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The 20 Most Beautiful Places on the North Coast 500

The North Coast 500, often referred to as Scotland’s “Route 66”, is a 516-mile (800km) odyssey that weaves through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Scottish Highlands. From vertiginous cliffs plunging into emerald waters to castles steeped in history set against wild backdrops, the NC500 provides an epic canvas for adventurers from all walks of life. At Adventures Scotland, we are passionate about discovering and exploring these untouched territories. Our goal is to guide you through these natural and historical wonders, ensuring a rewarding and unforgettable adventure on one of the world’s most beautiful roads. So, we asked our local travel consultants (Amy and Tom) to list their 20 favorite spots on the NC500, and here are the results!

1-Dunnet Head

The northernmost point of mainland Britain offers spectacular views of cliffs and the ocean, a paradise for photographers and contemplatives.

– Tom: “Dunnet Head isn’t just the northernmost point; it’s where you truly feel Scotland’s untamed spirit. The cliffs and ocean merge in a spectacle that speaks to the soul.”

– Amy: “Beyond its geographical significance, it’s a haven for those seeking a moment of reflection. The way the landscape interacts with the changing light can transform the mundane into the magical, making it an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience Scotland’s dramatic beauty.”

The white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of Durness are a haven of peace, more reminiscent of the Caribbean than traditional Scottish coasts.

– Tom: “Durness is a revelation. Its beaches challenge what people expect of Scottish landscapes. Instead of rugged, misty coasts, here we have this stretch of Caribbean-like tranquility.”

– Amy: “It’s not just about the visual contrast. Durness offers a unique blend of Scottish culture and natural serenity. It’s a place where visitors can unwind in peace, yet feel the deep roots of Scottish heritage. The combination of white sands and clear waters with the backdrop of Scottish highlands is mesmerizing.”

3-Handa Island

This island is an exceptional nature reserve, home to thousands of seabirds. Its cliffs and wild beaches offer breathtaking hikes.

– Tom: “Handa Island is more than a nature reserve; it’s a testament to Scotland’s rugged beauty and biodiversity. The sight of thousands of seabirds against the backdrop of cliffs is truly awe-inspiring.”

– Amy: “The hiking trails offer an intimate encounter with nature’s raw power. Every step on Handa Island feels like walking through a living documentary, with each turn revealing a new natural wonder.”

4-Ardvreck Castle

The ruins of this 15th-century castle, located on the shores of Loch Assynt, tell a story of clans and conflicts, in a setting of melancholic beauty.

– Tom: “Ardvreck Castle is a poignant reminder of Scotland’s turbulent history. Its ruins, set against Loch Assynt, are not just remnants of stone but of centuries of stories, conflicts, and lives lived.”

– Amy: “Its melancholic beauty invites contemplation, not just about the past, but about the impermanence of power and the resilience of nature reclaiming its space. Visiting Ardvreck is like stepping into a historical novel, where every stone has a tale to whisper.”

5-Bealach na Bà

This mountainous road is a challenge for drivers and a treat for the eyes, with panoramic views of the Highlands’ mountains and valleys. We have listed this road among the most beautiful in Scotland .

– Tom: “Bealach na Bà isn’t just a road; it’s a journey through the heart of the Highlands. The drive itself, with its twists and steep ascents, feels like an adventure, pushing the limits of what we consider accessible.”

– Amy: “The views are a reward in themselves. It’s as if the entire landscape of the Highlands unfolds before you. It’s not just about reaching the top but appreciating the beauty and ruggedness of Scotland’s natural terrain along the way.”

6-Applecross Peninsula

Accessible via the Bealach na Bà, this peninsula is a haven of natural beauty, with welcoming communities and coastal landscapes to explore.

– Tom: “The journey to Applecross Peninsula, through the Bealach na Bà, is like a rite of passage. Once there, it’s not just the landscapes that captivate but the sense of community. It embodies the spirit of Scottish hospitality.”

– Amy: “The mix of coastal and mountain scenery offers something unique. It’s a place where you can find solitude along the shores or camaraderie in the local pubs. The peninsula encourages exploration, not just of the land but of the connections it fosters.”

The imposing massifs of Torridon are a playground for hikers, offering trails through some of the oldest and wildest landscapes on the planet.

– Tom: “Torridon is a testament to the raw power of nature. Its ancient landscapes aren’t just beautiful; they’re steeped in geological history, offering a glimpse into the earth’s past.”

– Amy: “It’s more than trails. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level, surrounded by some of the oldest rock formations. Each path offers not just physical challenges but also moments of awe and reflection.”

This fishing village is the ideal starting point for excursions to the Hebrides or simply to enjoy the maritime atmosphere and live music.

– Tom: “Ullapool’s charm goes beyond its role as a gateway to the Hebrides. It’s a cultural hub, where the maritime heritage and modern Scottish music scene blend seamlessly.”

– Amy: “It offers a unique slice of Highland life, where the day’s catch and tales from the sea are shared alongside live music. It’s a place where the past and present coexist, enriching the visitor’s experience.”

9-Smoo Cave

A visit to this vast sea cave is an adventure in itself, with its impressive entrance and indoor waterfalls.

– Tom: “Smoo Cave is a marvel, not just for its size but for the story it tells of natural forces at work. Its entrance and waterfalls inside make it a living showcase of geological and hydrological processes.”

– Amy: “It’s like stepping into another world, where the power of water has carved out this incredible space. It’s a place that combines beauty, mystery, and the raw force of nature, offering visitors an adventure that’s both visual and exploratory.”

10-Inverewe Garden

A surprising botanical garden at this latitude, thanks to the Gulf Stream. Its collections of exotic and local plants delight visitors.

– Tom: “Inverewe Garden challenges the stereotype of Scottish landscapes. Its existence, flourishing with exotic and local plants at this latitude, is a testament to the Gulf Stream’s influence. It’s a botanical wonder that defies expectations.”

– Amy: “It’s not just a garden; it’s a symbol of adaptability and the unexpected surprises of nature. Visitors are treated to a visual feast, showcasing the diversity of plant life that can thrive in Scotland’s unique climate.”

11-Plockton

This village, “the Jewel of the Highlands”, is known for its mild climate, palm trees, and picturesque waterfront, offering a striking contrast with the rest of the Highlands.

-Tom: “Plockton’s charm lies in its unexpected tropical vibe amidst the rugged Highlands. It’s like a little piece of paradise, with palm trees swaying in the mild climate.”

-Amy: “It’s this blend of Scottish village life with a nearly Mediterranean feel that makes Plockton stand out. The waterfront adds to its picturesque quality, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking beauty and tranquility.”

12-Eilean Donan Castle

Probably one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, it offers a spectacular setting, located on a small island where three large lochs meet. We have listed this castle among the most beautiful in Scotland .

– Tom: “Eilean Donan Castle’s fame is well-deserved. Its location is unparalleled, standing where three lochs meet, embodying the romantic essence of Scotland.”

– Amy: “It’s a place where history feels alive, surrounded by water and mountains. The castle is a bridge between the past and present, offering visitors a glimpse into Scotland’s storied heritage in a breathtaking setting.”

13-Loch Maree

With its wooded islands and tranquil waters, Loch Maree is one of Scotland’s most beautiful and poetic lochs.

– Tom: “Loch Maree holds a special place in the heart of Scottish lochs. Its islands and tranquil waters are not just visually stunning but carry a sense of serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere.”

– Amy: “Its beauty is almost poetic, offering a reflective space for visitors. The combination of ancient woodlands and clear waters creates a natural harmony, inviting exploration and quiet contemplation.”

14-Gairloch

Its beautiful beaches and boat trips to see dolphins make Gairloch a must-visit for nature lovers.

– Tom: “Gairloch is a treasure for those who love the sea and its creatures. The opportunity to see dolphins in their natural habitat adds an unforgettable experience to the stunning beach views.”

– Amy: “It’s a blend of scenic beauty and wildlife that makes Gairloch stand out. It’s not just about the beaches but the connection with nature that visitors can experience, making it a highlight for anyone exploring the NC500.”

15-Cape Wrath

The most northwestern point of the Scottish mainland offers wild landscapes and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

– Tom: “Cape Wrath marks the edge of Scotland’s vast wilderness, offering dramatic landscapes that are both challenging and awe-inspiring. It’s where the land meets the Atlantic in the most dramatic fashion.”

– Amy: “Its remote location and rugged terrain embody the untamed spirit of the Scottish Highlands. The views of the ocean are a powerful reminder of nature’s scale and beauty, making Cape Wrath a pinnacle experience for those who venture to the northwest extremity of Scotland.”

16-Dunrobin castle

Dunrobin Castle, the historical residence of the Sutherland Dukes, stands as the most expansive estate in the Highlands. In the mid-19th century, the Sutherlands hired Sir Charles Barry, renowned for designing the Houses of Parliament, to remodel the castle into a French chateau aesthetic, complete with gardens reminiscent of those at Versailles. The castle and its meticulously designed gardens welcome visitors, offering a glimpse into a grand era of architectural and horticultural design.

– Tom: “”Dunrobin Castle isn’t just a historical landmark; it’s a bridge between Scottish heritage and French architectural elegance. Its transformation by Sir Charles Barry introduced a touch of Versailles to the Highlands, blending grandeur with the ruggedness of its setting. It’s also a symbol of journey’s beginnings and the vast possibilities that lie ahead on the NC500.”

– Amy: “The gardens, inspired by those at Versailles, add a layer of sophistication and beauty that contrasts with the natural Highland landscape. It’s a unique fusion that offers visitors a rich cultural experience, merging Scottish history with international design influences.”

17-Strathpeffer

This Victorian village, known for its thermal springs, and its maze is a charming detour with its historic buildings and gardens.

– Tom: “Strathpeffer captivates with its Victorian elegance and therapeutic thermal springs. It’s a step back in time, offering a blend of historical charm and natural wellness.”

– Amy: “Its gardens and historic buildings provide a serene escape. Strathpeffer shows that the NC500 isn’t just about landscapes but also about Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and the healing power of nature.”

18-Loch Ness

No roadtrip on the NC500 would be complete without a stop at the legendary Loch Ness, searching for the monster or simply to admire the ruins of Urquhart Castle.

– Tom: “Loch Ness embodies the mystery and allure of the Scottish Highlands. Its deep waters and the legends that surround them draw visitors from around the world.”

– Amy: “It’s not just about Nessie; it’s about experiencing the vastness and beauty of Loch Ness, along with the historical depth of Urquhart Castle. This loch offers a blend of natural wonder and folklore, making it an essential part of the NC500 experience.”

19-Castle of Mey

The former residence of the Queen Mother, its gardens and the view of the Orkneys are fascinating.

-Tom: “The Castle of Mey, with its royal heritage as the former residence of the Queen Mother, offers a unique glimpse into Scotland’s aristocratic past. Its gardens and the views overlooking the Orkneys add a layer of natural beauty and historical depth.”

– Amy: “A piece of Scotland’s history, beautifully preserved. The gardens are a testament to the personal touch of the Queen Mother, making it a deeply personal and visually stunning visit on the NC500.”

20-Corrieshalloch Gorge

This deep gorge and its suspension bridge offer dramatic views of one of the Highlands’ most impressive natural wonders.

– Tom: “Corrieshalloch Gorge is a spectacle of natural force, showcasing the raw power that shaped the Highlands. Its suspension bridge offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the gorge’s depth and the surrounding landscape’s grandeur.”

– Amy: “Standing above the gorge, you’re confronted with the immense beauty and scale of Scotland’s natural wonders. It’s a reminder of the earth’s age and the forces at play, making it a highlight for anyone seeking to experience the majesty of the Scottish Highlands.”

The North Coast 500 is a journey through time, culture, and unparalleled natural beauty of Scotland. Every turn in the road reveals new treasures, from spots known only to locals to panoramas that are among the most photographed in the world. At Adventures Scotland, we are here to guide you through these experiences, ensuring that your Scottish adventure is as rich and varied as the landscapes of the NC500 itself. Come discover with us the best-kept secrets and wonders of this mythical route! And dont forget to check our NC500 roadtrip suggestion and Feel free to contact us .

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Navigating the Seasons: When is the Best Time to Travel the North Coast 500?

Embarking on the North Coast 500 (NC500) – a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland – is a remarkable journey. This enchanting trip, known as Scotland’s Route 66, offers a rich blend of cultural experiences, striking landscapes, and captivating wildlife encounters. A question often arises, though, when should you take this splendid journey? In this comprehensive guide, we dive into the characteristics of each season along the NC500 to help you plan your perfect trip.

Spring (March to May)

Spring along the NC500 is a symphony of renewal. The landscape starts to shed its winter austerity, coming alive with a burst of vibrant colours. Primroses and bluebells paint the roadside while the forests echo with the chorus of returning birdlife.

During these months, the weather is a mixed bag. You can experience a kaleidoscope of conditions from gentle sunshine to drizzly afternoons. However, the relatively mild temperatures make it pleasant for outdoor activities. Don’t forget to pack layers – mornings can be chilly, but it often warms up in the afternoons.

Travelling during spring also means you’ll sidestep the summer crowds. The major landmarks are less populated, and the roads are considerably quieter, making your journey more peaceful. Wildlife spotting is also at its prime. Watch for red deer grazing in the woodlands and keep an eye skyward for rare birds like golden eagles returning to their nests.

Summer (June to August)

During summer, the NC500 basks under the longest days of the year. The typical daylight hours can stretch from 4 a.m. until nearly 11 p.m., offering a generous window for exploration. The weather is at its warmest, although it’s wise to bear in mind that ‘warm’ in the Scottish Highlands often means a comfortable 15-20°C.

Summer is a magnet for tourists, and you’ll find a bustling atmosphere at popular landmarks and towns. This also means you’ll need to book accommodations well in advance and prepare for more traffic on the roads.

A highlight of a summer NC500 journey is the outdoor opportunities. Whether it’s wild swimming in the Fairy Pools, hiking up to Stac Pollaidh, or camping under the clear starlit Highland skies, summer is truly an outdoor adventurer’s delight. However, do remember to pack a midge repellent, as these tiny insects can be a nuisance in summer, particularly around dawn and dusk.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn along the NC500 is a visual masterpiece. The highlands drape themselves in a rich tapestry of gold, russet and ochre, with each bend in the road presenting a new stunning panorama. Autumn’s cool, crisp air provides the perfect conditions for invigorating walks through the rustling leaves.

From a culinary perspective, autumn is a standout. The region’s seasonal produce reaches its zenith during these months. Local eateries serve up hearty dishes featuring venison, pheasant, and a variety of seafood, while the local whisky distilleries offer cosy retreats from the autumn chill.

With the summer tourists gone, you’ll find the landmarks less crowded. However, as daylight hours decrease and the weather turns more unpredictable, with a chance for more rainfall and strong winds, it’s essential to plan your itinerary wisely and pack appropriate rain gear.

Winter (December to February)

Winter on the NC500 is a season of contrast. The landscape transforms into a dramatic tableau of snow-dusted mountains, frozen lochs, and cosy towns twinkling with festive lights. Winter nights, clear and dark, offer a chance to experience one of nature’s most spectacular shows, the Northern Lights.

However, this season poses challenges. Daylight hours dwindle to a mere 6-8 hours, and the weather can be severe with sub-zero temperatures, ice, and snow. This requires careful planning, a reliable vehicle with winter tyres, and always checking weather updates before setting out each day.

Many accommodations and attractions either close or limit their hours during winter, so it’s crucial to confirm availability in advance. Despite these challenges, winter offers an unrivalled serene beauty and a chance to see the NC500 in its most majestic, untamed form. Imagine having a snow-covered Urquhart Castle or a frosty Bealach Na Ba pass all to yourself, and you’ll begin to understand the unique allure of the NC500 in winter.

Every season along the North Coast 500 has its distinct charm and challenges, making it a year-round destination. When deciding on the best time to travel, consider your interests, tolerance for variable weather, and your desire for either a peaceful journey or a lively, bustling experience. Whether you’re hoping to capture stunning photographs, sample seasonal Scottish cuisine, or experience Highland wildlife, the NC500 will provide an unforgettable journey. Embarking on this iconic route is less about the ‘right’ time and more about what suits your personal travel rhythm. As the Scots say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes. So, pack wisely, plan thoughtfully, and prepare yourself for a splendid Scottish adventure.

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Savvy Travel Advice

Comprehensive North Coast 500 Road Trip Planning Guide

Last updated: May 29, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 179 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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Ross Post author

June 21, 2024 at 5:01 am

Hi there, I really enjoyed reading your blog and want to plan my trip with an old friend arriving over from New Zealand. I’m taking my Ford Mustang to make the trip even more fun! Was thinking of staying around Lochness as opposed to Inverness on the first night and because my friend is older, we won’t be doing lots of walking, just happy to experience the trip over 5/6 days, doing perhaps 3-4 hours driving max per day. Would you suggest from Loch Ness to Wick is a good first day and then on from there? He likes to stay at fairly plush hotels if possible so something that has a nice restaurant/bar, friendly and upscale like a grand manor house or castle. I want him to experience the trip in style. Any suggestions would be really welcome. Thank you so much!

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

June 24, 2024 at 11:02 pm

Sounds like you are planning a fun trip for you and your friend. Happy to try to help answer your questions and give you some suggestions for planning your trip and choosing hotels along the North Coast 500 route.

So going from Inverness or Loch Ness to Wick in one day would be a lot if you were planning to stop and do some activities and visit some attractions. But if you are mainly doing it just for the drive, you can do this in 3 hours or less (depending on where you start and traffic of course). So Wick could be a good place to overnight if you are starting out from Loch Ness or Wick. Just note that there are more luxury hotels in Dornoch than in Wick.

If you like nicer historic hotels and country houses, then I’d recommend perhaps staying north of Loch Ness and just oustide Inverness at Bunchrew Hosue Hotel. Its a lovely hotel and also has a restaurant, bar and serves afternoon teas. If you explore Loch Ness in the morning, you could then stay here for a nice break before starting your North Coast 500 road trip. Or also a nice place to end one.

Here are a list of some hotels that come to mind based on what you are looking for and where you want to start (most of the real castle hotels are closer to Inverness or are private):

-Starting hotel north of Loch Ness and near Inverness: Bunchrew House Hotel -If you want to overnight in Wick: Mackays -near Thurso: Forss House -Unapool/Kylesku: Newton Lodge -Lochinver: Inver Lodge -near Gairloch: Shieldaig Lodge -Torridon: The Torridon -Contin: Coul House Hotel

We’ve stayed at all the above hotels (about dozens more along the route) so if you have any questions, happy to answer them. Just note that most of these are nice 4 star historic country hotels and not 5-star modern luxury hotels you might find in a place like London or Edinburgh. Supplies are harder to get and staff are hard to keep in more isolated areas of the Highlands such as this so just keep this in mind once you get away from Inverness.

Also note that many of these hotels book up well in advance, so if you are going in the next 3-6 months, I’d start booking once you have an itinerary in mind, especially if you are particular about the type of hotel and have specific dates.

Just a sample itinerary based on wanting to drive 3-4 hours or less each day over 5 days/nights and staying first night in Wick:

Day 1; Inverness to Wick Day 2: Wick to Tongue ( Tongue Hotel ) Day 3: Tongue to either Newton or Lochinver Day 4: Newton/Lochinver to Torridon Day 5: Torridon to Contin Day 6: Head back to Inverness

Of course, I would consider what you want to see/do, timings, and hotels as well since those are important to you when planning your stopovers.

Hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful trip!

Best, Jessica

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.

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!

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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What are you looking for?

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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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 .

Also Read: How to Plan an RV Road Trip

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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North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 (NC500) offers never-ending back roads, wide meandering country tracks and beautiful bends through some of Scotland's finest coastal scenery.

Plan your trip

Find everything you need for a North Coast 500 trip.

North Coast 500 Interactive Map

Plan your adventure with the interactive map, or check out the six individual regions.

North Coast 500 Itineraries

Check out the 2 free itineraries or become a member for more tips on planning the ultimate themed route.

Road Safety tips

Get helpful advice on road safety for exploring the North Coast 500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the most commonly asked questions for info on safety, weather and wild camping.

Accommodation

Find accommodation around the North Coast 500 and make the most of your trip.

Vehicle Hire & Renting a Car in Scotland

Tour Scotland at your own pace by renting a car.

Explore the North Coast 500 responsibly

Canisp, Cul Mor and Cul Beag seen from Stac Pollaidh

Remember to plan your trip in advance. It is crucial for the wellbeing of Scotland's landscapes, as well as for local residents and businesses, that the areas around the route are respected and looked after properly.

Book your accommodation in advance; don't park or stay outwith designated camping/caravan areas.

Take all litter, waste and rubbish away with you to dispose of correctly.

Locations on the route

The NC500 starts in the northern city of Inverness, weaves along the west coast to Applecross and then takes you northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. From there, you'll venture to some of the most northerly coastal points in Scotland, passing by Caithness and John o' Groats before heading south again through Dingwall and finally back to Inverness.

• Distance: 516 miles
• Trip length: at least 5 - 7 days is recommended.
• Accommodation: book well in advance - make sure you consider camping as an option.
• Transport: you can drive, cycle, or even walk this route.

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The North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 (Or NC500 for short) is a stunning 500-mile coastal road trip in Scotland that takes you around the Highlands and Isles. Starting in Inverness, the route features dramatic cliff-top drives along the North Coast, idyllic white-sand beaches of the Hebrides, historic fishing villages, castles and remote inland glens. It’s an incredible journey, weaving through some of Scotland’s most remarkable scenery.

Read on to find out all the best things to see and do as you drive the North Coast 500…

1. Little Garve Bridge and Silver Bridge

These are two beautiful old stone bridges that span the Black Water River They are right off the Nc500 main route and are very quick and easy to visit, providing fantastic photo opportunities right at the beginning of your journey.

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2. Rogie Falls

Rogie Falls is a stunning set of waterfalls located in Wester Ross, Scotland. The falls are part of the River Broom and can be found just off the North Coast 500 coastal route. The falls form a series of cascades and are surrounded by lush green vegetation and evergreen trees, making them a truly beautiful sight. It’s easy to access most of the viewing points, which can make for some great photo opportunities.

3. Glen Dochart View Point

As you are driving down this road you get to a point where the road cascades in huge sweeping S bends all the way down a huge, v-shaped valley, way out in front of you. It really is am amazing sight to behold: be sure to stop off at the viewing point on the right to take a picture.

4. The Bealach Na Ba Road

The Bealach na Ba mountain pass road at Applecross in the Highlands of Scotland

The Bealach Na Ba road to Applecross is an iconic stretch of road, and one of the most popular parts of the North Coast 500. It’s considered to be one of the finest roads in the UK, as well as being both the steepest and the highest. The road’s steep ascent over the mountain ridge is not suitable for many vehicles and can have difficult weather conditions so be wary of this before you take it on.

5. Applecross to Torridon

There’s nothing more to say here, other than enjoy the drive!

6. Am Ploc – Open Air Church

Through centuries of religious upheaval in Scotland there was once a need for open air churches. This is one of the finest preserved example that you can walk into and explore, all for the grand total of £0.

7. Red Point Beach

The road to Red Point is single track, and not really suitable for camper vans and larger vehicles. The views, however, are incredible with a clear view of the Western Isles of Harris and Lewis, as well as a side on view of the magically Isle of Skye. The five mile stretch of road which leads to the beach ends at a parking area for 15 or so vehicles. There is a 200 metre walk through a field of sheep, that leads to the most incredible sand dunes and beach. There are no words to describe it – you just have to see it for yourself.

8. Badachro Inn

An old fishing boat on the shore of Gair Loch at Badachro in the Highlands of Scotland An insanely beautiful spot for a bite to eat. There is a lovely deck overhanging the water’s edge and it is a fantastic place to eat. When we arrived there was also a fresh pizza and prosecco van – not something you see every day!

9. Gairloch Museum

Gairloch Museum was recently relocated from an older building in the town, to a former Cold War bunker, which is, in itself, well worth a visit. Built to withstand a nuclear blast, the thickness of the walls and the huge blast doors are a reminder of the museum’s former purpose. These days, the first thing you see when you walk in the huge light salvaged from a lighthouse along the coast – not something you see every day. The rest of the museum is filled with fascinating artifacts and exhibits that delve into the local area. There are specific areas that are fantastic for children, such as a make your own earthquake jumping pad, and a dress-up area where children can try on traditional outfits.

Gairloch beach meanwhile, is nearby, and is very clean with great views. We recommend a stop at the local golf club, for some of the best macaroni cheese around.

10. Arctic Convoy Memorial

On the way back you can stop off at Firemore beach which has fantastic rock pools for kids, and which you’ll often have all to yourself.

11. Inverewe Gardens

Inverewe Gardens is a beautiful historic botanical garden located in Poolewe, on the North Coast 500. This picturesque spot boasts a vibrant range of plants and trees from around the world grouped into various areas. Even in early spring it was still a wonder to behold. The garden features winding pathways, gazebos, ponds, and fountains for visitors to enjoy. With its tranquil atmosphere, Inverewe Gardens is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll and has a lovely modern cafe selling simple but hearty food.

12. Arctic Convoy Museum

13. Corrieshalloch Gorge

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There is a bit of a tight car park at the top of the Gorge, however, the path down is steep but well maintained. The Victorian era suspension bridge is not for the faint of heart as it does sway left and right as well as up and down, but the drop into the valley below is breathtaking. After you cross the bridge you can walk for a few hundred meters to the left to a moder viewing point that gives a beautiful view back to the bridge and gorge.

14. Ullapool

Ullapool is a picturesque harbour town in the North West of Scotland, situated on the banks of Loch Broom. It’s an area full of natural beauty, with a stunning coastal landscape, rolling hills and open moorland all waiting to be explored.

The port of Ullapool has a long history and was initially established as a fishing village in 1788. Nowadays it remains one of Scotland’s top fishing spots – boasting some of the best catches in Europe!

For those looking for something more cultural, why not take a visit to the local Saturday market or stop by one of Ullapool’s excellent museums? Here you can discover more about the town’s captivating heritage and explore artefacts from times gone by.

15. Clashnessie Waterfall

This beautiful waterfall cascades over a rocky outcropping and into a small, tranquil pool below.

The Falls are one of Scotland’s most spectacular sights, surrounded by lush greenery and jagged cliffs that provide an awe-inspiring backdrop. Visitors can explore the rugged terrain of this area as they take in the breathtaking views on offer – from the rushing waterfalls to the bubbling streams. They can even make their way up to the top of the Falls for a truly memorable experience.

15. Strathnaver Museum

Bettyhill is worth a stop for the Strathnaver museum. This is a lovely little museum which tells the history of the Scottish Highlands, from ancient times to the present day.

The museum is home to many artefacts and objects that have been carefully collected and displayed over the years – giving visitors an engaging overview of Highland life and culture. Highlighting both traditional pastimes and modern developments, Strathnaver Museum also offers interactive exhibitions and activities centered around local folklore and heritage.

What’s more, you don’t have to drive the North Coast 500 to visit, as Strathnaver Museum has recently implemented virtual tours and audio guides so you can take in its rich offering even if you’re unable to visit in person! And at just £3 Strathnaver Museum is well worth a visit when it comes to discovering Scotland’s captivating past.

You can also few the Farr stone in the graveyard which is an ancient Pictish stone.

16. Smoo Cave

A beautiful shot of a man walking along the Smoo Cave, Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Smoo Cave in Durness is a remarkable natural landmark on the North West Coast of Scotland. Home to some of Britain’s most spectacular cave formations, Smoo Cave is an incredible sight to behold, encompassing a range of chambers filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

The main part of the cave has a high arched entrance that gives way to an underground lake fed by the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore the many caverns and grottos, which are thought to have formed over 5000 years ago. As you venture further into the darkness you will discover ancient artefacts along with impressive waterfalls, hidden pools and even a massive underground chamber known as ‘Cathedral Cave’.

Smoo Cave is something special – its extraordinary beauty has earned it a reputation as one of Scotland’s must-see attractions.

17. Tongue Castle Varrich

Visitors can explore its unique twin towers, grand stone walls and other fascinating features – including an underground vault beneath the castle’s courtyard – as they learn about its turbulent past. From its days as an important stronghold to its eventual abandonment during World War II, Tongue Castle Varrich has borne witness to some of Scotland’s historic events.

18. Dunnet Head

Dunnet Head is the most northerly point in mainland UK; it’s a bleak landscape but a good talking point if you’re already planning to drive the North Coast 500.

19. John o’ Groats + more

Fishing boats in the harbour at Jon O Groats in Scotland

John o’ Groats is the most northerly village in mainland UK, as well as being the most northerly stop on the North Coast 500. Although most people who visit will stop to take a photo with the famous sign, not many will also take the short drive to Duncasby head Lighthouse. The views from here are lovely, but if you take a 5 minute walk to the south, you’ll also see the stunning Geo of Sclaites – a gap in the cliffs that will take your breath away. Then walk 5 minutes further to the south, and you will be treated to a view of the Duncansby sea stacks.

20. Nybster Broch

Nybster Broch is an ancient Iron Age monument located near the village of Wick in Scotland. Built around 2000 years ago, this impressive circular fortification stands proudly on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape – from the dramatic cliffs of Duncansby Head to the shimmering waters of Sinclair Bight.

21. Old Keiss Castle

The sharp rock formations on the coast of the sea on a gloomy day

Old Keiss Castle is a stunning seaside ruin located in the small village of Keiss, in Scotland’s north-eastern corner. The castle is perched on a rocky promontory surrounded by panoramic views of the North Sea. There is evidence of a fortress on this land to protect the coastline from raids by Danish Vikings over 1000 years ago.

22. Timespan museum

Step back in time at Timespan Museum and explore the rich history of Scotland’s Northern Highlands. Located in the heart of Wick, this interactive museum tells the story of Caithness and Sutherland through a host of fascinating exhibits, artifacts, displays and interactive activities.

From ancient artifacts to modern-day technology, Timespan Museum offers something for everyone. From an exploration of local geology to the incredible Viking boat exhibit, discover the incredible past that has shaped North Scotland over centuries. Or relive the industrial heyday of Wick with an audio-visual journey into its mills, harbours and shipyards.

23. Grey Cairns of Camster

The Grey Cairns of Camster are a mysterious and incredible ancient monument located in the small village of Lybster, Scotland. Believed to have been built more than 5000 years ago which makes them amongst the old structures in the UK. You can still enter them via narrow passageways.

24. Whaligoe Steps

The famous Whaligoe Steps, a man-made stairway of 365 steps near Wick, Caithness, Scotland

Whaligoe Steps is, as the name suggests, an ancient set of 350 steps that winds down a cliff face in Caithness. Built hundreds of years ago to provide fishermen with easy access to the waters below, the steps have been a part of local history for centuries, and represent a unique part of Scotland’s culture.

Today, Whaligoe Steps offer visitors an unforgettable experience as you make your way down the winding staircase and explore its spectacular coastal views. The steps are not too difficult, but it’s very easy to miss the turn off for the parking so be prepared.

25. Dunrobin Castle

A beautiful shot of the famous Dunrobin Castle, in Sutherland, Scotland

Dunrobin Castle is a stunningly preserved Scottish castle located in the heart of the Highlands. Set upon a hill overlooking the Dornoch Firth and surrounded by stunning formal gardens, this magnificent castle has been home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland for over 700 years, and is one of the most impressive stops on the North Coast 500.

Take a guided tour of its grand state rooms, explore its impressive grounds and gardens, or watch birds of prey soar overhead. Feel like royalty as you enter its lavish drawing room and learn about the castle’s long history through its many exhibits.

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Things to do and see on the North Coast 500

In the North Coast 500, Scotland now has one of the best road trip routes in the world. But before you load up on travel snacks and hit the highway, make sure you build the ultimate NC 500 itinerary with this list of great places to visit.

The North Coast 500 route

Beginning and ending in Inverness, the NC 500 loops around the spectacular northern coastline of Scotland, through the regions of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Inverness-shire.

There aren’t any rules on this road trip – from Inverness you can choose to head west towards Applecross, or north towards Wick and John o’ Groats. Whichever way you go, the main roads soon give way to winding tracks, country lanes and spectacular Highland hill climbs, and there are lots of detours you can take along the way, to help you make your own discoveries.

North Coast 500 highlights

Whether you drive, cycle or even walk the 500 miles of this epic road, make sure you leave plenty of time to soak up all the sights along the way. From historic properties to coastal hikes, there’s always something worth stopping for right around the bend.

Outdoor adventures

The National Trust for Scotland manages some of Scotland’s most dramatic and wild landscapes. Torridon , which you’ll pass through on your way north from Applecross, is a dream destination for anyone who likes the outdoors. You can lace up your boots and bag a Munro (there are five here), take a kayak out onto the open seas, or hit the trails for a spot of mountain biking. There are also tranquil lochside walks, where you might be lucky enough to spot otters. During the summer, our ranger team run a series of guided walks to the famous open-air church, offering wonderful views of Upper Loch Torridon and the surrounding mountains.

Find out more about our guided walks

Another wild and windswept Trust property close to the NC 500 is the Falls of Glomach . A short detour on the route west from Inverness takes you to Morvich, and from there you can hike your way up to where the water crashes 113m from the top of the falls to the bottom with a thunderous roar.

You’ll need serious stamina and the right equipment, as the walk takes 6 hours there and back through remote countryside – but it’s worth it.

Anyone looking to spot some of Scotland’s most iconic wildlife should mark Inverewe on their map. Not only does this heritage garden tell the amazing story of a plant-collecting family and let you see some exotic species up close, but there’s a good chance you might see all of Scotland wildlife ‘Big 5’ – red squirrels, red deers, otters, seals, and golden eagles – on the wider estate.

From sea to sky: the Big 5 at Inverewe

Great highland walks.

Corrieshalloch Gorge is on the NC 500 route between Ullapool and Poolewe. It’s home to a few short trails that are suitable for all ages. Paths wind through the pristine wooded gorge, taking you across the Victorian suspension bridge where you can gaze down at the rushing waterfalls. It’s a National Nature Reserve too, so you’ll see lots of wildlife on your strolls.

The picturesque village of Plockton on the Balmacara Estate makes a super pit stop on the west coast. Wander around the quiet harbour to see seals among the sailboats, or plot a course through woods, moorland and coastal paths to get a full picture of this lovely area.

Culloden is just 5 miles east of Inverness, making it the perfect first or final stop on your trip. The site of the famous Jacobite battle is best explored on foot, with routes marked between the battlefield, memorials and historic buildings, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere of this poignant place.

Brilliant Beaches

One of the most impressive thing about northern Scotland is the beaches. All around the coast you’ll find sheltered stretches of soft white sand – perfect for strolling, surfing, swimming and walking the dog!

One of our favourite beaches along the NC 500 is Balnakeil Beach, near Durness. For most of the year this curved bay is deserted, so chances are when you come down over the dunes and onto the beach you’ll have it all to yourself. If the sun’s shining, why not roll out the picnic blanket and spend the whole day there?

Big Sand Beach and Achmelvich Bay are not to be missed either. Achmelvich is near Lochinver and great for both sunbathers and active adventurers – in the summer months people flock here to windsurf, kayak, water-ski and hike. Big Sand, meanwhile, is further south, close to Gairloch. With beautiful big dunes providing shelter from the wind, views over to Skye and Torridon, and stunning Hebridean sunsets, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of driving.

Historic Castles

There are some fine historic properties north of Inverness, and Dunrobin Castle is perhaps the finest of them all! Sitting just south of Brora on the north-eastern coast, it’s the most northerly of Scotland’s great country houses, with a 700-year-old history as the home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, a whopping 189 different rooms, views over the Moray Firth, and acres of immaculate landscaped gardens.

Another spectacular castle you should add to your list is Brodie Castle , which is perfect for families. Not very far from Inverness, it’s a short detour from the main NC 500 route, but has all sorts of things to see and do, including hundreds of varieties of daffodils, an adventure playground, a priceless art collection, and our very special Playful Garden (complete with giant bunny sculpture).

Also worth visiting are the ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the banks of Loch Assynt (between Ullapool and Ledbeg), which dates back to the 16th century and was originally the home of the Macleod clan. The Castle of Mey near John o’ Groats, was a favourite of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, perhaps because of its magnificent views over the Pentland Firth towards the Orkney Islands.

Of course, if all this isn’t enough for one trip, you can always search our properties to find extra places you don’t want to miss. Here’s to the open road!

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The complete guide to The North Coast 500

Posted on Published: 26 May 2021  - Last updated: 7 June 2024

Have you heard about the North Coast 500? This incredible road trip takes you 500 miles around the north coast of Scotland through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world – there’s no wonder they call it the Scotland Route 66.

With dramatic driving roads, beautiful coastal scenery, turquoise blue seas and white sand beaches, you will need as much time as you can get to do the route – you will want to stop every couple of hours and get out of the car and go for a walk! The NC500 should definitely not be all about the road.

Here’s how to drive the North Coast 500 route.

This post contains affiliate links I may make commission on at no expense to you! Thank you for supporting my site.

What is the North Coast 500 / NC500 route [Scotland Route 66 ] ?

The NC500 route starts with a visit to the City of Inverness , before driving up the east coast of Scotland to the very top of the UK, spotting dolphins at Channory Point on the Black Isle Peninsula and visiting amazing castles along the way.

The route then takes you along the far north coast of Scotland to visit the John O’Groats sign and the incredible Duncansby Head Stacks and the most northerly tip of the UK. Then onwards to the harbours and seafood suppers at Scrabster and Thurso before exploring the huge Smoo Cave, and trying the famous hot chocolate at Cocoa Mountain at Durness.

Turning south, you will then travel through the otherworldly mountain landscapes of  Lochinver and Assynt  and then drive along a coastline pepper-potted with incredible white sand beaches with turquoise blue seas to one of my favourite regions in Scotland, Wester Ross .

Finally, you will drive through the huge Torridon mountains, past fiord-like lochs to the beautiful  Applecross Peninsula  where you end your trip driving the famous Bealach na Bà mountain pass – completing the Scotland Route 66.

How to plan your North Coast 500 Itinerary

Whether you want to drive the route in 4 days or 3 weeks, take a tent or stay in luxury accommodation, there is a NC500 itinerary for you!  A good way to plan out your NC500 road trip is to think of the route in four stages.

If you are travelling anti-clockwise – try this Scotland Route 66 itinerary:

• Stage 1 – Inverness & Easter Ross – Starting from the Highland capital, Inverness , drive up Scotland’s east coast
• Stage 2 – Caithness and Sutherland – Explore Scotland’s wild north coast including Cape Wrath and Durness
• Stage 3 – Lochinver and Assynt  -Drive the beautiful coast from Durness to Gairloch and visit Scotland’s best beaches.
• S tage 4 – Wester Ross  – Explore the Torridon mountains and drive the incredible Bealach Na Ba.

I would suggest that you need a minimum of five days to do the route, a week would be perfect, and 10 days or more if you want to visit Inverness or any of the west coast islands.

Looking for the perfect 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary ?

The NC500 is not a way marked route and the highlands of Scotland are renowned for not having a 3g or even in some places a mobile signal, you will need actually need a paper map of the North Coast 500 route. Use the wifi in your accommodation to download your daily sections of the route to Google Maps.

Need help planning a Scotland itinerary? Check out my guide to planning a road trip in Scotland

North Coast 500 route map

My route map has lots of ideas of things to see and do to help you plan your itinerary.

• Yellow – places to visit
• Light green  – places to stay
• Red – places to eat
• Brown – mountains to climb
• Orange – towns and villages
• Blue – where to eat and drink
• Dark green – petrol stations
• Grey – history and heritage

You can download my north coast 500 map to your smartphone. Click on the link via your phone and it will open in the google maps app so you can follow it. All the stops in this guide are marked on the map.

Is there a section of the North Coast 500 I should not miss?

There is a saying in Scotland that ‘west is best’ and the route certainly takes you through the best of the  west coast of Scotland ‘s scenery, but that doesn’t mean the east coast of the NC 500 isn’t stunning in its own right – with dolphins, fairytale castles, over 200 brochs (Iron Age structures) and the 330 Waligoe Steps to explore, don’t just rush up to the north and west coasts.

Things to do on the North Coast 500

Don’t just drive the route, there are lots of things to do along the Scotland Route 66:

You might want to purchase a 3, 7, or 14-day Historic Scotland Explorer Pass *

Things to do in Inverness

The North Coast 500 starts in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Home to over 45,000 people, there are plenty of things to waylay you in Inverness before you start your journey around the North Coast 500! 

Read more: the complete guide to Inverness .

• The River Ness – the city of Inverness is bisected by the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal. Take a stroll along the river, and cross back and forth across the bouncy bridges for a view of the castle.
• Inverness Castle – sitting on the banks of the River Ness, Inverness castle was built in the 1800s and now houses Inverness Sheriff Court. You can visit the castle grounds and the north tower which has a great viewpoint of Inverness.
• Leakey’s Bookshop – home to thousands of second-hand books, Leakey’s is an Inverness treasure trove.
• Take a walking tour of Inverness – take this walking tour of Inverness * with a local guide or grab tickets for the Hop on Hop off bus tour *.
• Black Isle Brewery Bar – serves up organic beers accompanied by delicious pizzas. The Castle Pub also serves a huge range of beer overlooking the river.
• The Caledonian Canal – stretching the length of Scotland’s spectacular Great Glen, take a walk along the 62-mile Caledonian Canal down to Loch Ness. 
• Culloden Battlefield – managed by the National Trust for Scotland, a visit to Culloden is sobering and stark and tells the tale of one of the most important battles in Scottish History. Free for National Trust members, otherwise £11 for adults.
• Clava Cairns – a bronze age cemetery, the Clava Cairns are made up of standing stones, cairns and graves dating back 4000 years.
• Boat trip out on Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle – The Loch Ness Monster is a national treasure – and don’t let anyone tell you she isn’t real. Take a leisurely boat trip out on Loch Ness * to the dramatic Urquhart Castle.
• Urquhart Castle – one of the largest in Scotland, and is deservedly popular – there is even a working trebuchet siege engine in the castle grounds! Entry to the castle is £9 for adults free with an Explorer Pass.
• The Loch Ness Visitor centre – this year marks the 85th anniversary of the famous Surgeon’s Photograph . Gossip is that the photo is actually of a toy submarine purchased from Woolworths with a fake Nessie head!

Thing to do on the Black Isle and Easter Ross

Leaving Inverness the first stage of the North Coast 500 takes you through Easter Ross and beside the Black Isle. Don’t just drive by – there are lots of things to do on the Black Isle and Easter Ross on the Scotland Route 66:

• Go dolphin watching – around 130 Bottlenose Dolphins live in the waters off Inverness and Morayshire. The best place to see the dolphins mucking around are Chanonry Point and North Kessock on the Black Isle north of Inverness or take a boat trip out into the Cromarty Firth. The best time to see Dolphins is on an incoming/rising tide which brings in the food for the dolphins.
• Visit Black Isle Brewery – like craft ale and organic lager? Make sure you make a stop at the Black Isle Brewery as you head north – their beers are available to buy on-site and they door tours of the brewery.
• See the RSPB Tollie Red Kites – watch the RSPB volunteers feed beautiful Red Kites from the pretty farmsteading at RSPB Tollie. The Kites can also be seen flying over the A9 as you head north. Entry to RSPB Red Tollie is free.
• Hugh Miller’s Birthplace – home of geologist, folklorist and fossil hunter Hugh Miller with a beautiful small garden. Run by the National Trust for Scotland. Adults are £6.50, family tickets available.
• RSPB Nigg Bay – take a pause to visit this RSPB wetland home to pintails, pink-footed geese and in winter, wigeons.
• Try a dram at Glenmorangie Distillery – famous worldwide, you can take a tour of the distillery – remember no drinking for the designated driver! Other local whisky distilleries include Balblair Distillery, which has one of the oldest archive records of whisky in distilling, and Clynelish Distillery who make most of the whisky for Johnnie Walker Gold. 
• Climb up to the Fyrish Monument – one of the NC500’s hidden gems, the view from the Fyrish Monument is well worth the 3-hour round trip walk.
• Black Rock Gorge – take a short walk up the Black Rock Gorge north of Dingwall. This ‘box gorge’ appeared in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
• Visit Loch Fleet –  just fancy a stroll? Walk around  Loch Fleet to Little Ferry  and explore  Balblair Woods . You might spot Ospreys and Crossbills in the trees.
• Hike the Golspie Big Burn to Ben Bhraggie  – At Golspie make sure you visit the beautiful waterfalls at the  Big Burn , and if you are feeling energetic there are  mountain bike trails  on Ben Bhraggie – or you could  climb to the top for a view ! 
• Visit the Falls of Shin –  next to the waterfalls at the Falls of Shin (famous for leaping Salmon) with a cafe serving tasty food.
• Dunrobin Castle – a gorgeous stately home just outside Golspie, Dunrobin Castle has lovely gardens – with the designs copied from Versailles. Dunrobin is a popular spot for Instagrammers – the castle looks like it just fell out of a fairy tale! There are also daily Birds of Prey demonstrations.

My recommended place to stay in Sutherland:  The Birdwatcher’s Cabin, Golspie

More things to do around Golspie, Dornorch and Easter Ross

Things to do in Caithness and Sutherland

Next stop – Caithness and Sutherland. Now don’t let anyone tell you the northeast coast of Scotland is boring. Ok, it might not have white sands beaches and fjord-like sea lochs of the west coast but it is beautiful and full of lots of fantastic hidden gems. Here is what to do on the Caithness section of the North Coast 500.

• Timespan Museum, Helmsdale – learn all about the Highland Clearances which happened in Caithness.
• Berriedale Brae viewpoint (A9 north of Helmsdale) – The Berriedale Brae is an incredibly steep hairpin bend. This is one of the most challenging sections of the North Coast 500. There is a viewpoint if you want to stop.
• Waligoe Harbour – climb down 250 metres to the tiny Waligoe Harbour. Watch out for the weather – descending the 250 steps into sea haar can feel very spooky indeed.
• Hill O Many Stanes –  Wonder just why 200 wee stones were placed in rows up to 4000 years ago. 
• The Castle of Old Wick – perched on dramatic cliffs, the Castle of Old Wick one of Scotland’s oldest castles. 
• Caithness Brochs – No one knows what Brochs were really used for, just that there are lots of them. There are over 200 brochs (Iron Age structures) across Caithness.
• Buchollie Castle – access is across a walkway with sheer 100m drops on each side – don’t try and visit in bad weather! Built by Sweyn Asliefson the notorious pirate and robber in about 1140 and later remodelled by the Mowat Family until 1661.
• Castle Sinclair Girnigoe – near Wick is a spectacular ruin.
• Duncansby Head Lighthouse and stacks – a lot more attractive than John O’Groats. Take a walk to Duncansby’s huge sea stacks.
• John O’Groats – the most northerly village in the UK – take the photo of the sign – it is a must!
• Read more: things to do in Caithness

More things to do in Caithness and Sutherland

• Visit the Castle of Mey – previously the home of the Queen Mother in Scotland, you can now tour this royal palace and garden.
• Dunnet Head and Lighthouse – the most northerly tip of the UK. There is an RSPB reserve – the Dunnet Bay Nature Reserve which is worth a short walk. You might even spot puffins! At Dunnet there is also the Dunnet Bay Distillery who make gin and whisky.
• Thurso – a good wee town for lunch. Walk along the river to the beach to watch seals. Read more – Things to do in Thurso
• Scrabster Harbour – walk from the harbour to Holburn Head to see the blowholes with views of Orkney.
• Melvich Beach – one of the north coast’s most stunning beaches, just a short walk from the road to Melvich Beach.
• The Split Stane, Sutherland – the boundary between Sutherland and Caithness – said to have been split by the devil’s tail. Find the stone at Drumholliston near Melvich.
• Castle Varrich – climb up to Castle Varrich from the village of Tongue for a great view over Kyle and Ben Loyal.
• Tongue causeway and bridge – a dramatic bridge over the Kyle of Tongue sea loch.

Even more things to do in Caithness and Sutherland

Strathy Point Beach/Strathy Point Lighthouse – a great spot to see dolphins and whales in the summer months.

Climb Ben Loyal and Ben Hope – the Queen of Scottish Mountains, Ben Loyal is a Corbett with four dramatic peaks to climb. Ben Hope is the most northerly Munro.

Stop at Mhoine House – Banksy in the highlands? The ruined Mhoine House has some amazing graffiti art to photograph.

Ceannabeinne – visit a highland clearance site on a short walk with beautiful sea views and a great beach. Above the beach is the the Golden Eagle Zip Line – the most northely zip line – the Golden Eagle Zip Line – the zip line is weather dependent so opening times vary.

Smoo Cave – explore this huge cave near Durness by foot or by boat. Smoo Cave is floodlit inside and was formed by both the river inside and the sea outside! The guided tour by boat costs £10.

John Lennon Memorial Garden – Durness was a favourite spot of John Lennon and there is a small memorial garden in Durness just past the Smoo Cave.

Ard Neikie Lime Kilns and Heilam Lairg viewpoint – stop to admire this viewpoint over a double backed beach.

Durness – has two beaches, Sango Sands and Balnakeil Beach, and shops, cafe and a petrol station, you can also visit the Balnakeil Craft Village most known for the hot chocolate at Cocoa Mountain – you won’t regret it.

Cape Wrath – the north west point of Scotland, Cape Wrath is accessible by the Cape Wrath Ferry or a very long hike over mooreland! Visiting Cape Wrath on the ferry takes around 3 hours.

Sandwood Bay Beach – It might be an eight-mile walk to Sandwood Bay and back, but boy is the hike worth the trek. This is one of Scotland’s best beaches and has a spectacular sea stack – Am Buchaille.

Things to do Lochinver & Assynt

Leaving the north coast of Scotland behind you reach Assynt and Coigach, one of my favourite parts of Scotland, and the most dramatic part of the North Coast 500 and the Scotland Route 66. Assynt is famous for its mountains – and Lochinver for its pies!

• Take a RIB to Handa Island – one of Scotland’s most beautiful islands and a nationally important wildlife reserve, Hand Island is home to Puffins, rare Bonxies, stunning views of the Assynt mountains. A visit to the island is by boat (£15 cash only) and takes around 4 hours (10 mins on the ferry, and to walk around the island). There is also a seafood restaurant at Tarbert from where you catch the ferry.
• Drive over the Kylesku Bridge – a famous photo stop on the NC500, the Kylesku Hotel is nearby serving up great seafood.
• Drive the Drumbeg Loop to Achmelvich and Clachtoll Beaches – two beautiful beaches well worth an afternoon detour.
• Ardvreck Castle – Sitting on the banks of Loch Assynt sits the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, once the 15th-century stronghold of Clan MacLeod, longtime owners of the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

More things to do Lochinver & Assynt

• Lochinver Larder – cafe and takeaway famous for their pies.
• The Knockan Crag – a site of special scientific interest famous for the Highland’s Controversy – a long-running argument between geologists about the age of the rocks here. There is a visitor centre for those interested to find out just why the debate over Knockan Crag was so bitter and a walking trail for those just wishing to take in the incredible views. Explore Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve.
• Stac Pollaidh – one of Scotland’s best hill walks, with a well-made path to the summit, easy and fun scrambling over its pinnacles and ridges and incredible views over the Assynt mountains.
• Suilven – At 731m Suilven might be considered a wee hill in Scotland (Ben Nevis is nearly twice its height) but once seen, Suilven (pronounced Sool-ven) is a hill never to be forgotten – it is one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains. 
• Corrieshalloch Gorge – through which the River Droma falls through a series of waterfalls, including the huge 45 m Falls of Measach. Don’t be scared!
• Ullapool – a great wee town for an overnight stop on the NC500. Discover more things to do in Ullapool
• Inverewe Garden and Estate at Poolewe – one of Scotland’s most beautiful gardens. Inverewe House has recently been opened to the public for the first time in its history and gives visitors a snapshot of 1930s life in a Scottish estate. Visit Inverewe.
• Whale Cruise – Take a Hebridean Whale Cruise to spot otters, seabirds and even dolphins and sharks in the waters off Gairloch.
• Big Sands and Red Point Beach –  views across to Raasay and Skye.

More things to do in  Lochinver & Assynt How to cimb  Stac Pollaidh  / How to climb  Suilven More things to do in Ullapool

Things to do Wester Ross and Applecross

With over 3000 square miles of soaring mountains and atmospheric glens, ancient Caledonian forest and wild beaches set against a backdrop of fjord-like lochs; Wester Ross is one of the world’s most spectacular regions and probably the most beautiful part of the famous North Coast 500. Here is what to do in Wester Ross.

• Visit the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve – explore the woodlands, home to 350-year-old Scots Pines remnant of the ancient Caledonian forest. Beinn Eighe is a Unesco Biosphere, covering 500,000ha meters of protected landscape.
• Torridon Countryside Centre – low-level walks and visit the Torridon Countryside Centre .
• Sands Beach – voted by Countryfile readers as the Beach of the Year in 2015/16. It is one of my favourite places in Scotland and a gorgeous 10km walk from the village on the Peninsula.
• Applecross Penisula – To get here, you either need to brave the famous Bealach Na Ba pass or the winding coast road from the neighbouring village of Shieldaig – both of which require nerves of steel from those not used to Scotland’s dramatic west coast roads.  For those who do make it, the peninsula is as blissful as it gets – the view across the Inner Sound to Raasay and Skye is mesmerising.
• Bealach na Ba Viewpoint – drive this famous pass across the Applecross Peninsula. The road is utterly incredible, and definitely not for the faint of heart.
• Attadale Gardens – where, in the late 19th century a plant collector started a garden on the Attadale Estate , importing rhododendrons from all over the world. Visit Attadale Gardens.
• Glen Docherty – detour along the A832 for stunning views to Loch Maree.
• Strome Castle – stop on Loch Carron to discover one of the National Trust for Scotland’s little gems .
• Plockton –  where the mild, warm and wet climate allows palm trees to prosper on the waterfront, and home to two great pubs!

Ready to go?

• Download my  north coast 500 map  to your smartphone.
• Find more  epic road trips you might want to drive !

Best things to do with kids on the Scotland Route 66

• A boat trip out on Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle – try and spot the Loch Ness Monster
• Visit Urquhart Castle  – one of the largest in Scotland
• Go Dolphin watching , around 130 Bottlenose Dolphins live in the waters off Inverness 
• RSPB Tollie Red Kites  – watch the RSPB volunteers feed beautiful Red Kites
• Black Rock Gorge  – take a short walk up the  Black Rock Gorge  north of Dingwall. This ‘box gorge’ appeared in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
• Waligoe Harbour  – climb down 250 metres to the tiny Waligoe Harbour. 
• Melvich Beach  – one of the north coast’s most stunning beaches
• Smoo Cave  – explore this huge cave near Durness by foot or by boat. 
• Ceannabeinne – above the beach is the the Golden Eagle Zip Line – the most northely zip line.
• Cocao Mountain – kids will love the hot chocolates!
• Whale Cruise  – Take a  Hebridean Whale Cruise  to spot otters, seabirds and even dolphins and sharks in the waters off Gairloch.
• Knockancrag – a great walk for kids to with fantastic views and geology!

Best beaches on the NC500

Read more: the complete guide to the best beaches on the North Coast 500. My favourite beaches on the north coast 500 are:

• Melvich Beach  – one of the the north coast’s best beaches
• Oldshoremore – worth heading off the NC500 to discover
• Strathy Point Beach/Strathy Point Lighthouse  – a great spot to see dolphins and whales
• Sandwood Bay Beach  – It might be an eight-mile walk to  Sandwood Bay  and back, but boy is the hike worth the trek.
• Achmelvich and Clachtoll Beaches  – two beautiful beaches well worth an afternoon detour.
• Big Sands and Red Point Beach  –  huge beaches with views across to Raasay and Skye.
• Sands Beach  – voted by Countryfile readers as the Beach of the Year in 2015/16. 

Best castles on the Nc500

The best castles worth a stop on the NC500

• Dunrobin Castle  – a gorgeous stately home just outside Golspie which looks like a fairytale castle
• The Castle of Old Wick  – perched on dramatic cliffs, the Castle of Old Wick one of Scotland’s oldest castles. 
• Buchollie Castle  – access is across a walkway with sheer 100m drops on each side – don’t try and visit in bad weather!
• Castle Sinclair Girnigoe  – near Wick is a spectacular ruin.
• Castle of Mey  – previously the home of the Queen Mother in Scotland, you can now tour this royal palace.
• Castle Varrich  – climb up to Castle Varrich for a great view over Kyle and Ben Loyal.
• Ardvreck Castle  – Sitting on the banks of Loch Assynt 
• Strome Castle  – stop on Loch Carron to discover one of the  National Trust for Scotland’s little gems .

S cotland Route 66 / North Coast 500 guidebooks

Check out these recommended guidebooks for your road trip! [affiliate links]

• Charles Tait’s North Coast 500
• The Rough Guide to the North Coast 500
• The North Coast 500 map
• Rough Guide to the Scottish Highland’s and Islands
• The Wild Guide to Scotland

North Coast 500 tours

Prefer not to drive yourself around the North Coast 500? Why not have someone do it for you.

• Prefer not to drive? Try this 3 day NC500 tour from Inverness *
• Looking for the ultimate in NC500 tours? This four day group NC500 tour can be completely tailored to your needs.
• More tours in the Scottish Highlands *

Where to stay on the North Coast 500

There are lots of ways to do the NC500 / S c otland Route 66 – with a tent, staying in b&bs or self-catering. How you do it is up to you!

> Read more: my guide to the best places to stay on the North Coast 500

Do I need to pre-book NC500 accommodation before I set off?

It depends if you are camping or booking pubs and hotels. For hotels, B&Bs and camper vans the route is so popular many places are booked up a year in advance – so get planning!

Self-Catering Accommodation on S cotland Route 66

• Book into a luxury cabin near Golpies on the east coast of the North Coast 500 at the Birdwatcher’s Cabin* . You can watch ospreys from your deck and walk to the fairy tale Dunrobin Castle along the beach. Read more about the Birdwatchers Cabin .
• Enjoy splendid isolation in the quirky Batbox , on the west coast of the NC500 near Lochinver – book the Batbox with Airbnb (first-time user? use my referral for £25 off ! )
• Natural Retreats , self-catering accommodation at John O’Groats

The best hotels and b&bs on the North Coast 500

• I love the Kylesku Hotel and restaurant
• Book in for Scottish hospitality at its best at Torridon Hotel* and Torridon Inn
• Stay at the Westlea B&B in Ullapool – check out the Munro room!
• Visit Scotland’s sunshine coast and stay at Plockton Inn
• Book a year in advance for the Applecross Inn , Main Street

North Coast 500 campsites and Caravan / campervan stops

Pitch up and put your feet up here…

East and north coast campsites

• Ardtower Caravan Park, Inverness
• Brora club campsite
• Dornoch campsite
• Dornoch Firth Caravan Park
• Fortrose Bay Campsite
• Black Rock Caravan Park in Evanton
• Delny Glamping
• Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park
• Inver Caravan Park, Dunbeath
• North Star Glamping
• John O’Groats caravan and campsite 
• Windhaven Cafe, Camping and B&B
• Dunnet Bay campsite
• Sango Sands
• Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Campsite

West coast campsites

• Scourie Campsite
• Achmelvich Campsite
• Clachtoll Campsite 
• Port A Bhaigh Campsite, Near Achiltibuie
• Ardmair campsite
• Broomfield caravan park
• AppleCross Campsite
• Shieldaig cabins and campsite
• Gruinard Bay Caravan Park
• The Wee Campsite at Loch Carron
• Sands Caravan and Camping, Gairloch

North Coast 500 FAQs

How long is the north coast 500.

516-miles (830 km)

Is the North Coast 500 the Scotland Route 66?

The NC500 is often described as Scotland’s route 66 – because it is one of the world’s most epic road trips. However, there are some differences. Route 66 crosses eight states over 2400 miles from Chicago to California. The NC500 miles is a lot shorter at just over 500 miles and takes you through some of the most beautiful bits of Scotland.

How long does it take to drive the route?

How long you take driving the NC500 is up to you. If you just want to experience one of the world’s best roads you could just about manage it in a day – but then you’ll miss everything the route has to offer.

Why not take longer to visit huge sea caves, sail to a tropical island to see puffins , or bag Scotland’s most northerly Munro … there is so much to see and do along the route it’s a shame to not do it justice.

If you just want to see the main sights I would suggest you will need a minimum of four days to do the main stages of the NC500, however, I would suggest a week to 10 days to really make the most of your trip.

What’s the best time of year to drive the North Coast 500?

• My favourite time(s) of year in Scotland are April – May and September.
• June and August can be wet months in Scotland.
• July is busy with UK school holidays – particularly campsites on the west and north coasts.
• Most attractions (from the National Trust or Historic Scotland) close from October to Easter. Many of the grounds are still open.
• There is always a risk of snow in winter months inland from the coasts.

…but what about ticks and midges in Scotland?

Whenever you drive the route, Scotland’s NC500 will take you on an incredible road trip around Scotland you won’t ever forget…

Travelling in summer in Scotland means midgie – a tiny biting black fly – they are legendary for a reason. You can’t avoid them, but you can beat them – pick up the best insect repellent for the Scottish midge – ‘ Smidge ’. Sadly, midgies are worst in the early evening – just as you want to sit out on the lochside with that sundowner drink…

You also need to watch out for ticks in Scotland. These beasties sometimes carry lyme disease, so wear long trousers if you are hiking and always check yourself out. If you want to avoid beasties, the best time to travel in Scotland is spring, autumn and winter.

Should I drive the S cotland Route 66 clockwise or anti-clockwise?

I would suggest going anti-clockwise. Start at Inverness Castle and travel first up the East coast to John o’Groats, across to Durness, down to Gairloch and finally Applecross taking in some of Scotland’s most spectacular coastal scenery along the way.

Alternatively, you could start your trip with a drive through Glencoe and visiting the famous Eilean Donan Castle before joining the route clockwise on the west coast at Strathcarron.

3g mobile phone signal on the NC500

It is an issue, I admit. Most of the route does not have a signal, let alone 4g, so be prepared. However, wifi is very common in hotels and b&bs so you will be able to keep up with the outside world along the way. Using google maps? Use wifi to download sections of your map each day.

Driving in Scotland

Most of the NC500 route is on single-track roads – and you will be driving the route along with sports cars, campervans, motorbikes, cyclists, tractors, delivery drivers, sheep, coos and deer.

Here are a few tips for driving in Scotland:

• KEEP LEFT   – or you will cause an accident
• Know the speed limits, road signs and general driving advice – in Scotland, understand how to drive on a single track road !
• Learn how to use passing places on the single track road – always pull to your left into the passing space and be prepared to reverse
• Acknowledge your fellow drivers – a wave, a thank you or let someone past
• Remember the route is not just for you to enjoy your holiday – people use the roads as part of their daily life, so let people past.
• I recommend that your stops are no more than 1-1.5 hours apart unless much of the journey is on a motorway or you know the rules of the road. 2 hours on mountain roads will exhaust even the most patient of drivers.

Motorhomes and camper van s

The NC500 is suitable for motorhomes and camper vans although you will need to be prepared for the single track roads. The Bealach Na Ba is the only section not recommended for anything larger than a 16 – 18 ft camper and the Berriedale Brae is a very steep hairpin bend.

If you have never driven a campervan before I suggest doing the route anti-clockwise as you will be coming down the Bealach Na Ba rather than up it.

Petrol stations on the North Coast 500

There are plenty of petrol stations on the route. I suggest filling up regularly as the NC500 is quite remote in places. Petrol stations are marked on my NC500 map.

Love, from Scotland x

Kate Hopper

Love from Scotland is your guide to how to travel Scotland like a local. My name is Kate and on my site you will find everything you need to plan your perfect trip to Scotland – from destination guides to the best places to stay.

Wednesday 2nd of March 2022

Can I park my campervan off road without booking into a campsite every night?

Scotland Elopement Guide - Everything You Need To Plan for 2021 | Belle Art Photography

Sunday 3rd of January 2021

[…] make up the far north of Scotland. While much of the region can be visited by driving the famous North Coast 500 you need to detour off the route between Unapool and Ullapool to visit Assynt. If you aren’t […]

exploringbrightskies

Wednesday 1st of February 2017

We're doing the NC500 at the end of June and all your posts have helped so much for my planning, thank you!!

Richard Bryce

Wednesday 26th of October 2016

Bought a touring m/bike end of last year planning the 500 for the early summer, but pulled a huge sickie just after Xmas - turned out to be inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis which pretty much did for me right through till August. So, the Triumph Sprint, which has been standing outside rusting ever since, has just been fettled at Flitwick Motorcycles, will be hacked around on during the winter, and then washed and waxed late Spring ready for the 500 in early summer 2017. I plan to pack my walking boots and a tent and look for the less rocky pitches to ease my aching joints. Have done many a car trip round the Cairngorms and up to Inverness back in the 70's and 80's, but never beyond that I remember. Sooooo looking forward to it, midgies an' all.

Friday 14th of October 2016

Hi, we are doing this north coast 500 on monday coming with our kids. smallest is 2 so some places we might have to miss out. Any tips for us? we have already booked hotel in Turso, Ullapool and inverness. doing this over 3 day. day 3 going to avimore for the day then back home to Glasgow.

Scotland’s North Coast 500 Route Planner, Map & 1-Week Itinerary

Driving Scotland’s North Coast 500 was one of my favourite ever road trips and I would love to help you have a smiliar adventure, so consider me your own personal North Coast 500 route planner.

Known as Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the incredibly scenic North Coast 500 (or NC500) has been Scotland’s most popular road trip since its launch in 2015 And with good reason… it’s amazing!

The route covers 516 miles (the NC516 isn’t quite as catchy though hey?) around the remote northern part of the Scottish mainland, traditionally starting and ending in the city of Inverness.

Don’t forget to also check out my Things To Know Before You Drive Scotland’s North Coast 500 post, which also has lots of useful information to make sure you have a safe, epic, and enjoyable trip!

So let’s get planning your North Coast 500 itinerary ! 

Please Note:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

Scotland’s North Coast 500 Route Planner, Map & 1-Week Itinerary

When to travel the north coast 500.

My friend Brenna ( This Battered Suitcase ) and I drove the NC500 in early March. Perhaps an unusual time of year for a UK road trip… but this was my first trip after a left my job to become a full-time travel blogger , so I really didn’t care what time of year it was. 

March is generally a crappy month in the UK, weather-wise, but it turned out pretty well for us actually – it rained a lot, but we were also blessed with plenty of sunshine and therefore, rainbows. Plus, we saw lots of snow too, and who doesn’t love to play in the snow?

In Scotland the weather is unpredictable and changes every half an hour anyway. So why not take advantage of the off-season, with fewer crowds, no midgies (tiny biting flies that descend in the summer), and the incredible photo opportunities the colder weather brings? Sunshine is never guaranteed, even in summer.

The downside is that you may find a few seasonal things closed. The main season runs from May to October, but each time of year has its advantages and disadvantages, so just go with whatever suits you best – I’m sure you’ll have a great time either way!

North Coast 500 Route Map

The above North Coast 500 map details the main NC500 route, however, I’ve broken it down into smaller, more detailed, day-to-day itineraries below.

You can also take a look at the ‘official’ North Coast 500 map (also linked at the bottom of the page). If you want to print this out, I’d suggest printing it A3/A2 otherwise it’s too small on a regular A4 printer. Any printing shop should be able to print this for you.

North Coast 500 Route Planner & Itinerary

Brenna and I spent 5 full days travelling along the North Coast 500. We spent 2 days travelling up to Inverness – her from London, me from Preston. We both got trains to Edinburgh, stayed overnight, had a day in Edinburgh, then picked up a car to use for the rest of the trip. 

Then we had one night in Edinburgh on the way back down. So in total our trip was 8 nights, 9 days in total.

But, you don’t have to stop in Edinburgh. We could have travelled to Inverness by train or plane in one day and picked up a car there. For the purpose of this North Coast 500 route planner, I won’t include the days spent travelling to and from Edinburgh.

Our North Coast 500 Itinerary was as follows (including the days not spent on the NC500):

• Day 1: Home to Edinburgh
• Day 2: Day in Edinburgh
• Day 3: Edinburgh to Inverness
• Day 4: Inverness to Dunnet Head
• Day 5: Dunnet Head to Durness
• Day 6: Durness to Ullapool
• Day 7: Ullapool to Applecross
• Day 8: Applecross to Edinburgh
• Day 9: Edinburgh to Home

5 days on the NC500 was fine, however, I would definitely recommend taking a little longer if you can. You could easily keep yourself occupied for 1 – 2 weeks! With so much to see, we spent the majority of the time driving, doing a few little hikes and taking pictures, and not really ‘doing’ much. 

You can easily split this itinerary into smaller chunks, and I’ve recommended a few different places to stay along the route to help you plan in case you have a different timescale to us.

Day 1: Edinburgh

Whilst not on the North Coast 500, Edinburgh is a great place to stop if you are travelling up from other parts of the UK, either by car or train, or if you’re flying in from abroad.

Whereas the North Coast 500 offers the wild, rugged, untamed side of Scotland, Edinburgh is more touristy, like Scotland on steroids, with history and culture, and all the tartan and whiskey you could wish for. I love both sides!

There’s no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh , including walking tours of the city (with different themes – historical, haunted, underground, Harry Potter), open-top bus tours, visiting the castle, or climbing to the top of Arthur’s Seat. 

Edinburgh also has great nightlife too, and tons of great bars and restaurants. Whilst we didn’t go on this trip, on another trip to Edinburgh I went for dinner and dancing at Ghillie Dhu , a Scottish ceilidh extravaganza. We did the Gay Gordon’s, the Dashing White Sergeant, and a whole load of other traditional dances. I LOVED it! 

Where to Stay in Edinburgh: We decided to treat ourselves on this first night at the Radisson Collection Hotel (formerly the G&V Royal Mile Hotel), which is a modern hotel with a fabulous cocktail bar and gorgeous views over the city. I’d definitely recommend staying here!

Day 2: Edinburgh to Inverness

We spent the day driving up from Edinburgh to Inverness. Inverness is the UK’s most northerly city, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, and the jumping-off point for the North Coast 500.

If you drive straight there, Inverness is just over 3 hours drive from Edinburgh (and around 3.5 hours from Glasgow), so if you leave early, you’ll have plenty of time to sightsee on the way. 

Cairngorms National Park

As you head north, you’ll pass the beautiful Cairngorms National Park.

Twice the size of England’s Lake District, the Cairngorms is a great place to explore with tons of hiking/biking trails, rivers, lochs (lakes), waterfalls, wildlife, and villages to see.

The Cairngorms is also home to 6 of the UK’s highest mountains (the highest is Ben Nevis near to Fort William) and in the winter, snow permitting, you can go skiing and even husky sledding.

Another ‘activity’ you might like to try whilst in the area is taking the Malt Whiskey Trail . The area just north of the Cairngorms is home to 9 of the UK’s Scotch malt whiskey distilleries. You can tour the distilleries and learn about the whiskey-making process – as well as doing a little bit of tasting too.

Just don’t drink and drive – the drink driving limit in Scotland is very low, so I wouldn’t even risk it! There are a number of taxis/private drivers in the area who can take you around.

Where to Stay in the Cairngorms National Park: There are literally so many gorgeous places to stay in the Cairngorms, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Glentruim Lodge Chalet , is super cosy and romantic, and the Dava Schoolhouse looks really welcoming and stylish too. Families or groups will also like the Scandanavian Village Aviemore which has apartments, suites, and villas.

Our second major stop, was Loch Ness, home to the Loch Ness Monster… or is it? 

You could spend a whole day driving around Loch Ness and there are plenty of amazing views. The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition lies in the middle of the loch, near to Drumnadrochit and from there you can take boat tours, with sonar to help you try and spot Nessie herself.

Loch Ness by Jacobite has a couple of highly-rated cruises with various departure points (including Inverness Bus Station) in case you can’t get down to the visitor centre.

Close by you can also visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which can also be seen from the boats if you want to kill two birds with one stone.

Where To Stay near to Loch Ness: Whilst I haven’t stayed there myself, the Inver Coille glamping pods & camping site looks like the coolest thing ever. If they don’t have space, there are lots of highly-rated hotels in the area.

By the time we got to Inverness, it was just time to check into our hotel and have a shower before dinner. We ate at the lively Johnny Foxes Pub & Restaurant , followed by drinks and a live Ceilidh band (traditional Scottish music) at the famous Hootenanny Inverness … where we bumped into explorer Levison Wood (and also Don Lawson, the owner of Johnny Foxes).

When we arrived in Inverness, I’d seen on Instagram that explorer and television presenter Levison Wood was also in the city to give a talk about his new book (coincidence, I swear). We looked into getting tickets to the talk, but we didn’t have time to get there in time, so I tweeted him to say ‘Come to Hootenanny’s later’. Which he did.

I’d like to think it was because he was excited to meet two fellow travel writers and adventurers, but I think it may just have been a coincidence…

We had a little chat at the bar about travelling in Africa, Brenna chatted to him about her book, I introduced him to ‘Johnny Fox’ (“Have you met Johnny Fox?” is the Scottish equivalent of “I carried a watermelon.”), he took the piss out of me for being a Scouser and said he’d give my blog a read – which I’m sure he does on a regular basis these days (Hi Lev!)… 

Although I was too embarrassed to ask him if he’d seen my tweet… 😉 

We didn’t have tons of time in the city as we wanted to get straight out onto the North Coast 500, but a few more of the highlights of Inverness include a walk along the River Ness, a visit to Inverness Cathedral, the Victorian Market, and, Inverness Castle.

Just outside of Inverness, ACE Adventures & Hideaways can organise white water rafting trips and other outdoor adventures. 

If you get hungry, other places to eat include, Coyote’s , (famous for fabulous burgers), the Fig & Thistle Bistro , for modern, casual dining, and Wild Pancakes , which is a great place for breakfast and the North Coast 500’s first dedicated pancake house. 

Where To Stay in Inverness: We stayed at the Royal Highland Hotel , which was right in the centre of town – quite grand, a little bit old school, very Scottish – we loved it. However, if you’re looking for something a little bit more modern, you could try the pentahotel Inverness or Highland Apartments by Mansley . If you’re on a budget, check out the Black Isle Bar & Rooms , which is a hostel as well as a premier craft beer bar and restaurant serving, wood-fired pizzas or the cosy and stylish Bazpackers .  I also love a bit of glamping, so check out the gorgeous Inverness Glamping pods.

Day 3: Inverness to Dunnet Head

Chanonry Point

Chanonry Point lies between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on what is known as the Black Isle of Scotland.

One of the most popular activities at Chanonry Point is to watch the Moray Firth dolphins playing in the water. They can be seen all year, but the best time is during the rising tide when the dolphins chase the fish into shore. 

The best place to see them is on the stone beach behind the lighthouse or if you want to get really close, you can take boat trips out on the water. Dolphin Spirit leaves from Inverness, whilst North 58 Sea Adventures and Dolphin Trips Avoch leave from nearby Findhorn and Avoch respectively.

The Storehouse

Leaving Chanonry Point, you could make a stop at The Storehouse Restaurant and Farm Shop to pick up some breakfast/lunch or supplies – even if you’re not hungry, who doesn’t love a good farm shop?

The next stop on our road trip was the gorgeous Dornoch Beach and the famous Dornoch Castle Hotel with their famous whiskey tastings at the Whiskey Bar & Grant Macnichol restaurant.

Dornoch Beach is also a great place for wild camping – just make sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code rules and regulations and leave no trace.

Where to Stay in Dornoch: If you need a bit more comfort, try the Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park or the gorgeous glamping pods at Evelix Pods Dornoch .

Dunrobin Castle

Another great stop on your itinerary should be the fairytale-esque Dunrobin Castle . The castle resembles a French chateau and the design of the gardens was inspired by Palace of Versailles in Paris – it looks like it came straight out of a Disney movie. 

The castle is open from the 1st of April to the 31st of October and up until the end of September, you can also watch their twice-daily falconry displays .

On the way to Dunrobin, you can also take a little detour to the Falls of Shin, where you can spot jumping salmon (between May and late Autumn) – but it will add over an hour to your journey!

Grey Cairns of Camster & the Whaligoe Steps

The Grey Cairns of Camster are man-made structures (thought to be burial tombs) built around 5000 years ago. They’re free to visit and open to the public all year round, so definitely worth the visit.

From there, you can hike (or drive) to the Whaligoe Steps which lead down to Whaligoe Haven, a unique 18th century harbour surrounded on 3 sides by tall cliffs. 

There are 330 steps to be precise and they can be treacherous, so take care – and just remember, what goes down, must come up. If you don’t want to walk, you might enjoy seeing the steps and harbour from the sea with Caithness Seacoast . They do day trips from Wick, or shorter tours that leave from Lybster.

If you get peckish, you can visit the Whaligoe Steps Cafe and Restaurant , perched on a clifftop overlooking the North Sea.

Where to Stay Near to the Grey Cairns of Camster & the Whaligoe Steps : The village of Lybster, near to both the Camster Cains and Whaligoe Steps is a good place to rest your head for the night if you don’t want to travel too far. Try North Star Glamping or the Camster luxury glamping pod .

Castle Sinclair

If you love a bit of history, visit the beautiful ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, located right on the cliff edge. This was one of my highlights of the NC500 and not to be missed. If you take one of the coastal boat trips, it’s highly like you’ll get a great view from the water too. 

The Old Pulteney distillery is also in the area if you have the time for a tour or just a stop at the shop!

Duncansby Head & Stacks

At Duncansby Head, you’ll see the Duncansby Lighthouse, but the real attraction is the incredible Duncansby Stacks, just off the coast. These incredible natural structures have been battered by the North Sea for millenniums, creating the witch’s hat-shaped rock formations you see today. 

On a clear day, you may be lucky enough to see puffins and the Orkney Islands. 

It’s a bit of a walk to get to the Duncansby Stacks, parking either at Duncansby Head or you can park a bit further away at John o’Groats. Give yourself a good 3 hours if you want to walk the circuit from Duncansby Head/John o’Groats and to the Stacks and back.

John o’Groats

A short drive (or a 45-minute hike) from Dunsnsby is John O’Groats., one of the most northerly points on the British mainland. It’s the starting (or end) point for the ‘End to End’ cycle/walk which goes all the way to Lands End in Cornwall.

I always thought it was THE most northerly place of the British mainland, but it isn’t… it’s actually Dunnet Head, a few miles down the road and the actual place that is furthest from Lands End is Duncansby Head. But John o’Groats to Lands End has a better ring to it, don’t you think?

Dunnet Head

Our last stop on today’s itinerary is Dunnet Head. Here you can take a walk to the lighthouse, see the coastline and brag that you’ve been to the most northerly point on the British mainland. Whoop whoop!

Dunnet Head is a great place for bird watchers as there are several different bird species in residence. During spring and early summer, this includes a high number of puffins as they come here for nesting season.

The Castle & Gardens of Mey , previously owned by the Queen Mother, are also nearby, you’ll just need to ensure you book your tickets in advance as they often sell out.

Rock Rose Gin is made at the Dunnet Bay Distillers if you want to pick up a bottle whilst you’re passing, although it’s also sold in quite a few of the big supermarkets too!

Where to Stay Near Dunnet Head & John o’Groats : There are a few great places to stay in the area, but the ones that I love the most are The Old Tea Shop , Dunnet B&B Escapes , and Braeside Retreats .

Day 4: Dunnet Head to Durness

If you didn’t manage to get to Dunnet Head on the previous day, the morning is also a great time to visit.

Strathy Bay

The next stop is Strathy Bay, one of the most gorgeous beaches on the North Coast 500, with views over the Pentland Firth.

During May and June, the wildflowers are out in bloom, making it a particularly pretty and photogenic time to visit.

A bit further down the coast, you’ll come to Farr Bay, another pretty cove, worth a walk on the beach! You can also visit the Strathnaver Museum which will give you an insight into Scottish history. 

Another beautiful white sandy beach (believe me, you never get sick of these beaches) along the NC500 is Coldbackie. Great for photographers, hikers, and surfers (when there are waves).

Loch Eriboll

Loch Eriboll is a gorgeous sea lock, with a number of great stopping points. One of the most beautiful is Ceannabeine Beach , with mountains on either side, even without a drone you’ll get some fabulous shots overlooking the beach. The name itself means ‘end of the mountains’.

Durness, Smoo Cave & the Sango Bay Viewpoint

Near to the town of Durness, there are two of the NC500’s main highlights, including the stunning Sango Bay Viewpoint, with panoramic views overlooking Sango Bay and it’s also a great place for surfing. 

The Smoo Cave is a great place to explore, either by boat or from the path above the cliffs. The cave is floodlit inside and you can take a tour with Smoo Cave Tours .

A bit further on is Cape Wrath, Scotland’s most North Westerly point (in case you’re on a mission to see all the ‘most’ northerly points). There are more stunning views of the coastline but it is a little off the main road of the North Coast 500.

Where To Stay in Durness: Sango Sands Oasis , is a great campsite right at the top if you like your morning coffee with an epic view – I know I do! The campsite is open from the beginning of April until the end of October. However, they offer free camping with limited availability in the offseason. There are also a couple of great little cottages to hire if you’re not camping but would still like to stay right near the beach. 

Day 5: Durness to Ullapool

Balnakeil Bay

Make your way to Balnakeil Beach – potentially the most stunning beach in the area. After some beach time, stop by Cocoa Mountain Balnakeil, a famous shop/cafe offering a variety of locally made chocolates and hot chocolate. Open 9am – 6pm daily. 

Sandwood Bay Beach & Loch

It’s a bit off course, but Sandwood Bay and Loch is a great addition to your road trip itinerary.

Sandwood Bay Beach is one of the most remote in Europe and it takes around an hour and a half to walk from the car park in Blairmore to the stunning 1-mile long sandy beach, so give yourself a good few hours here to take it all in and hike around the loch as well. 

You’ll also get to see Am Buachaille, a sea stack out in the water. And if you can be bothered to carry your stuff all that way, this is a great spot for wild camping (and surfing). 

Kylesku Bridge

On the way to Clachtoll, you’ll take the Kylesku Bridge over Loch a’ Chàirn Bhàin in in Sutherland – worth a photo stop!

Clachtoll Beach

Another gorgeous beach on the route is Clachtoll Beach – great for hiking, walking, and fishing. Clachtoll is pretty remote and the road is single access (and with a 25 percent gradient) in places and apparently it’s called the ‘breakdown zone’ – but it’s worth the trip. 

On the way to Clachtoll, swing by the Assynt Aromas Candle Shop & The Secret Garden Tea Garden for some sustenance. 

You can also hire bikes or take boat trips from nearby Lochinver, as well as visit Scotland’s most remote bookshop, Achins Bookshop & Coffee Shop .

Just be aware that the road between Kylesku and Lochinver can be a bit tricky, so it may take you longer than you think!

Where To Stay in Clachtoll or Lochinver: There’s a lovely campsite overlooking Clachtoll Beach  or you want to stay somewhere super cosy and romantic (and with a hot tub), check out the gorgeous Suilven view glamping pod .

Achmelvich Bay

Fancy a bit of wild swimming? Stop and take a dip in the clear turquoise waters of Achmelvich Bay. If you’re very lucky, you may also see dolphins off the coast.

Where To Stay in Achmelvich Bay:

Have I mentioned I love glamping pods? Check out the lovely ones at North Coast 500 Pods . If I could live in one of these, I would. In fact, I might someday!

Loch Assynt & Ardvreck Castle 

The penultimate stop on today’s itinerary is Loch Assynt and Ardvreck Castle. Dating back to around 1590.

Built by Clan MacLeod, it was later taken over by Clan Mackenzie. These days, it’s just a lonely ruin, but worth seeing all the same. It is said that the castle is haunted and there are plenty of spooky stories of mermaids, ghosts, and the devil himself!

Now you could either stay in Ullapool or head down to Applecross, but I’d definitely recommend staying in Ullapool as it really is lovely, and will keep the driving distances short.

There are tons of things to do in Ullapool, including boat trips to Loch Broom and the Summer Isles , sea kayaking, hiking, and visiting the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve. Ullapool has a few nice pubs and restaurants where you can pick up a nice bowl of Cullen Skink (smoked haddock, leek and potato soup). It tasted much better than it sounds.

Ullapool is also a great jumping-off point to visit the Outer Hebrides via the CalMac ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. 

Where to Stay in Ullapool: I’d definitely recommend the Silver Darlings B&B which is owned by one of my very good friends from uni. Tell Katy I say hi!

Alternatively, I love Tigh na Mara for a romantic getaway. For camping, try Broomfield Holiday Park or nearby Badrallach Campsite, Bothy and Holiday Cottage . If you’re on a budget, or in a big group, the Ullapool Youth Hostel is a cheap and cheerful place to stay!

Day 6: Ullapool to Applecross

Corrieshalloch Gorge

Leaving Ullapool, your next destination could be the fantastic Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve . With beautiful nature trails and lots of flora and fauna to observe and appreciate. 

Even if you don’t spend much time in the reserve itself, it’s fun to walk over the wobbly suspension bridge over the gorge, which has fantastic views of Falls of Measach.

Brenna and I had a LOT of fun filming our Instagram Stories here.

Gruinard Bay

Gruinard Bay is a gorgeous stop – although, aren’t they all?

With golden/pinky sands and cool rock formations, you’ll get plenty of amazing pictures. Even more, if you have a drone (if it’s not windy and raining).

There are 3 pink sand beaches to visit and on a clear day, you can see across to the island. 

From the Loch, you can see the Isle of Ewe, which is inhabited by a one family. I wouldn’t mind living on a gorgeous island in the middle of a loch. Would you?

Whilst in the area, visit the Inverewe Garden and take a walk along some of their nature trails, including the Poetry Trail, which was inspired by the beauty of the place and created by their resident poet. 

You can also take a wildlife-spotting boat trip from the Inverewe Garden jetty to see eagles. Boat trips usually run in August and September.

Where To Stay on Loch Ewe: And if you do decide to stop in Loch Ewe, and you have a big group, consider staying at the absolutely GORGEOUS, Poolewe Beach House  (sleeps 9).

Stop for a photo at Gairloch Harbour, and if you’re thirsty, pick up a cuppa at the highly recommended Coast Coffee Company .

Enjoy the fantastic scenery as you drive along the A832 road that snakes through the valley at Kinlochewe. With hills all around and winding roads, this area makes for a fab photo stop. 

Loch Torridon

Another extremely photogenic stop on your journey is The Torridon, a luxury hotel, flanked by mountains and forest and lying right on the lakeside – this would be a great place to rest your head for the night if time permits.

They also do a fabulous afternoon tea in their 1887 Restaurant and there are lots of activities on offer if you want to get outdoors.

You can visit the Torridon Countryside Centre where you can see red deer and the famous highland coo’s – although you will see them throughout your journey. 

A bit further on, you’ll come to Shieldaig, one of the most picturesque villages in Scotland. From there, continue around the coast to Fearnmore a remote part of the loch, edging out to the sea.

Finally, head down to Applecross and get yourself a whiskey or a nice cup of hot chocolate at the Applecross Inn – you deserve it. 

In the surrounding area, you can take part in things like kayaking, gorge walking, hiking, visiting the beaches, and photography tours.

Where to stay in Applecross: There are a few nice places to stay in Applecross . For me personally, I like the Inn as it has everything you want – food, drink, cute rooms, and it’s right in the centre of the village however they were fully booked when we went, so we stayed nearby in the Hartfield House Hostel . It was a little bit spooky as we were the only people there – literally, there wasn’t even any staff, but in high season I’m sure it would be great! 

Day 7: Applecross to Inverness, Edinburgh or the Hebrides

Bealach na  Bà

This was one of my highlights.

Leaving Applecross, we drove across Bealach na Bà , one of the highest roads in the UK. The top was covered in snow which gave us a great opportunity to take lots of snow pictures! We rarely get snow where I live in North West England, so this was a real treat for me. Brenna’s from Canada, and she loved it too.

Just be aware that they advise some campervans not to travel this road and it may be closed in bad weather – but you can go around it.

Leaving Applecross, head towards Lochcarron, which makes a nice photo stop whichever which way you are headed after that. 

Then from there, you have a few choices as to which way to go to finish your trip. The traditional start and endpoint is Inverness. But, if you hired your car elsewhere, like Edinburgh, as we did, you can head back that way. 

Or, if you want to make your trip super epic, you could head towards the Inner or Outer Hebrides. You can read my full Outer Hebrides itinerary here.

And if you were really making a tour of the UK’s most dramatic, untouched scenery, you could continue down to England’s beautiful Lake District region , which sits in the north, just below Scotland.

Have a look at the options below! Whichever you choose, there are lots to see and do on the way!

Option A: Inverness

Rogie Falls

The drive between Lochcarron and Inverness is super pretty, but particularly at Rogie Falls where you can walk across a small suspension bridge to get a good look at this natural phenomenon. There’s a nice, but short walk you can take from the car park.

Although a little bit out of the way, you could take a trip to the famous Eilean Donan Castle (see below) near to Lochcarron.

Inverness – End Point

Inverness has an airport which has regular flights to other parts of the UK, as well as Amsterdam.

Option B: Isle of Skye

Eilean Donan Castle

Stop at the gorgeous Eilean Donan Castle, which was used as one of the filming locations for the James Bond film, Skyfall and even better, Made of Honour (love that film… Patrick Dempsey, swoon). This is a very popular stop, so don’t be alarmed by all the tourists – you’re not on the NC500 now! 

Isle of Skye

When you get the weather (which we didn’t), the Isle of Skye is a great place to visit and also a good place to start exploring both the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The capital Portree was also used as a main filming location for the film Made of Honour.

I’ll need to go back again and hopefully write about the Isle of Skye in the future. 

Option C: Loch Lomond, Glasgow, or Edinburgh

Alternatively, you can head back towards Glasgow or Edinburgh where you can spend a final night or catch your transport home. As we’d hired a car in Edinburgh, that’s where we went – but it is a pretty long drive. 

Again, you should make a stop at Eilean Donan Castle as you drive through!

Ben Nevis/Fort William

Ever wanted to climb the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis? fancy a bit of skiing (in season)? Then now’s your chance as you’ll be passing through. To climb Ben Nevis takes around 7 hours up and down so give yourself enough time.

Another cool thing to do in the area is to take the Jacobite Train between Fort William and Malaig, near Skye – aka the ‘Harry Potter’ train which was used to film and I would assume, the inspiration too.

Following the A82, you’ll drive right through Glencoe and to see the most famous view, you don’t even have to leave the main road.

There are a number of free car parks where you can pull over and take some fabulous photos of the Three Sisters, Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach, and Aonach Dubh.

The weather was TERRIBLE when we drove through so I didn’t get many photos, but on a clear day, it’s stunning!

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is on the way back to Glasgow and Edinburgh, in case you fancy extending your trip for another night or two. 

The village of Luss makes for a lovely stop and Loch Lomond is also part of the West Highland Way , one of Scotland’s best-loved hikes (which I’m hoping to do very soon). 

Option D: Oban & the Inner or Outer Hebrides

Alternatively, you can travel down to Oban. From Oban you can catch the ferry to the islands of Mull, Coll, Colonsay, Islay, and Tiree in the Inner Hebrides, Barra and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides (I started my Outer Hebrides road trip from Oban), as well as Kennacraig and Mallaig on the mainland.

This route also passes Eilean Donan Castle, Ben Nevis/Fort William, and Glencoe.

So there you go, my full North Coast 500 route! Writing this has made me want to go back so much. I’ve already started planning another trip for next year…

I hope this North Coast 500 Route Planner helps you create your own awesome itinerary. Any more tips or must-see places? Add them in the comments below!

Other UK posts you might enjoy…

• 30 Things To Know Before You Drive Scotland’s NC500
• Island Hopping the Outer Hebrides in Scotland: Itinerary & Things To Do
• 24 Beautiful Places to Visit in the Lake District
• Hiking Gatesgarth to Fleetwith Pike & Wild Swimming in Warnscale Beck
• Wild Camping in the Lake District – A Beginner’s Guide
• Glamping in the Lake District – 18 Amazing Places to Stay
• The Best Things to Do in Liverpool: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
• 15 Places You Have to Visit in North Devon, England
• Croyde Bay Guide: Where to Stay, Where to Eat & Things to Do

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12 Comments

Wow thanks so much. I stumbled across this. It’s on my bucket list and now I’ve got some guidelines thank you

Great – glad you enjoyed it!!! It’s an awesome road trip!!

Loved reading through your nc500 post, I’ve done the route once in 2019 and missed out on a few things, post lockdown in June July 2021 I’m making a return trip in my trusty old 206 , a braai and a tent. … (Same car did me a road trip to Prague same year.

That sounds great Mick! Hope you enjoy it! I’d love to do it again myself someday!

Hi there, we are planning to do the A500 in June this year. Your information has been extremely helpful, thank you. But wondering if we could get a larger copy of the Map from somewhere because its printed so small we can hardly read it! Many thanks

Thanks for reading!

If you click on the map link I have in the post, you can zoom in and enlarge it at the top. If you want a bigger paper copy, you can ask a printer as they will be able to print it out on A3/A2 for you – when you print on A4 it will always be too small as there’s so much info.

Alternatively, you can buy the map from the official North Coast 500 website I think or there are some on Amazon!

Hope that helps!

Really helpful for planning my five-night trip in a motorhome this October – thanks.

(Just one small point: Eilean Donan castle isn’t near Glasgow! I think you meant it’s near Skye?)

Glad you found it useful.

Thanks, yes I meant near Skye. Have amended it! 🙂

I’m so glad I stumbled across your post! My WTB and I ate planning on doing part of the NC500 for our mini-moon after our wedding in September. I’ve already ordered the official map but You’ve given us plenty to think about and research in the meantime!

Thank you so much, I am doing this in the Summer and found this so helpful

Glad you enjoyed it!!!

Ty so much. I am a Scot living in Scotland and never tire of our beautiful country! Looking forward to the NC500 myself this year its been on hold a long time. Your travel blog was a great read and plenty tips I will use. Ty again!!

Keep up the new career x

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Scotland's North Coast 500 guide: how to plan your ultimate road trip

Scotland's North Coast 500 is a spirited 516 miles of jutting mountains, vast lochs, sub-tropical gardens and huge sea caves along the wild coast of the northern Highlands. Our guide on how to enjoy this epic journey, plus the best landmarks to visit, best places to stay, eat and drink

Brigid Benson

The roads around Scotland’s northern coast have always been spectacular – but in 2015 the world suddenly took notice. The new North Coast 500 (NC500) route stretches along some of Scotland’s most northerly coastal points, including Caithness and John o’Groats and was soon feted by holiday-makers and travel writers alike as one of the best road trips in the world.

If you’re looking for an awe-inspiring landscape, spectacular beaches, mountains, castle ruins, then take a trip along the NC500.

Here is our travel guide to Scotland's North Coast 500, including the best places to visit and great places to eat and stay along the route.

What is the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500 (NC500) travels through 516 miles of spellbinding scenery: from towering mountains to deep glens, placid lochs, surging waterfalls , heather moorland and white sandy beaches. Sheep and Highland cattle wander quiet single-track roads fringed with sunshine-yellow broom, rowan and silver birch. On grassy verges, red deer graze and, overhead, huge golden eagles glide.

It’s all thanks to the North Highland Initiative (a non-profit organisation established by Prince Charles to promote economic growth in the area), which created the North Coast 500. And if the route’s popularity lasts – as it surely will – it looks set to continue bringing valuable income into remote Highland communities.

So what’s the best way to enjoy the North Coast 500, and what are the unmissable places along the way? This overview reveals just some of the many highlights of the journey – more than enough to whet your appetite for an epic adventure.

The direction of travel around the route is optional, though my preference is clockwise, heading cross-country to the mountainous west coast. Whatever your choice, my advice is to allow plenty of time. Whether driving, cycling or walking, the North Coast 500 is the trip of a lifetime. Rather like a fine single malt, it deserves to be savoured rather than gulped. If you are driving, I would suggest a fortnight; anything under 10 days is just a taster.

More related content:

• Best walks in Scotland
• Best walks in the Cairngorms
• British deer guide

How long does the North Coast 500 take?

The NC500 is designed to encourage tourism to lesser visited parts of the Highlands. As a result, it is better explored at an easy pace to allow yourself time to fully explore the local areas. Between a seven to 10 days is recommended if touring by car. By bike it really depends on your level of fitness!

More is better to give yourself chance to appreciate the route fully. Your first step is to leave the east coast at Inverness and head inland, where the road rises through wooded hills to meet the Black Water river. At the peaty pools and cascades of Rogie Falls, salmon leap to spawn upstream from July to September. From here the road passes through the deep, rugged valleys of Strath Bran and Glen Carron, in the company of a scenic railway, the Kyle Line. At Loch Carron the route reaches Scotland’s western shores, where it parts with the Skye-bound railway. (A slight detour to Attadale Gardens, on Loch Carron, reveals swathes of Himalayan blue poppies blooming in May and June).

Brace yourself. Ahead lies Britain’s most spectacular (and third highest) mountain pass, the Bealach Na Ba, or Pass of the Cattle. This steep and narrow ascent culminates in a series of hairpin bends but repays you with astonishing views to the Outer Hebrides and Kintail mountains. The pass is the gateway to the remote Applecross Peninsula, where Saint Maelrubha established a monastery in 673AD. The sense of sanctuary continues in the remote coastal village of Applecross, with gentle walks through scattered settlements along the shore. Among the foodie pleasures are home-grown fruit and vegetables in the Applecross Walled Garden café and restaurant and freshly landed seafood at the Applecross Inn.

Where does the North Coast 500 start?

The NC500 starts in Inverness, near Inverness Castle. The castle is a short walk from Inverness bus station and rail station, making it accessible for cyclists or walkers. From there, the journey weaves along the west coast for more than 79 miles to Applecross. Then you'll head northwards towards Torridon and Ullapool where you'll venture to some of the most northerly coastal points in Scotland, passing by Caithness and John o' Groats before heading south again through Dingwall and finally back to Inverness.

Increased tourism along the North Coast 500

Referred to as Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the 516-mile NC500 was created by the North Highland Initiative (NHI). Its aim was to boost tourism in the north Highlands and generate economic opportunities for the area.

The study, carried out by the University of Glasgow Training and Employment Research Unit , estimates the route has attracted 29,000 additional visitors and £9 million additional spend in its first year.

The research drew upon various data, including figures from tourism information centres along the NC500 which showed an average 26% increase in visitor numbers since the route opened.

This compares with a 6% average increase across Highland.

Traffic data also reveals that volumes along the route were up by some 10%.

Other factors would have contributed to this growth, including the fact that it was a generally strong year for tourism in Scotland and the Highlands.

However, the findings from the study, coupled with the results from a previous survey of businesses on the route by NHI, indicate that the NC500 has been a major driver of recent increases.

The report also highlighted challenges to ensure long term success of the NC500. These include maintaining the condition of the route, ensuring sufficient parking, waste facilities and public toilets, and continued efforts to encourage better driving.

How to travel on the NC500 responsibly:

• Follow the rules of the road
• Take your litter home with you or dispose of it properly
• Support local businesses by spending money in local cafes, restaurants and hotels etc.

Best things to see and do along the North Coast 500

Best landmarks to visit along the north coast 500.

Driving from Shieldaig, the massed ranks of the Torridon mountains are breathtaking.

Assynt's peaks are ancient shapeshifters, offering new forms at every twist of the road.

Spectacular sand beaches at Redpoint are backed by the Isle of Skye across the sea.

Sinclair’s Bay golden beach is also stunning.

Magnificent sea stacks at Duncansby Head rise from the sea like fierce shark teeth.

Britain’s best coastal caves, arches and stacks

Along the British coastline you will find a range of dramatic rock formations which range from hidden caves, arches and stacks.

Our guide to the most spectacular coastal caves, arches and stacks along the British coast.

At low tide, the Kyle of Tongue’s sandbanks and salty pools are serenely beautiful, with Ben Loyal as backdrop. Dunrobin Castle Golspie Modelled on a Loire chateau, Dunrobin Castle is a treasure trove with beautifully manicured gardens.

The Kyle of Tungue is a sheltered inlet off the treacherous Pentland Firth, on the north coast of Scotland/Credit: Getty Images

Bag a Munro

No trip to the Highlands would be complete without climbing a Munro or two. The towering peaks of Suilven and An Teallach can be reached from the NC500 and offers breathtaking views of the northern Highlands if you fancy a scramble.

Alternatively, hike Scotland’s most northerly Munro, Ben Hope – an isolated mountain, accessible from the village of Tongue on the north coast of Sutherland. Test your legs with a short but steep climb to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with a view of the wild northern landscape.

Scotland’s best walks

Explore the Highlands, Scottish Isles, Borders and more with our guide on the best walks in Scotland. Whether you're looking for long-distance Highland hikes, coastal treks or short river walks and loch-side strolls we have walking routes for all abilities.

See our pick of the best walking routes in Scotland

Best mountain scenery to see along the NC500

Following the rocky coast of the Applecross Peninsula, the North Coast 500 passes Cuaig, where crofters at Croft Wools spin wool from sheep that graze heather-covered hills and munch seaweed on the shore. Behind the whitewashed cottages of the pretty fishing village of Shieldaig, the mountains of Torridon loom.

The route through Glen Torridon reveals the spectacular mountain scenery of Beinn Eighe, Britain’s first national nature reserve. When the road winds back to the coast at Loch Gairloch , there’s a delightful detour to the amber sands of Redpoint Beach, with views to the isles of Skye and Rona. From Charlestown, a coastal crofting township, you can join a boat trip to see harbour porpoises, seals, whales, and dolphins.

In this rugged landscape, Inverewe Garden, planted on the sheltered shores of Loch Ewe in the 1860s, come as a gloriously lush delight. Voted Garden of the Year in BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2017, Inverewe enjoys a microclimate tempered by the warm waters of the North Atlantic Drift, in which exotic species thrive.

The coast road now skirts a rugged landscape known as the Great Wilderness, which rises to the jagged peaks of An Teallach, before arriving at Corrieshalloch Gorge, a mile-long box canyon where the River Droma falls spectacularly after heavy rain. From this drama, it is just 10 miles to the civilised Highland hub of Ullapool.

Best beaches to visit along the NC500

In 1788, the British Fisheries Society commissioned the great engineer Thomas Telford to design a new fishing village to create much-needed jobs. Ullapool was the result. The shoreline settlement is perfect for pottering about. You can hire a kayak, or take a cruise trip to the nearby Summer Isles, which are as beautiful as they sound.

From Ullapool, the North Coast 500 climbs towards Assynt and some of the oldest rocks in the world in the Northwest Highlands Geopark. Detours to the mini-mountain of Stac Pollaidh and the immense beach at Achnahaird are well worth it.

The route sweeps by Loch Assynt towards the harbour village of Lochinver, dominated by the sugarloaf mountain Suilven, a huge sandstone mass rising from the surrounding moorland. Lochinver proved a highlight of the trip. I strolled through pine-scented woods to discover the secret White Shore beach, where I picnicked, swam and quietly observed red deer hinds and fawns grazing on the shore under a sunset sky of raspberry and marmalade. In the evening – over a crackling log fire, while I sipped a wee dram –a meteor shower cascaded like fireworks through clear skies over the dark mountain ridges all around.

Onward to dreamy beaches (Clachtoll, Achmelvich, Clashnessie) and handsome Kylesku Bridge. A lengthy detour reveals haunted Sandwood Bay, a spectacular strand a mere four miles from the car park.

In the cliff-top village of Durness, the North Coast 500 skirts the far northwest corner of Great Britain. A trio of massive beaches dominates: Balnakeil, Sango Sands and Ceannabeinne. Vikings once sheltered in the immense chamber of Smoo Cave. From the Kyle of Durness, a boat trip and minibus ride take you to remote Cape Wrath lighthouse and spectacular views of Clo Mor, the highest sheer cliffs of the British mainland (281m above the crashing surf).

Best waterfalls to visit along the along the NC500

Take a stroll along the wooded Fairy Glen in the Black Isle to discover two beautiful waterfalls. Keep an eye out and if you’re lucky you might spot grey wagtails, dippers and buzzards.

Near Lairg, visit the Falls of Shin – a spectacular waterfall with plenty of forest walking and cycling paths suitable for children. What makes this waterfall so special though, is that it is one of the best spots in Scotland to see leaping Atlantic salmon. Visit in the late summer months to see this spectacular event.

The road turns east and winds along the shores of Loch Eriboll through mountains at the edge of the Flow Country, Europe’s largest expanse of blanket bog. At the Kyle of Tongue, a bridge and curving causeway crosses the sea loch, providing magnificent views inland to Ben Loyal – the Queen of Scottish mountains – and out towards the Rabbit Islands, with yet another beautiful beach at Coldbackie.

Soon we are deep into Caithness, where upright flagstones serve as field boundaries, and intriguing Iron Age broch towers – a type of roundhouse – proliferate.

Coastal wonders

The surging Pentland Firth, one of the most hazardous waters in the world, shapes Thurso. Surfers are drawn to the huge waves that break in the bay. From Scrabster, the regular Orkney Island ferry service sails past the Old Man of Hoy sea stack.

A series of short detours from Thurso lead to atmospheric headlands teeming with seabirds: Dunnet Head, St John’s Point, Duncansby Head. Cliffs and sea stacks are spectacular in fine weather but in cold mist and high winds this exposed far northern edge of Britain is forbidding.

The famous fingerpost at John O’Groats provides photo opportunities – although the true furthest point north of the British mainland is actually at Dunnet Head.

Sinclair’s Bay’s stupendous 5km swathe of golden sand and dunes announces your imminent arrival in wonderful Wick. When the harbours of Staxigoe and Papigoe became too small for 18th-century herring fleets, the port of Wick stepped into the breach. Telford upscaled the harbour, built a bridge and designed accommodation for workers in Pulteneytown. Wick became the world’s largest herring fishing port; the story is told in a characterful heritage centre.

Along the east coast, the North Coast 500 travels to curiosities including the Whaligoe Steps, a 330-step staircase cut into the cliff face to serve a tiny harbour far below, and the huge Neolithic tombs of the Grey Cairns of Camster.

Another Telford bridge spans one of the world’s most prolific Atlantic salmon rivers at Helmsdale. Opposite the lovely Timespan Heritage Museum is a vaulted icehouse, which served the fishing industry.

A giant hilltop statue of the First Duke of Sutherland dominates Golspie, gazing upon the village and his imposing ancestral home at Dunrobin Castle. The Duke’s eviction of thousands of crofters from his estate during the Highland Clearances causes many to detest the monument.

Passing the cruise liner port of Invergordon, the NC500 crosses to the Black Isle. Though not actually an island, much of the pastoral landscape is surrounded by the waters of the Beauly, Cromarty and Moray firths. Among the Black Isle highlights is the opportunity to observe resident Moray Firth dolphins from the shore at Chanonry Point, a happy way to conclude the North Coast 500 experience before returning, at last, to Inverness.

Where to stay along the NC500

Here is a selection of the best places to stay along the North Coast 500 route.

Ackergill Tower, Near Wick

A dreamy, romantic 15th-century castle with a sheltered walled garden set on the shore of Sinclair’s Bay, a vast sandy beach. ackergilltower.com

The Kylesku Hotel, Kylesku

A stylish former coaching inn dating back to 1680, located on the shores of Loch Glendhu. kyleskuhotel.co.uk

Sleeperzzz, Rogart

Budget accommodation on a former first-class train set beside a working railway station. Open March to September (the B&B studio flat is open all year) sleeperzzz.com

Camper Vans

Camper vans are welcome in the Highlands, though many sections of the route are unsuitable for large vehicles. Visitors wishing to savour the scenery slowly are politely asked to use passing places on single track to permit overtaking rather than holding up local traffic going about daily business.

Wild camping is possible but please respect local communities and be fully aware of the Outdoor Access Code.

Read our beginner's guide to wild camping

Best places to drink

Pulteney, Wick

Among several distilleries along the NC500 is Old Pulteney in Wick, producing a single malt with a salty tang. oldpulteney.com

Dunnet Bay Distillers, Dunnet

Try a new gin infused with Highland herbs at this coastal distillery. dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk

Best places to eat

Kishorn Seafood Bar, Kishorn

Enjoy fresh Scottish seafood in a magnificent coastal setting at this award-winning seafood shack. kishornseafoodbar.co.uk

Kinloch Smokehouse , Tongue

Find a range of locally sourced fish and game at this smokehouse overlooking Ben Loyal Mountain. kinlochsmokehouse.com

Cocoa Mountain Café, Balnakeil

Fine handmade chocolates and artisan truffles with mouthwatering hot chocolate. cocoamountain.co.uk/balnakeil

Perfect pitstops along the NC500

Local crafts

Connect with the communities along the route of the NC500 by visiting the charming craft and produce markets where local people showcase their talents including horn craft, pottery, home baking and weaving. northcoast500.com

With so many beautiful lochs along the route, there are many scenic walks. The three-mile Pine Trail through Balblair Wood on the shore of Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve offers hilltop views of the beautiful Kyle of Sutherland and perhaps a meeting with pine marten or sika deer. Allow two hours. scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/balblair

Garden Respite

Inspirational gardeners along the NC500 have not been deterred by the rugged Highland terrain, creating sanctuary gardens where, amazingly, many spectacular exotic plants flourish. The colourful gardens at Inverewe, Attadale and the Castle of Mey are all stunning. castleofmey.org.uk

Cycling the NC500

Riding the NC500 is a thrilling challenge and the suggested nine-day itinerary is ambitious even for serious riders. Cyclists are urged to plan carefully around roller-coaster elevations and changeable weather. Emergency supplies and mechanical spares are, naturally, essential.

Wildlife to spot

Extraordinary wildlife awaits along the NC500 route. The summer spectacle of wild Atlantic salmon leaping through powerful cascades at Rogie Falls and the Falls of Shin is awe-inspiring. There are pine martens in woodland (though you’ll be lucky to spot one) and wild goats walk the road in Dundonnell.

Pine marten guide: how to identify and where to see in Britain

Thanks to ongoing reintroduction projects, pine martens are making a comeback in the UK.

Learn all about the elusive species with our expert guide to pine martens, including what they eat and best places to see one.

A warning of otters in the road marks the crossing of Loch Fleet. At low tide, seals are clearly visible, hauled out on sandbanks. The genteel golfing and cathedral town of Dornoch is a worthwhile detour from the route before it crosses the Dornoch Firth to medieval Tain, another golfing paradise.

Roaming red deer loom high on mountain ridges and visit the seashore and village gardens, too. A Highland red squirrel reintroduction programme is underway around Kinlochewe and Shieldaig, where white-tailed eagles might be seen. In the lonely mountains, golden eagles glide along ridges in search of prey. Seabirds and marine life includes puffins, skuas, divers, grey and common seals, otters and harbour porpoise. In summer migrant minke whales, orca and dolphins come to visit. Harbours along the route, such as Charlestown, Ullapool, Wick, Dornie and Cromarty offer scenic sea life boat trips with expert local knowledge.

British deer guide: how to identify and best places to see

Just six species of deer live in the British countryside, but it can often be difficult to tell which is which - learn all about these spectacular animals with our deer identification guide, plus discover the best places to see the autumn deer rut.

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North Coast 500:

Scotland's Ultimate Roadtrip

Destinations   »   Europe   »   Scotland

NC500 Road Trip Guide:

The best things to see in scotland's highlands.

The North Coast 500 (NC500 for short) is absolutely one of the best things to see in Scotland . This NC500 road trip guide will take you on the most scenic roadway in all of the UK. Everything you need to know about the NC500 can be found here. Of course, you can find varying routes and itineraries all over the internet. But here, will tell you about our experiences and some of our favorite spots along the way so you can make the best NC500 itinerary for yourself.

Isle of Skye

John o'groats.

• Car Rental Costs

Where to stay on the NC500

We started and finished the North Coast 500 in Edinburgh, taking a total of 7 days. After finishing, we absolutely recommend more time if you have the means. From beginning to end we drove roughly 1,100 miles. We have driven this  mileage in one day during parts of our North American road trip , much less scenic drives than this one.

Yes I know the route is advertised as 500 miles (see the map below). But if you're starting the NC500 out of Edinburgh or Glasgow, you'll need to plan on driving a few hundred miles more.

NC500 Road Trip Itinerary

Instead of giving you a rigid itinerary, this NC500 road trip guide will give you some ideas of towns and sights to see along the way, as well as suggested amounts of time to spend in each place. If you're looking for where to stay along the NC500, we have a few suggestions below . For more details on lodging, read our other post here .

Suggested Itinerary

• Days 1-2: Isle of Skye
• Day 3-4 : Gairloch
• Day 5: Ullapool
• Day 6: Durness
• Day 7-8: John O'Groats
• Day 9-10: Inverness

Our Itinerary

• Day 3 : Ullapool
• Day 4: Durness
• Day 5: John O'Groats
• Day 6: Wick
• Day 7: Inverness

In our opinion, Isle of Skye is the highlight of the North Coast 500. Though not everybody considers this part of the standard NC500 road trip itinerary, we think it deserves to be here since because it's one of the best things to see in Scotland. The shoulder season (between mid April and early May) is the best time to visit the Isle of Skye because you'll beat the summer crowds.

Best Hiking on the Isle of Skye

In our opinion, the Old Man of Storr is one of the best hikes on the Isle of Skye . There are two main loops that range from 4.5km – 10km (2.8mi – 6mi). Both hikes start out pretty easy but at points can be a bit of a daunting climb. The viewpoint from the top of this hike gives you a spectacular scene with the Sound of Raamsay in the background.  Note - the picture first picture above is a drone shot.

We ended up staying near the remote village of Elgol, which is found along the beautiful waters of Lochs Slapin and Eishort. Another more challenging hike to do on the Isle of Skye is Mt. Bla Bheinn which is 8.5km (5.3mi) and nearly 900m (2,942 ft) tall. If you want to enjoy the views without the hike, we recommend driving along the single lane road that lies around the circumference of the loch.

Applecross | Gairloch

Since we only planned 7 days for our NC500 road trip, we barely scratched the surface of this part of the highlands. If you begin near the Isle of Skye, Applecross and Gairloch are just out of the way as you make your way towards Ullapool.

We heard amazing things about this stretch as there are more beautiful lochs surrounded by mountains. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for the whole detour since we spent the majority of our third day squeezing out the last bit of the beauty on Skye.

Nonetheless, if you plan at least 10 days for your NC500 road trip itinerary, we definitely recommend a detour to this portion of the west coast. Who knows, you might even see some wooly Scottish highland cows!

The next stop on our NC500 road trip guide is the small town of Ullapool that sits near the Summer Isles of Scotland. The drive from Skye to Ullapool features countless lochs to pretty small towns such as Applecross or Gairloch. Along the way you’re bound to see plenty of rapeseed fields. Rapeseed? Yea we were caught off guard by the name too. It's actually is a bright yellow flower that is cultivated to produce a form of vegetable oil [1] .

If you’re looking for campgrounds along the NC500, Ullapool has some beautiful camping spots along Loch Broom. When we visited in late April there were tons of spots available. To be honest, it brought back some nostalgia of when we did our North American road trip in an RV . We were a bit envious of the campers from our Airbnb.

Ardveck Castle | Calda House

Some of the best things to see in Scotland are the castles and ruins dating back to the Middle Ages. Though some of the castles are in ruins, like Ardvreck castle, they are still amazing sites to visit.

Ardveck castle is roughly a 35-40 minute drive outside Ullapool. It’s a fairly well preserved castle constructed in the late 16th century [2] . Just a short walk away is the Calda House, which was meant to ‘replace’ Ardveck castle as a larger and more comfortable Georgian style in the 18th century [3] .

Achmelvich Bay

Achmelvich Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. The waters are a stunning mixture of blue and teal; think Carribbean but on the north coast of Scotland. Though they’re not quite warm enough for swimming, we highly recommend stopping here for a visit. This beach is accessible by car via one lane roads and lies about an hour north of Ullapool, roughly 20-25 minutes from Ardveck castle .

The next place on our NC500 road trip guide is the small village of Durness . We made it here with about an hour to spare before sunset. After checking into our hostel, the receptionist recommended his favorite spot, Balnakeil Beach, which is only about a mile down the road from the Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse hostel.

In our opinion, Balnakeil Beach is the best things to see on the NC500 road trip guide . About 2.4km (1.5mi) away is Sango Bay beach, which is definitely a runner up along with Achmelvich Bay . However, we like Balnakeil because it’s a bit bigger than the other two and we had the place to ourselves.

Roughly a 10 minute drive from Durness is Ceannabeinne Beach. Above this beach on the side of A838 is the Golden Eagle Zip line which is allegedly the most northerly zip line in the UK [4] . The zip line costs £12/person which is a bit steep so we opted out of doing the ride. Nonetheless, the views of Ceannabeinne Beach below are worth definitely worth the stop here.

Our fifth night on our NC500 road trip guide was spent in John O’Groats. This sparsely populated town of only 300 people lies on the most northeastern tip of mainland United Kingdom. Perhaps the most iconic piece of this small village is the ‘Journey’s End’ signpost next to the rainbow colored John O'Groats house.

Originally this signpost operated as a paid tourist attraction with one customizable text on one of the arrows. Nowadays it's free and lists various destinations around the world like New York, Edinburgh, and Land’s End [5] .

Another one of the best things to see in Scotland are the Duncansby Stacks which are just a short distance from John O’Groats. This scenic viewpoint is on the same peninsula as the Duncansby Head lighthouse.

A short 15-20 minute walk from the car park will give you an excellent viewpoint of these massive pinnacle shaped rocks. There is no entrance cost or fee to park here, which is one of the things we love about seeing the natural beauty of Scotland.

These beauties reminded us a bit of the Cliffs of Moher , but were definitely much less crowded with people. But as you walk along, you'll notice these dramatic cliffs are home to hundreds of seagulls.

There are tons of things to see on the east coast of Scotland, especially around the town of Wick. Though it’s not far from John O’Groats , it makes an excellent point of interest to fit in your NC500 Road Trip itinerary guide . Just 10-15 minutes from Wick is Sinclair-Girnigoe Castle.

Like many ruins in Scotland, this one is also open to the public and free of charge. However, there is a small donation box on the gate outside the car park if you’re feeling generous. The Sinclar Castle lasted from the late 15th century until falling into ruins 200 years later. There's a cool plaque at the site that shows how the castle site looked from its inception, to the prime of its existence, until it began sinking into ruin.

Not far from the Sinclair-Girnigoe castle are the Whaligoe Steps. Our Airbnb host said this beautiful cliffside walk is one of the best things to see in Scotland. Built by Captain David Brodie in the 18th century, this staircase consists of 365 manmade steps carved into the side of a cliff down to a naturally forming harbor. Once used by fishermen and women to bring their haul of fish from the sea to the top of the cliffs, it’s still possible to walk these steps today. They undergo constant maintenance to preserve the historical significance of the site [6] .

Another one of the best things to see in Scotland along the NC500 road trip is Dunrobin Castle. This one took us by surprise because saw online that it's rather pricey for a ticket (£12.00/adult), but we decided to stop here anyway. It turns out that a ticket is only required to go inside the castle, but the surrounding gardens are free.

The last day of the NC500 road trip guide will most likely be spent in Inverness, one of the most southernmost towns along the route. As we drove through, the Culloden Viaduct caught our eye from the road. We wanted to get a closer look for ourselves and nobody was around so we got to marvel this magnificent bridge with an arial view.

Arguably the most popular attraction around Inverness is the world renowned Loch Ness. Known for it's folklore around the Loch Ness monster, this enormous body of water is the largest by volume in the British Isles [7] . The lake is approximately 36km (22.5mi) long and 2.7km (1.7mi) at its widest point to 227m (745ft) at its deepest point. An absolute unit. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Loch Ness and the legend of ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness monster, we recommend checking out the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition which is £8.45/adult.

Though Loch Ness is considered one of the best things to see in Scotland, we really enjoyed seeing Cawdor Castle. In our opinion, this place is a little bit overlooked especially compared to the attractions around Loch Ness.

Not only are the castle gardens beautiful, there are several hiking trails that take you through the surrounding woodlands. Enjoying a coffee then going for a hike through the woods here was definitely the highlight of our last day on the NC500. Though tickets start at £7.50, we still thought it should make our list of the best things to see in Scotland.

How to plan your NC500 Road Trip Itinerary

As I mentioned before, some people plan this trip months in advance while others (like us) only plan it a couple weeks in advance. To be honest, we were able to get away with little planning since we went in the shoulder season (late April). If you're planning on going during the summer and want to get a good deal on accommodation, we recommend booking your lodging at least 2-3 months ahead of time.

When is the best time of year to do the NC500?

Of course the answer to this is...it depends! From our experience, we think late April or early May is the best time of year to do the NC500. It's worth noting that a lot of roadways in Scotland are single lane roads with passing points. This means that if you're coming head on with another car one of you will have to give way.

As you can imagine, these roads can get pretty backed up if there's a lot of two-way traffic. We heard from a few locals that the roadways are a nightmare during the summer, especially with all the RVs. We don't recommend going during the summer months for that reason, plus lodging tends to be more expensive in the high season.

Rental Car Cost Breakdown

• Full Insurance included (£0 liability)
• Fuel Cost:  £163.07 ($208.20 USD)
• Daily Cost: £63.31 ($80.04 USD)
• Miles Driven: ~1,100

EuropCar Rentals   |   Sixt Car Rentals

In order to do the North Coast 500, you'll need to rent a car. While it's possible to take trains between some of the cities, there are just too many spots along the way that are only accessible by car.

We picked up and dropped off the car at EuropCar in Edinburgh, which added a few hundred miles to our journey and why the total mileage came out to roughly 1,100 miles. Counting only what we drove along the NC500, the total comes out to roughly 800 miles. The fuel cost here includes the entire round trip distance from Edinburgh.

If you're looking for where to stay along the NC500, we recommend checking  Hostel World, Booking.com , and Airbnb within each city you plan on visiting. It can be a bit overwhelming to at it, especially if you're looking budget lodging.

That is why we decided to write an entire post dedicated to lodging options near each of the towns mentioned in this blog. Click here to read about budget lodging options along the NC500 in the Isle of Skye, Gairloch, Ullapool, Durness, John O'Groats, and Inverness.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapeseed
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardvreck_Castle
• https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calda_House
• https://www.thefamilyfreestylers.com/zipline-scotland-ceannabeinne-beach-a-must-do-on-your-nc500-itinerary/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_o%27_Groats
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whaligoe
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Ness

Back to Scotland >>

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The Best Times to Visit Scotland for Good Weather, Fewer Crowds, and Lower Prices

Plan your Scotland trip based on what you want to do, see, and avoid.

Scotland may be a small country — about the size of South Carolina — but it offers an impressive variety of destinations and landscapes. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, and the Isle of Skye are all must-sees for anyone who wants to experience the magic of Scotland. To get the most out of your trip, you'll want to make sure you visit at the most opportune time.

Scotland's seasons fall into three main categories:

• High Season: June to August
• Shoulder Seasons: April to May and September to October
• Low Season: November to March

Each of the Scottish seasons offers advantages and disadvantages, so deciding when to visit will depend on your priorities. Whether you're hoping for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, or more affordable prices, here are the best times to travel to Scotland .

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Most Popular Time to Visit Scotland

A majority of travelers make their way to Scotland in the warmer months. Tourist season in Edinburgh ramps up in June and peaks in August, with several major festivals — including the Edinburgh Art Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe — happening throughout the month. The capital's summer temperatures rarely surpass 70 degrees, so traversing the hilly city is usually pleasant.

Visitors also descend on Scotland from late May to September to experience the Highland Games , a Scottish tradition dating back hundreds of years. Towns around the country host their own versions of the Games, usually in the form of a one-day event featuring traditional Scottish sports (like tug-of-war and the hammer throw), as well as food, music, and dancing. The Braemar Gathering, held in September, is one of the best-known events, with the British royal family making an appearance in the small town every year.

Outside of the summer months, the winter holiday season is one of the most popular times to visit Scotland. Celebrations of New Year's Eve — called Hogmanay by the Scots — are particularly raucous. In Edinburgh, Hogmanay festivities draw more than 70,000 visitors every year.

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Best Times to Visit Scotland for Smaller Crowds

If you want to avoid the crowds on your Scottish vacation, consider traveling in the fall, winter, or spring. Most schools in the U.K. — much like in the U.S. — go on summer break in the months of July and August. By planning your trip outside of that period, you'll miss the throngs of local and foreign tourists whose travels are tied to their children's school schedules.

The Isle of Skye , with its rapidly increasing tourism profile, is a spot travelers would be especially smart to avoid in the busy summer months. Visiting in the off-season means lots more room to roam among the island's 600+ square miles. There are other advantages too, from increased odds of spotting a puffin (they're most common on Skye in early spring) to the views of stunning snow-capped mountains in the winter.

Best Times to Visit Scotland for Good Weather

Scotland — like the entire United Kingdom — isn't particularly known for its weather. More often than not, it's drizzly and a little dreary. When the weather shows off, though, there's nothing more remarkable than a sunrise peeping over a Scottish glen or the sun setting behind Edinburgh Castle .

To experience Scotland's best weather, you'll need to plan your trip at the right time — and have a bit of luck on your side. Temperatures are highest in the summer, but weather can be fair in the springtime, too. According to the Scottish tourism bureau , the period from March to May is the country's driest, and its temperatures rarely dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit — though they don't often climb above 55 degrees, either. Temperatures are similar in the fall, a season that's also known for stunning foliage. Scotland rarely sees extreme winter weather (particularly in southern cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow), but starting in November, you'll want to shift your schedule to account for shorter days — the winter sun can set as early as 4 p.m.

Best Times to Visit Scotland for Lower Prices

As temperatures drop, so does the number of tourists in Scotland — and, accordingly, the prices. If you want to save money, book your trip in the low season, from November to March. While some more fragile historical sites may close during this time due to weather concerns, there are plenty of other things to do, including skiing in the Cairngorms, curling up by a fireplace in a cozy boutique hotel (like The Fife Arms in Braemar), or exploring the Christmas markets in Edinburgh. Lower prices also mean you can afford to splurge on a stay at one of Edinburgh's finest hotels , for instance.

One exception to this rule, though, is the period directly surrounding the winter holidays. Since Christmas and New Year's are popular travel times in Scotland, deal-seeking visitors may want to avoid scheduling a trip during the final weeks of December or the first week of January.

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Best time to explore the highlands.

To have the most sunlight and best weather, many people head to the Scottish Highlands in the summer, between May and September. Starting in October, the weather can be unpredictable — freezing temperatures, gale-force winds, and snowfall are all possible. That said, the snow-capped mountains are a sight to behold, so if you plan a Highlands road trip in the winter, pack a warm winter coat and make sure your rental car is properly equipped to handle any icy conditions.

Best Time to Visit to Avoid Midges

From May until September, travelers have a high chance of running into midges , especially in the Highlands. These flying, biting insects prefer wet, humid, and cloudy conditions and come out in full force in July and August. To avoid the midges, book your trip to Scotland between late September and early May.

Worst Times to Visit Scotland

The worst times to visit Scotland will depend, of course, on each traveler's preference. If your top priorities are avoiding big crowds and pesky midges, July and August are months you should miss. (The high prices that accompany this busy season can be another dissuading factor.) August is especially busy in Edinburgh, when a host of culture fests descend upon the capital, bringing millions of art lovers along with them. This is great for those who want to partake in the superb cultural offerings, but not so great if you want a quiet sightseeing trip.

If your main goal is optimal weather, meanwhile, the winter months should be avoided. With its dreary skies, short days, and chilly temperatures, the winter is best suited for visitors in search of cozy indoor pursuits, not (relative) sun and warmth.

To avoid extremes in both climate and crowd size, travelers should consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

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