. We mention more options within the itinerary as well.

Since you are interested in nature and wildlife, you might enjoy a detour over to Handa Island. It normally starts allowing people to visit in March, but I’d check beforehand on opening dates and sea bird nesting status. Again this is described in our itinerary but it includes taking a little boat (this can be a bit rough) over and then spending a few hours walking around the edges of an island nature preserve where you have a chance to see a number of birds, flowers, and other wildlife. This is very weather dependent. You’ll need to allot at least 4 hours for this.

Small ruined castles, brochs, standing stones, cairns, old churches and cemeteries, etc. are all over the place. We list many of them but you’ll also probably naturally run across them during your drives and walks as well. Dunrobin Castle is probably the most visited paid bigger attraction along the route and is worth visiting if you have the time and interest.

If you have even a small interest in geology, I’d stop at the Rock Stop at Unapool (a little interpretive center for the North West Highland GeoPark and small cafe) and do the interpretive walk at Knockan Crag. The northwestern area is very interesting in terms of geology and it was here that geologist made a couple of important discoveries.

Anyway, hope that helps give you some ideas and help – I think using our itinerary as a base should really help and then you can adjust it and pick out the things you really want to do from each day and make it your own.

Just let us know if you have further questions as you get further into your NC500 trip planning!

NEIL Franklin Post author

January 1, 2024 at 12:32 pm

Hi just wondering how common are petrol stations on the route , or if there is a section where they are limited so best to fill up before a certain area .

January 1, 2024 at 3:56 pm

Yes, there are plenty of petrol stations along the NC500 (although generally just one option per town or village once you get away from Inverness). More stations along the east and south sections of the route and less along the west and northwest, so if driving counterclockwise, you’ll want to be more aware once you leave Durness. I think you are usually always within about an hour’s drive of a station.

If you pick up one of the official NC500 maps in Inverness before you start the trip, it lists where most of the fuel stations are. Many are open 24 hours, some are not. So I would just recommend filling up during mornings or afternoons as needed and to not let your fuel get down past the 1/4 tank or near empty. So just plan accordingly and you should be fine.

Wishing you a great road trip and just let us know if you have any further questions!

Maximilian Post author

September 11, 2023 at 11:41 am

Well, just wanted to say thanks for the blog, it’s just very interesting and helpful!

September 11, 2023 at 3:53 pm

Hi Maximillian,

Glad you enjoyed our North Coast 500 guide, and just let us know if you have any questions if you are planning your own NC500 road trip in Scotland.

Happy travels, Jessica

Lesley Coyne Post author

April 3, 2023 at 11:42 am

Hi! Somewhere in your blog I saw a phone number for a breakdown service but I can’t find it now. Since you mentioned that it is the only one available for the north of Scotland I think it would be advisable to keep it handy. Thank you for your blog – I found it very inspirational.

Laurence Post author

April 5, 2023 at 11:59 am

So glad that you are finding our information about the North Coast 500 helpful!

I am not sure which phone number you are referring to but we recommend that people have a phone number on hand that they can call in case of breakdown, whether this is coverage you have paid for via a service like the AA or through your hire car or campervan rental service. I would just make sure your coverage is good for Scotland.

There are also obviously local garages along the route, you’ll find one in most of the bigger towns and in the cities but may not always be close by or open if you need service so can be good to have a 24-hour number you can call that can help you if you need roadside assistance or need connected to a local mechanic, etc.

Best, Laurence & Jessica

BEA LLEVAT Post author

February 26, 2023 at 5:09 am

Jessica and Laurence, Thanks for all the work that has gone into this brilliant guide to the NC500. Much better that the guides I have been reading! I have just started planning my trip for end of may and I will definitily foloow all your suggestions! thanks a lot! Do you also have some information about the ORKNEY Islands? We would like to stop there for 2/3 days. Regards from Barcelona

February 26, 2023 at 6:31 am

So glad that you are enjoying our NC500 guide and I am sure you will have a great road trip!

So we have been to Orkney but I don’t think we have any posts about it. But the local Orkney tourism website is great for planning information, so I’d recommend checking that out which you can see it here .

You can easily get a ferry from along the North Coast 500 to the main island, normally to Kirkwall or Stromness. Ferries are from John O’Groats, Gills Bay, or Scrabster – the ferry schedules depend on the time of year and some take foot passengers only so be sure to check with your dates. All this info should be on the Orkney website about the specific ferry companies and links to their schedules.

If you have 1-2 days I’d probably stick to the main island which is the largest island and it has the majority of the visitor attractions and museums as well as the most options for lodging and dining. There is plenty to keep you busy here for 2 days, from the manu archaeological sites like the famous Skara Brae, museums, historical places, craft stores, beaches, walks, distilleries, etc. Many people come here for the history and there are places you can visit that date from the Neolithic period to the World Wars – The Orkney Museum is a good place to start a visit and get a good understanding of the history here.

Just note that a few of the most popular ticketed attractions on Orkney either recommend or require you to pre-book to guarantee a visit, especially Maeshowe Chambered Cairn which has a limited number of daily spots.

If you have 3 days, then I’d recommend taking the ferry to explore another island or two – such as Hoy (home to some World War history, Scarpa Flow Museum, and some interesting rock formations) and/or Westeray (good for seabirds in summer).

Some of the islands are really small and you can easily explore on foot whereas others you would probably want a car or to book a driving tour with a local.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your visit!

NATALIA PAEZ RAMIREZ Post author

December 17, 2022 at 9:19 pm

Hi Jessica and Laurence Congratulations, your site is inspiring and very helpful. Clear text with impressive photos provides an exceptional resource. We are planning the North Coast 500 for September, Rent a car with a roof top. for 5 days with a large group of friends from Colombia. We also want to combine it with a luxury hotel. We have seen the 5-day itinerary to guide us.

December 19, 2022 at 3:48 am

Hi Natalia,

Glad you are finding our North Coast 500 guides and itineraries helpful. Yes we have a suggested 7-day itinerary on this site and then a 5-day one on our other travel blog Finding the Universe. If you only have 5 days, then that one would be most helpful but if you do have a bit of extra time, highly recommend doing the full 7 days/nights. Most people wish they had spent more time on the route than planned.

If you have more than 4 people, I would definitely recommend considering renting 2 cars for your trip so you are not crowded in your car and everyone can see and you have room for luggage. This is especially important if you are thinking about a convertible or sports car or some sort. Or you might consider a larger vehicle like a minivan or van if you have more than 4 people.

I was not sure what you meant by “rent a car with a roof top” but thinking you maybe meant to rent a convertible car with a removable roof (or maybe you just meant you wanted to rent a luggage rack?)? To be honest, given the extra price of convertibles and the Scottish weather, we would generally recommend just renting regular cars for your trip and save your the money to use on food, lodging, and activities instead. If it is cool/rainy/windy during your trip, you may not have many opportunities to take the top down anyway.

Anyway, hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to Scotland for next September!

pat ong Post author

October 30, 2022 at 2:47 am

Hey! thank you for such an amazingly informative blog. Hailing from a South east asian city, we were so bowled over by Skye and Glencoe when we visited in aug 2018. that’s when we heard about Applecross from our B&B host. So emerging from 3 years of lockdown, we felt no inclination to go anywhere but scotland and applecross. We have 13 nights early may 2023 and my plan is, after picking our rental car at Inverness airport, Dornoch-thurso-durness (if we can find accomodation)-lochinver-sheldiag (2)-skye (3)-Glencoe(3)-Lochness. (3 nights each in skye and glencoe to do the things we missed in 2018 like the Quiraing.) Castles and long hikes are not on our itnerary but we love unplanned stops at secluded beaches, wooded paths along the way. The only planned activity i would like to do is the full day sea kayaking near Ullapool i read about above. My concern is do my stops on the west coast give us sufficient time to do that? we do intend to take the scenic route to Lochinver. Many thanks again for all the wonderful information and links and in advance for whtever advice you may have for us. cheers pat

October 31, 2022 at 10:47 am

Happy to try to help and glad you are finding our articles useful. So it sound like you already have a good plan drafted for your time in Scotland. May is a usually great time to visit.

I think based on what you said you are looking at a Scotland itinerary that looks something like this, and if so, it seems pretty reasonable to me:

Day 1 – Arrive into Inverness, overnight in Dornoch Day 2 – Overnight in Thurso Day 3 – Overnight in Durness Day 4 – Overnight in Lochinver Day 5-6 – Overnight in Sheldaig, Strathcarron (I assume you mean the one near Torridon/Applecross, there is also a place of same name a little further north near Gairloch so just be sure to check where you are booking on the map when it comes to lodging) Day 7-9 – Overnight in Skye Day 10-12 – Overnight in Glencoe Day 13 – Overnight near Loch Ness Day 14 – return to Inverness airport to fly home

The above would give you about 6 days for the NC500 and you wouldn’t do the southern section. So it will be a bit fast, but you will still have time to see a lot. So planning in advance your stops is a good idea so you don’t waste time planning too much during your trip.

So yes, if you want to do the sea kayaking trip, I would contact Tim, the owner at Kayak Summer Isles, once you have your flights books and know your dates. You will want a full day available on your itinerary as you go out in the morning and get back in the early evening. It depends on the specific trip, but he normally starts most trips in or near Achiltibuie. So staying in Achiltibuie the night before your trip would be recommended (or Ullapool which is about a 40-45 minute drive away). So I would suggest perhaps modifying your stay on Day 4 to be in Achiltibuie or Ullapool. You might also want to stay a second night here so you don’t need to rush this part of the route. You could take 1 of the days away from one of the places you have already been such as Glencoe (or Skye).

So an itinerary taking that into account might look like this:

Day 1 – Arrive into Inverness, overnight in Dornoch Day 2 – Overnight in Thurso Day 3 – Overnight in or near Durness Day 4 & 5 – Overnight in Achiltibuie, book Summer Isles sea kayaking for Day 5 Day 6 & 7 – Overnight in Sheldaig, Strathcarron (I assume you mean the one nearest Torridon/Applecross, there is also a place of same name a little further north near Gairloch so just be sure to check where you are booking on the map when it comes to lodging) Day 8-10 – Overnight on Isle of Skye Day 11 & 12 – Overnight in Glencoe Day 13 – Overnight near Loch Ness Day 14 – return to Inverness airport to fly home

Once you have your flights and dates set, I would then recommend booking your sea kayaking trip as Tim can often only do one activitiy per day since it is mainly him leading all the tours so he is often booked out in advance. Then I’d sort out your rental car and accommodation once you have those in place.

Anyway, hope the above helps and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Scotland. Wishing you a wonderful trip along the NC500 and return to Skye and Glen Coe!

Juliet Shannon Post author

October 24, 2022 at 5:23 am

What a fantastic source of information for the NC500 Both myself and my partner are planning to do the NC500 1st week October 2023. We are staying in Balintore so will only have 4/5 days in which to complete. Your guide is very informative and we will be following and using lots of your tips and recommendations. Thank you for taking the time to produce this item. It is extremely helpful and reading it has made us more determined than ever that this is what we want to do next year and hopefully the following year too.

October 24, 2022 at 6:03 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad that our North Coast 500 guides are helpful. Hope you have a great trip around the NC500, and you can certainly still see a lot if you have 5 days but you do need to be a bit more selective. I hope it encourages you to return the next year with more time to do the trip and can spend more time in the area! If you have any questions as you plan your trip, just let us know!

Rowshan Ara Post author

May 31, 2022 at 2:12 am

This looks amazing! your site is the most informative, accessible and inspiring of those that we have looked at. Thanks so much and you get a chance to do a NC500 road trip in Scotland some day.

May 31, 2022 at 5:02 am

Hi Rowshan,

So glad you enjoyed our NC500 road trip guide – we have done that drive so many times now. It is always a bit different. Hope you get a chance to visit northern Scotland soon. If you plan a trip, just let us know if you have any questions.

Roy Taylor Post author

March 5, 2022 at 9:57 am

Hi, Back in June 1979 we toured Scotland on our honeymoon starting at Annan and tried to follow the coast all the way around to Edinburgh so did much of the now NC 500 before it existed in our 1967 Riley Elf. We are going back in August this year for our sons wedding in Tongue so are planning to spend time retracing some of our steps in our Motorhome, before and after, covering Inverness to Ullapool then down to Glencoe before heading home to East Yorkshire. Thanks for your guide, we will use the 5 day tour in particular to help us along the way 😊

March 6, 2022 at 8:55 am

Yes, the NC500 isn’t really a road so the actual route that has been marketed as the North Coast 500 has existed for about as long as there have been coastal roads along the northern part of Scotland. I am so glad you enjoyed your time around Scotland back in 1979 during your honeymoon. Lots of new attractions/restaurants, etc. although the lovely scenery has probably not changed a great deal since your first visit. Just be prepared for a lot more people and cars on the road as July/August can be very busy up there. I hope you make many new and wonderful memories this summer!

The section from Inverness to Ullapool is a great section to have the chance to drive. If you have time, I’d definitely start in the east from Inverness and go counter-clockwise to get to Tongue, then you can see most of the rest in the west afterwards as you make your way west back around to Glencoe. Glen Coe is also such a beautiful place and a great place to get out and do some walking/hiking if you have the time.

We’ve spent several days in Tongue, and there are lots of hikes you can do in that area and plenty of attractions within about a 1 hour drive. The hike up to ruined Castle Varrich or Caisteal Bharraich (hike starts near the Ben Loyal hotel) is a great short hike for anyone looking for something to do outside for a couple of hours in Tongue. Suitable for anyone without mobility issues. A few years ago they added a viewing area within the castle ruins. Some other attractions not too far away are the Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill (as well as Strathnaver Trail which takes you to lots of local historical sites in the area) and Smoo Cave near Durness. There are also lovely beaches in the area like Coldbackie Beach.

Wishing you a great trip and hope you have a great time at your son’s wedding in Tongue! If you have any questions as you plan your trip, feel free to ask.

June 26, 2022 at 10:22 am

Thank you for this reply Jessica, much appreciated with the additional information Regards Roy

Emily Post author

May 25, 2021 at 6:57 pm

Hi, Myself and my boyfriend are planning to do this trip in the summer and are supper excited!! We are 20years old and are planning to do the trip in a small car with a tent and 7 days your planning guide so far has been incredibly useful so thank you very much! I was just wondering if you could possibly tell me your list of MUST SEE’s from the route and any advise you may have regarding the trip Many thanks in advance Emily

May 27, 2021 at 12:23 pm

That sounds very exciting and glad our NC500 guide and 7-day itinerary has been helpful!

It is going to be a very busy summer along the route this year, so I would definitely recommend booking your campsites ahead of time. Many are already fully booked for those who need hookups but many still have tent pitches left. I’d also recommend booking any bigger attractions or tours that does pre-booking such as guided walks, boat tours, castle visits, etc.

In terms of must-sees, it would be hard for me to choose as we have visited so many great places and spent so much time in that area. I think it really depends on what you and your boyfriend are most interested in? Hiking, geology, castles, beaches, history, water activities, crafts, whisky, etc.?

Yes, so our 7 day itinerary lists way more than you can do in 7 days so you will need to pick and choose what is most interesting to you. If you are not sure, I would check out these two posts, North Coast 500 highlights and reason to drive the North Coast 500 . Those should help give you a good idea of many of the things you can do and lists many of the highlights. Then you can help build your own personal 7 day itinerary!

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any questions.

Tom De Blende Post author

May 24, 2021 at 6:37 am

A few years ago I bought the Lonely Planet book “Epic Drives of the World”. One of the drives was a trip from Applecross to Portree. We made a road trip out of it (Edinburgh-Inverness-Applecross-Portree-Bunarkaig-Glasgow-Edinburgh) and had an amazing time during our first stay in Scotland. The Quiraing Walk being our absolute highlight. It was during this trip we learned about the NC 500 and were sold on the idea.

We had everything booked for July 2020, but something small came up. So, we postponed the whole trip to July 2021. If covid permits, it’ll be Dornoch-Wick-Tongue-Lochinver-Ullapool-Applecross(2)-Inverness(2). As you can tell from where we are staying, your guide has been a tremendous help. Thanks a lot for that! We are now planning things to do.

I did want to provide some advise for people not used to driving in the highlands. We rented a car at Edinburgh airport at Celtic Legend. Halfway between Lochcarron and Bealach na Ba, I took a hard hit in a pothole at the end of a passing place, resulting in a flat tyre. We had to wait for over an hour to get towed away back to Lochcarron, get the tyre replaced and get back to Bealach na Ba and in the end Applecross. I think it cost us 3-4 hours and of course the price of the intervention and tyre.

So what advise I have: 1) Try to rent a car with a spare tyre so you don’t lose time getting towed. 2) Be very careful of potholes, certainly at the beginning and the end of passing places. They can be brutal. 3) Get extra insurance. Our excess waiver this year (covering tyres) will cost us GBP 70. The tyre incident last time cost us GBP 128.

The guy that towed was a jolly fellow. He did find the whole situation amusing. In summer, he said, 50% of their business comes from flat tyres. 50%!

May 24, 2021 at 10:40 am

Hope you are able to do your postponed North Coast 500 trip in July. It is already busy up there right now and most things are now open. Glad you already have your accommodation booked, as many places are almost booked full through August now. I hope you get some nice weather for your trip and don’t have any flat tyres!

Thanks for leaving some of your rental car advice as I am sure it might help future drivers who are not used to driving in the Highlands or rural areas 😉 The single track roads (appropriately using passing places), potholes, farm animals, etc. all add a bit of color to the driving experience so definitely a road to take slowly and to enjoy the scenery. Having a spare and having insurance is definitely a good idea.

Wishing you a wonderful NC500 road trip! Jessica

Frances Anne Cox Post author

March 13, 2021 at 11:11 am

What a fantastic site full of amazing information. You have certainly saved us a ton of preliminary work. Once lockdown lifts we’ll be off!! Thanks, Frances

March 14, 2021 at 8:33 am

Hi Frances,

Glad you found our North Coast 500 road trip planning guide helpful! Yes, hopefully things will be open and somewhat back to normal this summer.

If you have any questions as you plan your trip, just let us know 😉

Deb Post author

March 8, 2021 at 6:13 am

What a fantastic guide, thank you. My son and I are doing the nc500 early October this year. I have done it briefly once before but it was quite rushed and I wanted to plan a little better. I have picked up some amazing tips on where to stay, where to eat and where to look forward to visiting. I’m so happy I found you guys, thank you. Deb 😊

March 10, 2021 at 7:52 am

Yes, as you said, it is not good to rush a North Coast 500 trip as you’ll miss out on seeing and doing a lot in the area. It is much more enjoyable if you can drive it at a relaxing pace. We’d recommend at least a week if you have the time.

I am glad our blog posts have been helpful and I wish you and your son a wonderful trip in October around the NC500! We are hoping to get back up there in September ourselves if travel restrictions allow. If you have any questions as you plan your trip, just let us know. Happy to try to help or give advice based on our experiences.

peter johnson Post author

February 4, 2021 at 2:34 pm

Hi im interested in visiting this summer and wondered if you could identify the official map you recommend as the link is to ebay and the listing has finished so I don’t know which map it is. Thanks Pete

February 8, 2021 at 6:31 am

It is the official map put out by the NC500 organization. Yes, if it is not currently available online, you should be able to pick it up at the visitor centers along the route. Some of the local businesses along the route, particularly the hotels and B&Bs, may also sometimes have extra copies. We generally pick one up at the Inverness visitor center. They generally update the map each year and print new maps (since one of its functions is to advertise the businesses who pay to be advertised on the map), so the latest one may not yet be printed since obvioulsy no one is traveling now and the general travel season doesn’t begin until Spring 😉

But really the for the route, it is the same route as mapped in our article which you can see by clicking on the Google Maps link. The route is pretty simple. The physical map though is nice to have though and it points out things like recommended attractions and fuel stations, so I would recommend picking up a copy if you can.

Stravaig Post author

January 31, 2021 at 6:34 am

Thanks I will be passing on your tips to our customers at Stravaig Motorhome Rental, a new family business offering brand new luxury motorhomes just 30 mins north of Edinburgh Airport – check us out Best Wishes Stravaig

January 31, 2021 at 7:11 am

Hi Stravaig,

Glad you enjoyed our North Coast 500 guide and thanks for sharing it with your future customers 😉 If you have any questions, just let us know and good luck with your new business.

Michelle Post author

January 24, 2021 at 2:19 pm

Hi, love this guide, however for people like me it leaves out 3 vital details: cliff edges, heights & bridges!! I love Scotland and go there about 8 time’s a year, and always drive the A82 up to Loch Ness (often drinking in to Glen Etive) A85 and I’ll be honest I don’t love driving along the lochs !! I really want to do this route but I’m just so worried about cliff edges and bridges that I haven’t done it. Could you please advise if this really isn’t for me or if it would be ok. Please be honest as I’d have a melt down if I suddenly come across a bridge or cliff edge. Thank you. Michelle x

January 26, 2021 at 4:20 am

Hi Michelle,

Glad you enjoyed our North Coast 500 guide and are thinking about planning another trip to Scotland. So you would of course need to cross some bridges, drive near the coast, and along lochs. You’ll also need to drive on single track roads for part of the route and be able to successfully reverse your car into parking spaces. I wouldn’t say that you are ever that close to a cliff edge or that any of the bridges are that particularly scary. But you know what your limits are.

Two of the longest bridges over water on the NC 500 route (that come to mind anyway) are the Kessock Bridge (leaving Inverness) and the Kylesku Bridge (in Kylesku) – you can google those bridges to see photos and a description of them. So I’d check that out. If you can handle those ones, I think you can handle the bridges on the route. But if those two are too much, this may not be the route for you.

The NC500 route goes near lochs of course (its hard to drive anywhere in the Highlands without this being the case!) but if you can do the drives around Loch Ness and other lochs I think you’d be OK. I’d maybe do a bit of Google Maps research and see what you think so as you look at images of the views from the road – you are closest to the coastline in the northern part of the route.

If you decide to go, I’d recommend sticking to the main route only and avoiding detours as they often take you onto narrower roads and are more likely to go closer to cliff edges and be a bit less maintained. I’d also avoid the Bealach Na Ba (probably don’t need to even say that!) as its the highest and steepest road on the route. I’d also skip the Applecross coastal route as that goes close to the water and so I’d just maybe skip the Applecross area entirely.

Hope that helps, and let me know what you decide to do!! Jessica

Karlo Post author

January 9, 2021 at 6:09 am

Absolutely stunning! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!

January 9, 2021 at 6:41 am

Glad you enjoyed our guide and photos of the North Coast 500. Just let me know if you have any questions if you are planning a trip to Scotland.

Jay Man Post author

November 19, 2020 at 6:30 am

I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for such a well informed article of the North Coast 500. The whole article has been well thought of and easy lay out with valuable sections of different travel options, tips about accommodation, etc.

I have not done the NC500 yet, but after reading your articles, I have now bought a NC500 guide book and subscribed to your newsletter.

Keep up the brilliant work.

Kind regards, Jay

November 19, 2020 at 8:34 am

So happy to hear you found our North Coast 500 so informative and helpful. I hope that you are able to do the NC500 road trip next year once everything is opened back up.

Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip!

Steve and Lynda Post author

October 1, 2020 at 1:08 pm

Just want to say thank you for all the information you put in your blog in relation to doing the North Coast 500 my wife and i started planning the trip about 4 weeks before leaving on 20th September probably to short a time as many B&Bs booked up however we found your blog and have stuck to it using all your advice. We followed your trip having a couple of nights in Inverness and enjoying the city there is plenty to see. We then took six days in an MR2 hood down all the way we were so lucky with the weather, doing the route and followed all that interested us in your blog, it is so informative without it we would of missed so much, the detail and advice of places to visit how to break days up is superb every day was a new experience. We stayed in a mixture of B&Bs and hotels the hotels are not a patch on the B&Bs we were looked after so well. We would both like to thank you for such an informative and enjoyable blog we had one of the best trips we have ever taken i the UK.

October 2, 2020 at 4:13 am

Hi Steve and Lynda,

So happy to hear that you had such a wonderful road trip on the North Coast 500! You are very welcome, and we are happy that our planning guides and itineraries were helpful in planning your time and stays for the trip. Also happy that you were lucky with the weather (it is currently pouring down rain outside as I write this) as good weather is wonderful but far from guaranteed in the UK!

Yes, generally many of the B&Bs and hotels we recommend are booked up more than a month in advance so it definitely a good idea for those planning the drive to try to book as far in advance as you can. But it sounds like you still had some great stays on the NC500 and were well looked after by the hosts and staff along the route.

Thanks for taking the time to write about your experience as I am sure it will be useful for future readers and we of course enjoy hearing back from readers!

Best, Jessica & Laurence

Veer Post author

September 29, 2020 at 7:27 am

Thanks for this amazing article, really helpful. I have been looking forward to a roadtrip since 2014 and have driven to highlands from the South East of England many times but nothing north of Inverness. I now have the next week cleared up and want to take up drive up. Is it too short of a timeframe to plan the trip. I will be driving and will be solo for the whole trip, would that be a concern? I’m happy to take up travel buddies and have advertised on some travel apps/sites, but no takers yet. Would you have any recommendation for travel buddies please?

Many thanks in advance for your reply.

October 1, 2020 at 4:35 am

It sounds like if you are driving from southeastern England and have 1 week to travel, that you will likely have about 5 days for the North Coast 500 if you spend 1 day driving up and one drive returning. That is a lot of driving but doable. Just note that if you are planning to travel in October that some of the seasonal businesses will be closing this month and some are reservation-only so best to check ahead for any place you really want to visit. I’d probably book your accommodation in advance if you know where you want to stop so you are sure to have a place to stay and not have to drive further that you want looking for a place to stay.

I doubt you will likely find a travel companion a week before such a trip, so I’d plan to do the trip on your own, but there are message boards out there that you might want to try. I’d try local ones in your particular area to see if anyone is interested and maybe some specific to the NC500. Unfortunately, the best travel companion board that I know of (Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Travel Companion message board) closed down last year. There are also general Facebook communities you can join as well and I’d do a search for “travel companions”.

Dirk van den Muijsenberg Post author

September 18, 2020 at 5:32 am

So I’ve been to Schotland a couple of times now. However I’ve never crossed (yes I’m from NL) with my 2 kids (2 and 4). I am planning to do so next year if the covid allows.

Because I’ve seen a couple of spots already I’m doing some research on the NC500 with kids, maybe in combination with 1 or 2 islands. Is there any specific information to tell for a 2-3 week trip on and around the NC500?

Unfortunately we’re bound to the school holidays which will be july 24th – september 5th in our case.

September 21, 2020 at 1:42 am

I would recommend starting with our 1 week North Coast 500 itinerary which will help you plan your days around the NC500, I’d recommend spending 7 to 10 days on that route but you can certainly spend more. If you do more than 7, you can just add additional nights to some of your stops so you have more time in some areas. This is especially a good idea if traveling with young kids.

Then I’d add a week or so for time on the islands. Larger Scottish islands within easy reach of the NC500 are Orkney, Lewis & Harris (the two “islands” are joined together), and the Isle of Skye (also Raasay). You could also consider Shetland (a group of islands very far north so takes a bit of time to get there). I’d allow at least 3 days for any island you choose to have enough time to explore the highlights. So if you have a week, I’d recommend choosing two islands to explore and add to your NC500 itinerary.

July is a busy time for both the NC500 and most of the Scottish islands, so just be prepared for crowds and to take things slow. But the weather is typically warmer and all the seasonal businesses and ferry routes should be open. It also depends, of course, on the coronavirus, but hopefully things will be much better next summer!

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any further questions! Jessica

September 21, 2020 at 2:21 am

Thanks for the very helpfull info. Unfortunately we don’t have an other option that go within the Dutch holliday weeks because of school. After reading your reply I think we might go for around 10 days for the NC500, a week for the islands en some days for edinburg / inverness etc. which make a total of around 3 weeks.

I’ve plenty of time to find local things to do with (youngh) children. Next to that with the kids we might to make sure that we’re not in the middle of a midge peak.

September 23, 2020 at 3:08 am

That sounds like a good plan if you have about 3 weeks for your holiday. If your kids like outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty of things to do and see around the North Coast 500 and on the islands.

For the midges, you will likely encounter them since you will be there in July. They often start biting around the end of June. Some years they are bad, some years not so much. I’d just bring a bottle or two of insect repellent with you for that. Smidge is definitely the most recommended and the one we use. I’d also bring something that is effective for deterring ticks.

Wishing you a wonderful trip next year, and feel free to reach out if you have other questions as you plan your trip.

Jazz Virk Post author

September 14, 2020 at 12:28 pm

I found your page very useful. I am going there in 2 weeks and wanted to know if we should spend 2 nights in Inverness or Torridon? Where is there more to do?

September 15, 2020 at 2:02 am

You can easily spend 2 days exploring either, but there is definitely more things to do near Inverness. The city offers attractions and there are several things you can do within an hour’s drive for day trips from Inverness , such as the Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness, and Cawdor Castle.

But if you just prefer hiking, scenic drives, and time outdoors than you might prefer spending the extra night near Torridon instead. But if you are looking for places to go and things to do, I’d spend the extra night in Inverness.

Hope that helps and hope you have a great trip! Jessica

rekha vadgama Post author

July 25, 2020 at 11:45 am

I’m so glad i came across your website – it’s simply a superb piece of information for those who haven’t travelled the NC500. We are thinking of going in September and have used your article to refer to as it provides such in-depth information and has been extremely helpful to plan our journey. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We’re really looking forward to the trip, especially as my son has recently started experimenting with his new camera and can’t wait to capture the scenery ! Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

July 25, 2020 at 4:23 pm

Thanks for taking the time to let us know that you are finding our travel website helpful, always good to hear 😉 Wishing you and your family a wonder NC500 trip in September. Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your Scotland trip.

BTW, if your son is interested in learning more about photography, Laurence runs an online travel photography course as well.

bernard campbell Post author

July 7, 2020 at 7:08 am

many thanks for writing your guide and very helpful it is , I was planning on doing this route this year but now looks like it is going to be delayed until next year with a bit of luck ….

July 7, 2020 at 7:14 am

Hi Bernard,

Glad to hear that you have found our North Coast 500 guide helpful in planning your trip. Sorry to hear that your trip has been delayed, but that may be for the best. It is expected to be very busy once things reopen and since some hotel/restaurants/attractions are not planning to open up this season, so it may further crowd people into certain areas and attractions. Also many of the lodging providers we recommend have already told us they are mostly booked or fully booked for 2020 so planning your trip for 2021 or going during the off-season may be a good idea 😉

Wishing you safe and happy travels, Jessica

david johnston Post author

June 23, 2020 at 11:22 am

We are planning to drive this route this Sept. if virus allows. Could we purchase your guide please. Would appreciate any help. We are travelling from N.Ireland Thanks David.

June 24, 2020 at 4:03 am

It is expected that Scotland will allow most tourism places to reopen starting July 15th (including restaurants, hotels, campsites, pubs, museums, etc.) although it has not been made official quite yet. So I think you should hopefully OK for a September North Coast 500 road trip. There should be no travel restrictions for UK or Irish travelers once things open up. But of course, do keep checking the latest advisories.

We have gotten a lot of messages and emails about people planning to drive the North Coast 500 in August/September/October so I would definitely book your accommodation in advance as well as any guided activities. I think a lot of people in the UK will be heading north at the end of summer so we expect the route to be busy.

We don’t offer any NC500 guides for sale, but you can use our articles for free online. Or you can print or download articles as a clickable PDF file – this is a free option for our newsletter subscribers. If you are not a subscriber, it is free and easy to join and you can learn more and sign up here .

The printable versions of the articles have the images, photos, and ads removed and are formatted for printing. You can also use this function to save them as clickable PDF files as well if you’d rather not print them. The PDF files allow you to still use the links.

Once you are a newsletter subscriber, to print (or save as PDF), all you need to do is go to the article you want to print and click on the Printer icon button. This will be on the left hand side of the article (for those on desktop) or at the very end of the article (for desktop and mobile users). Once you click the icon a box will pop up that will be asked to enter your first name and email address. Please use the email address that you use to receive our newsletter.

If you have any further questions as you plan your NC500 trip, just ask!

June 26, 2020 at 10:52 am

I also wanted to say that there are several people who are part of our Facebook group who are planning to drive the North Coast 500 at the end of summer or in September. You are welcome to join in on the discussion and get advice there as well: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

Andrey Post author

March 3, 2020 at 2:20 pm

Hi! This is amazing article, thanks so much. I’m from Russia. I can’t find so much useful information for a long time in russian search sites. But I need a recommendations still. Can you help? I have only 4 days for the trip and not so much money to stay at hotels. I need to find couchsurfers for all rout in a most big cities. Where I can stay? I need to stay for 3 or 4 nights. ( I must get back rental car in the early morning at Edinburgh/ or evening). What can you recommend me? Thank you so much!

March 3, 2020 at 4:39 pm

Unfortunately, I am not sure how easy it will be to find couchsufing along the route as many are small towns and rural areas, as there are no big cities along the North Coast 500. But you can check the Couchsurfing website and inquire from those who are hosting, but there are not too many hosts listed in Scotland.

Also if you only have 3 nights from Edinburgh, that is not really enough time as the route as it is not near Edinburgh so that would probably not leave you much time, especially if you are on a budget. There are some hostels in Inverness and in a couple of the towns. Probably the least expensive way to stay would be to buy a tent and get some camping gear and camp at campsites along the route as there are a number of campsites along the route.

If you are looking for places to travel in Scotland where there are lots of hostels and cheaper places to stay I’d recommend looking at the larger cities in Scotland as these are well connected by public transit (both train and bus, which will save you money so you don’t need a rental car) and offer hostels – your chances of couchsurfing there would also be much higher. So cities you might look at are Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Stirling, and Inverness.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Catherine Sorsby Mrs Post author

February 28, 2020 at 9:13 am

Your guide is excellent, and very much appreciated as my daughter tells me she is planning to cycle the route, alone, later this year. She has the experience and skills to do this kind of thing, but I would like her to phone me every evening as a ‘safety check’. Please could you tell me if she is likely to have any problems getting a phone signal when she’s in the more rural areas? Thankyou very much, Cath

February 28, 2020 at 11:15 am

Hi Catherine,

There are places along the route where it is hard to get a phone signal or there isn’t Wifi access. It also does depend of course on her phone and network so I would make sure it is supported, especially if she is traveling from outside the UK as she may need to unlock her phone and/or get a local SIM. If she needs a SIM, you can check out this post about calling and getting online while traveling .

But generally, I think she should have no problem checking in each day as long as there is no set time she needs to call. If she is staying at a B&B, hotel, or campsite each night, she should have no problems in most places using her phone to call or text you each night. Also, I am sure the hotel/hosts would be happy to help if she is not having signal to allow her to use their computer to send an email or their phone if necessary.

Hope that helps, and wishing your daughter a wonderful trip!

Jackie Murgatroyd Post author

February 24, 2020 at 1:14 pm

Hi, I’m planning to do the NC500 over about 10-12 days this May in my camper van.I have solar power for lights and recharging phone, torch and e-bike but my cooker and fridge run off autogas. Is there anywhere on route where I can top up my gas tank? Thanks, Jackie

February 25, 2020 at 9:28 am

I am guessing you are specifically referring specifically to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)?

I would check out this site to see places where you can likely find LPG https://www.mylpg.eu/stations/united-kingdom/#map , which has several garages listed along or near the North Coast 500 route, including ones in Inverness, near Wick, and in Ullapool. I’d recommend calling the specific garages and stations in advance to make sure they have what you need. Then you can plan accordingly if you know that you are going to have to fill up along the trip.

The Fill LPG website is another one to check.

This probably doesn’t apply to you, but just note that if you plan to take any ferries or cross any borders on your trip (e.g., to France or Ireland) there may be a restriction on flammable gases. For example, vehicles that use flammable gas (e.g., LPG, BiFuel, Autogas, Hydrogen, CNG or CGH2 ) cannot be transported by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle because of safety reasons. Any flammable gas containers (e.g. for use in a campervan) and their size is regulated and these must be declared for inspection. So just something to keep in mind 😉

Hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful trip! Jessica

Stuart McAlpine Post author

February 2, 2020 at 11:11 am

You have provided a great deal of information on the North Coast 500 and I appreciate that. After your comments I have a question for you. We are planning to arrive in Ullapool from Stornoway late on June 24 and we need to be in Inverness by the evening of June 26 to attend the pipe band European Championship the next day. I had hoped, perhaps naively, to be able to drive along the north coast from Ullapool to Thurso, then south to Inverness in those two days. From your description and others I have read, the summer crowding may make this difficult. So my question: Is this at all doable or do I need to plan something else? I understand that what I’m contemplating does not include many stops along the way. That’s OK; I just want to see the north coast region. (BTW I’m a west coast American and have driven Scotland’s single lane roads before, but my British son-in-law will be driving on this trip, so we’ll be less of a menace!) Thanks. Stuart McAlpine.

February 3, 2020 at 6:42 am

Yes, as I am sure you expected, we would not recommend this. As you have read on our blogs as well as it sounds like from other people online who have done the trip, we’d not recommend that route for you. Basically you’ll have 1.5 days or a little more since you arrive late on 24th and need to be in Inverness by the evening of 26th.

Could you, yes, but you’ll just be driving most of the time and won’t really have time to enjoy much along the route. We’d recommend at least 3 days for the time between Ullapool and Inverness.

I think if there is one general piece of advice that people who live and work along the NC500 route would give tourists is to slow down, stop rushing, and spend more time helping support the region. We’ve probably heard some version of this hundreds of times and totally agree with it.

Summer does indeed mean more crowds and the section between Ullapool and Thurso has a lot of single track and windy bits and people often go slower because of this (often the first section those going counterclockwise will encounter), stopping in passing places eats up time, and people are really bad about just slowing down on the road for scenery and such. This is fine when you have a relaxed and flexible day, but not ideal when you need to cover a lot of ground in one day.

I would recommend taking the route from Ullapool south to Inverness and stopping at the many scenic and interesting places along that part of the route. There is lots of lovely scenery, gardens, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities in that area and also a couple of whisky distilleries you could visit. Plenty to keep you busy for 1.5 to 2 days and you can follow the final two days of our recommended 1 week NC500 route itinerary . Perhaps also consider extending your trip if you can to do the rest of the route after the pipe band championship or planning a second trip where you’ll fully be able to enjoy the scenery and attractions that make this a wonderful area to visit.

Wishing you a great visit and time at the pipe band championship. Are you competing or just going to watch?

February 3, 2020 at 7:06 am

Thanks for the advice. I could have predicted what you would say but I thought I’d ask anyway. I’ll have to rethink our route. As you say, there are plenty of other places to occupy our attention. BTW I’m going to watch the pipe band championship although I am a piper. Keep up the good work.

Slainte, Stuart

February 3, 2020 at 7:15 am

You’re very welcome. One advantage of going south and across to Inverness is that you have the chance to drive probably the most famous stretch which is the Bealach Na Ba. There are few areas of Scotland where you could not easily spend a couple of days and this part of the route is certainly no different 😉 If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

Sharon Watson Post author

January 31, 2020 at 3:56 pm

Hi there, me and my husband are planning to drive the NC500 towards the end of April/beginning of May. We’d like to take 2 weeks doing the drive. We enjoy road cycling and walking/hiking (12 miles walking maximum) so would like to stop a little longer in some areas so we can do this. Can you recommend any places in particular that would be good to do this? Would it be worth visiting some of the islands as we have more time? Any help would be great, thanks! Sharon

February 3, 2020 at 5:05 am

That is great that you have more time for your North Coast 500 trip and you could easily make all of the overnights from 1 night to 2 nights if you wanted. I’d definitely recommend spending a bit of time exploring the area around Inverness as there is a lot to see if you haven’t been before (e.g., Loch Ness, Fort George, Cawdor Castle, Culloden, etc.).

For hiking/walking – you have lots of options along most of the route really so you can find hiking opportunities located near probably any section of the route. We list many suggested hikes within our 7-day North Coast 500 itinerary so I’d start there as I list hikes on just about every day and many have links to trail descriptions.

But just to point out a few:

– Along the eastern part, many of the hikes we recommend are shorter and can be done in 4 hours or less such as the Black Rock Gorge, Big Burn, Loch Fleet nature reserve hikes, Yarrow trail, Keiss coastal path, etc. – For a longer coastal walk you might consider the Dunnet Bay coastal hike within the Dunnet Bay Nature Reserve which is a little over 10 miles. For this hike, anywhere between John o’Groats and Thurso would be a convenient place to overnight nearby. – Durness may be a good corner for some more remote hiking opportunities. Among the longer hikes here, the Sandwood Bay hike would be within your distance, it is about 8 miles (4 miles each way) and it considered one of the nicest and most remote beaches in Scotland – you could hike in during the morning, enjoy a picnic lunch and time on beach in afternoon, and then hike back out for a nice day out. A day on Cape Wrath might also be something to consider (best if weather is good) as lots of remote hiking there, reachable by ferry, and you can even stay overnight at Cape Wrath. A trip over to Handa Island might be nice as well, particularly if you like birds/wildlife, you get a foot ferry over and then follow a designated path that is about 4 miles. -The area of Lochinver offers lots of hikes, and is a popular area for the longer hikes and several munros. Many of the munros (mountains) may be a bit too much and long, but you may want to consider maybe one challenging hill walk such as Suilven. Its an iconic hill here and attracts a lot of hikers and climbers in the warmer months. Its about 12.5 miles round trip and a full day hike for most people. I’d read about it first and see if it is a good fit. If you do this, I’d recommend staying at the Glencanisp Lodge the night before and after as you can walk right from this lodge to the starting path for the hike – super convenient for this hike and most of the people who were staying here when we did were specifically here for this hike. -If you are thinking about taking on something that feels a bit challenging, we can recommend a local guide, Tim Hamlet of Hamlet Mountaineering as a guide. He can do day hikes or longer overnight or even multi day trips. We’ve done kayaking and canoeing trips and Laurence and my brother just booked a trip in May to do a overnight hiking/camping/kayaking trip with him.

For road cycling, again, there are options along most parts of this route and I’d probably ask local advice and check out Ordnance Survey maps for finding the best routes in a particular place. I’d recommend looking for roads/routes just off the main route as they’ll be less busy as there aren’t any bike lanes in most places along the route. For example, the Black Isle community has lots of suggested Black Isle cycling routes for example and you can even do a bicycling trip around the Black Isle and then catch the Nigg ferry (be sure to check the schedule as its seasonal) and continue onto Portmahomack and back. There is also of course the National 1 cycle route that runs through this area and you could do sections of that.

Yes, you would definitely have time for one of the islands if you think you have more time than you need for the North Coast 500. I’d recommend heading over to either the main island of Orkney (get the ferry from John O’Groats or nearby) or to the Isles of Lewis and Harris (ferry from Ullapool). I’d recommend at least 2 full day and nights on either to have time to see the main highlights. Off the route, is also the possibility of going south a bit to the Isle of Skye. Both Orkney and Lewis have good cycling routes as well if you want to take your bikes.

February 3, 2020 at 9:16 am

Many thanks for all this information Jessica, lots of planning to do now! Sharon

D Hopkins Post author

January 20, 2020 at 1:14 pm

Thank you for all of the wonderful information!! We are hoping to bicycle the route this spring. While we are experienced cyclists, and I can fix most basic repairs, I would love to have a backup plan if something went horribly wrong and we were unable to continue the ride. I am having trouble finding such information. Are there places that I can call for a shuttle? Or if I walked to the nearest village, are there certain places where we can transport to other places? I’m just trying to make sure that I have emergencies covered. I do have access to a satellite phone if i needed it. Thank you!

January 21, 2020 at 3:11 am

That is a good question. I think that obviously you want to be prepared as you could be cycling a fair distance to the nearest village in some places so good to always have the basics on you of course (repair kit, first aid kit, food/water, safety gear, emergency numbers) and I think the phone could come in handy as reception is not great in certain places with a regular cell phone.

For emergencies, the emergency number in Scotland (for police, ambulance, fire) is 999, where for non-emergencies (but need to contact police) is 101. So for any medical or criminal emergency, I’d definitely start there. And if you are stranded somewhere but not hurt, the 101 number might help you if you don’t know where else to call.

If you were able to walk to the nearest village, the folks at the local store/service station/police/visitor center should be able to help you find a local shuttle or taxi company that could take you to say Inverness or where you needed to go with your bikes. There are a lot of small operations in the Highlands and I think depending on where and when you needed transport, would depend on which might be best. There is also lodging at just about every village.

There is also public transportation, depending on where you are. So along the east, there is a train line so you could use that to return to Inverness. There are also local buses mostly run by Stagecoach that connect many of the villages along the route.

There is also a cycling company called Ticket to Ride Highlands that has a number of transport vehicles that you can book for cycling holidays and they provide shuttle service. So I think the service is something you normally book in advance, but I am sure that if it was not an emergency and you could get to a village, that could be an option as well is to book a shuttle transfer with them back to Inverness or wherever. They service the entire region including the North Coast 500. You might want to give them a call and ask if they provide transport in such situations.

January 21, 2020 at 6:33 am

Yes Jessica this is great, thank you! Just having an idea of what options there could be if something happened, helps a lot!

Trevor Post author

January 12, 2020 at 7:41 am

Hi guys my wife and I have been thinking of seeing Scotland for a while , came across your information about the north coast 500, sounds great,we have 7 to 10 days in September 2020 and that co insides with our wedding anniversary, would like to do b&b going anti-clockwise,hire a car from Inverness airport and do a relaxing trip ,recommendation as to b&b’s would be great and best car hire ,thanks ,gr8 blog by the way

January 12, 2020 at 8:56 am

Hello Trevor,

For rental cars, you can see our recommendations above in the article. We’d recommend flying into Inverness Airport or getting the train there (easy to do from most parts of the UK) and then just renting a car there. There are many rental car companies. We often use Enterprise ourselves.

This really detailed 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary should help with what to see and do for 7 or more days along the route. It also lists overnight suggestions for each night, including B&B’s but you can also check out this list of our recommended bed-and-breakfasts along the North Coast 500 . Most of these we’ve stayed at ourselves.

If you have more than 7 nights, I’d suggest adding a night to some of your overnight stops. Makes the trip much more relaxing and allows you to see and do more in that particular area.

If you are looking for a special place to stay to celebrate your wedding anniversary, I’d also check out this list of hotels on the North Coast 500 as it includes some special places like castle hotels, historic homes, country estates, and really nice B&Bs. But happy to suggest a specific place if you have a budget in mind.

Hope that helps and let us know if you have further questions as you continue your planning.

A.M. Fernau Post author

January 2, 2020 at 2:37 pm

Unfortunately we only have a few days to venture onto the NC500 from Inverness. If we will later be visiting Skye, would it make sense then to just do a portion of the East Coast of the NC500, rather than the West Coast? If so, where would you recommend stopping and what alternate route could we use to return to either Inverness or make our way towards Skye?

We’re experienced drivers of both left side driving and rural one lane highways.

Many thanks!

January 3, 2020 at 8:40 am

If you have 3 full days and are starting from Inverness, I’d probably recommend 2 day exploring one section of the coast and 1 day on the other, so you get a bit of a taste of both. The east has more towns and cultural stuff, but the west is more dramatic and scenic. I’d take a look at our suggested North Coast 500 itinerary for what you can do in each area and town to help you decide if east or west is better, as either would work fine for heading over to Skye afterward.

Suggestion #1 (more time on East): On the first day leave Inverness and head northeast along the route towards Dingwall, explore Black Isle, and then head up to Dornoch for the night. The second day, head north to visit Dunrobin Castle and explore more of the east coast up to Wick (or perhaps John O’Groats depending on your timing) and then head back to overnight a second night in Dornoch. This is essentially Days 1 and 2 of our suggested 7 day NC500 itinerary. Then the third day drive back south from Dornoch towards Inverness, following along the southern part of the NC500 route, perhaps stopping at places like Rogie Falls on the way, to Kinlochewe and then head north up to Ullapool. Spend night in Ullapool. Then from Ullapool you can follow the route around to Torridon and Applecross if you wish on your way to the Isle of Skye or you can just go more directly to Skye via the faster route. It is about a 2 hour drive to reach the Skye Bridge from Ullapool following the quickest route via A835 and A890, but will take much longer if you go the scenic route.

Suggestion #2 (more time on West): On the first day leave Inverness and head northeast along the route towards Dingwall, explore Black Isle, and then head up to Dornoch for the night. Visit Dunrobin Castle in the morning, then head back south towards Inverness and around to Ullapool. Then the second day keep heading north along the NC500 to Achiltibuie and Lochinver, and then return in the evening to Ullapool. The next day head south towards Isle of Skye and again you can consider if you have time to drive the scenic route via Torridon and Applecross or take the quicker route to reach the Skye Bridge.

Note that if you are planning the drive in the winter or off-season, that many attractions close in winter (including Dunrobin Castle, most museums, and outdoor activity providers) so be sure to check ahead as that might sway your opinion on which way to go. Also the Bealach na Bà section of the route is sometimes closed or unssafe to drive in the winter months if there is snow etc.

Hope that helps give you some ideas, and do let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip in Scotland!

Kris Post author

November 19, 2019 at 7:04 am

myself and my husband are homing to do the 500 next April with our dogs I would really apprecaite any advise and guidance you have to help us in the planning please.

November 21, 2019 at 9:27 am

Yes, we should definitely add a section to our North Coast 500 guide about traveling with dogs, as I just received a very similar question from a reader looking for dog-friendly hotels along the NC500 🙂

I am guessing you are traveling from the UK, but if you are traveling from outside the UK you will need to make sure you check the laws and guidelines (papers, vaccinations, quarantine) for bringing a dog into the UK as it differs depending on the country of origin. You can find out more about that here .

The main thing with dogs in this area is that they will need to be kept on a lead (leash) in most places because of livestock and wildlife. April and May is lambing season in Scotland so lots of baby lambs will be around and you’ll want to keep dogs away from the sheep as they can scare and hurt the lambs. Sheep are just about everywhere in the area! This is also part of bird nesting season and dogs can disturb ground nesting birds so good to be aware of if doing walks/hikes.

Most hiking areas and wild places allow dogs (but not all of course so do check signs before setting out), but most ask that dogs be kept on a lead at all time and of course that all waste is picked up and properly disposed of. Most indoor attractions along the route do not allow dogs so if there are any that you want to visit, you may want to take turns with your husband staying with the dogs.

Most campgrounds accept dogs along the NC500. While most lodging doesn’t accept dogs, there are a number of hotels and B&B that do so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a place to stay. I would definitely recommend booking before your trip to make sure you have suitable places to stay with your dogs during yoru trip since you’ll have fewer options. Here is a partial list of places where we’ve stayed or visited, across a range of budgets and styles, that I believe allow dogs (in at least certain rooms):

– Kingsmill House in Inverness – dogs are allowed here – Aberfeldy Guesthouse in Inverness – dog-friendly B&B – Mansfield Castle Hotel in Tain – dog-friendly castle hotel – Royal Marine Hotel in Bora – dog-friendly hotel that caters a lot to golfers – Thrumster House near Wick – very dog friendly, owners have their own dogs, large garden for them to run around in – Forss House outside of Thurso – country house hotel that allows dogs in certain rooms – Inver Lodge in Lochinver – dogs are allowed here in some rooms I believe – Glencanisp Lodge outside Lochinver – dog-friendly hotel run by local community members, great location for hikers – Green Cruachan B&B – in Stoer dog-friendly B&B with nice hosts who serve vegetarian breakfasts – Summer Isles Hotel in Achiltibuie – I think they allow dogs in many of the rooms plus in the bar area (but not the restaurant) – Coul House Hotel in Contin – dog-friendly country house hotel, large area for dogs to run/walk

That is just a short list of some of the hotels that accept dogs along the North Coast 500, but hopefully it will give you a good place to start. Just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip.

Kari Post author

October 30, 2019 at 2:03 pm

Hi there! My Dad and I are planning a trip May 2020! We were thinking we would set up a few home bases, and stay 3 nights each. Is this doable? if so, can you recommend 3 locations to set up base to get the most out of our travels? What kind of weather can we expect towards the end of May? Or maybe there is a better time to travel. We are open with the timing and the length of our stay. Thank you in advance for any advice.

October 30, 2019 at 3:16 pm

Sounds like a great trip to plan with your dad!

I’d probably recommend 4 locations for 2-3 days each along the route to avoid having to keep driving the same part of the route too much. It depends of course on your main interests along the route but I’d say maybe in or around 1) Inverness 2) Thurso 3) Lochinver and 4) Gairloch (or Kinlochewe). But I’d look at our detailed day by day NC500 itinerary for help in where might be the best bases for you, depending on your interests and what you really want to do. It also depends if you prefer towns or plan to camp or stay in more rural locations.

May is a good time of year to travel in Scotland, it tends to be one of the better weather months. As noted, the weather is pretty unpredictable year round and I’d come prepared for some cool weather and rain. The midges shouldn’t be out yet. Most things along the route will be open as the tourism season in the Highlands normally begins in April around Easter.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have more questions as you continue planning your trip!

October 31, 2019 at 12:23 pm

Thank you so much for taking the time out to reply! I have dove even deeper into your wonderfully informative blog and am feeling as though coming up with an itinerary will be less daunting now especially having been given the towns to set up base. My Dad (82), has never been out of the states and has left me in charge of this trip (no pressure) It will truly be memorable for the both of us. Now I’m just trying to make it count! We would enjoy short walks/hikes and historical ruins and places to get out of the car and explore. I did see through one of your links regarding Rabbie’s tour over to the Isle of Skye. Definitely think we would want to do that, and I can take a break from driving. We won’t be camping or staying in Hostels so I will look into Booking.com as you suggested. Thanks again for your reply and all the information you have shared.

October 31, 2019 at 12:53 pm

You’re very welcome, and happy to look over an itinerary or answer more questions as you get further along in your planning. There are lots of historical attractions along the route as well as places where you can do short walks and hikes. We note many of these in our detailed itinerary.

I’d probably set your dates and flights first, and then you can think about hotels and any tours. Most attractions along the route don’t require any pre-booking or reservations, but if you want to do a specific activity (e.g., fly fishing, guided hike, kayaking, wildlife tour, etc.) that you would want to book in advance. But you have plenty of time 😉

For lodging, we have places listed on our itinerary for each recommended night, but since you are planning on basing in different places for multiple nights, you might also want to check out our B&B guide and our hotel guide which give some more recommendations along the route.

If you decide to do part of your trip with a tour company, we can definitely recommend Rabbie’s. We’ve done many of their tours and happy to answer any questions about those if you have any.

Sue n Rob Walsh Post author

October 6, 2019 at 7:54 am

Thanks for all the useful information. Having travelled up to Scotland from Yorkshire for an Autumn break for the last 4 years, we have talked about the North coast 500 more than once. Finally going to get it sorted for early summer next year and your advice is a great starting point for our planning. Can’t wait, will be spending our evenings in a lodge at loch Lomond the next couple of weeks planning our trip and gazing across the loch with glass in hand! Bliss!!

October 6, 2019 at 11:33 am

Hi Sue & Rob,

Sounds like a wonderful plan to drive the North Coast 500 next summer. Just let us know if you have any questions as you start your planning, and have a lovely time at Loch Lomond!

Stephen Lake Post author

September 14, 2019 at 10:46 am

Hi, An excellent article. What do you term a large RV? My motorhome is 7 metres long by 2.3 meteres wide (inc mirrors) It is under 3.5 tonnes so I do not regard as large. However, it sounds as if it may be a bit large for this route. I also drive coaches so I am quite used to manouvering large vehicles in tigh spaces.

September 14, 2019 at 11:38 am

Hi Stephen,

So I think a motorhome or RV of that size would be OK in general along the NC500 but I would not take it along the more steep and narrow sections. But luckily, there are alternative routes for the most narrow sections.

As noted, the two stretches of the road that are usually noted as unsuitable for larger caravans and motorhomes are:

-The stretch along B869 from Kylesku to Lochinver, which is on the western part of the route. You can take the faster and wide A894 route instead to reach Lochinver. – The Bealach Na Ba stretch as it is steep, narrow, and has a number of sharp bends. This is on the southwestern part of the route over by Applecross. It is easy to avoid as you can take the slip road up to the A896 instead.

It is recommended by the NC500 to not drive anything over 18 feet (about 5.5 meters) on these. Partly because of the narrow stretches and also because you need to be able to safely pull into and reverse the vehicle into passing places which are not always that long.

There are also some detours you’ll probably want to avoid, but these are not part of the official route.

So I think with just planning your route in advance and staying off the side roads, you should be fine with the motorhome you have. The route is definitely best explored with the smallest vehicle you have, but I think you can do it with the one you have with some good route planning.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any additional questions! Jessica

Doug Wilson Post author

September 12, 2019 at 4:03 am

What a brilliant resource and fabulous guide. Thank you so much!

Jessica Post author

September 13, 2019 at 1:12 am

Hi Doug, Glad you are enjoying our North Coast 500 guide! Just let us know if you have any questions if you are planning a trip. Jessica

Martin Woodhead Post author

September 11, 2019 at 3:51 am

Hi sorry if this has been asked before, are there Plenty of petrol stops on the way? I will be going on my motorcycle and want to do It in three days, my bikes tank will do about 140 miles per tank, thanks for the great article Very informative, Martin.

September 11, 2019 at 10:24 am

Yes, there are plenty of fuel stops along the NC500. As noted, if you pick up one of the official NC500 maps in Inverness before you start the trip, it lists where most of the fuel stations are. Some are open 24 hours, some are not.

Just note that 3 days is not very much time and you’ll be very limited in what you will be able to see or how long you can stop. If you have more time, we’d recommend at least 5 days to complete the route.

Jess Post author

August 18, 2019 at 6:24 am

What a great write up, thank you…. We are looking to do this next July/August is it something the children (ages 7 & 10) would enjoy?

August 19, 2019 at 5:50 am

Hi Jess, Yes, I definitely think that a drive along the North Coast 500 can be a great trip for families. I think you just want to take it at a slow pace, have plenty of breaks from sightseeing, and plan things you know the kids will enjoy.

Because we have been asked this question a few times, we have added a section above in the article called “Best Stops for Families with Children along the North Coast 500”. There we suggest some tips for families and a list of recommended sites and attractions, from beaches to castles to boat trips, that kids might enjoy. Take a look and then if you have any further questions, just let us know!

You can see more about all the suggested attractions and where they fit on the route by taking a look at our North Coast 500 itinerary .

Karen Post author

August 6, 2019 at 5:42 am

This article has been invaluable, thank you! Me and my boyfriend are doing this for our joint 50th birthdays next year (2020) and we cannot wait!

August 7, 2019 at 4:57 am

Hi Karen, So glad to hear that and what a great birthday trip for next year! If you have any questions as you make more plans for your NC500 road trip, just let us know. Best, Jessica

Will Post author

July 22, 2019 at 6:14 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence Your newsletter is fabulous for us first timers.We are hiring a motorhome on Saturday form Inverness and return it the following Friday – can you recommend a route plus any restaurants/pubs.Many thanks Will

July 25, 2019 at 2:12 pm

Glad you are enjoying our monthly newsletter and articles. If you have read our planning guide already, we’d also recommend taking a look at our 7 day North Coast 500 and our camping itinerary . Between those, you should probably have everything you need in terms of route and dining suggestions, but let us know if you have additional questions.

Wishing you a wonderful road trip! Jessica

Alex Post author

July 15, 2019 at 8:06 am

Please, please, please familiarise yourself with how to drive on a single-track road in Scotland. I am a (relative) local along the route and have witnessed the most appalling driver behaviour in and around Applecross (coast road, and Bealach na Ba) since the route became popular. Aside from giving way at passing places, please also drive as through you are anticipating the worst possible scenario over the crest of the blind summit in front of you! Driving single-track is all about anticipating hazards EARLY – these hazards include animals, cyclists, giant wobbly box campervans, bin lorries, people who don’t know how to or are not willing to reverse, localised flooding, and snow and ice in the winter. It take a lot of concentration to drive safely on these roads, and the local roads should not be a race track, or treated as a leisure drive for you or your vehicle of choice. The Bealach Na Ba was closed for 5 hours on Sunday due to an extremely serious accident. Tourists and locals die on these roads a lot, so it pays to do a bit of google map research so you know what you’re in for. Please also utilise local campsites and accomodation, local shops and petrol stations, and cafes/pubs, as the people who fill up in Inverness on fuel and food then don’t spend money in local villages really damage the fragile local economy.

To sum up, you will have an amazing time if your are careful and prepared, as well as open to a bit of flexibility.

July 17, 2019 at 11:59 am

Hi Alex, Thanks for taking the time to comment and adding additional warnings for those planning to make this drive along the North Coast 500. We have also also seen the poor driving of many visitors, especially those in campervans and motorhomes, those driving on single track roads for the first time, and those driving in convoy (don’t do this!). As well as littering (this includes placing rubbish in overflowing trash cans), illegal overnighting, and stopping on the side of the road (or in the middle!) for photos. Being able to reverse into passing places is a necessary thing to be able to do to drive this route safely, but we often encounter people who refuse to reverse despite being near a passing place.

The Bealach Na Ba as you noted is a particularly dangerous part of the route and is not for all drivers or vehicles (not recommended for large vehicles, heed warnings) — that is awful to hear about the car accident on Sunday. Those driving this route should consider whether they should drive this section of the route or not, and if decide to do so, be sure to be careful. We recommend driving the route anti-clockwise so that once you get to this section, you have some experience driving on single track roads. Ice and snow often close this route during the winter months.

We definitely agree with encouraging people to stop and spend money at the local campgrounds, hotels, museums, restaurants, shops, visitor centers, etc. It is the best way to support the local economy, meet people, and get the most of the route. The slower you go, the more you’ll see and the more you are likely to enjoy your trip!

As you said, those who are careful, respectful, and prepared will have a wonderful road trip!!

Loli Carballo Post author

July 8, 2019 at 12:59 pm

Dear Jessica and Laurence,

Thank you so much for such a wonderful site! We will be travelling the route on Saturday 12th of July with my husband, myself and our two children ( 6 and 5 years old). We are experienced campers so we will be camping along the route for 2 weeks approx ( we are flexible with dates). But we will be staying at the Nairn Lochloy holiday park for a couple of nights and then, we have decided to start the route anticlockwise. I wanted to ask you for ideas in regards of best places to take the kids to along the NC500 route; I have already noted Wyvis play park, Inverwere gardens, beaches, boat tours and some local indoors swimming pools for the rainy days. I would appreciate any other suggestions on specific places to take them to that we might have missed. Thanks! Loli

July 11, 2019 at 1:41 pm

Sounds like you already have a great plan and I would also check out Laurence’s camping itinerary as that might be helpful as well.

You already have some great ideas for places to visit with young kids (gardens, beaches, boat tours). There are many that might be a good fit, but here are some more ideas of places you might consider:

– Robertson’s Farm Shop – In addition to being a farm shop, in the summer kids can go visit the farm animals and pet some of them (small fee). There are Highland coos, goats, sheep, etc. -Evanton Woods – There is a very nice woodland playground here developed by the local community in Evanton. It is about a 10 minute walk from the parking area across from the free parking area across from the pub in Evanton. – Dunrobin Castle – This might be a bit expensive for taking the kids if they are not that interested in the interior, but there is also a beautiful garden here and a falconry display (usually once or twice a day, I’d check times in advance) is also often appealing to kids. – If you are looking for an easy archaeological site to visit, Càrn Liath (an Iron Age broch) is a short walk from the parking area. It is just a short drive past Dunrobin Castle. Free to visit. – Loch Fleet – This national reserve is a nice spot and there are plenty of walking trails, many flat and easy. Good chance for spotting birds. The Skelbo Forest Walk is an easy and mostly shaded option and there are some woodcarved animals along the walk. – Castle of Mey has a farm animal petting/viewing area that might appeal. -I would make the walk down to Smoo Cave – it is free to see the exterior. You can also do a tour here but that might be a bit too much for the kids. – At the Balnakeil Craft Village, they might enjoy a cocoa from the popular Cocoa Mountain 😉 – Rock Stop (has a small interactive indoor exhibition plus cafe) at Unapool and the Knockan Crag stop (outdoors) are both good places to teach the kids a bit about the North West Highlands Geo Park and the amazing local geology. – Achmelvich Beach is a really pretty beach and fairly protected by the bay. – Loch canoeing is possible with Tim Hamlet of Kayak Summer Isles , we can highly recommend him as a local guide. Families are definitely welcome, but may want to check if it would be good for kids that age. Be sure to reserve if interested. – Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve lets kids walk across a “scary” suspension bridge -Pony trekking is possible at Red Point at the  Gairloch Pony Trekking Centre . Need to book in advance.

Sorry for the delayed response but hope this is helpful as you being your North Coast 500 road trip tomorrow. Wishing you a wonderful trip!

Also, if you want to let us know how your trip goes, we’d love to hear what you and the kids found the best places to visit which can help other families traveling with young kids.

Julie Post author

July 4, 2019 at 3:17 am

We are doing a road trip in an RV this August and I was a bit concerned about what we needed to know before we went… this has covered EVERYTHING!!! I don’t need to look for information anywhere else.. Thank you!!????… I’m going to print off the information and highlight the bits relevant to us… and the NC500 rout map app is genius!!! I can see us going time and time again..

July 4, 2019 at 9:42 am

Hi Julie, So glad that you found our North Coast 500 guide so helpful 😉 I am sure you will have a great time. We will have a 7 day NC 500 itinerary out later this month before your trip if you want to come back and check that out. But just let us know if you have any questions.

Enjoy! Jessica

Leonie Post author

June 17, 2019 at 4:18 pm

We are three couples from Australia who are planning a trip next June. Sadly we only have a week in Scotland, starting in Edinburgh but would love to do a section of the NC 500 for 2-3 days. We will be driving and hope to head north from Edinburgh then across to the West coast before heading south to Wales. Do you have any suggestions for any particular sections?

June 19, 2019 at 8:36 pm

Um, if you only have 1 week in Scotland and have never been before, it may not be the best choice for a first time trip. But if you have 2 full days you could definitely explore a portion, perhaps drive the west part from Inverness to either Ullapool or Lochinver or do the east part from Inverness to Wick or John o’ Groats?

If you really want to do the NC500 in 3 days, I’d consider driving or taking the train to Inverness and then consider joining this tour with Rabbies as they will take care of the planning, ensure you see all the main highlights, and keep you safe on the road. It’s a whirlwind tour of 3 days/2 nights, but it would get you around the north quickly and safely without worrying about driving.

Satta King Post author

June 16, 2019 at 12:57 am

Such a good post this is – most helpful info out there on driving the NC500!

June 16, 2019 at 5:00 am

Hi Satta, Glad you enjoyed it. Just let us know if you have any questions about the North Coast 500, and wishing you a great road trip. Best, Jessica

Sadie Rhodes Post author

June 13, 2019 at 11:55 am

Hi, Your guide is great, easy to read and not “dry”! we have sorted out our accommodation, but wonder if there is a guide or similar detailing pertol stations on, or a bit off route? Thanks

June 13, 2019 at 2:04 pm

Glad you are finding our North Coast 500 guide helpful in planning your upcoming road trip! For petrol stations, we recommend picking up the official North Coast 500 map (you should be able to get it at the Inverness Visitor Centre or others centres along the route) as it includes an updated list of fuel stations along and near the route. You can see the 2017 edition of the map here for a good idea as I expect there have been few, if any, changes.

You’ll find that petrol stations are located in most of the larger villages and towns along the route. I would just recommend never letting your car get near empty and to fill up during the day as not all pumps are open overnight. We’ve driven the route several times and never had an issue finding fuel (regular or diesel).

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any other questions.

Sridhar Post author

May 8, 2019 at 2:01 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence,

Thank you for the very inspiring and comprehensive insights to NC500 route. I stumbled upon your incredible website a few weeks ago and brilliant photos and enormous information that you posted has drawn me into planning a holiday to highlands this summer. I am planning a 6 day trip starting from Glasgow and ending at Inverness with my wife and 2 teen kids stopping at Fort Augustus, Dunnet, Scourie and Dingwall. We have found some cottages that offer great views and am about to start booking them. However, we are a wee bit allergic (read scared) to reptiles (snakes, etc.). Just wanted to know if these creatures are commonly sighted in highlands in summer months. Would greatly appreciate if you could share your thoughts please. Thanks in advance.

May 8, 2019 at 9:02 am

Hi Sridhar,

Glad you are finding our content on the NC500 and Scottish Highlands helpful in planning your trip 😉

First, the cold weather in Scotland is strong deterrent to most reptiles (and amphibians), so you are extremely unlikely to encounter any reptiles even if you go out looking for them. I believe there is only one snake species that is native to mainland Scotland and we’ve never seen a snake in Scotland 😉 The creatures that are the biggest nuisance in the Scottish Highlands in summer are midges, mosquitoes, and ticks – so these are the ones I’d be prepared for as you’ll like encounter them if visiting between June and August, especially if hiking or spending much time outdoors.

Note that the North Coast 500 route is a route that has a lot of single-track roads and it is best to drive it slowly so we would recommend a minimum of 5 days to do the full route without being too rushed which might be hard with only 6 nights total in Scotland. Something to think about when planning your route and time in the Scottish Highlands.

Here is a suggested 5 day itinerary that may be helpful in planning your time along the route.

Anthony Post author

May 7, 2019 at 5:10 am

Great article, taking a motor home on the NC500 in August, taking a lot of your tips with us

all the best

Amanda & Anthony.

May 7, 2019 at 10:32 am

Hi Amanda & Anthony, So glad you are finding our NC500 article helpful, we have several NC500 related articles across our two travel blogs that may be useful for your trip. Do let us know if you have any questions – we are actually currently traveling along the NC500 again ourselves 😉 Best, Jessica

Nothard Kassburg Post author

April 21, 2019 at 7:05 am

Hello Jessica and Laurence Congratulations, your website is awesome. My wife and I plan to travel to Scotland by car and caravan for 4 weeks in June. Does it make sense to drive the North Coast 500 clockwise at this time because of the Midges encountered in the west or does not need to change the route ?? Best regards from the Emsland. Nothard and Gitti

April 21, 2019 at 9:27 am

Hi Northard & Gitti, So glad that you are finding our Scotland articles helpful in planning your trip! The midges normally start emerging around mid May and are usually in full swing by early June. How bad they are varies each year (2018 was a bad year) and throughout the summer. I don’t think it will likely matter too much as you can find them throughout the Highlands in summer, although from our experience they do tend to be worse along the west side of the North Coast 500 route.

I would still do it counterclockwise as that way you start with the better roads and more towns, and gradually come upon the single track roads and more dramatic landscapes. The best way to protect against the midges is an insect spray (we recommend a couple above, can be purchase once in Scotland if not available where you live). If you are planning to spend time camping outside (and standing/sitting in one place for awhile) or are particularly sensitive to insect bites, you may consider a midge net. They are not too bad if you keep moving, but can drive you crazy when you stand still. Generally worse around dawn, dusk, and on cloudy days.

For camping / caravaning, see our suggested NC500 camping itinerary for suggestions.

Shaun Post author

April 10, 2019 at 2:36 pm

Jessica and Laurence, Thanks for all the work that has gone into this brilliant guide to the NC500. I have just started planning my trip for late summer/autumn and this is a huge help. Happy travelling to you both. Shaun

April 11, 2019 at 5:45 am

Hi Shaun, Thanks for taking the time to comment. So glad you are finding our NC500 road trip guide useful, just let us know if you have any questions. Best, Jessica

Mel Scrivin Post author

March 26, 2019 at 11:46 pm

Hi guys thanks for all the great info. Help! We’ll be doing the NC in May in our motorhome (and by bike… one driving, with the dogs, and one riding!) We know we can’t take the van over Bealach n’a ba but we do plan to (try to!) each cycle it. Do you know if we’d manage the coast road there and back in the van as we want to meet at Applecross for lunch. She’s not enormous – 3 tonne laden and about 21ft long (Luton van rather than Transit- if that makes any sense in the US!) Thanks in advance Mel

March 27, 2019 at 8:42 am

Hi Mel, Sounds like you have a fun road trip coming up. I don’t think you should have any issue getting a van of that size to Applecross along the coastal route (barring any bad weather or road closures of course). Best of luck on your trip and on your cycle trip up the Bealach na Bà 😉 Best, Jessica

April 1, 2019 at 11:36 pm

Fabulous thank you so much Jessica!

Martin Post author

March 19, 2019 at 4:25 pm

Hi planing this trip soon. Just wondering what’s the laws about pulling up in a safe place and having a bbq? Thanks

March 20, 2019 at 4:21 am

Hi Martin, Your question is complicated of course as it involves both legal parking and having a BBQ. But if you are parked somewhere you are allowed to legally park and it is in a safe place that does not prohibit BBQs (some beaches, parks, etc. do not allow them, and some places prohibit certain types of BBQ) then you can if done responsibly. Most campsites along the NC500 allow all kinds of BBQ (electric, gas, charcoal) but not all of them so something to double check if you are planning to camp.

But here are a couple of resources from the Outdoor Code page and Fire Scotland page that may be helpful.

Kathleen McCollum Post author

March 16, 2019 at 2:05 pm

My husband, mother and I have driven parts of the route on other trips, but will taking in the northern section in September. We would prefer to have a rental that comes with a spare (just in case…), but these are harder and harder to find. Any recommendations?

Great information!!!

Thanks – Kathleen

March 18, 2019 at 5:36 am

Hi Kathleen, Yes, unfortunately, cars are not legally required to carry a spare tyre in the UK so many of the rental cars do not come with a spare. The other issue, of course, is that it is rarely listed in the information when booking online, so I think the only way to guarantee this would be to call an agency directly and request to book a car specifically with a spare although I am not sure all agencies would be able to guarantee this. If it is more of a preference than a requirement for you, you can find the best rate online and book and then when picking up the car, request one with a spare tyre (and means to replace one) if at all possible.

If you are not able to get such a car, I’d be sure to rent with an agency that has a 24-hour number and you know what to do if there are any car issues or flat tires.

Sorry I can’t offer any better advice on this, but wishing you and your family a wonderful NC500 road trip. The northern part of the route is lovely 😉

March 18, 2019 at 11:44 am

Thanks, Jessica! I called the rental agency and added the request to my reservation this morning. No guarantees, but at least they have the request. We will hope not to need it, but I also know we will be somewhat removed from AA and would prefer to fix it ourselves if needed!

Michael McCabe Post author

January 19, 2019 at 4:47 am

Hi, what a superbly detailed guide you have produced here. A big thank you for the help it is giving us to plan our route. We are taking two weeks to drive the NC500 at the end of March. Would you advise carrying with us fuel for the car (in a legal container) or are there sufficient petrol stations along the route for this not to be an issue?

Best wishes

January 19, 2019 at 8:14 am

Hi Michael,

I don’t think you will need to take fuel in a container as there are a number of fuel stations along the North Coast 500 route. There is at least one fuel station in most of the towns of any size along the route (e.g., Inverness, Wick, Thurso, Tongue, Durness, Lochinver, Ullapool, Contin, Dingwall), although I am not sure if they are all open 24/7 so just be sure to stop during business hours to be safe. I would just be sure to not let your tank get near empty and you should be fine if you stop when you have the chance before getting too low.

Glad you enjoyed our NC500 road trip guide and wishing you a great road trip in March! We should have more content on the NC500 out before your trip.

Martha Swain Post author

December 29, 2018 at 5:06 am

Hi. I’m planning a trip for late in the season 2019 500 Mile trip. Is there any issue with a female traveling alone?

December 29, 2018 at 6:11 am

Hi Martha, That sounds like a wonderful trip. We have found the North Coast 500 in Scotland to be a very safe driving route and most of the route is through small towns and rural areas with very low crime rates and few people. Crime happens everywhere of course, but you should be fine taking normal precautions (keeping money/valuables hidden away, locking doors, telling someone your travel plans, etc.).

Of course if you’d like some company or prefer not to drive yourself, you might check out this a 3-day tour from Inverness from Rabbie’s Travel and this 4 Day tour from Edinburgh by Highland Experience Tours. We’ve done several trips with Rabbie’s and there are usually at least a couple of solo travelers on their trips.

We’ve driven the NC500 route several times now, so just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip. Best, Jessica

Greg MacKinnon Post author

December 24, 2018 at 12:25 pm

Hi Jessica and Laurence, We are walking the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way ending our walk in Inverness at the Ardross Glencairn Guest house on May 24th. From there, we want to rent a car and take 7 days to drive from Inverness to Glasgow and leave back to Canada on June 1st so would arrive in Glasgow on May 31st. Do you have a 7 day B & B route that you would suggest for us for the NC500?

Thanks so much!

December 26, 2018 at 5:03 am

Laurence is actually putting together a NC500 B&B post which should be out on Finding the Universe in the next 2 months. We’ll also have more NC500 content. You can keep checking back or sign up for our monthly newsletter to get updates (it covers both of our travel blogs).

But here are some suggestions if you are wanting to book now for 7 nights doing the full loop:

-Day 1: Dornoch: Strathview Lodge B&B or The Steading -Day 2: Wick: Thrumpster House or The Clachan B&B -Day 3: Tongue to Durness: Tigh Nan Ubhal (Tongue) or Hillside B&B (Durness). There is also Salmon Landings – it is a bit before Tongue but a fantastic B&B. -Day 4: Lochinver: Davar Guest House -Day 5: Ullapool area: Braemore Square County House , Riverside Guest House , or Westlea House B&B -Day 6: Torridon to Lochcarron area: Pathend Bed & Breakfast -Day 7: Return to Inverness and spend another night in your first B&B, or consider ending your trip with a good value castle stay. Kincraig Castle or Tulloch Castle are two options.

Hope this helps get you started at least for accommodation. We’ve stayed at all but one of the above properties so do let us know if you have any questions about any of them. Several of these are reviewed in our North Coast 500 Accommodation Guide . But keep any eye out for new posts over the next couple of months.

MITCHELL DIACO Post author

November 17, 2018 at 6:50 pm

Hello, there!

Wow! What a terrific source of inspiration! Thank you SO much for taking the time and put it together!

We have spent a lot time looking around for suggestions regarding our upcoming, once-in-a-lifetime event (out 40th Anniversary), and when we have come across your wonderful guide, we knew we have reached our goal!

Having the round-trip flight and car bookings done, we are now in the process of establishing our self-driving route, and we are trying to figure out how to reach as many points of interest as possible, but without over-doing it… Both, my wife and I, are in love with castles, so we would definitely like to sleep a few nights in several of the famous Castle Hotels, however, we would REALLY love to include the NC500 route in our schedule… I know it’s a tough task, but being such an important event for us, we would REALLY love to get the most of our trip, especially because we live in a place where castles are nowhere to be found (Chicago, US)… Having said that, it would be great if you could provide us with some advice, considering the following:

1. We would land in Edinburgh on Friday, September 6th, 2019, and stay 4 days, exploring the city and surroundings; 2. We would like to hit the road on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, going North toward Inverness; 3. We would like to make the most of the NC500, and eventually spend 2~3 nights at your recommended Castle Hotels that might be in our way; 4. We would definitely like to include the Isle of Skye; 5. We would REALLY like to see Fort William and eventually stay over night there; 6. My wife, Nicole, is in love with trains, and taking the famous steam train ride with the Jacobite is a MUST!

I know it’s a lot to ask, but I hope you would be able to advice us in advance… our departure date from Edinburgh back to US is on Saturday, September 28, 2019.

Once again, thank you SO much, and, as a small token of appreciation, please rest assured that we would make all our purchases through your suggested links!

Hope to hear from you soon,

Nicole & Mitch

November 19, 2018 at 3:16 am

Hi Mitch & Nicole,

Happy to hear about your upcoming Scotland trip to celebrate your 40th anniversary!!

Here are some ideas and resources to help you plan your trip:

1. Edinburgh for 4 nights will give you plenty of time to explore. You can check out our guide to the top things to do in Edinburgh , lesser known Edinburgh attractions , and Edinburgh photography guide for idea to put together an itinerary there. You might also want to consider either getting the Royal Edinburgh Ticket or pre-purchasing a fast entry/ skip-the-line ticket for Edinburgh Castle (it is usually the most busy attraction in the city).

2. On the way up to Inverness, I’d consider stopping for a photo stop at the Forth Bridges driving through the Cairngorms National Park and a stop at Loch Ness. You can do a boat tour on Loch Ness if the weather is nice – if the weather is bad it is probably not worth doing. I’d recommend a night or 2 in Inverness as there are plenty of things to see in and around the city (e.g., art museum, Fort George, Black Isle, Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Culloden battlefield, Inverness Castle). Here are some Inverness day trip ideas .

3. I’d recommend at least 3 nights to do the NC500 – 5 days is ideal. We have a NC500 hotel guide that has all the main castle hotels listed. Let us know if you have a specific question about any of them. We only have a camping itinerary up so far, but will have more NC500 itineraries up before your trip in Sept., if you want to sign up for our monthly newsletter to be alerted with our new articles.

4. I’d recommend 2 nights on the Isle of Skye after you finish the NC500 drive. That will give you more time to explore there. Here is some ideas for the Isle of Skye and also a Skye & Scottish Highlands itinerary that might be helpful.

5. The city center of Fort William is easy to explore on foot. There are a couple of good museums there and the remains of a fort. If you enjoy castle hotels, you might consider a night at Inverlochy Castle before you head home. It has been one of our favorite castle hotels and is one of the nicest; however, it is more pricey than those around the NC500. But one to check out, not too far from Fort William and Glen Coe.

6. The Jacobite steam train leaves from Fort William so that is easy enough to arrange. The train doesn’t operate every day so I’d check the schedule and be sure to book in advance of your trip for that as it is popular.

Hope this helps, and feel free to reach out with additional questions as you plan your trip!

Lois Clark Post author

November 6, 2018 at 4:40 am

Thank you so much for putting this brilliant NC 500 guide together. Really useful 🙂

November 9, 2018 at 1:06 am

Thanks Lois, glad you enjoyed our guide and hope you have a wonderful North Coast 500 road trip. Do let us know if you have any questions. Best, Jessica

Subhajyoti C Post author

September 30, 2018 at 3:25 pm

Hi Jessica & Lawrence,

Congratulations on putting together a gem of a travelogue up there on Scotland and a fantastic website. We are planning for a 5 day trip to the Scottish highlands and Isle of Skye starting from Inverness. We will reach Inverness from London on 13th evening and have booked a self drive car to drive around the highlands for the next 5 days 😀

Below is what we would like to know:

1. We will be travelling with our 8 month old baby boy, considering winter is setting on and having read that Scottish weather can get fickle. Would the weather be too harsh?

2. Your tales got us all excited for the NC500 and We plan on taking the route from Inverness. Could you please recommend a route? considering the actual driving days will be 5 (Fully aware that is no way enough but would still like to make the most of these days). I would like to place Isle of Skye in this route somewhere.

4. Our preferred itinerary if NC500 doesnt cut will be (This is again a copybook of your 5 Day itinerary only difference is we will be driving self)

Day 0 Arrive at Inverness, overnight stay at Broomlea (Ardersier)

Day 1 See around Inverness and reach Ullapool

Day 2 Ullapool to Ardvreck Castle (including short stops enroute)

Day 3 Ullapool to Isle of Skye (Stay overnight at Portee)

Day 4 Explore Isle of Skye

Day 5 Portree to Iverness for our evening flight to London

Is this going to be too aggressive considering we will be travelling with a kid?

5. What could be our accomodation options enroute (Your recommended B&Bs if any)?

Is there another itinierary that you would like to suggest for the above days between 14th and 18th October.

Appreciate any suggestions.

Best, Subh and Shree

October 3, 2018 at 8:25 pm

Hi Subh & Shree,

Sounds like you have a great trip to Scotland coming up.

Yes, the weather is definitely fickle in Scotland. In terms of the weather, the further north, the colder it is likely to be. We like traveling NC500 in winter but it does snow up there and last winter we did have to stop for a day because of the road conditions. So it may not be ideal for such a short trip with a baby and wanting to see a lot. Winter is better for more flexible itineraries and some of the attractions along NC500 are closed in winter.

So in terms of your itinerary, it is only about a 40 minute drive from Ullapool to Ardvreck Castle, so you can do more on that day if you wish. I’d definitely spend 2 full days on the Isle of Skye if you really want to explore that area, especially with a baby.

I think your itinerary is certainly doable with a baby, I’d just check the driving distances each day and see what you want to do/see along the way so you can better plan your driving distances.

Here is our suggested 5 day Scottish Highlands itinerary that may help a bit for things to do/see. Although with a baby, you won’t be able to see as much and will need to move at a slower pace each day. We also started this one from Edinburgh but it should hopefully give you some ideas.

Ellie Post author

August 15, 2018 at 8:28 am

Great blog, thank you. A lot of useful info. We are doing the trip, starting the 4th October for 10 nights and haven’t planned any stops yet along the way. We have 2 dogs and will we stopping in our T5 and various campsites. Hoping to go to Skye for a night or 2 and maybe isle of Harris and Mull depending on time. Is everywhere mainly dog friendly? many thanks ellie

August 15, 2018 at 12:27 pm

A lot of people in Scotland travel with their dogs and you should find plenty to do. Indoor attractions often don’t allow dogs (as you probably expect) but you can always take turns watching the dogs when you want to visit these places.

Most outdoor spaces and campsites do allow dogs although in many places they need to be on a lease to not disturb livestock and/or wildlife. Luckily most nesting birds will be gone by October and lambs will be larger, which are 2 of the biggest issues with dogs in this area. Most beaches allow dogs and allow them to be off leash if supervised and cleaned up after. Most places have dog waste disposal bins.

We’d recommend 7 night along the NC500 to see all the highlights and have time to relax and enjoy it and go walking/hiking etc with your dogs. There are also a lot of attractions in and around Inverness worth seeing (Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, etc.). You can see our suggested NC500 camping itinerary for ideas of where to stay along the route.

With 10 nights, I’d probably choose between Isle of Skye or Lewis & Harris (or Mull but it is much further south) so you have enough time to explore them. You can easily spend 2-3 days on any of the islands. I think all of the ferries allow pets, but have different restrictions in terms of where they can be within the ferry so I’d check ahead.

Hope that helps and wishing you a great trip!

June Matthews Post author

July 30, 2018 at 5:23 am

Hi Jessica We are planning to do the NC500 in September. We will be in an Elddis Autoquest 200 motor home which is approx 19 feet in length and 7 feet wide. Are there any parts of the trip that you would advise us to avoid with a van of this size. We really hope there’s not too much but better safe than sorry we think. Many thanks for any help you can give us and congratulations on such a wonderfully friendly and indepth site Regards June

July 30, 2018 at 3:46 pm

That sounds like a fun trip, and very happy you are finding our blog helpful in planning your North Coast 500 road trip! Much of the road along the NC500 (especially in the north and west) are narrow single-track roads that were not designed for a lot of traffic or larger vehicles. But as long as you are patient and know how to drive safely on single-track roads and use passing places you should be fine in a motorhome of that size for the majority of the route.

Here is a good guide to driving on single track roads , if you don’t have much experience driving them.

The two stretches of the road that are usually noted as unsuitable for larger caravans and motorhomes are:

– The Bealach Na Ba stretch as it is steep, narrow, and has a number of sharp bends. This is on the southwestern part of the route over by Applecross. It is easy to avoid as you can take the slip road up to the A896 instead. -The stretch along B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku, which is on the western part of the route.

So I would just avoid those 2 stretches and you should be fine. There is always the chance of temporary road closures and such so I would check the road conditions during your trip, but you’ll probably find plenty of people to chat about the roads going in both directions at the campsites along the route.

You might find this suggested 7 day camping itinerary useful as it provides a suggested NC500 itinerary and tips for those planning to camp or stay in motorhomes along the route.

Hope this helps, and if you have further questions as you plan your trip feel free to reach out. We’ve driven this route several times now and happy to try to help!

July 30, 2018 at 4:37 pm

Many thanks for the advice Jessica. We will be sure to bear this in mind when we undertake the trip Regards June

Chris Marper Post author

July 24, 2018 at 11:53 pm

Great article guide on the North Coast 500. Planning on taking the new Overland vehicle on its first official adventure in early September with our 2 dogs, so came across your guide. Very well written and a great starting point for planning. Hopefully will be doing a lot of rough camping.

July 25, 2018 at 4:23 am

Hi Chris, Wishing you the best of luck on your upcoming North Coast 500 road trip! Glad the guide has been helpful in planning your road trip. If you are planning on camping, you can check out this 1 week NC500 camping itinerary . If you want to do real wild camping, I’d recommend spending more time in the western part as there is more wild camping opportunities on that part of the drive as the Inverness area and eastern part are more developed. Enjoy your time in northern Scotland! Best, Jessica

June 26, 2018 at 9:53 am

Awesome article! There is so much interesting and helpful information in this North Coast 500 guide, thanks a lot for providing it!

June 27, 2018 at 2:08 am

Hi Julie, So happy your enjoyed our NC500 guide, and do let us know if you have any questions as you plan your NC500 road trip! Best, Jessica

Carrie patterson Post author

May 29, 2018 at 5:08 am

Excellent article. Even more excited to get going now!! We are planning on doing a trip in August/September time. We would either be camping or borrowing a pop-up trailer from a friends. Would we be ok waiting booking into camp sites at the time? I usually have a fairly flexible style to travel but a little worried about a lack of facilities in the busy season would mean no availability.

May 29, 2018 at 6:38 am

Hi Carrie! Glad you enjoyed our NC500 travel guide 😉 August is a definitely a busy time along the NC500, especially in the campsites as they are particularly popular with families (as well as university students) and there are a lot of them traveling over the summer. September will get calmer once schools are back in session. So it will depend a little on your dates and it is hard to predict the numbers but summer is a very busy time.

I think a lot of people who camp have a more flexible travel style so you should be OK to wait to book until a bit closer to your trip. But I would not wait too long if you have an idea of where you want to stay as the facilities are limited and there are only so many campsite along the NC500. Currently the need is exceeding the demand at different points in the summer. If you don’t need services (e.g., water, electricity) you can wait longer.

In general, I would recommend booking at least 1 month in advance if you need facilities (e.g., electricity & water hook ups). But if you just need a campsite with just basic amenities (access to toilets, shower block, waste disposal station, drinking water), then you have much more flexibility.

If you want to drive along without a set itinerary and are flexible about where you stay, I’d try to book at least a night or two in advance just so you know that you have a place to stay each evening. But in some areas, like Applecross, there is only one campsite so for places like this it is good to book a bit in advance if you can.

Hope this helps as it is difficult to know how busy it will be at any one time along the route, but booking at least a little in advance can definitely give you some piece of mind in knowing you’ll have a good place to stay. You can check out this NC500 camping itinerary for some ideas for campsites along the North Coast 500 and camping tips.

Paul Wright Post author

May 12, 2018 at 8:40 am

Done that been there several times up down across and back in our camper and up apple cross. we love Scotland and lived there several years until our children wanted us back in Dorset Paul

May 14, 2018 at 7:30 am

Hi Paul, Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Yes, it is certainly a beautiful area of Scotland, very popular with people from England who love the mountains and more rugged terrain! Hope you have many more chances to return and visit the northern Highlands of Scotland! Best, Jessica

May Post author

March 26, 2018 at 2:07 am

I enjoyed reading the information about the NC500. However, you made no mention of how someone with restricted mobility would cope with such a trip. I have a blue badge for my car and walk using a rollator with a seat. Obviously I would not be doing any hiking and getting onto a beach is difficult but I would like to think that there is enough that is accessible to make the trip worthwhile.

March 26, 2018 at 6:37 am

Glad you enjoyed our North Coast 500 guides. Yes, since many of the attractions are outdoors and natural, some may not be an option for someone with restricted mobility. However, many of the scenic viewpoint stops are viewable from the parking area or a very short walk from it and even some of the longer paths have been designed for those with restricted mobility in mind such as this one in Assynt. But for the most part, the hiking trails and beaches are difficult in terms of accessibility.

The area can be challenging as even some of the top attractions like Dunrobin Castle have a number of stairs that need to be navigated to tour the castle although wheelchair access can be arranged to visit the gardens. But I think the best thing to do would be to make a list of attractions you really want to visit and then check their websites or call them about accessibility. Then you can decide if there appears to be enough things available that you want to do to visit.

I know as tourism has increased along the North Coast 500 there has been growing awareness of this as a concern for businesses. Several hotel & B&B owners are in the process or have recently renovated to be able to offer more accessible rooms that can accommodated those in wheelchairs and others with restricted mobility. I know that many of the museums and visitor centers are wheelchair accessible and therefore accessible with a rollator.

Hope this helps, it is not an easy answer. But do let us know if you have further questions and we will try to help!

Anda Post author

October 31, 2017 at 6:47 pm

Indeed, over 500 miles of gorgeous scenery. Like always, your guides are so detailed. You don’t leave anything out, addressing almost every issue that may cross your reader’s mind. I would so love to take this road trip sometimes.

November 1, 2017 at 1:47 am

Hi Anda, Thanks so much and you get a chance to do a NC500 road trip some day 😉 Best, Jessica

Rob+Ann Post author

October 31, 2017 at 7:12 am

First off, it was great meeting you guys at TBex! Always nice to connect “in real life. 🙂

This looks like a fantastic drive! We got a good bit of single track (and drive on the left!) experience in some more remote areas of Ireland. For Americans who aren’t used to either, we can say that it really isn’t so bad. You mention hiring a driver or doing a tour. This is a really good idea – not because it’s so difficult, but because you miss a lot when you’re behind the wheel. Hopefully, you’re paying attention to the road, which means you’ll miss much of the passing scenery. 🙁 Definitely want to experience the NC500 when we make it to Scotland!

October 31, 2017 at 10:51 am

Hi Rob & Ann, Fantastic meeting you as well! Ah, glad you got some experience driving in Ireland, that will definitely come in handy for Scotland. I think Scotland has a lot more single-track roads and they are pretty essential as some are the only ways to get to many smaller towns and villages in the Scottish Highlands and islands. Although I do think some of the roads will be likely be widened and improved in time, especially if traffic continues to increase in the area. Yes, I think for those worried to drive themselves (or can’t due to rental restrictions), a guided bus tour or private driver guide of the North Coast 500 route can be helpful and definitely takes the worry out of driving and allows you to enjoy the scenery. Best, Jessica

phil Post author

October 29, 2017 at 10:44 am

hello, great right up already made my mind to do nc 500 next year june or september not sure yet, not been to scotland before so me and the wife are looking forward to it going to do it in a open top car 2 seater so will be a little cramped and looking to do it over 6 days best start planing now 🙂

October 29, 2017 at 12:32 pm

Hi Phil, So great to hear that you and your wife are planning to do a North Coast 500 road trip this coming summer 😉 I would probably start planning early next year, especially in terms of flights (if needed) and lodging. The rest you can plan much closer to the time, but lodging is best to plan 3 months or more in advance if you have specific places you want to stay. A 2 seater car can be great (just pack light!), and small cars are great for the narrow roads. The NC500 is a popular route for car clubs so you are likely to see some groups of very expensive and vintage cars out on the road. Feel free to ask us any questions about the route as you start planning your trip! We live in Scotland and are happy to try to help. Best, Jessica

October 28, 2017 at 6:50 pm

Thanks for this great, comprehensive guide as usual! Your earlier post on the NC500 already had me wanting to visit, so this practical guide was a great help! Have pinned it for future reference 🙂 I’ve only been to the Scottish Highlands once, but I absolutely loved it, and can’t wait to go back. In terms of driving, the thing that shocked me most was the amount of roadkill we saw! 🙁 It was honestly a little traumatic. But that was many years ago – hopefully drivers are better accustomed to avoiding wildlife now. Definitely not an area to go speeding along, like you say!

October 29, 2017 at 12:57 am

Hi Michelle, Yes, I think if you enjoyed your prior trip to the Scottish Highlands, you would really enjoy the North Coast 500. It is just another area of similar landscapes and beauty as the rest of the Highlands, but one many people are less familiar with and the new tourist route has really brought more people and business into that area. Yes, road safety is definitely a concern and we have almost been hit a few times driving around the Highlands with crazy tourists (and locals) speeding along. We have thankfully not seen a lot of wildlife on the road, but deer are definitely a big concern (particularly the red and roe deer) and of course the smaller animals are harder for people to see, particularly at night. Hope you get a chance to return to Scotland. Best, Jessica

Nancy Post author

October 27, 2017 at 8:11 pm

This is such a great comprehensive post on the North Coast 500! There is so much to see and do. I’ve yet to travel to Scotland, but would love to visit one day. Your North Coast 500 route tips and packing list are very helpful!

October 29, 2017 at 1:29 am

Thanks Nancy, glad you enjoyed the post and do us know if you have any questions if you decide to plan your own North Coast 500 road trip! Best, Jessica

Lolo Post author

October 27, 2017 at 1:17 pm

Once again, you’ve left me in awe! To be honest, your posts on Scotland have me thinking maybe we should consider moving to Scotland as we’re looking to move somewhere new! I love everything about this post, from the history to the castles and the whiskey! Pinned!!! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!

October 29, 2017 at 1:19 am

Hi Lolo, Yes, you should come visit Scotland and a North Coast 500 road trip is a great way to see part of it 😉 If you are seriously thinking of moving to Scotland, get in touch and happy to chat. Best, Jessica

Anisa Post author

October 27, 2017 at 12:27 pm

This looks amazing! So neat that it was only established in 2014. Since I loved my road trip to Isle of Skye I think I would really enjoy this one as well. Maybe I can fit it in next summer.

October 29, 2017 at 1:12 am

Hi Anisa, Yes, the NC500 has been a very successful tourist initiative and has garnered a lot of media coverage similar to the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland although this one is much shorter! The route runs just a bit north of where you would have been when visiting the Isle of Skye, the Isle is a common detour for people driving the route. If you come in summer for a North Coast 500 road trip, just remember to bring something to ward off the pesky midges, especially if you plan to be outside in the evenings! ~ Jessica

Lisa Post author

October 27, 2017 at 12:10 pm

Your pictures are stunning!!! Also very Great tips for the North Coast 500! Definitely saving this for when I make it to Scotland one day. Hopefully sooner than later. 🙂

October 29, 2017 at 1:08 am

Hi Lisa, Thanks, glad you enjoyed the photos, they are a good way to entice people to Scotland 😉 I hope you get a chance to travel to Scotland soon! Best, Jessica

Janis Post author

October 27, 2017 at 2:24 am

Another great post and really informative, you’ve managed to cover so much.

We’re hoping to make the North Coast 500 trip one day, so we’ll certainly be referring back to this.

Loved the photos as well.

Happy Travels Janis & Gary

October 29, 2017 at 1:07 am

Hi Janis, Thanks! The North Coast 500 is a great road trip if you enjoy road trips, and I hope you get a chance to see it yourself. Best, Jessica

Mick Meadows Post author

March 1, 2018 at 10:48 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence Congratulations, your site is the most informative, accessible and inspiring of those that we have looked at. Clear descriptive text supported by stunning photographs provide an outstanding resource. We are planning the North Coast 500 in mid September in our AM Vantage and your site is so helpful, thank you! Mick & Liz Meadows

March 1, 2018 at 10:54 am

Hi Mick & Liz, Thank you so much for kind comments, and we are so happy that you found our North Coast 500 planning guide helpful! We have driven the NC500 again since we wrote that guide (in winter) and will be back up there in May, so be on the lookout for new NC500 posts. We are planning to write a North Coast 500 itinerary or two, and more related content out over the next few months on both of our blogs. But feel free to shout if you have any questions as you plan your NC500 road trip. September is a great month to do it as it starts to get quieter then as kids go back to school and the weather cools a bit, but most business are still open and September tends to bring decent weather 😉 Best, Jessica & Laurence

paul cameron Post author

April 8, 2018 at 3:57 pm

hi, my wife and i are also travelling the route in May. Your tips will be used. Cheers. Paul.

April 13, 2018 at 8:42 am

Hi Paul, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, and wishing you a wonderful trip along the NC500! Best, Jessica

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Perfect 5 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary: The Ultimate Scottish Road Trip!

Last updated: June 30, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 35 Comments

We’ve driven Scotland’s North Coast 500 road trip multiple times, in all seasons. We’ve taken trips lasting between five days and three weeks, and we’ve shared a number of planning guides, highlights, and itineraries on our blogs already.

Today we’re going to share our idea of the ideal 5 Day North Coast 500 itinerary, to help you plan your own 5 day Scottish road trip!

We would suggest that five days is a good amount of time in which to drive the North Coast 500. Five days will give you enough time for sightseeing and stops along the way, without feeling too rushed.

You can of course drive the NC500 more quickly, but we would strongly advise against this. There’s so much to see on the way, and the roads are not fast. As a minimum, we’d suggest at least four days to complete the route, and five to give yourself a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Of course, you can take longer. We’ve taken multiple trips on the NC500, some over two weeks in length. There’s always more to see, back roads to explore, and far flung beaches to hike to! If you have longer, check out our detailed 1 week NC500 itinerary .

This itinerary assumes you’ll be driving the North Coast 500 in a car or motorbike, and staying in hotels or guesthouses along the way, and we have recommended some of our favourite accommodation options along the route for each night.

The North Coast 500 is also a popular route to do as a camping trip, either with a motorhome or a more traditional tent.

If you are planning on hiring a motorhome for the trip, then we recommend comparing prices across a range of providers using a service like Motorhome Republic . You can see their UK listings here . We can also recommend checking out Spaceships for camper rental, you can check their prices here .

Another good option to consider if you’d like a more robust camper vehicle are the four wheel drive camper trucks from Wild Camper Trucks. See their Scotland options here .

If you decide to camp, we have a 7 day North Coast 500 camping itinerary , as well as a detailed guide to all the North Coast 500 campsites . If you wanted to camp on a five-day trip instead of seven, we’d suggest using this post for the itinerary, and our campsite guide for ideas on where to stay.

Now, let’s get started with this detailed 5-day North Coast 500 itinerary.

5 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary

5 days on the North Coast 500 will give you a good amount of time to see many of the sights along the way. However, as the going is slower in some parts than others, we’ve tried to balance this itinerary so you get fairly similar amounts of driving time each day.

The slower parts of the route, largely due to winding single track roads, are to be found in the north west section around Durness, and the south west section around Torridon. So whilst the distances on some of these days might be less than other days, the slow going nature of the roads means they’ll take longer.

Any detours you take, especially those on the west coast such as to the beautiful beaches of Achmelvich or Achiltibuie will also add time as these are slow roads.

We’d recommend reading this post in parallel with our North Coast 500 planning guide , to get all the information you need for your adventure.

• Day 1: Inverness to Wick

The North Coast 500 starts and finishes in Inverness , so that is where our itinerary also starts and finishes. This is a very logical place for your adventure to begin, as it is well served by an airport and a fast train line, which links to the rest of Scotland and also England. You can even get an overnight sleeper train from London to Inverness.

Inverness is also fairly easy to reach by car, with a good road running between Edinburgh and Inverness, with a driving time of just over three hours. Inverness makes for a great base for exploring nearby attractions, including Loch Ness .

If you have time, we can recommend spending a day or two here at the start or end of your NC500 road trip. We have a guide to things to do in Inverness , as well as some suggested day trips from Inverness .

Once you have yourself sorted out, and have your vehicle ready with road trip supplies (Inverness is a good place for both filling up on fuel and picking up road trip snacks!), it’s time to head north as we have a lot to see and do today.

The first area to explore is the Black Isle. This is a peninsula of land just north of Inverness which is home to its own brewery , a ruined cathedral and even some beautiful waterfalls . The Black Isle is also one of the best places in the UK to watch dolphins from the shore, which you can do at Chanonry Point if the tides are right.

For more ideas on the Black Isle, see our complete guide to things to do on the Black Isle .

Continuing north from the Black Isle, a short detour off the A9 road will bring you to Dornoch. This is home to a lovely cathedral, as well of one of Scotland’s most well-known golf courses, the Royal Dornoch . There’s also a stone in Dornoch which marks the spot where the last witch was burnt in Scotland, in 1727.

Dornoch is a good place for a coffee or chocolate stop at the wonderful Cocoa Mountain Cafe . This started in Balnakeil, although that location sadly closed in 2022, so now you have to get your chocolate and coffee mix a bit earlier on in your journey in Dornoch.

From Dornoch it’s another 20 minutes drive north to one of the highlights of the day, the spectacular Dunrobin Castle . This is a beautiful castle that looks like it has fallen straight out of a fairy tale, and we highly encourage you to stop and spend some time visiting.

As well as a guided tour of the castle, you can explore the grounds, watch the falconry displays (see the falconry displays section of the website to see when they are on) and visit the Victorian era museum.

A short drive north of Dunrobin Castle is Carn Liath, or the Grey Cairn. There’s a small parking area just before the Cairn ( here on Google Maps), and it’s a 2 minute walk from here to the Cairn via a footpath.

Carn Liath is a broch – an iron age structure that is around 2,000 years old. There are many of these all around Scotland, and this is one of the better preserved and more easily accessible brochs along the North Coast 500, which we think makes it worth stopping at.

From Carn Liath you are on the final hour of driving to your destination for the first night, the town of Wick. You’ll pass through the pretty fishing village of Helmsdale, home to the excellent Timespan Museum . If you have time, it makes a good stop for learning about the history of the area, including the people, landscape and traditional trades.

The last location you’ll pass on the first day of our itinerary is the Whaligoe steps , a series of steps carved out of the cliff face here which lead down to the sheltered Whaligoe Bay. This was once a popular harbour for local fishermen due to its natural protection, but when artificial harbours were built nearby, it fell into disuse.

No doubt the women who had to cart the baskets of fish up these steps weren’t too sad about that!

Finally you’re going to arrive at the town of Wick. This has a few attractions that we suggest you cover on your next day. For now, it’s time to head for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Day 1 Highlights : Black Isle, Dunrobin Castle

Day 1 Driving Distance : ~ 130 miles

Day 1 Driving Time : ~ 3 hours

Day 1 Accommodation : Overnight at (or near) Wick. We recommend Thrumster House if you’re looking for a B&B. If you’re looking for somewhere in Wick, we recommend Mackays Hotel , which also serves lovely meals. Here are some other options to consider:

• Clachan B&B in Wick – This is a well-rated bed-and-breakfast offering comfortable rooms, free WiFi, and an included full breakfast. About a 10 minute walk from town center.
• Bower Wigwams in Bowermadden – A collection of camping pods offering good value glamping stays and each includes mattresses, television, towels, and basic amenities. Some pods have en-suite bathrooms. Located about 10 miles north of Wick.

For more options see our guide to our favourite B&B’s along the NC500 , as well as our overall guide to NC500 accommodation .

• Day 2: Wick to Tongue

Your second day on the North Coast 500 will have you actually driving along Scotland’s northern coastline, and visiting the most northerly point in mainland Britain.

First though, there are a few attractions in and around Wick that we recommend visiting. First of these is the fantastic Wick Heritage Museum . This is found in a warren of former houses near what was the herring harbour.

Inside, you’ll find displays on all sorts of things relating to life in and around Wick. Naturally, there’s a strong focus on fishing, and the history of herring fishing in particular – Wick was once known as the herring capital of Europe!

If you prefer to learn about a different traditionally Scottish craft, then you should drop in at the Old Pulteney Distillery . Founded in 1826, this was for a long time the oldest distillery on mainland Scotland. They produce an excellent single malt with a distinctive flavour that comes from the whisky being exposed to the salty air during the maturation process.

We also have a guide to whisky distilleries on the North Coast 500 if you’re interested in visiting more distilleries along the route.

Other highlights of the area include some castle ruins such as the ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe , although you might want to be making tracks by now as you’ve still got a fair way to go.

From Wick, you’re going to continue north on the A99 until you get to John O’Groats. From here you get lovely views of Orkney, a group of islands off the north coast of Scotland. You can also take a picture at the famous John O’Groats sign – famous because John O’Groats is the most northerly town on the UK mainland.

If you wish, you can take a short detour from John O’Groats (around a five-minute drive) up to Duncansby Head lighthouse. The view from the cliff top here is quite wonderful, and at the right time of year you might be lucky enough to spot whales. You can also take a ten-minute walk across the field to the Duncansby sea stacks.

Continuing west along the coast you will come to the next stop on our route for the day, the Castle of Mey . This was owned for a time by the Queen Mother. It’s possible to tour the castle, as well as the grounds, and there is a good cafe on site for tea, coffee and light snacks and meals.

Further along the coast from the Castle of Mey you will come to the town of Dunnet. There’s a lovely beach here, as well as a fantastic gin distillery. If you a gin lover, it is very much worth stopping at the Dunnet Bay Distillery to take their tour and sample some of their gins (unless you are the driver of course!).

You can take a detour from Dunnet up to Dunnet Head . This is home to an RSPB wildlife reserve, and is also the most northerly point in mainland Britain.

Enjoy the drive along the north coast, and do enjoy the dual lane roads while you have them, as you get further west you are going to find yourself on single track roads! If you’ve never drive on one lane roads, see my guide to driving on single track roads for some tips.

The town of Bettyhill is worth a stop for the Strathnaver museum . This is a lovely little museum which tells the history of the Scottish highlands, including the clan systems and the tragic tale of the Highland clearances. There’s also a Pictish standing stone here.

The next major village you’ll come to is Tongue, where there’s a small shop and a gas station, as well as various accommodation options. This is where we suggest you spend the night. The next town along is Durness if you would prefer to keep going, but we often struggle to find availability in Durness.

In Tongue, if you want to do a nice 40 minute round trip hike with spectacular views, we can recommend the walk up to the ruins of Castle Varrich. It’s only a small two storey castle, but the views really are worth it.

Day 2 Highlights : Wick Heritage Museum, Castle of Mey, most northerly part of mainland UK

Day 2 Driving Distance : ~90 miles

Day 2 Driving Time : ~ 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 2 Accommodation :  In Tongue we recommend and have stayed at both the recently refurbished Tongue Hotel (also does good evening meals) and Tigh Nan Ubhal guesthouse in Tongue. We can also recommend the Ben Loyal hotel – we haven’t stayed here, but we had a lovely evening meal here once.

There are not a huge number of options in Tongue beyond these, and this area of the NC500 is quite remote so other options require a bit of a drive to get to. If you can’t find somewhere in Tongue you can try Durness where there are a few options, such as the Smoo Cave Hotel and Mackays Rooms . However in our experience Durness can book out even faster than Tongue!

• Day 3: Tongue to Ullapool

The first stretch of driving from Tongue to Durness today is really pretty. It’s also winding and largely a single-track road, so do take your time. You’ll pass some incredible white sand beaches and lovely views before arriving into the town with our first attraction of the day – Smoo Cave.

As the name suggests, Smoo Cave is a large cave which is a combination freshwater and seawater cave. It has a number of impressive features, most spectacular of which in our opinion is the waterfall inside the cave.

Getting down to the cave is via a series of steps, and it will likely take you around ten minutes from the car park. You can explore the cave mouth area and visit the waterfall via a wooden walkway (be careful as it can be slippery). If you want to explore further, you can do so via a guided cave tour, with information on that available here .

Other highlights in Durness include the lovely Sango Sands beach and, a short drive to the west, the Balnakeil Craft Village . This was an early warning station in the 1950s, built to detect and warn of nuclear attack during the height of the cold war. However, it was never actually used, and it was instead repurposed, becoming the craft village that you see today.

This has been a long process, but today the village, which is now largely owned by the residents, is home to a number of lovely craft shops and cafes. It’s definitely worth exploring the craft shops, as you may find the perfect souvenir to take home from your trip.

It’s time now to turn south, and drive down the west coast of the North Coast 500. As a landscape photographer, I will admit that the west stretch of the route down through the county of Sutherland is one my favourite photography locations on the North Coast 500 .

There are lovely views to be had on this stretch of the drive, with one of the more iconic North Coast 500 photos being Kylsesku bridge. There’s a parking area here just before the bridge with nice views of the surrounding landscape.

A short way after the bridge, on the left-hand side of the road as you drive south, is the Rock Stop Cafe and Exhibition Centre . This is an excellent place to come and learn about the geology of the area, which was in fact instrumental in shaping our understanding of geological processes in general.

After the Rock Stop Cafe and a bit more driving you will come to where the A894 road meets the A837. If you turn right you can head down to Lochinver, home to an excellent pie shop and the Highland Stoneware centre , which is worth visiting if you are keen on pottery.

The trip to Lochinver will be at least a 30 minute detour though, so keep that in mind. Otherwise, just after you turn left (east) onto the A837 you will come to the ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Calda House on the shores of Loch Assynt.

Dating from the 16th century, these castle ruins are free to visit, and there’s parking on site, with information panels detailing what you are seeing. The castle was originally built by Clan MacLeod in 1590, although it was captured by Clan MacKenzie in 1672.

They were responsible for constructing Calda House, a more formal manor house, in 1726, but this burnt down in 1737 and was never restored.

From Ardvreck Castle, continue south on the A835. If you’re interested in geology, a stop at Knockan Crag National Natural reserve is a good option

But there is also a trail here that takes you up onto the ridge above the car park, where you can get even better views. Along the trail, there are a series of art installations and informational exhibits about what you are seeing and how it formed.

You are nearly at the end of your third day on the North Coast 500, with your final destination of the day being Ullapool, which is the largest town you’ll be visiting on the west coast. This is a good place to refuel and get any additional supplies you might need. It also has the largest choice of hotels and B&Bs in the region, as well as some good restaurants to choose from.

If you’d prefer to be a bit further out, and see some more spectacular beaches and scenery, we can recommend the half hour detour to the village of Achiltibuie. The drive out here is truly incredible. There’s also a hotel out here you can stay at, the Summer Isles Hotel .

Day 3 Highlights : Smoo Cave, Ardvreck Castle, Knockan Crag

Day 3 Driving Distance : ~ 100 miles

Day 3 Driving Time : ~ 3 hours

Day 3 Accommodation : Ullapool has a good range of accommodation options. Some places to consider are:

• The Arch Inn – a popular loch-front option with a good restaurant we have dined at many times
• Harbour House – a few minute’s walk from the town with lovely loch views, a range of rooms and a good sized car park. We have stayed here a number of times and always had a good experience.
• Westlea B&B – family-run B&B offering five comfortable and stylish themed rooms.
• Royal Hotel Ullapool – a 3-star 19th century hotel which is one of the largest and oldest in central Ullapool. Offers more amenities than many of the others and popular with families and groups
• Croft 17 B&B – a lovely B&B run by Ullapool locals Jaimie and Martin, found just five minutes drive from Ullapool.
• Ullapool Youth Hostel – an excellent budget option offering a central location
• Day 4: Ullapool to Torridon

From Ullapool you head south a short way on the A835 before turning right onto the A832 and heading out to the coast. The first attraction you’ll come to is the Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve .

This is the home of a mile long box canyon, which you can see from a Victorian suspension bridge that crosses the gorge. This is reached via a short (if steep) walk, and there are also walking trails along both sides of the gorge.

Continue from Corrieshalloch on the A832 out around the coast. If you want to visit a beautiful and fairly deserted white sand beach, a detour to Mellon Udrigle beach is a great option, after which you’ll come to the village of Aultbea where there is a nice memorial to the wartime convoys. You’ll find this in a small park just north of the village.

Further on from Aultbea you will come to the Inverewe Garden and Estate . Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, this is lovely garden to explore which, thanks to a unique microclimate, is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.

Most impressive perhaps are the huge California redwoods, but you might also be lucky enough to see red squirrels, red deer, otters, seals, and golden eagles.

If you have an interest in WW2 relics, a detour up to the Cove Light Anti-Aircraft battery from Poolewe is a good option. This is around 20 minutes drive each way. The coastal battery was built in 1941 to provide anti-air defences to the coastline here. Whilst it was manned throughout the war, it never saw action.

It was a fairly large installation though, and there’s still a lot left to see, although do take care as it is an old and unmaintained structure.

The A832 now loops back inland, and you will start to drive along the shore of lovely Loch Maree. This offers some lovely photo opportunities, especially as the loch has Siloch mountain providing an impressive backdrop.

There’s also a short walk to a waterfall here called Victoria falls . It’s a short walk to the viewing platform to see the falls, which are pretty, if not quite as impressive as their African counterpart!

After loch Maree you will get to the village of Kinlochewe, where you’ll turn on the A896. This is another stunning stretch of road that winds between mountains and lochs, and offers numerous excellent photography opportunities. Just be considerate of other drivers and only stop in parking areas, not passing places.

Finally, you arrive in Torridon, where we suggest you spend the night. You can also carry on to Locharron or Applecross, where there are further lodging options.

Day 4 Highlights : Corrieshalloch Gorge, Isle of Ewe Smokehouse, Loch Maree views

Day 4 Driving Distance : ~85 miles

Day 4 Driving Time : ~ 2 hours

Day 4 Accommodation : In Torridon if you want to spoil yourself we can highly recommend The Torridon , which is one of the few 5* hotels on the North Coast 500. We had a lovely nights stay, evening meal, and afternoon tea here. They also operate “ The Stables ” next door, a high end B&B style option.

Other nearby options to consider include:

• Torridon Youth Hostel – well-rated hostel offering both dormitory accommodation and private rooms with shared facilities.
• Old School House B&B  in Gairloch – This relatively new B&B is run by Sarah and Rob who have spent many years in the area.
• Kinlochewe Hotel in Kinlochewe. A 3-star hotel offering good value rooms and an on-site bar and restaurant.
• Day 5: Torridon to Inverness

Today you’ll be finishing the North Coast 500 and returning to Inverness. Of course, if you have more time and want to continue exploring, you could also head to the Isle of Skye at this point. If that sounds good, see our tips for visiting the Isle of Skye to help you plan.

Assuming you stayed in Torridon, the first thing we recommend you do is drive around the Applecross peninsula. This will take you on some seriously winding roads which will also offer you views across to the Isle of Skye.

The road is also well known as being home to the Bealach Na Ba, an alpine style road which is one of the highest roads in the UK. The view from the top of the pass is legendary – as are the curves and gradient on the way down! Just take your time and enjoy the views.

Note that this road is generally considered unsuitable for larger motorhomes and if you are towing a caravan. It can also close due to poor weather, especially in winter. So instead, you would want to take the A896 that goes between Sheildaig in the north and Ardarroch in the south, and thus skips the Applecross peninsula.

From the bottom of the Bealach Na Ba you will pass through the village of Locharron. If you want to see deer, a tour with Colin Murdoch of Reraig Forest is a must. Colin is a deer stalker who manages a herd of these beautiful animals, and you’ll get about as close as is possible. The tour lasts around 90 minutes, and is well worth it. Just make sure to book well in advance if this is of interest.

Also near Locharron is the ruined Strome Castle, and Locharron Weavers . If you are interested in learning about how tartan is made, or want to pick up some tartan of your own, Locharron Weavers is the place to come!

From Locharron you will head back up to Achnasheen. You could take a detour to the left here to visit the Glen Docherty viewpoint , which is another great photo opportunity. Otherwise, continue east on the A832 back towards Inverness. If you have time on your way back, you could also stop at Rogie Falls .

If you visit at the right time of year, this is a good spot to see salmon leaping as they journey up to their spawning grounds. Otherwise, it’s a lovely place to enjoy the waterfalls.

Another stop as you near Inverness is the Dingwall Museum , which has a lot of information and displays about the local area.

Finally, you’ll find yourself back in Inverness, where your North Coast 500 road trip adventure comes to an end! We hope you had a wonderful trip.

Day 5 Highlights : Bealach Na Ba, Locharron, Rogie Falls

Day 5 Driving Distance : ~115 miles

Day 5 Driving Time : ~ 3 hours

Day 5 Accommodation : If you are staying the night, there are lots of options in Inverness. We’ve stayed at and can recommend the Bunchrew House Hotel , Kingmills Hotel and Invernevis B&B . For a hostel, consider the well rated Bazpackers .

We also have a general guide to where to book holiday cottages in the UK which will give you  more options for accommodation along the route.

Map of North Coast 500 Itinerary

To help with your route planning we’ve put together a map of this 5 day North Coast 500 itinerary. You can also see this on Google Maps here .

If you’re looking for a physical map to take with you, the two main options are the Collins NC500 Pocket Map or the “Hit the Road 500 Route Around the Highlands by Yellow Road Maps”.

These can be purchased online in advance of your trip from Amazon or Waterstones . They are also sometimes available on eBay . They are also usually available at stores and tourist information offices around the route, including the Inverness iCentre.

There used to be an official printed map produced by the NC500 themselves which was freely available in tourism offices. However, this has now been discontinued in favour of a digital app.

North Coast 500 Itinerary Overview

Here’s a quick overview of the itinerary for reference.

Tips for Driving the North Coast 500

We have written a detailed planning guide for the North Coast 500 , which we recommend reading as it contains a great deal of useful information.

However, we also wanted to include some essential tips in this post to help you plan your trip.

Booking Accommodation on the North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 has become very popular in the last few years, even being labelled Scotland’s Route 66.

Whilst this is great news for the local economies in this otherwise fairly remote part of the UK, it has also meant that it can be tricky to find accommodation. This is particularly the case if travelling during the busier months from May through to September.

As such, we highly advise booking your accommodation in advance if you are travelling in the busier months. There are not a huge number of options, especially in the more remote sections of the route, and just turning up in a town without reservations might result in you having to drive significant distances to find the next available room.

For some options see our guide to our favourite B&B’s along the NC500 , as well as our overall guide to NC500 accommodation . These tend to be some of the more popular places along the route, so booking well in advance is required.

If you are struggling to find accommodation along the North Coast 500, then we suggest trying some alternative websites. Take a look at our guide to where to book holiday cottages in the UK which will give you lots of options for accommodation.

Car and Motorhome Hire for the North Coast 500

This being a road trip, you’re obviously going to need some kind of vehicle. Most people choose to either drive a car or a motorhome on the NC500. If you don’t have your own vehicle, we recommend the following for hire:

• For motorhomes, we recommend comparing prices across a range of providers using a service like Motorhome Republic . You can see their UK listings here . We can also recommend checking out Spaceships for camper rental, you can check their prices here .
• For car hire, there are a range of providers and it’s always worth shopping around to see what prices are on offer. The main car rental companies include   Avis ,  Budget , Europcar , and Enterprise Rent-A-Car , but there are of course many options out there.

WiFi / Cell coverage on the North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 is in one of the most remote and beautiful parts of the UK, which has a low population density. As such, cell coverage can be spotty.

The majority of hotels and guesthouses we’ve stayed in have had WiFi, but don’t expect this to be super fast. It will likely be fine for social media and checking e-mails, but might not suit streaming video or downloading large files.

In addition, some of the older properties on the route, especially the castle hotels, have very thick walls. As such, WiFi might not be available everywhere.

Road Conditions on the North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 has a variety of road types, which vary between normal two lane roads, and single track roads. The roads are, for the most part, in pretty good condition, although some stretches will have pot holes.

If you’ve never driven on single track roads before, we urge you to read our guide to driving on single track roads . This will explain how to properly use passing places, single track road etiquette (who goes first?), and other useful tips.

Please only use the passing places for passing – don’t pull off onto the verges of the road as this causes long term erosion and damage. They are also not for parking in – only use designated parking areas for stopping.

If you are driving in winter, do be aware that conditions can become icy, and the roads can become snow covered. There are gritters, but this is a long stretch of remote road. When we drive the route in winter, we carry snow chains for our car just in case. We’ve not had to use them as yet, but we think it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Eating Along the North Coast 500

You will notice a theme about these tips, as they largely revolve around the remoteness of this area! There are not huge numbers of restaurants along the route, so you will definitely want to plan where you are going to be eating that day, especially for dinner.

Many of the hotels along the route do offer evening meals and breakfasts, and some of the towns also have restaurants. However, do please check opening times, as many restaurants are not open year round. Reservations are often a good idea in the busier months.

If you are staying in a smaller guesthouse or B&B, it is likely that they will not offer an evening meal. If this is the case, make sure you eat before you arrive, or have a plan for a nearby location for a meal, as some spots can be fairly remote. You don’t want to arrive somewhere hungry and realise you have to drive another 40 minutes to find some food!

Responsible Travel on the North Coast 500

The rise in popularity of the North Coast 500 has not been without its issues, as the increase in the visitor numbers has put pressure on the local infrastructure.

This includes things like public toilets and waste disposal, as well as the roads.

This is a wonderful part of the world and we’d love for it to stay that way. If everyone does their bit, including things like being careful with litter, disposing of chemical toilets at official disposal points and driving carefully, it will hopefully remain wonderful for many generations to come.

Further Reading for the North Coast 500

Hopefully this post has given you lots of ideas for planning your own 5 day North Coast 500 itinerary.

As mentioned, we’ve driven the route many times, in all seasons and weathers. We’ve put together a number of articles to help you plan your own adventure. We also have some third party resources to recommend.

• We have a detailed planning guide for the North Coast 500 , as well as a detailed list of reasons to drive the NC500
• For accommodation, we have a guide to where to stay on the North Coast 500 , which covers everything from luxury castle hotels to smaller guesthouses. We also have a list of our favourite B&Bs on the North Coast 500 .
• If you’re looking for a longer trip or tips for camping along the route, we have a 7 day North Coast 500 camping itinerary
• If you are planning on camping or glamping, we have a comprehensive list of all the campsites and glampsites on the North Coast 500
• I’ve put together some of my favourite photography spots on the NC500 , as well as some of our highlights of the NC500 , to help make sure you see everything you want to see.
• This being a driving route, we also have some tips in the area. We have a guide to single track roads , as well tips for driving in the UK in general.
• If you want to extend the route, you could do so from Inverness with the North East 250 driving route – see our 3 day NE250 itinerary for ideas. You could also visit the Isle of Skye or the Isle of Raasay . Alternatively, why not base yourself in Inverness and do some day trips from Inverness ?
• For budget planning, see our guide to  how much it costs to travel in the UK
• The  official website  for the North Coast 500, which has maps, itineraries and advice to help you plan your route.
• If you’re driving the North Coast 500 as part of a longer visit to the UK, check out some of our other guides to both  Scotland , and  England . These include detailed tips on things to do in Edinburgh , things to do in Glasgow , and  things to do on Islay .
• Looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out our guide to the world’s  best road trips  for more ideas!
• If you would like a guide book for your trip, check out the  Rough Guide to the North Coast 500 , as well as  Rick Steves Scotland  book
• You can sometimes buy a copy of the NC500 route map online here .

And that’s it! We hope you’ve found this guide useful, and are now feeling ready to tackle the North Coast 500! As always, if you have any questions or feedback about this post, do let us know in the comments below. Happy driving!

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Lucy Elizabeth Andrew-Willis says

5th January 2024 at 1:00 pm

hi we are looking to do the trip on the 21st July but im scared of the midges ruining our trip but then in September i really dont want to do the rain. Has anyone had experience in mid July is it still classed as high peak if the schools are not broken up yet? thanks

Laurence Norah says

6th January 2024 at 1:22 pm

So we have done the trip at all times of year, even during the height of the midge season, and we’ve never really had major problems with midges. They are definitely more of a problem if you are camping and sitting outdoors and are of course more of an issue during summer, usually from mid-May through to September. It’s only during very still days that they are likely to bother you.

If you are planning on staying in hotels or guesthouses rather than camping, they shouldn’t bother you too much. They’re very slow, so you can outpace them by walking. We would just recommend bringing and using a midge specific repellent, the best one we’ve found is Smidge . One other pest to be wary of are ticks, especially if you are hiking. Just make sure to check yourself over after a hike.

Weather wise we have also done the route in September with no rain and in summer with rain! The Scottish weather is very fickle. Personally I’d probably go with September as it’s likely to be a bit quieter in general but July will also be nice.

Anyway, have a great trip!

Keith Cochrane says

12th July 2021 at 3:59 pm

The ‘ Bealach Na Ba’. You say it’s not suitable for larger motor homes, is that just an advisory or it’s a definite don’t go? We’ve a 7.3m Motorhome and I consider myself a good driver, if I take it slow and the weather is OK then could I go that route? Thanks.

12th July 2021 at 4:26 pm

So it’s an advisory. The wording of the sign on the road specifically says:

“The road rises to a height of 2,053 ft with gradients of 1 in 5 and hairpin bends. Not advised for learner drivers, very large vehicles or caravans after first mile”.

The issue is that the bends are 180 degree hairpins with a steep drop, and drivers in longer vehicles have gotten themselves stuck trying to get around the bends. Then the only option is to reverse, which is obviously quite a hair raising experience on a steep single-track road with traffic in both directions. Burnt out clutches and motorhomes being stuck for hours causing chaos is not uncommon!

Of course, it is possible and it can be done if you are confident in your driving. The only legal restriction I’m aware of is an 18 tonne weight limit.

I’d recommend taking a look at it on Google Maps streetview here and seeing what you think 🙂

Enjoy the trip!

Kathleen says

5th May 2021 at 1:55 pm

I am thinking of doing the 5 day tour, I will be driving alone and not good at map reading . I would depend on my Sat Nav. Is that practical giving reception etc. Are places well signed. I intend to follow your 5 day Itinerary which is brilliant. This will be a challenge as i don’t do long drives very often.

5th May 2021 at 2:23 pm

Hi Kathleen,

Great question! So if you are using the sat nav on your phone, specifically Google Maps, it should allow you to download specific map areas which will allow it to work without phone reception. That is what I usually do when driving the route. That said, for most of the route it is hard to get lost as there aren’t many options! From Inverness you follow the coast up to John O’Groats, then along the north coast to Dingwall, then down to Ullapool. Probably the only complicated area is the south west corner of the route from Ullapool around Torridon and Applecross to Inverness. However as long as you have the sat nav maps available you should be fine.

Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions!

Laura Kavanagh-Jones says

30th October 2020 at 1:30 pm

We have followed your itinerary and are now in Achmelvich Beach, it’s been perfect for us and our two children. And today we absolutely loved Smoo Cave and Sango Sands Beach, thank you.

30th October 2020 at 1:31 pm

It’s my pleasure Laura, thanks so much for letting me know! Achmelvich is absolutely gorgeous, have a wonderful time!

Callum McCabe says

10th October 2020 at 7:37 pm

Good Evening,

Looking for some help in planning our NC500 trip, we have hired a campervan for 5 days.

The main interest is beaches and caves, want to do it East to West.

As I have no idea of distances and drive times, I am struggling to work out stops and book campsites for campervans and arrange places to eat.

Do you offer a route planning service at all and recommendations of places to park the campervan? If so what would the cost of this be?

Any help much appreciated.

10th October 2020 at 9:48 pm

Thanks for your comment. So we do have a detailed 7 day camping itinerary for the NC500 which lists a lot of the campsites we recommend – you can see that here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/7-day-north-coast-500-camping-itinerary/

My suggestion would be to adapt the 5 day itinerary on this page with the 7 day itinerary, and use the campsites suggested in the 7 day itinerary. On Day 2 I would probably switch Wick for Durness as there’s a good campsite in Durness, which is next to a pub.

Speaking of campsites and pubs, the time of year you are travelling will make an impact on which campsites and other services like restaurants are open. In addition, some of the more remote campsites like that at Achmelvich, don’t have an on-site food option. So that is something to consider when planning where to stay if you want places to eat in the evenings.

We don’t generally offer a route planning service as we already have so much content available for free online. However if you are struggling having gone through that, feel free to contact me from the contact page and we will see what we can come up with,

27th July 2020 at 2:23 pm

Hi My husband and I are planning a 7 day driving holiday to Scotland from London. We hope to do this in the second week of August. Could you please advice if we would be stretching ourselves to cover Isle of Skye and them embarking on the NC 500 route?

27th July 2020 at 4:34 pm

To be honest, unless you want to spend a huge amount of time in your car, I would say that this would be a stretch. We recommend a minimum of 5 days to really enjoy the NC500. Whilst you could do it in 2 or 3 days, this would be 2 or 3 days of almost non stop driving. It may only be 500 miles, but the roads are often single track, narrow and winding, with a lot of stopping required if there’s other traffic. Considering you are coming up from London, which is going to be a days drive minimum each way just to reach Skye, I would personally recommend against doing Skye and the NC500 in 7 days.

Instead, if you want to visit Skye, I would suggest spending time visiting the Glencoe area, as well as Loch Lomond, on your way up to Skye.

Alternatively, you could allocate a day of driving each way from London, and then five days on the NC500 as per our itinerary, but I wouldn’t try to do Skye as well.

I hope this helps with your planning 🙂

Have a great trip!

3rd August 2020 at 3:42 pm

Hi Laurence

Thank you for your reply. Could you please advise on my rough itinerary, and whether it will work? Drive from London to Lake District. Stay overnight. Drive to Isle of Skye. Overnight stay. 5 day drive along N500. Overall, 8-9 days

3rd August 2020 at 4:19 pm

This would work. Just be aware it’s around a 6.5 hour drive from the Lake District to the Isle of Skye, and then Skye itself is quite big (around 1.5 hours drive from bottom to top), so if you plan on seeing anything on the island you will want to plan carefully which sites those might be so you have time to actually see them. You will also drive through Glencoe and past Eilean Donan castle on your route, as well as through the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, all of which are worth a stop and photos at least 🙂

21st July 2020 at 4:17 pm

Hi, I am looking at doing this route this year instead of the abroad holiday I had planned, but would be flying in to Inverness to do this. Where would be the best place to rent a car from and what kind of car is most suitable for this trip? Many thanks, Emma

21st July 2020 at 4:48 pm

This is a great question. There are plenty of car rental options, including a number at Inverness airport which will likely be the easiest option. The main car rental companies include   Avis ,  Budget , Thrifty, Arnold Clark, Europcar , Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car , and Focus Vehicle Rental. Enterprise are usually our favourite for car hire. Just ensure you get unlimited mileage so you aren’t limited.

In terms of the type of car, all the roads are sealed. In our experience, a smaller car is easier because the roads are smaller and it makes navigating passing places easier. You don’t need a 4WD or anything unless you are visiting in deepest winter, but even then, we’ve driven it in winter in a small car (think Ford Fiesta sized) with no problems. So as long as you can fit your luggage and passengers, you don’t need a big vehicle.

Let me know if you have any more questions, and have a great trip!

21st July 2020 at 8:36 pm

Thank you for the quick reply. This was very informative especially for someone who likes a list and plan so really appreciate all the recommendations.

21st July 2020 at 8:37 pm

My pleasure Emma. I hope you have a great trip, let us know if you have any more questions 🙂

Ursula says

3rd April 2020 at 6:41 pm

Lovely photographs. Very informative. I had a trip planned for this May 2020. Hoping I can re-arrange for September. I was going to do Snow Road and NC500 plus Isle of Skye. Would this be too ambitious in September do you think? Best wishes and keep safe

3rd April 2020 at 6:54 pm

Thanks very much! Not that this helps, but we’re in exactly the same boat, we have a trip planned to this part of the world in May with all our accommodation booked too, which we also hope to postpone to later in the year. So we know what it is like.

In terms of your question, assuming travel is permitted again in September (fingers crossed!), September would be a lovely month for this trip. It’s up with with May as our favourite month to travel in Scotland. The days will be slightly shorter, and I can’t comment on whether this is too ambitious without knowing how long you are planning to travel for.

The route you have planned though certainly makes sense, and you should be fine with the weather unless something really weird happens with the climate. The only part of the route to check in advance would be the snow roads, but they should be clear in September. We’ve done the NC500 at all times of year with no trouble, it’s just a question of driving to the conditions and being sensible.

Have a lovely trip when you do get to go, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions,

All the best,

Barbara says

6th February 2020 at 3:34 pm

Thank you guys for the tips! I’ll do this trip in June 2020 and didn’t know where to begin.

7th February 2020 at 10:36 am

Our pleasure Barbara – have a great trip, and let us know if we can help at all!

11th February 2020 at 9:35 pm

Mark Janes says

15th September 2019 at 2:10 pm

I live on the NC500 (Tain) and this is a very good guide for a sprint-trip. You’ve covered off the major sites very well. My only advice would be; slow it down. There is so much more to see! Or at least, use it as a window-shopping trip to identify areas you might like to come back to for a more extended stay.

15th September 2019 at 2:19 pm

Thanks for stopping by and your kind comment 🙂

We entirely agree with you about the speed. The times we’ve driven the NC500 we’ve always taken at least a week, and usually more, to complete the trip. Unfortunately, many folks have less time, so we put what we think is the absolute minimum time required to have a positive experience on the route in this guide, and hope that folks find a few more days to add 🙂

Anne hodgson says

26th August 2019 at 8:54 pm

Followed this guide when did the North Coast 500 last week. It was very helpful.

27th August 2019 at 7:55 pm

THanks very much Anne, we’re delighted you found it useful and had a great trip 😀

Lynne W Carlson says

8th May 2019 at 4:46 pm

I’ve actually been to a few of these places, it is so beautiful. Our kids were kids when we were there and loved Smoo Cave. I always regret not getting up to John O’Groats, my dad always told me about it being the most northerly part of Scotland. LOL. Funny the little things we get fixated on. Time to plan another trip. Thanks for your tips.

8th May 2019 at 5:10 pm

It is so beautiful! We’re actually right now staying up in Durness just a few minutes walk from Smoo Cave. It’s howling a gale and pouring with rain, but thankfully the hotel has a nice warm fire to cosy around 😉 I hope you get up here soon (and have slightly better weather too!)

8th May 2019 at 5:13 pm

Sounds like some nice storm pictures may be coming. Hope you are having a wee tipple by the fire.

8th May 2019 at 5:37 pm

I certainly am 🙂

Elaine McAteer says

23rd April 2019 at 3:05 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica, I’m a Scot who has been wanting to do the North Coast 500 for a years. My partner and myself are hoping to drive it this summer and camp. I’m so glad I’ve found your site,think we will be following your route. I’m so excited to get started. I’ve also read your post on the Devils Pulpit, another place on my bucket list.

Thanks so much for the beautiful pictures and narrative.

23rd April 2019 at 7:24 pm

Hey Elaine!

We hope this is the year you get to do it, it’s one of our favourite parts of the world. We’re actually setting of in a few days to do it again, and also to visit Orkney, Lewis & Harris as well 🙂 Can’t wait!

Enjoy your trip when it happens, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all 🙂

Agness | the adventure traveler says

13th April 2019 at 6:44 am

When you mentioned perfect in your title, I got a little skeptical. But as soon as I read the article and marveled at how beautiful the photos you took are, I was stunned. Definitely my idea of a perfect Scottish road trip too! Thanks, Laurence and Jessica!

13th April 2019 at 9:56 am

Thanks Agness 😀

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North Coast 500 Itinerary: Our 6-Day Detailed Road Trip Plan

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Beaches. Some red and rugged and others with Caribbean white sand paired with turquoise water. Castles, both ruined and regal. Cute fishing villages. Narrow and winding roads along jagged cliff edges. Daisy-coloured lighthouses and quirky independent bookshops. Seafood, lochs and mountains. Plenty of thistles and the odd Highland coo. We found all of this (and more) on our six-day North Coast 500 itinerary in summer 2021.

There is no reason why you can’t either.

Officially named in 2015, the NC500 is the ultimate and most popular Scotland road trip. Starting and ending in Inverness, it is a road trip approximately 500 miles long around the Northern chunk of Scotland. Whereas once upon a time, tourists might drive up to John O’Groats for the classic photograph with the sign, nowadays people explore the whole coastline.

As they should, because it’s epic. There’s a reason the NC500 was on my bucket list and it’s one of the best trips I’ve ever had.

Using this North Coast 500 Route Planner

Depending on personal interests and time available, one North Coast 500 tour could look very different to the next. I travelled with my parents so we spent less time (read: zero) hiking mountains and more time admiring the incomparable North Coast 500 scenery nearer sea level. We also awoke with the chickens at around 8:30 each morning and spent our evenings relaxing (read: recovering from so much adventuring).

Our trip filled eight days and seven nights in total; Friday to Friday. On the first day, we drove up to Fort William and stopped over there. And, of course, on the eighth day, we drove all the way from Inverness back home to Cumbria, England.

We didn’t hire a camper van. Instead, we stayed in local hotels and Airbnbs and mostly ate out at restaurants.

Normally, I write about filming locations. But if our style of travelling aligns with yours then you may find my North Coast 500 itinerary and North Coast 500 map useful. It’s complete with our activities, stops, parking information, accommodation, some food and drink choices, estimated driving time per day, and my top tips. And if you have any questions at all, I’ll try and help if I can.

Let’s explore Scotland, shall we?

Our 6-Day North Coast 500 Itinerary

North Coast 500 Itinerary: Day One

Eilean donan castle as seen in  highlander  (1986) and  made of honor  (2008).

After staying at an Airbnb in Fort William the night before, we stopped again before we could even begin our official North Coast 500 itinerary on the route itself.

Eilean Donan Castle   is a 20th-century reconstruction of a 13th-century castle that sits on a small islet in the Kyle of Lochalsh. I’d witnessed it first back in February 2020 out of a murky coach window on my way to the Isle of Skye , but this viewing felt no different than the multiple times I’ve seen the castle on shortbread boxes and postcards.

It is one of the most photographed, recognisable castles in Scotland and we couldn’t miss it out on our Scottish road trip. Not when it was so close by!

It was 100% worth it.

The castle can get busy on weekends and in school holidays so our visit on a Saturday in early July was a double whammy. We booked the very first timeslot we could and I fully recommend you do the same. We almost got the castle to ourselves and I have photos to prove it.

You can either buy tickets to go inside the castle or just to walk around the outside. I can understand buying tickets to only the outside if you are on a budget as the interior isn’t that  great. However, I liked finding out about the Macrae family who still owns the castle and uses it for private events. Plus, it’s a filming location for Highlander  (1986) and  Made of Honor  (2008) so I wanted to see everything .

For the most up-to-date information on opening times and ticket prices, head to the Eilean Donan Castle’s website .

Read next: Highlander Filming Locations in Scotland | Made of Honor Filming Locations in Scotland

Plockton as seen in  The Wicker Man  (1973)

We stopped for an early lunch at  Manuela’s Wee Bakery , a mere few minutes drive north from  Eilean Donan Castle . Parking options were slim but we managed to street park near the entrance. Describing this place is difficult because it sounds fictional. It essentially looks like someone has opened three small businesses in their backyard; a gin distillery, a bakery and a pizzeria. Oh, and they’re all housed in a collection of fairytale-esque huts. Yeah.

There weren’t a lot of food options as we hoped, but I’m glad we stopped here for the sheer novelty of the place. Plus, it has picnic benches, a loo (aptly named “The Wee Room”) and sells coffee, so it’s still a great road trip break spot.

We continued on to yet  another  town that is not on the North Coast 500. I wanted to stop at Plockton , one of the filming locations in  The Wicker Man . It’s a very pretty little fishing town and there is a free car park next to the beach.

Read next: The Wicker Man Filming Locations in Scotland

Bealach na Bá Road, Applecross & Shieldaig

Finally, we joined the North Coast 500! And what a rude awakening my dad had to the route, as he had to drive up the infamous Bealach na Bá (“Pass of the Cattle”) road with no preparation. I think, in the end, it was better my Mum and I didn’t warn him about this particular North Coast 500 highlight first.

It’s essentially a ridiculously steep, narrow, windy (not to mention busy, in the summer) mountain road to Applecross with approximately 569 warning signs before you ascend. Honestly, I recommend MOST people shouldn’t drive it and you cannot   drive on it in a camper van. Plus, all those pictures you see of the road on Instagram are not from an official viewpoint. There is nowhere to stop, especially with cars both in front and behind.

And so, we arrived in Applecross (my dad having gained a few more grey hairs) and spent a short while walking around. There’s the Applecross Inn if you wanted to stop for a swift one (not the driver, of course!) and it looks like a great place to kayak.

The same could be said for our next stop just up the coast,  Shieldaig . I really loved walking around this place. If there was time, I’d have loved to sea kayak here. Pretty, peaceful, perfection.

Red Point Beach

The last of our North Coast 500 stops on day one was  Red Point Beach . It was technically a detour off the main route, but a road trip without detours is a meal without adding extra garlic. You might’ve followed the recipe but you didn’t improve it when you easily could have, you know?

I would only realise the most interesting thing about this beach later, after experiencing other North Coast 500 beaches. Whereas this beach is, quite literally, a red sand beach embellished with wild bracken bushes and dunes, most of the others had fine white sand and clear, untouched blue waters.

It amazes me that one small sliver of coast in one country could have such abundance and variety of beauty.

Then, after our longest day on the NC500, we checked into our hotel and ate dinner at  The Old Inn   in  Gairloch . We enjoyed the unseasonal warm Scottish summer and the sound of English tourists watching the Euros on a TV outside the restaurant.

North Coast 500 Itinerary: Day Two

Hillbillies bookshop and coffeeshop in gairloch.

After checking out of the first of three North Coast 500 hotels that we stayed in on this trip, we didn’t have too far to drive to our first stop.  Hillbillies Bookshop and Coffeeshop in Gairloch was one of the best NC500 highlights for me. If you’re in the area, it looked like a great place to go for breakfast and there is free parking right out front.

This reminds me of my favourite travel planning tip: never, ever blindly follow someone else’s exact itinerary. Always plan one or two stops that align with your specific interests. My mum and I love to read, my dad and I like beer and we all love ice cream (like, you know, normal people). So, I made sure to research cool bookshops and ice-cream sellers along the route. If you can include your particular passions in your trip, it makes it so much more personal and memorable.

I bought  Women of the Dunes  by Sarah Maine which is a Scottish mystery/mythology book and I 100% recommend it.

Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve

The first proper stop on day two of our North Coast 500 itinerary was Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve   literally right on the NC500. We might not have climbed any Munros, but we still made sure we saw some nature and did some walking.

The gorge is around 10,000 – 13,000 years old and formed at the end of the ice age. It’s 1.5km long, 60m deep and 10m wide and is the home of the  Falls of Measach , a 46m waterfall. You can walk over this suspension bridge to get the full effect and there is a viewing platform on the other side, too. The whole circular walk around the woods is around 40-minutes and parking is free.

If I had to live anywhere on the North Coast 500 (because I generally have problems as wonderful as that in my day-to-day life), I’d live in Ullapool . In particular, I’d live in the ultra-modern, Scandinavian-style, waterfront home with the upper-level terrace. But I digress.

Ullapool was the  perfect  place to stop for lunch; plenty of pubs, restaurants and fish and chip shops. I ate at The Seafood Shack   and I’m so glad I did. Their menu adapts to the day’s catch which sounds like a sustainable way to run a business. There are one or two independent gift shops and ice cream shops here, and definitely do not skip a short walk along the waterfront.

We parked at the Tesco here and stocked up on food for lunch tomorrow, too. Not a lot of dining options on day three of this trip!

Knockan Crag Nature Reserve

Oh, you thought there was only  one  nature reserve on this leg of the NC500 Scottish road trip? Lol, that’s cute.

Also right on the road trip route is  Knockan Crag Nature Reserve . A crag is a steep rockface, like a cliff but not on the coastline. There are tonnes all over the British Isles, but this one is particularly special. Its seemingly impossible geological features had scientists stumped for years until 1907 when they finally figured out how older rock could sit on top of younger rock.

Aside from the small exhibit and information cards about the phenomenon, the walking route up and over the crag took us less than an hour to trek around and offered some gorgeous views.

Ardvreck Castle

A fantastic place for a quick pitstop and one of the most popular North Coast 500 Highlights is Ardvreck Castle . Why? When it’s just a ruined castle and there are literally thousands of them in Scotland?

That might be true, but it’s right on the NC500. And, again, there is free parking. The question with places like Ardvreck Castle isn’t “why” but “why not”?

It dates back to 1590 and the nearby Calda House (erected in 1726) both stand in ruins in a particularly quiet and peaceful part of the country. Loch Assynt looked like a wonderful place for wild swimming if that’s your thing.

Achmelvich Bay

Our “end of the day” detour consisted of not one, but two items on our North Coast 500 itinerary. The first was another beach,  Achmelvich Bay .

This is a super, super popular beach on the NC500 with many bloggers and Instagrammers (that I follow) who call it their favourite of all the North Coast 500 beaches. It’s not my  personal favourite (keep reading to find out what is!) but it’s incredibly beautiful. It’s one of those clear blue, white sand beaches I mentioned earlier that almost seem run-of-the-mill in this part of the country.

Oh, and we spotted our very first Highland coos on the way from Achmelvich Bay to our final stop! Though they were in their pen eating their tea, it was amazing to finally see them in real life. This was my fourth trip to the Highlands, after all, and I’d still not seen them.

Always keep your eyes peeled for Highland coos. You never know where they might be.

Stoer Lighthouse

We saw four lighthouses on this trip and Stoer Lighthouse   was, by far, my favourite. As I said at the top of this post, all of the lighthouses in this part of Scotland are daisy-coloured and share certain architectural similarities. This is likely because one lighthouse family (no, not the RnB lounge band) built many of the ones that are still around today.

Robert Louis Stevenson might’ve been a famous Victorian-era author from Edinburgh who wrote classics like Treasure Island, but his father and namesake grandfather built lighthouses. I find this  so  fascinating and I hope you do too! No need to thank me for the inevitable Wikipedia rabbit hole you’re about to fall down.

Anyway, it was  stunning  and in a stunning setting. Plus, the lighthouse is now available to rent as North Coast 500 accommodation rental so you could actually stay in it, too!

We stopped off at  Lochinver Larder   for dinner which included pies and the best  black bean burger of my  life . You can either eat them in their little courtyard bar area or take them to go.

North Coast 500 Itinerary: Day Three

Kylesku bridge.

Day three began with just a short stop at the  Kylesku Bridge Viewpoint . I don’t have a lot to say about this. It’s an impressive, curved bridge, you know?

Oleshoremore Beach

Every good holiday needs a beach day, and day three of our North Coast 500 itinerary was ours. The first beach was my favourite of the whole trip, Oldshoremore Beach . I’m not completely sure why it was my favourite – the sand and sea shared a lot of similarities with Achmelvich Bay. But it did feel more secluded with the dunes and hills lining the edge.

This beach also had free parking (a small reminder to check out the Google Map at the top of this post for all of our parking spots) and a public toilet, if I remember correctly.

Sandwood Bay Beach

By far the most impressive beach we visited (on a detour just off the NC500) was Sandwood Bay Beach . It is the so-called most remote beach in the UK. The nearest car park (Blairmore car park) is 4.5 miles away, meaning you have to walk nine miles in total to see it.

We were  so  lucky on this trip that the sun shone down on us and we enjoyed a dry, yet lengthy, walk to the beach. It’s not hilly, just long. Though you’ll have to engage your leg muscles when walking through the silky smooth sand so you don’t sink. We ate our lunch on the beach that we bought the day before in Ullapool and after around 45 minutes to an hour, we turned around and walked back to the car.

Balnakeil Beach

How many beaches are too many beaches? Hopefully not four, because that’s how many we saw on day three. Beach number three was Balnakeil Beach . It was a very serviceable, white-sand-clear-waters beach. It was only slightly off the North Coast 500, so not a huge effort to get to but I personally wouldn’t go out of your way to see this beach. Skip if you are short on time, which you might be after your nine-mile walk!

Especially considering  all  of the other beaches on this itinerary; you’re not exactly missing out.

Sango Bay Beach & Viewing Platform

The fourth and final beach of the day was Sango Bay Beach . Technically, we didn’t set foot  on  the beach itself but witnessed the coastline via the viewing platform. The view to our right was so wild and rugged with hefty black boulders strewn along the shore. And the view to our left was a more serene beach with the words “it’s coming hame” etched into the sand.

Oh, Scotland. Don’t ever change. (If you’re wondering what that means, it was Scotland’s appropriation of the England football team’s “it’s coming home” slogan during the 2021 Euros).

You can find the viewing platform through the Sango Sands Oasis caravan park. We parked at the restaurant/bar there because there isn’t technically a car park for this beach. But it was free, very quiet, and we didn’t hang around long because by that time of the day on the north coast it was windy AF.

Smoo Cave in Lairg

Our last stop of day three was just a short drive down from the last beach,  Smoo Cave . It is a sea cave nestled into the limestone cliffs with a wooden walkway built in so you can explore inside. There are boat rides you can take deep into the belly of the cave during the day, but otherwise, it is open 24/7 and free to visit.

The car park does get a little full, though.

We ate dinner at our hotel and honestly, it was my favourite accommodation. Beautiful breakfast and dinner, friendly staff, and I absolutely adored the decor.

North Coast 500 Itinerary: Day Four

Dunnet beach.

Just in case you were worried that we didn’t see any more beaches, don’t fret. We saw one more during our trip: Dunnet Beach . It wasn’t on our original itinerary but the small car park was literally on  the NC500 and I remember my friend Robbie recommending this beach to me.

And it was a nice beach! So, 10 points to whichever Hogwarts house Robbie is in. Probably Slytherin.

At this point, we were driving along the north coast of Scotland and couldn’t predict just how stark and swift the switch between the west and east coasts would be. It was like teleported to somewhere hundreds of miles away.

Dunnet Bay Distillery

Another North Coast 500 stop motivated by my pal was Dunnet Bay Distillery . He bought me a bottle of their Rock Rose gin for my 27th (lockdown) birthday. I am no gin connoisseur, but I thought it was bloody good. We browsed around their onside shop and I bought a bottle of their limited edition NC500 gin for my bestie but they also make and sell whisky, too.

Then we got back in the car and continued our way. But not before spotting our second herd of Highland coos down a side road from the distillery!

If you can, book a whisky distillery tour and tasting while you are on your North Coast 500 road trip. It was a logistical impossibility for us because there aren’t many distilleries in the towns where we stayed and most close at 16:00. And since my mum doesn’t like whisky and my dad was driving… Well, it would be a bit selfish to make them wait for an hour while I knocked back a few glasses, wouldn’t it?

Dunnet Head Lighthouse

For years, the general consensus was that John O’Groats marked the most northerly point of mainland Britain. In actual fact, it is  Dunnet Head  and  Dunnet Head Lighthouse . So, this is a North Coast 500 stop you simply cannot miss.

There’s a little plaque here that explains more about the Stevenson lighthouse family too which, again, is fascinating.  We found it a bit tricky to park here so try and arrive as early in the day as possible.

John O’Groats Signpost

Despite being stripped of its prestigious title, you should still visit the  John O’Groats Signpost as we did. It’s free and everyone seems to wait patiently for their turn to get a photo of themselves in the iconic shot.

What you cannot see in the photo is that the whole area is quite commercialised, which I expected. In the complex, there is a huge car park, tourist shops, takeaways, cafes, a hotel, glamping pods and even a brewery. And it is also so much busier than Dunnet Head. This is crazy to me because why would you travel all this way to see the fake most northerly point and not see the real one 20 minutes drive down the road?!

I found this experience a bit jarring after days of driving along the rugged western and northern coasts in the sunshine and relative peace. Yes, we saw other people around, but not tonnes . The NC500, even in early July, wasn’t the rowdy rave of English nutters that the news makes it out to be. But with the mist descending on a crowded John O’Groats as we headed south down the east coast, the vibe was definitely different.

Before setting off, though, we had lunch at  The Storehouse   which served classic lunch fare like soups, sandwiches, and some hot meals. Fully recommend the scones.

Duncansby Head Lighthouse and Sea Stacks

Two lighthouses in one day! Weren’t we lucky? Though visibility was a joke at this point, I’m still glad we made the effort to see Duncansby Head Lighthouse   and  Duncansby Sea Stacks . What we  could  see of them, anyway. The car park was free and only the slightest of detours off the NC500.

It was another delightful, daisy-inspired lighthouse (Wes Anderson would love this road trip) and the sea stacks were only a five to 10-minute walk along the cliff.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

There are three castles in close proximity to each other that many people make an effort to see on their North Coast 500 itinerary: Wick Castle, Keiss Castle and Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. They are all ruined castles on the coastline that are 100% free to enter and park at, 24/7.

We tried and failed to get to Keiss Castle as Google Maps led us towards a private road. Old Wick Castle looks like it’s in a nice area, but neither of them seems to hold a candle to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe   which is the one we visited. Thanks to the fog it wasn’t too visible, but what an amazing place. I cannot believe they built the castle so close to the cliff edge and the way they stacked the rock is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.

Apparently, the same family that owned this castle also owned Rosslyn Chapel   outside of Edinburgh which is a great place to visit, too.

Ebenezer Place AKA The World’s Shortest Street

The last place we visited on day four was a wild card. My Mum had found out that the Guinness World Record-holding shortest street in the world is in Wick of all towns. It is Ebenezer Place   and it is a whopping 2.06m wide. Incredible stuff. Refer to the map at the top of this post for the nearest free car park, which is very nearby.

Wick itself is not that nice, from what I’ve seen. It reminded me of a neglected, oppressive town in Northern England like Preston where they have too many abandoned Mecca Bingo halls and stray shopping trolleys down back alleys.

North Coast 500 Itinerary: Day Five

Dunrobin castle.

On our penultimate day, we headed straight down the east coast towards Inverness, only making a few stops along the way. So far, we’ve only paid to enter the Eilean Donan Castle and in fact, we only paid for three  attractions throughout this whole trip. That’s not bad going.

The second paid-for attraction was Dunrobin Castle . Like many castles in Scotland, many older iterations have occupied the same spot but the one that sits today dates back to 1845. It’s the seat of Clan Sutherland and the comparisons to Disney castles are very evident It’s on a high perch, the turrets are impractically tall and sleek and the exterior paint job is a creamy shade of vanilla white.

The interior is just as fabulous (think Downton Abbey and you wouldn’t be too far away) with wonderfully preserved furniture, wallpaper and period costumes. There’s even a grand portrait of Queen Victoria, who visited the castle back in 1872.

It’s a must-visit in my book and provides a stark contrast to the other, ruined castles you’ll see on the North Coast 500. Visit the  Dunrobin Castle website for updated opening times and ticket prices. We also ate lunch at the castle, too.

The Wee Pink Ice Cream Shop in Golspie

After Dunrobin Castle, we drove not 10 minutes down the road to our next North Coast 500 stop. Apparently, The Wee Pink Shop   in  Golspie  is the best ice cream shop on the route and, if you remember, I bloody love ice cream.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the best. It’s certainly the cutest. And they serve tons of flavours in a variety of old school cones. They even had nougat ice cream wafers for my mum.

Naturally, it started raining heavily at this point so we ate them in the car and not by the beach as I planned. Ah, a quintessentially British summer experience.

Black Rock Gorge in Evanton as seen in  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire  (2005)

I don’t recommend this stop to 99.9% of North Coast 500 road trippers. The 0.1% is for huge  Harry Potter fans and filming location bloggers. I visited  Black Rock Gorge   in  Evanton  because it appears, very briefly, in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Harry fights the Hungarian Horntail. It wasn’t very far from the NC500 at all and I’ve seen all of the others so I wanted to tick this one off my list, too.

It’s a lovely woodland walk for people in the local area and the nearby caravan park and campground. The trail was well signposted but there wasn’t really anywhere close by to park the car. Oh well, onward to glory!

Read next: Harry Potter Filming Locations in Scotland: A Complete Guide

Chanonry Point Lighthouse and Beach

Our last beach and lighthouse of the trip were situated on the Black Isle , which isn’t really an isle but more of a peninsula just above Inverness.  Chanonry Point Lighthouse   and the beach next to it is a popular dolphin-watching spot. In fact, people spot the Moray Firth dolphins here more than they do anywhere else.

Well, we didn’t. But you may have better luck.

I do have it on good authority that on many days, they are huge pods of dolphins swimming and leaping in the air just off the coast of this beach. But after waiting a decent period of time, we left keen to get to our last stop before Inverness.

Black Isle Brewery

Black Isle is one of my favourite  breweries. Their Scotch Ale?  C’est Magnifique. And their brewery is, naturally, on the Black Isle and only a short detour from Chanonry Point, which was also a short detour off the NC500.

Black Isle Brewery   normally host tours of their facilities but discontinued them due to COVID-19. I cannot believe that is the first time I’m mentioning the pandemic, but since all of the activities are outdoors it’s not really been relevant. But I still enjoyed visiting their shop and chatting to the staff, and my dad and I also enjoyed filling one of their 12-beer gift boxes to take home with us. Sorry, you didn’t see much of your half, Dad!

Leakey’s Bookshop in Inverness

Finally, we arrived in Inverness! This is normally where the NC500 begins, but we skipped a small chunk by starting at Fort William instead. Inverness is the 13th biggest city (by population) in Scotland and the unofficial capital of the Highlands. It sits just outside the Cairngorms National Park and the top of the famous Loch Ness.

I separated from my parents for these last two nights as they stayed in a hotel on the outskirts of Inverness so they had a place to park the car. Me being me, I opted to check out one of the local hostels.

Before we went to dinner, I paid Leakey’s Bookshop a visit. It is Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshop and it’s housed in a former church which means it looks unbelievable inside. There is some semblance of order but it’s mostly a multi-story, hodgepodge of literature, maps and music scores. Don’t go in looking for any particular title; you won’t find it. Let a book find you.

Then, we ate pizza made at Black Isle Bar and drank some of their beautiful beverages. I’ve visited their brewery, stayed in their hostel, visited their bar in Fort William and now their bar in Inverness, am I the biggest Black Isle fan girl ever?

North Coast 500 Itinerary: Day Six

Culloden battlefield.

You would think it would be something of a novelty, this being the only day of our trip that we didn’t actually continue on anywhere. We stayed two nights in Inverness, so there would be far less driving on our last day, right?

Erm, not exactly.

I started the day with breakfast at The Rendezvous Cafe in the city centre and it was perfect. It had a weird silent movie theme which I dug and a great breakfast menu.

But most of the things we did on our last day were slightly  outside of the city, starting with  Culloden Battlefield and Visitor’s Centre . It’s the site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, the last battle of the Jacobite Rebellions against the British. It was short, bloody, and tragic. The British outlawed Gaelic, tartan, and destroyed Highland culture as it was after this battle.

The battlefield is 100% free, 24/7, but the visitor’s centre and historic exhibition requires a ticket and a pre-booked timeslot in peak season, too. I loved the exhibition and thought it was so interesting and well laid out. Check out the National Trust’s website for information on ticket prices and opening times.

Don’t forget to say hello to the Highland coos (and the regular cows) in the pen next to the Battlefield as you leave…

Read next: Outlander Culloden Battlefield Location: A Complete Guide

Clava Cairns

We made a short side trip to  Clava Cairns   from Culloden Battlefield as it’s only a 10-minute drive away and 100% free with a car park out front.

Clava Cairns are a group of three stone circles dating back to the Bronze Age. They are around 4,000 years old and people built them to house the dead. Nowadays, they are popular with  Outlander  fans (like me!) who want to pose next to the tallest, most rectangular standing stone as it resembles an important stone in the TV show.

Falls of Foyers by Loch Ness

By this point, we were hungry and were expecting a lovely light lunch at  The Cameron’s Tea Room   in a beautiful, modern building with high ceilings and a farm shop next to Loch Ness. We turned up and it was closed as a precaution against Covid-19. Oh well. Good job we had an abundance of car snacks, right?

We continued on to our next stop, the  Falls of Foyers viewpoint. It’s essentially a very big waterfall that was, unfortunately, a mere trickle when we visited.

Many people hop on boat rides to see Loch Ness up close and they spend all day exploring its banks and driving around the area. However, we only had one day in Inverness and were on a bit of a whistle-stop tour. So, we drove up the right bank of the loch from the Falls of Foyers and pulled into two different viewing places for a closer look on our way back up to the city.

Scotland’s second-biggest loch (after Loch Lomand) looked a little misty and moody but at least it wasn’t raining. And no, we didn’t spot the elusive sea creature Nessie. Maybe if it was sunny she’d be more inclined to pop up and say hey?

Inverness Castle

We had a couple of hours to see more of the city before heading off to dinner and then finishing our North Coast 500 trip. We visited  Inverness Castle   or, at least, the outside of it because the interior is currently closed for renovations. But there’s a nice viewpoint over the river, so it’s definitely worth walking up to it regardless of whether it is open or closed.

We walked over Grieg Street Bridge and admired Inverness Cathedral from the outside. There are a few things to love about Inverness, but not  tonnes . I’d personally struggle to fill another day here.

After we’d killed enough time, we walked to Macgregor’s Bar   for dinner where I sampled a Scottish dessert called cranachan for the first time (also the first time I’d ever heard of its existence). Cranachan is very sweet but you’ve got to try traditional delicacies when they’re offered, you know?

I went back to my hostel room, and after staying up too late chatting with a new friend until the wee hours the night before, I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. Could have been staying up until 2:30 that made me so tired, or it could have been the 1027+ things we saw and did over the last week. There’s no way of knowing for sure.

And that was our 6-day North Coast 500 itinerary! Have you travelled along the North Coast 500 or are you planning to do the road trip? Let me know in the comments below!

Read next: Doune Castle: Outlander, Monty Python and Game of Thrones Location Guide

Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

2 thoughts on “ North Coast 500 Itinerary: Our 6-Day Detailed Road Trip Plan ”

Your comments on the Bealach na Bar are a bit extreme. It is the highest and most dramatic road pass in GB, but its perfectly possible to drive it in a campervan or motorhome. People do it every day. As long as you anticipate the need to use passing places when vehicles are approaching from the other direction well in advance its perfectly OK. The alternative inland route to Shieldaig is less dramatic, but no wider, and the same caveat about passing places applies.

Thanks for your comment, Ed! Hmm I think it would be misguided to encourage tourists (particularly ones who aren’t used to driving on the left) who are driving campervans and motorhomes that they’ve rented and never driven before up this mountain pass in peak season and I think the locals would agree. It’s difficult to use the passing places with so many cars! Plus, there are explicit signs turning away large vehicles so it’s not just my opinion.

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North Coast 500 itinerary: Scotland's most epic road trip

In this epic North Coast 500 itinerary, we'll show you what to do and see on this 500+ mile scenic loop around the Highlands coast.

If you're tackling the NC500 road trip in a campervan or motorhome, we completed the whole loop in our van conversion in 11 days and have some excellent tips for you on some of the best wild camping spots.

We have divided our North Coast 500 itinerary into five sections, but you can easily adapt this NC 500 route planner to your own preferences and time constraints. So let's get started by answering some of your questions.

Bookings: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a booking, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank You!

How long does it take to do the North Coast 500 Route?

Our North Coast 500 itinerary covers 11 days, but most people complete the road trip in five to seven days.

However, if you want to fully experience the breathtaking NC500 scenery, we recommend spending at least seven days exploring the famous Scottish Route 66. With so many detours and sights to see, there is a lot to do on this road trip.

Do you need a 4x4 for NC500?

It can be helpful if you're planning to go off-road, but it's not necessary to explore the NC500. Most of the roads on the route are car, bike, and motorbike friendly.

A smaller motorhome may be more suitable as some roads can be quite narrow, but we've seen larger ones pass through without issues. As long as you're a confident driver, you should be fine.

We took several detours in our Citroen Relay van conversion and never got stuck thanks to Charlie's excellent driving skills.

What is the best time of year to do the North 500?

We recommend visiting between May and September, with October being the latest for the mildest weather and longest days.

We tackled the North Coast 500 in August and were rewarded with mostly sunny days, but I still had to break out the woolly socks a few nights.

Is the Isle of Skye on the NC500?

Although the Isle of Skye is not on the NC500 route, this stunning island deserves its own road trip. From the breathtaking Fairy Pools to the iconic Old Man of Storr and the majestic Cuillin Mountains, the Isle of Skye is a paradise for nature lovers.

Check out our post about the Isle of Skye for more information on exploring charming villages, tasting a wee shot of whiskey, and finding the best places to sample fresh seafood.

Is NC500 a single track road?

Yes, you will encounter many single track roads on your NC500 adventure. Don't worry though, there are passing places along the way.

These are road pockets that allow you or oncoming traffic to give way safely. As a rule of thumb, remember to always stick to the passing places on your left.

Is it best to do NC500 clockwise or anti clockwise?

It ultimately comes down to personal preference. Initially, we had planned to go anticlockwise, but we changed our minds at the last minute.

Although the east coast has its own unique attractions, the scenery on the west coast is undeniably more dramatic.

We wanted to tackle the steep inclines and winding roads first, and then have a more leisurely drive towards the end of our trip. Regardless of the direction you choose, the NC500 will be an epic experience.

Where is the starting point of the North Coast 500?

No matter if you're going clockwise or counter-clockwise, the North Coast 500 itinerary starts in Inverness.

From there, you'll experience some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery, from the rugged coastline and the mountains of the Northwest Highlands to the charming towns of the Black Isle.

11-Day North Coast 500 Itinerary

Inverness - applecross, day 1-2: inverness - applecross.

Buckle up; you are about to embark on one of the most challenging parts of the NC500 road trip in Scotland - the Bealach Na' Ba Pass.

We completed the first section of the NC 500 road trip in two days, but we chose to spend a night atop the Bealach Na' Ba Pass, which we highly recommend.

If you follow our North Coast 500 itinerary clockwise, the first two days will include the following stops:

The epic Scottish road trip begins and ends in Inverness, whether you travel clockwise or anticlockwise.

Although you don't need to spend an entire day in the city, we recommend spending at least an afternoon here. Inverness is the largest city in the Scottish highlands, and it's a good place to stock up on road essentials.

Situated along the River Ness, it’s an easily walkable city, with walking along the river being one of the best things to do. It's both relaxing and picturesque.

While exploring, make time to visit Leakey's Bookshop, an old church filled to the brim with second-hand books. It's very Harry Potter-esque.

Beauly Priory - the Beautiful Place

From Inverness, it's only a half-hour drive west to Beauly. Follow the A862 road.

Located in the charming town of Beauly, the ruins of the monastery are still in excellent condition and are worth a quick visit. The original priory consisted of many buildings, but only the church remains today.

Founded by French monks in 1230, the name "Beautiful Place" comes from the riverside setting (beau lieu). According to the plaque, Mary Queen of Scots endorsed it during her visit in 1564.

From here, drive further west for under two hours and witness the scenery becoming increasingly dramatic as you climb the legendary Bealach Na' Ba Pass.

The Bealach Na' Ba Pass

Bealach Na' Ba, also known as the Pass of the Cattle, is the steepest road ascent in the UK, like many mountain passes in the Alps.

It rises to 626 metres (2,053 ft) and the single track road twists and turns sharply in places, so it should be approached with care. It's a perilous yet breathtaking drive.

The road across the mountains of the Applecross peninsula is open all year round except during extreme weather conditions when it may be closed. We drove up in the rain, which made some sections uncomfortable.

On a clear day, you can explore the spectacular summit of Bealach Na' Ba and visit the viewpoint post that points to some of the iconic landmarks in the area. Weather permitting, you can see the Old Man of Storr on the beautiful Isle of Skye.

During rain, visibility can be limited, so take extra care when crossing the road. There are many hairpin bends and blind summits.

Applecross village

Halfway down Bealach Na' Ba, the tiny village of Applecross will start to appear. Locally known as "the street", it is one of Scotland's earliest settlements.

Today, it is home to the famous Applecross Inn and Smokehouse.

Applecross - Ullapool

Day 2-3: applecross - ullapool.

The second leg of the North Coast 500 itinerary, from Applecross to Ullapool, is just as exciting as the first. While you can take the quick route (approximately two hours), you'll miss out on some epic drives.

We recommend taking the longer route and several detours, such as Torridon Glen. As you cross the valley, you'll feel like you're in a James Bond movie, racing through vast wilderness to save the world.

Here are the main highlights worth checking out between Applecross and Ullapool:

From Applecross, head east towards A896. At Kinlochewe, the road turns left onto A832 to Shieldaig.

The village was established in the 1800s to train seamen for war against Napoleon, which is why there's a cannon along the seafront. Today it's a peaceful fishing village with a name that means "herring bay."

For us, the idyllic Shieldaig will always be remembered as the "best banana bread stop" on Scotland's stunning North Coast 500 route.

While strolling along the seafront, keep an eye out for "Bread in a Cupboard." It's a little hut filled with sourdough, rye, and the most delicious banana bread for sale. Grab your treats and leave the payment in the box.

Unspoiled Red Point Beach (detour)

The drive from Shieldaig to Red Point Beach, especially towards Torridon, is absolutely stunning. The A896 takes you through the Torridon Valley, where you'll have a view of the mighty Ben Eighe and its many summits.

Red Point Beach is wild and remote, and just one of the many stunning North Coast 500 beaches. It's worth a quick detour or an overnight stay if you're taking on the North Coast 500 in a motorhome.

As you leave the valley, follow the road sign to Gairloch and Ullapool. The turn-off for the beach is at Kerrisdale. Look out for the sign on your right-hand side pointing to Red Point. Then, cross the stone bridge on your left (if driving clockwise), and continue for around 9 miles on a one track road.

The beach is at the end of the road, past the inn, gin distillery, and many small communities. You'll see a smaller red-hue sand beach in the distance, but keep driving until you cross two stone bridges and reach a small car park.

The last settlement before the beach is called Opinan.

If you have time, check out Badachro Inn and the small gin distillery under the same name. And don't forget to look out for the pretty Heilan' Coos, the long-haired Highland cows, as soon as you cross the first stone bridge.

Gairloch is a pretty harbour village located on the shores of Loch Gairloch, along the A832 road. It features galleries, pubs, shops, and a post office.

If you have some spare change, consider taking a glass-bottomed boat tour to observe sea stars, urchins, seals, and sea birds. You can find more information on their website here . For additional activities and sights, visit the visitor centre in town.

As you leave the village, be sure to look out for a lovely beach on your left and stop at the viewpoint of Loch Gairloch.

Enchanted Inverewe Gardens

A quick 15-minute drive northwest of Gairloch will bring you to Inverewe , a lovely botanical garden that truly embodies the founder's vision to plant and grow as many exotic plants as possible.

The garden features several woodland trails, rose gardens, a museum, and a cafe, making it the perfect stop to unwind from the winding one track roads on the North Coast 500 route.

Toxic Gruinard Island (quick detour)

Don't miss the tiny sheep-inhabited Gruinard Island . Located between Coast and Mungasdale in Guinard Bay , it holds a grim past dating back to WWII when the British tested Anthrax, a dangerous infectious chemical for use in the war.

They filled bombs with the Bacillus Anthracis bacteria and dropped them on Gruinard Island to check if they could contaminate cities in Germany.

Although the government started the cleaning process in 1986 and declared the island safe to visit in 1990, it's still uncertain whether it's entirely safe to visit.

You can catch a glimpse of the oval-shaped island from the car park along the road as it's only one kilometre offshore.

Little Loch Broom

With picnic tables and fantastic views of Little Loch Broom and An Tellach, the highest mountain in the area, this spot embodies what the NC500 route is all about - Scotland at its finest.

A large car park on the A835 provides ample space for parking even the largest motorhomes. Tour buses also make stops here, so there may be a crowd of tourists blocking the view, but they typically stay for only a short time.

If you need a quick stop to stretch your legs, there are some lovely beaches between Coast and Mungasdale.

Corrieshalloch Gorge

After visiting Little Loch Broom, continue driving on the main road to reach the magnificent Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach.

Take the woodland trail and cross the Victoria suspension bridge to witness the spectacular falls plunging into the River Droma.

If you are not planning to explore the gorge, enjoy the scenic drive to the next destination on our North Coast 500 itinerary: Ullapool.

Ullapool - Durness

Day 4-8: ullapool - durness.

This part of the trip includes some of the most amazing beaches along the North Coast 500 route. You don't have to see them all, but be sure to stop or stay overnight at Achnahaird Beach. It's definitely worth a detour, especially on a sunny day.

Ullapool , located on the shores of Lochbroom , is the first major village on the North Coast 500 route (when driving clockwise) and a great hub from which to explore the surrounding sights.

Wrapped in stunning scenery, Ullapool offers excellent hiking and cycling routes, good accommodation options, and several charming cafes.

From here, you can also catch a ferry to Stornoway and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides if you want to add an extra detour to your North Coast 500 itinerary.

We highly recommend visiting the town's Ullapool Smokehouse shop and stocking up on malt whiskey-cured salmon and other locally produced goodies. We enjoyed a few delightful breakfasts made from traditionally smoked salmon in our van conversion.

Achnahaird Beach (detour)

Achnahaird Beach requires a slight detour from the main NC500 route, but what a find! It's a tidal almost-white sand beach located on the Coigach peninsula .

If you crave peace and a spot off the beaten path, you simply must add Achnahaird Beach to your North Coast 500 itinerary. It is worth the detour.

From Ullapool, head southeast and follow A893.

The road to the beach is a beautiful winding one-track drive for about 12 miles from the turn-off.

Another great thing about the beach is that it's only a short and easy walk across the cliffs from the car park.‌‌

Knockan Crag

Starting from Achnahaird Beach, head southwest and rejoin the A835 at Drumrunie for a short drive to Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve .

The walk along Knockan Crag was a pleasant surprise. We discovered how continents collided millions of years ago and had a great circular walk atop the ancient crag.

At the start of the walk, there is a hut with lots of information about the oldest rocks in the world. The boards explain in detail the controversy of the 19th century when two Scottish geologists, Ben Peach and John Horne, discovered something wrong with the sequence of rocks here.

Their discovery that older rocks had moved on top of younger rocks due to tectonic action had significant impacts on the science of geology. This phenomenon had never been detected anywhere else in the world at that time.

The walk is easy but steep in places, with minimal visibility on a rainy day. We were lucky to see panoramic views at the summit just before the mist covered the site entirely.

As you explore, you'll also find many lovely stone art pieces and poems carved into the rocks and stones.

The ruin of Ardvreck Castle

As you join the A837 road at Ledmore towards Inchnadamph, take a moment to explore the ruins of the 16th Century Ardverk Castle, which was once owned by the Macleods of Assynt Clan.

Nearby, you'll also find the ruins of Calda House - once a lavish mansion it has remained a ruin since 1745.

White-sand Clachtoll Beach (detour)

Like many roads in the Scottish Highlands, the stunning single-track route from Lochinver to Clachtoll Beach is full of turns and twists as it winds through the rocks.

Clachtoll Beach is a lovely white-sand bay framed by beautiful black rocks that extend into the sea. It's a great spot for relaxing, paddle boarding or dipping your toes in the crystal-clear waters.

To access the parking lot for the beach, drive through the town and then through the campsite. During our visit, the latter was extremely busy.

Clashnessie Beach

Located a 10-minute drive northeast of Clachtoll Beach, Clashnessie Beach is another beautiful beach in the area.

Despite being situated close to the road, this beach is surrounded by stunning scenery. It’s broad, easily accessible, and has a small patch of land for parking.

Scenic B869 road alongside Clashnessie Bay

If you're an experienced driver, the stone-walled road alongside Clashnessie Bay is a joy to navigate despite its narrowness and hairpin bends.

Most of the route is a one-track road, so be sure to keep left at passing places and watch out for charming sandy bays on your left (if going clockwise).

The detour drive from Clashnessie Bay to Balchrick (detour for Sandwood Bay) is breathtaking, even on a misty day.

It feels like passing through a mini-highlands or movie set with the deep green and brown-coloured rocks perfectly reflected in the mirror-like lakes.

Also, be sure to stop at the Drumberg Viewpoint for a beautiful sight of Eddrachillis Bay, Handa Island, and mainland Sutherland.

Sandwood Bay (detour)

To reach the unspoiled Sandwood Bay beach, start from Drumberg and head towards Balchrick. From there, you'll have to walk around four miles each way.

This one-mile-long, fine-sand beach is truly spectacular, framed by dunes and adorned with Am Buachaille, a sea stack in the distance.

However, if the weather is gloomy, be prepared for a mundane eight-mile round trip with rain drumming into your face and a hazy view of the beach. We came back soaking wet despite wearing waterproof gear.

Luckily, our van conversion was waiting patiently at the car park, and a hot cup of tea was the ultimate reward.

If you don't fancy sloshing through puddles in the rain, there are many other equally beautiful and easily accessible North Coast 500 beaches, so feel free to skip Sandwood Bay.

Durness - Wick

Day 8-10: durness - wick.

Starting with the Smoo Cave, the rest of the ride between Durness and Wick will be spectacular, with many high viewpoints along the North Coast 500 route.

If you are following our North Coast 500 itinerary, here are our top recommended places to visit:

Spooktacular Smoo Cave

From Balchrick , head towards Rhiconich and from there, join the A838 road to Durness . Smoo Cave is located on the main road and easily accessible from the car park.

Best of all, it's free of charge, just like many other incredible sites around this Scottish road trip.

Formed over thousands of years, Smoo Cave in Durness is well worth a visit. The cave's first chamber was carved out by the sea, and the second was carved by the river, which was dry during our visit.

Wooden steps lead down into the waterfall/lake chamber, but during heavy rains, the cave floods, and you might be unable to access it. However, you can still admire it from the top of the stairs.

Once inside the cave, take the wooden path into the waterfall chamber, but protect your camera. The den may greet you with a violent spray of water.

Unfortunately, boat tours were not available during our visit. We would have loved to see what's inside the cave further down.

Sadly, Colin, the main Smoo caver and tour operator, passed away in early 2019. You'll see a plaque tribute for him as you explore the information boards outside the cave.

Check out the official page for Smoo Cave to see if the tours are currently running.

Thrilling Golden Eagle Zipline

As soon as you leave the cave to continue your epic North Coast 500 adventure, there will be two fabulous and easily accessible beaches on your left-hand side.

The further one, Ceannabeinne Beach , features a zipline if you’re seeking thrills on your Scottish 500 route. You can show up and glide over the Atlantic at 40 mph with no booking required.

Cape Wrath - Scotland's most north westerly point (detour)

Cape Wrath is a significant detour on the NC500 route. The only way to access the peninsula is via the Cape Wrath Ferry, which is exclusively for foot passengers.

The journey across the Kyle of Durness takes around 10 minutes.

After crossing, a minibus service picks you up and provides a three-hour tour with commentary. Once you arrive at Cape Wrath, you'll have time to explore the area independently before boarding the bus for a return journey to the ferry terminal.

Due to the hazardous tide and often inclement weather, the ferry and bus service do not have a regular schedule. It's best to contact the minibus company first. Visit their website for more information.

Uninhabited Eilean Choraidh Island

There's no need to make a special detour to admire the view here. But you can always slow down and snap a few shots of Eilean Choraidh, a tiny island connected to the mainland by a causeway.

The causeway is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Kyle of Tongue Bay and looks particularly beautiful on a clear day.

In the 19th century, the island was used for lime quarrying. The lime was then calcinated in a limekiln on the nearby peninsula.

Talmine Viewpoint (detour)

Just before the Kyle of Tongue bridge, you can take a quick detour to the Talmine Viewpoint. From here, you can enjoy a lovely view of the bridge.

Unfortunately, we missed the sign for the viewpoint and ended up going all the way up into the tiny village. However, it turned out to be lucky because we needed to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables.

Plus, there was a nice view of another bay from the village. As it goes, you're never short of bay views on the NC500 route.

Farr Beach near Bettyhill

After our rainy eight-mile trek to Sandwood Bay, we swore off beaches. However, the sun shining made us change our minds and we found ourselves heading towards another one.

And we're so glad we did! Farr Beach is absolutely stunning, with the purple-colored River Naver flowing into the blue sea.

To get to Bettyhill, a small historic town, take the A836 road after crossing the Kyle of Tongue bridge. From here, you can reach the beach with a leisurely five-minute stroll across the fields.

Hallandale Inn - great lunch spot

Take a wee break and visit the Halladale Inn in Thurso. This lovely spot offers delicious food, cosy glamping pods, and ample space for camping and motorhomes.

During our visit, we enjoyed a filling lunch and even discovered a Route 500 sign, which is a replica of the iconic Route 66 in the United States. The sign made for a fun backdrop for photos.

Dunnet Head - the most northerly point of mainland Britain (detour)

Driving from Thurso, you can take several dramatic detours, starting with Dunnet Head, a peninsula on the north coast of Scotland.

To get there, drive northeast from Bettyhill via A836, then take a left turn onto the four-mile-long B855.

Dunnet Head is the most northerly point of mainland Britain and is home to puffins, razorbills (which we were lucky enough to spot), shags, and cormorants. On a clear day, you can even see the islands of Stroma, Hoy, and the Orkney Mainland.

Afterwards, wander up the hill from the lighthouse to investigate the bunker and other tiny huts built during World War II. The hill was used as a monitoring station, as it affords good visibility across the Pentland Firth.

John o' Groats - the end of the road (detour)

To reach John o' Groats , head east from Dunnet Head. While this stop may not offer any dramatic views, John o' Groats is an iconic landmark in Britain.

It signifies the longest distance (874 miles) between two extreme points in the country: Land's End in Cornwall to the southwest and John o' Groats to the northeast.

Charity walks or cycling challenges often begin or end at John o' Groats, with the end-to-end trail taking up to 14 days to complete. If you opt for off-road routes, however, the journey can take months to finish.‌

Jagged Stacks of Duncansby: a must-see on the North Coast 500 route (detour)

Starting from John o' Groats, drive up to Duncansby Head. Although busier than other peninsulas on the road, it's worth the trip for the striking coastline.

Don't miss the path leading over the peninsula's highest point, which offers fantastic views of the Thirle Door and the Stacks of Duncansby.

While you can see the craggy rocks from further away, the most enjoyable part of Duncansby Head is a little further along. We highly recommend taking a short hike there.

A well-trodden path leads up to the summit, where you can see the breathtaking craggy sea stacks. You'll also get a great view of the Duncansby Head cliffs that broke away from the main peninsula.

Noss Head and the ghostly Sinclair Girnigoe (detour)

From Duncansby, you can drive directly to Wick along the A99 road, where you'll find Noss Head.

Nestled on a dramatic coastline, the 16th Century Castle Sinclair Girnigoe is the star attraction of this site. Be sure to carefully walk around the cliff to view the thrilling rocks beneath the castle.

Although the castle is currently undergoing renovations, a portion of it is open for visitors to wander around the atmospheric courtyard just across the windy bridge.

Visit during sunset or early morning to hear the wind howling between the walls. I felt chills when taking pictures early in the morning with no one else in sight. Maybe I wasn't alone after all?!?!?

Wick - Inverness

Day 11: wick - inverness.

After enjoying the dramatic coastline, you may want to visit some of the lesser-known sights before concluding the Scottish 500 route and heading straight to Inverness.

Here are some of the sights we discovered on the east coast of the NC 500:

330 Whaligoe Steps (detour)

About 10-15 minutes south of Wick, there is a quick detour to Whaligoe Steps on your left, just before Ulbster.

At the top of the stairs, there is a small car park and a sign leading you to the 330 steps descending into the harbour.

To the left of the steps, there is a bump on your right-hand side. If you are not afraid of heights, you can cross a narrow path to the summit of the bluff. From there, look to your left to discover a lovely waterfall rushing down the impressive rocks.

Take care when going up and down the steps, as they are steep, uneven, and cracked. Also, avoid holding onto the walls as they may be unsupported or recently repaired.

This is a small site maintained by a local chap who works hard to replace the dilapidated steps. Please be respectful and leave a small donation if possible.

Grey Cairns of Camster - Neolithic tombs (detour)

The next stop on our North Coast 500 itinerary is the Grey Cairns of Camster, intriguing Neolithic tombs that are duplicates of Scotland's oldest monuments, built over 5,000 years ago.

Despite their age, they are still fascinating to investigate and provide a lovely, peaceful site to explore on the NC500 route.

Like a true explorer, Charlie crawled into each of the three tombs through narrow passageways to explore the inside of the monuments, getting a bit muddy in the process.

To get there, look for a large brown sign for Cairns of Camster just past Camster, a quarter of a mile past Occumster. Turn right and drive on the road that feels like a Roman road for around 8-10 minutes until you see grey bumps in the grass.

Lybster's best crab rolls (detour)

Once a bustling herring fishing village, Lybster is now a sleepy harbour town. Although we did not plan to stop there, we were intrigued by the large brown heritage sign.

To visit Lybster, turn left off the main road, pass through the main town, and drive down the steep road into the harbour.

Down in the bay, you can park at the harbour and enjoy some of the best crab rolls on the North Coast 500 route. The ladies at Waterlines Cafe serve freshly prepared rolls with different fillings and delicious homemade cakes.

It's a great place to stop before continuing along the remaining east coast of the epic Scottish 500 route.

Dunrobin - a castle out of a fairytale

Elevated so that you can enjoy the elaborate mansion from the gardens, Dunrobin Castle is the seat of the Clan Sutherland. Although the family still lives here, a large portion of the manor is open for exploration.

The garden is beautiful and is in full bloom in May, but it cannot quite compare to some of the stately homes in England. Nonetheless, it is still lovely to walk around the grounds, play cricket, and unwind after an adventurous 11-day road trip.

If you time your visit to this fairytale castle on a weekday morning, particularly on a Monday, you can enjoy it without too many crowds.

Close by, you can also explore the fantastic tidal Littleferry Beach, which is part of the Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. The 15-minute drive along the road, hugged by Scotch pine trees, is just as lovely as the beach itself.‌‌

Clootie Well on Black Isle (detour)

After leaving Dunrobin Castle, cross the bridge into the Black Isle and head towards Inverness. To discover the unique site of Clootie Well, follow the A9 motorway for about an hour until you reach Munlochy village.

Clootie Well, also known as Cloth Well, is associated with ancient Scottish and Irish traditions dating back to pre-Christian times. It is a wishing well where pilgrims make offerings by leaving a piece of cloth for the water spirits.

The belief is that leaving a piece of clothing here will relieve the body of illnesses over time as the fabric disintegrates.

But there’s much more to explore on the Black Isle. From fishing villages to nature and wildlife, you may need an extra day on your North Coast 500 itinerary to see it all.

Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness

Nestled on the banks of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, Urquhart Castle is a breathtaking fortress that has withstood the test of time.

Dating back to the 13th century, this historic landmark played a crucial role in Scotland's Wars of Independence.

Today, Urquhart Castle is a must-see destination for travellers from all over the world. With stunning views of Loch Ness and the surrounding mountains, it’s a true gem of Scotland and could make it a nice end or start to your Scottish road trip.

We chose the latter, but were too late to arrive as the castle had already closed for the day.

Wild camping on the North Coast: the best spots for campervans

After completing our epic Scottish road trip in our campervan, we wanted to include some of our favourite camping spots for motorhomes in our North Coast 500 itinerary.

In clockwise order, these are our top wild camping spots where we stayed during our 11-day road trip. We loved some of the sites, such as Achnahaird Beach, so much that we stayed there for two nights.

Our top tip is to download an app called park4night and it will show you all the facilities and parking spots around the NC500 route.

Wild camping spots between Inverness and Applecross:

Bealach Na' Ba Pass: Driving through the pass is an unforgettable experience. If you want to make it even more memorable, consider sleeping atop Bealach Na' Ba if you’re travelling in a campervan or motorhome.

The viewing platform is perfect for an overnight stop, but make sure to pack warm pyjamas, as it can get cold at night, even in the summer. A hat will also come in handy for wandering the valley later in the day.

When we arrived, the valley was covered in thick mist. However, the weather cleared up around 9 pm, and we were able to witness the legendary valley in all its glory

Camping spots between Applecross and Ullapool

Red Point Beach: If you're not in a rush, consider wild camping here. During our stay, only a few families were camping on the beach, and two other campervans were parked beside us. It's a peaceful and lovely spot to spend the night.

If you're an early riser, leave the beach before 9 am to have the one-track road all to yourself. The countryside is beautiful and fresh in the morning light, making it a great opportunity for taking photos.

Broomfield Holiday Park in Ullapool: This was the only campsite on the North Coast 500 that we stayed at. It’s spacious and has showers, a washer, and a dryer, but it can get very busy. Great views over Lochbroom.

Wild camping spots between Ullapool and Durness

Achnahaird Beach: This is our top wild camping spot on the NC500 route. The car park is small, but if you can fit your campervan in, it's worth staying here for the night. The view of the bay, beach, and distant hills is magnificent.

We stayed here for two nights and found it peaceful. It was relatively quiet during the day as well. A hidden gem for sure, and worth the detour if you're after a good wild camping spot on the NC500.

Clashnessie Bay: There is a small car park across the road from Clashnessie Beach that can accommodate around four to six motorhomes for overnight parking.

However, we opted to continue driving further west along the scenic B869 road for about five minutes until we arrived at a small lake by the roadside.

We found a suitable patch of gravel land for overnight parking. Although it was busy during the day, the traffic died down at around 9 pm.

Sandalwood Bay: In case you run low on drinking water, there is a tap located behind the toilet block. Although we only stayed here briefly, the car park is suitable for wild camping in a motorhome or campervan.

Wild camping spots between Durness and Wick

Hollandale Inn: At the back of the pub, there is a camping and caravan/motorhome site, as well as glamping pods. You can check prices and availability on the website .

Achiriesgill and Keoldale (ferries for Cape Wrath): There are numerous wild camping spots between these two locations.

Dunnet Head: This is a popular nightspot for campervans on the NC500. It can get crowded and a little noisy with people coming and going, but it is generally quiet at night.

Noss Head: This is a great spot if you want to be the first or last to take a spooky wander around the Sinclair Girnigoe castle. The car park is less crowded than Dunnet’s Head, and has plenty of space for caravans and motorhomes.

Wild camping spots between Wick and Inverness

Littleferry Beach: This is the second-best spot for wild camping on the North Coast 500 route. The site is peaceful and offers superb walks and views. During our stay, only two other campervans were parked next to us.

We highly recommend staying here before visiting Dunrobin Castle if you want to beat the crowds and arrive as soon as it opens.

Clootie Well: If you are not easily spooked by nature spirits and need a place to stay for the night, consider camping in the woods beside the wishing well. Although dog walkers visit the area throughout the day, it is quiet at night.

Is the North Coast 500 worth it?

This is the ultimate question, and the answer is 100%: embarking on the North Coast 500 route is one of the best ways to experience the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands.

The route offers plenty of opportunities to see historic sites, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're interested in hiking, photography, or simply taking in the scenery, we hope our North Coast 500 itinerary will help you plan your perfect trip.

You don't have to drive a campervan to follow this North Coast 500 itinerary. The route can be easily completed in a car; you simply need to arrange your accommodation. Use the search box below to find your ideal accommodation option.

Kirstie Will Travel

Making Everywhere You Go An Adventure

Scottish Highlands · July 10, 2020

3 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary (Scotland Road Trip Guide)

Are you ready for a great Scottish adventure? Then welcome to my 3 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary ! This comprehensive guide will take you through three days of west coast adventure. There are hikes, beaches, beautiful views, and pretty much everything that makes Scotland so great.

I should clarify, this is not a full North Coast 500 route. It covers just over 200 miles. In fact, we could probably rename this the West Coast 200, but I’m not sure anyone would know what I was talking about! This is a great itinerary if you don’t have enough time to cover the full North Coast 500. You can have the chance to discover some of the best parts of the route in just 3 days. However, if you do have more time, you can still use this itinerary for the section of the North Coast 500 that this covers. You’d simply carry on further north when we turned back east.

I’ve included loads of practical information about what to pack, how much it cost and accommodation tips. The itinerary is very comprehensive and I’ve made an interactive map with all the stops on it.

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3 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary Interactive Route Map

This interactive map takes you through the whole route in this 3 day North Coast 500 itinerary. The different colours indicated the stops for different days, and the yellow markers indicate surrounding towns that I recommend throughout the itinerary if you have some more time.

You can save this map to your Google Maps account by clicking the star button next to the title. It will then appear under Your Places>Maps in Google Maps.

Accommodation on the North Coast 500

My friend and I decided to camp during our North Coast 500 road trip . It worked really well for us, especially since my friend was a pro at putting up the tent (I, on the other hand, had never actually camped before so I happily observed).

We chose to stay in campsites and pay for camping . It wasn’t expensive, I mention the prices for each place on the itinerary, but I don’t remember paying more than £10 each for any campsite.

Wild camping is legal in Scotland, but make sure you read up on the rules and restrictions to avoid getting in trouble or ruining protected land. This website will help you.

If you don’t want to camp, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding accommodation at the stops, since the North Coast 500 route is so popular these days. I give a few suggestions of BnBs or hostels throughout the itinerary, and I would recommend booking these in advance to be sure of their availability – you definitely don’t want to be stuck without anywhere to stay in the middle of nowhere!

What to Take on a North Coast 500 Road Trip

Make sure you’re prepared for a road trip like this. Everyone’s needs will be different but here are some of my recommendations .

Clothing and Footwear

I would recommend taking clothing for all weather . The weather can be so unpredictable in Scotland. We went from shorts to jumpers, and it rained a lot. You’ll need a good pair of walking shoes that are comfy (and preferably waterproof), and I’d also take a comfy pair of trainers or sandals for driving and less adventurous activities.

We took a lot of food with us, and I’d recommend taking more than you think you’ll need. Hiking is hungry work and countless snacks were needed . Stick to non-perishable foods, but since the road trip was only a few days, we were able to take things like fruit and bread that we knew wouldn’t go off in that short amount of time.

The food we took was primarily for breakfast and lunches, as we planned to eat out for dinners. If you have the right equipment you could definitely cook your own dinners, but this was the best option for us.

Camping Equipment

If you’re planning to camp as we did, make sure you have everything to make it as comfy as possible. Of course, you’ll need a good tent with all its attachments, a mattress pad, and sleeping bag. An inflatable (or regular) pillow is good to remember, and you might want to look into some extra reinforcements for your tent in case the weather is windy. Make sure you have a good torch and/or lamp for when it gets dark.

Some other optional items to consider are collapsable camping chairs and table.

There are lots of miscellaneous items to remember as well. Take books and games to keep yourselves busy in the evenings. Don’t forget electrical items like phone chargers , and make sure your car is kitted out to charge them. You’ll want an AUX cable or CDs too, as road trip music is pretty much essential.

If you plan to do any water-sports or swimming, think about what you’ll want to take and where to store it. We took wetsuits and bodyboards. Also, consider where you’ll dry these items. You might want to take a washing line to hang up, but we just draped them across the car when we weren’t driving.

Cash is a good thing to consider. Once you’re on the west coast i t’s unlikely that you’ll have easy access to a bank or a cash machine , and some places won’t take card.

How much does a North Coast 500 Trip Cost?

We didn’t need to spend too much on our trip. The main things you’ll have to budget for are fuel, accommodation and food . All of the activities in this itinerary are free but it’s something to think about if you want to add any other activities to your route.

We covered just over 200 miles on the route. I don’t drive but I’m pretty certain you can do it on less than a tank of fuel.

I can’t remember exactly how much I spent on food but I’d estimate it was a maximum of £20 on the supermarket shop for snacks and non-perishable items. Then I’d say a maximum of £30 for cafe stops and dinners.

This is an estimate again, but I spent a maximum of £25 on campsite accommodation over the two nights.

Don’t have a car?

It’s hard to do a Scottish road trip without a car, but why not try joining a guided tour instead? You could opt for a day trip to the Scottish highlands or a multi-day tour!

Scottish Highlands Day Trips

3-Day Tours to the Scottish Highlands

3 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary – Day One

The first day of the road trip was fairly laid back, mainly because we didn’t set off until late afternoon. The main aim of the day was to get to Ullapool and set up for the night.

If you have more time during the day, I’d recommend exploring Inverness or the surrounding area of Cromarty and Ross-Shire. There are loads of great towns to visit but I’d recommend Fortrose , Dingwall and Strathpeffer (I’ve marked them on the interactive map). You could also drive to Ullapool earlier and spend the day there!

Driving to Ullapool

The driving route is very easy, as you will just drive the A835 all the way to Ullapool. From Inverness, take the A9 across the Kessock Bridge to Tore Roundabout. Take the second exit at the roundabout to start the A835. Then you simply follow that road all the way to the end and you’ll find yourself in Ullapool – the only other roundabout you’ll cross is the Maryburgh roundabout where you should take the second exit. The journey should take just over an hour.

Corrieshalloch Gorge

You definitely want to stop at Corrieshalloch Gorge on the way to Ullapool. During this road trip the bridge across the gorge was closed for construction so we could only look from afar, but luckily I’ve visited since and been able to enjoy it. The gorge is one of the deepest in Scotland, and the falls that run through are spectacular.

Corrieshalloch Gorge is situated just off the A835 so it’s really easy to stop at. You can read my guide to Corrieshalloch Gorge to get all the info you need about the exact location, and how to explore.

Setting up Camp in Ullapool

For our first night, my friend and I camped at Broomfield Holiday Park . It’s right on the water, so waking up in the morning was absolutely gorgeous. The price was around £20 for the two of us camping . If you’re looking for a guesthouse for the night, there are plenty of options for all budgets. Ullapool has a youth hostel and loads of BnBs around the town. I’ve never stayed in a BnB in Ullapool but I’ve been told that Riverside is nice.

We ate dinner at The Seaforth . It was a lovely space with a well-priced menu (and amazing quality food!), and their terrace was perfect for a summer evening. If you fancy eating at the beach or back at the campsite, they also have great takeaway options.

Ardmair Beach

After dinner, we drove to Ardmair Beach. It’s actually on the route that we would be driving the next day, but since we had such an action-packed itinerary already, we thought it best to visit the beach on the first night, instead of trying to cram it in the next morning. Although the weather was a little grey, the beach was still beautiful. One of my favourite things about Ardmair beach is that it’s filled with loads of flat stones, and people love to make towers out of them . Ours were a bit pathetic but some people managed to stack their towers really high!

3 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary – Day Two

Day 2 of our North Coast 500 Itinerary is where the real adventure starts! This is an action-packed day with a lot of walking and hiking . Day 2 of the itinerary will take us from Ullapool to Achmelvich, with around four stops along the way.

We set off bright and early after breakfast in the car, and here’s how we filled the day!

Knockan Crag

Our first stop, Knockan Crag , was about 30 minutes away in the car. It’s easily one of the most unique hikes I’ve done. Knockan Crag is a National Nature Reserve that focuses on the unique geology of the Moine thrust that runs through it.

There’s a visitor centre and dedicated trails to walk along, so you can learn while you hike. Knockan Crag is completely free to visit , and this extends to car park access as well. Also, you’re on the west coast of Scotland so, of course, the views are amazing.

The trails aren’t too long. I’d say we spent about an hour at Knockan Crag.

The Bone Caves

The second stop of the day is only another 15-minute drive away, which shows you how amazing the hills are in this area. This hike is a little longer (I’d say we spent a good few hours here), and a little more demanding , but definitely still accessible to a capable walker. I’ve marked the car park on the interactive map, but make sure you watch this closely because I can’t remember there being any signposts when approaching it.

We didn’t follow a route and although there isn’t an incredibly clear path, it’s still easy to find your way. You can check out this Bone Caves route to make sure you’re going in the right direction.

As the name suggests, the main attraction of this hike is the caves you’ll find at the top . Excavators found the remains of animals like polar bears and reindeer that used to roam the area. You can explore the caves with care , but I’m a big scaredy-cat so we just chilled out at the top and enjoyed (once again) the beautiful views.

Ardvreck Castle

After a wonderful lunch in the Bone Caves car park, composed of bread rolls with Dairylea cheese triangles and some crisps, we headed further north.

As far as I remember, we hadn’t planned to stop at Ardvreck Castle . One of my favourite parts of a road trip is being able to just pull over whenever you see something interesting! These medieval ruins sit right next to the road on the banks of Loch Assynt.

We didn’t spend too long at Ardvreck Castle, but it’s a great place to stretch your legs and explore.

It’s time to get back to civilisation! Lochinver is a lovely village. There isn’t much to do but it’s on the water and there are a couple of cute gift shops.

In the late afternoon, we ate at an amazing spot just on the edge of Lochinver called the Lochinver Larder . These guys know how to make a pie , and they have an extensive menu! We went for a sweet option and had some apple pie, but in retrospect, it would have been a good idea to have an early dinner here. We struggled to find anywhere that was open later on in Lochinver. As it’s such a small village, it’s worth doing some research into the available dinner options, or eat at the Larder.

There is a small shop and a chip shop in Achmelvich, where you’ll be camping for the night. You could also consider this for dinner, but check ahead because if they’re closed you’ll be stuck.

Achmelvich Beach

When you’re ready to set up camp, head along to Achmelvich beach. This place is beyond beautiful , and waking up here in the morning couldn’t be more peaceful. And if I’m not bigging it up enough, this is one of my favourite places in the world .

The Shore Caravan Site is right on the beach. It cost around £15 with the car and tent . There are a couple of other options if you aren’t planning to camp, like a small Youth Hostel , and some caravans and pods. Make sure you research well and book in advance, as I doubt you could show up and expect to book a place to stay on arrival. If you can’t find accommodation in Achmelvich you could stay in Lochinver.

Pretty much the only thing to do in Achmelvich is to visit the beach, but it’s so beautiful that you won’t want to do anything else! We had some fun swimming (with wetsuits on, even in summer the water is freezing!) and then relaxing on the beach.

3 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary – Day Three

The third and final day of our trip was a bit more laidback , we visited a couple of beaches. Unfortunately, the weather took a turn for the worse so we rushed through the second part of the day to head home. However, there are plenty of things that you can do along the route that I’ll recommend as I go through.

Exploring Achmelvich

We had a very relaxed morning on Achmelvich beach. I think I could have spent the whole day here! I woke up early in the morning to sit out on the sand, and then once we got up and ready for the day we went exploring in the hills. There is another small beach along from the main one that’s just as fun.

Stoer Lighthouse

After finally dragging ourselves away from Achmelvich beach, we carried on north and found ourselves at Stoer Lighthouse. The lighthouse juts out west so there’s nothing but sea all around you , it’s a beautiful sight.

We didn’t go inside the lighthouse because they’re actually self-catering accommodation ! After finding this out it immediately became our dream to come back and stay. Although there definitely wasn’t space for this in our budget at the time, the prices aren’t actually too expensive (£149 a night/minimum 3-night stay) and you can fit around 4 people in each one.

Clashnessie Beach

We came back inland and drove through Clashnessie. We had to pull over when we saw Clashnessie Bay and the beach! It’s another gorgeous sandy beach (as if we hadn’t seen enough already) and we stayed here for a while simply enjoying the sunshine.

Drumbeg Viewpoint

The further north we drove, the more picturesque the surroundings became. Between Clashnessie and Drumbeg we were surrounded by greenery, rocky hills and plenty of small lochs.

Drumbeg has another great viewpoint where you can look right out to sea. I might be wrong, but I think you can see over to Scourie in the distance, where we’ll end up later!

Kylesku Bridge

Unfortunately, this is where the weather started to turn. We stopped briefly at Kylesku bridge (mainly because I wanted to take a photo for my engineer dad) but then carried on driving. I’ve heard that Kylesku is a lovely, albeit tiny, hamlet, so if you wanted to have a wander around here I’m sure it would be great.

Heading Home

We grabbed a simple lunch at The Anchorage in Scourie. This was about as north as we went, as we turned down at Laxford Bridge towards Lairg. There isn’t much to do until you reach Lairg so we drove straight down to the Falls of Shin.

The Falls of Shin is a popular spot to watch salmon jumping and there are some nice woodland walks where you can follow the falls and the river.

That was our final stop, we then carried on driving, through Bonar Bridge, and heading south to Inverness. Since my friend and I were heading back home, we’d been to the surrounding towns many times, so we didn’t bother stopping. However, if you’re not a local resident, I’d recommend stopping at either Dornoch, Portmahomack/Tarbert Lighthouse or Glenmorangie (if you’re a fan of whisky and not the designated driver!).

Accommodation for the 3rd Night

As a final point, you should think about your final night’s accommodation . Luckily we could head home and sleep in our own beds, but you might need to brave another night in the tent if you live further away.

Since you’re back to a more built-up area, you shouldn’t have any problems finding a campsite for the night . You could stay up north in Dornoch, head to Dingwall or back to Inverness and stay in the city.

I hope you enjoyed this 3 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary, and are now inspired to go out and explore some of Scotland! If you liked this post, you might want to check out some of my other Scotland posts , such as Corrieshalloch Gorge: The Ultimate Day Trip Guide , or The Glasgow Mural Trail: Your Complete Guide (With Interactive Map)

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You’ll Also Love

July 11, 2020 at 6:08 pm

I feel so rubbish that I’ve travelled to so many places but barely explored my home country at all! Your post has inspired me to get on that right away!

July 11, 2020 at 9:48 pm

I’m becoming a huge fan of road trips these days! Would love to do this someday. Looks like a gorgeous adventure.

July 11, 2020 at 10:30 pm

This looks like such a fun road trip! Ardmair beach is so cool, I’d love to visit! Thanks for sharing.

July 11, 2020 at 11:04 pm

Looks like you had sooo much fun! I’d love to return to Scotland and go on this road trip!

July 11, 2020 at 11:10 pm

What a great post! I’ve been to Scotland once and fell in love with it. I’ve been dying to go back and even though I saw a lot I haven’t seen any of these beautiful spots. Hopefully next year I can go back and take this route!

July 12, 2020 at 11:46 am

So lucky you leave so close to this. Scotland has always been in my bucket list

July 12, 2020 at 5:27 pm

I could not have read this post at a better time as we are planning to do this route! Thanks so much for all the great info. x

July 12, 2020 at 9:21 pm

Ive been dying to arrange a road trip ( currently wishing for Italy) but now you have turned my attention to Scotland too! 😍

August 12, 2020 at 11:55 pm

I loved Scotland and was intrigued about the wild camping. I heard many stories about locals opening their yards to campers. Sounds beautiful and like a great way to see the country!

August 13, 2020 at 12:50 am

Scotland is so high on my list right now! We want to ret a campervan and do a driving trip, so this itinerary is perfect. Thanks so much.

August 13, 2020 at 4:47 am

What a fun road trip! I really want to visit Scotland some day, adding some of these places to my list (especially those gorgeous beaches)!

August 13, 2020 at 5:52 pm

This looks awesome!! I travel to the UK annually to visit family and have only done a road trip down from Glasgow to the south of England, but would love to do more road trips, especially in Scotland! Thanks for the tips – saving for when we can go!!

August 17, 2020 at 12:16 am

I love the North Cost 500!! It is such a beautiful drive, your photos are stunning! Seeing your photos has made me want to do the road trip again.

October 3, 2020 at 10:12 am

Clashnessie Beach looks stunning – I’d love to explore some of Scotland one of these days.

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North Coast 500: Guide to Scotland’s Most Scenic Road Trip Route

Home » Blog » Europe » United Kingdom » North Coast 500: Guide to Scotland’s Most Scenic Road Trip Route

The North Coast 500 route is the best road trip in the UK. To make the most of your trip through Scotland, it is important to plan ahead. This guide to visiting the NC500 will ensure you have a smooth journey.

Written by guest author: Gemma Spence

Rated the best road trip in the UK, the North Coast 500 (NC500) showcases some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Scottish countryside. 

The route captures everything from historical sights dating back thousands of years, to some of the most pristine sandy beaches and rugged mountains along Scotland’s north coast.

Although the NC500 road trip is a popular driving route, there are actually limited facilities and amenities along the route. Due to how remote this part of Scotland is, pre-planning is necessary. 

To make the most of your North Coast 500 road trip, we’ve broken down everything you need to know. This article is chock-full of insider tips and advice to make your route more comfortable.  

What is the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500 is a 516 mile scenic road trip route around the north highlands in Scotland. Beginning and ending in Inverness, the driving loop showcases some of the most unique and remote sights in the country. 

Dotted with tiny towns with minuscule populations, this part of north Scotland is incredibly remote. You’ll mostly be surrounded by vast wilderness occupied by a variety of wildlife from livestock to deer.

Along the winding roads you will be greeted by countless breathtaking views. You don’t even need to get out of your vehicle to appreciate the scenery—it’s all part of the experience. 

Launched in 2015 as part of the North Highland Initiative, the popularity of this route has increased visitor numbers to these harder to reach areas of Scotland. This has brought many economic benefits to these areas. 

People travel from all over the world to tour the NC500, some by foot, bike, motorbike or supercar. However, the most popular form of travel around the NC500 is by campervan or car.

Psst! Check out our guide to hiring a campervan in Scotland if you want to give a campervan a spin. 

NC500 Planning Guide

Highlights of the nc500, things to know before you go.

• Best time of year to go
• Tips for driving the NC 500

What to pack

• Where to stay

The North Coast 500 Route

The North Coast 500 route is split into 5 different regions: Inverness-shire, The Black Isle, Easter Ross, Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross. 

It officially starts and ends in Inverness , the unofficial “capital city” of the Scottish Highlands. From there it encircles the northernmost part of Scotland, hugging the coast line in a loop back to Inverness. 

Some of the most scenic areas on the route include:

• driving through the mountains in Tongue
• along the coastline in Durness
• the Torridon mountain range

Psst! Don’t leave before you check out our bucket list of fun things to do in Inverness , including the unique Inverness Castle .

There are many highlights of the North Coast 500 that you will want to enjoy on your trip. Many of which are outside and are best visited in fair weather.

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle is located on the east coast of the NC500, just north of the small town of Dornoch. 

The castle dates back to the 13th century. It has been home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland for over 700 years. Visitors can enjoy a stroll around the gardens, admiring the picturesque castle or taking a tour inside.

Duncansby Stacks

Some of the most iconic geological features on the NC500 are the Duncansby Stacks. Some tower up to 60 meters above sea level. 

The sea stacks were formed as a result of erosion against the cliffs. Over time land has crumbled away and left the stacks standing out at sea. 

This is a favorite spot for many to visit. It is located a short drive from John O’Groats, the most northerly village on Scottish mainland. 

Dunnet Head

The northernmost point on mainland Scotland is Dunnet Head. Located near the town of Dunnet in the Caithness region, it is a great place to visit on the NC500 route. 

This wild and rugged part of the coastline is found by following sign posts along a narrow single track road from the town out towards the coast. 

The towering cliffs at Dunnet Head reach a height of over 100 meters tall. It is common to see a lot of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots and razor bills, as well as dolphins, seals and sometimes whales in the water below.

Dunnet Lighthouse is situated at the top of Dunnet Head which was built in 1831 and is still in operation today.

Balnakeil Beach

This picturesque white sand beach makes for a great stop on your North Coast 500 road trip. The beach is wide and includes some large sand dunes, located near Cape Wrath on the north of Scotland.

One of the more unique sights to see on the North Coast 500 is Smoo Cave, located in the village of Durness. 

This fascinating sea cave is formed of three chambers, one at the entrance, the second featuring a waterfall cascading from a hole in the ceiling and freshwater pool and the third chamber at the back of the cave. 

Smoo Cave is believed to be the deepest freshwater pool in Scotland reaching depths of 20 meters. Additionally, Smoo Cave dates back to the neolithic period and it is believed it used to be used as a shelter by the Vikings during their raids along the coast of Scotland.

Achmelvich Beach

One of the most well known beaches in Scotland is Achmelvich Beach. This is due to its white sand and remote location amongst the rugged coastline of this part of Scotland. 

Achmelvich Beach is located 3 miles north west of the small town of Lochinver. It is accessed by following a winding single track road around the bottom of the mountain, adding to the charm of how remote this area of Scotland is.

When you visit Achmelvich Beach, make sure to look out for Hermit’s Castle, Europe’s smallest castle that dates back to 1950. 

Waterfalls near the NC500 route

Due to the significant rainfall in Scotland there are numerous waterfalls located around the North Coast 500 route. Some of the best waterfalls to visit are Clashnessie Falls, Wailing Widow Falls, Fairy Glen Falls and Rogie Falls. 

Whaligoe Steps 

The Whaligoe Steps are one of the more unique sights to visit on the North Coast 500. The 365 steps lead you down to a small harbor surrounded by towering 250 feet cliffs. 

These steps have been in place for over 200 years and are restored regularly by locals.

Bealach Na Ba

The Bealach Na Ba is one of the most famous roads in Scotland due to its picturesque design winding through the mountains and overlooking Loch Kishorn. 

You can expect to have incredible views along this route and it’s actually widely considered one of the best places to visit in Scotland . 

Note: It is advised that large vehicles don’t drive this road, due to how steep and narrow it is.

John o’ Groats

A village on Scotland’s north coast, John o’Groats is also famous because it’s the northernmost point of mainland Britain. In fact, there is a well known route to travel the entire length of the UK, from Land’s End to John o’Groats .

A stop here isn’t complete without snapping a photo in front of the famous John o’Groats sign post.

Endless lochs on the NC500 route

Scotland is also home to some of the most scenic freshwater lakes called lochs. Along the NC500, the lochs are surrounded by mountainous backdrops and make for some pretty incredible scenery. 

Loch Assynt, Loch Maree, Loch Eriboll and Loch Torridon are some of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland and can be visited on the North Coast 500 route.

Corrieshalloch Gorge

Corrieshalloch Gorge is a National Trust Scotland site in the Wester Ross region of the NC500. A visit to the gorge includes a nice walk around the woodland trails, crossing the high suspension bridge that overlooks the Falls of Measach which tumbles 45 meters into the gorge below.

Ardvreck Castle 

Standing on a rocky outcrop in Loch Assynt are the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, which dates back to the 15th century. There are no facilities here however you will be able to see Ardvreck Castle as you are driving along the road.

Stac Pollaidh 

Stac Pollaidh is one of the most popular mountains in the Scottish Highlands. 

The Stac Pollaidh hike is a 4km (2.5-mile) circular trail located near Lochinver. The trail includes 612 meters (1,479 ft) of elevation gain and takes around 3 hours to complete. 

Be prepared for the weather to change quickly if you decide to hike Stac Pollaidh.

Kylesku Bridge

One of the most iconic sights on the North Coast 500 is the Kylesku Bridge. This curved metal bridge crosses Loch a’ Chàirn Bhàin in one of the most scenic and mountainous areas in the Sutherland region. 

There are large car parks on either side of the bridge where you can park to enjoy the views or take some photos.

Psst! If you have time to discover more of the country, don’t miss these epic places to visit in Scotland .

Due to how remote this part of Scotland is, it is advised to plan for your trip to the North Coast 500 before you leave to ensure you have a smooth trip.

Book hotels and accommodation in advance 

With the popularity of driving the NC500, it’s no surprise the restaurants and accommodations along the route can book up far in advance. 

We recommend booking your accommodation as soon as you decide on your North Coast 500 itinerary to make sure you have somewhere comfortable to rest your head. 

Campervan facilities on the NC500

If you are traveling the NC500 in a campervan or motorhome, we recommend using the app Park4night . This will help you to plan where to rest your head for the night and where to find freshwater and waste facilities along the route. 

Staying connected on the NC500

Being so remote, it is likely that you will struggle to have good cell signal along the North Coast 500. We always recommend having an offline map downloaded in case you need it. (You can do this one Google Maps – download the offline version of the map.) 

We recommend getting a SIM card through EE for the best connection around the route.

Reduced facilities

Being in a remote part of the country, you will come across fewer petrol stations and supermarkets along the North Coast 500. In some areas there aren’t any small shops either so make sure you are prepared before you go. 

We recommend planning out your fuel and food stops ahead of time, so you don’t find yourself running out of gas with no petrol stations in sight. 

Best time of year to drive the NC500

The North Coast 500 can be driven at any time of year. However the best chance for good weather would be during the spring or summer months.  

From April onwards, seasonal businesses begin to reopen and outdoor activities such as boat trips and tours will begin running again. 

The traffic around the North Coast 500 will be busy during school holidays therefore we would suggest avoiding these times if possible.

Psst! You’ll find our guide to the best time to visit Scotland helpful to get the full breakdown on what makes each season distinct and unique to help cater to your trip.

Tips for driving the NC500

Follow these tips to give yourself the best experience while driving the North Coast 500 route. 

• Plan your route ahead of time as many of the roads will be narrow and single track, driven on the left. Some roads are not entirely suitable for larger vehicles, especially when heavily trafficked, as some roads have drop off verges. 
• Do not pass cars unless in a passing lane. There are passing lanes situated along many of the single track roads. It is important to be aware that these are used for passing only and not as a parking space. 
• While admiring the scenery, look out for wildlife such as deer as it is common for them to be seen near the roads, especially at night.
• Petrol stations and supermarkets are scarce around the NC500 so it is important to plan your trip with this in mind. You will come across local shops in the villages around the route but for more unique products, you may only be able to purchase these in the supermarkets.

Psst! For more tips and advice, read up on our guide for driving in Scotland .

No matter what time of year you visit Scotland, it is always worth being prepared for the changing weather and remote areas you may be visiting. 

• You won’t need to worry about this if you are visiting in the winter months.
• Comfortable, waterproof shoes or boots: Even if you don’t experience rain, the ground may still be wet from past storms. 
• Waterproof jacket: just in case you experience wet weather on your trip. 
• Dress in layers: these will come in handy as you can dress for whatever weather you are faced with and remove layers should you need to. 

Insider Tip: It is advisable to have your itinerary written out alongside a physical map and download Google maps offline or use a SatNav for directions.

For more ideas on what to pack, download our FREE Scotland packing list .

Where to stay along the North Coast 500

There is a selection of great places to stay around the North Coast 500 route, offering a choice to a variety of budgets. These vary from cabins and glamping pods that offer self catering facilities to hotels and campsites. 

Due to the popularity of the NC500 the restaurants and accommodations can book up very quickly and far in advance. 

Once you’ve committed to the trip and if you have a good idea of a North Coast 500 itinerary , we recommend booking your accommodation to make sure you have somewhere comfortable to rest your head. 

Top lodging recommendations

Old Drynie House, Black Isle : A true B&B with stunning water views, spacious private rooms, and a traditional, formal Scottish breakfast served in a group setting. 

Natural Retreats, John O’Groats : Luxury, self-catering eco-cottages with spectacular views of the ocean and Orkney Islands. Locally-sourced, sustainable materials are used throughout each cottage, alongside modern amenities including large flat-screen TVs with PS3 video game consoles. Onsite bicycle rentals are available. 

Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Campsite : A former historic shooting lodge turned hostel, this is a fantastic affordable accommodation option with both private and shared rooms, plus a campsite. 

Camping on the NC500

Many people choose to drive the NC500 in a campervan or motorhome as there are many campsites around the route. 

If you plan to hire a campervan or motorhome for your NC500 road trip, it is advised to book this in advance as dates will book up fast. You can use the Park4night app to search for waste disposal facilities and fresh water taps around the route.

If you decide to take a tent and camp around the North Coast 500, check out The Scottish Outdoor Access Code which permits camping in a tent in remote areas of the country as long as no trace is left. 

If you plan to have a fire, it is important to raise this off the ground to avoid burning the ground. Any toilet waste should be completed and buried away from water sources. Read up on the 7 principles of Leave No Trace before you go!

Camping around the North Coast 500 is most efficient if you are arriving late in the day and leaving early in the morning.

Psst! This Scotland camping guide has everything you need to know about camping in Scotland, plus some of our top recommended campsites around the country.

NC 500 FAQs

The North Coast 500 road trip requires a lot of planning to make the most of your trip. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the NC500.

How long does it take to do the North Coast 500?

Driving the North Coast 500 can take as long as you need it to. There are so many sights to see that you may not have time to see everything if you try to pack it all in a short amount of time.

We would recommend spending at least 7 days on the North Coast 500 , however, 14 days would allow you to drive the 516 mile route at a more enjoyable pace.

Is the North Coast 500 worth it?

The North Coast 500 has been named the best road trip in the UK on many occasions. So we’d say it is definitely worth a trip up to the Highlands of Scotland to see what all the fuss is about.

Where does the North Coast 500 start and finish?

The North Coast 500 route starts and finishes in Inverness , the capital city of the Scottish Highlands. 

It is up to you which direction you want to go – clockwise or counterclockwise along the route. Many travelers choose to go east to west to enjoy the incredible scenery on the west coast of Scotland at the end of their trip.

Is the North Coast 500 hard to drive?

The North Coast 500 is a popular tourist route, therefore the roads can be very busy with campervans, caravans and even lorries. 

It is important to take care on the narrow roads and use the passing lanes when necessary. However it is not a difficult drive, as long as you are comfortable driving on the left side of the road. 

Do you need a 4×4 vehicle to drive the NC500?

A 4×4 vehicle isn’t required to drive the NC500 route.

What is the best route for the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500 route follows the scenic coastline around the north coast of Scotland. The direction that many people prefer driving is from east to west.

What is the most scenic part of the NC500?

Everyone will have a different opinion on where the most scenic part of the North Coast 500 is. However, we think driving through the Torridon Mountain range showcases some of the most incredible scenery in Scotland.

Why is the NC500 so popular?

The NC500 showcases some of the most remote and scenic areas in Scotland. There is an immense amount of history in the area as well as geographical diversity from towering mountains to white sandy beaches.

The NC500 has also been named the best road trip in the UK on many occasions adding to the popularity of the route.

About the author

Gemma Spence and her partner Campbell are the explorers behind Highlands2hammocks . We aim to inspire alternative living and can be found living in our home on wheels, Ellie, or traveling to destinations around the world. 

Are you planning a trip to Scotland?

We have lots of resources on travel in Scotland and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Scotland Travel Homepage  for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Unforgettable Things to Do in Scotland
• Scottish Foods to Try on Your Next Trip
• Land’s End to John o’Groats: How to Travel the Length of the UK
• How to Plan the Ultimate Scotland Road Trip

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Are you planning to travel the North Coast 500 route around northern Scotland? Which of the highlights are you most excited to see? Let us know if you have questions in the comments below!

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NC500 Itinerary | The Ultimate Time And Route Planner

Trying to create an nc500 itinerary.

Here’s everything you need!

Scotland’s ultimate road trip is the North Coast 500 (NC500). This epic journey takes you through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, showcasing its jaw-dropping landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local culture. With 516 miles of stunning coastline, hidden gems, and enchanting villages, planning your NC500 adventure can be exciting and overwhelming. 

Fear not, fellow explorers! We’re here to guide you every step of the way, offering insider tips, must-see stops, and all the inspiration you need to create an unforgettable experience tailored to your interests, budget, and time constraints. So, buckle up and let’s hit the road!

No time to read now or prefer a white background?

Download this article as a pdf, pop the kettle on and read at your leisure.

How Long Should I Take On The NC500?

To fully experience the NC500, allocate at least 7-10 days for your trip. This will allow you to explore the local culture, attractions, and outdoor activities without feeling rushed. If your time is limited, a 5-day itinerary can cover the main highlights.

If time isn’t an issue, we would suggest you give this stunning drive as much time as you can. We feel that 2 weeks is a great length of time to see everything at a relaxed pace, while also fitting in a few mountain summits and enough time to enjoy some watersports.

When Is The Best Time To Drive The NC500?

If you can embark on this journey at any time of the year, we would say that mid to late September is the best time to drive the NC500. During the summer months everywhere is overcrowded, passing places are more tricky and you will encounter an unfathomable amount of midges (small mosquito-like bugs).

You can also do this trip in April/May time, but waiting until September gives the water a chance to warm a little, for those wishing to do watersports.

If you are brave enough to tackle this route during winter, keep an eye on the weather and be careful during times when there can be snowfall .

What Is The Hardest Part Of The NC500?

The hardest part of the NC500 is often navigating the narrow, single-track roads that are common along the route, particularly in the more remote areas. These roads require extra caution and patience, as they can be winding and have limited visibility around corners. You’ll also encounter passing places – designated spots for vehicles to pull over and allow oncoming traffic to pass or overtake.

To navigate these challenging roads successfully, keep the following tips in mind:

• Drive slowly and be prepared to slow down further or stop when encountering oncoming traffic.
• Use passing places to allow faster vehicles to overtake or to let oncoming traffic pass safely.
• Be mindful of local wildlife, such as sheep and deer, which may wander onto the roads.
• Stay patient and respectful of other drivers, as everyone is there to enjoy the journey.
• If you are not used to driving on the left side of the road (as required in Scotland), take some time to familiarise yourself with this before embarking on the NC500.

By staying vigilant and following these tips, you’ll be able to tackle the hardest part of the NC500 and fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences along the way.

Can You Do The NC500 In 5 Days?

Yes, you can complete the NC500 in 5 days, although it will require a faster pace and potentially skipping some attractions along the way. To make the most of your time, focus on the main highlights and prioritise the sights and experiences that interest you the most. 

You can always skip out the section between Inverness and Applecross (or vice versa) if the most important things you wish to see are along the coast. Unless you have a hire car to return to Inverness of course!

Doing this trip in a Campervan will give you a lot more time and flexibility.

Should I Drive The NC500 Clockwise Or Anticlockwise?

We chose to drive the route anticlockwise for a few reasons:

Our trip started via Northumberland, Edinburgh and Fettercairns. Skye was also on our Scotland itinerary, so we went to Rogie Falls on our way up to Dornoch and skipped out the section between Applecross and Inverness. The most exciting locations were seemingly on the west coast so we wanted to end on a high. 

Why we probably should have drove the route clockwise:

Leaving mid-September meant there was a significant drop in temperature towards the end of the month and we had more water activities planned in the latter half of the trip. The east coast was less active and more sightseeing, ideal for colder weather. After weeks on the road and wild camping, we were pretty tired for our jam-packed Skye itinerary. 

NC500 Itinerary Planner

We will list this itinerary in an anticlockwise direction, however, if you are planning to drive the route clockwise, just use the planner in reverse.

Where To Start Your NC500 Itinerary

Technically, you can start wherever you like, but most people tend to start and end their NC500 itinerary in Inverness. 

The official starting point of the NC500 is the Inverness Castle, you can either start your itinerary here, head to other popular spots in Inverness or just drive straight on through.

Things To Do In Inverness

Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Inverness:

Inverness Castle

Overlooking the River Ness, this 19th-century red sandstone castle is an iconic landmark in Inverness. While the castle itself is not open to the public, you can visit the North Tower for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

Just a short drive from Inverness, Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most famous lakes, known for its legendary mythical creature, the Loch Ness Monster. Enjoy a scenic boat tour, visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, or simply take in the breathtaking views along the shore.

Culloden Battlefield

This historic site marks the location of the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the final confrontation of the Jacobite Rising. Visit the interactive visitor centre to learn about the battle and its significance, then explore the battlefield itself, marked with monuments and memorials.

Urquhart Castle

Situated on the banks of Loch Ness, these picturesque ruins date back to the 13th century and offer a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s medieval history. The castle also provides stunning views of the loch and surrounding countryside.

Inverness Botanic Gardens

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting these beautiful gardens, featuring lush plant collections, a tropical glasshouse, and peaceful water features.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Delve into the history and culture of the Scottish Highlands through a variety of exhibits, including archaeological artefacts, local artwork, and natural history displays.

River Ness And Ness Islands

Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque River Ness, crossing the charming footbridges that lead to the peaceful Ness Islands, a group of small islands in the middle of the river.

Eden Court Theatre

This popular entertainment venue hosts a wide range of performances, including theatre, dance, music, and film screenings. Check their schedule to see what’s on during your visit.

Victorian Market

Located in the heart of Inverness, this historic indoor market features a variety of shops and eateries, offering everything from locally made crafts to delicious food.

Whisky Tasting

As you’re in the heart of whisky country, take advantage of the opportunity to sample some of Scotland’s finest single malts at local pubs or by visiting nearby distilleries, such as Glen Ord Distillery or Tomatin Distillery.

Dolphin Watching

A short drive from Inverness is the famous dolphin watching spot of Chanonry Point, located on the Black Isle in Scotland, near the town of Fortrose. It is considered one of the best onshore locations in the UK to observe bottlenose dolphins up close. 

Inverness > Beauly (15 miles / 24 km)

Depart Inverness and head west on the A862 towards Beauly. The drive should take around 20-30 minutes. We drove through here with no intention of stopping, but when I spotted a tree that looked like a Whomping Willow in the Beauly Priory, I had to get out for a closer look. 

Beauly Priory: A historic 13th-century monastery, now in ruins, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s ecclesiastical past.

Campbell’s of Beauly: A traditional Scottish tailor and outfitter, perfect for picking up some high-quality souvenirs or clothing items.

Take a stroll around the village square and visit local shops, cafes, and galleries.

Beauly > Dingwall (9 miles / 14 km)

Dingwall Museum: Learn about the local history and heritage of the town and surrounding area.

Hector MacDonald Memorial: A monument dedicated to a local hero and soldier, Sir Hector MacDonald.

Explore the town centre, which offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Dingwall > Tain (25 miles / 40 km)

Glenmorangie Distillery: Take a tour of this famous distillery and sample some of Scotland’s finest single malt whiskies.

Tain Through Time: A heritage centre showcasing the history and culture of the town, including the Tain Museum and Collegiate Church of St. Duthus.

Tarbat Discovery Centre : In the nearby village of Portmahomack, is an interactive museum offering insights into the area’s Pictish history and archaeological discoveries.

Struie Hill: Enjoy the beautiful rusty tones that look like a sleeping lion on the hills surrounding Struie Road or go for a hike up Struie Hill on this 4-mile (6.5km) trail.

From Struie Hill looking at Dornoch Firth towards Bonar Bridge, to the left of the bridge in front of the big red building is a picnic spot. This also looked like a great place to park up for the night, but check your Park4Night app for up-to-date information.

Tain > Dornoch (9 miles / 14 km)

Dornoch Cathedral: A beautiful and historic 13th-century cathedral located in the heart of the town.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club: One of the world’s top-rated golf courses, perfect for golf enthusiasts.

Dornoch Beach: A beautiful golden sand beach that will make you question if you are still in Scotland. If beach camping is on your agenda Dornoch Beach and its star-lit sky (on a clear night) should be on your itinerary. 

Dornoch > Brora (16 Miles / 26 km)

Dunrobin Castle: On the way to Brora is a beautiful mid-19th-century, fairytale castle. Dunrobin Castle is open to public visits for an admission fee. 

Brora Beach: Wander along this beautiful stretch of coastline, ideal for beachcombing and wildlife spotting.

Clynelish Distillery: Tour this historic distillery, where you can learn about the whisky-making process and sample some fine single malts.

Brora Heritage Centre: Delve into the village’s history, including its role in the Industrial Revolution and the Highland Clearances.

💡 Top Tip: There are no petrol stations between Brora and Wick, keep an eye on your fuel consumption and pre-plan your fuel stops. 

Brora > Helmsdale (11 Miles / 18 km)

Timespan Museum and Arts Centre: Learn about the local history, culture, and art at this award-winning museum and gallery.

Helmsdale Harbour: Take a walk around this picturesque harbour, a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

The Emigrants Monument: Pay homage to the thousands of Highlanders who left their homes during the Highland Clearances at this poignant memorial.

Helmsdale > Dunbeath (14 miles / 22 km)

Dunbeath Castle: Admire this impressive 17th-century castle perched on a cliff overlooking the North Sea (Note: The castle is privately owned and not open to the public, but can be viewed from a distance).

Dunbeath Heritage Centre: Explore the local history and culture of Dunbeath and its surrounding area.

Dunbeath Strath: Enjoy a scenic walk along this beautiful river valley, taking in the diverse flora and fauna.

Dunbeath > Wick (20 Miles / 32 km)

The Grey Cairns Of Camster: The Camster Cairns provide a fascinating insight into the burial practices and architectural skills of the Neolithic people who once inhabited the region.

Whaligoe Steps: The name Whaligoe is a combination of Whale and Goe. Goe is Scottish for fishing port and Whales used to regularly be sighted and even washed up in this little fishing cove. 

Wick Heritage Centre: Immerse yourself in the town’s fascinating history, including its role in the herring industry and connections to the Viking Age.

Old Pulteney Distillery: Tour one of the most northerly distilleries on the Scottish mainland, and sample its award-winning whisky.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe: Explore the atmospheric ruins of this 15th-century castle, perched atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea.

Wick > John o’ Groats (16 miles / 26 km)

Duncansby Head: Admire the impressive sea stacks and enjoy a short coastal walk for panoramic views.

John o’ Groats: Visit this iconic village, known as the most northeasterly point on the British mainland.

Caithness Seacoast: Embark on a thrilling boat tour along the Caithness coast, offering the opportunity to spot wildlife and admire stunning sea cliffs.

Dunnet Head: Explore the most northerly point of mainland Britain, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

John o’ Groats > Thurso (19 miles / 30 km)

Dunnet Bay Distillery: Visit this artisan distillery, home to Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka.

Mary Ann’s Cottage: Visit this well-preserved 19th-century Croft house for a glimpse into traditional Highland life.

Caithness Horizons Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Caithness through interactive exhibits.

Scrabster Harbour: Stroll along this bustling harbour and watch the boats come and go.

Old St Peter’s Church: Visit this historic church and graveyard, dating back to the 12th century.

Thurso > Bettyhill (43 miles / 69 km)

Strathy Beach: Relax on this remote sandy beach, perfect for a break and a scenic walk.

Farr Stone: Visit this Bronze Age standing stone located near the village of Bettyhill.

Strathnaver Museum: Dive into the local history at this museum located in a former church.

Bettyhill > Tongue (33 miles / 53 km)

Borgie Forest: Wander through this enchanting woodland, home to diverse flora and fauna.

Coldbackie Beach: Admire the breathtaking views and take a stroll along this picturesque beach.

Castle Varrich: Hike up to the ruins of this ancient castle, offering panoramic views of the Kyle of Tongue.

Tongue Bay: Take a leisurely walk along this scenic bay and enjoy the stunning landscape.

Ben Loyal: Embark on a hike to the summit of this distinctive mountain, known as the “Queen of Scottish Mountains.”

Tongue > Durness (30 miles / 48 km)

Ben Hope: Take on the 4.75 miles (7.5 km) hike to the top of Scotland’s most northerly Munro.

Smoo Cave: Explore this fascinating sea cave with a large freshwater chamber.

Sango Sands Beach: Relax on this beautiful sandy beach, perfect for a break and a scenic walk.

Cocoa Mountain Shop: Chocoholics should definitely add this to their NC500 Itinerary, sample some cocoa goodies and the proudly advertised “Best Hot Chocolate”.

Durness > Scourie (24 miles / 39 km)

Balnakeil Beach: Stroll along this picturesque beach, taking in the stunning coastal views.

Faraid Head: Enjoy a coastal walk to this headland, offering panoramic views and birdwatching opportunities.

Handa Island Wildlife Reserve: Take a boat trip to this island reserve, home to thousands of seabirds and dramatic cliffs.

Sandwood Bay: Take this remote coastal path on an 8 mile roundtrip hike to this stunning beach.

Scourie Beach: Relax on this picturesque sandy beach and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Scourie Headland Walk: Embark on a short walk around the headland for breathtaking views of the coastline.

Hermit’s Castle: Visit this tiny, intriguing structure made of concrete, located near Achmelvich Beach.

The valleys from Durness to Scourie will leave you wondering if you are passing through Middle Earth.

Scourie > Drumbeg (20 miles / 32 km)

Kylesku Bridge: Admire this striking modern bridge spanning Loch a’ Chàirn Bhàin.

K ylesku: Keep an eye out for wild dear on the road near Kylesku, for an up-close gander at Bambi, this area is great for wild camping too. But please be respectful and don’t disturb the wildlife. 

Drumbeg Viewpoint: Stop at this viewpoint for stunning vistas of the rugged coastline and surrounding landscape.

Drumbeg > Lochinver (14 miles / 22 km)

Clashnessie Falls: If the weather hasn’t been too dry these falls are often magnificent. 

Clachtoll Beach: Enjoy a break at this beautiful sandy beach, perfect for a leisurely walk.

Flossie’s Beach Store: The perfect brunch stop. Grab your classic Scottish butties here.

Achmelvich Beach: Achmelvich beach offers a campsite and wild camping. The multiple beach coves are a great place for sea kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling. The smooth beige sand and clear blue waters will have you questioning whether or not you are still in Bonnie Scotland.

Stoer Lighthouse : Visit this historic lighthouse and take in the breathtaking views of the coastline.

Inverkirkaig Falls: Take a short hike to these impressive waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery.

Drumbeg Loop: Drive this scenic route around the Drumbeg Peninsula, offering stunning views of the coast and mountains. The road from Kylesku to Drumbeg is a singletrack road and not for the faint-hearted. Take these roads cautiously, one stretch is a gradient of 25%. 

Lochinver > Inchnadamph (13 miles / 21 km)

Ardvreck Castle: Visit the ruins of this 16th-century castle, situated on the shores of Loch Assynt. The castle offers a glimpse into Scotland’s turbulent history and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Loch Assynt: Spend the afternoon relaxing by the serene waters of Loch Assynt, where you can enjoy picnicking, fishing, or simply taking in the stunning scenery.

Inchnadamph > Elphin (9 miles / 14 km)

Bone Caves: Hike to the fascinating Bone Caves, located about 2 miles (3.2 km) from Inchnadamph. These limestone caves hold archaeological treasures, including the remains of prehistoric animals.

Elphin Tea Rooms and Gallery: Browse the artwork by local artists at this delightful tea room and gallery, where you can also enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

Elphin > Ullapool (15 miles / 24 km)

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve: Visit this fascinating geological site, where you can explore walking trails, enjoy panoramic views, and learn about the area’s ancient history at the visitor centre. The car park offers overnight parking, a small wild camping area, picnic tables, toilets and a shower. 

Stac Pollaidh: We underestimated Stac Polliadh for its views. The climb is pretty easy and has a well marked out footpath, the rewards for this simple climb are beyond comprehension. If you only add one hike to your NC500 Itinerary, make it this one.

Ullapool Museum: Discover the rich history of this coastal village at the Ullapool Museum, housed in a beautifully restored Thomas Telford Parliamentary Church.

Ullapool Harbour: Round off your day with a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Ullapool Harbour, where you can watch fishing boats come and go, dine at one of the many seafood restaurants, or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Ullapool: This town is pretty geared up for campers. It offers a huge campsite, a laundrette, a large free overnight car park next to a Tesco Extra and a public shower on West Argyle Street. 

Also on this street, you will find the Seafood Shack, an award-winning street food van offering a selection of restaurant quality fish dishes. If fish isn’t your thing, across the street is The Ceileigh Place to grab a bite and a cold one. 

There is a chippy (Fish and Chip shop) on Quay Street and a Cafe on the A893 which joins Quay Street and West Shore Street. Next to The Seafood Shack is an Outdoor shop filled with hiking, climbing and camping equipment. If you need to pick up any maps, camping gas, or equipment this is the place to go.

Ullapool > Aultbea (44 miles / 70 km)

Corrieshalloch Gorge: Begin your day with a visit to this awe-inspiring gorge, featuring a dramatic suspension bridge and a stunning waterfall known as the Falls of Measach.

Russian Arctic Convoy Exhibition: Learn about the fascinating history of the Arctic convoys during World War II at this informative museum.

Aultbea Beach: Spend some downtime relaxing on the pebble beach at Aultbea, taking in the beautiful coastal scenery and watching for wildlife.

Aultbea > Gairloch (12 miles / 19 km)

Inverewe Garden: Visit this remarkable subtropical garden, filled with exotic plants and boasting beautiful views of Loch Ewe.

Gairloch Marine Wildlife Centre & Cruises: Here you can learn about the local marine life and even embark on a wildlife-watching cruise.

Gairloch Heritage Museum: Discover the history of Gairloch and its people at this engaging museum, featuring exhibits on local industries, archaeology, and more.

Big Sands Beach: Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Big Sands Beach, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. Big Sands campsite offers great facilities and parking for non-campers.

Red Point: Head to this stunning location to catch breathtaking sunsets.

Gairloch > Kinlochewe (20 miles / 32 km)

Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve: Begin your day with a visit to this spectacular nature reserve, offering walking trails through ancient pinewoods, beautiful lochs, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Loch Maree: Spend some time exploring the serene waters of Loch Maree, known for its diverse wildlife, including black-throated divers and golden eagles.

Kinlochewe Viewpoint: Head to this stunning viewpoint, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, including the impressive Beinn Eighe massif.

Kinlochewe > Applecross (32 miles / 51 km)

Beinn Eighe & Liathach: Hike one (or both if you have time) of the most famous peaks in the Torridons. Summiting the two Munros of Beinn Eighe should take roughly 7-9 hours while Liathach is roughly 8-10 hours. These hikes are great additions to your NC500 Itinerary.

Bealach na Bà: Drive along this famous mountain pass, boasting hairpin bends and incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

Applecross Heritage Centre: Learn about the history of the Applecross Peninsula at this informative heritage centre, featuring exhibits on local archaeology, culture, and wildlife.

Applecross Walled Garden: Stroll through this beautiful garden, showcasing a variety of plants and offering stunning views of the nearby mountains.

Applecross Peninsula Drive: If you have time the loop around the coast of the Applecross peninsula is absolutely stunning and well worth the extra miles. 

The best way to drive the Applecross Peninsula, if you are going anticlockwise, is to head South from Sheildag towards Tornapress. Do a clockwise circle on the Bealach na Ba Pass until you reach Shieldaig again in a full circular route. 

We gave an entire day to the route, we wanted to do it slowly and stop to get out or take pictures at every opportunity, there were many. Take the time to soak in the views of the Isle of Raasay and the Cullins of Skye. 

Take it easy along the road past Applecross and keep an eye out for Highland cows. Most articles will tell you this is a knarly drive, but it’s no different to all of the other singletrack routes in Scotland and certainly not as sketchy as roads like the Hard Knott Pass in the Lake District. 

Drive slowly and use the passing places available to avoid oncoming vehicles. 

Applecross > Lochcarron 12 miles (19 km)

Attadale Gardens: Visit these beautiful gardens, featuring a variety of plant collections, sculptures, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Lochcarron Weavers: Discover the art of traditional Scottish weaving at this working mill, where you can browse a wide range of tartans and other woollen products.

Strome Castle: Head to the ruins of this 15th-century castle, offering spectacular views of Loch Carron and the surrounding mountains.

Lochcarron > Inverness (63 miles / 101 km)

Rogie Falls: This is a beautiful spot to visit in the morning, the soft glow of the golden morning light adds to the beauty of the waterfall and leaping salmon. 

Victorian Spa Pavilion: Visit this beautifully restored Victorian pavilion, which hosts a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Strathpeffer Pump Room: Learn about the history of this spa town at the Pump Room, where visitors once came to “take the waters” for their health benefits.

Castle Leod: Explore the grounds of this 16th-century castle, home to the Earl of Cromartie and open to the public on select days throughout the year.

5-Day NC500 Highlights Itinerary

This 5-day NC500 itinerary covers the main highlights of the NC500, starting and ending in Inverness, and travelling anticlockwise.

Day 1: Inverness > John O’Groats (120 miles / 193 km)

Dunrobin Castle: A magnificent stately home with beautiful gardens, open for guided tours and falconry displays.

Whaligoe Steps: A historic set of 365 steps that descend to a small harbour, offering stunning views of the coastline.

Castle Sinclair & Girnigoe: From the road, this looks like a small abandoned building but when getting up close this castle grounds expands from sea level and up the cliff top. 

Duncansby Stacks: Impressive sea stacks located near Duncansby Head, accessible via a short coastal walk.

Day 2: John O’Groats > Durness (90 miles / 144 km)

Dunnet Head: The most northerly point of mainland Britain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and a chance to spot seabirds and marine life.

Strathy Bay: Take a little downtime on this stunning north coast beach.

Smoo Cave: A fascinating sea cave with a large freshwater chamber, accessible by guided tours or a short walk from the car park.

Day 3: Durness > Clashnessie > Ullapool (102 miles / 164 km)

Ardvreck Castle: A 16th-century ruin located on the shores of Loch Assynt, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Scotland’s past.

Kylesku Bridge: A striking modern bridge spanning the Loch a’ Chàirn Bhàin, providing a scenic viewpoint.

Clashnessie Falls: Park up near the beach on your way through Clashnessie and take a short stroll up to the falls.

Flossie’s Beach Store: Stop for a butty and a cuppa at Flossie’s.

Achmelvich Beach: Have a short break at this beautiful white sand beach.  

Day 4: Ullapool > Gairloch (55 miles / 88 km)

Stac Pollaidh: Hike this relatively easy mountain for extremely rewarding panoramic views from the top. This route is 2.75 miles (4.5km) and takes roughly 2-4 hours, it’s one of our favourite hikes in Scotland.

Lael Forest Garden: A beautiful woodland garden with a variety of tree species from around the world.

Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach: A dramatic gorge with a suspension bridge, offering stunning views of the 150-foot waterfall.

Day 5: Gairloch > Applecross > Inverness (127 miles / 204 km)

Bealach na Bà: This is one of the most beautiful mountain passes in the UK, in an absolutely stunning location. This was definitely one of our favourite driving sections on the NC500. 

Rogie Falls: A picturesque waterfall and forest walk, perfect for a short break and photo opportunity.

10-Day NC500 Hiking & Highlights Itinerary

Embark on a thrilling 10-day journey along the NC500. This itinerary covers the main highlights of the NC500, including hiking adventures at Ben Hope and Stac Pollaidh, starting and ending in Inverness, and travelling clockwise.

Day 1: Inverness > Chanonry Point > Beauly > Tain (64 miles / 103 km)

Chanonry Point: Head out early to look for Dolphins at this famous Dolphin spotting location on the Black Isle. Check the tide times, the best viewing time tends to be 1hr after low tide. 

Fyrish Monument: Take a short hike to this unique monument, offering panoramic views of the Cromarty Firth.

Glenmorangie Distillery: Tour this renowned distillery and sample its award-winning single malt whisky.

If you have time take a drive through the picturesque village of Beauly, and stroll through the streets of Inverness.

Day 2: Tain > John O’Groats (85 miles / 137 km)

Day 3: john o’groats > strathy bay (41 miles / 66 km).

Spend the day exploring the northernmost points of mainland Britain:

Duncansby Stacks: Take a short coastal walk to admire these impressive sea stacks near Duncansby Head. On the path to Duncansby Stacks, there’s a rope leading down the cliffs to the beach. The way down is fairly steep but more than achievable for most.

Dunnet Head: Visit the most northerly point of the mainland UK with spectacular 360-degree views of the peninsula, overlooking nearby Lochs and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Thurso: The small town of Thurso offers Caithness Wildlife Tours. It also has a Lidl and was our stop to top up on our shopping. If you’re wild camping, stock up here as there isn’t much in the way of cheap eats between here and Ullapool. 

💡 Top Tip: The Tongue Hotel in Tongue offers affordable lunch options and the Spar in Durness has quick pick-up options and hot coffee. Other than these, there isn’t much on the route, so grab more than you think you need in Thurso just to be on the safe side. Also, fill up your petrol here, there are only a few small pay-at-the-pump fuel stops between here and Ullapool.

Strathy Bay: This is a great spot to wind down for the evening and offers excellent wild camping facilities.

Day 4: Strathy Bay > Ben Hope (37 miles / 59 km round trip)

Ben Hope: The most northerly Munro in Scotland with breathtaking views and cascading waterfalls. This route is 4.75 miles (7.5km) and takes roughly 4-6 hours.

Remember to pack accordingly for any hike, sturdy footwear, layers and a waterproof outer layer are the minimum requirements for a hike like this. We had lovely calm weather at the base and hectic winds at the summit. Always be prepared and check the weather forecasts before setting off.

If you’re in a campervan or are wild camping, there are plenty of spots to pitch up for the night at the base on Ben Hope.

Day 5: Durness > Blairmore (22 miles / 35 km)

Smoo Cave: Explore this fascinating sea cave with a large freshwater chamber, accessible via guided tours or a short walk from the car park.

Sandwood Bay: Embark on this 8-mile (round trip) hike to one of Scotland’s most remote beaches, then reward yourself with some downtime or a picnic on the beach.

Day 6: Blairmore > Drumbeg > Achmelvich 52 miles (84 km)

Drumbeg Peninsular: The road from Drumbeg to Kylesku is a singletrack road and not for the faint-hearted. Take these roads cautiously, one stretch is a gradient of 25%. The rollercoaster roads lead to a viewing point of Loch Drumbeg. 

Clashnessie Falls: Park up near the beach on your way through Clashnessie and take a short stroll up to the falls. Once you reach the path to the falls there are two routes. The righthand route is through a shoe submerging muddy path and the left requires you to cross the flowing river on stepping stones precariously. Whichever way you choose make sure you are wearing sturdy water/splashproof footwear. (Unless you visit at a particularly dry time of year)

Day 7: Achmelvich >  Lochinver 4 miles (6 km)

Achmelvich Beach: Take a relaxing break at this stunning white sand beach and enjoy the unbelievable crystal blue water.

Ardvreck Castle: Visit the ruins of this 16th-century castle located on the shores of Loch Assynt. We had a lovely kayak on the loch and a picnic on the shores.

Day 8: Lochinver > Stac Pollaidh > Gairloch (85 miles / 136 km)

The path follows a loop, to the left is a gentle climb and parts of the path become quite boggy. The righthand path is dry and a little steeper. When reaching the top of the walking path you are greeted with the outcrop of rock that’s made Stac Polliadh Insta Famous. 

But beyond the walking path are lots of scramble routes which eventually lead to the true summit. Most people were happy to grab their Insta photo and head back down, we decided to explore the paths to see if we could reach the summit. 

The scrambles varied, most of them being fairly easy, aside from one short vertical pitch, with a sketchy drop on either side right before the summit. If you take the scramble route to the true summit be very careful and sure of yourself, a small slip here could be a long tumble down. 

Gairloch: Head to Gairloch for the night, ready for another hiking day tomorrow.

Day 9: Gairloch > Beinn Eighe > Torridon (30 miles / 48 km)

Beinn Eighe: Tick off two Munros on this full-day hike in the Torridons! A trail of 11 miles (18 km) should take roughly 7-9 hours. 

Head to Torridon for the night and a final driving day tomorrow.

Day 10: Torridon > Applecross Peninsular > Inverness (113 miles / 181 km)

Applecross: Most people drive the Applecross Pass, Bealach na Bà, we decided to loop the entire peninsular, this will add miles to the journey so if you would like to make it shorter you absolutely can, however, the coastal drive is definitely worth it if you have time.

Rogie Falls: Take a short walk to the suspension bridge to see these picturesque waterfalls, try to spot the leaping salmon and enjoy the surrounding woodland. 

Is The NC500 Worth It?

We can confidently say that the NC500 is absolutely worth it for those seeking a memorable and diverse road trip experience. After spending years travelling abroad, we were both shocked at how stunning the Scottish Highlands were, Scotland has now become one of our favourite travel destinations . The NC500 has gained international recognition as one of the most spectacular road trips in the world, offering a mix of stunning landscapes, rich history, and authentic local experiences.

The NC500 takes you through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, showcasing its breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture. Here are a few reasons to take on this amazing road trip:

Stunning scenery : From dramatic mountain passes like Bealach na Bà to pristine beaches such as Sandwood Bay, the NC500 offers an ever-changing landscape that will leave you in awe.

Historic sites : Discover ancient castles like Ardvreck Castle and fairy-tale-like Dunrobin Castle, which provide a glimpse into Scotland’s rich past.

Unique local experiences : Visit traditional distilleries like Glenmorangie and Old Pulteney, where you can sample exquisite Scotch whiskies, or explore artistic communities like Balnakeil Craft Village for a taste of local creativity.

Delicious food options : Indulge in fresh seafood, local cheeses, and farm-to-table specialities at renowned eateries like the Applecross Inn and Kylesku Hotel.

However, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider before embarking on your NC500 itinerary:

Narrow roads : Single-track roads in some sections can be challenging for inexperienced drivers or those unfamiliar with driving on the left side of the road.

Weather : Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for rain and changing conditions, even during the summer months.

Time constraints : To fully enjoy the NC500, it’s recommended to allocate at least 7-10 days for the journey, which may not be feasible for everyone.

North Coast 500 Beaches

The NC500 is no stranger to incredible beaches. Some of them are so pristine with clear blue water and white sand, that it’s easy to forget that you are in fact in the UK. Each beach area along the route offers unique natural beauty, exciting activities, and convenient facilities to ensure an unforgettable experience for all. Here are our top 5 beaches to add to your NC500 itinerary:

Sango Bay is a stunning beach located in the village of Durness, on the northwest coast of Scotland. The bay is known for its striking coastal landscapes, pristine sands, and clear blue waters.

Beach and Surroundings: Sango Bay features a mix of golden sand and rocky outcrops, set against the dramatic backdrop of towering cliffs. The beach is divided into two parts – Sango Sands to the east and Sango Bay West to the west – both offering breathtaking views and ample space for relaxation. Rock pools can be found at low tide, providing opportunities for exploration and wildlife spotting.

Wildlife and Flora: The bay and its surrounding area are home to various wildlife species, such as seabirds, seals, and occasionally dolphins or whales. The coastal cliffs serve as nesting sites for birds like guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. The area also boasts diverse plant life, including wildflowers and coastal grasses.

Activities: Sango Bay is perfect for a range of activities, including sunbathing, swimming, walking, and beachcombing. The bay’s exposed location can sometimes create suitable conditions for surfing, particularly during the winter months when swells are more consistent.

Access and Facilities: Sango Bay is easily accessible, with parking available at the nearby Sango Sands Oasis campsite. From the parking area, a short walk leads you to the beach. Facilities at the campsite include restrooms, showers, a shop, and a bar. There is also a local pub, The Smiddy, within walking distance of the bay.

Achmelvich Beach 

Achmelvich Beach, close to Lochinver, is a stunning white sandy beach with crystal-clear waters that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. This Blue Flag beach offers a range of activities, including kayaking, windsurfing, and coastal walks. There’s a campsite nearby, as well as public restrooms and a seasonal food truck offering delicious snacks.

Beach and Surroundings: The beach at Achmelvich is characterized by its fine, white sand and sheltered bay, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and water activities. The area is surrounded by rolling hills and rocky cliffs, creating a picturesque backdrop for visitors to enjoy. At low tide, rock pools can be found along the shore, offering opportunities for exploration and wildlife spotting.

Activities: Achmelvich Beach is an ideal spot for various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The clear waters and sheltered location make it particularly suitable for families with children. Additionally, the beach is a popular destination for walkers, with several coastal trails starting from the beach area, including the walk to the nearby Hermit’s Castle – a small stone hut built into the rocks.

Access and Facilities: Achmelvich Beach can be reached by car, with a small parking area available near the beach. Keep in mind that the road leading to the beach is narrow and winding, so drive cautiously. There are basic facilities available, including public restrooms and a seasonal snack bar. The nearest village, Lochinver, offers more amenities such as shops, restaurants, and accommodation options.

Camping and Accommodation: There’s a campsite close to the beach, Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel, which offers camping pitches, as well as dormitory-style accommodation. The campsite operates during the summer months and provides basic facilities for campers.

Strathy Bay 

​​Strathy Bay is a beautiful, secluded beach located on the north coast of Scotland, near the village of Strathy in Sutherland. This picturesque bay is known for its unspoiled sandy beach, dramatic cliffs, and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty.

Overnight Parking and Camping : Strathy Beach offers an idyllic, free camping spot, equipped with bins, a toilet and a shower. The pitch is next to a small graveyard that overlooks the beach. When we arrived there were already a few campervans here and as we went in low season, I can imagine this location is quite sought after in high season. 

We decided to venture a little further away from the main spot and were lucky enough to notice a slightly driven-in path, on the grass, just past the graveyard heading back toward the main road. This leads to a little hidden spot above the graveyard that overlooks the beach. 

If you head to Strathy Bay have a little look around for spots away from the main camping area and if you’re pitching a tent rather than car or van sleeping there are plenty of private options. 

Beach and Surroundings: The beach at Strathy Bay features golden sand and rocky outcrops, with a small river (Strathy River) flowing into the sea. The surrounding cliffs provide shelter from the winds, creating a peaceful ambience. The bay is perfect for strolling, sunbathing, picnicking, or simply enjoying the stunning coastal views.

Surfing: The bay’s exposed location makes it a popular spot for surfing when the conditions are suitable. The waves are generally consistent and offer a fun experience for both beginner and intermediate surfers. However, it’s important to be aware of the strong currents and potential hazards, such as submerged rocks.

Balnakeil Beach

Nestled near the village of Durness, Balnakeil Beach is a vast expanse of powdery white sand, contrasting beautifully with the azure waters and rugged cliffs. The area is home to an array of wildlife, including seabirds and seals. Don’t miss the nearby Balnakeil Craft Village for local arts and crafts. 

Beach and Surroundings: Balnakeil Beach offers a wide stretch of fine sand backed by grassy dunes, providing ample space for relaxation and various activities. The surrounding landscape features dramatic cliffs, creating a picturesque and tranquil atmosphere. At low tide, rock pools can be found along the shore, offering opportunities for exploration and wildlife spotting.

Activities: The beach is perfect for various activities such as sunbathing, swimming, walking, and beachcombing. Additionally, the bay’s exposed location can sometimes create suitable conditions for surfing and windsurfing, particularly during the winter months when swells are more consistent.

Wildlife and Flora: Balnakeil Beach and its surrounding area are home to diverse wildlife species, such as seabirds, seals, and various marine creatures that inhabit the rock pools. The nearby Balnakeil Bay is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its importance as a breeding ground for several bird species, including terns and waders.

Access and Facilities: Balnakeil Beach can be reached by car, with a parking area available near Balnakeil Craft Village. From the parking area, a short walk leads you to the beach. There are no public restrooms at the beach itself, but facilities can be found in the nearby craft village.

Sandwood Bay 

​​Sandwood Bay is a stunning, remote beach located on the northwest coast of Scotland in the Sutherland region. It is part of the Scottish Natural Heritage’s Sandwood Estate, which covers approximately 4,500 hectares of land. The bay is renowned for its natural beauty, with a mile-long stretch of pink-tinged sand, dunes, and dramatic cliffs.

Access: Sandwood Bay is not accessible by car, making it a true hidden gem. To reach the beach, visitors must embark on a 4-mile (6.4 km) walk from the nearest car park at Blairmore, near Kinlochbervie. The hike takes you through moorland, peat bogs, and small lochs, offering a glimpse of the diverse landscape of the Scottish Highlands. The walk takes about 2-3 hours each way, depending on your pace.

Am Buachaille: One of the most iconic features of Sandwood Bay is Am Buachaille, a dramatic sea stack rising 65 meters (213 feet) from the ocean. The sea stack is popular among climbers, offering a challenging ascent with rewarding views of the bay.

Folklore and Legends: Sandwood Bay has its share of local legends and folklore. One such tale speaks of a ghostly shipwreck, the remains of which can sometimes be seen during storms. Another legend tells of a mermaid who was caught by a local fisherman, only to be released when she promised never to harm anyone in the area.

Camping and Facilities: There are no facilities at Sandwood Bay, which adds to its unspoiled charm. However, wild camping is allowed, as long as campers follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and leave no trace. Keep in mind that the area can be exposed to harsh weather conditions, so it’s essential to be well-prepared if you plan to camp overnight.

North Coast 500 Campsites

When planning your NC500 camping adventure, always book your campsites in advance, especially during peak season. While there are plenty of wild camping spots and areas suitable to park overnight, it’s often a necessity to use the facilities offered at a campsite.

Applecross Campsite

Location: Applecross , Wester Ross

Amenities: This scenic campsite offers pitches for tents, motorhomes, and caravans, along with electric hookups, laundry facilities, restrooms, showers, and Wi-Fi.

Pricing: Prices vary depending on the season and type of pitch, starting from £10 per adult per night.

Unique Selling Points: Situated near the famous Bealach na Bà mountain pass, this campsite boasts stunning views of the Inner Sound and the Isle of Skye . Enjoy local seafood at the nearby Applecross Inn or visit the beautiful Applecross Walled Garden.

Gairloch Caravan and Camping Site

Location: Gairloch , Wester Ross

Amenities: This well-maintained site offers tent and caravan pitches, electric hookups, laundry facilities, restrooms, showers, and an on-site shop.

Pricing: Prices start from £9 per adult per night.

Unique Selling Points: Located close to the charming village of Gairloch, this campsite provides easy access to local attractions such as the Gairloch Heritage Museum, Big Sand Beach, and the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.

Clachtoll Beach Campsite

Location: Clachtoll , near Lochinver, Sutherland

Amenities: This beachside campsite features pitches for tents, motorhomes, caravans, electric hookups, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi.

Pricing: Prices begin at £10 per adult per night.

Unique Selling Points: With direct access to the stunning Clachtoll Beach, this campsite is perfect for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Explore the nearby Assynt coastal walk or visit the picturesque village of Lochinver.

Ardmair Point Holiday Centre

Location: Ullapool , Wester Ross

Amenities: This holiday centre offers pitches for tents, motorhomes, caravans, electric hookups, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a children’s play area, and Wi-Fi.

Pricing: Prices start from £10 per adult per night.

Unique Selling Points: Set against a stunning coastal backdrop, this campsite is just a short drive from the bustling fishing village of Ullapool. Visit the Ullapool Museum, enjoy local seafood, or take a scenic boat trip to the Summer Isles.

Sango Sands Oasis Campsite

Location: Durness , Sutherland

Amenities: This campsite offers pitches for tents, motorhomes, caravans, electric hookups, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and an on-site bar and restaurant.

Pricing: Prices begin at £9 per adult per night.

Unique Selling Points: Overlooking the beautiful Sango Bay, this campsite is within walking distance of Smoo Cave and Balnakeil Craft Village. Enjoy the breathtaking beaches of Durness and explore the rugged beauty of Cape Wrath.

Tips for Your North Coast 500 Road Trip

If you plan to be on the road for over two weeks, plan for some downtime. You might get plenty if it rains a lot. But if you get lucky like we did and much of the trip is dry, active and jam-packed, you’ll be pretty tired. 

Don’t burn out trying to fit everything in without breathing space. Sometimes just a lazy Netflix morning, a late cooked breakfast at a cafe or an afternoon start is enough to recharge your batteries.

• Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season.
• Pack rain gear and layers, as the weather can be very unpredictable.
• Fuel up whenever possible, as petrol stations can be scarce in remote areas.
• Drive cautiously on single-track roads and use passing places to let other vehicles through.
• Respect the environment and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. 

Traditional Scottish Dishes To Try

Trying local dishes is a really important part of our travel experience, no matter how obscure some of them may seem. Many places now also have veggie options for meat-based traditional dishes. 

To find the best places to eat, we ask locals or head to Google Maps for locations and reviews. The option to type in requests like “haggis near me” into Google Maps is such a huge time saver, not only do you get the closest options, but you also get their Google reviews.

If food is also a big part of your travel experience, don’t forget to add hunting down some of these dishes while creating your NC500 Itinerary.

Food For Your NC500 Itinerary

Considered Scotland’s national dish, haggis is a savoury pudding made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt. It is traditionally encased in the sheep’s stomach and boiled, although modern versions may use artificial casings. Haggis is often served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), and accompanied by a dram of Scotch whisky.

Cullen Skink

This hearty soup originates from the town of Cullen in the northeast of Scotland. It is made from smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, cooked in a creamy broth. Cullen Skink is often enjoyed as a starter or a comforting main course on a cold day.

A popular snack in Scotland, Scotch pies are small, round, double-crusted meat pies typically filled with minced mutton or other meats. The crust is made from hot water pastry, making it firm and crispy, perfect for eating on the go.

A traditional Scottish comfort food, stovies are a one-pot dish made from potatoes, onions, and leftover meat such as roast beef or lamb. The ingredients are slowly cooked together, creating a delicious, savoury dish often served with oatcakes or crusty bread.

Black Pudding

A type of blood sausage, black pudding is made from pork blood, oatmeal, and various spices. It is often served as part of a traditional Scottish breakfast or as an accompaniment to other dishes.

A classic Scottish dessert, cranachan is a delightful combination of whipped cream, honey, fresh raspberries, and toasted oatmeal, often flavoured with a splash of Scotch whisky. It is traditionally served in tall glasses and layered to create an appealing presentation.

Clootie Dumpling

This spiced fruit pudding is made by wrapping a mixture of flour, suet, sugar, spices, and dried fruits in a cloth (or “cloot”) and boiling it until cooked. Once cooled, the dumpling is turned out onto a plate and often served with custard or cream. Clootie dumpling is particularly popular during the festive season and on special occasions.

Fish Supper

If you’re after a traditional chippy* experience, you can opt for battered fish, a haggis fritter and chips. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can finish with a can of Irn Bru and a battered Mars Bar for dessert.

*chippy, also known as chipper, is a traditional fish and chip shop.

Crafting the perfect NC500 Itinerary is an exciting endeavour that allows you to experience the breathtaking beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of the Scottish Highlands. By carefully selecting your destinations, prioritising popular attractions, and allocating sufficient time for exploration and relaxation, you’ll create a memorable journey that showcases the best of Scotland. 

Remember to embrace the spontaneity of travel, allowing yourself the flexibility to savour unexpected discoveries along the way. As you embark on this unforgettable adventure, you’ll undoubtedly leave with a deeper appreciation for the enchanting landscapes and charming communities that grace the iconic North Coast 500 route.

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Teri-Anne is the owner and author of An Aimless Walk, a blog that helps travellers, adventure sports enthusiasts and vanlifers navigate their way through unique travel destinations and experiences on any budget.

When not writing about travel, Teri-Anne can be found skiing, snowboarding, hiking, climbing, backpacking, surfing, diving and motorbiking her way around the globe.

8-Day North Coast 500 Itinerary – A Beautiful Road Trip Along Scotland’s North Coast

In this article we want to share with you an NC500 itinerary filled with practical tips.

Scotland’s north coast, a land very much untamed by modern society, is not only a place of mythology and legend, it is also one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions.

Each year, people descend on this world-famous road trip in the thousands, all hungry to experience Scotland’s raw, natural beauty.

What is the North Coast 500 (or NC500)?

The North Coast 500 is a stunning 516-mile (830 km) scenic route around the north coast of Scotland , which starts and ends at Inverness Castle.

The route is also known as the NC500 route and links many features in the northern Highlands of Scotland. It takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

We were lucky enough to experience “Scotland’s Route 66” over a two-week camping trip.

And to share our tips for a perfect North Coast 500 road trip with you we’ve created this action-packed guide to the NC500!

The Ultimate North Coast 500 Itinerary for 8-Days

Scotland’s North Coast 500 Route

The North Coast 500 route is typically completed in a clockwise direction, heading up the west coast and down the east.

Going against the grain, we decided to do the opposite , and I suggest you do too!

By heading up the east coast, you will be able to experience all of the beauty it has to behold, before heading on to the even more breathtaking west coast of Scotland.

Everyone you will speak to about the NC500 will tell you the good parts are in the west, so save the best for last!

Day 1: Inverness to Dornoch

Our trip actually began a little further south of Inverness, in the small town of Aviemore.

If you are into your outdoor activities, then this is a definite stop for you. From windsurfing to mountain-climbing, as well as all the winter activities you can imagine, the Cairngorms is an outdoor lover’s playground.

Heading an hour north from Aviemore, you will reach the beginning of your North Coast 500 adventure.

Make a quick stop in Inverness to stock up on essentials and see the main sights around the city. The famous castle of Inverness is the main attraction in the city center.

Heading north from Inverness, your next stop is at the Falls of Shin.

This small group of waterfalls has a visitor center with a café, providing the perfect spot for a toilet break.

If you visit during the summer, you may just be lucky enough to witness the fascinating salmon migration. Watch in awe as these huge fish battle their way up the foreboding waterfalls. Amazing!

Spend the night in a cute B&B in Dornoch or choose to camp around Dornoch.

Dornoch is a cute town and seaside resort, which lies on the north shore of the Dornoch Firth (a narrow inlet of the sea).

Day 2: Dornoch to John O’Groats

Start your day off right at the Cocoa Mountain café in Dornoch town center, offering (quite literally) the “World’s Best Hot Chocolate”. Absolutely drool-worthy and definitely one for Instagram.

It’s a jam-packed day, however, so don’t hang around here too long!

First stop is the beautiful Dunrobin Castle, about 20 minutes north of Dornoch. At £14 a head entrance fee, this refurbished castle unfortunately wasn’t up our street of budget traveling . However, anyone with an interest in the castle’s heritage should pay a visit.

Onwards north to the small town of Brora, where you can park up and join the local cattle in wandering across the local golf course to the beautiful beach.

Next up are two of our favorite castles on the entire route, the Castle of Old Wick and Castle Sinclair.

First you will reach the smaller of the two, Castle of Old Wick, which sits right between two cliffs and offers incredible views of the ocean.

The larger Castle Sinclair Girnigoe sits further north and is one of our favorite stops on the NC500 route .  If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you do NOT want to miss this one!

Just imagine what life must have been like here, 500 years ago, when they had no clue what lay over that vast blue ocean.

Spend the evening in John O’Groats.

This highland village combines dramatic, unspoiled scenery with wildlife, including a great array of birdlife on the local cliffs, and seals, dolphins, minke and killer whales in the surrounding waters.

Day 3: John O’Groats to Thurso

If you haven’t already, head into John O’Groats town center to get a photo with the iconic signpost, before heading to your next stop of the day.

Today’s North Coast 500 itinerary starts with the awe-inspiring Duncasby Stacks. Sitting at the most northerly point of the east coast, these beautiful columns of stone need to be seen to be believed.

Next, Dunnet Bay Beach sits just beyond John O’Groats and is a good spot for a beach stop-off. Stretching for hundreds of meters, the beautiful white sands make a perfect spot for a picture.

Continue on to Thurso to end your day there. Thurso is a town situated in the historical area of Caithness. It is the northernmost town on the British mainland.

Day 4: Thurso to Durness

Start your day off with some morning yoga by the Strathy Point lighthouse, before hitting the road to Skerray Bay.

If you are feeling brave, then this beautiful, secluded harbor is the perfect place for a quick, North Sea dip!

The next part of this North Coast 500 itinerary is a drive to remember, as you wind your way between the greenest lochs and the bluest oceans you will ever see !

As if transported to Hobbiton from the Lord of the Rings, the rolling hills and greenery are absolutely breathtaking.

Finish off the day by making a quick stop at the stunning Coldbackie sands to experience your very own private beach and explore the nearby caves and waterfall!

Day 5: Durness to Scourie

As you travel from Durness to Scourie, you have the opportunity to explore the incredible Handa Island .

Catch a quick boat ride over to the almost uninhabited island and explore the nature walk around its entire perimeter.

Taking about three hours to complete, this walk will show you some of Scotland’s most rugged cliffs, as well as what beautiful birdlife it has to offer. Definitely worth a visit!

Day 6: Scourie to Ullapool

Two quick stops on today’s North Coast 500 route are the incredible Kylesku Bridge, a beautiful piece of modern engineering sitting amongst Scotland’s incredible countryside, and the famous Ardvreck Castle which sits guarded by the surrounding loch.

Head on further to the Knockan Crag Nature Reserve , where you can witness some fascinating examples of the raw power of nature.

Rock formations show younger rocks sitting on top of older ones, which left scientists over the last century absolutely perplexed. It was later discovered that this came about from young rock layers being forced up and on top of older layers as the continental plates rubbed against each other.

Ullapool, although still a small town, is the largest settlement for many miles around and an important port and tourist destination.

So you might enjoy the slightly more lively feel of this town than many others you have passed on the North Coast 500 route.

A tip from Sanne, Spend Life Traveling’s editor: “I once spent a summer working in Lochinver , a small town north of Ullapool. On a day trip to Ullapool I found out the hard way that gas stations close early… We ended up stranded in between Ullapool and Lochinver at night! So lesson learned: don’t wait until the last minute to fill up your car !”

Day 7: Ullapool to Poolewe

Browse the cute shops along Ullapool’s high street and take one last look at the beautiful scenery surrounding this vibrant town.

The first stop of the day is at the Falls of Mesach, sitting just beyond Ullapool.

With a newly built rope bridge and viewing platform, this waterfall is unlike any other on the north coast. One thing we will say is to make sure you get there early, as this is a popular stop for tourist buses!

The next stop on today’s NC500 itinerary is the small town of Poolewe itself ( pronounced Pool-You ). Explore the Inverewe Garden Centre and see the beautiful flower gardens it has to offer.

To round the day off, you can enjoy some classic Scottish folk music at the local ceilidh in the town center. Bring your dancing shoes as this will be a night to remember!

Check out their Facebook page to find out when the next ceilidh (a social event with Scottish folk music and singing, traditional dancing, and storytelling) will be.

Day 8: Poolewe to Applecross

The first stop of the day is at the Beinn Eighe visitor center, where you can learn all about the surrounding area and how the beautiful countryside has come to be.

With a custom-built bird hideaway and even a zoomable birdwatching camera, this is also the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic as you admire the wildlife.

Stop in at the loch-side town of Shieldaig in Wester Ross and grab a coffee in the quaint coffee shop Nanny’s. This beautiful little town has incredible views down Loch Shieldaig and is the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll to breathe in the fresh, sea air.

The final stop of our North Coast 500 trip was the small town of Applecross, nestled away on the other side of the Bealach na Ba pass. This is another of our favorite stops on this trip, so don’t miss out!

As you approach Applecross from the south, you will find yourself winding your way up the most beautiful road in the UK.

The Bealach na Ba pass is straight out of Top Gear, with its hairpin bends and knee-wobbling drops. Fear not however, as the view from the top of the hill is worth every heart-pounding moment of the drive, with spectacular views of the Isle of Skye!

Wind down your epic road trip in the quaint harbor town of Applecross and enjoy the best fish and chips Scotland has to offer in the Applecross Inn.

What an end to a road trip of a lifetime!

Best Places for Shopping Along the North Coast 500

Shopping around the north coast of Scotland can prove to be an expensive affair if not done properly.

With large shops few and far between on the northern and western coasts, if you do not plan your meals properly you will find yourself in the expensive local shops instead.

This is a list of the large, chain stores you can find along the North Coast 500 route. And we recommend stocking up here.

• Morrisons – Inverness
• Tesco – Wick
• Tesco – Thurso
• Tesco – Ullapool

Accommodation Along the NC500

As budget travelers, we aimed to experience this famous road trip as cheaply as possible, picking wild camping as accommodation for the vast majority of our trip.

In Scotland, it is perfectly legal to camp around the majority of the countryside, so long as you follow certain guidelines .

If camping is something you are into then you can check out our Wild Camping Spots around the NC500 .

Alternatively, there are numerous Bed & Breakfasts in the different towns you will pass on the North Coast 500 route.

Because most B&Bs are small and with the NC500 becoming more and more popular we do recommend booking in advance, which you can simply do through Booking.com .

When is the Best Time to Visit the North Coast 500?

With the weather in Scotland being a fickle thing, choosing the perfect moment to travel along the North Coast 500 is tricky.

At the end of the day, you will never be able to predict when the good weather will come. The best you can do is pick a date and hope for the best!

The best time of year to visit the north of Scotland is between May and July , during the “dry season” (a term used very loosely), and before any “midges” wake up to haunt every Scottish local’s nightmares.

Given that the NC500 is growing in popularity year after year, it is also advisable to visit during the period before the school holidays begin , as the roads will soon become mayhem. This is any time before the end of June, or after August.

Whenever you choose to visit Scotland and whatever accommodation you decide upon, one thing that is certain is that you will fall in love with this country.

Give Scotland a go, dine in cozy restaurants with delicious food, meet the friendliest locals, and discover some of the most beautiful countryside in the world!

Also Read: Practical Tips for Driving Abroad for the First Time

The 8-Day North Coast 500 Itinerary on a Map

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4 thoughts on “8-Day North Coast 500 Itinerary – A Beautiful Road Trip Along Scotland’s North Coast”

I traveled most of this in 1966 with a mate in an old (then!) Morris Oxford car. Great picture of the Bealach na Ba pass. Doesn’t look as though this has changed since then. In those days this was the only route, other than by sea, into the coastal village of Applecross. By the way the Scottish North Coast beaches are BEAUTIFUL, if only the water was warmer…

Thanks Gary! 🙂 I am happy you found the article helpful. Enjoy the NC500!

Excellent thank you for the info planning on doing the NC500 in April 19 and using this as our main guide.

That’s a beautiful place. I hope I get a chance to go someday.

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The ONLY North Coast 500 Itinerary & Route PLANNER You Need

Planning a road trip to the North Coast 500 in Scotland? Wondering where to stay or how to plan your route? This itinerary is the only one you need to find the best places to visit and figure out how far to drive each day.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE North Coast 500 itinerary guide below

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North Coast 500 Itinerary and route planner

Planning any road trip to a place you’ve not been before can be daunting, but planning a route and itinerary for the North Coast 500 (NC500) in Scotland often seems more overwhelming than most.

There’s so much to see and do and it’s difficult to know how long to allocate to each section. Some people drive the NC500 in 3 or 4 days, while others can take several weeks!

North Coast 500 7 day Itinerary

I’ve just returned from the NC500 and did the western route in about 7 days. This is what I’m sharing with you in this post.

I’ve already done the east section (which includes John o’Groats) in an earlier trip (you can see this Scotland road trip here )

However, there are plenty of other places to visit on or near the NC500, such as the Isle of Skye or Orkney. I highly recommend you visit both if you can- I’ll share more details about them below.

I did the route in a motorhome. If you’d like to do the trip in a motorhome or campervan too, you can see the entire route (plus places to stop) in our North Coast 500 motorhome guide.

FREE NC500 Road Trip Itinerary

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North Coast 500 Itinerary- How to plan your road trip

As you can see in the map below, the North Coast 500 is a circular route. In some ways, this makes things easier, but in many ways it makes it harder to plan.

After all, people drive at different speeds, or like to have a few days exploring before moving on.

In the suggested NC500 7 day itinerary below, I’ve split the ‘days’ into parts. Each part can be driven in a day, but you can easily spend 2,3 or even more days in each area if you wish to explore.

Also, I’m assuming a start an end point from near Edinburgh. Obviously, if you have to drive from the south-coast of England (like me!) you’ll need to add a few days either side of your NC500 road trip to get yourself up there are back.

Which direction should you drive the NC500?

You can drive the North Coast 500 either clockwise or anti-clockwise. I did it clockwise and think that’s a great route, but you do whichever makes sense for you.

North Coast 500 Route Planner Map

Here’s a map of the NC500 route in its entirety.

If you’d like an interactive version of the places I visited on my last trip, you can find it here.

Day One- Kelpies to Eilean Donan

Driving Distance: 193 miles

Approx Driving Time: 4 hours

Highlights: Kelpies, Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle

I highly HIGHLY recommend you visit the Kelpies in Falkirk. These horse statues are so impressive. Ideally, you want to spend the night here because at night they’re lit up and look amazing.

From here, you’ve got a fairly big day of driving ahead of you. If it’s too long, feel free to break it up into two days.

There are a couple of route options to get from the Kelpies to Eilean Donan. I took the M9 to Stirling, then the A84 to Crianlarich, then the A82/ A85 to Glencoe and Fort William and the A87 to Eilean Donan.

Eilean Donan is an incredible castle set in a loch. You can visit inside it- if you’d like to do this you’ll probably need to add a day so you have time.

Where to stay

If you’re in a motorhome or campervan, it cost £7 for a night in the Kelpies car park. You pay the guard on the booth at the top car park (closest to the Kelpies) but the overnight parking is just down the road.

Near Eilean Donan, I wild camped in my motorhome about a 10 minute drive away, at a Stay the Night scheme at Loch Carron Viewpoint. This was free, but there are also campsites around the area you can use if you prefer.

Day Two- Bealach na Ba (The Applecross Road)

Driving Distance (approx): 92 miles

Driving Time (approx): 3h 30

Highlights: Bealach na Ba pass

Bealach na Ba (or the road to Applecross) is often regarded as one of the most scenic drives in Scotland . It’s also widely regarded as one of the most dangerous!

I decided to drive it, on my own, in a rain storm and thick fog. Because I am, apparently, insane.

I drove it in a 6.7m motorhome and had very little trouble. If you have a larger motorhome or campervan, you might struggle with some of the bends and I don’t recommend it at all for caravanners.

If you’re driving the NC500 in a car, you’ll be absolutely fine.

It took me about 90 minutes to get up to the top, where I then stayed for a few hours whilst waiting for the fog to clear. The route from the top down to Applecross is much easier.

From here, I drove around the coast from Applecross to Sheildaig, which took about 3 hours if you include all the stops for photos and for highland cows!

I carried on around to Gairloch, and I was exhausted when I got there. If I hadn’t already booked the campsite I’d probably have stopped near Sheildaig. There were a great looking campsites near there.

As it happened, I stayed at Gairloch Holiday Park and it was a lovely site, with great sea views. There’s also a lovely chip shop just down the way (they fry everything in beef dripping, which sounds awful but is delicious!)

Part Three- Scotland’s south West Coast

From Gairloch, you can choose how far you want to drive and how much time you want to spend on the west coast.

For reference, I drove from Gairloch to Ardmair Point just north of Ullapool in one day. This was about 90 minutes and 60 miles.

I enjoyed looking around Ullapool and stayed two nights on this site. Ullapool is the last big town before you head North, so be sure to stock up at the supermarket, fill up with fuel and refill your gas tanks if you have them.

If you want to keep going, you can push on to Clachtoll Beach campsite, which is another hour and an extra 40 miles, so easily doable in one day.

Both campsites I used in this section were wonderful. Ardmair Point has incredible views across the bay, but is very exposed if the winds are strong (which they were when I visited.)

Clachtoll Beach is possibly my favourite campsite along the NC500 for motorhomes and campers . It has unbelievable facilities, including a dog shower, laundry, a microwave & toaster (yep, I was excited!) and the most golden sandy beach I’ve ever seen.

It’s not cheap, but it was worth every penny and I’d stay there again in a heartbeat. I stayed there two nights and could easily have spent a third just lazying and enjoying the scenery.

Things not to miss

Definitely visit Clashnessie Falls (it’s muddy, but worth it!) and Clashnessie Beach. There’s also a great chip van near the campsite on certain days- well worth testing out.

Part Four- Scotland’s north west coast

Driving Distance (approx): 60 miles

Driving Time (approx): 1h 50

Highlights: Kylesku Bridge, Wailing Widow Falls

From Clachtoll, I continued up the A894, past Scourie and all the way to Durness. I took the slower route via Drumbeg. It was driveable in a motorhome but some passing spots were very tight.

Bear in mind if you do this route, you’ll miss the Wailing Widow Falls unless you double back slightly. As it happened, the weather was AWFUL that day so I decided not to bother, but apparently the falls are well worth visiting if it’s not blowing a gale!

The road from Scourie to Durness is pretty enough but not jaw-dropping (or perhaps I just became immune!) so it’s not worth spending too long on this section.

Having said that, if you have time and don’t mind driving down small lanes, there are LOADS of pristine white sand beaches to enjoy which most people don’t visit.

Sandwood Bay is the one you’ll see on postcards all over the place- it looks incredible but if you only have 7 days to do the North Coast 500, you’ll probably have to miss it on this occasion.

Where to Stay

Sango Sands Oasis is another incredible campsite, set right on the clifftop. Sadly, my experience there was marred by very unfriendly staff, but I’d probably still stay there again, as the beaches and views were incredible.

Things to see and do

They make a big deal about the ‘best hot chocolate’ at the Balnakeil craft village, which is about a 20 minute walk from the campsite. To be honest, I found it too sickly, and I wasn’t a big fan of the craft village either.

BUT- while you’re there you must ride the Golden Eagle zipline at Sango Sands. It’s £15 for a go and it’s so much fun. I also loved visiting Smoo Cave. Sadly, the boat tour wasn’t running due to the heavy rains, but it was incredible to visit inside the cave anyway.

Part Five- North or middle?

The next part of the North Coast 500 is a choice. If you only have a 7 day itinerary, you’ll need to choose what you do next.

Personally, if you’ve never visited John o’Groats before, I feel you should go there. Yes, it’s touristy, but yes, you need that photo by the post.

The road along the top of Scotland is pretty but nothing incredible. It’s about 90 miles and will take you around 3 hours.

If you just want to drive it, stop for a quick photo at John o’Groats and then carry on to Shin (see below), it will take you about 5 hours (190 miles). You’ll also pass Brora Beach (which is spectacular) and Dunrobin Castle, which is definitely worth a visit if you have time.

If you’d like to do these stopoffs, I’d definitely recommend at least two days for this section so you can see it all properly.

Where to stay on the north coast

If you’re in a motorhome, stop at Dunnet Bay campsite- it’s wonderful and the beach there is also incredible. Don’t miss the Duncansby Stacks- they make great photos.

Also, if you have time, I highly recommend a day trip to Orkney – it’s a fascinating place.

The Alternative route south

If you’ve already been to John o’Groats, you’ve seen one of the major highlights on the NC500 route.

If you’re limited on time, you can ignore the North East corner and cut down the middle, which is a much more dramatic route with incredible scenery.

I drove from Durness to Tongue, and then down past Loch Loyal, heading for the Falls of Shin.

The Falls of Shin near Lairg are famous for the salmon ‘jumping’ as they swim upriver to spawn. I’d been there only a few minutes when I saw one, and I saw several over the next half an hour or so.

The car park at the Falls of Shin was fantastic, level and FREE if you didn’t need amenities. Alternatively, there are places around Lairg to stay.

Planning a trip to Scotland?

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Part Six- Loch Ness or The Cairngorms

The North Coast 500 technically goes Inverness to Inverness, but my opinion is you should add on a couple of extra stops (and days, if you can!)

First of these is the Cairngorms. These mountains are home to Aviemore (the UK’s major ski centre) and also home to Balmoral.

I stayed overnight at Balmoral, but it was shortly after the Queen’s death so the castle wasn’t open. However, the walk up to King Albert’s Pyramid (yep, an actual pyramid!) was open and that was a fantastic experience (although it was VERY steep!)

In previous trips, we’ve visited Aviemore, taken cable cars up the mountain and enjoyed many of the other incredible things to do around the Cairngorms. You could easily spend a few days to a week here if you can.

However, if you’ve never seen Loch Ness and if you can only do one or the other, the drive down Loch Ness is well worth it, if only because it’s so famous and everyone should look for Nessie at least once in their life.

I’ve never been into Inverness City, but I hear it’s beautiful and worth a day if you can spare it.

If you drove past Loch Ness, you’ll end up in Fort William again, which technically closes the loop and you can now proudly display your North Coast 500 road trip sticker on your vehicle.

Part Seven- Loch Lomond

If you still have time, I highly recommend visiting Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

The whole area is stunning, but Loch Lomond has to be one of my favourites. Every corner of it has incredible views.

I parked up at Firkin Point, where motorhome parking is allowed. In high season (March- end September) you need a permit (bought online), but I was there first week in October and was able to stay for free.

There was a fantastic little beach and also a great pedestrian-only walkway which went for about 3 miles and have Mac and I a flat and safe space to run.

I hope you found this 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary helpful. It’s a lot to cover in 7 days, so ideally if you have 10-14 you’ll find it much more relaxing and will be able to see and do more.

You might also find these posts useful:

• How to drive the North Coast 500 in a motorhome
• The BEST campsites along the North Coast 500
• 7 incredible scenic routes in Scotland
• The ULTIMATE Scotland Road Trip
• Motorhoming in Scotland- everything you need to know

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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Drive the North Coast 500 - The ultimate Scotland road trip

Day 1: inverness and around.

Miles: 74.5

Arrive in Inverness

As the unofficial capital of the Scottish Highlands, it makes sense that the North Coast 500 (NC500) road trip starts in Inverness.

Known as much for its pretty facade as it is for its close proximity to Scotland's most rugged landscapes, Inverness has gone from the site of many a historic battle to an industrial port-town, to a thriving hub for tourism and major student city, proving itself one of Scotland's most dynamic urban centres in the process.

Only actually made a city in 2000 to mark the dawn of the new millennium, it is now one of the fastest growing in Europe and, according to the UK's Office of National Statistics, one of the the happiest.

Catch the earliest flight possible - the more time you have here, the better.

Car hire for the North Coast 500

It's best to pre-book your car hire in advance and collect your vehicle at the airport, as you're going to need it from the very first day.

Inverness Airport currently has booths for Avis and Europcar, and although airport collection can often work out more expensive, a taxi to the city centre (9 miles away) costs approximately £20 anyway, so you may find that the difference isn't that huge.

Once you've collected your ride for the week, let's get going; head into town, check into your hotel, put down your bags and then get straight back in the car - there's exploring to be done.

Fort George and The Highlanders' Museum

First built as a response to the Jacobite Rising of 1745, the star-shaped Fort George has all the ingredients for an impregnable fortress: positioned on a patch of headland that juts out into the choppy waters of the Moray Firth, it is protected by steep sea walls on one side, lined with cannons, has underground bunkers for the safety of its troops and possesses a 1km rampart, enclosing an area the size of five football pitches.

Just a 25-minute drive northeast of Inverness, a trip to this mighty stronghold provides a fascinating insight into Scottish military life, past and present.

Although Fort George has never actually been attacked (you wouldn't win, let's be honest), don't be surprised if you see a soldier or two walking about the place - it's still used as a barracks today.

Nonetheless, much of the site is open to the public and visitors can learn about the history of the fort, step inside the garrison chapel and pay their respects at the dog cemetery, the final resting kennel of the regimental mascots.

The Highlanders' Museum, which is located on-site, contains an extensive collection of items relating to the regiment such as uniforms, weapons, medals including Victoria Crosses, items from World War I and over 10,000 documents and photographs.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Less than 25 minutes south of the city centre, and an hour or so away from Fort George, sits Loch Ness, the largest loch in the whole of the UK and reputed home of the legendary Loch Ness Monster - or Nessie, as the locals like to call her.

Rumours of a mythical beast living here stretch as far back as 600AD, but the creature was only really brought to public attention in 1933 with the publication of "photos" of Nessie, which were later proven to be a hoax; nonetheless, since then crowds have flocked here hoping catch a glimpse of her humps.

Will you be one of the lucky ones?

Along the banks of the loch sit the ruins of the much fought over Castle Urquhart, once one of Scotland's largest and grandest castles.

Spend a minute or two pretending to be a Scottish laird, wandering over the bridges, underneath the arches, and between the battlements and prison cells.

Head back into Inverness for the afternoon

Now you've (hopefully) spotted Nessie and got a feel for Scotland's military past, it's time to head back to Inverness, park up and explore the city itself.

Built around the River Ness, it's easily walkable, with pretty waterside paths, grand old buildings including St Andrews Cathedral and Inverness Castle, and plenty of cafes to stop off at along the way.

Although the castle is not open to the general public - it's still used as a Sheriff's Court - the north tower contains a viewing platform that offers a superb view over the city.

Don't miss the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, which will set you up with a useful understanding of the heritage and culture of the Scottish Highlands for the trip ahead.

Top tip: Many of the hotels in Inverness offer free parking for guests, but if you did need somewhere to leave the car then the Rose Street multi-story car park is affordable (£7 for 24 hours), secure and centrally located.

Where to eat in Inverness

In recent years Inverness has gained an increasingly strong reputation for its culinary scene and to say that it boasts more dining options than other towns on the North Coast 500 is quite the understatement, so all the more excuse to feast while you still can.

The Kitchen Brasserie often requires booking in advance thanks to its riverside location, fish dishes and delicious desserts, although if you're in the city on a Friday then make it the tiny River House Restaurant , where fresh oysters are just £1 a pop between 17.30-18.30.

Day 2: Drive Inverness to Thurso

While many roadtrippers choose to follow the North Coast 500 in a clockwise direction, we recommend doing the opposite, so that the hairiest lanes are at the end of the route, but more on that later.

Driven straight, the journey from Inverness up to Thurso would only take between two and three hours, but there's so much to see along the way that you should allow a whole day.

Bask in the beauty of the Black Isle

Dominated by lush, gently rolling farmland, and a haven for woodland wildlife, the Black Isle isn't necessarily what you picture when you think of the Scottish Highlands.

Just across from Inverness via the Kessock Bridge, it's not actually an island but a peninsula, and with so much to do it's worth veering off the A9 and taking a detour for; among the highlights is Chanonry Point, one of the most reliable places in the UK for dolphin spotting.

There are also numerous food and drink attractions on this strip of land, including the Black Isle Brewery and one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, Glen Ord.

Both of these establishments offer tours, but it will have to be the passenger(s) doing the taste tasting for now - at 0.5mg, Scotland has a lower driving alcohol limit than the rest of the UK, with strict penalties for offenders.

Climb the Whaligoe Steps

After exploring the Black Isle, follow the A9 north then continue on to the A99 to reach our next stop of the day, the Whaligoe Steps.

A set of 365 perilously steep stairs leading down to a craggy natural harbour that is sheltered between two steep cliffs, where fishing boats would once have landed their catches, they were carved by hand into the rock in the late 18th century.

Walk to the bottom and back up again, and (in between all of your wheezing) spare a thought for the Whaligoe fisherwoman, who would have trodden this same path carrying heavy wicker baskets full of herring unloaded from the boats.

Afterwards, reward yourself with some lunch and a cuppa in the cafe at the top.

Get the John O'Groats snap

Moving further north and passing through the town of Wick, taking a detour to visit the decrepit Castle Sinclair Girnigoe if you wish, the next stop on this Scotland road trip route is John O'Groats.

Famous for being at the northern end of the two furthest apart inhabited points of the UK, its iconic signpost attracts thousands of tourists every year, not to mention jubilant cyclists and hikers completing the trek from one to the other.

Unfortunately, the town itself is depressingly drab, so we'd suggest getting in, getting the obligatory snap and getting back on the road again.

Visit a Royal residence

The next stage of today's drive will, eventually, take you into Thurso, but first there's one more stop to make.

If you've ever watched The Crown, you'll have heard the story of how Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother purchased a ramshackle castle after the death of her husband, George VI. That castle is where we're aiming for: The Castle of Mey.

Initially built in 1572, it was purchased and restored by the Queen Mother in 1952, and functioned as a much-loved royal residence for over 40 years.

Today it still holds a place in royal life, closing to the public for a period of 10 days every July when Prince Charles and his wife Camilla come to stay.

See the Northern Lights

After you've checked into your accommodation in Thurso you'll no doubt be looking for something to do with your evening.

Unfortunately, in a town as quiet as Thurso there's not a lot going on after dark, but if you're visiting in autumn or winter then Mother Nature may well throw you a party instead.

On clear nights during these months, the north coast of Scotland is often treated to the Northern Lights, with colourful natural displays lighting up the night skies.

From Thurso, a great spot to watch is the beach at the tiny village of Castletown, about a 10-minute drive away.

Top tip: When going to see the Northern Lights, have your camera ready - they're sometimes actually clearer when seen through a screen.

Outside of these seasons, you're very unlikely to witness them, so instead treat yourself to a meal at Bydand , a restaurant that looks suspiciously like a hairdressers from the outside but actually serves traditional Scottish food with quirky twists.

Day 3: Thurso to Durness

After yesterday's many stops, today is going to seem considerably calmer as Scotland's north coast has fewer physical attractions, but a plentiful supply of beautiful, if blustery, beaches to enjoy and that starts right here in Thurso.

Nothing will shake you awake like a sea breeze, so enjoy an early morning run on the beach or, if you've got a board and a wetsuit with you, brave a very icy dip.

Over the last few years the town has become respected by surfers for its phenomenal right hand break and insane barrel, but do note that the locals are notoriously intolerant of snakers - provoke them at your peril.

When you're done, go into town to refuel with a leisurely breakfast, then start working your way eastward along the coast.

Before you leave, it may be a good idea to top up with fuel and car snacks; Thurso has a Tesco and a Lidl, but they're the last supermarkets you are going to see for a while.

Visit the Strathnaver Museum

Just under 30 miles from Thurso you will find Strathnaver Museum, which tells the story of the Highland Clearances - the forcible eviction of families from this area during the 18th and 19th centuries - from the former church in which those affected would have been told of their fates.

Shedding light on this turbulent period of Scottish history and the lives of the Mackay Clan, it's a "don't miss" as far as understanding the area is concerned.

The museum is really made, however, by the friendly and knowledgeable volunteers who bring such a human connection to the stories.

Afterwards, stretch your legs a little more with a stroll on the beach at the breathtaking Farr Bay, above which the museum is situated.

Strathnaver Museum is closed during the winter months, but visits can be made by prior arrangement so check their website for more information.

Coldbackie Beach and beyond

A little more driving should bring you along to Coldbackie Beach, a quiet, pristine stretch of sand that looks out over peacock blue waters towards the Rabbit Islands and the Orkneys.

Make this your next beach break or stop off at Weavers Cafe, just on the side of the main road, for a tasty lunch and a slice of cake.

Afterwards, take the A838 eastwards, crossing the Kyle of Tongue bridge and continuing on this road, which will take you around the hilly outskirts of Loch Eriboll.

There's not a lot surrounding this remote loch, other than the Ard Neakie lime kilns, a relic of 1840s industry and a wild terrain - but that's precisely the beauty of it.

Follow the Ceannabeinne Township Trail

Further along, the Ceannabeinne Township Trail takes visitors around the ruins of the town of Ceannabeinne, which was deeply affected by the Highland Clearances.

Starting from a gravel lay-by just off of the A838, a series of information boards chronicle how the population here fell from approximately 50 people in 1841 to precisely none the following year, and tells the story of the Riot of Durness, when the women of the village attempted to defy the order to leave.

Taking around 45 minutes to complete, it's a poignant trail with sensational views over Tràigh Allt Chàilgeag, although note that it may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Stop off at Smoo Cave

About a mile before you get into Durness, you'll come across Smoo Cave, believed to have been used as everything from a Stone Age dwelling to a smugglers' hideout, and now known for its roaring waterfall.

Formed by the gradual merging of two separate chambers - one caused by rainwater dissolving the stone, the other by erosion from the sea - it's geographically unique within the UK. Another chamber, beyond the waterfall, is accessible by boat in good weather.

From the car park at the top, descend the set of stairs that take you down to the mouth of the cave and step inside, but bring a poncho, because the spray will hit you!

Smoo Cave is open all year and free to enter, with tours taking place from April to September.

Arrive into Durness

When you arrive into Durness, check into your accommodation, park the car and get walking.

From Durness it's a pleasant 20-minute stroll (or 5-minute drive) along to Balnakeil Beach, a little slice of paradise that - if it weren't for the wind - could been ripped straight from the pages of a travel brochure.

Soak up its moon-shaped bay, turquoise waters, spotless white sands and rolling dunes, then wander over to the dilapidated Balnakeil Church, which has a graveyard with some intriguing memorials, some dating back to the 1600s.

If you're still feeling sprightly, we recommend taking the roughly two-mile walk along the coast to Faraid Head, a rocky headland overlooking Cape Wrath.

This whole area is a haven for wildlife, so keep your eyes open for nesting seabirds (including a small colony of puffins) as well as seals playing in the waters.

Warm up at Cocoa Mountain

As far as places to warm up after your walk go, there really is only one contender: Cocoa Mountain , in Balnakeil Craft Village.

We're not joking when we say that this small chocolatier serves the best, most gooey, frothy hot chocolate, and even does scrumptious truffles, chocolate-themed pastries and cakes to go with them. If there's one guilt-free gluttony stop you make during the NC500, make it this.

Be sure to stock up on sweet treats for the rest of your journey too. If you fancy a little souvenir shopping, the village also features a number of other shops selling products made by local artists, including artworks, crafty bits and ceramics.

Dinner in Durness

Not to be harsh, but to say that dinner options are lacking in Durness is probably being kind, as there are just a handful of restaurants - at the end of the day, while this is one of the bigger villages on the north coast, it's still only home to about 400 residents.

The Smoo Cave Hotel, located next to Smoo Cave, is the better choice and has pub grub staples including fish n' chips and pie.

Day 4: Durness to Ullapool

Miles: 87.7

While the east coast of the NC500 route has many of the landmarks, and the north coast has the beaches, it's fair to say that the west coast is where the landscape is most spectacular - just in case you haven't been impressed enough by Scotland's beauty so far.

More than likely, you've exhausted Durness' to-do list by now, so leave as early as possible, going southwards on the A838 and eventually joining the A894 just after you cross the stone-arched Laxford Bridge.

Coming up not long after is the Kylesku Bridge, a vast curved crossing above Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin that has become an attraction in itself and was even featured in a 2015 IKEA advert.

The brainchild of Ove Arup, the same engineer that came up with the Sydney Opera House, it is super modern and yet has been crafted to fit into its surroundings - unusually for a concrete bridge, it's a lot of fun to drive across!

Drinks in Drumbeg, lunch in Lochinver

Next, take the B869 across to Drumbeg, where tea, cake and scones await at The Secret Tea Garden, part of the Assynt Aromas candle shop.

Tuck in, but do try to resist the temptation to eat too much as the remaining stretch of the B869, down to the village of Lochinver, is a real stomach-churner.

Dubbed the "Wee Mad Road" by locals and blessed with views that will make you want to stare out the window but switchbacks so sharp you'll need eyes on the prize, it's a hairy single track route with a number of steep inclines.

If you do need to rest your nerves along the way then stop off for a walk on Achmelvich Beach, which could give Balnakeil a run for its money.

When you do get down to Lochinver, make a beeline for Peet's restaurant , whose venison stew will make the drive more than worthwhile.

Macleods and mermaids

We're now heading towards Stac Pollaidh mountain, but first stopping at Ardvreck Castle, a ruinous former residence of the mighty Macleod family, which is perched on a patch of land that sticks out into the mountain-framed Loch Assynt.

Legend has it that the loch is haunted by the Mermaid of Assynt, the lost daughter of one of the castle's former inhabitants, who for many years was blamed by locals for anything that changed in the area.

You could take a more direct route down to Stac Pollaidh by following the road that passes through Inverkirkaig and grazes the northern shore of Loch Bad a' Ghaill, but for the extra 20 minutes or so the beauty of Loch Assynt merits a detour.

Complete the Stac Pollaidh circuit

Flat-topped and standing proud amid a backdrop of small lochs and wide empty space, Stac Pollaidh is a 612-metre-tall mountain that seems purpose-made for a spot of impromptu climbing; a ramble to the top and back down again takes a manageable three hours or so, isn't too strenuous and follows a well-trodden path, although it's a short and slightly more challenging scramble to top of the ridge itself.

Offering glorious panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and of one of Scotland's most distinctive mountains, Suilven, it's a rewarding but realistic hiking option and it would be a real shame to miss it.

The journey to the Stac Pollaidh car park should take about 30 minutes from Ardvreck Castle - when you get there, park up and go through the gate across the road, which will take you upwards into open moorland and onto the main path.

Dinner in Ullapool

Another 15 minutes or so on the road will take you into the pretty waterside village of Ullapool for a much needed shower and sleep.

Before you do call it a day, seek out the Arch Inn restaurant for a thoroughly Scottish dinner of cullen skink, a chunky soup made from haddock, potato and onion.

Alternatively, opt for some old school soul food by heading over to Deli-Ca-Sea, a chippie where everything is made fresh to order, then sit on the sea wall and scoff it all down. Their pickled eggs are pretty special too!

Day 5: Ullapool to Applecross

Miles: 118.4

You've probably heard the old adage that dictates that life is about the journey, not the destination? Well, today is the embodiment of that.

Traversing through glens, past lochs, along the coast and eventually ending up in the remote town of Applecross, today's drive showcases the best of untamed Scotland - expect to see stalking deer and get held up by Highland cattle along the way.

Top tip: Do stock up again on those road trip essentials and fill up with fuel while you're in Ullapool, because the next part of the journey is even less well-served.

Go sea kayaking in Ullapool

Before you leave Ullapool, however, there's just one more thing to do and that is to get out on the water.

A totally different way to see the Scottish coastline or inland lochs, kayaking offers endless opportunities for wildlife spotting, with jellyfish, seals and seabirds all regularly spotted here.

During the summer months, Norwest Sea Kayaking offer full and half-day trips for everyone from total beginners to seasoned pros, and provide homemade cakes and hot drinks for when you get out the water!

Get back on the road

Start off by following the A835 south from Ullapool, taking a right turn onto A832 after roughly 12 miles, at the sign towards Dundonnell and Gairloch.

Here, you could choose to make a quick stop at Corrieshalloch Gorge, a nature reserve with a Victorian suspension bridge and plunging waterfalls, before continuing on around the coast.

When you get to Gairloch stop for lunch, as it offers the biggest selection you're going to find for miles, including pub grub at The Shieling Restaurant or steak sandwiches, falafel flatbreads and warming soup at Coast Coffee Company.

The section of the A832 from Gairloch to Kinlochewe is a scenic and for the most part relatively easy drive, running in part along the shore of Loch Maree and offering glimpses of the Slioch mountain through the trees.

Although it's not technically necessary, when you get to Kinlochewe do continue on this road for a few more minutes to visit the Glen Docherty viewpoint - the vista of the twisting road below is worthy of a 90s album cover.

Continue on to Torridon via the A896, enjoying the sights of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, before passing through Glen Torridon then winding through woodland near Annat.

Onward you go towards Shieldaig, shortly after which the road splits - take the unnamed single-track route to the right, which more or less hugs the water and gives life to the small coastal communities along the way.

Along the way, make a pitstop at the Applecross Smokehouse , where they produce smoked fish, cheeses, oatcakes and sauces, made using whisky-soaked oak shavings.

Arrive in Applecross

Rather than stopping in Applecross straight away, continue past it for 1.5 miles down to the Applecross Photographic Gallery, which is run by local photographer Jack Marris and exhibits photographs of magical mountain-top sunrises.

When you're back in the village, find its real heart inside the cosy Applecross Inn , having dinner and a pint with the locals before retiring for the night.

Sleep well - you're going to need to bring your A-game tomorrow.

Day 6: Applecross to Inverness

Miles: 80.4

Driving the Bealach na Ba

You've had almost a week of practice and now it's time for the ultimate Scottish road trip experience: the notorious Bealach na Ba.

If you thought the "Wee Mad Road" was a challenge, then this stretch between Applecross and Loch Kishorn is something else - a narrow single track loaded with steep climbs and hairpin bends that seem to stack on top of one another.

If you're of a nervous disposition, a new driver, have any hangups about your reversing skills or the weather is bad, then this route probably isn't the best choice; instead take the A896 north and along to Shieldaig, before cutting back down.

During winter, the Bealach na Ba is often closed for extended periods due to snowfall, so check online before you travel.

Although the driver will almost certainly be too busy concentrating to really take it all in, the landscape around Bealach na Ba is nothing short of spectacular, with jagged cliffs and calm lochs, and the weaving road below, as well as the chance to spot more Highland cows and wild deer.

At its highest point, 2053 feet above sea level, there is a viewpoint that comes complete with a plaque pointing out the local landmarks visible in the distance.

Walk to Rogie Falls

Along the side of the A835, which you will join at Garve, is the fearsome Rogie Falls, famous for leaping salmon and surrounded by lush forest with a number of waymarked trails.

Follow the Salmon Trail (20 mins) to a suspension bridge over the river which allows you to stare into the mouth of the beast, or take the Riverside Trail, a longer and more strenuous circuit (50 mins) starting from the viewing platform beside the falls and travelling along the banks before cutting through pinewoods, where you're likely to see deer and red squirrels.

Wellies are optional, but recommended!

Spend the afternoon in Inverness

After almost a week of hamlets and tiny villages, Inverness is going to seem like a giant playground, so go full-on hedonist with an afternoon of last minute gift shopping and making the most of Inverness' sterling food scene (if you haven't tried cranachan yet, do).

Return the car to Inverness Airport and catch a late afternoon flight home.

If you're continuing on the road, feel free to carry straight on to your next destination - the popular town of Aviemore is just 45 minutes south, Dundee is approximately 90 minutes away, and the "granite city" of Aberdeen, is less than three hours away.

We hope you've enjoyed your wee trip around Scotland!

When to do the North Coast 500

Generally, the best time to take a road trip in Scotland is between April and early October. Once the snow starts, those single track roads feel increasingly precarious and many routes, including the Bealach na Ba, are frequently closed.

Many of the NC500s attractions are also seasonal and do not open at all in the winter months. That said, with the increasing popularity of the NC500, it's also best to avoid the height of summer if you are able to, because reversing isn't so fun after the 100th time.

Scotland road trip glossary

• Loch: a lake or sea inlet
• Glen: a narrow valley
• Kyle: a narrow sea channel
• Munro: any mountain in Scotland that is over 3000 feet high

If you enjoyed this, you may like… Ireland road trip - A scenic 10 day round trip from Dublin

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Ultimate north coast 500 itinerary [3, 5 and 7 day routes].

In November, Bradley and I drove the famous NC500 road trip in Scotland, which is basically Scotland’s answer to Route 66!

It was such an amazing experience and we saw lots of beautiful sights.

The north coast is one of the most popular places to visit in Scotland.

We completed the north coast 500 in our self-built campervan , so I thought I’d take you through our North coast 500 itinerary, how long it took us, and all the great things we did and saw!

So, if you’re looking for the perfect 7-day Scotland road trip then keep reading for all you need to know about the NC500 road trip!

NORTH COAST 500 ROUTE MAP

So before we start, I thought I’d give you a visual representation of the North Coast 500 drive.

It’s called the NC500 because it’s 500 miles long and as you can see it’s pretty much a nice loop around the northern highlands of Scotland!

Travellerspoint

Have you sorted your transportation? 

You can't road trip the NC500 without a vehicle, and if you haven't booked yourself a campervan/motorhome yet, then we can make it very easy: 

Check out Motorhome Republic !

Who are they?

They are essentially the best search engine campervan and motorhome rentals in Scotland .

And with useful filtering tools, you have the ability to quickly check availability for vehicles anywhere in Scotland, and find the right vehicle for you.

They are now the top pick for our round up Scotland's best campervan and motorhome rental options , so definitely check them out if your vehicle isn't yet sorted.

How long does it take to drive the NC500?

This will be completely dependent on the time you have to dedicate to the route.

It doesn’t take “that long” to actually drive 500 miles, BUT, you’ve got to consider that you’re going to want to stop at a lot of sights, and if you’re visiting in the high season, then actually you may find your driving behind traffic a lot of the time. 

Some people do the NC500 in around 3 days, but I would imagine that doing it in that amount of time would require a lot of sightseeing from the vehicle, rather than heading out and wandering around. 

Bradley and I spent 2 weeks doing the NC500, but we were taking it slow on purpose because we had time to kill, and we were working whilst travelling, so, therefore, dedicating one week to the NC500 road trip is a pretty good shout! 

1 week will allow you to see all the best sights, take your time, and even spend more time in locations you prefer and less in those you don’t. 

That’s why when I go into detail about the North Coast 500 itinerary further below, I will focus on a 7-day itinerary as it’s a perfect balance of time. 

I will drop in a couple of other itinerary suggestions for those who are restricted on time!

Should I drive the North Coast 500 clockwise or counterclockwise?

When Bradley and I road tripped the North Coast 500 in Scotland, there was hardly anyone around, so we didn’t really consider whether going clockwise or counterclockwise made a difference, but after some research it does! 

Bradley and I drove the North Coast 500 in a clockwise direction, so essentially going left from Inverness. 

I would imagine that in the summer months when the route gets super busy, it may be better to choose different routes to avoid a buildup of traffic, but in terms of beauty, you’ll be seeing the exact same sights on both routes, especially if you intend on doing the full loop! 

If you do NOT intend on doing the full NC500 loop and just doing the half, then I suggest going clockwise , and I think the scenery is slightly better. 

If you have an argument for either of these directions, then please do comment and let me know! 

When is the best time to drive the NC500 road trip?

The NC500 can be driven all year round, and I’m going to suggest an argument for each season: 

• ‍ Summer: Scotland tourism statistics show that this is the PEAK season. June, July, and August will be the busiest the NC500 will get. This is due to the fact people have time to drive it for their holidays, and the fact the weather is a lot nicer. But, the downside is that you’ll need to plan your campsites months in advance , all the tourist hotspots will be busy, and they are going to the midges. 

If you do not know what a midge is, then click here. We get them in Ireland too, and they’re the most annoying things ever, not to mention the fact that they just love your blood…

So if you are planning on doing the NC500 in summer, then make sure you pack your bug spray! 

• Autumn : This will be a lot quieter , and is technically when Bradley and I went. I personally love autumn colours, so it was beautiful seeing all the sights with a backdrop of orange, reds, and yellows. When we visited, the roads were fairly empty, on some days we didn’t drive past anyone for hours. You will have most of the tourist sights to yourself, however, because you’re visiting outside of peak season, you may find some attractions have already closed (this was true for us and castles), and you may have a lack of open campsites (if you don’t plan on wild camping for your trip). Oh, and no midges when we went either.
• Spring : Seems like a good time to visit because the weather will be more pleasant, and perhaps the crowds will be less than in summer, and you won’t have a problem with midges. 
• Winter : Scotland goes white in winter and in the highlands and the coast you might find the roads are icy and the conditions snowy. Whilst I imagine seeing Scotland in the snow is amazing, it might make a full-throttle road trip a little more difficult. Some mountain roads can be closed due to snow, which means you may miss out on some sights, but it depends on what you want from your trip! It’ll definitely be quieter!

Is the North Coast 500 Suitable for Motorhomes and Campervans?

Our campervan is a Peugeot Boxer LWB, and before we headed off on our trip, we often heard people say that the single pass roads on the NC500 might not be able to handle campervans or motorhomes. 

Well, on our first night, we met a lovely couple who had been motorhoming in Scotland for 3 months and had just completed the NC500. And bear in mind that they had a pretty darn big motorhome (bigger than our campervan) and they said it was absolutely fine.

Yes, it’s single pass roads, but there is a passing place every other minute, so you always have somewhere to pass. 

I imagine this all becomes more difficult in the summer months when it is busy, but Bradley and I didn’t have a single issue with “room” on the North Coast 500 route, and rarely had to use passing places since we were the only ones on the road! 

But it’s important to bare in mind that locals do have a love/hate relationship with motorhomes, especially those that aren’t “aware” drivers and don’t have the sense to avoid a road that can’t handle a motorhome, so just practice awareness when you’re driving, be respectful and don’t speed to park anywhere awkward to other drivers. 

So, yes, the North Coast 500 road trip is suitable for campervans and motorhomes. 

If you don't already have one, check out our rundown of the best motorhome rentals in Scotland .

Or go ahead and book now.

Wild camping on the North Coast 500

Wild camping in Scotland was one of our favourite memories in all of our Scotland adventures.

We love wild camping and since our campervan is fully self contained (shower and everything), we took advantage of the beautiful wild camping spots along the NC500! 

You can check out our post on wild camping in Scotland for a full throttle list of the best places to wild camp on the NC500, but I thought I would highlight some of my favourite.

1. Set of the “shell” film: so this is pretty easy to find, because on google it’s defined as the set of a film called Shell which was filmed here. It’s no longer in use so it’s a large car park with a couple of picnic tables. The views here are great, and the 4g with o2 was fantastic, so this was a great place to stay. Plenty of room for a few campers, but it is exposed so if it’s a windy night, then you will be rocking! 

2. Located on the beach side of a town called Strathy , this wild camping spot was literally a 5 minute walk from the beach with amazing views. It was sheltered from the wind and there were even 24 hour toilets too! A donation can be left to help with the upkeep of these toilets. This is a great spot on the North coast, and it’s closed to a town called BettyHill which has awesome coffee shops! 

If you want to find wild camping spots on the NC500 route, then we recommend the use of the Park4Night app and CamperContact . 

Our advice would be to only ever wild camp in places that are 100% legal and accepted by locals. These would be spots where express permission is given and there are donation boxes to help with upkeep. And please be fully self sufficient and take all waste away with you, it paints other vanlifers in a very bad light when there is rubbish and waste dumped at the side of the road. For further guidance, you should read this useful guide here from Visit Scotland .

Not into wild camping? Check out my list of the most romantic hotels in Scotland .

Chemical Waste disposal points on the NC500 

• Gairloch Harbour: This is technically free, but I think you can leave a donation. 
• Murkle Campsite in Thurso: Fee to use motorhome facilities including chemical waste disposal, grey water and refilling water. 
• Ferry View Campsite: £5 for chemical waste, grey waste disposal and you can refill your water. 
• I nner Park House & Inver Caravan Park, Dunbeath: £5 for chemical waste disposal, grey waste and water refilling. 
• Highland Campervans, Inverness : £5 for chemical waste disposal, grey water and refilling water tanks. 

The best things to do on the NC500

There are so many amazing things to do on the NC500! We did as much as we could with the weather we were given, and with what was open.

So I’m going to list all the best things to do on the NC500, as done by us on our North Coast 500 road trip! 

1. Take the mountain pass road to Applecross

It’s amazing how amazing the landscapes dramatically change when you’re driving the NC500, and one great example of this is the mountain pass road to Applecross.

Before we head off on our NC500 road trip, a few people had already mentioned Applecross as a place not to be missed, so we did it. 

When we arrived there was a sign saying the pass isn’t suitable for motorhomes, and I certainly would NOT attempt this drive if you have a caravan, but if you're in a campervan and know how to reverse well, then you’ll be absolutely fine.

I think the sign is to encourage people to take the alternative route, especially in the summer months when the NC500 is super busy! 

There are lots of viewing points along the way, but seriously just keep looking out your window and you’ll be amazed at the twisty turny road you are taking. The road is epic, the views are EPIC, but it’s not for the faint of heart. 

This reminded me of the mountain pass roads we crossed in Norway!

2. Check out Victoria Falls

There are lots of waterfalls along the NC500 route.

But the problem with waterfalls in Scotland is that probably, in comparison to waterfalls in the UK, they’re pretty good, but when you’ve been spoilt with waterfalls in Asia & South America, like Brad and I have, then they’re pretty….bland, BUT, that being said, of course, if you’re a fan of waterfalls, then go see them. 

We only see waterfalls now if they’re epic, and won’t bother hiking to one unless it’s epic, because we have a high waterfall threshold haha 

But Victoria Falls is an easy-breezy waterfall, it’s located next to Loch Maree, which is an absolutely beautiful loch in Scotland (there are many!). It’s run by the Forestry Commission, so it’s free to park up and it’s only 150 m to the waterfall.

There’s a little viewing platform too. 

I liked this waterfall because it was surrounded by beautiful autumn colours, which I love! 

And it’s one of the many free things to do on the NC500. 

3. Admire the beautiful Loch Maree

So I just mentioned Loch Maree above, and this is one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland (in my humble opinion).

I think the fact the sun was shining and the skies were clear when we visited had a lot to do with that. 

This loch is the fourth largest freshwater loch in Scotland; it is the largest north of Loch Ness.

There are walking trails to be found here, and since the loch is so big, you’ll find little villages, restaurants, and hotels on your way. 

4. Have a coffee at the Mountain Coffee Co 

So during our NC500 road trip, I fell in love with Highland coffee.

I consider myself to be quite a coffee fanatic, and I’ve had the privilege of sampling some amazing coffee (Nicaragua is still the best in the world), but the “highland” coffee was delicious! But what’s unique about this little coffee shop is that they sell and stock Bob Marleys son's coffee. 

It’s a quirky place with a quirky bookshop attached and I highly recommend you visit. I also believe they offer accommodation too. 

5. Have a stroll at Gruinard Beach

Scotland is home to some pretty beautiful beaches, but of course, beaches are season dependent.

When we visited in November, the weather wasn’t exactly sunbathing or swimming material, but I have to say Gruinard beach was still very beautiful to visit. It’s large, it’s got golden sand and it’s a truly beautiful place to just wander. 

We were the only ones on the beach when we visited near sunset, but I imagine in the summer months this place would get pretty busy! 

Parking is free and you can wild camp here too, but there was no phone signal for us, so we moved on! 

6. Admire Ardessie Falls

Another waterfall to visit on the NC500, but this one you can see as you drive past.

There is a small parking place just a couple of hundred meters away from it, but again, in the summer this would fill up very quickly. 

Since the road was empty when we visited, we quickly pulled beside the waterfall to admire this powerful fall and took some pictures! 

It was raining when we visited, but the waterfall was SO strong which was really cool! 

This waterfall is free to visit. 

7. Visit the viewing platform at Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

I love a viewing platform and a bridge, and this spot offered me both!

This spot is run by the National Trust for Scotland. 

When we visited, there was a suggested donation at the parking machine of £2 per person, which I was happy to pay, but it was actually out of use, so we didn’t have to pay it! 

The walk to the suspension bridge is only 10 minutes, then a further 5 to the viewing platform.

The suspension bridge was really cool and offers great views of the surrounding forest and a waterfall. Since we visited during the autumn colours I was surrounded by red, oranges and beautiful yellows- I loved it! 

8. Visit Ullapool

I have to warn you, I was disappointed in Ullapool.

But I actually think that was a lot to do with the fact EVERYTHING was closed when we visited, so there was literally nothing to do, other than going to Tesco to buy food. So that was disappointing.

But it’s a very popular stop on the NC500, so I assume it’s popular for a reason... 

On a good day, you can wander around the loch, shop for souvenirs, grab some lunch, and visit museums! 

9. Eat & drink at The Store Cafe in BettyHill

Brad and I agree that this was the cutest little cafe we’ve been to! The Store Cafe is literally an old store that’s been renovated into a part store, part coffee shop, and part off-license.

When you enter you’ll be greeted by a large, warm fire, so find a cozy seat, order a coffee (or a whisky!) and enjoy the atmosphere. 

This was such a cool spot, and definitely worth visiting for the quirky nature. 

In the summer months, they have outdoor seating, and the alcoholic drinks are very reasonably priced, so I would imagine it gets pretty popular here! 

10. Visit Smoo Cave

Smoo cave was my favourite place to visit on the whole NC500 driving route.

I love caves, and whilst this wasn’t quite as exciting as the caves I’ve seen in Vietnam, it was still very cool! 

Smoo Cave is free to enter (which is a pleasant surprise) and it’s a nice stroll down to it.

If you want to walk down into the cave itself then you’ll need to be wary of tides and make sure you can actually get in. 

But you can freely wander into this cave via a trail and explore the depths and darkness!

There’s even a walkway to an almighty waterfall, which you will get soaked at when you stand beside it! 

It’s such a cool spot to visit in Scotland. 

When we were visiting we saw that there is also the chance to take boat tours under the waterfall in the cave at certain times of the year.

It wasn’t running when we visited, but we definitely would have done that if the opportunity had presented itself! 

If you want to know the origins of Smoo Cave, then you can check out our vlog where Bradley makes a pretty convincing story of Smoo….

Parking is free here. 

11. Achemlvich Bay

So this is actually one of the things on the NC500 that Bradley and I didn’t do, but I had to mention it because the only reason we didn’t do it was because the weather was absolute crap.

A beautiful blue, crystal clear beach isn’t the same when the rain will not stop pouring.

So we didn't think there was much point in going…

But if you’re visiting in the summer or spring, then definitely go! Just google the pictures of the stop and you’ll why...it looks amazing! 

12. Hike the Old Man of Stoer

If you aren’t planning on staying on the Isle of Skye and hiking to the Old Man of Storr, then you may as well check out this one!

This is a 60-meter-high sea stack of Torridonian sandstone in Sutherland and from there you can also hike to the nearby Stoer Head Lighthouse.

It takes around 3 hours to hike and you can find out all you need to know about the walk itself right here .

13. Check out Kylesku Bridge

You’ll naturally drive across this bridge as part of the North Coast 500 driving itinerary, but it’s worth pulling into the parking viewpoint on the other side and taking some pictures.

The backdrop of this bridge is beautiful mountains and actually we ended up seeing a few deer which was pretty cool!

14. Visit the most Northerly town in mainland UK: John O’Groats

John O’Groats is 11 miles from Dunnet head which is Just 11 miles from Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain, but John O Groats is the start or endpoint of people doing the trip to Land’s End in Cornwall (most south). 

The village itself is tiny but it has a lot of charm.

There are a bunch of coloured houses which remind me of Balamory, and there are a few souvenir shops (a really cool Christmas shop!), coffee shops, and you can even spot whales, seals, and sharks here when the season is right. 

A great place to visit and a must-stop on any North Coast 500 itinerary. 

15. Wander around Duncansby Head Lighthouse & the Geo of Sclaites

During our adventures around Scotland Bradley and I have visited A LOT of lighthouses (we even got to stay in a lighthouse cottage on the Isle of Skye ), but this one was very pretty. I

t’s free to park and walk around, and from here you can take a short walk to the Geo of Scalites which is actually a really cool spot to visit. We visited just before sunset and it looked really pretty.

What I will say is that it's extremely windy in this area! 

You may also like:  Staying on a Lighthouse Cottage on the Isle of Skye

16. Castle Sinclair remains, Wick 

As you’re driving down the coastal roads of Wick, you’ll just be impressed by the views, but if you fancy a nice viewpoint, then take a detour into the Castle Sinclair remains.

It adds an extra 20-30 minutes onto your NC500 route, (it’s a one way in, one way out road) but on a clear day you’ll be greeted with amazing views, and there’s an information point there telling you about the history of the castle remains. 

17. Visit Dunrobin Castle & Gardens

This is honestly one of the prettiest castles I’ve seen! It’s so well put together, but of course, when we visited, it wasn’t open to the public so we didn’t get to look inside, which is a pity.

But you can find out on their website, the history of the castle and opening hours ect.

18. Explore Inverness

Last but not least, no North Coast 500 road trip would be complete without exploring the capital of the Highlands, Inverness! 

I loved Inverness and thought it was the perfect size of a city. It’s small but oozes lots of charm.

We only had a few hours to explore, but there is lots to do in this city including visiting Inverness Castle, Inverness Cathedral, getting your own kilt made at the kilt shop, and much more!

More info: How To Spend One Day In Inverness

Ultimate 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary 

So now that you’ve discovered the best things to do on the Nc500, it’s time to put that into perspective in the form of a 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary! 

The NC500 starts and ends in Inverness (Inverness Castle if we are being specific!), so let’s start at the city of Inverness for all our Nc500 itinerary suggestions. 

Day 1: Inverness to Applecross 

• Drive time: 2 hours 10 mins
• Miles : 80 

This is a great first day on your North Coast 500 itinerary!

The drive to Applecross is absolutely beautiful, and you’ll get to travel the mountain pass road to get there. In the summer months, there is a detour in place so that the mountain pass isn’t clogged up with campervans.

But if it’s quiet, then take the mountain pass road as the scenery is EPIC!

This was one of my favorite drives in all of the NC500, the views were awesome, but if you’re afraid of heights, maybe don’t look down! 

Day 2: Applecross to Gairloch

• Drive time: 2 hours and 15 minutes 
• Miles : 62 miles 

So this route will only be significant to those who actually take the Applecross coastal road.

I do suggest you take this route as the views are beautiful and you’ll come across lots of beautiful Highland cows along the way!

You may find they hold up traffic for a little bit, but that presents a great opportunity to take pictures of them. There are great waterfalls on this route and many viewpoints! 

Don’t forget to get a delicious coffee at the Mountain Coffee Co! 

Day 3: Gairloch to KyleSku

• Drive time: 2 hours and 8 minutes (if you take the shortcut) 4 hours without 
• Miles : 87.9 miles 

This is another beautiful route that will take you through to Ullapool.

Ullapool is a popular stopping point on the NC500, but unfortunately, when Bradley and I visited in November, everything was closed.

We had planned on visiting a coffee shop but absolutely nothing was open.

However, they do have a large Tesco shopping center here so it’s a good place to stock up on food if you need to!

I suggest you take the longer route which goes via the Achmelvich Bay direction. That whole loop is beautiful and the scenery here is great! We actually drove most of it in the rain but still thought it was fantastic. 

Day 4: KyleSku to BettyHill 

• Drive time: 2 hours and 22 minutes 
• Miles : 76 miles 

This day you’ll be heading towards the North Coast! So expect the weather to change. Something that is interesting at this point, is that we had fantastic 4g signals all around the north coast with o2, so if you’re like us and work on the road, then you’ll be pleased with the signal on offer! 

There are lots of beauty on this route, including the awesome Smoo Cave, which really was a quality gem on the Nc500 itinerary! 

End your day at BettyHill for a coffee and a snack, then find a wild camping spot, or a campsite closeby.  ‍

Day 5: BettyHill to Wick 

• Drive time : 1 hour and 36 minutes 
• Miles : 66 miles

This is going to be a fun day! It’s a short day of driving, only coming in at 1 hour and 36 minutes, but that will give you plenty of time to stop at Thurso and grab a coffee, visit John O Groats and wander around the colourful houses, check out the shops, then head to the Duncansby Head Lighthouse & the Geo of Sclaites, both of which are beautiful as the sun starts to set.

At John O Groats you’ll have the opportunity to spot whales, sharks, and more (if the season is right). 

Day 6: Wick to Golspie 

• Drive time: 1 hour and 11 minutes 
• Miles : 52 miles 

Again this is another pretty short day, but it’s a beautiful coastal drive and there are actually quite a lot of castle ruins, and lighthouses that you can see on the way, so you’ll probably find you want to stop quite often and get some great walks in! 

Day 7: Golspie to Inverness 

• Drive time: 1 hour and 8 minutes 

The drive from Golspie to Inverness is great and there are some great castles to see on this drive including, Dunrobin Castle & Gardens, We were actually able to see some seals at Loch -- which was cool, and this was November time, so if you fancy doing some animal spotting, then now's your chance! 

When you get back to Inverness, take a few hours to explore the city if you haven’t already. Inverness isn’t overly big, but it’s super charming.

We only had a few hours to explore, but we checked out the castle, wandered around the town, visit the largest second-hand book shop in Scotland (which was awesome!), visited the Victorian Market, and went for dinner. 

There are lots of places to pick up souvenirs when driving the NC500, but if you’ve forgotten, then just hit the shops in Inverness! 

Not wild camping? Check out the awesome hotels in Inverness city !

And that is our 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary! 

This is the exact route Bradley and I followed, we just did it in two weeks because we were working too, but it’s entirely possible to do it in a week, and whilst you can visit it all quicker in a week, I think 7 days is the perfect amount of time to drive at a leisurely pace, visit all the sights, do great walks, and have time to visit coffee shops and restaurants for lunch! 

If you decide to go the other direction, then the route is exactly the same, just back to front! 

Other North Coast 500 itinerary suggestions 

Just in case you don’t have 7 days to dedicate to your North Coast 500 itinerary, I’ll mention two other itineraries, below. 

5 day Nc500 itinerary 

Again we are starting in Inverness, and I suggest something like this: 

• Day 1: Inverness to Gairloch (this is 4 hours if you go via Applecross, and 1 hour and 18 if you skip it) 
• Day 2: Gairloch to Kysku (around 3 and a half hours (less if you take a shortcut)
• Day 3: Kylesku to Thurso (should take around 2 hours and 50 minutes) 
• Day 4: Thurso to Golspie (1 hour and 15 minutes)
• Day 5: Golspie to Inverness (1 hour and 18 minutes) 

3 day Nc500 itinerary 

A 3 day North Coast 500 itinerary will mostly see you sightseeing from your car seat window, but if that’s okay with you, then you’ll be fine. This will be more bearable in the summer months when you’ll have far more daylight to work with.

I don’t think this is a good idea if you’re visiting outside of that season. Consider the sunsets at around 3.20 pm in November. 

• Day 1: Inverness to Ullapool via Gairloch (and or Apple Cross) If you decide to do Apple cross then that’ll probably be a busy enough day for you. IF you don’t you could probably go further than Ullapool if you wish, I would suggest Kylesku. 
• Day 2: KyleSku to John O Groats: should take around 3 and a half hours 
• Day 3: John O Groats to Inverness: Around 2 hours and 40 minutes 

I know at first glance that these drive times do not sound like a lot, but remember they aren’t including any delays and don’t include any stopping at sights, any walks, any toilet breaks, lunch, dinner breaks ect, so be wary of that when planning your North Coast 500 itinerary. 

So there you have it, I hope this North Coast 500 itinerary has been useful to you! I’ve tried to include all the places we went, all the things we did and all the fun we had! I highly recommend this Scottish road trip. 

Scotland has so many great road trips and some of my other favorites include the: 

• Southwest Coastal 300
• 3 Day Isle of Skye Itinerary
• 7 Best Road Trips in Scotland

If you have any questions about this North Coast 500 itinerary, or the NC500 in general, then please do drop me a comment below. 

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7-day North Coast 500 Itinerary – FREE, Detailed and Unforgettable!

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One of the world’s best road trips is none other than the epic 500-mile Scotland road trip known as the North Coast 500. Sitting along the north coast of Scotland, this amazing 500-mile road trip takes you along some of Scotland’s most incredible scenery . After only 24 years of living here, we decided it was finally time to make the trip to the true north and see what lay there.

Epic coastlines, stunning beaches, endless horizons and beautiful wildlife are what awaits you along the north coast of Scotland. Get planning your trip of a lifetime with this NC500 7 day itinerary and witness some the most beautiful scenery in the world for yourself.

To help you plan your own epic adventure, we are giving you this detailed North Coast 500 7 day itinerary completely free. This guide to the North Coast 500 contains all the information you need to know, including the best North Coast 500 accommodation, a complete NC500 camping itinerary, and all of the best sights to see along the NC500 route.

Summary of this NC500 7 Day Itinerary:

Day One – Inverness to Dornoch

Day two – dornoch to john o’groats, day three – john o’groats to thurso, day four – thurso to durness.

• Day Five – Durness to Scourie
• Day Six – Scourie to Ullapool
• Day Seven – Ullapool to Applecross

Get planning your epic North Coast 500 road trip with our complete guide book to the North Coast 500. Buy it here and start planning your trip!

NC500 Downloadable Easy-Read Itinerary

Download an easy to use, NC500 map and North Coast 500 Itinerary right here .

Complete with pictures , stopping points and highlights along the way, this guide is a must-have for your next trip!

No time to read now? No worries! Save this to Pinterest for later!

Come along on our road trip with us on our Best Road Trips in Scotland video. Make sure you subscribe to our Youtube channel for more by clicking here!

The Ultimate North Coast 500 Itinerary – Route, Accommodation, Travel Tips and more..

Where to stay on the north coast 500.

There is a wide range of  accommodations around the NC500 route , so you will not be short on options. Depending on how long you are spending in each area will depend on how long you spend in that location. It is worth bearing in mind that some accommodations will require you to stay a minimum number of nights so it is worth researching this when you are planning your  North Coast 500 itinerary .

Our new book  North Coast 500 Where to Eat and Stay shares the best places to eat and stay around the NC500 and includes whether places are dog friendly, accessible, have wifi, electric vehicle charging and whether they cater to dietary requirements. Paired with our  Destination NC500 guidebook , you will have the perfect combo to start planning your roadtrip of a lifetime.

The remoteness in the highlands of Scotland will leave you with little choice of accommodation in each location along the NC500, however, there are still enough options to choose from to ensure a comfortable trip. These are mostly in the shape of B&Bs, Airbnbs, converted cottages and other quirky accommodations.

How Long Does it Take to Drive the NC500?

This is one of the most common questions about the North Coast 500 when it comes to planning the road trip, however, it is one without a real answer (unfortunately). The basic answer is “it can take however long you want it to”.

There are people who race around the NC500 in one day, making the most of the beautiful scenery, winding roads and white-knuckle driving conditions in certain areas. There are also people who slow travel around the NC500 for months at a time, making the most of every beach and soaking up the history at every stop.

 RENT YOUR MOTORHOME HERE

How Long SHOULD you spend on the NC500 is the better question to ask, and to that our answer is between  7-14 days . When we first set off on the North Coast 500, we spent a total of 8 days on the coastal route . We found this to be enough time to see all of the best sights on the NC500 , however, we could have easily spent more time at some of the beaches and mountain ranges to really explore them properly.

Given that the NC500 is one of the  best roadtrips in the UK , we would suggest that you do not attempt the entire NC500 route in less than 7 days, otherwise, you won’t be able to properly appreciate the beauty and fascinating history it has to behold.

Don’t let this put you off, however, if you do not have 7 days, as you can still do  PART  of the NC500 on your trip to Scotland. We highly recommend you visit the western coast of the NC500 if you can only do part of it as, in our opinion, this is where the most spectacular scenery sits.

DON’T FORGET

Your trip to Scotland will be a lot more comfortable with a midge net and midge spray . These little biting bugs can be enough to ruin a trip if you don’t have the equipment to protect yourself from them. A repelling candle can also be helpful if you are sitting oustide.

Complete North Coast 5oo Itinerary 7 Days

The NC500 road trip traditionally starts in the northern capital of Inverness, from which it either winds its way clockwise or anti-clockwise around the north coast. The following 7 day NC500 itinerary will take you anti-clockwise, beginning with the east coast and finishing with the dramatic scenery of the west coast.

This is a method growing in popularity, mainly because of how much more spectacular the west coast is compared to the east. This way you can admire the beauty of the east coast and have your road trip build to a climactic ending with the stunning west coast.

This itinerary is, of course, a rough guide, so if you would rather go clockwise, or pick and mix the destinations you visit, then read this itinerary in whichever way you wish.

Planning your trip to the North Coast 500

Transport and insurance.

• Book a flight to Inverness 
• Book an airport taxi
• Book a bus to Inverness
• Book a train to Inverness
• Buy travel insurance for your trip
• Rent a campervan for the NC500
• Rent a car for the NC500

Total Distance – 65miles

Time of Journey – 1hr 35minutes

Explore the City of Inverness

Ness Castle

The main sight we wanted to see in the city centre of Inverness was the local castle, Ness Castle. In order to reach the castle, head down the high street towards the river and take a left along the river bank. Stop and enjoy the view here before walking along the river until the castle comes into sight.

Read more about the castles of the North Coast 500 in our full guide. 

High Street Shopping

Now is the perfect opportunity to pick up any last-minute necessities before you head into the highlands. We luckily realised we had forgotten a sharp knife, so Poundland was a huge relief! If you are not sure what you will be needing for your camping trip, have a look at our  Packing Guide for Cheap Glamping .

Chase the Falls of Shin

Heading north from Inverness, the next stopping point is the glorious Falls of Shin . To get here you can either cross the Dornoch Firth Bridge and turn west or simply follow the southern coast of the Dornoch Firth towards Invershin. The Falls themselves are easy to find, with lots of signposts leading to the car park.

The Falls of Shin is a small collection of cascading steps of waterfalls, rising about 15m from bottom to top and stretched over about 300m of the river. The main spectacle at this sight is the natural phenomenon of the leaping salmon, an annual display of the resilience and power of nature.

If you visit here during the summer, there is a possibility of seeing these migratory salmon in action, leaping metres into the air to ascend the falls. This migration takes place as the salmon return from the sea and begins to travel inland to mate and lay eggs. This is the first time we have seen this and it is a spectacular sight!

In order to get to the waterfalls, head down the hill from the car park, across the road, and you will find the waterfall at the bottom of the stairs. Unfortunately, the viewing platform is not accessible for wheelchairs. By the car park, there is a restaurant and cafe that is perfect to rest and grab a coffee before you set off again to the next stop.

Stroll Along Dornoch Beach

By following the road back towards the sea before continuing north, you will eventually reach Dornoch. We decided to pull in here and explore the beach to figure out where we would stay for the night. The beach itself stretches for miles along the coast, with the softest sand we have felt in a long time! It is also a great beach for a dip , however, when the tide is low you will be walking for a long time before you reach a bit of water deep enough to swim.

If you are wanting a bite to eat, head back into town and take a walk along to the Cocoa Mountain for one of their decadent hot chocolates! You may also fancy getting a bite to eat at the Eagle Hotel.

Destination North Coast Map

If you are planning an adventure to the North Coast of Scotland, make sure you have all the resources you need to make the most of your trip. Our Destination North Coast Map is the perfect addition to any traveller’s toolkit. With detailed information on all the best spots, along the NC500, this map is your ultimate guide to exploring the rugged beauty of Scotland’s north coast.

Read more about this map here.

Where to Stay in Dornoch

Hotels near dornoch.

For the best place to rest your head after your first, whirlwind day on the North Coast 500, there are plenty of places to choose from in the Dornoch town centre. The best value hotels that are all within walking distance of the pubs and restaurants in Dornoch are the Dornoch Hotel , Royal Golf Hotel , and the Albatross B&B .

Click here for more options for accommodation near Dornoch.

Campsite for the Night – Dornoch

There are three campsites in Dornoch you can choose from Grannie’s Heilan Hame Holiday Park, Pitgrudy Holiday Park and Dornoch Camping and Caravan Site. We opted for the more adventurous option and found a quiet spot at the far end of the beach to pitch up for the night. If you arrive late and leave early (and of course leave no trace!), camping here shouldn’t be an issue.

Read more about these holiday parks in our complete guide to the best NC500 campsites.

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Plan your trip to the North Coast 500 like never before and enjoy a road trip around the most scenic landscape in the world.

Containing details on 

– All of the best sights (100+)

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and so much more!

Total Distance – 91miles

Time of Journey – 2hrs 24minutes

Day two of our NC500 7 day itinerary takes us further north along the coast and involves exploring some of the most breathtaking castles in Scotland. As the sun rises in the sleepy town of Dornoch, the sound of gulls overhead and the waves crashing on the shore of the beach, it is time to get ready for a busy day ahead.

Either prepare your own home-cooked breakfast or head into town to find some food. It seemed most places didn’t open until 9 or 10, so we suggest buying food and cooking on a stove or finding somewhere else to eat on route. After it turns 10am you can check out the Cocoa Mountain cafe if you haven’t already. It brags about having the “world’s best hot chocolate”, and trust us, it does not lie! YUM!

SHOPPING TIME : In Dornoch town centre there is a small Co-op for any essentials you need to pick up. There is a large Tesco outside of Wick so we would suggest waiting till then to do a big shop.

Visit Dunrobin Castle

The first stop of the day on this 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary is at the beautiful Dunrobin Castle . This sits about 20 minutes north of Dornoch and will cost you around £13.50 to go inside the castle to have a look around. Dunrobin Castle houses an impressive collection of art, antiques, and artifacts, which are on display for visitors to enjoy. This includes an extensive collection of European paintings, porcelain, and silverware, as well as items from the Sutherland family’s personal collection, such as firearms, hunting trophies, and rare books.

Dunrobin Castle is known as one of Scotland’s great northerly castles, dating all the back to the 13th century.

Resembling a beautiful French Chateau, with is conical spires and quaint details in its architecture, this castle has been kept in pristine condition throughout the years. It is one of Britains oldest continually inhabited houses and has been host to a wide range of roles over the years, from a First World War Naval Hospital to a boarding school for boys.

The castle is open for tours between 1st April and 31st October annually.

Stretch Your Legs at Brora Beach

The famous Brora Beach sits another 25 minutes further north of Dunrobin Castle and is well worth a stop. The beautiful, white-sand beaches stretch along the coast for miles and the town is small and quaint. If you wander along the shoreline of the golf course, you may even see some cows roaming around there too.

A fantastic, secluded stop is in the town centre, is the small Brora harbour. It is the perfect place to enjoy the smell of the sea and watch the fishermen unload their catches. We stopped off here for a bite to eat by the harbourside, enjoying the peaceful water of the docks and the beautiful view out to sea.

If you are looking for other things to do in Brora , we can recommend trying the waffles at Cocoa Skye and the Indian food at Sid’s Spice. Both are delicious.

If you fancy staying an extra night in Brora, we can recommend checking out the NC500 Pods in Brora for a night away in nature.

Climb the Whaligoe Steps

Our next stop on this itinerary is one of our highlights of the trip, the Whaligoe Steps . This staircase has been built into the vertical drop of the Whaligoe slate cliffs, and give you a stunning view of them from a different perspective. The Whaligoe Steps are a series of limestone steps leading down the 250ft cliffside to a sheltered harbour area below.

The harbour and the steps here are believed to date back to the 18th century, when it was used to store more than 20 fishing boats. Today, the harbour at the bottom lies in ruin, however, thanks to the hard work of the local volunteers the stairs remain in good condition. The ancient ruins of the old boathouse and boat-winch remain at the bottom of the cliff for you to see yourself, just take care of the steps!

Plan your trip to this beautiful place on the North Coast 500 with our complete guide to the Whaligoe Steps.

Over time, the stairs have been subject to heavy traffic and have resulted in quite a bit of wear. Due to this, signposts for the stairs have been removed from the main road and they are quite easy to miss.

If you want to find them, look for a signpost for “Cairn of Get”, and instead of turning left towards it, turn right. This will bring you to the Whaligoe steps cafe and a car park for you to explore the area. Head around the cafe and down the hill and you will find the steps. Make sure to take a camera!

Visit the Castle of Old Wick

The next stop is at the Castle of Old Wick, just 15 minutes on from Whaligoe. This castle ruin sits on an outcrop of land from the surrounding cliffs, with perilous drops on either side. The Castle of Old Wick is believed to date back to the 12th century, however, all that remains today is the towering ruins of the 4-storey tower.

At the time of its construction, the Kings of Norway dominated this area of Northern Scotland. It is believed to have been built Earl Harald Madadson, the earl of Orkney, with intention of the castle being his chief seat on the mainland.

The sign-posting for this castle isn’t too great, but if you use Google Maps you should find it. Turn right onto Old March Road and continue all the way along to the end (take it slow, it gets quite bumpy!). You should see the castle once you reach the end of the road, so park up and walk it from there.

There are some stunning views of the cliffs in this part, however, don’t stand too close as they are corroded underneath and it’s a long way down! Head around the cliff till you reach the gate and head on through to the castle.

SHOPPING TIME: There is a huge Tesco on the outskirts of Wick, which is perfect to stock up on supplies if you missed the Morrisons. The petrol station here is also much cheaper than anywhere we passed since Inverness, so top up now! There is also a Poundland, Lidl and a Superdrug before the town itself as well.

Visit Castle Sinclair and Girnigoe

Further on towards the end of the world you’ll find the rather impressive remains of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe . Seriously, if you are a Game of Thrones fan you do NOT want to miss this! It is definitely the most awe-inspiring castle ruin we have ever visited.

A short walk from the car park will bring you past some more stunning cliff faces, full of amazing photo opps. Keep pressing on and you will see the tallest part of the castle come into view. Read the signs as you walk along and you will see the incredible history behind this castle, and understand just how impressive it was in its day.

Perched on the edge of a cliff, with a drawbridge entrance and over 3 stories, this castle has an incredible vantage point and stunning views over the ocean. Can you imagine living back in those days and having that view every day of your life?! Also what did they think was on the other side of that vast blue landscape? Mind-boggling!

The earliest parts of the castle date back to the 15th century, where over the years it has been subject to a huge amount of horrifying history. From multiple seizures to family murders, Castle Sinclair and Girnigoe has had a truly gruesome history on the north coast of Scotland.

Visits to this castle are on a donation basis and it is open 24-7, perfect for a beautiful sunrise location if you fancy an early morning jaunt on your North Coast 500 road trip.

Where to Stay in John O’Groats

Hotels near john o’groats.

On the very northeast corner of mainland Scotland, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation options. The best hotels and holiday homes that you can stay in are all within close vicinity of the stunning sunset spot of the Duncansby Lighthouse. For affordable and comfortable accommodation, you can choose from the Seaview Hotel , Puffin Cottage , the Anchorage B&B and Hamnavoe .

Click here for more options for accommodation near John O’Groats.

Campsite near John O’Groats

When we finally managed to peel ourselves from the spectacular Castle Sinclair, we headed to Duncansby Bay lighthouse in search of a bed for the night. You will see a small field on your left as you approach with campers and tents, ignore this and head up the hill! It turns out the carpark for the Duncansby Light House is a popular layup spot for motorhomes, but we were the only ones to enjoy the scenery from a tent.

The view from our tent was absolutely spectacular. The car park faces directly towards the sunset in the summer and the lower ground offers a perfectly flat landscape for a tent (just watch out for the sheep poo!). Pitch up here for the night here and you will not regret it!

Read more about this wild camping spot and all the best wild camping spots along the NC500 in our full guide.

If wild camping isn’t quite your style, there is a campsite in John O’Groats itself. As well as this site there are some stunning lodges that overlook the sea if you are feeling fancy!

Total Distance – 36miles

Time of Journey – 1hr

Waking up at the edge of the world, it is time to begin our journey west along the most northerly part of mainland Britain for day 3 of this North Coast 500 7 day itinerary. The horizon is endless and the sights along this remote part of the world are incredible, so let’s get going!

Marvel at the Duncansby Stacks

There is a small car parking area at the end of a narrow winding road to the Duncansby Stacks and Duncansby Lighthouse .

From here, walk over the hill to your right and the incredible towers of rock will come into view. These colossal monuments to time are a fantastic photo opportunity and, if the weather is okay, are the perfect spot for some light reflection of your trip so far.

Read our full guide to the Duncansby Stacks here.

Take a Photo with the John O’Groats Sign Post

Driving back into the town of John O’Groats, continue on the road along the north coast until you see a sign for the visitor centre. Here you will be able to park use the public toilets and get a bite to eat if you’re hungry. You can also snap a photo at the iconic John O’Groats signpost .

Marvel at the Castle of Mey

The Castle of Mey lies further along the north coast from Dunnet Bay Beach , and is a sight that you might recognise from the Netflix TV show, The Crown. This renovated ruin has an incredible garden and offers a full guided tour around the castle itself. This experience, however, will cost you in order to enter the Castle, Garden and Ground for around £15 or the Garden and Grounds alone for around £9.

The castle itself was built between 1566 and 1572, with additional structures being added later in the 17th and 18th centuries. The name of the castle was also changed during this time to Barrogill Castle. For the past 450 years, the castle has remained inhabited, which makes it especially unique.

Nowadays, it is open as a visitor attraction and attracted more than 27,000 visitors in the first year of opening in 2007. The visitor centre is open every year between May and September, 7 days a week, apart from 10 days in summer when it is used as accommodation.

Stretch Your Legs at Dunnet Bay Beach

Dunnet Bay beach lies not too far from John O’Groats and offers another unbelievable, mile-long stretch of sand to enjoy and unwind on. Sitting right on the side of the road, this beach is slightly busier than some others, however, it is huge so you won’t be fighting for space. North Coast Watersports run surf lessons from Dunnet Bay which is a really fun experience. We would highly recommend looking into the different experiences that they offer and booking onto one during your trip.

Thurso Town Centre

The final stop of the day is at the small town of Thurso, which is home to one of the most northerly train stations in the UK. Thurso was a much larger town than we expected, with a high street, plenty of shops and lots of bars and restaurants to choose from to rest for the night.

Thurso is a small fishing village on the northeast coast of Scotland, where the earliest history dates back 5000 years with evidence of Neolithic burial sites. The town was originally known by the Gaelic term tarvodubron, or “bull water”, and was once an important Norse port until the Nordic rule ended in the 13th-century.

It is a beautiful little town, full of character and quaint charm. The perfect place to stop for a bite to eat, some food and even a place to rest your head.

Where to Stay in Thurso

Hotels near thurso.

As one of the larger towns on the North Coast 500, there is plenty of accommodation available in the town centre of Thurso. Ideally, you are going to want somewhere that is within walking distance to the local pubs and restaurants, which means your best options are the Pentland Hotel , the Pentland Lodge House , The Inn @ Y-Not , and Station Hotel .

Click here for more options for accommodation near Thurso.

Campsites near Thurso

The closest campsite to the small town of Thurso is the Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, located right on the edge of the beautiful Dunnet Bay. From this campsite, it is possible to catch a nearby boat tour to see the beautiful Duncansby Stacks up close, or you can climb the Dunnet Head hill for a spectacular view of the bay.

If you would prefer to wild camp, there are many remote areas around this part of the North Coast 500 road trip where you can take your tent out into the wilderness for a night of serenity. Please remember to leave no trace.

Read more about wild camping along the NC500 in our full guide.

Get your copy of Destination NC500 today!

Get your copy of the most in-depth travel guide to the NC500 on the market, Destination NC500

Total Distance – 82miles

Time of Journey – 2hrs 20minutes

Continuing west along Scotland’s northern coast, today is a day filled with stunning beaches, ancient caves and plenty more beautiful sea views. Fill up at a local cafe or with a campsite breakfast and get ready for another day of adventure!

Take a Dip in Skerray Harbour

Continuing west along the northern coast, with the beautiful, blue waters of the North Sea, with nothing between you and the Arctic Circle, our next stop is at the small, isolated bay of Skerray Harbour. Named as “between the rock and sea”, Skerray is a small town filled with artists, tree-planters and fisherman.

On the seaside of Skerray lies the quiet and peaceful area of water of Skerray Harbour, which was a spot we used for a quick swim in the sea. The harbour is a quiet place to visit, with plenty of space to spread out and find a peaceful spot despite how busy it may be. If you are brave enough to face the cold North Sea, then this is the best spot for a quick dip or even to do some harbour jumping. A great spot for wild swimming on the North Coast 500.

We would highly recommend getting yourself a Seashell dryrobe for keeping warm when you get out of the icy cold water! They even have pockets to store your keys! 

Check out the Seashell Dryrobes and Toweling Robes here.

Discover the Hidden Coldbackie Sands

As you approach the small village of Tongue, keep an eye on the coast to your right. A glimmer of golden sands will appear far below, hidden behind the bushes that line the road. This secret paradise is known as Coldbackie Beach and is one of the most spectacular beaches on the NC500.

A layby at the side of the road will allow you to park up and begin the steep descent down towards the beach. This is quite a tricky climb, especially when the ground is wet underfoot, so take care and wear good shoes. Upon reaching the beach, take a moment to appreciate the seclusion around you and stretch your legs along the shore.

This is one of the most beautiful beaches we found on the NC500 and is definitely worth a visit.

Read our full guide to Coldbackie Beach right here for more information on how to get here and what to expect.

View the Ruins of Castle Varrich

The isolated and abandoned ruins of Castle Varrich is one of the oldest structures on the North Coast 500 road trip. Sitting above the small town of Tongue, the ruins are shrouded in mystery as to their exact date of construction, however they are believed to date back over 1000 years.

It is believed that at one time they were home to the chief of Clan Mackay, and consists of two floors plus an attic. Although this is far from the largest castle on the NC500, Castle Varrich is still worth a visit and can easily be reached from the town of Tongue. The walk will take you one hour and the ruin will give you spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the Kyle of TOngue.

Read more about the castles of the North Coast 500 in our full guide.

Take a Boat Trip through Smoo Cave

Just outside of the small town of Durness lies a cave that has a history dating all the way back to the Vikings. As you enter the 50ft opening to Smoo Cave (one of the largest Sea Cave entrances in the UK), you begin a journey through time back thousands of years.

Smoo Cave is one of the most fascinating stops you can make on the NC500 and is one we highly recommend. Inside the cave, you are able to board a small boat and enter deeper into the realms of the hidden world beneath the surface of Durness. Alongside a local tour guide, you can walk deep into the caves, hearing stories of how the Vikings used this area to store their boats from the stormy seas outside.

Thanks to the hard work of the locals, the cave network here is ever-expanding, with new caves being discovered every year. A lot of the cave openings are currently inaccessible due to being underwater, however, it is believed that during the time of the Vikings, the lower sea levels meant that the cave floor was actually about 10ft lower than it is today, giving access to the huge expanse underneath.

You can visit the Smoo Caves at any time of the day, with the main cave remaining open to the public 24-7. If you wish to explore deeper into the cave system, which is only accessible by boat, you will need to take part in an organised tour. The tour is subject to the local weather, as even a little rainfall can make the cave inaccessible. Due to this there are no advance bookings.

Read more about the cave tour and the work being done on Smoo Cave on their website here.

If you are looking for a good bag for your time exploring The North Coast 500, we can highly recommend the  Wandrd Bag PRVKE 41L , especially if you are carrying camera equipment around. If you are looking for a smaller backpack,  The Nest by Tropicfeel is one of the most comfortable bags I have ever owned.

Walk the ceannabeinne village trail.

If you are looking for a history lesson with a view then the Ceannabeinne Village Trail is one for you. Sitting outside the village of Durness, the ruins of the old Ceannabeinne (meaning “end of the mountains”) township can be found along a guided boardwalk. With views over one of Scotland’s most spectacular beaches, the Ceannabeinne Village Trail tells the story of how locals lived through the 18th century in this remote village.

The main focus of the story is of the infamous 19th century “Highland Clearances” when local villagers were forced from their homes by rich land-owners. Life back in these times was unfair and quite miserable, due to harsh living conditions and extortionate rental costs by the greedy land-owners.

The Ceannabeinne story, however, tells of a more lighthearted victory by the villagers when locals rose up again this greed resulting in the riot of 1841. Unfortunately, this was to no avail as the village soon emptied of any residents due to a lack of work and food. Whilst you are in the area of Durness, we would suggest admiring the stunning Ceannabeinne Beach , and if you are brave enough, how about trying out the Golden Eagle Zipline that goes across the beach too?

Where to Stay in Durness

Hotels near durness.

In the town centre of Durness, you have a few options to choose from for comfortable accommodation for the night. This varies from guesthouses to bed and breakfasts, however, all of the options are sure to be clean, comfortable and affordable. Options for accommodation in Durness include Transvaal House , Aiden B&B , Glengolly B&B , and the Wild Orchid Guest House .

Click here for more options for accommodation near Durness.

Campsites Near Durness

There are plenty of remote areas around this part of the NC500 if you are looking for somewhere to wild camp near Durness.

Read about all of the best wild camping spots along the North Coast 500 in our full guide. 

If you fancy somewhere a little less wild, maybe with a shower and a toilet, then don’t worry as there are plenty of campsites to choose from near Durness. The best of which is the fantastic Sango Sands campsite about 2.5miles from the Ceannabeinne village trail.

The award-winning Sango Sands Oasis sits high above the spectacular, golden Sango Sands beach, one of the most popular north-west Scotland campsites. With an onsite bar and restaurant, stocked full of all the best Scotch Whisky, this cosy campsite is ideal for your stay in the north-west of Scotland.

Read more about the campsites of the North Coast 500 in our full guide.

Day 5 – Durness to Scourie

Total Distance – 30miles

Time of Journey – 50minutes

As you begin to make your way down the Western coast of Scotland, you will enter into the true, untamed region of the route that the NC500 road trip is famous for. The roads become narrow and single-tracked, the hills become giants and the history of the landscape is absolutely fascinating. Did you know that this part of the world once sat where South America currently is?

Morning Stroll on Sango Sands

Starting off the day in Durness, if you haven’t already paid a visit to the famous Sango Sands then now is the time to do it. If there is one part of Scotland that catches most people by surprise, it is the number of stunning beaches that it has. Most of the pictures of the beaches along the northern coast of Scotland could be mistaken for the Caribbean, and Sango Sands is no exception.

This beautiful stretch of sand is overlooked by one of the best campsites on the NC500 , Sango Sands Oasis, and is popular for wildlife watching and watersports. From the shores of Sango Sands, it is not uncommon to see seals, dolphins and even whales making their way along the coast.

Pit Stop at the Cacao Mountain Cafe

After a visit to the beach, you have one more chance to sample the “best hot chocolate in the world” at the Cacao Mountain Cafe in Durness. This cafe is sister to the one in Dornoch and is a good stopping point before you head south to your next destination.

Visit the town of Durness, take a stroll through the village and heat yourself up with a hot chocolate before you head on to Handa Island on the western coast of Scotland.

Take a Boat Trip to Handa Island

The remote Handa Island is one of the best day trips that you can take on the NC500 route. The island is around 300 hectares in size and the highest point of over 120-metres. The island Scotland Wildlife Trust nature reserve, home to over 100,000 wild seabirds and a greatly significant area in terms of birdlife and marine vegetation.

It is possible to visit the island by catching a ferry from the local port across to the island, where you will be met by an RSPCA volunteer who will give you a quick induction to the island. These volunteers take turns to live on the island and study the local wildlife, and so they are able to provide great insight into what you can expect to see on the island. They will also warn you of where you are and are not allowed to go on the island, depending on the breeding season.

The island itself is quite small, with a walking loop around the entire island taking only a few hours. The walk around the island is absolutely breathtaking, made even better by the stunning views of mainland Scotland across the light blue water. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales off the shore and as you make your way across to the island by boat.

The small, ribbed boat from Tarbet across to the island, normally running between April to September. The furry runs six days a week, with no service on Sundays, and is of course art the discretion of the captain based on weather conditions. If you wish to know more about the ferry, you can find contact details on the website .

Where to Stay in Scourie

Hotels near scourie.

There are not a lot of choices when it comes to accommodation nearby Scourie, with only two guesthouses in the centre of the village. The Scourie Guesthouse is your best option, comfortable, affordable and with exceptional reviews.

Click here for more options for accommodation near Scourie.

Campsites Near Scourie

Continuing south along the west coast of Scotland, you will eventually reach the peaceful spot of  Scourie Caravan and Camping campsite . This campsite sits on the edge of Scourie Bay, with spectacular views towards Handa Island and beyond. This bay is extremely popular with sea kayakers as it is the ideal location to for camping north-west Scotland and to set off out to the open ocean.

The campsite will cost you a very reasonable £29 for 2 people, one car and an electrical hook-up. The laundry facilities are £2 for the washing machine and £1 for 30 minutes in the drier.

Read more about the campsites on the NC500 in our full guide.

The closest wild camping spot lies about 10-minutes north of Scourie, on the backs of Loch Laxford. Read more about this wild camping spot in our full guide to wild camping spots on the NC500.

Day 6 – Scourie to Ullapool

Total Distance – 43miles

The penultimate day of your North Coast 500 7 day itinerary road trip takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland. Sights include beautiful architecture, ancient castles and the stunning landscape of Knockan Crag Nature Reserve.

Marvel at the Kylesku Bridge

Driving south from Scourie, you will eventually reach the prominent construction of Kylesku, a contrasting sight against the rugged background of the Scottish highlands. This modern-looking bridge is famous for its sleek and beautiful design, which stands defiant against the breathtaking landscape of the North Coast 500.

This is not a culturally significant stop on the NC500, however, it is a worthwhile one nonetheless and is a definite photo stop.

Discover the Ruin of Ardvreck Castle

One NC500 must-see sight is the ancient Castle Ardvreck. Surrounded by the still waters of Loch Assynt, the ancient ruins of Castle Ardvreck are a sure sight to behold. Thought to date back to 1590, this castle was constructed by the Clan Macleod. This was then the stronghold for Clan Macleod until 1672, when it was captured by Clan Mackenzie. It was then inhabited until 1737, when a mysterious fire destroyed it beyond repair.

As you drive along the winding A837, you will see these ruins sitting proudly above the glistening waters.

Uncover the History of the “Bone Caves”

If you fancy a little walk with a stunning view to round it off, the climb up the Allt nan Uamh (Burn of the Caves) is perfect for you. Parking up at the Bone Caves carpark, about four kilometres south of Inchnadamph, the walk takes you on a loop of this ancient limestone valley. The loop is suitable for families, however, due to the rough path, it is not suitable for pushchairs.

At the top of the track, before you begin your return journey to the car, you will find a series of caves dug into the side of the mountain. These caves are all the site of excavations that have uncovered the bones of ancient predators such as wolves, polar bears and lynxes that used to roam these lands.

What drove these animals to meet their fate in these caves? Did they use them to shelter from the harsh Scottish weather, or were they killed by a larger predator that called these caves home? The North of Scotland is a land steeped in mythology and folklore, stories that talk of giants as well as other horrible monsters..

Visit the caves for yourself and make up your own mind on the fate of these ancient creatures.

Read more about the Bone Caves here.

Explore the Knockan Crag Nature Reserve

Where Continents Collide. That is the phrase used to describe this fascinating part of the world, one which is said to have begun a discussion that revolutionised 19th-century geology. Upon the discovery Moine Thrust Zone, which showed older rock layers situated on top of younger rock layers, the resulting shockwave among geologist at this period of time is comparative to that produced when Charles Darwin released his “Theory of Evolution”.

It was later concluded that the reason for this layering of old on top of young was caused when two different areas of rock layers pushed together. The result was like that of a card dealer pushing cards together, with some layers pushing on top of others, allowing older layers to overlap and sit on top of younger rock layers.

Upon your visit to Knockan Crag Nature Reserve , you have the choice of either reading more about the fascinating geology of this part of Scotland or taking a walk along the hiking trail to admire the stunning surrounding landscape. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring this beautiful and ancient part of the UK, before you begin your journey to the harbour town of Ullapool for sunset.

Watch the Sunset at Ullapool Harbour

The small town of Ullapool is the main harbour town for the Outer Hebrides, with boats leaving from here to the enchanting islands of Lewis and Harris. The town itself sits on the edge of Loch Broom, sheltered from the wild waters of the Summer Isles and the further abyss of the Atlantic Ocean.

There are many great things to do in Ullapool if you have the time. This quaint harbour town has a beautiful charm to it, with old, whitewash houses lining the harbour-front, overlooking the boats that creak and sway in the calm water of the bay. As the day comes to an end, the surrounding hills begin to light up a magnificent pink, which in turn illuminates the buildings and the water.

Finish off your penultimate day on the North Coast 500 road trip by watching the sunset over the beautiful Loch Broom, before you settle in at one of the lochside pubs for live music, cold drinks and a great atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Ullapool

Hotels near ullapool.

There is no shortage of comfortable accommodation available in the seaside town of Ullapool, however, due to demand, it will definitely book up quickly. For luxurious and affordable accommodation in the town centre of Ullapool, our top recommendations are The Arch Inn , Caledonian Hotel and The Ferry Boat Inn .

Click here for more options for accommodation near Ullapool.

Campsites Near Ullapool

The only campsite in the town of Ullapool, Broomfield Campsite is perfectly located for those wanting to spend the night in the buzzing town centre. With loads of bars, restaurants and shops to explore and try along the seafront of Ullapool, we highly recommend this campsite for during your visit to the port town.

Read more about all of the best campsites on the NC500 in our full guide. 

If you fancy a more adventurous night on the outskirts of Ullapool, drive out of the town and head out into the hills where you will no doubt find a great spot to wild camp for the night.

Read more about the best wild camping spots on the NC500 in our full guide.

Day 7 – Ullapool to Applecross

Total Distance – 115miles

Time of Journey – 2hrs 45minutes

It’s your final day on the North Coast 500 and as the sun rises over Ullapool, gently illuminating the surrounding hills of Loch Broom, it is time to head south for the final time. The day builds up through crashing waterfalls, quaint, lochside towns, and climaxes with one of the most epic drives in the UK.

Discover the Falls of Measach

The first stop as you head south from Ullapool is at the cascading water of the Falls of Measach, situated about 12-miles from Ullapool town centre and one of the best waterfalls on the North Coast 500 . Also known as the Waterfalls of the Place of Platters, the Falls of Measach is a 46m waterfall that flows through the Corrieshalloch Gorge, just off the A835 road.

Parking up at the side of the road, the waterfall lies about 10-minutes from the gates that mark the beginning of the path. Above the falls lies a suspension bridge that spans the gorge and delivers a beautiful, birds-eye view of the waterfall below.

If you then continue along the with for another few minutes, you will eventually reach the man-made viewing platform that stretched out from the cliffside and gives a spectacular view down the gorge of the waterfall and bridge.

Chase the Victoria Falls

From the Falls of Measach, there is a right turn just after the car park that will take you along the seaside route through the towns of Poolewe and Gairloch, which are both beautiful places to stop and stretch your legs. Eventually, you will reach the lochside waterfall known as Victoria Falls, a beautiful waterfall made from the burns and rivers tumbling down from the towering Beinn Eighe National Park.

Named after Queen Victoria, who visited these waterfalls in 1877, the Victoria Falls lie on the opposite side of the road from Loch Maree. Although the pail in comparison to its African twin, Victoria Falls is still a beautiful place to visit as you wind your way through the Scottish highlands.

Visit the Town of Shieldaig

Continuing along the coast of Loch Maree, you will eventually reach the small town of Kinlochewe, which means “ head of loch lu “. At this village, your path turns west towards the small fishing village of Shieldaig, which sits on the north coast of the Applecross Peninsula, on the shores of Loch Sheildaig.

The name Shieldaig derives from the Old Norse language, meaning “ herring bay “. It was initially founded in the 1800s as a training port for seamen to train for the war against Napoleon, however, after his initial defeat, the village became a prosperous fishing town.

Today, the town is a peaceful place, with a community of around 80 locals. It has a school, a pub, a village hall, a church and a couple of restaurants. The quiet shorelines of Loch Shieldaig coupled with the quaint charm of the local shops make it a popular resting spot for those touring the North Coast 500 before they begin their final climb to reach the village of Applecross.

Drive Britain’s Highest Road – The Bealach na Ba

There are two ways to reach the small village of Applecross, one leading around the peninsula to the north and one snaking its way directly over the mountains. If you are driving a large vehicle or are not comfortable driving on narrow, winding roads with steep drops, then I suggest you take the scenic route to the north.

The Bealach na Ba is one of the world’s most spectacular drives. It sits as the third highest road in Scotland and has the steepest ascent of any road in the UK, reaching an altitude of 626 metres. Named “ the pass of the cattle “, the Bealach na Ba was once the only route from Applecross to the rest of the country and was used by farmers to transport livestock to the markets in central Scotland.

Today it is famous for its narrow, twisting turns, similar to those in the Italian Alps, as well as its stunning view of the sea from its highest point. On a clear day, it is possible to see all the way to the Isle of Skye and the beautifully haunting outline of the Cullin mountain range.

Dinner at the Applecross Inn

After you continue down the other side of the Bealach na Ba, you will eventually reach the refuge of Applecross, a peaceful, seaside village that consists of the main road, a few houses, and a pub. This is the final stop of our trip and what better place is there to reflect on the beauty that you have just witnessed than on the sheltered bay of Applecross, watching the sunset over the water.

The Applecross Inn is the venue for the night and it is certain to entertain. Locals and travellers rub elbows in this cosy, low-roof pub, with mouthwatering food on offer from the kitchen, cold beers and wine from the bar, and live music from the local band. Lose yourself in the friendly atmosphere of the Applecross Inn and share your stories of the epic adventure you have just exerienced.

I’m sure you will have a story or two to tell!

The Applecross Inn is very popular and will book out so we highly recommend booking in advance.

Where to Stay in Applecross

Hotels near applecross.

For such a small village, there are actually a good number of options for roofed accommodation nearby Applecross. These options include hotels and holiday cottages such as the Cruary , Hartfield House and Sanctuary Cottage . All of these options are within walking distance of the Applecross Inn and offer a comfortable nights sleep with all the expected necessities.

Click here for more options for accommodation near Applecross.

Campsites Near Applecross

Once you reach Applecross, the campsite sits on the road that winds its way down from the Bealach an Ba viewpoint. The campsite sits above the town of Applecross and delivers spectacular views of the distant Isle of Skye and its iconic Cullin Mountains.

Read more about the best campsites on the North Coast 500 in our full guide.

We spent our night wild camping on the outskirts of the town of Applecross, towards the small village of Camusterrach. Opposite the small lochen on your lefthand side of the road, there is a flat patch of earth on the raised hill on your right that is perfect for pitching up for the night.

If you can’t find a spot on this side of the village, we also saw plenty of campervans pitched up on the stony beach beside the Applecross Heritage Centre, many of which looked like they had been there for a while. As long as you pitch up respectfully and leave the site as you found it, there shouldn’t be any issue wild camping on the outskirts of the town.

North Coast 500 Guidebooks

We have spent a lot of time in this part of Scotland over the years and we recently spent four months touring around the northern end of Scotland writing the most detailed travel guide to the North Coast 500 route on the market. Plan your road trip to the max with Destination NC500 which features over 110 of the best things to do on the NC500 as well as where to eat and stay, motorhome service points, Accessibility, Wifi and EVC charging points.

Get your copy of Destination NC500 right here.

North Coast 500 Where to Eat and Stay is our most recent book published by Harper Collins and gives a great insight into local businesses around the NC500 route. Trust me when I say that we are always going back up to the NC500 for more good food and epic stays! 

Before You Leave on the North Coast 500

Before you head off on your trip around the NC500, there are certain things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth trip. These include how to get around the route, including being aware of single track roads, etc., what to pack for Scotland, where to stay along the route and what travel insurance to book.

Read more planning tips for the North Coast 500 in our full guide.

How Do I Get Around the NC500?

Given the remote location of the NC500 and the majority of the sights along the route, the best way to get around this road trip is by driving. There are of course other methods that are still popular, such as cycling and hiking, however, if you have a short amount of time on the route, neither of these are very suitable.

As for public transport, the use around the NC500 is understandably difficult due to how remote each location is, however, with the increasing problem of congestion along the route, this is a good option to research if you have time. If it is something that interests you, you can read a public formed itinerary of how to get around the NC500 by public transport over here .

If you are looking to rent a cosy, reliable, and luxurious campervan for your trip along the NC500, we highly recommend hiring through Motorhome Republic. 

Browse the full range of vehicles on offer at Motorhome Republic over here.

What Should I Pack for the NC500?

When it comes to packing for a trip along the NC500 there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof jacket. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your 7-day NC500 road trip you will probably experience at least a drizzle of rain. Due to this, the number one item on any Scotland packing list is a good waterproof jacket ( men’s / women’s ).

As for the rest of the year, the temperature in Scotland and the central heartlands is reasonably mild for most of the year. During the winter months, you will most likely experience snow, however, temperatures usually sit around freezing, so it is not too cold. For your reference, the average temperatures in Scotland are listed below during each season.

Spring (March, April, May) – 5-10 degrees C

Summer (June, July, August) – 15 degrees C

Autumn (September, October, November) – 5-10 degrees C

Winter (December, January, February) – 0-5 degrees C

As you can see, the weather never really gets above the teens, with anything over 25 degrees C considered a heatwave. The best way to pack for your trip to the highlands is with layers that can be added and removed as you need them. You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the colder months and will most likely need sunscreen to protect you on the long days in the open.

It is also important to stay hydrated, especially when you are out exploring in the marvellous landscape of Scotland. We use Water to Go water bottles to fill up with water from running streams when we are hiking. 

For our full list of items that we pack no matter where we go in the world, check out our full packing guides over here.

Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around Scotland, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.

You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.

Photography Equipment

Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera

Microphone – Shure VP83 Condenser Shotgun Microphone

Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8

Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8

Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod

Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod

Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS

Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3

Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel

Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp 

Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote

Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive

SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD

Travel Adapter – Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socket

Where Should I Stay on the NC500?

Depending on how adventurous you are, there may be more accommodation choices than just the above, often with an even better view. Caravan and camping sites are abundant along the NC500 , drawing camping enthusiasts from all over the world. For some of the most spectacular bedside scenery along the North Coast 500, we recommend packing a tent and getting in touch with nature for the week.

As we travelled along the North Coast 500, camped in our trusty Vango tent on a mixture of campsites and wild sites. Wild camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the highlands, however, it must be done respectfully. Read our full guide to Wild Camping if you wish to give it a go so you know everything you need to for a comfortable and sustainable trip.

What is the Best Travel Insurance?

I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.

To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing , a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.

Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!

FAQs on the NC500

Where can i camp on the north coast 500.

There is a huge selection of campsites spread along the length of the North Coast 500 road trip , all of which are perfect for anyone wanting a comfortable sleep with showers, toilets and power. However, if you fancy a trip a little more on the wild side, it is legal to wild camp in Scotland and there are a lot of wild camping spots along the NC500 route as well.

Is Wild Camping Allowed in Scotland?

It is generally legal to wild camp around Scotland, with the exception of some specific areas due to bye-laws. For example, it is not legal to camp on the western shores of Loch Lomond due to overuse and lack of respect. When you are wild camping in Scotland , the most important thing to remember is Leave No Trace .

Where Can I Wild Camp NC500?

The best spots to wild camp on the NC500 are spots that are away from the road and houses. In the below article we documented where we wild camped on the North Coast 500.

• Dornoch – Dornoch Beach
• John O’Groats – Duncansby Lighthouse
• Thurso – Strathy Point Lighthouse
• Durness – Ceannabeine Beach / Village Trail

Read our full list of Wild Camping Spots along the North Coast 5oo for all of the most beautiful locations that you can wild camp on this epic road trip. 

How Long Does it Take to Drive the North Coast 500?

A very popular and important question when it comes to the Nc500 driving experience. The answer to this is a simple one; it can take however long you want it to. Some people race around it in one day, and some people slow travel it for over a month.

For us, 7  days was the answer , with no two nights spent in the same place, although plenty of time to see lots of sights. You can pitch up in a spot here and explore the surroundings for two of three days before moving on, or you can make some quick pit stops at each one and get going.

Is the North Coast 500 Suitable for Motorhomes and Caravans?

In short, yes it is. Touring the NC500 in a caravan or motorhome is a very popular choice, given the freedom that it brings. Given the additional size that these vehicles possess, I can only say that you should take extra care while driving the roads around this route, especially on the western coast.

There is one road, however, that is NOT suitable for larger vehicles and that is the Bealach na Ba pass towards Applecross.

So there you have it,  your ultimate 7-day itinerary to the North Coast 500 . If you have been to Scotland recently, let us know how you found it in the comments below. What were your favourite sights? What did you think of the castles? Where was your favourite stop?  Let us know in the comments below .

If you are planning a full trip to Scotland, make sure you  check out the rest of our guides and Scotland content  to ensure a stress-free adventure. We will gladly answer any questions you have with regards to your trip, so either DM us or send us an email.

Don’t forget that  sharing is caring ! Be sure to share this article with your family and friends to let them know all about your big plans. Maybe even inspire them to visit the NC500 castles themselves!  Catch up with us on social media  and see what we are currently up to.  Tag us in your photos  from your North Coast 500 adventure on Instagram so that we can share them with the rest of our community.

• North Coast 500 Highlights – 19 Best Sights Along the NC500
• Castles of the North Coast 500 – The Best of Scotland’s History
• North Coast 500 Budget – How Much Does the NC500 Cost?

This article may contain affiliate links that provide us with a small income. For more information read our Affiliate page.

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– What is the NC500? – Local tips for visiting the route – Our favourite sights (beaches, views) 

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4 Day Itinerary for an NC500 Road trip of stunning Scotland

Embarking on an NC500 road trip is a journey of a lifetime. Scotland is perfect for van life as you can weave through the most breathtaking landscapes and historical wonders, parking up wherever you see fit. Unlike England, Scotland has the right to roam, meaning there are a lot more places you can legally spend the night for free. Just make sure you leave the spot better than you found it, shop in the local shops, and generally be a good person to ensure we’re still able to make journeys such as this long into the future.

We’ve condensed some of our favourite stops along the NC500 into a whistle-stop 4-day trip. This four day trip will provide you with beaches, waterfalls, and even prehistoric wonders.

But first, you’ll need to choose your direction, clockwise or anticlockwise. The route below goes clockwise, simply as that’s what we did, however many people choose to go anticlockwise as if you do it this way the scenery gets more impressive as you go.

Table of Contents:

Day one of your nc500 road trip: inverness to ullapool.

Taking the route clockwise, you’ll turn left and head towards Ullapool. Before you head into the heart of the NC500, we recommend taking a detour to the stunning Victoria Falls. It’s a huge waterfall, with beautiful vantage points to see the forests all around. Plus free parking! What’s not to like? It’s a super quick walk to the top of the waterfall so you could spend an hour or two here and then quickly be back on the road. We think it’s well worth the detour. Then, retrace your steps to Inverness and venture north on the A835 to Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve .

The Details

There is a beautiful walk that takes you through a range of rock formations, so its geography is your thing check this out. It’s also a great walk with plenty of breathtaking views. Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve are also kind enough to let van lifers stay the night for a donation (and there are toilets!) We stayed the night here and it was incredibly peaceful there were a fair few other vans which made it feel safe. :)

If you choose to move on, your journey continues Westwood to The bone caves of Inchnadamph. This was one of our favourite hikes on the NC500. The hike leads you over rocky terrain to a high limestone cliff, within is a set of natural caves. Aptly named due to the large number of prehistoric bones that have been found there. A few miles up the road you’ll reach the tranquil shores of Lock Assynt, where the serene waters meet the remnants of Ardvreck Castle. This structure is one of the most haunted places in Scotland.

Side note: One of the most prominent ‘ghosts’ is that of the daughter of a MacLeod chief and previous owner. She is said to have taken her own life after being tricked into marrying the devil, as a pact made between the devil and her father. An alternative version of the story says she survived jumping from the castle window and trying to hide from the devil. He later found her and turned her into a mermaid who now lives on the loch…

Day Two of your 4 day itinerary

Day one was incredibly busy, so you can either spread it over two days or take it easy on day two. Today, we invite you to follow the NC500 to the golden sands of Scourie Beach. This is the perfect spot to have your breakfast and a quick dip in the crystal clear waters. We visited in November and still couldn’t resist a swim!

Continue the adventure with a visit to Balnakeil Church, an 18th-century gem framed against the backdrop of sand dunes and pristine beaches. The ruins juxtaposed again the beautifull beaches make for some great photos. Plus, there are often cows wandering the sand dunes and beaches, which is a real pleasure to see. There is a small car park there, opposite the remains of the church, where you can sleep overnight for free.

If you decide to press on and fancy squeezing another stop into day two of your NC500 road trip, we recommend stopping at Smoo Caves. It features a large entrance chamber, a waterfall, and an inner chamber that was formed by both sea and freshwater erosion. The cave has archaeological significance, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. You can park right outside and explore the caves for free. (Unless you want a guided tour.)

Day Three to the tip of scotland

Press on through the majestic scenery to John O’Groats. This is the iconic, northeastern tip of Scotland. Unlike its counterpart in Cornwall, it’s free to visit (except for parking, which was reasonable), and there are a few things to do there. We walked along the coast, stopped for a coffee and an “Empire Biscuit,” and visited the 8 Doors Distillery. Of course, make sure you pop to the sign and snap a picture! Then, head onwards to Duncansby Stacks. Only a short drive away from John O’Groats you can see these majestic stacks towering out of the sea. As the coastal winds whip the waves around them, it creates a pretty epic sight.

Day Four: LAST DAY

On your final leg of the journey, you’ll continue to weave through some stunning terrains. Honestly, half the fun of the NC500 is the bits you’ll see on the road. For the last day, you’ll head from John O’Groats to the endpoint in Inverness. There are a few options for free overnight places to park in Inverness. We chose to park by the canal and take a walk into town. Inverness has lots of independent shops and coffee shops to try. So, why not spend the day soaking in all that you’ve done over the last few days? Don’t forget to grab a few souvenirs of your trip.

If you only have four days, our NC500 road trip itinerary takes you through some of the NC500’s best spots. However, this, of course, only scratches the surface. If you have longer, you could spend two or three weeks creating memories along this route.

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Discover golden beaches, ancient castles, and mountains towering over peaceful lochs on the North Coast 500, an exhilarating driving route in Scotland. You’ll soon see why it is considered the best road trip in the UK.

When you book a North Coast 500 self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, our Edinburgh-based travel consultants arrange your Scottish holiday on your behalf. They’ll book your accommodation, plan your route, and be there to support you from start to finish.

We also have cancellation insurance available, giving you peace of mind knowing that your money is protected. Or if you need to change your travel dates, we'll rearrange all your tour details for you, so you have a hassle-free experience.

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Soak up the Highlands on this stunning driving route in northern Scotland. These tour packages include handpicked accommodation, rental car, and daily breakfast.

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If you’ve got questions about the North Coast 500, read on. We’ve compiled all the expert tips about this incredible driving route to help you plan your tour. From must-see places to packing recommendations, here’s everything you need to know about enjoying a trip along Scotland’s North Coast 500.

WHAT IS THE NORTH COAST 500?

The North Coast 500, or NC500, is one of the best road trips you can drive in the UK. The NC500 route takes you through striking scenery in the northern Scottish Highlands, encompassing just over 500 miles (516 miles or 830 kilometres, to be exact).

WHERE IS THE NORTH COAST 500?

You’ll find the NC500 in the northernmost part of the British mainland. Usually you’d start your road trip in Inverness, northeastern Scotland, and follow the coast around to Applecross in the west. Overall, you’d travel across 6 regions: Inverness-shire, the Black Isle, Easter Ross, Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross.

HOW LONG DOES THE NORTH COAST 500 TAKE?

To allow yourself enough time to explore this part of Scotland, we highly recommend that you choose an NC500 itinerary of at least 5 or 7 days. This way you could get to know each region well and take your time to drive the route.

• Visiting from the UK? Drive the NC500 on a Scotland staycation package
• Take a look at these ideas for Scotland staycations on our expert’s blog

WHICH DIRECTION TO DO THE NORTH COAST 500?

Our Scotland travel experts suggest that you drive the NC500 anti-clockwise, with Inverness as your starting point. You’d then head up the east coast from there, before following the northern road and then driving down the western side.

The reason is that the scenery you witness becomes more and more dramatic in this direction, culminating with the mountainous landscapes on the west coast. Plus it means that you can continue your adventures in top Scottish spots like the Isle of Skye, Fort William and Glen Coe.

Good to know: If you’re thinking about taking a Scottish road trip from the UK, we can help. Explore Scotland on a Nordic Visitor self-drive tour and save up to 10% if you use your own car.

Our Scotland travel experts will design your route, book you into the best possible accommodation, and share all their insider tips with you.

This means you can leave all the hassle of trip-planning to the experts, who are based in Scotland and know the country inside out. What’s more, you get access to our 24/7 helpline during your holiday. Should you need any support, we are only a call away.

Plus, we have cancellation insurance available so you can cancel or change the dates of your tour if you need. This gives you flexibility when booking your trip, as well as peace of mind knowing that we'll take care of handling the changes.

• Get in touch to find out about our reduced rates for visitors driving from the UK
• Find out how you can Book With Confidence thanks to our flexible booking terms

MUST-SEE PLACES ON THE NORTH COAST 500

There are so many beautiful sights awaiting you on a North Coast 500 self-drive tour. From sandy beaches to grand castles, serene lochs to majestic mountains, you’ll be treated to some of Scotland’s top highlights on your road trip.

Add these must-see spots to your North Coast 500 itinerary:

• The Black Isle & Chanonry Point
• Glenmorangie Distillery
• Dunrobin Castle
• Dunnet Point & John O'Groats
• Durness Beach
• Ardvreck Castle
• Inverewe Garden
• Corrieshalloch Gorge

TOP THINGS TO DO ON THE NC500

There are plenty of things to do on your adventure through northern Scotland. Imagine exploring the ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt, or sampling freshly caught seafood in Ullapool.

Here are the best things to do on your NC500 road trip:

• Stroll along white and gold sand beaches
• Go hiking in the hills, forests and glens
• Taste fresh, local seafood at fishing villages
• Investigate regal castles and ancient ruins
• Sample heady whisky at local distilleries and pubs
• Take on the highest mountain pass in the country
• Stop by the northernmost tip of mainland Britain
• Discover hidden coves and mysterious sea caves
• Spot dolphins and seabirds from the shore
• Admire views of rivers, lochs and waterfalls

WHERE TO STAY ON THE NC500

In terms of where you should stay on your North Coast 500 journey, we’d recommend the following places:

We’d also suggest that you stay in Ullapool for 2 nights so that you can make the most of being in this beautiful area. You could explore the coast on boat tours or take day trips to see top highlights in the region, such as Corrieshalloch Gorge.

Charming guesthouses and bed & breakfasts await you in northern Scotland, so you can expect a relaxing stay. Make sure you reserve ahead of time though, as accommodation is often in demand.

Or leave the arrangements to Nordic Visitor and we’ll book all your NC500 stays for you. We have guaranteed beds in desirable locations, and we quality-check all the accommodation on your itinerary to make sure it’s up to our high standards.

• For more inspiration, check out this guide to the North Coast 500 on our expert’s blog

SUGGESTED NORTH COAST 500 ITINERARY

If you’re visiting from outside of Scotland, you’ll likely be beginning your self-drive tour in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Here is our NC500 itinerary suggestion from start to finish:

• Day 1 – Arrival in Edinburgh. Explore the Scottish capital at your leisure.
• Day 2 – Drive up to Inverness, the gateway to the northern Highlands.
• Day 3 – Day of leisure in Inverness-shire. See Loch Ness and Culloden.
• Day 4 – Journey to the north of Scotland to Thurso.
• Day 5 – Travel along the northern coast to Durness.
• Day 6 – Drive south to Ullapool, passing by seaside attractions.
• Day 7 – Day of leisure in Ullapool. You could explore other highlights of Wester Ross.
• Day 8 – Travel across the soaring Torridon Hills.
• Day 9 – Head to Applecross and take on the mountain pass, Bealach na Bà. Then drive south to Fort William.
• Day 10 – Return to Edinburgh or Glasgow passing by the majestic Glen Coe and the Trossachs National Park.

This is one recommendation for how to take on the NC500, but there are other ways to do it. For example, you might like to explore more top sights in Scotland as part of your self-drive tour to make the most of your trip.

You could head to the Isle of Skye from Applecross and spend a couple of days discovering the island’s jaw-dropping landscapes. Or perhaps you’d like to take the ferry to Orkney where you can uncover Viking history.

• Discover more of the best Scottish road trips on our blog

HOW TO PLAN YOUR NC500 TRIP?

The easiest way to plan your NC500 road trip is to have an expert organise it all for you. By doing so, you can relax and look forward to your getaway, without needing to worry about logistics and travel arrangements. It also means you have local support before, during and after your tour.

At Nordic Visitor, our Scotland travel consultants are based in Edinburgh. They know the country inside out and will use their expertise to arrange a tour package that suits you perfectly.

When you book a North Coast 500 package with us, you can expect:

• A personal travel consultant based in Edinburgh who’ll arrange your trip
• Excellent accommodation at your chosen price point, with daily breakfast
• Car rental* with CDW, unlimited mileage and authorisation for 2 drivers
• A hand-noted, personalised itinerary and route
• 24/7 phone support during your adventure for peace of mind
• Cancellation insurance available to protect your money

*If you’re coming from the UK and you’d prefer to drive your own car on your road trip, you can enjoy savings of up to 10%. Contact our Scotland travel team to find out about our reduced rates.

• Check out these self-drive tours of Scotland to start planning your holiday

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO DO THE NC500

The best time to drive the North Coast 500 is between April and October. You’ll have the most daylight hours, open attractions, and accommodation options at this time of year.

Compared to the winter months (November to March), the roads are generally more accessible between April and October. It’s also good to know that certain highlights, such as castles, are only open to the public during the high season.

One thing to be aware of about Scotland in summer – between June and August – is that it attracts the most visitors. You should also make sure to book your trip early so that you don’t miss out on your accommodation of choice.

To experience the NC500 when it’s a bit quieter, consider visiting Scotland in spring or autumn . As a bonus you can enjoy gorgeous landscapes dotted with blossoming flowers or red and gold foliage.

• Check out these Scotland summer tour packages
• Read more advice about the best time to visit Scotland

TIPS FOR DRIVING THE NC500

Scotland’s road conditions are usually safe, but extra care may be needed in certain remote parts of the Highlands. This is because you may encounter single-track roads, wildlife and farm animals, and cyclists.

Should you come across an oncoming vehicle along a single-track road, prepare to use a passing place to allow them to get by. In some cases you may need to reverse to reach the nearest one.

Never exceed the speed limit and drive with caution in case animals are crossing the road. The North Coast 500 is also popular with cyclists so give yourself plenty of time to stop and react.

On occasion, you may find that pedestrians are walking alongside the road. Visitors often enjoy wild camping in the Highlands, which is why you might come across some campervans and tents on parts of the route.

WHAT TO TAKE ON THE NORTH COAST 500

When packing for your NC500 tour, you should be ready for all weather and bring plenty of warm layers. Waterproofs are a must as it can get wet in the Scottish Highlands.

Here’s our recommended packing list for Scotland :

• Warm jumper or fleece
• Waterproof jacket
• Good walking shoes or boots
• Light scarf or thin jumper
• Midge repellent

If you’re visiting in the summer months, be sure to prepare for midges. You could bring some Avon Skin-So-Soft body oil spray, the go-to repellent for Britain’s Marines. And we suggest you wear long sleeves and trousers, particularly at dusk when midges are at their worst.

• Read about Scotland’s weather and daylight hours on our travel guides

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• Relax knowing you can reach us 24/7 on our helpline
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What do our customers say?

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Sharon, United States

Wonders of scotland, september 2023, highly recommend nordic visitor.

This is our second tour with Nordic Visitor. Agents used before the tour were always very prompt with responses to our questions. During the tour, we found the accommodation perfect, guide very informative and friendly, and the driver got used to where we needed to go without any problems. We would definitely use Nordic Visitor again!

Alan, United States

Highlights of scotland, may 2023, smooth experience.

Throughout the years we have travelled a lot, but never with a group tour. This trip was our first time and it did not disappoint. The tour guide, the bus driver, our fellow passengers, the weather, accommodation, variety of activities, and how smoothly everything went makes me question why we never toured like this before!

Kimberley, United States

Wonders of scotland, april 2023, amazing experience.

We had an amazing experience with Nordic Visitor! Our guides, Richard and Tim, were organised, knowledgeable, and very friendly! You can tell quality and customer satisfaction are very important. We will be back!

David, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye, september 2023, an unforgettable holiday.

It was an unforgettable holiday. They took care of everything, and we got to wonder and explore with little hassle. If you want to visit Scotland (or anywhere else Nordic Visitor has tours) they are the way to do it. Already talking about our next adventure with Nordic Visitor.

Carol, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye - private, may 2023, an indescribably fantastic experience.

We are two middle-aged women who had never been to the UK before. My sister-in-law always wanted to go to Scotland, so I started researching and came upon Nordic Visitor through internet searches. I checked for reviews and found the company to be highly recommended. I started corresponding with Kirsten. She was extremely kind, very helpful and was able to put my nervous mind at ease. The package she put together for us was perfect! From my first email, the airport pick up and drop off service, and the tour with Dave, it was an indescribably fantastic experience!

Kathleen, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye winter - private, february 2023, i can't thank nordic visitor enough.

This is our second trip in two years to Scotland with Nordic Visitor, and we are seriously thinking about another. I can't thank Chris enough for his patience and expertise when booking this trip.

Andrew, United States

Classic scotland, june 2023.

The tour package materials were top notch. Spiral bound itinerary, recommended activities, restaurant recommendations and the large-scale road map of Scotland were a nice touch. Magdalena, our Nordic Visitor representative, responded promptly to our questions. Accomodation was all great.

Bethany, United States

Classic scotland, may 2023, perfect vacation.

For our 50th wedding anniversary, we trusted Nordic Visitor to make our vacation a memorable one, and they made it beyond special. Chris, our tour planner, did everything to accommodate our needs and answered our questions quickly. It was an absolutely perfect vacation!

Carlo, United States

A scottish christmas to remember, december 2022.

We booked a 4-day Christmas Tour of Edinburgh which included hotel accommodation, a walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, a day tour of the Highlands and Lowlands, castles, and lochs, and also a whisky distillery tour. The hotel was in an amazing location near the Christmas Markets and popular attractions. The day tours were such a wonderful way to experience the countryside outside of Edinburgh. We also added a driving service to drive us to and from the airport and the drivers were so lovely. The care package left at the hotel consisting of maps and suggested eateries was such a delightful bonus. We loved that every aspect of our trip was planned and ready for us once we arrived which diminished any travel stress that one may experience when travelling abroad.

Barbara, United States

Best of edinburgh - loch ness & highlands, june 2023, we were in good hands.

As first-time visitors to Edinburgh, and senior citizens, our choice to use Nordic Visitor was an excellent one. The welcome package we received at the hotel was really helpful, with our tour vouchers, maps and restaurant recommendations. We would not have known what hotel to select and the one selected for us was perfect. The choice of tours offered was perfect for a 5-day visit. So glad to learn about the Royal Mile and visit the castle. The trip through the Highlands and Loch Ness was beautiful. Our travel agent, Rebecca, always quickly responded to email questions prior to departure. Thank you! Nordic Visitor made our trip easy and rewarding. We were in good hands.

Noreen, United States

Complete scotland & ireland, april 2023, highly professional service.

Nordic Visitor is a highly professional tour company. From beginning to end, we have no complaints. Our travel consultant, Chris, was very quick to answer all our questions from start to finish. Could not be more pleased.

Jana, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye - winter, november 2022, absolutely wonderful.

Our trip was absolutely wonderful! Magda was great to work with and helped us through the whole process. Everyone we worked with from the beginning through the end of the trip was absolutely marvellous.

Scotland Travel Guide

Learn some conversation-starter facts and do some research before your Scottish adventure.

North Coast 500

The North Coast 500, or NC500, is one of the most scenic drives in Scotland. In fact, many say...

Regarded as the capital of the Highlands, Inverness is a city on Scotland’s northeastern coast,...

Nestled on the shores of Loch Broom between rugged mountains, the small fishing village of...

What to bring

Come prepared for all seasons and activities with ..

From single malt whisky to traditional delicacies,..

What kind of temperatures can you expect in Scotla..

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Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers , which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

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Scotland staycations to feel like you’re abroad, best scotland staycation ideas for uk travellers, 5 best road trips in scotland : a local expert's view, scotland's nc500 - your guide to the north coast 500 route.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Family's 'lucky escape' after motorhome 'blown down hill' on NC500 route by Storm Kathleen

Peter Schmidt, owner of Luna Motorhome Hire, said he was shocked when he saw pictures of the scene on the North Coast 500 near Shieldaig in Wester Ross.

Scotland reporter @Jenster13

Monday 15 April 2024 12:45, UK

A family touring Scotland's North Coast 500 route are said to be "lucky to be alive" after their motorhome was reportedly blown down a hill as Storm Kathleen swept in across the country.

The family of four and two dogs were still inside when the rented vehicle rolled over several times at a layby on the A896 near Shieldaig in Wester Ross on Sunday 7 April.

The family, from Oxfordshire, reportedly managed to escape the wreckage with severe bruising.

Peter Schmidt, owner of Luna Motorhome Hire, said he was shocked when he saw pictures of the scene and his firm's van.

He told Sky News the family were "lucky to be alive", adding: "That was my initial thought, 'how on earth have they survived that?'

"You think to yourself, 'how have they managed to crawl away from that without being seriously hurt or dead?'

"It was quite worrying for them."

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The incident came as Storm Kathleen brought disruption to travel across the UK and Ireland last weekend with winds of more than 70mph.

Mr Schmidt said the family, who do not wish to be named, called to report the motorhome was a "write-off".

He said: "You don't believe it initially because people's version of written-off is completely different to my version of written-off."

But then, after ensuring everyone was safe, he saw the pictures.

Mr Schmidt said the incident has temporarily affected his business while the firm awaits a decision from the insurer on whether it was "negligence or not".

He said: "There's obviously parking on the edge of a hill/cliff. It could be seen as, you know, negligence.

"I don't think that they will look at that. I think they will just take it for what it is."

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

The North Coast 500 - known as the NC500 - is a 516-mile scenic route that starts and ends at Inverness Castle in the Highlands.

It is one of Scotland's most beautiful road trips with its coastal scenery and rugged mountains.

The route, which was launched in 2015, has experienced a surge in visitor numbers over the past few years following the COVID pandemic as adventurers turn to "staycations".

Its official website warns rural driving can be a "challenge" to those who are "not used to single track roads, often with narrow bends and deer and livestock roaming around".

Mr Schmidt said his firm does offer safety tips to drivers, but this recent incident has sparked the introduction of new motorhome guidelines that will be emailed to every customer two days before they get behind the wheel.

He said it's all "about the planning", including studying the route and the weather ahead of any potential trip.

Read more Storm Kathleen news: Paddleboarders rescued from sea Young girl swept out to sea

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Mr Schmidt said the NC500 roads are "tricky", adding: "If you are going to do it, maybe try it in a smaller motorhome initially if you can.

"If you're thinking about doing a long road trip, give yourself plenty of time.

"Try and do it over 10 days or two weeks. Don't rush that journey. You should be enjoying it and not trying to race between one place and the next.

"Be mindful and read up about it. You wouldn't go to America and do a long road trip and not read up about it. So, they should be doing the same with the NC500."

Related Topics

World Wild Schooling

12 Most Iconic Road Trips To Take Around the World

Posted: April 3, 2024 | Last updated: April 3, 2024

One thing travelers and adventurers can agree on is the thrill of hitting the open road and embarking on an epic road trip. The freedom to explore at your own pace, the anticipation of the unknown, and the stunning views and stopovers you experience make road trips a trendy way to travel. These 12 road trips promise you nothing short of a thrill to remember. 

1. Route 66, USA

Route 66, one of the most legendary routes in the world, spans from Chicago to Santa Monica and goes through 8 states. Along the way, you’ll experience the typical American road trip, passing through iconic cities such as St. Louis, Oklahoma City, and Albuquerque. 

While there are tens of excellent stopovers to experience on Route 66, the most notable include The Cadillac Ranch, The Milk Bottle Grocery, The Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest, the Gateway Arch, and the Mojave National Preserve.

Read also: Epic US Road Trips

2. Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Road boasts stunning coastal landscapes, offering panoramic views of the Southern Ocean, cliffs, and rock formations. Famous landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge make the journey visually appealing. Furthermore, it’s in a region rich in wildlife, and road trippers often have the opportunity to spot native Australian animals such as kangaroos, koalas, and various bird species.

Also, the road has historical significance, mainly related to its construction by World War I veterans. This adds a layer of cultural and historical interest to the journey.

Read also: Outstanding Coastal Drives Around the World

3. Ring Road, Iceland

Prepare to be amazed as you make your way to the Ring Road in Iceland, stretching 821.45 miles (1,322 kilometers). It offers a range of landscapes, including glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, fjords, and black-sand beaches. The ever-changing scenery makes every stretch of the journey stunning. 

For winter travelers, the Ring Road provides opportunities to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Also, this road passes through geothermal areas where you can relax or soak in hot springs, such as the famous Blue Lagoon and Mývatn Nature Baths.

Read also: Amazing European Natural Wonders

4. Romantic Road, Germany

Choose the Romantic Road in Germany for a trip filled with fairytale castles, charming villages, and picturesque landscapes. This scenic route runs from Würzburg to Füssen and takes you through the Bavarian countryside. Sites along the road, like Neuschwanstein Castle, Würzburg Residence, and Hohenzollern Castle, offer a glimpse into Germany’s cultural heritage.

In addition, the road passes through wine regions such as Franconia and Württemberg, letting outdoor enthusiasts explore vineyards, taste local wines and experience Germany’s unique wine culture. Beyond sightseeing, the Romantic Road offers a variety of activities, including hiking and cycling.

Read also: Fairytale Towns in Europe

5. NC500, Scotland

Get ready to be enchanted by the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands on the NC500 road trip. The North Coast 500 takes you on a circular route around the northernmost part of Scotland, offering dramatic coastal views, ancient castles, and quaint villages. 

It passes several historic castles, such as Dunrobin Castle and Eilean Donan Castle, allowing travelers to explore Scotland’s rich history and architectural heritage.

Scotland is famous for its whisky, and the NC500 passes by several distilleries, allowing whisky enthusiasts to explore and taste some of the finest Scotch whiskies.

Read also: Unique Places to Visit in Europe

6. Pacific Coast Highway, USA

Pacific Coast Highway stretches along the California coast from San Francisco to San Diego. Aside from unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, this route takes adventurers past famous landmarks such as Big Sur, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and the picturesque McWay Falls.

This same route features historic and architecturally significant bridges, including the Bixby Creek Bridge and the McWay Creek Bridge. You also stand a chance to spot seals, sea lions, dolphins, and even whales during your road trip.

Read also: US West Coast Road Trip

7. Ring of Kerry, Ireland

Experience the magic of the Emerald Isle by exploring the scenic Ring of Kerry in Ireland. This 111.22-mile (179-kilometer) long route is ideal for those seeking stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and historical immersion.

A road trip on this route takes travelers through charming Irish villages, including Killarney, Kenmare, and Sneem. These villages provide opportunities to experience local culture and enjoy traditional Irish hospitality.

Also, this road is in a region with ancient ringforts and stone circles, such as Cahergall Stone Fort and Staigue Fort. These archaeological sites add a sense of mystery and historical intrigue to the journey.

Read also: Hidden Islands in Europe

8. Panorama Route, South Africa

Panorama Route is a scenic road showcasing the Mpumalanga province’s natural beauty. It offers awe-inspiring views of the Drakensberg Mountains and the Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world.

A must-visit viewpoint along the route, God’s Window provides a panoramic view of the Lowveld and the distant Lebombo Mountains. On a clear day, you can see as far as Kruger National Park.

Read also: Must-Visit Cities in the World

9. Cabot Trail, Canada

Located in Nova Scotia, Canada, the Cabot Trail is a road trip that promises stunning coastal views and rich cultural experiences. This 185-mile (298-kilometer) route winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where you can marvel at rugged cliffs, lush forests, and vibrant fall foliage. 

Stop at the magnificent fishing village of Chéticamp to indulge in delicious seafood while immersing yourself in Acadian culture. The Skyline Trail, with its stunning views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is a highlight not to be missed.

Read also: Amazing Cities in the World

10. Leh-Manali Highway, India

For adventure seekers who crave an adrenaline-pumping road trip, the Leh-Manali Highway in India offers an unforgettable experience. This high-altitude route takes you through the majestic Himalayas, with sharp bends, snow-capped peaks, and breathtaking valleys. 

One of the popular stops along the way is Pangong Tso, a stunning lake known for its ever-changing shades of blue. You can absorb the local culture during the trip by passing traditional Ladakhi villages and monasteries.

Read also: Iconic Places in the World

11. Transfagarasan Highway, Romania

Renowned as one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Transfagarasan Highway in Romania is a road trip that will take your breath away. This winding road traverses the Carpathian Mountains, offering panoramic views of deep valleys, glacial lakes, and medieval castles. 

Among the highlights is the Poenari Castle, perched high on a cliff. It was once the stronghold of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s film Dracula. Don’t forget to pause at Balea Lake, a gorgeous glacial lake surrounded by pristine wilderness.

Read also: Hidden Romantic Getaways

12. Trollstigen, Norway

Trollstigen is a serpentine mountain road that winds through steep mountainsides and waterfalls, providing breathtaking views at every turn. Stop at the Trollstigen Visitor Centre and marvel at the engineering feats that made this road possible. If you’re up for a hike, the nearby Trolltunga is an iconic rock formation that offers spectacular views over the breathtaking Norwegian fjords.

Read also: Scenic European Villages

Must-Visit European Cities

Turn your wanderlust into reality with our list of  must-visit European cities .

• Read more:  Must-Visit Cities in Europe

Visa-Free Countries

Explore these  countries visa-free  with your American passport.

• Read more:  Visa-Free Countries

Stunning Small Towns in Europe to Visit in Your Lifetime

Add these  charming European small towns  to your bucket list.

• Read more:  Small Towns in Europe

Tropical Destinations To Add to Your Bucket List

Dreaming of paradise? Discover  tropical destinations  to add to your bucket list.

• Read more:  Tropical Destinations To Visit in Your Lifetime

Caribbean Destinations Where No Visa Is Needed for Americans

Discover passport-free paradise with our guide to  Caribbean destinations for US citizens .

• Read more:  Caribbean Destinations Without Visa

Read the original thread on  12 Most Iconic Road Trips to Take Around the World .

This article was produced and syndicated by  World Wild Schooling .

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