route 500 scotland tours

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North Coast 500 Packages

Soak up the breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands with a North Coast 500 tour. Your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor will plan and book your road trip for you. Plus you’ll have 24/7 local support during your holiday for peace of mind.

Discover Scotland with a North Coast 500 Tour Package

THINKING ABOUT A NORTH COAST 500 SELF-DRIVE TOUR? WE CAN HELP!

Discover golden beaches, ancient castles, and mountains towering over peaceful lochs on the North Coast 500, an exhilarating driving route in Scotland. You’ll soon see why it is considered the best road trip in the UK.

When you book a North Coast 500 self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, our Edinburgh-based travel consultants arrange your Scottish holiday on your behalf. They’ll book your accommodation, plan your route, and be there to support you from start to finish.

We also have Cancellation Protection available, giving you peace of mind knowing that your money is protected. Or if you need to change your travel dates, we'll rearrange all your tour details for you, so you have a hassle-free experience.

Get in touch and we'll happily plan your holiday. You can call us on +44 (0)131 344 4630 or our toll-free numbers . Alternatively, reach us via our contact form or live chat.

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Why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options
• Up to 10% off self-drive tours if you use your own car
• Cancel or change your plans if you need to – we'll handle it for you

DRIVE THE NORTH COAST 500 IN SCOTLAND

Soak up the Highlands on this stunning driving route in northern Scotland. These tour packages include handpicked accommodation, rental car, and daily breakfast.

Grand Tour of Scotland

Scottish highlands & north coast 500, complete scotland at leisure, scottish highlands, north coast 500 & outer hebrides, complete scotland, classic scotland & the orkney islands, self-drive with your own car - save up to 10%.

Do your Scotland holiday in style with a road trip route planned by a Scottish travel agency. What do you get? Personal travel consultant. Handpicked accommodation. 24/7 support. Personalised map & travel guide documents. Contact us for a quote

EXPLORE MORE SCOTTISH ROAD TRIPS

Experience other stunning spots in Scotland on a self-drive tour designed by local travel experts. Your accommodation, rental car, and daily breakfast is included.

Classic Scotland

Scottish highlands & isle of skye, scottish highlands & isle of skye - winter, express scotland - winter, the outlander trail, express scotland, classic scotland & outer hebrides, express scotland & ireland, classic scotland & ireland, complete scotland & ireland, grand tour of scotland & ireland, scottish highlands, isle of skye & wild atlantic way, ultimate tour of scotland & ireland, scottish highlands, north coast 500 & wild atlantic way, experience scotland your way.

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scotland below.

Guided Small Groups

Honeymoon & romance, solo travel, the scottish highlands, off the beaten path, about north coast 500 tours.

If you’ve got questions about the North Coast 500, read on. We’ve compiled all the expert tips about this incredible driving route to help you plan your tour. From must-see places to packing recommendations, here’s everything you need to know about enjoying a trip along Scotland’s North Coast 500.

WHAT IS THE NORTH COAST 500?

The North Coast 500, or NC500, is one of the best road trips you can drive in the UK. The NC500 route takes you through striking scenery in the northern Scottish Highlands, encompassing just over 500 miles (516 miles or 830 kilometres, to be exact).

WHERE IS THE NORTH COAST 500?

You’ll find the NC500 in the northernmost part of the British mainland. Usually you’d start your road trip in Inverness, northeastern Scotland, and follow the coast around to Applecross in the west. Overall, you’d travel across 6 regions: Inverness-shire, the Black Isle, Easter Ross, Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross.

HOW LONG DOES THE NORTH COAST 500 TAKE?

To allow yourself enough time to explore this part of Scotland, we highly recommend that you choose an NC500 itinerary of at least 5 or 7 days. This way you could get to know each region well and take your time to drive the route.

• Visiting from the UK? Drive the NC500 on a Scotland staycation package
• Take a look at these ideas for Scotland staycations on our expert’s blog

WHICH DIRECTION TO DO THE NORTH COAST 500?

Our Scotland travel experts suggest that you drive the NC500 anti-clockwise, with Inverness as your starting point. You’d then head up the east coast from there, before following the northern road and then driving down the western side.

The reason is that the scenery you witness becomes more and more dramatic in this direction, culminating with the mountainous landscapes on the west coast. Plus it means that you can continue your adventures in top Scottish spots like the Isle of Skye, Fort William and Glen Coe.

Good to know: If you’re thinking about taking a Scottish road trip from the UK, we can help. Explore Scotland on a Nordic Visitor self-drive tour and save up to 10% if you use your own car.

Our Scotland travel experts will design your route, book you into the best possible accommodation, and share all their insider tips with you.

This means you can leave all the hassle of trip-planning to the experts, who are based in Scotland and know the country inside out. What’s more, you get access to our 24/7 helpline during your holiday. Should you need any support, we are only a call away.

Plus, we have Cancellation Protection available so you can cancel or change the dates of your tour if you need. This gives you flexibility when booking your trip, as well as peace of mind knowing that we'll take care of handling the changes.

• Get in touch to find out about our reduced rates for visitors driving from the UK
• Find out how you can Book With Confidence thanks to our flexible booking terms

MUST-SEE PLACES ON THE NORTH COAST 500

There are so many beautiful sights awaiting you on a North Coast 500 self-drive tour. From sandy beaches to grand castles, serene lochs to majestic mountains, you’ll be treated to some of Scotland’s top highlights on your road trip.

Add these must-see spots to your North Coast 500 itinerary:

• The Black Isle & Chanonry Point
• Glenmorangie Distillery
• Dunrobin Castle
• Dunnet Point & John O'Groats
• Durness Beach
• Ardvreck Castle
• Inverewe Garden
• Corrieshalloch Gorge

TOP THINGS TO DO ON THE NC500

There are plenty of things to do on your adventure through northern Scotland. Imagine exploring the ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt, or sampling freshly caught seafood in Ullapool.

Here are the best things to do on your NC500 road trip:

• Stroll along white and gold sand beaches
• Go hiking in the hills, forests and glens
• Taste fresh, local seafood at fishing villages
• Investigate regal castles and ancient ruins
• Sample heady whisky at local distilleries and pubs
• Take on the highest mountain pass in the country
• Stop by the northernmost tip of mainland Britain
• Discover hidden coves and mysterious sea caves
• Spot dolphins and seabirds from the shore
• Admire views of rivers, lochs and waterfalls

WHERE TO STAY ON THE NC500

In terms of where you should stay on your North Coast 500 journey, we’d recommend the following places:

We’d also suggest that you stay in Ullapool for 2 nights so that you can make the most of being in this beautiful area. You could explore the coast on boat tours or take day trips to see top highlights in the region, such as Corrieshalloch Gorge.

Charming guesthouses and bed & breakfasts await you in northern Scotland, so you can expect a relaxing stay. Make sure you reserve ahead of time though, as accommodation is often in demand.

Or leave the arrangements to Nordic Visitor and we’ll book all your NC500 stays for you. We have guaranteed beds in desirable locations, and we quality-check all the accommodation on your itinerary to make sure it’s up to our high standards.

• For more inspiration, check out this guide to the North Coast 500 on our expert’s blog

SUGGESTED NORTH COAST 500 ITINERARY

If you’re visiting from outside of Scotland, you’ll likely be beginning your self-drive tour in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Here is our NC500 itinerary suggestion from start to finish:

• Day 1 – Arrival in Edinburgh. Explore the Scottish capital at your leisure.
• Day 2 – Drive up to Inverness, the gateway to the northern Highlands.
• Day 3 – Day of leisure in Inverness-shire. See Loch Ness and Culloden.
• Day 4 – Journey to the north of Scotland to Thurso.
• Day 5 – Travel along the northern coast to Durness.
• Day 6 – Drive south to Ullapool, passing by seaside attractions.
• Day 7 – Day of leisure in Ullapool. You could explore other highlights of Wester Ross.
• Day 8 – Travel across the soaring Torridon Hills.
• Day 9 – Head to Applecross and take on the mountain pass, Bealach na Bà. Then drive south to Fort William.
• Day 10 – Return to Edinburgh or Glasgow passing by the majestic Glen Coe and the Trossachs National Park.

This is one recommendation for how to take on the NC500, but there are other ways to do it. For example, you might like to explore more top sights in Scotland as part of your self-drive tour to make the most of your trip.

You could head to the Isle of Skye from Applecross and spend a couple of days discovering the island’s jaw-dropping landscapes. Or perhaps you’d like to take the ferry to Orkney where you can uncover Viking history.

• Discover more of the best Scottish road trips on our blog

HOW TO PLAN YOUR NC500 TRIP?

The easiest way to plan your NC500 road trip is to have an expert organise it all for you. By doing so, you can relax and look forward to your getaway, without needing to worry about logistics and travel arrangements. It also means you have local support before, during and after your tour.

At Nordic Visitor, our Scotland travel consultants are based in Edinburgh. They know the country inside out and will use their expertise to arrange a tour package that suits you perfectly.

When you book a North Coast 500 package with us, you can expect:

• A personal travel consultant based in Edinburgh who’ll arrange your trip
• Excellent accommodation at your chosen price point, with daily breakfast
• Car rental* with CDW, unlimited mileage and authorisation for 2 drivers
• A hand-noted, personalised itinerary and route
• 24/7 phone support during your adventure for peace of mind
• Cancellation Protection available to protect your money

*If you’re coming from the UK and you’d prefer to drive your own car on your road trip, you can enjoy savings of up to 10%. Contact our Scotland travel team to find out about our reduced rates.

• Check out these self-drive tours of Scotland to start planning your holiday

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO DO THE NC500

The best time to drive the North Coast 500 is between April and October. You’ll have the most daylight hours, open attractions, and accommodation options at this time of year.

Compared to the winter months (November to March), the roads are generally more accessible between April and October. It’s also good to know that certain highlights, such as castles, are only open to the public during the high season.

One thing to be aware of about Scotland in summer – between June and August – is that it attracts the most visitors. You should also make sure to book your trip early so that you don’t miss out on your accommodation of choice.

To experience the NC500 when it’s a bit quieter, consider visiting Scotland in spring or autumn . As a bonus you can enjoy gorgeous landscapes dotted with blossoming flowers or red and gold foliage.

• Check out these Scotland summer tour packages
• Read more advice about the best time to visit Scotland

TIPS FOR DRIVING THE NC500

Scotland’s road conditions are usually safe, but extra care may be needed in certain remote parts of the Highlands. This is because you may encounter single-track roads, wildlife and farm animals, and cyclists.

Should you come across an oncoming vehicle along a single-track road, prepare to use a passing place to allow them to get by. In some cases you may need to reverse to reach the nearest one.

Never exceed the speed limit and drive with caution in case animals are crossing the road. The North Coast 500 is also popular with cyclists so give yourself plenty of time to stop and react.

On occasion, you may find that pedestrians are walking alongside the road. Visitors often enjoy wild camping in the Highlands, which is why you might come across some campervans and tents on parts of the route.

WHAT TO TAKE ON THE NORTH COAST 500

When packing for your NC500 tour, you should be ready for all weather and bring plenty of warm layers. Waterproofs are a must as it can get wet in the Scottish Highlands.

Here’s our recommended packing list for Scotland :

• Warm jumper or fleece
• Waterproof jacket
• Good walking shoes or boots
• Light scarf or thin jumper
• Midge repellent

If you’re visiting in the summer months, be sure to prepare for midges. You could bring some Avon Skin-So-Soft body oil spray, the go-to repellent for Britain’s Marines. And we suggest you wear long sleeves and trousers, particularly at dusk when midges are at their worst.

• Read about Scotland’s weather and daylight hours on our travel guides

Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.

— LOCAL SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE

Get the most out of your holiday.

• Relax knowing you can reach us 24/7 on our helpline
• Explore places handpicked for you by local experts
• Enjoy discounts of up to 10% when you use your own car
• Save time and effort with everything arranged for you

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Sharon, United States

Wonders of scotland, september 2023, highly recommend nordic visitor.

This is our second tour with Nordic Visitor. Agents used before the tour were always very prompt with responses to our questions. During the tour, we found the accommodation perfect, guide very informative and friendly, and the driver got used to where we needed to go without any problems. We would definitely use Nordic Visitor again!

Alan, United States

Highlights of scotland, may 2023, smooth experience.

Throughout the years we have travelled a lot, but never with a group tour. This trip was our first time and it did not disappoint. The tour guide, the bus driver, our fellow passengers, the weather, accommodation, variety of activities, and how smoothly everything went makes me question why we never toured like this before!

Kimberley, United States

Wonders of scotland, april 2023, amazing experience.

We had an amazing experience with Nordic Visitor! Our guides, Richard and Tim, were organised, knowledgeable, and very friendly! You can tell quality and customer satisfaction are very important. We will be back!

David, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye, september 2023, an unforgettable holiday.

It was an unforgettable holiday. They took care of everything, and we got to wonder and explore with little hassle. If you want to visit Scotland (or anywhere else Nordic Visitor has tours) they are the way to do it. Already talking about our next adventure with Nordic Visitor.

Carol, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye - private, may 2023, an indescribably fantastic experience.

We are two middle-aged women who had never been to the UK before. My sister-in-law always wanted to go to Scotland, so I started researching and came upon Nordic Visitor through internet searches. I checked for reviews and found the company to be highly recommended. I started corresponding with Kirsten. She was extremely kind, very helpful and was able to put my nervous mind at ease. The package she put together for us was perfect! From my first email, the airport pick up and drop off service, and the tour with Dave, it was an indescribably fantastic experience!

Kathleen, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye winter - private, february 2023, i can't thank nordic visitor enough.

This is our second trip in two years to Scotland with Nordic Visitor, and we are seriously thinking about another. I can't thank Chris enough for his patience and expertise when booking this trip.

Andrew, United States

Classic scotland, june 2023.

The tour package materials were top notch. Spiral bound itinerary, recommended activities, restaurant recommendations and the large-scale road map of Scotland were a nice touch. Magdalena, our Nordic Visitor representative, responded promptly to our questions. Accomodation was all great.

Bethany, United States

Classic scotland, may 2023, perfect vacation.

For our 50th wedding anniversary, we trusted Nordic Visitor to make our vacation a memorable one, and they made it beyond special. Chris, our tour planner, did everything to accommodate our needs and answered our questions quickly. It was an absolutely perfect vacation!

Carlo, United States

A scottish christmas to remember, december 2022.

We booked a 4-day Christmas Tour of Edinburgh which included hotel accommodation, a walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, a day tour of the Highlands and Lowlands, castles, and lochs, and also a whisky distillery tour. The hotel was in an amazing location near the Christmas Markets and popular attractions. The day tours were such a wonderful way to experience the countryside outside of Edinburgh. We also added a driving service to drive us to and from the airport and the drivers were so lovely. The care package left at the hotel consisting of maps and suggested eateries was such a delightful bonus. We loved that every aspect of our trip was planned and ready for us once we arrived which diminished any travel stress that one may experience when travelling abroad.

Barbara, United States

Best of edinburgh - loch ness & highlands, june 2023, we were in good hands.

As first-time visitors to Edinburgh, and senior citizens, our choice to use Nordic Visitor was an excellent one. The welcome package we received at the hotel was really helpful, with our tour vouchers, maps and restaurant recommendations. We would not have known what hotel to select and the one selected for us was perfect. The choice of tours offered was perfect for a 5-day visit. So glad to learn about the Royal Mile and visit the castle. The trip through the Highlands and Loch Ness was beautiful. Our travel agent, Rebecca, always quickly responded to email questions prior to departure. Thank you! Nordic Visitor made our trip easy and rewarding. We were in good hands.

Noreen, United States

Complete scotland & ireland, april 2023, highly professional service.

Nordic Visitor is a highly professional tour company. From beginning to end, we have no complaints. Our travel consultant, Chris, was very quick to answer all our questions from start to finish. Could not be more pleased.

Jana, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye - winter, november 2022, absolutely wonderful.

Our trip was absolutely wonderful! Magda was great to work with and helped us through the whole process. Everyone we worked with from the beginning through the end of the trip was absolutely marvellous.

Scotland Travel Guide

Learn some conversation-starter facts and do some research before your Scottish adventure.

North Coast 500

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Our Services

Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers , which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

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• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
• Enjoy personal service from Scotland travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Get in touch to have your dream holiday arranged by one of our local travel experts. As a travel agency based in Edinburgh, we know Scotland inside out and we’ll use our expertise to plan your perfect trip.

Our Scottish phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Read About Scotland

Scotland staycations to feel like you’re abroad, best scotland staycation ideas for uk travellers, 5 best road trips in scotland : a local expert's view, scotland's nc500 - your guide to the north coast 500 route.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

North Coast 500

Nc500 – scotland’s answer to route 66.

Travel the popula r North Coast 500 Route around the Highlands right through Caithness in the far north – Scotland’s answer to Route 66. Awarded by many tourist organisations in 2018, 2019 and 2020 as one of the most popular touring routes in the world!!

Local knowledge makes a world of difference. RobbieMac travelled this route long before it became NC50.

Modify one of our existing NC500 tours – or ask us to build a private tour that meets your interests and timeframes.

The  North Coast 500  (NC500) our answer to Route 66, is a designated ‘tourist route’ using existing roads around the Northern Highlands. The route of 516 miles, with a dramatic fjord-like coastline of complex geography and geology and some amazing scenery with glistening sea lochs and many uninhabited Islands keeping watch.

The tour ‘Inverness – Inverness’ can be done clockwise or anticlockwise However we recommend clockwise so that you get to enjoy the tremendous views coming down the east via Caithness! Contact us to discuss alternative start and end pick up points for your tour.

• The official NC500 usually starts and ends at Inverness Castle, which guards the beautiful River Ness. However we are happy to discuss other locations.
• Weave past the dark waters of Loch Ness, keep a lookout for ‘Nessie’ our elusive monster.
• Applecross (but not if you’re in a coach or large vehicle) as the hairpin bends of Bealach na Ba are too challenging, but the views are dramatic. A photographers dream!
• Ullapool north is a feast of burns, land lochs and sea lochs.
• Watch wildlife along the way with circling birds, hairy heilan coos or sheep lazing on roadsides or wild deer coming down later in the day.
• Knockan Crag Reserve in the Assynt Geopark is truly ‘big country, big views’.
• Loch Assynt and ruins of Ardvreck Castle. 
• The roads bend and weave north besides breathtaking white sands, littered with inlets and sea lochs.
• World famous Flow Country aka Forsinard Flows.
• Keep following the coast to Thurso the largest town in west Caithness, with its’ busy Scrabster Harbour.
• Travel east along the Pentland Firth – great views of the Orkney Islands.
• Dunnet Beach and surf, swimming or learning to ride a surf board.
• Dunnet village with historic Loch St John,and a terrific wildlife sanctuary and bird hides.
• Castle and Gardens of Mey, once holiday home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
• Canisbay Kirk, and onto John o’Groats, a shopping and tourist mecca .
• Don’t forget the obligatory photograph of the John o’Groats sign!
• Wick, visit Old Pulteney Whisky Distillery or 8 Doors Distillery.
• Wick Harbour – a big contrast to the heydays of the herring industry.
• Jonn o’Groats and the dramatic Duncansby Stacks.
• Dunrobin Castle, on the Moray Firth on the east coast.
• Notable waterways on the way south are: Loch Fleet with its’ wildlife colony of grey and common seals and otters, and Dornoch with a special protection area for wildlife.
• Cromarty is a busy deep water port once used by naval shipping in WW1 and WW2 and now predominantly for cruise ships.
• Black Isle and Beauly Firth linking with the Moray Firth and extending to the east coast as a wildlife reserve.
• Return through farmlands and back into Inverness for the end of your NC500 tour!

• Scrabster,  Invergordon, Thurso, Mey, Gills Bay, John o’Groats or Wick or surrounding area – to be agreed when booking.
• Scrabster and Invergordon cruise ship passengers, and Gills Bay and John o’Groats Ferry passengers for private tours are met at the harbour entrances just a short walk from the gangway and parking/coach area.
• Office: +44 1955611542
• Mobiles: +44 7854638268 / +44 7799688379
• Email Enquiry: [email protected]
• Website: www.robbiemactours.co.uk

RobbieMac Tours & Ancestry © 2021

North Coast 500

We created this "North Coast 500" itinerary  long before anyone ever coined the slogan “NC500”.

In fact, we originally called it the "North Highlands Tour", but we have to admit that NC500 is a catchier title.

Our directions take you from Inverness on a clockwise tour around the scenic highlights of Scotland’s North coast. And, if your schedule allows, you can also add in a visit to the fascinating archaeological sites of Orkney.

We do this route in a Clockwise direction because most tourists do it in the other direction, so the traffic is a bit lighter if you go Clockwise.

Allow a minimum of 5 days to drive this tour route. The guide contains extra day trip suggestions for extending the tour to 15+ days.

PLEASE NOTE: The Guides come in the format of PDF files. After payment, you will receive an automated email that enables you to access your Scotland Tour Itinerary.

Money Back Guarantee

We are so confident that you’ll be delighted with your guide that we offer a full Money Back Guarantee. Read More .

Tour Stats :

Guide Updated - 4 February 2024

Core Route Mileage:

Approximately 400 miles / 640 Km

Tour Duration:

5 to 15 Days

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Tour summary.

We provide a stopover guide that covers attractions, scenic spots, activities and restaurants in Inverness and the surrounding areas. 

If you arrive early in Inverness, you may wish to follow our guide for a driving route around the Black Isle where you can discover the charming 18th century village of Cromarty and embark on dolphin spotting boat trips.

Stopover in Inverness area

We suggest a route that starts by swinging you past  Loch Ness with opportunities for visits to Urquhart Castle  and the  “Nessie” attractions.

As you travel between Loch Ness and Gairloch, you can stop at a Victorian Spa village to sample the mineral waters, cross an impressive cascade  on a bouncy wire bridge, picnic by the shores of our favourite loch, explore some of the best beaches in Scotland and enjoy a pint in a charismatic old inn with a great sea view.

Your day ends in Mike’s favourite place, Gairloch , which is surrounded by the spectacular mountain scenery of Wester Ross .

Driving Distance: ~92 miles

Stopover in the Gairloch / Laide area

Gairloch is arguably one of the most beautiful corners of Scotland for beaches and wilderness scenery. We propose a choice of day trips with a relaxed pace.

• Taking it Easy, Our suggestions for a relaxed day of scenic walks, horse riding, exploring beaches, or visiting the famous Inverewe Botanic Gardens , where sub tropical plants thrive in the mild climate created by a sheltered bay and the Gulf Stream’s warmth.
• Glen Torridon and Applecross - We propose a route through scenery that we think is the best in Scotland , Glen Torridon! This is magnificent country for hill walking and we guide you to a variety of paths for different levels of exertion. After a hike, you might be ready for something to eat so we recommend some great restaurants in surprising locations. If you really want to explore away from the “beaten track”, you can extend the day with a drive around the remote Applecross Peninsula using a road that was only completed in 1975!
• Gone Fishing , The guide supplies details of how to contact a local fisherman to arrange a trip on his boat. You can help him pull up lobster pots and learn about the history of the area from someone whose family has lived here for three centuries.

Stopover in the Gairloch / Laide Area

Head up the North West coast through magnificent Highland scenery to the active fishing village of Ullapool . Along the route you can explore great beaches and test your courage by crossing a 200 feet deep gorge on a bouncy little foot bridge.

When you get to Ullapool, you can watch the fishing boat activity in the harbour and then sample the delicious fresh catch in an award winning fish & chip shop. The village is a vibrant place with several good restaurants and range of pubs where you'll find live music and entertainment most nights of the week.

If you wish to extend the day, you can follow our directions for a back road drive to Lochinver that takes you past the distinctive peaks of Stac Pollaidh , Suilven and Canisp. These mountains emerge like rocky icebergs from the wild moorland of the Inverpolly Nature Reserve . This is an area of true wilderness and we recommend some hikes of varying degrees of exertion.

Driving Distance: ~55 miles

Stopover in Ullapool or Lochinver

This is a drive through a truly untamed landscape where nature rules and you can drive for miles without seeing a house. There aren’t many man-made attractions along this route, but this is compensated for by the geology which has created dramatic mountains, rugged coastlines and some glorious sandy bays.

A “must see” is the impressive cavern at Smoo Cave . It is possible to take guided walks into the caves, but to do this you first need to take a small boat ride.

From Durness , you travel east along the northern coast of Scotland and the landscape becomes gradually flatter as you approach Thurso . This region suffered terribly during the Highland Clearances when whole communities were destroyed to make way for sheep farming. There are several good museums that tell the story of the people that once lived here.

The drive ends in Thurso, but you could catch an evening ferry to Orkney and we have supplied details of the various ferry services available.

Driving Distance: ~140 miles

Stopover in Thurso / Orkney

From Thurso,  you have the option of taking the ferry crossing to the Orkney Islands and we have provided a guide that gives you all the information you need for planning a stay on these islands. The guide includes suggestions for 4 day trips to explore the Orkney Mainland and the smaller islands of Hoy and Rousay.

We guide you to all the famous sites of Orkney ( Ring of Brodgar , Maeshowe , S kara Brae , Italian Chapel , Old Man of Hoy ), plus lots of quieter attractions that the are missed by the mainstream tourist trail.

As always, we recommend walks, picnic spots, the best value attractions and restaurants.

Stopover on the Orkney Islands

• Alternative - Orkney as a Day Trip – If you don't have time to stay a few nights on Orkney you have the option of a day trip visit. The guide provides details of a recommended organised day trip that takes you around the best tourist attractions without the hassle of taking your car.  PLEASE NOTE: This day trip service is not running in 2024.

From Thurso, we guide you across empty moorlands to the North Sea where you turn southwards to follow a road that hugs a coastline of rugged windswept cliffs. The route is punctuated by austere little villages perched above rocky inlets that once sheltered fleets of fishing boats.

Highlights along the route are Dunrobin Castle , the ornate home of the Dukes of Sutherland, the opportunity for a whisky tasting at Glenmorangie Distillery and a wander around the picturesque village of Dornoch with its charming little cathedral and famous golf course.

On the last leg to Inverness, we propose a choice of routes that let you choose between visits to a pretty Victorian spa town where you can sample the mineral waters, OR a short ferry crossing to the Black Isle where you may see some wild dolphins in the Cromarty Firth.

Driving Distance: ~112 miles

Inverness is a great touring base for exploring the Highlands and we supply you with directions for a range of day trips:

• Moray Coast - A historical tour of Moray with its historical attractions and scenic coastline. This day trip features the highlights of Culloden , Clava Cairns , Cawdor Castle and Elgin Cathedral .
• Glen Affric - A scenic drive into Glen Affric where you can see the last remains of the Ancient Caledonian Forest . This route includes options to explore a Neolithic burial chamber, a hidden Clan graveyard and a 150 foot high waterfall in a lovely woodland setting.
• Loch Ness – We guide you past Loch Ness on the drive to Gairloch, but this day trip does a complete circular tour of the loch with time to take a cruise, visit the “Nessie” exhibitions and wander the ruins of Urquhart castle.

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Accommodation

To help you book the best places to stay, we offer a guide to Recommended Accommodation along the route of this tour.

We personally visit all the accommodation featured in the guides and only select places where we would wish to stay ourselves. Read More...

When you "Checkout" , you will have the option to buy the Accommodation Guide.

Preview Accommodation Guide

Car Hire - How to Save Money

When you buy a Secret Scotland Tour Itinerary you will receive a Discount Code that gets you a 10% reduction on the cost of Car Hire from Arnold Clark Rental .

Simply use the Secret Scotland code when you book via the Arnold Clark website and your car hire discount will automatically apply.

Testimonials

I convinced my other half to get the Scenic Tour 4-5 Days guide (even though he very much wanted to do it all himself), and it was the best experience ever. In fact, ever since this trip, we're trying to re-create the experience. Of course, Scotland can hardly let anyone down, but this guide truly made it an adventure. We found so many hidden and not so hidden gems, and everything was perfectly laid out for us so that all we had to do was decide how much time we had and what we wanted to see next. I can't recommend it enough and wish more guides like this existed!

Excellent! We thought the information provided was fantastic and allowed us to see things I am sure we would have missed. Mike was very helpful in sending the itinerary through again for us when we had trouble with our downloads. Would definitely recommend this site. We have been travelling for a number of years and normally would just rely on the internet and books but decided to give this a go. So glad we did.

Secret Scotland is EXCEPTIONAL in providing guidance for itinerary planning and accommodation referrals for those wanting a self guided driving vacation in Scotland.... Simple to use.  Thorough in suggesting ‘must see’ venues. Complete - sites, restaurants, pubs and experiences.” That is how I would describe what they do and provide.  Exceptional accommodation recommendations. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

The itinerary Secret Scotland provided was a trip saver. We loved the suggestions for sight seeing, eating, and places to stay, but the best part was the detailed driving directions. Driving on the opposite side of the road from the opposite side of the car was a little easier without having to worry about how to get there! We will definitely use this service the next time we visit Scotland!

Secret Scotland's itineraries, accommodations guides, and other resources are incredible value with great attention to detail.  Their owners, Mike and Aury, are experienced and honest, and they helped us so much as we attempted to narrow down a very long list of things we hoped to do during our time in Scotland.  I feel so much more prepared for our trip and can now just look forward to our approaching vacation!

We have just got back from an EXCELLENT holiday following the Borders to Orkney route suggestions. We can't say enough about how much the detailed information enhanced our experience in Scotland. We had a wonderful time seeing so many interesting sites that we would have passed by without your guide. Thank you so much.

These guys really are the best.  We used Mike's Flexi Days East to West itinerary last July and it was truly indispensable.  His itinerary is full of detail, including driving directions and options.  Mike is also very responsive if you have any questions.  We had such a wonderful time we are going back again this year, and we will be using his itineraries again for our planning.  I would also recommend his accommodations guide.

Just like pictures of Scotland can’t do justice to the magnificence of the actual landscape, words can’t do justice to the brilliance and sheer volume of work you put in your guide. The level of detail provided on each stopover sheet, in all the different itinerary options and on all the B&B features exceeded even my most crazy expectations.

Mike and Aurey from Secret Scotland prepared a fantastic itinerary for us. It was a huge ingredient in the success and huge enjoyment that we got from our trip. It was absolutely worth every penny and there is no way we could have seen so much and so well without their itinerary. We felt like we belonged in Scotland, we knew what we were doing and what it all meant at every step. We recommend their services wholeheartedly. Scotland is such a marvelous place. Thank you Mike and Aurey... and we will be back!

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VisitScotland

Scotland's road trips, north coast 500.

The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to route 66 and one of the most beautiful coastal touring routes in the world (well, we think so, anyway!). 

Bringing together just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, the route follows the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands. With ancient castles, glistening sandy beaches and spell-binding heritage, the North Coast 500 has captured the imaginations of thousands of people.

Download the NC500 Map here

For more information go to: www.northcoast500.com

Glen Ord Distillery in Muir of Ord, Black Isle

Sample a sweet, fruity Highland malt whisky on a tour.

Join angling experts for fishing lessons, guiding and holidays.

Dunrobin Castle, Sutherland

Be enchanted by this magical fairy-tale castle.

Duncansby Head

Explore the coast and see the magnificent Duncansby sea stacks.

The Castle and Gardens of Mey, Caithness

Tour the grand rooms and lush gardens once owned by the Royal Family.

An other-worldly underground experience.

Sandwood Bay

Walk through the machair to an unspoilt beach.

Discover the coastline on a guided watersports adventure.

Hebridean Whale Cruises

Board a boat for the wildlife watching trip of a lifetime.

Beinn Eighe

Choose from a variety of walking routes in the mountain range.

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TOURING THE NORTH COAST 500

Our website is designed to give you a flavour of the tours we offer., it is our expertise that will tailor your bespoke experience., helping you to create your tour, scroll through the following example tours to gain an insight into what is possible. we want to help you make the most of your tour, so all our tours can be designed to your needs and preferences., although single day tours focus on the far north-east of the scottish highlands, we can start a multi-day tour from further afield around the north coast 500 or within its heartland and welcome your call to discuss what would suit your needs best., to book a tour or make an enquiry, do take a look at our 'availability' page and then get in touch via email, phone or by using the form on our 'contact us' page., north coast 500 grand explorer.

An in-depth journey of discovery across this land of contrasts.

Covering both the iconic North Coast 500 coastal route as well as some of the vast and contrasting scenery of the interior, this comprehensive route of the North Highlands will provide a detailed and enjoyable insight into the landscape, people and culture of the area.

Enjoy the dramatic mountains and lochs of the west coast, the expansive sandy beaches of the north and the picturesque fishing harbours and medieval castles of the east – not to mention the distilleries, crafts people, an abundance of history and, if you are lucky, some stunning sunsets.

Tailored to your needs and preferences, this tour is intended to give you exactly what you want from a holiday and we will work with you to create your ideal itinerary.

Create a true souvenir of the Highlands to treasure long after you’ve headed home.

The North Coast 500 Explorer

Discover the real lives and experiences of this iconic route.

The North Coast 500 is a staggeringly beautiful route and this tour will show you the very best of the classic North Coast 500 - from the iconic attractions to an abundance of other sights, experiences and even surprises. With deserted beaches, mighty mountains, picturesque lochs and iconic wildlife as well as medieval castles, prehistoric burial chambers, local crafts and distilleries, you'll experience more than the average tourist along the way. 

With your experienced guide by your side, you'll discover the stories behind the landscape and you won’t have to concern yourself with navigating the miles of single track roads that you’ll encounter over long sections of the route.

Sit back, relax and allow us to lead you on a memorable exploration of the North Coast 500.

The Heart of the North Highlands Explorer (4 Days)

Experience the rich landscape, culture and heritage of the North Highlands.

If you would like to get a sense of the North Highlands but you are a little short on time, then this tour is a great one to choose.

The route gives a balance between the huge landscapes of the heartlands, the drama of the coastline, the rich history behind the scenery plus some local artisans along the way.

Touching all 3 coastlines of the North Highlands, you will acquire an understanding of life across the whole area, both now and in yesteryear - and we are sure you’ll be left wanting more.

Needing a brief time out from day- to-day life? Then this tour could be for you.

The West Highland Explorer

Learn what lies beneath the surface of the beautiful west coast.

Many people say that the west coast is the highlight of their North Highland adventures. To be sure, whether it is the impressive and notable geology of the region, the magnificent vistas around each corner, the abundance of white sandy beaches interspersed along the coastline or the retail and craft opportunities along the way which inspire you – the west coast will not disappoint. 

This tour takes in some of the most challenging roads in the North Highlands but also allows the possibility of a hill walk or even a boat excursion out to the Summer Isles (in-season and weather-permitting), depending on what you enjoy.

This uniquely curated insight into the North Highlands west coast will leave you with an unforgettable experience.

The North Highland History Explorer (4 Days)

Uncover 5000 years of 'Human Highland History'.

The Highlands landscape harbours an unrivalled collection of sites of national historical importance.

On this tour we will accompany you on a time traveller’s journey starting around 3500BC and taking you right into the modern era. We will visit ancient burial tombs, mysterious stone circles, Viking battle sites, ruined medieval castles and the deserted villages of the Highland Clearances.

The last 200 years have also contributed greatly to the development of the region - so we will go exploring for abandoned World War Two camps and investigate the boom and bust of the fishing industry too.

If you love history, you'll love this tour!

The Highland Clearances Explorer (3 Days)

Bring this infamous period of Scottish history to life.

Whilst the Clearances occurred right across the Highlands, the Clearances on the Sutherland Estate have gained a bleak notoriety unmatched in Scotland.

This 3 day tour follows the unfolding story of the Sutherland Clearances through the wild and rugged landscape. The key personalities will be introduced to you from the very places they lived and worked and using the landscape like a vast theatrical stage, you will be immersed in the unfolding drama.

This is not just a guided tour of the history of the Sutherland Clearances, however – this is an involving first-hand experience that will physically and emotionally engage you in history.

Relive this historical period in a very real way and enjoy some stunning landscapes along the way. 

The Caithness Explorer

Discover Caithness - a wee gem at the end of the lands.

The historic county of Caithness has so much to offer, yet if you only drive through on the main road without stopping – as many do – you are likely to miss out on the many sights and experiences which it holds.

Travel just off the beaten track and you can discover a land shaped by history dating back over 400 million years, a wild and scenic coastline marked by unspoilt sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs and a myriad of sea birds and other wildlife.

Ideal for cruise liner visitors to Scrabster port and those with limited time but who want maximum inspiration.

The Highland Explorer

Unearth the perfect location for peace, tranquillity, and an escape from modern-day life.

This excellent ‘showcase’ tour of the North East Highlands comprises vast empty vistas, picturesque glens - and a wealth of wildlife and human history too, if you know where to find it. 

Be mesmerised by the heart of the North Highlands where the horizon is always a long way off in the distance, ringed by mountains, threaded by rivers and enveloped by the domed sky. Discover the desolate Glen Loth, stopping to admire the vista from more than one thousand feet above the valley floor! And complete your trip by seeing the beautiful sandy beaches of the north coast.

This is a day trip into nature, scenery and the great outdoors – from the comfort of our luxury vehicle.

If you are looking for a moment of calm, this special day will no doubt find it for you. So take that time, invest just one day – and let us do the work while you escape to a place of dreams.

The complete guide to The North Coast 500

By: Author [email protected]

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

The travel blogger and photographer behind Love from Scotland

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.

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North Coast 500 Tours from Inverness – 2024

Take a road trip on the world famous North Coast 500 in 2024 with our tours from Inverness. The North Coast 500 as a route was launched in 2014 drawing people in with the amazing beauty of the journey. We, at Inverness Tours have a much longer association with the route however. We have been leading tours around the North Coast 500 since 2003 and Hugh Allison’s grandfather established the first bus service on the route a century ago.

Four Day North Coast 500 Tour from Inverness

NC500 – Applecross and Eilean Donan Castle Tour (February to October)

NC500 – Magical Wester Ross Tour

NC500 the North West day Tour (February to October)

NC500 the North East day Tour (February to October)

Rosamunde Pilcher Winter Solstice Tour

What is North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 is the acclaimed circular touring route round the north of Scotland. It has already been likened to American Route 66 in terms of iconic status. At just over 500 miles, it is one of the most spectacularly memorable coastal routes in the world.

North Coast 500 Scenery

North Coast 500 Scenery is unforgettable. The firthlands of the east coast are rich in agriculture and populated with trim little towns. The north coast is more rugged, with little coves and beaches. When we reach Tongue we are entering the country of the Inselbergs. These are great solitary mountains, each with their own distinctive shape and character. Down the west are a chain of beaches, scattered crofting communities and views out to the islands. The Applecross Pass (Bealach na Ba) will take your breath away. After which an eastern turn takes you through the wide moors of the empty heartland, and back to the city of Inverness. The tie that binds, for the North Coast 500, is the ever-changing constant of the sea. Coastal views – bays, headlands, coves, magnificent deserted beaches, vistas to remote and scattered islands and of course the sunsets!

Four Day North Coast 500 Tour

We think our four day complete North Coast 500 Tour from Inverness is the very best way to experience the fabulous country in the north of Scotland. Our three overnight locations are Wick, Durness and Gairloch. The four days are filled with fantastic choices for every taste and interest. Examples of the wide range of attractions for all might include the Rock Rose Distillery, the royal Castle Of Mey, the Eagle Zip-line, Smoo Cave, the Falls of Measach, Inverewe Gardens and the Bealach na Ba road. Most stops can even be tweaked on the day, to suit the weather and your preferences. One or two attractions – like distilleries – require to be reserved in advance, but we can arrange all that for you, once you are booked with us.

North Coast 500 Day Tours from Inverness

Inverness is the perfect base that allows us the opportunity of conducting a series of truly stunning day tours that cover all the different sections of the North Coast 500. These tours are great for those with less time or perfect for weekend breaks on the North Coast 500. These tours include day trips to the furthest North West and furthest North East corners of the UK Mainland. To supplement this we have two tours that cover the more westerly parts of the North Coast 500. Our Rosamunde Pilcher Tour is also a great day tour covering the part of North Coast 500 just to the north of Inverness.

NC500 the North East day tour

For the North East day tour on the North Coast 500 we head north through the Struie Hills. Great views of the Dornoch Firth from a mountain location. Next we make a stop at the beautiful Falls of Shin, because of the short but lovely walk to a viewing platform. Heading due north from Lairg we pass Ben Loyal, Loch Loyal and some wonderful bog scenery. Eventually we arrive at the coast at Tongue. Following the coast eastwards along the far north of Scotland we visit John O’Groats, the most northerly point on the public road in the UK. There are fabulous views of the Orkney Islands. We then travel down the dramatic east coast road back towards Inverness making time to visit the pretty town of Dornoch en route.

NC500 the North West day tour

The North West day tour on the North Coast 500 also goes north to Lairg via the Shin Falls. But this is where these two tours diverge. This tour goes northwest through beautiful and rugged scenery before reaching the beaches of the far north west of Scotland. In Durness we visit Smoo Cave and take some lunch before heading eastwards along some of the finest scenery of the north coast. Branching south at Tongue we see Ben Hope and Ben Loyal and then pass Loch Loyal. We can stop at The Crask on our way south, the most remote Inn in the country, and we end by crossing the Cromarty Firth and the Black Isle to Inverness.

NC500 – Magical Wester Ross Tour

It is we who think that the Wester Ross Tour on the North Coast 500 is magical. Leaving Inverness we head west up Strath Braan to lonely Achnasheen, and thereafter follow the Wester Ross Coastal Trail. Looking towards Loch Maree we see one of the last fragments of the “Great Wood of Caledon” – the original forest that once covered so much of Scotland. Whether your passion is great mountains or fantastic seascapes the far west will deliver. Gairloch Beach, followed by sub-tropical Inverewe Gardens are two of the major stops on this tour. We return by Gruinard Bay, a location used by many thriller writers, and there’ll be time for a waterfall visit, before arriving in Inverness.

NC500 – Applecross and Eilean Donan Castle Tour

Applecross is the most southerly portion of any North Coast 500 tour and, as a result, it makes sense to couple it with Eilean Donan Castle. We travel along Loch Ness, and then west past the mountain range called the Five Sisters of Kintail. Our Eilean Donan Castle stop is for your choice of visit or photos. Some time later we take the famous, exhilarating and spectacular Bealach na Ba to Applecross. This road has its own name because it is, by far and away, the most extraordinary road in the UK. Our return takes us through the fantastic mountain scenery of Torridon and the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.

Our Rosamunde Pilcher Winter Solstice tour finds us exploring the locations and revisiting the story in her last novel. Rosamunde was also kind enough to agree to check and endorse our tour content. This tour is also perfect for people who have never read the book, and know nothing about it. This is because it offers much of the very best of the scenery, history and wildlife of the Scottish Highlands, including visits to ancient church, castle, cathedral and the pretty little towns of Tain and Dornoch. If you just want those places, then we are happy to deliver this tour without mention of the book.

North Coast 500 or Isle of Skye?

The answer is both. Adding just one more day to the tour gives time for an overnight in Portree; pretty island capital of Skye. And that extra day can be used to access and enjoy all of the most scenic areas on the island.

North Coast 500 Custom Tours from Inverness

We are happy to arrange a wide range of North Coast 500 Custom Tours from Inverness. As mentioned above, probably the commonest add-on that is requested is one or more of the island groups. As a result, we developed the four-day tour so that it comes complete with bolt-on options. These still ensure that you do every mile of NC500, but while doing so you can also visit the Orkney Islands, the Isle of Skye, or the Western Isles. This can be accommodated by increasing the tour length to five days. Or why not go for adding all three Island Archipelagos to the North Coast 500, and achieve it all, within our six-day extravaganza!

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Local knowledge.

Inverness Tours has been taking visitors on world-class tours for more than fifteen years. We have been working to make our exclusive tour business the finest of its kind available in Scotland. Our solid (but constantly updated) knowledge is a tool for your use. As a result, you will enjoy the best eating places, the most rewarding visits, and the locals’ choice of “off the beaten track” walks and vistas. We strive to enthral, excite and entertain as we show you the real Scotland. 

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Savvy Travel Advice

Comprehensive North Coast 500 Road Trip Planning Guide

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents:

North Coast 500 Road Trip Planning Guide

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

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

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

What is the North Coast 500 Route?

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

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

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

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

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

What Will I See Along the North Coast 500 route?

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

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

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

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

Is the North Coast 500 similar to Route 66?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Below is but a short list of suggestions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is the North Coast 500 Dog Friendly?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Avoid the Crowds along the North Coast 500?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Should I Plan Ahead?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dining along the NC500?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay on the North Coast 500?

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

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

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

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

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

Hotels & B&B’s

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

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

Self-Catering Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camping and RVing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guide to Driving the North Coast 500

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

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

Where Specifically Does the Route Start and End?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which Direction Should I Drive the North Coast 500?

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

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

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

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

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

Planning a North Coast 500 itinerary?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can I do the NC500 without driving?

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

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

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

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

Are NC500 Guided Group Tours or Private Tours Available?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rental Cars for NC500

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

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

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

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

Renting a Motorcycle for the NC500

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

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

Renting a Campervan and Camping Gear

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renting Bikes and Biking Gear for NC500

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

Driving Safety Tips for the North Coast 500?

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

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

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

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

Single Track Roads

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

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

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

Stopping & Parking

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

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

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

Bealach Na Ba & RVs

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

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

Slow Drivers

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

Livestock & Deer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alcohol Limits

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

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

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

How to Be a Responsible Traveler of the NC500?

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

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

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

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

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

Things to Pack for a NC500 Road Trip

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

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

General Road Trip Supplies

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

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

Special NC500 Road Trip Supplies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supplies for the Car

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Vernon Post author

February 14, 2024 at 5:34 am

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

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

February 15, 2024 at 2:48 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best, Jessica

Emma Post author

January 23, 2024 at 4:49 am

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

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

Any guidance really would be appreciated.

January 23, 2024 at 12:52 pm

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

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

January 23, 2024 at 2:10 pm

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

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

Many thanks

January 24, 2024 at 3:27 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEIL Franklin Post author

January 1, 2024 at 12:32 pm

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

January 1, 2024 at 3:56 pm

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

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

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

Maximilian Post author

September 11, 2023 at 11:41 am

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

September 11, 2023 at 3:53 pm

Hi Maximillian,

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

Happy travels, Jessica

Lesley Coyne Post author

April 3, 2023 at 11:42 am

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

Laurence Post author

April 5, 2023 at 11:59 am

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

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

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

Best, Laurence & Jessica

BEA LLEVAT Post author

February 26, 2023 at 5:09 am

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

February 26, 2023 at 6:31 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NATALIA PAEZ RAMIREZ Post author

December 17, 2022 at 9:19 pm

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

December 19, 2022 at 3:48 am

Hi Natalia,

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

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

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

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

pat ong Post author

October 30, 2022 at 2:47 am

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

October 31, 2022 at 10:47 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Juliet Shannon Post author

October 24, 2022 at 5:23 am

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

October 24, 2022 at 6:03 am

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

Rowshan Ara Post author

May 31, 2022 at 2:12 am

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

May 31, 2022 at 5:02 am

Hi Rowshan,

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

Roy Taylor Post author

March 5, 2022 at 9:57 am

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

March 6, 2022 at 8:55 am

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

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

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

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

June 26, 2022 at 10:22 am

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

Emily Post author

May 25, 2021 at 6:57 pm

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

May 27, 2021 at 12:23 pm

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

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

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

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

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

Tom De Blende Post author

May 24, 2021 at 6:37 am

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

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

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

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

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

May 24, 2021 at 10:40 am

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

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

Wishing you a wonderful NC500 road trip! Jessica

Frances Anne Cox Post author

March 13, 2021 at 11:11 am

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

March 14, 2021 at 8:33 am

Hi Frances,

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

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

Deb Post author

March 8, 2021 at 6:13 am

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

March 10, 2021 at 7:52 am

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

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

peter johnson Post author

February 4, 2021 at 2:34 pm

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

February 8, 2021 at 6:31 am

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

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

Stravaig Post author

January 31, 2021 at 6:34 am

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

January 31, 2021 at 7:11 am

Hi Stravaig,

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

Michelle Post author

January 24, 2021 at 2:19 pm

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

January 26, 2021 at 4:20 am

Hi Michelle,

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

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

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

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

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

Karlo Post author

January 9, 2021 at 6:09 am

Absolutely stunning! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!

January 9, 2021 at 6:41 am

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

Jay Man Post author

November 19, 2020 at 6:30 am

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

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

Keep up the brilliant work.

Kind regards, Jay

November 19, 2020 at 8:34 am

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

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

Steve and Lynda Post author

October 1, 2020 at 1:08 pm

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

October 2, 2020 at 4:13 am

Hi Steve and Lynda,

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

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

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

Best, Jessica & Laurence

Veer Post author

September 29, 2020 at 7:27 am

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

Many thanks in advance for your reply.

October 1, 2020 at 4:35 am

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

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

Dirk van den Muijsenberg Post author

September 18, 2020 at 5:32 am

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

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

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

September 21, 2020 at 1:42 am

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

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

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

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

September 21, 2020 at 2:21 am

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

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

September 23, 2020 at 3:08 am

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

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

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

Jazz Virk Post author

September 14, 2020 at 12:28 pm

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

September 15, 2020 at 2:02 am

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

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

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

rekha vadgama Post author

July 25, 2020 at 11:45 am

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

July 25, 2020 at 4:23 pm

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

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

bernard campbell Post author

July 7, 2020 at 7:08 am

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

July 7, 2020 at 7:14 am

Hi Bernard,

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

Wishing you safe and happy travels, Jessica

david johnston Post author

June 23, 2020 at 11:22 am

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

June 24, 2020 at 4:03 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 26, 2020 at 10:52 am

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

Andrey Post author

March 3, 2020 at 2:20 pm

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

March 3, 2020 at 4:39 pm

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

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

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

Hope that helps! Jessica

Catherine Sorsby Mrs Post author

February 28, 2020 at 9:13 am

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

February 28, 2020 at 11:15 am

Hi Catherine,

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

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

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

Jackie Murgatroyd Post author

February 24, 2020 at 1:14 pm

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

February 25, 2020 at 9:28 am

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

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

The Fill LPG website is another one to check.

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

Hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful trip! Jessica

Stuart McAlpine Post author

February 2, 2020 at 11:11 am

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

February 3, 2020 at 6:42 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 3, 2020 at 7:06 am

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

Slainte, Stuart

February 3, 2020 at 7:15 am

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

Sharon Watson Post author

January 31, 2020 at 3:56 pm

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

February 3, 2020 at 5:05 am

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

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

But just to point out a few:

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

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

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

February 3, 2020 at 9:16 am

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

D Hopkins Post author

January 20, 2020 at 1:14 pm

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

January 21, 2020 at 3:11 am

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

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

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

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

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

January 21, 2020 at 6:33 am

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

Trevor Post author

January 12, 2020 at 7:41 am

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

January 12, 2020 at 8:56 am

Hello Trevor,

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

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

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

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

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

A.M. Fernau Post author

January 2, 2020 at 2:37 pm

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

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

Many thanks!

January 3, 2020 at 8:40 am

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

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

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

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

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

Kris Post author

November 19, 2019 at 7:04 am

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

November 21, 2019 at 9:27 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kari Post author

October 30, 2019 at 2:03 pm

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

October 30, 2019 at 3:16 pm

Sounds like a great trip to plan with your dad!

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

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

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

October 31, 2019 at 12:23 pm

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

October 31, 2019 at 12:53 pm

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

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

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

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

Sue n Rob Walsh Post author

October 6, 2019 at 7:54 am

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

October 6, 2019 at 11:33 am

Hi Sue & Rob,

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

Stephen Lake Post author

September 14, 2019 at 10:46 am

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

September 14, 2019 at 11:38 am

Hi Stephen,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doug Wilson Post author

September 12, 2019 at 4:03 am

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

Jessica Post author

September 13, 2019 at 1:12 am

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

Martin Woodhead Post author

September 11, 2019 at 3:51 am

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

September 11, 2019 at 10:24 am

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

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

Jess Post author

August 18, 2019 at 6:24 am

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

August 19, 2019 at 5:50 am

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

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

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

Karen Post author

August 6, 2019 at 5:42 am

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

August 7, 2019 at 4:57 am

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

Will Post author

July 22, 2019 at 6:14 am

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

July 25, 2019 at 2:12 pm

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

Wishing you a wonderful road trip! Jessica

Alex Post author

July 15, 2019 at 8:06 am

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

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

July 17, 2019 at 11:59 am

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

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

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

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

Loli Carballo Post author

July 8, 2019 at 12:59 pm

Dear Jessica and Laurence,

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

July 11, 2019 at 1:41 pm

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

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

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

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

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

Julie Post author

July 4, 2019 at 3:17 am

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

July 4, 2019 at 9:42 am

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

Enjoy! Jessica

Leonie Post author

June 17, 2019 at 4:18 pm

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

June 19, 2019 at 8:36 pm

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

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

Satta King Post author

June 16, 2019 at 12:57 am

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

June 16, 2019 at 5:00 am

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

Sadie Rhodes Post author

June 13, 2019 at 11:55 am

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

June 13, 2019 at 2:04 pm

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

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

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

Sridhar Post author

May 8, 2019 at 2:01 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence,

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

May 8, 2019 at 9:02 am

Hi Sridhar,

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

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

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

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

Anthony Post author

May 7, 2019 at 5:10 am

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

all the best

Amanda & Anthony.

May 7, 2019 at 10:32 am

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

Nothard Kassburg Post author

April 21, 2019 at 7:05 am

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

April 21, 2019 at 9:27 am

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

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

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

Shaun Post author

April 10, 2019 at 2:36 pm

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

April 11, 2019 at 5:45 am

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

Mel Scrivin Post author

March 26, 2019 at 11:46 pm

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

March 27, 2019 at 8:42 am

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

April 1, 2019 at 11:36 pm

Fabulous thank you so much Jessica!

Martin Post author

March 19, 2019 at 4:25 pm

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

March 20, 2019 at 4:21 am

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

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

Kathleen McCollum Post author

March 16, 2019 at 2:05 pm

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

Great information!!!

Thanks – Kathleen

March 18, 2019 at 5:36 am

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

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

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

March 18, 2019 at 11:44 am

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

Michael McCabe Post author

January 19, 2019 at 4:47 am

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

Best wishes

January 19, 2019 at 8:14 am

Hi Michael,

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

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

Martha Swain Post author

December 29, 2018 at 5:06 am

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

December 29, 2018 at 6:11 am

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

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

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

Greg MacKinnon Post author

December 24, 2018 at 12:25 pm

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

Thanks so much!

December 26, 2018 at 5:03 am

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

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

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

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

MITCHELL DIACO Post author

November 17, 2018 at 6:50 pm

Hello, there!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope to hear from you soon,

Nicole & Mitch

November 19, 2018 at 3:16 am

Hi Mitch & Nicole,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lois Clark Post author

November 6, 2018 at 4:40 am

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

November 9, 2018 at 1:06 am

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

Subhajyoti C Post author

September 30, 2018 at 3:25 pm

Hi Jessica & Lawrence,

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

Below is what we would like to know:

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

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

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

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

Day 1 See around Inverness and reach Ullapool

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

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

Day 4 Explore Isle of Skye

Day 5 Portree to Iverness for our evening flight to London

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

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

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

Appreciate any suggestions.

Best, Subh and Shree

October 3, 2018 at 8:25 pm

Hi Subh & Shree,

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

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

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

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

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

Ellie Post author

August 15, 2018 at 8:28 am

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

August 15, 2018 at 12:27 pm

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

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

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

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

Hope that helps and wishing you a great trip!

June Matthews Post author

July 30, 2018 at 5:23 am

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

July 30, 2018 at 3:46 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 30, 2018 at 4:37 pm

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

Chris Marper Post author

July 24, 2018 at 11:53 pm

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

July 25, 2018 at 4:23 am

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

June 26, 2018 at 9:53 am

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

June 27, 2018 at 2:08 am

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

Carrie patterson Post author

May 29, 2018 at 5:08 am

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

May 29, 2018 at 6:38 am

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Wright Post author

May 12, 2018 at 8:40 am

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

May 14, 2018 at 7:30 am

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

May Post author

March 26, 2018 at 2:07 am

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

March 26, 2018 at 6:37 am

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

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

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

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

Anda Post author

October 31, 2017 at 6:47 pm

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

November 1, 2017 at 1:47 am

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

Rob+Ann Post author

October 31, 2017 at 7:12 am

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

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

October 31, 2017 at 10:51 am

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

phil Post author

October 29, 2017 at 10:44 am

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

October 29, 2017 at 12:32 pm

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

October 28, 2017 at 6:50 pm

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

October 29, 2017 at 12:57 am

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

Nancy Post author

October 27, 2017 at 8:11 pm

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

October 29, 2017 at 1:29 am

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

Lolo Post author

October 27, 2017 at 1:17 pm

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

October 29, 2017 at 1:19 am

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

Anisa Post author

October 27, 2017 at 12:27 pm

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

October 29, 2017 at 1:12 am

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

Lisa Post author

October 27, 2017 at 12:10 pm

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

October 29, 2017 at 1:08 am

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

Janis Post author

October 27, 2017 at 2:24 am

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

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

Loved the photos as well.

Happy Travels Janis & Gary

October 29, 2017 at 1:07 am

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

Mick Meadows Post author

March 1, 2018 at 10:48 am

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

March 1, 2018 at 10:54 am

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

paul cameron Post author

April 8, 2018 at 3:57 pm

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

April 13, 2018 at 8:42 am

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

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North Coast 500

Kylesku Bridge amid mountain scenery

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Experience Scotland's answer to Route 66 on your scenic self-drive tour of the North Coast of Scotland.

A carefully designed itinerary, travelling the North Coast 500 driving route – covering more than 500 miles of the best coastal scenery the North Highlands has to offer, but within a leisurely week’s holiday. Enjoy challenging drives such as the hairpin bends of the “Bealach na Ba” road to Applecross, then relax in our selection of characterful small hotels and guest houses.

Take a look at our other North Coast 500 itineraries as well, including Premier North Coast 500 or the longer North Coast 500 and Orkney , and Slowly Around the North Coast 500 .

• McKinlay Kidd

Holiday Details

Day one – wester ross.

Your first destination is in one of the most scenically beautiful and secluded locations in the whole of Scotland in the wild and rugged area of Wester Ross.  Your route today could include Loch Ness and the famous Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle), with its series of exhilarating hairpin bends.

Nestled in the heart of Wester Ross, with its spectacular sunsets and golden sandy beaches, your hotel offers a fabulous location with stunning, panoramic views across the loch to Skye and the Hebrides. Stylish and comfortable, in contrast to its rugged surroundings, it’s the perfect location to explore the local area. You must experience the conservatory, it’s the ideal place to sit and enjoy the stunning vistas after a day on the road.

Different accommodation will be used in the winter months.

Day Two – Day at Leisure

Gairloch is a fantastic place to visit and for exploring Wester Ross and the north west Highlands .  Situated on the shore of Loch Gairloch amongst the awe-inspiring scenery of Wester Ross, Gairloch offers a wealth of spectacular scenery and activities for visitors. There are several good sandy beaches in the area, such as the Big Sand and Redpoint, which offers lovely views to Raasay, Skye and the Western Isles.

The area has miles of rocky coastline to explore, and if you are lucky, occasionally whales are seen offshore. Enjoy remarkable views north to the volcanic peaks of Assynt.

Day Three – Ullapool

Next head further north, following the coast road as it traverses deeply set lochs, and pass more soaring mountains. Plenty of time today to explore as you tour. Your next stop is the colourful harbour village of Ullapool.

Located behind a traditional row of whitewashed fishermen’s’ cottages your hotel also features a coffee bar, book shop, arts venue and restaurant. The owners have developed their eclectic establishment over the years to become the hub of the local arts community – ceilidhs, plays, poetry readings, and local artists’ exhibitions are frequent events. Each bedroom features selection of books which guests are welcome to read during their stay, and are available to buy when they leave.

Day Four – Around and About Ullapool

The streets of Ullapool, laid out by Thomas Telford, are home to a fine selection of shops, cafes, galleries and pubs, and wandering between them is a pleasant way to while away an afternoon.

It’s probably fair to say that a visit to Ullapool without walking boots will leave your trip a little incomplete, as some of the world’s best walking is to be found all around this jewel-like fishing town. Mountains, rocky coastline, winding inland pathways and loch-side strolls are all within easy reach of town.

On the outskirts of town you’ll find a factory shop for Highland Stoneware, producers of world-class, highly covetable pottery. Here, you’ll often find pieces unavailable elsewhere, perhaps the perfect keepsake or gift for someone special. Housed in a Grade 1-listed ‘Telford church’, Ullapool Museum relates the history of Loch Broom and the hardy pioneers who made this place their home.

Day Five – Caithness

Drive further north, now entering Sutherland and some of Scotland’s most dramatic coastal landscapes, passing Durness and crossing the Kyle of Tongue before entering the area of Caithness at Scotland’s northeastern tip.

Your Accommodation

Your accommodation here is a friendly and welcoming family owned guest house, conveniently placed within easy walking distance of the centre of the small, historic town of Thurso.

Day Six – Caithness

You have a full day to relax and explore Caithness – perhaps visit John O’Groats for those keen to cover one of Britain’s “extremities” and the Castle of Mey – as well as Wick, home of the Old Pulteney Distillery. A day trip to Orkney is also possible.

Day Seven – Dornoch

Your final section of the NC500, brings you south down the east coast of Caithness and Sutherland, perhaps stopping to take in the village of Helmsdale and clifftop Dunrobin castle. Your route could even take you inland to explore the remarkable flow country of Sutherland, on the way to your accommodation either by the cute and genteel Highland town of Dornoch, or slightly further down the coast in Cromarty.

Set in a peaceful location with picturesque just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Dornoch, your accommodation is a charming and well-appointed family run guest house offering warm and welcoming rooms.

Day Eight – Exploring the East Coast

Dornoch is a perfect place to linger for a while: take a lengthy walk along the expansive beach. Indulge in a little shopping for Scottish crafts. Enjoy a tasting of rare whisky. Dornoch boasts Scotland’s smallest cathedral, and in 1727, it became the last place in Scotland where a witch was burnt. The HistoryLinks community museum is the spot to learn all about local culture and history.

Miles of golden sand from Embo Beach to the Loch Fleet Nature Reserve make this a special place for those interested in nature and the great outdoors. The Loch Fleet Nature Reserve, a large tidal basin, with mudflats, dunes and pine forest, provides a natural habitat for an array of wildlife. Waders feed, whilst dolphins and seals can be spotted in this area designated as a Site of Scientific Interest, right on Dornoch’s doorstep.

This corner of the North East Highlands has plenty to offer the whisky fan, too, with world famous Glenmorangie and lesser known Balblair and Clynelish distilleries open for fascinating tours, each with their own stories about what makes their amber liquid unique.

Day Nine – Return Home

The trip ends making the short drive to the Highland capital of Inverness. We can arrange additional nights here or further south as suits.

This driving route could start in Inverness, or further south and we can tailor-make it to suit.

Following the North Coast 500 touring route, from Inverness to the west coast by Wester Ross, Ullapool, then along the “top” of Sutherland to Thurso, and finally down the east coast to Dornoch. The itinerary also works perfectly well in reverse order.

£875 per person for November 2023 to October 2024.

The above pricing does not include stays over Christmas or New Year from 23 December to 8 January . If you are interested in taking a holiday across these dates, please get in touch for a bespoke quote.

Price is based on two adults sharing a double or twin ensuite room for eight nights on a bed and breakfast basis in our hand-picked selection of small hotels and guest houses.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions and recommended routes from your specified starting point, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday.

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Along the North Coast 500 (Part 1)

Drive the North Coast 500, Scotland’s acclaimed 516-mile touring route around some of the country’s remotest parts, and chances are you’ll end u...

This is the 3rd holiday we have booked with you. The accommodation & information supplied is still excellent, and we will book through you again.

Excellent choice of varied accommodation, a wonderful journey, beautiful scenery.

We did 1531 miles on the trip and I enjoyed every minute of it.

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A Sensational Scottish Tour

The north coast 500 & isle of skye package.

Visit the majestic North Coast in this 500+ mile route. Luxury chauffeur service and guide, luxury accommodation, excursions, fine dining, the full package, tailored to suit your requirements.

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Tour Summary

Day 1 Stay: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness (1 Night)

Day 2 Stay: Links House, Dornoch (1 Night) Visit: Dolphin Spirit Cruise, Rogie Falls, Lunch at The Storehouse, Fyrish Monument Walk

Day 3 Stay: Forss House, Thurso (2 Nights) Visit: Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Journey of Flavour Tour, Lunch at the Coastal Tasting Room, Brora Beach

Day 4 Stay: Forss House Visit: John O’Groats, Duncansby Stacks, Lunch at Puldagon Farm, Castle of Mey

Day 5 Stay: Inver Lodge Hotel (2 Nights) Visit: Sangobeg Beach, Smoo Cave, Balnakeil, Kylesku Bridge

Day 6 Stay: Inver Lodge Hotel Visit: Scourie Bay, Handa Island Ferry, Lunch at Shorehouse, Achmelvich and Clachtoll Beach

Day 7 Stay: Shieldaig Lodge, Gairloch (1 Night) Visit: Ardvreck Castle, Ullapool, Lunch at Inverewe Gardens and Gairloch

Day 8 Stay: Marmadale Hotel, Portree, Skye (3 nights) Visit: Torridon, Eilean Donan Castle, Plockton, Sligachan, Portree

Day 9 Stay: Marmalade Hotel, Portree Visit: Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, Neist Point, Lunch at The Three Chimneys, Skye Weavers

Day 10 Stay: The Marmalade Hotel, Portree Visit: Old Man Storr, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Lunch at the Oyster Shed, Talisker

Day 11 Stay: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness Visit: Fairy Pools Hike, Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness, Mustard Seed Restaurant

Day 12 Transfer to airport and departure

ACCOMMODATION: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness Inverness Airport – Inverness

Upon arrival at Inverness airport you will be met by your private driver who will be looking after you for the duration of your trip.

Stay: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness (1 Night) From the airport your driver will take you to the 5-star Ness Walk Hotel, which sits right on the banks of the River Ness and enjoys an oasis of calm in Inverness, an otherwise busy city, as it is surrounded by a huge canopy of trees. Here, beautiful period features combine with sleek modern features to deliver an ambiance that oozes sophistication.

Dine: Torrish Restaurant You will dine in the luxurious Torrish Restaurant at Ness Walk this evening, where you will be warmly welcomed and have the chance to try some Isle of Lewis mussels, Orkney hand-dived scallops, Speyside lamb, as well as many other delicious dishes. There is also a vegan à la carte menu, so there will be something for everyone.

ACCOMMODATION: Links House Hotel, Dornoch Dolphin Spirit Cruise, Rogie Falls, Lunch at The Storehouse, Fyrish Monument Walk

Visit: Dolphin Spirit Cruise You are in for a very special treat this morning as you will be heading out on a Dolphin Spirit cruise out across the Moray Firth in search of dolphins and other amazing wildlife. Have your camera at the ready for a chance to snap these magnificent creatures.

Visit: Rogie Falls As you travel onwards you will then stop at Rogie Falls, a beautiful spot just above the village of Contin. Enjoy a short walk to the suspension bridge to view the waterfalls and the Black Water River in all their glory. Watch the water as it flows down from the nearby Ben Wyvis Mountain.  Rogie Falls are a sight to behold and famous for viewing leaping Atlantic salmon.

Lunch Reservation: The Storehouse After a busy morning you will recharge with some lunch at The Storehouse. This well-loved restaurant, with adjoining food hall and farm shop, has a menu that changes daily to incorporate the freshest local produce. On a nice sunny day you can even sit outside and bask in the heat as you enjoy your lunch.

Visit: Fyrish Monument As you reach the West Highlands you will be taken to view the Fyrish Monument, near Alness, Easter Ross. Built on Fyrish Hill in 1782, these imposing pillars stand proudly overlooking the Cromarty Firth. You will make the short walk up the ‘jubilee path’, through the woodland before arriving at the summit to enjoy the breath-taking views.

Stay: Links House (1 Night) Having enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Links House, you will get the pleasure of experiencing the luxurious and comfortable rooms here too. The elegance and grandeur of the furnishings are second to none and we guarantee a memorable stay at Links House.

Dine: MARA restaurant, Links House You are in for a treat this evening as you will be dining in the MARA Restaurant at Links House. Offering one of the finest dining experiences in the Highlands, MARA will be sure to provide a meal to remember. Their menu includes hogget, pork cheek, sea trout, and they have an entire plant-based menu.

ACCOMMODATION: Forss House, Thurso Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Journey of Flavour Tour, Lunch at the Coastal Tasting Room, Brora Beach

Visit: Dunrobin Castle and Gardens Dunrobin Castle and Gardens is a true highland gem as it’s the most northerly of Scotland’s large houses. It is also one of the UK’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, having occupants since the 1300’s. You will get the chance to marvel at the huge conical spires before exploring the gardens, which were inspired by the gardens of Versailles. There are also lovely views across the Moray Firth to the Cairngorm mountains in the distance.

Visit: Clynelish Journey of Flavour Tour On this fantastic tour of Johnnie Walker’s highland home, you will get to experience a world of different flavours with a full sensory tour and tutored whisky tasting. This is a whisky tour like no other, using lights, music, and special effects to transport you on a fun-filled flavour journey.

Lunch Reservation: The Coastal Tasting Room You will also be having lunch at Clynelish where they offer tasting platters which pair the very best whisky with premium Scottish produce for a taste sensation like no other. There are a range of Highland antipasto, cheeses, and chocolates, as well as hot smoked duck and Great Glen salami. Tasting platters can also be tailored for your individual preferences.

Visit: Brora Beach Your next stop is Brora beach, a gorgeous golden sandy beach offering the chance for a relaxing stroll. You may also want to pack a pair of binoculars for the day as there is a good chance of spotting minke whales, dolphins, and seals.

Stay and Dine: Forss House, Thurso (2 Nights) For the next two nights, the delightful Forss House will be your home as they will be sure to give you a warm highland welcome. This grand country house was built in 1810 and proudly sits within 20 acres of pristine countryside, including woodlands, waterfalls, and the gentle river Forss. You are guaranteed to feel a deep sense of calm and relaxation while staying here.

Forss House has an enviable reputation as having one of the best restaurants in the highlands. Indeed, it is the only 2 AA Rosette restaurant in Caithness. Dishes include Scrabster scallops, Scottish beef fillet, and spring onion and truffle risotto. Why not round the evening off with a selection of premium Scottish cheeses.

ACCOMMODATION: Forss House, Thurso John O’Groats, Duncansby Stacks, Lunch at Puldagon Farm, Castle of Mey

Visit: John O’Groats Your first stop today will be John O’Groats, the world famous village, which represents one end of the longest distance between two inhabited places in the UK, the other being, of course, Land’s End all the way down in Cornwall. While it is famous for being exactly that, John O’Groats really deserves a visit in its own right, with its glorious beaches and bays, plentiful wildlife, and dramatic coastline.

Visit: Duncansby Stacks Speaking of dramatic coastlines, you will make the very short journey to Duncansby Stacks near John O’Groats, where you can marvel at these incredibly jagged and towering peaks that thrust up out of the wild North Sea around them. There is also the Duncansby Lighthouse 500m away which to this day keeps sailors safe from the rocks around this dangerous area known as “Hell’s Mouth”.

Lunch Reservation: Puldagon Farm Puldagon Farm offers a lovely experience. You can dine in their recently renovated restaurant, which was previously a working barn, and offers a huge range of hearty dishes. After lunch you can browse the farm shop, perhaps picking up a gift or two for loved ones back home, before having a wander around outside and seeing some of the adorable animals they have on the farm.

Visit: Castle of Mey With full bellies your journey continues to Castle of Mey, which dates back to the 16 th century. Castle of Mey has changed hands many times over the years but is now owned by the Royal Family after the Queen Mother bought the castle in 1952 and committed a lot of time and effort into renovating both the castle and gardens, which are also exquisite and well worth exploring. There is also an animal centre where you can see Alice the donkey, various rare breeds of sheep and poultry, pigs, rabbits, and chipmunks.

Stay and Dine: Forss House After a fantastic day of touring, you will return to Forss House for an evening of relaxation and fine dining before yet another adventure in the morning.

ACCOMMODATION: Inver Lodge Hotel, Lairg Kyle of Tongue Bridge, Sangobeg Beach, Smoo Cave Tour, Balnakeil Beach, Kylesku Bridge

Visit: Kyle of Tongue Bridge and Sangobeg Beach This morning you will travel over the impressive Kyle of Tongue Bridge, which was first built in 1971 but was fully refurbished in 2011. The bridge forms part of the Kyle of Tongue Causeway which allows the road to continue right across the loch, crossing Tongue Island as it does so.

From there it’s on to Sangobeg Beach, a relaxing, secluded spot with beautiful white sands. This is an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs with a walk along the beach, before getting some pictures of the marvellous scenery.

Visit: Smoo Cave Tour This is a truly amazing opportunity to explore the Smoo Caves on a guided tour. Your experienced and knowledgeable tour guide will keep you safe (they are also a member of the Scottish Cave Rescue team) and tell you all about the history and formation of the caves.

Visit: Balnakeil Church In the northwest of Scotland sits the ruined Balnakeil Church, the earliest site of which was developed in the 8 th century by St Maelrubha. This church grew to be a highly significant Celtic monastery. However, when a new church was built in the 19 th century, it was left to ruin. That being said, trees and bushes have grown all over it now, adding an air of ancient charm. Look out for the monument to Gaelic poet Rob Donn which stands in the churchyard.

Lunch Reservation: Picnic on Balnakeil Beach Lunch today is a special treat as you will be tucking into a luxurious picnic which has been prepared by the hotel staff. Sit back on Balnakeil Beach and enjoy a selection of tasty treats while taking in the magnificent views of this impressive stretch of white sandy beach.

On your way to your accommodation for the evening you will pass over the Kylesku Bridge which has a wonderful gentle curve in it and spans across the Loch a’ Chairn Bhain in Sutherland.

Stay and Dine: Inver Lodge Hotel (2 nights) Home for the next two nights is Inver Lodge Hotel, a family-owned hotel with proud links to its surrounding area. The surroundings are immense here, one of Scotland’s last unspoiled wild areas, and enjoys regular sightings of deer and birds of prey. Staff make every effort to make you feel right at home, and the huge log fire in the foyer will help with that as well.

You will be dining at the Inver Lodge Hotel, which places a huge emphasis on supporting local producers and suppliers. The owner also has private estates which provide the steaks, salmon, and game not only for Inver Lodge, but for His Majesty The King, too.

ACCOMMODATION: Inver Lodge Hotel, Lairg Scourie Bay, Handa Island Ferry, Lunch at Shorehouse Seafood Restaurant, Achmelvich and Clachtoll Beach

Visit: Scourie Bay and Handa Island Ferry Scourie Bay is a wonderous little bay set against some very rugged surrounding countryside. Take some time just absorbing the peace and tranquillity of this unspoilt location. From there you will then take a ferry ride out to Handa Island, a relatively small island by size but a very important island as a home for seabirds and many other creatures. It is actually run as a nature reserve by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. We highly recommend you bring your camera and a good pair of binoculars to get the best snaps and views of this very special island.

Lunch Reservation: Shorehouse Seafood Restaurant Having spent some time travelling over the sea, it’s time for some seafood at Shorehouse Seafood Restaurant. Opening in 1977, this family run business has plenty of experience in looking after their many happy customers. This really is a seafood lover’s paradise, with the menu changing each day depending on what’s been freshly landed that day. Whole lobsters are available if you pre-order.

Visit: Achmelvich and Clachtoll beach You will then visit a couple of the most impressive beaches in Scotland. Firstly, Achmelvich is a brilliant location for spotting some more wildlife, including black- and red-throated divers, porpoises, and dolphins. The gentle curve of the bay echoes the gentle feeling of satisfaction you’ll feel as you look out over the waves crashing endlessly on the shore in this little bit of heaven. Secondly, Clachtoll beach, just north of Lochinver, is equally as impressive and is also home to “Split Rock”, a giant sloping rock which rises out of the sea but looks to have had a giant slice cut out of it by a giant. The Assynt mountains surrounding this area add another layer of magic to the scenery found here.

Stay and Dine: Inver Lodge Hotel After another day of visiting some of the splendid sights Scotland has to offer, you will return to the Inver Lodge Hotel for the evening, dining once more in the excellent in-house restaurant.

ACCOMMODATION: Shieldaig Lodge, Gairloch Ardvreck Castle, Ullapool, Lunch at Inverewe Gardens and Gairloch

Visit: Ardvreck Castle On today’s first stop you will visit Ardvreck Castle, a ruined old castle built in the late 15 th century but which has sadly been left to ruin since the middle of the 18 th century, hence its current state. You can enjoy a pleasant short walk to the castle, which is not quite on an island but it very much feels that way. Some recently added information boards provide a great overview of the castle’s turbulent history.

Drive through: Ullapool Your onward journey will then take through Ullapool, a very popular tourist destination. An infinitely photogenic place, you can easily see why people often return here year after year.

Visit and Lunch: Inverewe Gardens Here you will get the chance to view some rare species from all around the world as you wander round this heritage garden. First created in the 19 th century, this oasis of flora in an otherwise rather barren landscape continues to wow visitors after all these years. There is also a small museum within Inverewe House, including an exhibition to tell you more about Inverewe’s Underwater Garden.

You will also get something to eat here from their very own café, Osgood’s. Newly refurbished and boasting an award-winning menu, this is the perfect spot for refuelling before carrying on your adventure.

Visit: Gairloch You will then have the privilege to drive through two of the most picturesque and awe-inspiring places in the UK, Gairloch. It really does feel like time has stood still in these areas of Scotland; there is something about the immensity and vastness of the mountains which just fills you with a revitalising energy. In fact, we suspect visiting these places may just inspire you to plan your next trip to Scotland.

Stay & Dine: The Shieldaig Lodge Hotel (1 Night) Your accommodation for this evening is Shieldaig Lodge in Gairloch. This former hunting lodge is perched perfectly on the waterside, bursting with charm and character.

Dine at their stunning Loch View Restaurant, enjoying panoramic views of the loch as well as exquisite dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and an incredible selection of wines and whiskies.

ACCOMMODATION: Marmadale Hotel, Portree Torridon, Eilean Donan Castle, Plockton, Skye and Sligachan Bridge, Portree

In the morning you will transcend through the majestic Torridon countryside en-route to the Isle of Skye.

Visit: Eilean Donan Castle Your first stop today is a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, which wouldn’t look out of place in a Game of Thrones scene! This ancient castle was built in the 13 th  century and survives remarkably well to this day. The tiny bridge across the water to its own little island really gets your imagination running wild as to what it must have been like living there all those hundreds of years ago. You will also be able to enjoy some stunning views out over Loch Duich. A coffee and gift shop are also available. Eilean Donan is widely considered as the most beautiful castle in Scotland, due to the idyllic setting at the junction of three different lochs (Loch Long, Loch Duich, and Loch Alsh).

Visit: Plockton You will then head to the delightful village of Plockton, lovingly known as the “the jewel of the highlands”. A peaceful walk around the bay, looking out over the views of Loch Carron, will certainly hit the spot.

After leaving Plockton you will head southwest until you travel over the engineering masterpiece that is the gently curving Skye Bridge and onto Skye.

Photo Stop: Sligachan Bridge Built in 1818, the old Sligachan Bridge is a perfect example of excellent engineering standing the test of time. Set against the backdrop of the Black Cuillin Mountains, enjoy the manmade and natural wonders together. You will have the opportunity to stop and take a few pictures of this wonderful scene.

Visit: Portree You will then stop and explore Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye. With local craft shops and a bustling fishing port, you will have the opportunity to interact with friendly locals and experience Portree’s thriving culture.  Have your camera at the ready as you will want to grab a picture of the brightly coloured, cottage lined harbour.

Stay and Dine: Marmalade Hotel, Portree (3 nights) Having explored the charming town of Portree you will make your way to your accommodation, Marmalade Hotel. This stunning hotel is in a perfect location, just five minutes from the centre of Portree but far enough away and up high enough to enjoy a world of seclusion, with views looking over Portree, the coast below, and the Cuillin Mountains beyond.

For dinner this evening you will dine in the hotel’s Chargrill Restaurant . Enjoy fantastic views over a dinner of fresh seafood or premium Scottish beef cooked to perfection on the grill. There are also options to have grilled tofu or watermelon if you fancy something a bit different.

ACCOMMODATION: Marmadale Hotel, Portree Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, Neist Point, Lunch at The Three Chimneys

Visit: Dunvegan Castle and Gardens Today you will first of all head to Dunvegan Castle. Dating back to the 13 th century, this castle has had many additions over the centuries and is now registered as a category A listed building. There are also five acres of gardens for you to explore, including the Water Garden, Rose Garden, and Walled Garden, as well as woodland walks and nearby waterfalls.

Visit: Neist Point Your driver will then take you to Neist Point and the most westerly point of Skye, at the tip of the Duirinish peninsula. Here you will see one of the most famous lighthouses in all of Scotland, that was first lit back in 1909. As well as the stunning scenery, keep an eye out for whales and dolphins below.  As you are on the cliffs there will be lots of common seabirds to view too.

Lunch Reservation: The Three Chimneys You will then enjoy some lunch at The Three Chimneys which sits on the shores of Loch Dunvegan and takes pride in providing the best Skye and Scotland has to offer, including cured salmon, scorched langoustine, Black Isle beef, and Gigha halibut.

Visit: Skye Weavers Next you will travel to nearby Glendale to watch some uniquely skilled weavers at work. Explore their woven woollen textiles inspired by the island, and woven by pedal-power! Watch them work on their bicycle pedal-powered loom that weaves woollen products including scarves, throws, tweed, homewares, accessories and more.

Dine: Scorrybreac Restaurant After your day of exploring, you will head back to the Marmalade Hotel to relax and freshen up before heading to dinner at the Scorrybreac Restaurant. “Scorrybreac” means “speckled rock”, a tribute to the cliffs close to the restaurant. Combining Scottish produce with French influence, the team here produce food which may just blow your mind.

ACCOMMODATION: Marmadale Hotel, Portree Old Man Storr, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Lunch at the Oyster Shed, Talisker Distillery Tour

Visit: The Old Man of Storr Get ready for some famous walks and jaw dropping scenery as your driver takes you on a mesmerising drive north of the town of Portree. You will first stop at The Old Man of Storr, a monumental rock pinnacle that can be seen from far and wide. A staggering sight to behold, be sure to have plenty of battery left in your camera as there are photo opportunities aplenty here.

Visit: Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Continue North to Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls. You will notice that these ancient 90 metre cliffs resemble a pleated kilt, hence the name ‘Kilt Rock’. You will witness both of these spectacular sights, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, from the same viewpoint on the Trotternish Peninsula. The other beautiful sight here is Mealt waterfall which, flows from the nearby Mealt Loch, with the water plunging from the cliff tops to the rocky coast below.

Visit: The Quiraing Next you will continue north to the most northerly point of the Trotternish ridge, The Quiraing. As the ancient landscapes begin to unfold before your eyes, your driver will take you on a stunning drive down the narrow road and hairpin bends. With rolling hills and cliffs surrounding you, there are opportunities here for a brief walk or hike. Be sure to have your camera ready to snap the gigantic pinnacles of rock as they bask in their glorious surroundings.

Visit: The Fairy Glen Next stop, The Fairy Glen, on the west side of Trotternish. An otherworldly experience awaits as you approach this supernatural looking landscape. A short hike from the road, these rich and vibrant colours and fairy-tale views all around are a photographer’s paradise. Be sure to keep a look out as legend has it that fairies live deep within this magical Glen…

Lunch Reservation: The Oyster Shed This special spot in the village of Carbost is the ideal place to enjoy a seafood lunch, with crab, scallop, salmon, and so much more on offer. All as fresh as can be.

Visit: Talisker Distillery You will then visit Talisker Distillery, the oldest working distillery on Skye located in the picturesque village of Carbost on the shores of Loch Harport. You will enjoy a guided tour of the distillery, learn about the casks in their warehouse, see their 5 copper pot stills that give Talisker Whisky its unique taste. And, of course, enjoy a dram of their full-bodied whisky and the only Single Malt Whisky from Skye.

Stay and Dine: The Marmalade Hotel, Portree In the evening you will once again retire to The Marmalade Hotel for a chance to reflect on yet another fantastic day of touring.

ACCOMMODATION: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness Fairy Pools Hike, Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness, Mustard Seed Restaurant

Visit: The Fairy Pools After a delicious breakfast it is onwards to Glenbrittle and the magical Fairy Pools, Skye’s most popular attraction. With their crystal clear waters and beautiful waterfalls, it is easy to see why. You will walk 20 minutes to the fairy pools themselves, an easy hike, allowing you to soak in the magnificent scenery all around you. Ancient folklore says that fairies swim in these pools and if you are feeling brave, you may wish to do so as well. After that you will depart Skye, once again passing over the delightful Skye Bridge.

Visit: Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness You will then make your way to the village of Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness. Here you will join your private boat, the “Cluaran Dubh”, meet your skipper Gordon and embark on your Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness which lasts for around an hour. You will enjoy stunning views of Loch Ness, The Great Glen, and Urquhart Castle.  Gordon, your skipper, was born, raised, and still lives on the Loch Ness shores. He will enlighten you with anecdotes such as witches casting spells to protect Nessie ‘The Loch Ness Monster’ from cryptozoologists. A charming and entertaining journey with awe-inspiring scenery throughout.

Dine: The Mustard Seed A firm favourite in Inverness, The Mustard Seed offers top class food in a relaxed atmosphere, exactly what you’re looking for on your last evening in Scotland. Located in a converted church, this allows for some excellent features, such as the double height ceiling and large open fire, all of which add to a sense of The Mustard Seed being truly special. On the menu you will find such delights as breast of wood pigeon, Cajun halloumi fries, Scottish salmon, and sweet and sour tofu.

Stay: Ness Walk Hotel After dinner you will spend one more night in The Ness Walk Hotel, getting what we are sure will be a restful sleep before departing in the morning.

DEPARTURE Your driver will meet you at your hotel and transport you to Inverness International Airport, where we must bid you a fond farewell.

The Best of Scotland Tour

The ultimate lux tour, the iconic scotland & ireland tour, spirit of scotland tour, scottish romance tour, the 14 day scottish luxury tour, the luxury scotland family tour, malt whisky indulgence tour, the highland whisky experience tour, the water of life tour, the ultimate scottish golf tour, legends of golf tour, st andrews golf tour, iconic east coast golf tour, north coast 500 & isle of skye road trip, photography inspired drive tour, the luxury coast & waters tour, taste of scotland tour.

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Call from US: 011-44-131-510-9424

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Luxury Scotland Tours, 1 St Colme Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6AA.

Join us in for the biggest classic car pilgrimage to Europe and be a part of the popular Circuit Historique de Laon, the largest and most popular event of its kind in Europe with over 700 cars attending this event every year.

JEC Club Tours

Call us to discuss your  next driving tour, 01732 879153, open monday to friday 9am to 5pm .

Scotland's Spectacular

North coast route 500, scotland's scenic north coast route 500 showcases the fairy tale castles, beaches and ruins, plus the best the north highlands has to offer. the route starts in the northern city of inverness, then weaves along the east coast through dingwall to john o’groats and the bustling north coast town of thurso. from here you’ll venture through some of the most northerly points in scotland passing durness and scourie, before heading down the spectacular west coast to torridon and ullapool. upon departing from gairloch your journey home will be via applecross.  , there’s nothing quite like the freedom of the long open road, wide meandering paths and hidden trails through some of scotland’s finest coastal scenery, which are just a few things you can expect on scotland’s premier tourist route. scotland's scenic north coast route 500 is a haven of adventure, with hundreds of things to see and do, whether it be spotting dolphins, climbing mountains, tasting local delicacies or relaxing on the beach, there is something for everyone on scotland's scenic north coast route 500..

North Coast Route 500

Tour itinerary.

Drive to Peebles in the Scottish Borders for check-in at the Hotel. After some free time to relax and freshen up a welcome dinner is included.

Look What’s Included

• 1 Night at the Barony Castle Hotel, Peebles (5 Night Tours only)

• 1 Night at the Best Western Palace Hotel, Inverness

• 1 Night at the Bettyhill Hotel, Nr   Thurso

• 1 Night at the Summer Isles Hotel

• 1 Night at the Myrtle Bank Hotel, Gairloch

• Breakfast each morning & Dinners as meal basis below

• Detailed Road Book featuring Maps, Great Drives & Local Attractions

• Car Parking at All Hotels

• Commemorative Tour Rally Plate

 HOTELS

All of the hotels on this tour have been hand-picked for their quality, facilities and location

Please note: Due to the remote locations you will  be visiting on this tour hotel choice is limited, hence some of the hotels we are using are a little more basic than we may normally choose.

Dates & Prices

Scotland's North Coast Route 500

6 Days, 5 Nights - Starting in Lanark/Peebles & Including the Cairngorms

5 Days, 4 Nights - Starting in Inverness 

*Please note: All prices shown above are per person and based on 2 persons sharing a car and a twin/double room Meal Basis  -​ Breakfast & Dinner each day Single Occupancy Supplements From £220.00

Other scottish tours include.

SCOTTISH ISLANDS

& highlands.

10 Days, 11 Nights - July 

SCOTTISH 

Islands 500.

May, June & September

North Coast 500

• Fully customisable itinerary
• Prices from: £1370 per person
• Best time to go: April - October
• Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Situated at the edge of the Great Glen, Inverness is known as the Capital of the Highlands. Nearby you will find Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rising, and mysterious Loch Ness.

Mountains of Assynt

Admire the majestic splendour of mountains that Assynt has to offer. The spectacular mountainous backdrop is made up of distinctively shaped mountains including the remarkable Suilven.

Bealach na Bà

Experience a thrilling journey over the Bealach na Bà with spectacular views and hairpin bends. Bealach na Bà, meaning pass of the cattle, has become well known and is a must if you’re passing through the Applecross Mountains.

Inverewe Gardens

Explore the world-famous Inverewe Gardens – an oasis of exotic plants and vibrant colour. Many rare species of plants are thriving in this part of Scotland due to the effects of the Gulf Stream. Enjoy the lush setting and varying scents around every corner.

Dunrobin Castle

Visit the magnificent ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle, resembling a French chateâu with magnificent gardens and falconry displays. Dunrobin is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and with 189 rooms, is also the largest in the Northern Highlands.

Achmelvich Bay

Hidden away on the West Coast is Achmelvich Bay, a beautiful white sandy beach and is known to be one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches. Relish in this little corner of paradise, and enjoy the pristine water and rugged backdrop.

A Spectacular Route around Scotland’s North Coast

Experience Scotland’s answer to Route 66 on this self-guided road trip holiday. The North Coast 500 offers an unforgettable journey through some of Europe’s most exhilarating scenery.

From Inverness, the cosmopolitan capital of the Highlands, journey into north-west Scotland to explore one of Europe’s last great wildernesses where majestic mountains and sparkling lochs await.

Travel to the rugged North Coast of Scotland, where sweeping sea views and isolated beaches combined with the warmest of Highland hospitality is everything you can expect from your time on the North Coast 500, and much more!

Head over to the West Coast as you bask in some of the most beautiful mountainous scenery that Scotland has to offer. Enjoy some of the best walking in the ancient mountains of Torridon whilst discovering hidden white sandy bays.

Visit the most northerly point of mainland Britain, at Dunnet Head with its spectacular sea cliffs and views over to the Orkney Isles. Admire the stunning sea stacks at Duncansby Head or take a photo at the iconic John O’Groats signpost. Travel south into Caithness to explore a region full of historic towns and endless miles of sandy beaches. 

Return to Inverness through the picturesque Black Isle where your unforgettable journey on the North Coast 500 comes to an end.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Arrive in Inverness

Arrive in Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, where you can wander along the picturesque banks of the River Ness, see Pictish carvings at Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, or go in search of ‘Nessie’ at nearby Loch Ness. Overnight – Inverness

Day 2: Inverness to Wester Ross

Your journey on the NC500 begins today. Travel west to the tranquil Applecross Peninsula and enjoy one of the most spectacular road trips in the British Isles, with jaw-dropping views across to the Cuillin Mountains on the Isle of Skye. Picturesque fishing villages and crofting townships are scattered all along the coast. Overnight – Wester Ross

Day 3: Wester Ross Sightseeing

One of Europe’s last great wildernesses is yours to explore today. Visit famous Inverewe Gardens, go dolphin spotting on a boat trip from Gairloch, walk along miles of deserted white sandy beaches, or enjoy some of the best walking in the country in the ancient mountains of Torridon. Overnight – Wester Ross

Day 4: Wester Ross to Ullapool

Your next destination in the north of Scotland is Ullapool – an idyllic, whitewashed fishing village sitting on the banks of Loch Broom. More great beaches await you, so take your time, relax and settle into a slower pace of life. Overnight – Ullapool

Day 5: Ullapool Sightseeing

Discover the magical Summer Isles, enjoy an exhilarating walk to the summit of Stac Pollaidh for stunning views of the islands, or a bracing cliff top walk to the Old Man of Stoer. Overnight – Ullapool

Day 6: Ullapool to Durness

A wonderfully scenic and winding road passes secluded beaches, secret bays and hidden coves to your destination in the Far North, the spectacularly located village of Durness. Overnight – Durness area

Day 7: Durness Sightseeing

Tucked away behind several gorgeous white sandy beaches, Durness is a magical spot and a great base for relaxing beachfront strolls. Explore dramatic Smoo Cave, visit Balnakeil Craft Village, or walk 4 miles to Sandwood Bay – one of Britain’s most beautiful and secluded beaches. Overnight – Durness area

Day 8: Durness to Thurso

Travel the old road across the very top of Scotland past the remote mountains of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope following the cliffs and stunning golden beaches of our northern coast.

The bustling town of Thurso awaits – a perfect base to explore the wild and rugged Far North. Overnight – Thurso area

Day 9: Far North Sightseeing

Visit the most northerly point in mainland Britain, Dunnet Head, with its stunning sea cliffs and views across to the Orkney Isles, or the opulent Castle and Gardens of Mey – the Queen Mother’s holiday home. Take a photo at the iconic John O’Groats signpost, or visit Duncansby Head with its awe-inspiring sea stacks. Overnight – Thurso area

Day 10: Thurso to Dornoch

Travel south through the unspoilt region of Caithness – a former Viking stronghold – to Dunrobin Castle. The ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland resembles a French chateâu with magnificent gardens and falconry displays.  

The picturesque Royal Burgh of Dornoch is your home for the night. The town has miles of golden sandy beaches to explore, as well as a 13th century Cathedral. Overnight – Dornoch

Day 11: Return to Inverness

Travel south through a wild and vastly uninhabited area and take a short walk up to visit the impressive Fyrish Monument, built on Fyrish Hill in 1782.

Continue south to Inverness, where your unforgettable journey on the North Coast 500 will come to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

• Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 10 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
• Comprehensive information pack
• Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
• Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route
• 10 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
• 24-hour emergency contact number
• Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

• Travel insurance
• Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience.

Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

From award-winning luxury Hotels to unique country retreats, all of which offer exceptional accommodation with superb facilities and outstanding service.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best Scotland has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

• Collision Damage Waiver
• Super Damage Excess Waiver
• Third Party Insurance
• Theft Waiver
• Good for 2 people
• Maximum of 4 passengers
• 2 large suitcases
• Manual or automatic transmission
• Good for 2 – 4 people
• Maximum of 5 passengers

Intermediate

• Good for up to 4 people
• 3 large suitcases
• Good for 5 people
• Maximum of 7 passengers
• 3 – 4 large suitcases

Related blog posts

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Since 2004, we've led the way in planning remarkable road trips in the UK. Like a perfectly tailored suit, each itinerary is crafted around you. Learn more about us and our self-drive holidays in our new guide. Read more

North Coast 500: The World’s Best Road Trip?

Voted one of the best road trips in the world, the spectacular North Coast 500 ventures through the wild and beautiful north coast of Scotland. A journey of a lifetime! Sine from the Absolute Escapes team set off to discover Scotland's answer to Route 66. Read more

7 of the Best Places to Stay on the North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 is a spectacular driving route through some of the best and most untouched coastal and countryside scenery in Europe. If you'd like to experience the North Coast 500 with a touch of luxury, discover some of the best hotels and B&Bs along the way ... Read more

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The North Coast 500 3 day tour

Scotland's 'Route 66' is a rollercoaster road of ruined castles, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages.

Tour Highlights

Torridon Hills - These are arguably the most dramatic and spectacular mountains in Scotland.

Shieldaig - One of Scotland's most outrageously picturesque villages.

Applecross* - A remote village that was only accessible by boat until the early 20th century. Stop here and visit a pub that serves delicious seafood.

John o'Groats - Look out to the North Sea at the island of Britain's most northerly point.

Corrieshalloch Gorge - Take a walk through a beautiful forest and discover a gushing waterfall

Dunrobin Castle - Gaze upon this beautiful castle that boasts 189 rooms in 'Scottish Gothic' style architecture.

Your journey

You clamber through scattered boulders and spot a beach so white it makes you reach for your sunglasses. You ramble along cliffs and find a village so small you try to pack it in your suitcase. And you travel along tumbling roads and see castles so ancient you rub your eyes in disbelief.

This is the North Coast 500. And over every horizon, you find something surprising.

On this tour, your driver-guide takes you to the best spots to sample the sumptuous seafood, admire amazing landscapes, and learn the legendary tales.

So, take this famous route of twists and turns and explore one of the most beautifully wild parts of Scotland .

Tour Details

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• Access to distillery production areas may not be possible
• Some distilleries offer tutored tastings instead of tours
• Distilleries may be substituted
• Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Entry fees to visitor attractions
• Explore Scotland's very own 'Route 66', the North Coast 500
• Enjoy your evening in the port town of Ullapool

Set off from Inverness and begin your journey on Scotland’s ‘Route 66’. It’s an epic drive with loads to squeeze in. Just make sure you have plenty of space on your camera.

Heading for Ullapool, we spend the first day weaving through the North Coast 500’s winding roads. Your driver-guide will take you to towering mountains, banks of shimmering lochs, and the shores of beautiful beaches. We reach the scenic port town of Ullapool in the late afternoon.

*From November to March, Applecross may be inaccessible due to bad weather and daylight timings.

• Get to know Thurso, mainland Britain's most northerly town
• Journey along the NC500, discovering treasures along the way

Today, the scenery gets progressively more beautiful, rocky, and mountainous. As you travel north, your driver-guide will take you to some of the most stunning sights in Scotland.

Your itinerary depends on the weather and your guide’s expert tips, but you may have a chance to venture into the deep Smoo Cave, wander the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, and gaze at gorgeous white beaches. You stop for lunch in a Highland village and spend the evening in Thurso, the most northerly town on the British mainland.

• Explore the ruins of Cirnigeo Castle
• Enjoy coastal views on your drive today

Today you get plenty of time off the coach to explore cosy fishing villages, epic cliffs, and ancient Neolithic sights.

Your driver takes you to the northernmost point of mainland Great Britain where you might spot the Orkney Isles on the horizon.

Perched on the windswept cliff, Girnigeo Castle is your next stop. The location of this ruin is as dramatic as its history. Walk along this wild coast and listen to the chilling tales before you continue on the epic North Coast 500 route.

Travelling southwards, you enjoy the green valleys and sea views on the way to Dunrobin Castle. You have time to take a photo of the stately home before you drive along the coast and through land once inhabited by the Picts and Vikings.

Finally, we arrive in Inverness in the early evening.

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight?

You stay one night in Ullapool* and one night in Thurso .

* Please be aware that Ullapool is busy. You may need to be flexible with rooms we're able to reserve for you here. If you'd prefer to find your own accommodation for this location, please choose the 'book your own accommodation' option when you book your tour.

How can I book accommodation?

Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE .

Alternatively, please email us your questions at [email protected] or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.

Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab : types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.

How much will the accommodation cost?

We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.

As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices,  per person per night :

NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)

Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

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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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I love to travel all over the world, but it's Africa that holds a special place in my heart. My mission is to help people travel Africa in an authentic, safe, fun, adventurous and ethical way.

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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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