scotland nc500 tour

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

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

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

MUST-SEE PLACES ON THE NORTH COAST 500

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

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

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

TOP THINGS TO DO ON THE NC500

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

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

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

WHERE TO STAY ON THE NC500

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

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

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

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

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

SUGGESTED NORTH COAST 500 ITINERARY

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

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

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

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

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

HOW TO PLAN YOUR NC500 TRIP?

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO DO THE NC500

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

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

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

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

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

TIPS FOR DRIVING THE NC500

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

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

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

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

WHAT TO TAKE ON THE NORTH COAST 500

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

Here’s our recommended packing list for Scotland :

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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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.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

We work hard to make sure the unexpected doesn’t affect your trip. On rare occasions, changes or cancellations may occur, affecting accommodation, transport or excursions. We are committed to informing you of any such circumstances and will use our knowledge and resources to offer suitable alternatives wherever possible.

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This holiday can be arranged from January to December – though stays over the Christmas or New Year period from 23rd December to 8th January will require a bespoke quote.

Availability is individually checked for a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses and other independent businesses, so please bear with us and we will respond in 1-2 working days.

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We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.

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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LUXURY PRIVATE TOURS

The north coast 500, & its heartland.

JOURNEY WITH US FOR THE ULTIMATE NORTH HIGHLAND EXPERIENCE

Why choose a private guide.

Be inspired by an expert who will help you look below the surface of what you can see, bring to life the history of the area and take you off the beaten track to places others will not see.

WHICH TYPE OF TOUR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Our website is designed to give you a flavour of what we offer and our expertise will help to tailor your unique experience.

NEW: OUR FAVOURITE EXPERIENCES

Discover what we love about the North Highlands, learn about some of our favourite places and enjoy some of the sights you will see when visiting the North Highlands and North Coast 500.

EXPLORERS' EXPERIENCES

Best choice for a NC500 tour

If you want a full appreciation of the Scottish Highlands, look no further than the extremely knowledgeable and passionate husband and wife team at NCE. We did extensive research of our options and NCE stood out as the best.

Madelaine, California

Stunning NC500 Tour Guide! 

If I had to pick just a few words for our North Coast Explorer tour it would be things like - luxury, bespoke, friendly, knowledgeable, personalized, well-research - and amazing! We wouldn't ever contact anyone else - and neither should you. North Coast Explorer is simply THE BEST!

Chris, Seattle

A highlight of our trip to Scotland

Anyone who is considering booking a tour, you should. It's so much better not to drive it, and just to sit back, and let Robert & Sally-Ann take over and show you the best of the best! They are expert planners, great communicators and just wonderful people.

David, Los Angeles

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

Share this tour

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.

Tour Gallery

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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North Coast 500 - 7 Days

£1,595.00 based on 2 people sharing a Twin/Double Room

($1,993.75 USD or $2,855.05 AUD)

£300.00 deposit

£550.00 single room supplement

3rd May to 11th May 2024

1 Male place in Twin Room

2nd May to 10th May 2025

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• A truly unique Scottish cycling experience, our 7 day North Coast 500 is incredible.
• Experience the unique scenery of the west coast from rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches to dramatic mountain peaks.  
• Sample amazing local produce from incredible fresh seafood, organic meats and of course haggis, with the odd wee dram.
• Our route avoids the busy A9, taking some very special remote roads through the 'flow country' 

Sounds like the perfect cycling tour?

Joining the tour

Start: inverness .

Arrival day is Friday  in Inverness, where we stay overnight in a centrally located Hotel before setting off from Inverness Castle on Saturday morning.

For more detailed information please click the  " Itinerary "  tab

Cycling level

Challenging: For cyclists with stamina and a good level of fitness - requires training. Long days with some tough ascents.

Description

A truly unique scottish cycling experience.

A journey around the 500 mile circular route which offers cyclists a spectacular array of mountain ranges, lochs, glens, castles, ruins, beaches and wildlife - not forgetting a range of memorable locations to sample some of the best of Scotland’s food and drink.

Tour Summary

We start in 'The Capital of The Highlands' Inverness and head west to the coast. A stunning but optional ascent over the famous 'Baelach na Ba' awaits with a hair-raising descent into Applecross. Whitewashed crofting houses pepper the road to Gairloch, where we may if lucky catch a glimpse of dolphins.

Following this is the awe-inspiring scenery of Glen Torridon, which is amongst the most spectacular you'll see in the UK. Heading into Wester Ross, the road hugs the coast and there are views of Skye and the Western Isles. After stocking up on supplies in the wee fishing town of Ullapool, we cycle through Lochinver with stunning views to Stac Pollaidh and Suilven, just two of many idiosyncratic peaks in the area.

The sleepy settlement of Kylesku and its iconic bridge see us heading north on a winding single-track road towards Assynt, a region that captures the stark, elemental beauty of the Highlands like nowhere else. The north coast road continues to Durness, the UK's most NW village and worthwhile detour into Smoo Cave. 

The stunning North Atlantic coastline guides us to Melvich before we turn south towards one of the world's last wild places, the 'Flow Country'. An undulating, vast expanse of peat and pools provide our backdrop to Forsinard Station. A smooth single track road weaves alongside Loch Naver and past the famous Crask Inn to Lairg. Our route then heads towards the east coast for the first time and coastal town of Dornoch.

Riding back west to Bonnar Bridge we get spectacular views over Dornoch Firth to distract from climbing 'The Struie', whilst Cromarty Firth and The Black Isle provide a welcome sense of the end being in sight. Before long the cycle paths of Inverness draw us to our conclusion at the majestic Inverness Castle.

 Overview of our 7 Day Itinerary

Customer safety and enjoyment are always our priorities at Pedal Britain, and on this tour we have made a few adjustments to what would ordinarily be considered the traditional NC500 route that enhance both of these.

Firstly, we avoid large parts of the very busy A9 which runs along the east coast section of the NC500, favouring a much safer and ultimately more scenic route further inland. Interestingly this is also a detour highly recommended by Mark Beaumont, who holds the record for this route - just the 38 hours!!

Secondly, for those of you wanting to avoid some of the climbing on this route such as 'The Baelach na Ba', but without compromising the overall experience, we have also built in some alternative route options for Day 2 and Day 4 that are equally as stunning - these are outlined in detail within the 'itinerary' tab.

  Route Map

Arrival day : friday > inverness.

Our Hotel in Inverness is 10 minutes on foot from the Railway Station and around 20 minutes drive from the Airport. If you are arriving by plane please let us know your arrival time so we can arrange for transport to the Hotel.

As with all Pedal Britain tours we'll meet at our Hotel around 6.30pm for a tour briefing and then eat together in the evening at a restaurant close by.

Day 1:  Inverness to Lochcarron 

64 miles  | 103km |  2468ft  | 752m

From our start point of Inverness Castle it is an easy cruise on rolling roads out of town, providing tremendous views of the Beauly Firth. Heading North to Garve we pass Rogie Falls and its famous fish ladder, before we strike west through increasingly mountainous country. As we ascend alongside Loch Gowan we are treated to stunning views of the Ledgowan Forest. Then, riding alongside Loch Dughaill on single track, pine tree lined roads, we reach our overnight stop at Lochcarron.

Day 2: Lochcarron to Gairloch  

80 miles  | 129km | 7033ft  | 2143m

A hearty Scottish breakfast is recommended for todays epic ride. From Tornapress the riding is incredible, with Loch Kishorn away to the left you begin to ascend Bealach na Ba, a UK Top 100 climb. Gently you'll grind your way from sea-level to 2085ft, negotiating alpine hairpin bends and seeing the spectacular view of Scottish Islands and the West Coast unfold before you. After a tricky, but amazing descent into Applecross our work isn’t quite finished, with some punchy climbing around the incredible coastal road to the charming village of Shieldaig.

For those of you not wanting to take on this climb, we have an alternative route that takes you north through equally stunningly remote countryside, rejoining the route at the coast near Shieldaig. This route is 52 miles | 84km | 3267ft | 996m  which allows for a more relaxed day in the saddle.

From here our route winds its way through Glen Torridon and arguably some of the most spectacular landscape in the UK. Dramatic mountains such as Liathach and Beinn Eighe rise like ancient giants, providing an unforgettable backdrop to the riding as we reach the village of Kinlochewe.

Heading west on flatter roads we ride alongside Loch Maree which teams with wildlife, before arriving at Gairloch for a well deserved rest and reflect on one of life's great days in the saddle.

Day 3: Gairloch to Ullapool

56 miles  | 90km | 4361ft | 1329m

After our big day yesterday you’ll surely be lifted by Day 3 being shorter, but one that contains further magnificent scenery.

Climbing out of the village we head towards Poolewe, from where we rejoin the coastline and cycle along Gruinard Bay. After some further climbing we are treated to incredible views of the An Teallach Hills. As we cross Fain Bridge our ride enters the wild and brooding Dundonnell Forest which culminates after a gentle descent at the Corrieshalloch Gorge. Wide, sweeping landscapes, punctuated by impressive peaks guide us into our picturesque destination for this evening, Ullapool – very much the “capital” of the NW Highlands, with a great range of restaurants and bars.

Day 4 :  Ullapool to Kinlochbervie 

75 miles  | 121km | 6928ft | 2111m

Today is another day of amazing scenery on simply brilliant roads - but with nearly 7,000ft of climbing you will earn the views.

It starts with a stunning single track road that winds its way past the beautiful Loch Lurgainn and Bad a Ghaill. Squeezing between mountains and sea, past deserted white sand beaches on the way to Lochinver. The next 22 miles almost defy description for its sheer natural beauty around every bend and may be like no road you have even ridden before.

You'll be used to the routine by now of short sharp ascents and similar descents, as we follow the coastline past tranquil and undisturbed limestone lochs. Cycling through Drumbeg and Negg the landscape is dominated by the wonderful geology of the Quinag mountain range, en-route to the iconic bridge in Kylesku which spans the Loch a Chairn Bhain. 

Again we offer an alternative route to the coastal road which is 68 miles | 110km | 5577ft | 1700m . This takes you more inland after Lochinver cycling through the incredibly remote but beautiful Assynt region and rejoining the main route at Kylesku Bridge. It's just a shame you have to choose, because both routes are fantastic.  

The final miles of this day take us to the delightful fishing village of Kinlochbervie our overnight stop.

Day 5:  Kinlochbervie to Melvich  

67 miles  | 108km |  5679ft | 1730m

We start the day cycling a memorable section that covers the wild and exposed terrain towards Durness, the UK's most NW village. After leaving Durness a stop at Smoo Cave is highly recommended, as we once again hug the stunning coastline. Continuing east the views are almost tropical (albeit the temperature is not!!) with incredible white sandy beaches on this unspoilt section of rugged coast.

After following the remote Loch Eriboll the terrain remains undulating as we head across the Kyle of Tongue. Those who did LEJOG with us will be familiar with parts of this next section as we take in the stunning North Atlantic views at Bettyhill. The road has further short sharp climbs, followed by majestic sweeping descents which persist until we reach the sand dunes surrounding the amazing bay of our overnight stop in Melvich.

Day 6: Melvich to Dornoch

92 miles  | 148km | 4249ft | 1295m

Today we stray from the traditional NC500 route that would ordinarily take us down the east coast. Our assessment is the very busy and fast flowing A9 is not cycling friendly. Instead we turn south onto the NCN1 where we exchange wild coastlines for a vast remote area of bog moorland known as the "Flow Country". Very few cars venture this way, which makes for cycling in splendid isolation alongside the Halladale River, famous for its salmon fishing until we reach Kinbrace.

Heading west again this final section is a Pedal Britain favourite, as we ride a smooth single track road alongside the incredible Loch Naver in the shadow of the striking Ben Klilbrek (reverse to those that have done LEJOG) towards Altnaharra. 

On leaving Altnaharra we climb steadily towards the famous Crask Inn (where Douglas will happily serve you a wee nip of Whiskey if you so wish) before a glorious 14 miles of gentle downhill to Lairg known as 'The Crossroads of the North'. From here we head east to the coast, where after a very short stint on the A9 we cycle alongside Loch Fleet to Dornoch, where if lucky we might catch a glimpse of some basking seals. 

Day 7: Dornoch to Inverness  

79 miles  | 129km | 4449ft | 1356m

The final push. After 6 days of epic riding, you've nearly completing this incredible bike tour. While today has fewer mountains there is still some climbing to be done, especially in the first half of the day.

From Dornoch we cycle back inland on relatively flat terrain towards Bonar Bridge, before tackling the long and occasionally steep 'Struie' which affords spectacular views over the Dornoch Firth, which will again be familiar to any previous LEJOG clients. A welcome descent brings the Cromarty Firth into view as we pass through Evanton and across the Cromarty bridge on the A9 for a short distance.

Then at Culbokie we turn left to the historic and quaint village of Cromarty where we spend most of our time on single track roads. We’ll continue rolling well on the flat roads alongside the Moray Firth, with the Black Isle and Inverness nearly in sight, and we’ll finish where we began, right on the esplanade of Inverness Castle. 

Departure Day: Saturday > Inverness

Pedal Britain staff will need to leave early for the long journey home. However we will beforehand arrange for transport to collect groups from the Hotel and take to the airport if required.

What's included

       8 nights bed & breakfast accommodation.

We stay in a great mix of cyclist friendly Hotels or B&B's. Where ever it is possible we all stay together in the same accommodation as a group. No need to check in Pedal Britain team will have done that for you, just collect your key and relax. Bikes are either locked in a secure area of the hotel or in your room. Breakfasts are all included with a choice of Full or Continental available.

 Fully Supported Tour 

The Pedal Britain support van is never far away to provide any assistance you need, be it access to your day bag, resolve a mechanical issue, report a first aid problem or just have a morale boosting chat. Just phone the driver or tap helmet as we pass if you need anything and we'll stop for you.   

Daily Luggage Transfer

The support vehicle moves all of your luggage between each nights accommodation. Luxury, wherever time allows we'll even put it in your room for you. Also we recommend leaving a day bag in the support van to further reduce what you need to carry on the bike.

Includes Lunch and Brew Stop Refreshments 

Lunches are a mix of rolling buffets in pubs and cafes or a picnic in a very scenic spot. The famous Pedal Britain pop up café delivers welcome brew stops at strategic points along the route to keep energy levels up providing you with water, tea, coffee, fruit, biscuits, cake, flap jacks and anything else you specifically request.

Expert Cycling and Tour Guides

Pedal Britain prides itself on having staff with a 'can-do' attitude, their entire focus is on ensuring they attend to your every need, to ensure that you have the best experience possible. They have detailed knowledge of the route, are first aid qualified and decent mechanics - but most importantly they care about you. When asked 'What makes Pedal Britain better than others?' quite simply it is our amazing staff - the one thing our competition cannot copy.

Pedal Britain Tour App & Detailed Route Notes

From here you can download the relevant file format for the daily route maps - GPX, TCX etc.. These can then easily be transferred to whatever GPS unit you are using such as a Garmin or Wahoo.

Don't have a GPS unit? No problem, just download our APP and it turns your Smart Phone into a GPS unit with turn by turn route navigation. We also provide very detailed route notes which act as both information about the days cycling and back up to your electronic gadgets.

Live Tracking App

Pedal Britain Live Tracker app allows family and friends to see how well your progressing. The same tracker also helps us keep you safe and also ensure your following the route!!

Facebook Tour Groups

We will invite you to join a closed Facebook group for your specific tour. This enables you to get to know people before the holiday and provides a platform to share training experiences or any questions, concerns you may have before the tour.

Not Included

Evening Meals  (although group bookings will be made at local restaurants attendance is optional, however payment isn’t!!)

Travel Insurance

Transport to and from Inverness  

Easy Bike Transfer (available for a fee)

Single Room Option  (limited number available for additional fee)

Entrance fees to historical or cultural sites

Cycle Hire  

Travel logistics

Getting to the start and home from inverness.

One important factor in planning your Scottish adventure holiday with Pedal Britain is arranging transport for yourself and bike to Inverness to arrive on Friday .

The easiest method of travelling to and from Inverness is by air. There are an abundance of relatively cheap flights to Inverness from many airports in the UK.

You can on this tour bring bike boxes (hard case) and bike bags (soft case) - please indicate when asked if you’ll be bringing either one of these as we'll need to arrange with the Hotel for storage of these until we return.

Alternatively for an even more hassle free tour, you can use our   ‘Bike Transfer Service’   click for details.

Inverness is very accessible from all directions and is well served by both major roads / Motorways. But just as an indictor with a few stops travelling this way from the South (Northants) can take 9-10 hours.

Hiring Car/Van    

Best options for Inverness if you are planning to  hire a car or van  are: Europcar - near the train station. Enterprise or Thrifty - just to the North of the centre.

By Train 

There are frequent trains from across the country to Inverness. We normally stay around 5-10 minutes from the station on foot. 

NB. If you are bringing your bike on a train please make sure you also book it a space on your train as many services have restricted capacity for cycles. 

Bike transfer

Getting your bike to inverness and home again, option 1:  customer drop off  / collection.

FREE of Charge

If you can bring your bike to our offices in Northamptonshire then we will take your bike  Free of Charge . No need to dismantle we'll take it fully assembled and safely secure it in the support vehicle for transporting to Inverness.

We can also take helmets strapped to bikes and day bags labelled with your name.

Option 2:   Bike Collection or Delivery -  Pedal Britain Support Van

Cost for this service is  £75.00  per bike -  One Way to Start or From the End

On the Tuesday and Wednesday before a tour starts based on geographical location of clients that have signed up for this service, Pedal Britain's support van will come to an address of your choosing, which could be work, home or cycle shop to collect your bike. 

No need to dismantle we'll take it fully assembled and safely secure in the support vehicle for transporting to Inverness.

Option 3:   Bike Collection or Delivery  - Transport Partner

Cost for this service is  £75.00  per bike - One Way to Start or From the End

If you happen to fall outside the geographical area being covered by the support van prior to the tour then do not despair we have an alternative solution.

On the Monday before a tour starts we'll arrange for our trusted transport partner to collect your bike from an address of your choosing, which could be work, home or cycle shop and deliver your bike to Pedal Britain.

Clients will need to securely package up their own bike in a Medium size (150 x 22 x 90 cm) cardboard bike box. A local bike shop will for free or small fee provide a suitable box and much of the packing material you will need for this. Pedal Britain will return your bike to you the same way in the week after a tour ends.

Once we arrive in Inverness on the Saturday the Pedal Britain team will help you re-assemble your bike ready for push off on Sunday.

We cannot via this service accept helmets or any day bags packed inside the boxes.

Option 4:    Bike Delivery  - JOG Bike Company 

Cost for this service is  £135.00  per bike - One Way back Home

We only use this option when the delivery address for your bike is one that does not fit geographically into any of the routes planned for the Pedal Britain support vehicles and you do not want to use Option 3. The bikes will be packed into oversized reinforced cardboard boxes for you - saddle lowered and handle bars turned - are only adjustments made.

We'll send you a link to provide information required for this service and your bike will be delivered within 7 days of the tour ending.

Bike Transfer Service:   Both Ways

Total Cost is  £150.00   per bike 

£210.00 per bike if using JOG Bike Transfer Company.

Terms & Conditions of Bike Transfer Service

• Pedal Britain cannot be held responsible for any damage that occurs in transit - although we will obviously take great care of bikes in transit
• Where a third party is being used Pedal Britain cannot be held responsible for any damage in transit
• We recommend that you have insurance in place to cover you for any accidental damage or theft during transit

Pedal Britain has always strongly recommended that clients use their own cycles wherever possible for our tours, as there is no substitute for using a bike that you are familiar with and are comfortable riding. 

However we fully understand that sometimes circumstances mean this is just not possible.

Need to Hire a Bike?

We do not run our own fleet of hire bikes therefore have to source them from our trusted range of suppliers. At peak times of the year stock can be limited therefore please do let us know well in advance if you intend to hire a bike. 

First step is to please email us with your measurements and preferences:

• Shimano group set
• Disc or Caliper brakes
• Carbon or Non carbon

PLEASE NOTE:  Most road bikes run 11-28 compact gearing as they are generally set up for sportive hire. However we'll do our best to find a bike that works for you.  

Once you hire the bike it will be available to use from Sunday Lunch in Inverness giving us time to make any adjustments that you may want.

Road Bike Hire:

Branded High Spec Carbon Road Bike  =  £350-£375 each for 2 weeks . This will be a Trek Madone SLR 6 or equivalent

Non Branded UK Built Bikes =  £250-£300 for 2 weeks  

Hybrid Bike Hire:

Branded High Spec Carbon Hybrid Bike =  £250-£300 each for 2 weeks .

Want to Bring Your Own Bike But Need Help With Logistics? 

If you currently live outside UK but are unsure about bringing your own cycle,  please call or e-mail for advice.  We can discuss a variety of solutions that might help you to bring a bike along.

Some of the ways we can help:

• Bike Box/Bag on Van :  On this tour we can accommodate bike bags / boxes as we'll be able to store at our Hotel or with our local hire partner.
• Getting Bike to the Start :   Also if when you land in UK you are planning to tour first / or just want to travel without bike to the start - we can as part of our bike transfer service collect your bike from a Hotel (Tuesday/Wednesday) before the tour and take it to the start for you.
• Staying on longer in UK after tour :  Don't want a bike in tow? We can also keep bike and box with us after the tour, then by using our bike transfer service we can deliver the bike to a Hotel near London/or an Airport when you are ready to head home

Just contact us on [email protected] setting out what your plans are and we'll come up with a solution that works for you.

Can I Bring a Bike Box/Bag?

For our NC500 tours you can bring along a Bike Box or Bag as we will be able to store either at our Hotel or leave with our local bike hire partner in Inverness. Please do indicate if you are going to bring a bike box so that we have an idea of numbers.

How fit do I need to be?

Pedal Britain tours are designed to attract people of all ages and levels of fitness.

To help you assess if a ride is suitable we have added a 'Cycling Level' indicator on each tour. Obviously the more training you do beforehand it will increase the overall enjoyment of any tour as you'll be more prepared.

Pedal Britain has a range of 'Training Support Resources' including a free consultation and a blog about  Training Plans within which you'll find some great tips and an easy to follow framework that can be adapted for any of our tours. 

We do not issue 'standard' training plans, everyone starts at different levels of experience, fitness and available time. For those confident enough, all you do is adjust our framework to suit your own needs.

However to provide another level of support, we have created with Pedal Britain guide Grant Goodman (qualified cycling coach) also of cyclingfitness.co.uk several coaching packages from Basic to Premium. You can find links to these and all our training information here:  Training Resource

What are the group sizes?

At Pedal Britain we want to ensure you receive the highest level of support possible whilst you are on one of our tours.

To this end we will normally run a tour with a minimum of 10 people, but unlike other operators we limit the group size to a maximum of 18 people. We feel this ensures there is always enough people to be social, but not too many for it to feel overcrowded and your just part of a herd.

What are the groups like?

There is no one standard group every tour is unique. But generally people that undertake our tours are a fun, friendly and adventurous lot with one key similarity - they love cycling!! We have people of all ages (teens through to mid 70's) and all walks of life which makes for an interesting and diverse group of fellow participants.  

Groups tend to be split 50:50 between those traveling alone or part of a group be it pairs of friends/couples/family or occasionally larger ones of 3-4. We try and limit our group size to a maximum of 18 people which we think works best, providing plenty of people to socialise with during the day and evening, but also enables people to find some quiet time too. 

How fast do we ride?

That is completely up to you. It is your holiday and so we encourage you to ride at your own pace. The average touring cyclist will normally travel at 10-13mph. What we find is naturally 2-3 groups form and you'll always find one that suits your pace.

Some people get concerned by always being at the back as they feel anxious about holding everyone up, believe us you are not!! However if that mentally becomes an issue then you can always set off 30 minutes ahead of the pack. But we will never ask you to pedal faster.

No one on a Pedal Britain tour gets left behind as our guides for the most part ride at the back, especially at the end of a day to provide encouragement and support.

What sort of cyclist comes on your tours?

We have a mixture, from keen club cyclist through to newcomers looking for a challenge.

Do I need to be a good bike mechanic?

Pedal Britain provides  mechanical support  in form of basic adjustments, or simple repairs, while your guide will also carry a reasonable tool kit to help with any minor problems on the road - the van has a more comprehensive set.

However it is essential that you are able to fix a puncture . Obviously if the guide, fellow riders or van are nearby they will assist but it maybe that the van is tied up elsewhere therefore you don’t want to be unnecessarily held up waiting.

Essential kit to carry at all times for puncture repair

It is advisable to carry on your bike at least 1 or 2 spare inner tubes, a mini pump / Co2 gas pressure pump, tyre levers and multi-tool with you each day. This essential kit can be kept either in a small rucksack that you carry or in a medium sized saddlebag.

We also ask that you take care of basic bike maintenance. Firstly having a comprehensive bike service before you arrive on the tour, then by inspecting your bike daily to ensure its in proper working order.

A work stand, track pumps, chain lubricant and cleaning materials will be available for your use on the van.

The support vehicle will carry a limited number of universal spares that are provided at cost should they be required. If your bike has any obscure or unusual parts that may not be readily available at a bike shop it is highly recommended that you bring your own set of spares with you that can be carried on the support vehicle.

We will carry a spare bike and wheel so that you can keep moving if you do have any serious bike problems.

Whilst Pedal Britain will endeavour to fix your bike issues, any major repairs will have to be co-ordinated through a local bike shop on the road, with any cost for these repairs being your responsibility.

If I am travelling alone can I join a tour?

Yes, no problem. In fact usually around 50% of a group are single travellers.

You can either pay for single supplement or we can if you are happy to share a twin room, find you a room buddy. Either way trips are very sociable and you’ll soon make some new cycling friends.

Do you offer group discounts?

Yes we do, if you have 8 participants or more able to book at the same time then you'll be eligible for a 5% discount (up to maximum of £100 per person)

If you all live close together then we can also work out a deal for our 'Bike Transfer Service' which could save you up to 50% per person for this service.

Can I raise money for a specific charity?

Yes, you can join any of our tours and use that challenge as a way of raising funds for any cause of your choice.

Sometimes we are asked "Can a Charity Sponsor my Ride by paying for the Tour?" again no problem. We just raise an invoice and send that for payment to the charity. Any other financial agreements such as on minimum fundraising targets are between you and the charity. 

We can also if there is enough interest work either with a group of likeminded people wanting to raise money for a specific charity or with the charity itself to create a bespoke cycling event just for that purpose.

What are the lunches like?

Lunches are generally at either just before or after the halfway point of a day in terms of milage. They consist of various combinations of soup, sandwiches, crisps/chips, savouries, coffee/tea/soft drinks and cake, served as rolling buffets or set meals hosted in either local cafes / pubs.

Occasionally, depending on the weather, Pedal Britain's pop up cafe will provide a substantial picnic buffet lunch in a suitably scenic location en-route. Don’t worry if your cycling slowly we always make sure there is enough food for everyone at picnics and never leave until everyone is fed and watered.

Where are the evening meals?

Whilst evening meals are not included in the cost of the holiday, Pedal Britain will make reservations between 7.30-8.00pm most days for a group evening meal, so you don’t have to worry.

Also to make life even easier for you we'll sometimes take pre-orders for the evenings food in advance. We find this just helps speed things up at service to maximise your recovery time.

We tend to eat at the accommodation we are staying in that evening although we do occasionally use other local options. These meals provide a great opportunity for socialising together and swapping tales of the days events, further developing the group bonds.

However attendance is purely optional. If you prefer to eat earlier, or alone or wanted to find somewhere else, your Tour Guide can provide alternatives its no problem at all it is your decision.

On longer tours where we are staying in major towns/cities we also have several what we call 'free evenings' where we do not book anything for the group - which allows you to explore local options with smaller groups of new your new cycling buddies.

With all evening meals individuals are responsible for settling their own food and drink bills once finished.

Do we have back up support?

We take great pride in the level of support we give to riders on our cycling tours and is a key part of the 'The Pedal Britain Difference'.

That is why we are 5* rated on Trustpilot with many of the reviews specifically mentioning the excellent back up support we provide. You can read extracts of these on our  Pedal Britain Testimonials page.  

All our trips are led by at least one or two experienced leaders from the UK – one driving the support vehicle and the other cycling with the group, usually at the rear to ensure that no one gets left behind. They carry a first aid kit and a tool kit, so that if you or your bike breaks down they will if possible be there to help. 

The Pedal Britain support vehicle doesn't follow the group very closely. It's main function is to once/twice a day provide the our famous 'Brew Stops', carry luggage between accommodation or if you have a problem you can jump onboard. You will also have access to the van at our lunch stop.

Also be comforted in the knowledge that the team at Pedal Britain HQ are also with you as an invisible hand, making sure everything is running smoothly. 

What happens to my luggage each day?

We want your holiday to be as hassle free as possible. So for you comfort we transfer your luggage each day to the next accommodation.

All we ask is that on setting out each morning you leave your fully labeled luggage and day bags in the reception or at the rear of the support van. Don't worry we'll provide you with labels.

Will the Hotel or B&B do our laundry?

To remain social it’s advisable that on our longer tours you wash your kit out regularly - that includes shorts - a key factor in preventing sore bottoms!!

What most people do is take with them several days worth of cycling kit to rotate through and a small bottle of liquid clothes detergent. Then as part of their daily routine use facilities in the room to wash and dry kit as many have heated towel rails.

If not fully dry the next day roll kit up tightly into a towel or hang up in back of the support van to ensure you have clean kit ready for following day.

Some accommodations do offer limited laundry services (usually just drying kit) either for a small fee or usually free, ready for collection the following morning. Your tour guide will let you know which places on your tour provide this.

Alternatively if time prevails you can use local launderettes to wash and dry clothes - your tour guide will help locate these for you.

What kind of clothing and equipment is needed?

Once you're signed up Pedal Britain will send you a detailed ‘Kit List’ of what you should bring along, however do feel free to contact us if you would like a copy sending to you or have any specific questions .

Do I need insurance?

Pedal Britain has public liability insurance cover for all of our tours.

However we strongly recommend you take out adequate insurance to cover yourself against personal accident, loss of belongings and cancellation cover.

Yellow Jersey Insurance  are one company that other clients have used previously.  Worth checking first what might be covered under various other policies you may have such as household and travel insurance, then plug any gaps with a specific policy.

Still have questions?

Please  contact us  here..

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• NC 500 - Scotland's North Coast 500 Cycle Tour
• Deposit Secures Booking

The NC 500 - North Coast 500 cycle tour is a breathtakingly scenic route that loops around the northern Highlands of Scotland, covering approximately 500 miles of rugged coastline, majestic mountains, and charming villages. Our NC500 cycle tour offers a unique way to experience this stunning region, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the natural beauty and rich culture of the Scottish Highlands.

Route Map of Scotland's NC500 Cycle Tour

NC 500 Distance and Climbing

This tour is designed with the ‘avid’ rider in mind ( please see rider types ) as it has some testing terrain and the added uncertainty of changeable weather conditions too! We recommend you come prepared.

The NC 500 cycle tour is a challenging tour with some longer days in the saddle. Days vary, but generally the route has some climbs of medium difficulty and a few which are challenging such as the well-known climb of Bealach na Bà on day 2. A winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula.

You will most likely need to train for the event and ensure you are fit enough to complete the distance and climbing.

This tour is suitable for our AVID Riders. Find out if you are an AVID or ACTIVE style of rider here . The total distance is 924 km with a total of 11,423 metres of climbing. The daily average is 132 km and 1630 metres of climbing.

The price is £1,595 per person sharing. Some single rooms are available for an additional supplement of £495.

What is included in the tour

• 8 nights bed and breakfast in good hotels
• Lunches on at least two of the cycling days
• Suggested coffee and lunch stops (where not provided)
• Van support with snacks
• Support from an experienced  Scottish crew with local knowledge
• GPX files of the route
• Daily briefings
• Route profiles with maps
• Baggage transfer
• Mechanical assistance and repairs
• Emergency pickup
• Final group meal

What is NOT included in the tour

• Airport transfers at the start and finish can be provided at a cost of £25 each way. 
• Lunch and coffee stops. These will be provided on at least two of the days in remote areas. On other days you will be given some recommendations of where you may wish to refuel!
• Evening meals - Our stopovers all have reasonably priced restaurants and pubs nearby and most of the hotels have good dining. Breakfast IS included and lunch on some days
• Optional trips / entry fees for any excursions you arrange independently
• Insurance - you need to organise your own bike and travel insurance as required
• Gels, high energy bars, energy powder and shakes - bring your own as per what works best for you and your tummy!
• Flights to and from Scotland

North Coast 500 GPX Route Files

All our cycle tours are supported with GPX files of the entire route. These start at the door of the hotel you are leaving and finish right at your finish hotel. The GPX route files for the NC 500 will be sent well in advance for you to check uploading to your bike computer. Any revisions will be resent. 

Scotland NC500 Cycle Route & Daily Itinerary

Our route largely follows the Scottish Tourist Board 500 mile route (but it’s better!) and takes in some tough climbs and beautiful mountain passes. This tour is designed with the ‘avid’ rider in mind ( please see rider types ) as it has some testing terrain and with the added uncertainty of the weather conditions up here and their tendency to change dramatically in no time at all we recommend that you’ve done, or are at least prepared to do, the odd ride in inclement conditions before.

Daily Breakdown:

• Day 1 - Arrive Inverness (no cycling)
• ​Day 2 - Inverness to Strathcarron 100 kilometers 640 meters
• Day 3 - Strathcarron to Gairloch 116 km 1,700 m
• Day 4 - Gairloch to Ullapool 108 km 1,400 m
• Day 5 - Ullapool to Durness 147 km 2,200 m
• Day 6 - Durness to Thurso 115 km 1,400 m
• Day 7 - Thurso to Lairg 146 km 1,000 m
• Day 8 - Lairg to Inverness 138 km 900 m
• Day 9 - Depart Inverness (no cycling)

Routes are subject to change if necessary.

Your Scotland NC 500 GPX route files will be sent in advance for you to upload to your bike computer.

Cycling Terrain and Bike Suitability

The entire route is approximately just under 10,000 metres of climbing elevation. A large part of this is on the western section of the coast line. The route has many sections of stunning scenery with a number of very quiet roads and amazing beaches along the way. With the amount of climbing on this route, we’d recommend something lightweight for your North Coast 500 bike. Whether this is a touring bike or road bike, you’ll be thanking yourself when you climb the Bealach na Ba!

Arriving for Your North Coast 500 Cycle Tour

The tour starts at our hotel in Inverness, Scotland on the first date of the advertised tour with a detailed briefing in the afternoon. We then prepare our bikes and spend the night in the hotel . This first night is included in the price of the tour. We begin cycling the next morning.

Inverness Airport serves limited domestic and international routes, but has direct flights from London, Amsterdam, and Belfast. However, it's also possible to fly into Aberdeen and drive the 2.5 hours to Inverness, or take the scenic train between the two northern cities. If you are travelling in Scotland for a long period of time, then you could also arrive in Glasgow or Edinburgh and spend time there before driving or taking the train north.

If you live in the UK, then you can of course opt to drive your own car or camper van up to Inverness as part of an extended road trip, or take the train to Inverness and rent your car there.

If required, we can provide transfers to the hotel for you, your bike and your luggage from Inverness Airport. Transfers from Inverness Airport can be provided for a small fee.

Please contact us if you have other travel requirements you wish to discuss and we will do our best to assist!

Departure Planning

The tour finishes at the same hotel we started on the last date of the advertised tour. We will have a finishing meal and celebration. This is included in the price of the tour along with a final night's accommodation. The next morning you can depart at your leisure. Transfers to Inverness Airport can be provided for a small fee.

What to Expect on a Wild Atlantic Cycle Tour of Scotland:

Weather in scotland.

To be written

Group Size and Tour Leaders

Our groups are generally around 12 to 18 people. Our Scotland NC 500 tour will go ahead with a minimum of six people.

Our groups are supported by a Tour Leader and Assistant, both of whom have previous tour support experience and are themselves cyclists who fully appreciate just how it feels however your day pans out. The tour leader and assistant ride in the van to better aid a speedy assist where required. On most tours we also have a rider on the road with basic mechanical and first aid skills who will try to ride ‘mid-pack’, but the van generally gets there first.

At the initial briefing all cyclists are provided with the tour leader and assistant’s number, as well as that of the emergency services which they are instructed to use in the event of an emergency.

English is the main language of Scotland.

Camaraderie

Camaraderie forms a big part of the whole experience our tours provide and although single supplements are available, our tours are priced and catered for such that a single cyclist can feel comfortable making a booking and opt to share a twin room with someone they don’t know.

People tend to settle into their own way of cycling throughout the day and groups can vary from day to day and evening to evening. You can cycle at your own pace for a solitary cycle or join others.

Navigating the North Coast 500 Cycle Route

We recommend you bring a bike computer onto which you can upload the GPX files of the route. GPX files of the North Coast 500 route will be emailed to you before the start of the tour.

Direction of Travel

We travel clockwise from Inverness to Inverness.

Bike Maintenance

Each morning (and evening) bike cleaning materials, basic tools, pumps and lubricants will be available so you can groom your trusty steeds.

You can telephone any time for mechanical support where required.

Mechanical Issues

With regards to mechanical issues it’s helpful if everyone knows how to repair a puncture or replace a tube. However, we are on call if you need help re-seating a stiff tyre on the rim.

Minor mechanicals can be dealt with roadside and where more specialist help is required we can transport you and your bike to a local bike shop to carry out repairs.

Support Van & Cyclist

Our support van with water and refreshments will pass you at least once each morning and afternoon en route to lunch and hotel so you will normally be able to access your day pack before lunch, at lunch and in the afternoon.

We usually have a Support Cyclist on the road as well.

In the afternoon we ensure we get your bag to the hotel before you arrive.

Daily Routine

Every day starts with a hearty breakfast and a briefing.

Breakfasts are usually traditional cooked Scottish style, but for the most part will include cereals and fruit and cheeses, with coffee, juice and tea.

We’ll advise of a suitable morning coffee stop for ‘second breakfast’ and we’ll also specify a lunch stop where the van can be found. Sometimes there will be a choice of restaurant but in remote areas there may only be one suitable.

Evening meals are available in some of our Scottish hotels. We do however advise a little walk each evening just to sample the delights these towns have to offer.

• INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS
• AVERAGE DAILY DISTANCE (KM)
• AVERAGE DAILY CLIMBING (METERS)

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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?

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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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Scotland's NC500 - Your Guide to the North Coast 500 Route

One of the most remote and yet most enviable places to visit on Scotland’s mainland is the majestic North Coast 500, aka the NC500. Rebranded as Scotland's Route 66 back in 2015, it is an area that promises sweeping sea views, gold sand beaches, and rugged mountains. 

If you would like to drive the North Coast 500, or even just a part of it, you're in the right place. With this NC500 guide, you can prepare for your visit and get excited about all the sights you could explore.

• Browse these  North Coast 500 tours to start planning your road trip

The North Coast 500 route

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

How many days should I calculate for the drive?

When to visit the nc500, how to plan a car hire, where to stay.

• Give yourself time
• Watch your speed
• Use passing places
• Be mindful of animals
• Fuel when you can

Suggested packing list

The NC500 route traces the top section of mainland Scotland in a loop. This remote part of the country is becoming more and more popular, especially with lovers of the great outdoors and road trippers.

It gets its name from the length of the loop, which stands at just over 500 miles, or 516 miles (830km) to be exact. This scenic circuit will take you across 6 regions: Inverness-shire, Wester Ross, Easter Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, and the Black Isle.

Most people will start in Inverness. Known as the “Capital of the Highlands”, it is the first point of entry of any North Coast 500 itinerary.

If you go anti-clockwise, you'll follow the east coast. This will take you up the most northerly point of the mainland United Kingdom.

From this point, you’ll follow the north coast, then down the west coast, passing by the famous Ullapool and Torridon Hills . After Applecross , the last section of the loop takes you back to Inverness.

As it is a little less scenic, many people ditch the last part of the loop to pop over to the Isle of Skye . Others prefer the drive down the west coast, via Fort William and Glen Coe.

• Browse these  self-drive tours of Scotland  to come experience the best driving routes
• You could also discover the country with a local guide on a privately guided tour of Scotland

The North Coast 500 highlights

The NC500 isn’t only a beautiful road with outstanding scenery, there is also plenty to see and lots to visit along the way. You can expect stunning photography opportunities, scenic beaches, mountains for hiking, and more.

You definitely will not be bored on this route. The biggest challenge may be narrowing down your stops to fit into your itinerary.

Below we’ve compiled our favourite attractions that we believe are worth a visit:

1. The Black Isle and Chanonry Point

Just north of Inverness , you’ll find the Black Isle peninsula. It is famous for its beautiful fields, vibrant food and drink scene (including local craft beer) and dolphin spotting. You read that right, dolphin spotting in Scotland!

Chanonry Point is the famous location on the Black Isle where you’ll have the chance to catch sight of dolphins in the Moray Firth . You’re most likely to spot dolphins on a rising tide, which is about 1 hour after low tide, so check the daily timetables.

2. Dunrobin Castle

If you love visiting grand houses and castles, you’ll want to make a stop at Dunrobin Castle on your way north. It has been the home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century.

Dunrobin is located on the east coast, halfway up toward John O’ Groats. A fun fact to know is that it is the most northerly grand house in Scotland, and the largest in the Northern Highlands.

The house is open to visitors between April and October, including the museum, gardens and even a daily falconry display.

• Check out these  Scottish castle tour packages
• Related: 12 best castles to visit in Scotland

3. Dunnet Point and John O’Groats

John O’Groats is often recognised as the most northerly point of mainland Scotland and Britain. In fact, Dunnet Point holds that title!

This is a good area to base yourself and stop for some day trips. Nearby you could go for a walk by the sea cliffs and admire the famous Duncansby Stacks. You could also visit Castle of Mey, once owned by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

4. Smoo Cave

One of the highlights along the northern coast is Smoo Cave , which we recommend highly. Smoo Cave is the largest and most dramatic sea cave in Britain.

Entrance is free, but there is a 20-minute geological cave tour that you can also book on site. It is available between April and September but is weather dependent.

5. Durness Beach

If you drive across the northern part of the NC500 on a beautiful sunny day, you may want to stop at the pristine beach of Durness . You won’t believe you’re in Scotland, especially with the turquoise waters.

Planning a picnic in such iconic locations? We recommend familiarising yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code .

• Discover more about remote corners with these off-the-beaten-path tours of Scotland
• Related: Best beaches in Scotland

6. Ardvreck Castle

On the west coast, you could stop to explore the ruins of the 15th-century Ardvreck Castle . The remains of the castle lie on a promontory that juts into Loch Assynt, providing a lovely view over the surroundings.

7. Inverewe Garden

Then follow the scenic road along the west coast towards Gairloch. Here you will come to the town of Poolewe where you can explore the Inverewe Garden .

You can roam the 49 acres of land that boast some 2,500 exotic plants and flowers. They flourish in northern Scotland thanks to the warm currents of the Gulf Stream.

It’s also a perfect location to try to spot Scotland’s Big 5: red squirrels, red deer, otters, seals and golden eagles.

8. Ullapool

You’ll then cross the curved Kylesku Bridge to arrive at the charming and whitewashed village of  Ullapool . This is another ideal stop,  either for the night or as a base for a few days of exploration in the area.

This is also where you can take the ferry to go  discover the Scottish isles . Sail to Stornoway to discover the Outer Hebrides.

It offers nice dining options and an opportunity to take part in cultural events, such as music and arts, food and drink, and history.

• Come learn more about culture and history with these Scottish Heritage tours

9. Corrieshalloch Gorge

Located on the NC500, 12 miles east of Ullapool, you’ll find another one of our favourites. We recommend visiting the breathtaking 61-metre (200-feet) deep Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach. 

Here you can walk across the Victorian suspension bridge over the gorge. This is also a good location to spot wildlife, especially the many birds that soar high above. It is a National Nature Reserve in recognition of its spectacular natural beauty.

10. Glenmorangie Distillery

There are a few whisky distilleries in the North Highlands, but one of the most well-known might be Glenmorangie. Come have a whisky tasting, a must-do in Scotland. There are also gin distilleries and local breweries, if that’s what you fancy.

Please note: We want to remind you that Scotland effectively has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drinking and driving. The Scottish Government website advises that "just one drink could put you over the legal limit for driving".

So make sure to be safe and assign a designated driver if you intend on visiting a distillery. Nordic Visitor Scotland self-drive packages include two authorised drivers as standard. This means one of you can take the day off if a distillery visit is on the cards.

The right amount of time to spend around the North Coast 500 depends on what's right for you.

For the entirety of the loop, you’ll probably want at least a 5- or 7-day itinerary. But again it depends, on how quickly or slowly you want to drive. You should also consider what you'd like to visit and how much to do each day.

The best recommendation is to pick a few bases and explore around those areas. This will allow you time to really dive into specific regions and get settled in a bit more.

You could also opt to only take a day or two out of your Scotland tour to drive part of the NC500. Even just a taste is better than nothing if you don't have the time to really dedicate to it. Whatever suits you best!

This is another question that only you can answer. Do you have pre-booked vacation? Are you planning a trip during school holidays or for a post-wedding honeymoon? Let these details help you plan the trip of your dream.

If your schedule is flexible, we recommend the April to October period. This is ideal if you're looking for the most daylight hours, open attractions, and more options for accommodation. 

During this period of the year the roads are generally the most accessible. You should be able to spot more wildlife and, as noted above, certain highlights (such as castles) are only open to the public during the high season.

The one thing to be aware of when you visit between June and August is the fact that it attracts the most visitors. It means you may not be alone enjoying the sights.

Visiting Scotland during the shoulder months can be just as lovely but quieter. You'll be rewarded with the colourful foliage of the woodland. 

• Come visit with a summer itinerary in Scotland
• Related: Your guide to the best time to visit Scotland

• Browse these Scotland honeymoon and romance packages
• Related: Why Scotland is perfect for romantic breaks and getaways

We recommend  hiring a car in Scotland , as it is the best and most popular means to get around.

There are plenty of car rental options in Glasgow or in Edinburgh, depending on your arrival port to Scotland. You could also take the train to Inverness and rent a car from there if you want to reduce your driving time.

If you’re not keen to research rental agencies and book a car yourself, why not have someone do it all for you? 

The advantage of booking with Nordic Visitor is that we’ve already done the homework on the best quality car hire agencies.

What’s more, we include an extra driver at no additional cost on your rental contract, so you can share the drive. We also include a GPS navigation system. 

Another bonus? You'll get a hand-drawn map with some local tips. As the phone reception is shaky at best in the NC500, you cannot and should not rely solely on your GPS navigation.

Just remember, you’ll need a valid credit card and a valid driving license to pick up the car to start your road trip.

There are plenty of accommodations along the NC500 route but keep in mind that you should book in advance if possible, especially if you have a special place in mind. This is because the North Coast 500 is very popular, and during the high season, accommodation can book out really early.

There are two ways that you can plan your itinerary:

• Pick how many days you want to spend on the road, separate the drive into that number and pick accommodation based on those locations.
• Pick bases along the route based on your interests and stay there for a few days to discover each area.

For example, many use Inverness, John O' Groats, Durness, and Ullapool as bases. Or, you may be able to find quaint accommodation in some of the many coastal and fishing villages.

You could also book through a travel agent, similarly to the car rental, and let them find you the best deals. Nordic Visitor has guaranteed beds in desirable locations with trusted suppliers that we quality-check just for you.

• Explore and stay in the countryside with one of these Scottish Highlands tours
• Related: Where was The Crown filmed?

Road safety tips

While the Scottish road conditions are usually safe, in remote areas, it may require more care. This is especially true on the NC500 as most of the roads are either single carriageways or single-track roads.

Read on for our top safety tips for driving the North Coast 500:

1. Give yourself time to stop and react

Even if you’re used to driving, the driving conditions on the NC500 can be challenging. It’s best to not hurry through your drive and always be really careful.

Make sure to slow down when approaching sharp bends and blind summits. Also be on the lookout for hidden dips and concealed entrances. And take extra care on single-track roads, such as  Bealach na Bà .

We also recommend driving at a speed that will allow you to stop if faced with an oncoming car or animal.

If you’re driving the North Coast 500 when it's very rainy, make sure to be extra cautious. Wet and slippery surfaces could make it harder to stop swiftly. If the road is flooded, it is best to avoid this section of the road, or drive slowly to pass it.

2. Watch the speed limit

Whenever you see the national speed limit sign on single carriage roads, it means the speed limit is 60 miles per hour. But this doesn’t mean you must drive that fast. Be careful and ease down to a safe speed, especially when it fits the driving conditions.

• Take 2 road trips in 1 with these Scotland and Ireland combination tours
• Related: A local expert's 5 best road trips in Scotland

3. Use passing places wisely

First and foremost, we urge you to use passing places and parking areas appropriately. Please do not stop in the middle of the road to take photos. And do not park on the road or in passing places to go for a hike or take photos.

If you come upon another car while using a single-track road, pull up in a passing place to let them pass, or they may do so to let you pass. You may have to reverse into a passing place if it’s the closest one.

Be mindful of others if you are driving slowly because you are being careful or want to enjoy the view. Make sure to stop in a passing place if a queue accumulates behind you. You should allow people to overtake you especially if you’re travelling a bit slower. 

On the other hand, please make sure not to overtake a vehicle if it’s not absolutely necessary. As we've said it’s best to take your time and be patient.

4. Be careful of animals

Animals are often kept in fields throughout Scotland. However, many sections in the remote Northern Highlands are unfenced and animals roam free.

For this reason, make sure to keep an eye out for cows, sheep, deer and other animals. They may be roaming on or near the road, or deciding to cross the road unexpectedly.

5. Fuel when you can

The Northern Highlands region is remote and thus has limited services. We recommend topping up your car with petrol when you come across a service station.

Stock up on snacks too while you’re at it!

Our best recommendation, when it comes to knowing what to pack, is to be prepared for everything. Even if you come in summer or in the deep of winter, you may experience all seasons during your stay, or even a single day.

This also applies to the NC500, where you’re less likely to have shops. It’s even more important to be ready for any situation.

Here is what we recommend:

• Plenty of layers as it can be chilly in the Northern Highlands, even in summer
• A wind and waterproof layer for that typical Scottish weather
• Comfortable hiking or outdoor boots if you want to go walking
• Midge repellent as this region of Scotland is known for its volume of midges (small biting bugs) in summer
• And don’t forget to pack your camera  to capture all the wonderful scenery!

Learn more about driving around Scotland in style: check our North Coast 500 packages  that come with everything you need for a great road trip.

  Camila grew up between the French Canadian and Chilean cultures, before moving to Scotland in 2012. When she’s not travelling or writing about travels, Camila loves to read, run, and puzzle. Her favourite destinations have been Reykjavík, Copenhagen, Estonia and Cape Town.  

Find Camila on LinkedIn .

    Guided ​ To​urs of Scotland

Private tours with dri​ver-guide greg kain.

NC 500 Tour

Mountains, Lochs, Sea Views & Deserted Beaches

North Coast 500 Tour

The NC500 is Scotland's long distance road trip route located entirely in the Highlands and takes in some of the most scenic countryside on the mainland. It has a little bit of everything; mountains, sea (Atlantic Ocean and North Sea), deserted beaches, lochs, caves, quaint villages, wide open landscapes, vibrant history, great pubs and hotels, and some of the best whisky distilleries on the planet! The route provides a wide variety of awe inspiring landscapes unmatched anywhere else in Europe & a feeling of remoteness unmatched anywhere else throughout the UK

Although touring the NC500 can start from anywhere, Inverness is the official start and end point as well as being the most logistically convenient location with its status as the Capital of the Highlands providing the visitor with a broad selection of accommodation and eating options as well as good transport links. For those arriving into Glasgow or Edinburgh, the journey time from either city to Inverness is approximately three and a half hours. I can transfer you directly to the start point or it can be done as part of the tour with some fantastic places to visit en route such as; Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park, Blair Castle, Culloden and the Speyside Whisky Trail.

An NC 500 Tour requires a minimum of three days to complete (not including travel time to/from Inverness) but a four or five day tour would give you more time to explore the peninsulas, remote beaches, quaint fishing villages and visitor attractions close to the route. There is no need to stick to the NC500 circuit like glue - my own preference is to include Loch Ness, Eilean Donan and Plockton to the southern end of the trip, a much more scenic journey, in my humble opinion, than going via Achnasheen on the official road. Similarly, unless a visit to Dunnet Head and John O'Groats is important to you, I recommend omitting the North East corner of the 500 and cutting across the county of Sutherland, between Bettyhill and Helmsdale, this not only includes the beautiful glens of Strathnaver and the Strath of Kildonan but the unique and remote natural habitat of the Flow Country, the largest area of blanket peat bog in Europe. If you have any of your own preferences that you would like to tack on to a NC500 trip, such as a visit to the Isle of Skye, Orkney, the Small Isles, or even the Outer Hebrides, then just let me know and I will be happy to draw up a unique, bespoke NC500 tour tailored to you.

Four Day North Coast 500 Tour Sample Itinerary

DAY 1: INVERNESS - PLOCKTON

Itinerary Synopsis:

Leaving Inverness with a drive along the Beauly Firth coast and the pretty town of Beauly before entering the remote Affric Forest, an ancient area of the Caledonian Forest, and a visit to the stunning Plodda Falls, raptors and red deer are often spotted here. departing the forest takes you over the hills to Loch Ness, Scotland's second deepest 'lake' and its shores offer a wide choice of places for lunch. Leaving Loch Ness you climb into the hills heading west high above Loch Garry and then along the shores of remote Loch Cluanie before descending down Glen Shiel, site of a famous battle during the Jacobite uprisings, and to the Atalntic coast in the guise of Loch Shiel, an area that once formed the border between the Kingdom of Scotland and the Vikings. The number of castles in this area, including Eielan Donan, are testament to the area's violent history. There is a plethora of wildlife along this coast including otters, seals and a wide variety of seabirds, as well as Hielan Coos (Highland Cows) and flocks of sheep wandering casually through the villages that dot this area.

*Visitor Attractions Options On This Route:

- Plodda Falls (beautiful waterfall set deep in the Affric Forest with potential wildlife spotting opportunities)

- Corrimony Cairn (ancient burial chamber and stone circle)

- Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness (boat trips on the loch, Loch Ness Exhibition, Urquhart Castle)

- Fort Augustus, Loch Ness (Caledonian Canal locks, boat trips)

- Dornie (Eilean Donan Castle)

- Kyleakin (Skye Bridge)

Plockton (picturesque village on the shores of Loch Carron - suggested accommodation: Plockton Hotel, Plockton Inn, The Haven Guest House)

DAY 2: PLOCKTON - ULLAPOOL 

Leaving Plockton you will follow the coastal round miles inland fjord like Loch Carron and Loch Kishorn before heading over the Bealch na Ba (Pass of the Cow), Scotland's highest single track road which has stunning views over to Skye on a clear day. descending back to the coast brings you to the small settlement of Applecross, where herds of red deer are commonly spotted grazing around the village which is home to the famous Applecross Inn. Continuing round the Applecross Peninsula you will enjoy more incredible views across to the islands of Raasay, Rona and Skye before turning east along the side of another long sea inlet, Loch Torridon, surrounded by the Torridon mountains as you approach the village of the same name. From here you leave the sea for a while, travelling through the post-glacial valley of Glen Torridon and changing direction when you come to picturesque Loch Maree, once known as Loch Ewe, with its pretty Scots Pine wooded islands. This area is all inside the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve which is home to pine marten, red deer, eagles, crossbills and divers, amongst other species. Winding your way north around various sea lochs you will cross the Corrieshalloch Gorge before descending down to Loch Broom.

- Plockton boat trip to seal colony

- Attadale Highland Gardens

- Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Nature Reserve

- Inverewe Garden

- Corrieshalloch Gorge

The pretty whitewashed town of Ullapool, or nearby - suggested accommodation: Harbour House B&B, the Dipping Lugger, Summer Isles Hotel (Achiltibuie)

DAY 3: ULLAPOOL - BETTYHILL 

Heading north from Ullapool into the far North West Highlands takes you into a different landscape, the mountain ranges of the West Highlands begin to peter out leaving a landscape dotted with random stand alone mountains, vast areas of peat bog and heather and some of the quietest, most beautiful sandy beaches to be found anywhere in the British Isles. This area contains some of the oldest rocks on the planet and is home to the UNESCO North West Highlands Geopark. Firstly you can explore the quaint Coigach Peninsula and Achnahaird Beach before continuing north on the stunning single track road to Lochinver. From here you can either choose to take the incredible single track road to Kylesku, known affectionately as 'the Wee Mad Road' by locals (and tour guides!), passing some of the best beaches in the area, or head back to the main road to take in Ardvreck Castle and the Wailing Widow Waterfall. You can enjoy a great seafood lunch at either the Kylesku Hotel or the Shorehouse Restaurant, which is also where the passenger ferry takes you over to Handa Island Wildlife Reserve, in Spring and early Summer the cliffs here are home to one of the largest breeding seabird colonies on N.W. Europe and is famous for its puffin colony (May-July). Continuing north through more remote countryside you come to Durness, the most north-westerly settlement on the mainland and home to the spectacular Smoo Cave, a unique cave carved out by a combination of the sea from the front and a stream from the back. To finish the day you will head east along the north coast, past picture-postcard, deserted beaches, around Loch Eriboll with the mountains of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope standing sentinel over the Kyles of Tongue.

*Visitor Attraction Options On This Route:

- Ardvreck Castle

- Wailing Widow Waterfall

- Kylesku boat trips to visit seal colony and Eis a' Chuill Aluinn (the tallest waterfall in Scotland)

- Handa Island Nature Reserve

- Smoo Cave

Tongue / Bettyhill area - suggested accommodation: Borgie Lodge Hotel, Bettyhill Hotel, Farr Bay Inn

DAY 4: BETTYHILL - INVERNESS 

Turning inland from Bettyhill in a southerly direction down the fertile Strathnaver, scene of some of the most severe of the Highland Clearances, you will come to the Flow Country, the largest blanket bog in Europe, its 400,000 hectares make it a huge carbon sink and is the least densely populated part of the British Isles which contributes to its stark beauty. Once across the Flow you will descend down through Strath Helmsdale arriving on the North Sea coast at the town of the same name. Leaving Helmsdale you will continue south down the coast through the small Highland towns of Brora and Golspie, home to Dunrobin Castle. Swinging east off the A9 takes you alongside Loch Fleet with its large spring and summer seal colony before arriving at the picturesque town of Dornoch, with its historic cathedral, castle hotel and whisky bar, famous golf course and beach. You are now into an area dotted with whisky distilleries including; Glenmorangie, Singleton, Clynelish and Balblair, all of which can be visited. If the Cromarty Ferry is running you can cross the Cromarty Firth to the village of the same name, if not then you will be driven around the Firth to the Black Isle and on to Chanonry Point, a famous dolphin watching viewpoint looking out over a narrow strait of the Moray firth where the animals gather to hunt migrating salmon heading for Highland rivers.

- Strathnaver Museum

- Timespan Museum, Helmsdale

- Cairn Liach Broch

- Dunrobin Castle

- Clynelish, Glenmorangie, Muir of Ord and Balblair whisky distilleries

- Dornoch Cathedral

- East Church, Cromarty

- Hugh Miller's Birthplace Museum (father of geology)

Inverness - suggested accommodation: Kingsmills Hotel, Ness Walk Hotel, Loch Ness Country House Hotel

The above itinerary is my suggestion for a four day NC500 tour starting and ending in Inverness. Travelling to and from Inverness, from Glasgow or Edinburgh, or further afield, could add another two days, or more, onto the itinerary. It can be done in three days but in an area this beautiful with so many nooks and crannies to explore it really is worth taking your time. Four or five days is ideal, a fifth day would mean I could add Caithness in the North East corner around Thurso and Wick onto this itinerary. Of course additional days can be added too if you would like to bolt on visits to any of the islands adjacent to the route, such as; Skye, Raasay, Orkney, and the Outer Hebrides. If you have any other places you would like to add to a North Coast 500 trip just let me know and I will do my best to add it to the itinerary. I offer a truly bespoke service so any itinerary combination can be provided for you  if logistically possible!

To find out more about an NC 500 Tour please email me at [email protected] or fill out an enquiry form

Most Popular Since 2018: 𝓢𝓽𝓮𝓵𝓿𝓲𝓸 𝓟𝓪𝓼𝓼 & 𝓢𝔀𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓐𝓵𝓹𝓼 𝓓𝓻𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓣𝓸𝓾𝓻 ➤ 

𝓤𝓵𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓢𝓬𝓸𝓽𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓭 NC500 𝓓𝓻𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓣𝓸𝓾𝓻 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Our Scotland Driving Adventure doesn't cover the entire 500-mile North Coast Route. Instead, we've carefully selected the most spectacular sections, and added the the drive of the Cairngorms National Park with its crown jewel, Balmoral Castle, and a captivating drive through the ancient volcano crater of Glen Coe. 

The Splendor of Scotland along the North Coast 500 Driving Route  

Set out on an extraordinary Scotland Tour that takes you through the mesmerizing beauty of its coastal landscapes, the serenity of its pristine lakes, and the historic grandeur of iconic Scottish castles. This remarkable journey is seamlessly connected by some of the world's most stunning and picturesque driving routes, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.

You will be equipped with a programmed GPS for effortless navigation and enjoy luxurious accommodations at the best hotels along the route. Get ready to experience the unique and dramatic landscapes that can only be found in Scotland.

Day 1 ▪️ ARRIVAL

Individual Arrival to Edinburgh, UK

​ Welcome to your Scotland adventure!

Up on arrival enjoy a comfy private transfer to your hotel. The programmed GPS; a printed road-book and car of choice will be delivered in the early evening. Besides a short tour briefing you will also enjoy on-call support throughout your trip.

Day 2  ▪️ CAIRNGORMS DRIVE

Travel from Edinburgh on picturesque country roads that wind through the lush greenery of Cairngorms National Park, and ascend Scotland's highest mountain pass, before arriving at Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the British royal family.

Not far from there, the Malt Whisky Trail awaits, offering visitors the chance to explore numerous Scottish distilleries and sample some of their finest whiskies. You can then retire to your boutique-style hotel, located at the official start of the NC500 Route in Inverness, and enjoy a glass of whisky by the fireplace in the evening.

including Luxury Hotel at Inverness

Day 3  ▪️ LENC500 - DRIVE 1

Experience the ultimate driving pleasure as you navigate the best sections of the official North Coast 500 Route. This exceptional road offers an uninterrupted journey, with very few distractions to take away from the pure enjoyment of driving.

The route takes you along endless back roads, wide and winding country tracks, and stunning twists and turns through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, you'll come across an iconic bridge that marks the most northern point of our NC500 Driving Tour. Beyond this point, the road becomes narrow and uneventful, so we have you turning to pick up another route back into Inverness.

Day 4  ▪️ NC 500 DRIVE 2 & GLEN COE

Drive along the shores of Loch Ness, and keep an eye out for the legendary lake monster as you pass the remains of Urghurt Castle. Later, visit one of Scotland's most iconic landmarks, Eilean Donan Castle, which has been famous for centuries, long before its appearance as a 007 Bond filming location.

Next, journey through the ancient volcano crater at Glen Coe, where the splendor of the region is enhanced by the natural waterfalls and mountains nestled in the moonlike landscape. Upon reaching Stirling Castle, explore one of Scotland's largest and most important castles, boasting historical and architectural significance.

As you make your final stretch back to Edinburgh, keep a lookout for The Kelpies, the renowned horse sculptures created by Andy Scott.

including Luxury Hotel at Edinburgh

Day 5  ▪️ DEPARTURE

private transfer to airport/station.

APRIL   THROUGH OCTOBER

AVAILABLE FROM

EDINBURGH , UK

4 NIGHTS | 3 DRIVE S

1180 KM / 730 MILES

+OPTIONAL DAYS

see what is included

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Uncover Britain North Coast of Scotland

© Pixabay

North Coast of Scotland

North Coast of Scotland (NC500) Self-Drive Road Trip

Discover the beauty of Scotland on the North Coast 500, a scenic route starting from Inverness. Experience coastal views, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. Traverse mountainous landscapes, enjoy spectacular coasts, and visit historic castles.

Head off on the North Coast 500, a picturesque route tracing Scotland's northern coastline from Inverness with this online road trip itinerary. Encounter awe-inspiring coastal vistas with dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches, blending spectacular scenery with rugged coastlines. Journey through mountainous terrain, including the majestic Torridon Mountains, offering panoramic views and excellent hiking opportunities. Explore historical landmarks like Dunrobin Castle and Eilean Donan Castle.

Experience warm Scottish hospitality, with chances to visit whisky distilleries along the way. Travelling through the Scottish Highlands via the NC500 route is a mesmerising expedition through wild landscapes, where misty mountains, tranquil lochs, and ancient castles form a captivating backdrop. Immerse yourself in Scottish culture, meet friendly locals, discover historic sites, and marvel at the untouched natural beauty of this remote region.

North Coast of Scotland Road Trip:

The cost is £9.99 to access the online road trip itinerary for yourself and your group, for 12 months on UncoverBritain , to use when planning and on the road. You can choose and book accommodations, attractions, and experiences you are interested in. If you're looking for a vehicle for the road trip, take a look here . 

Highlights of the trip include:

·      Marvel at the breathtaking Scottish Highlands: Witness dramatic mountains, rugged coastlines, and charming villages along the NC500 route.

·      Join in with Highland activities: Engage in various pursuits like hiking, fishing, wildlife observation, and golfing amid the stunning Highland scenery.

·      Embrace the tranquillity: Experience the peace and quiet of the remote Highlands, escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life.

·      Immerse in Highland history and culture: Discover the region's rich heritage through castles, museums, and historical sites scattered along the NC500.

·      Indulge in local cuisine: Delight in the finest Scottish food and drink, including fresh seafood and locally-produced whisky, amidst the scenic beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

About the road trip itinerary:

·      Access on 2 devices (mobile, tablet or desktop) for 12 months

·      Suggested fully flexible mapped route – The route is around 500 miles

·      Adjust to suit between 3 and 14 nights

·      This guide includes visitor information for 18 destinations on the route, plus a huge amount of links and references. Local experiences and activities are also available to browse by bookable links.

·      Map pinpoints for Viewpoints, Places of interest, Hidden gems, Wild swim spots and On-screen spots

·      Map pinpoints for Campsites, Motorhome stops & almost wild spots, Hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges

Activity highlights

·      Access on 2 devices (12 mths) & make the best of your holiday with planner/maps

·      Maps, destinations, attractions, campsites, hotels etc, hidden gems, viewpoints

·      All in one place, with embedded links for the most up-to-date information

·      Saves hours of searching so you won't miss a thing, before and during your break

If you're looking for other road trip ideas in Scotland, take a look at our Scottish road trips .

From £9.99 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

February — October

Contact details

• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Architecture
• Canoeing/Kayaking
• Film and TV
• Food and drink
• Island Hopping
• Outdoor Activities
• Photography
• Walking/Hiking

Tour prices

From £9.99 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour gallery

Tour company information

Uncover britain.

Uncover Britain provides road trip itineraries for some of the best and most scenic Scottish road trips. The road trips in Scotland include the well-known and well-loved North Coast 500. However, road trippers can uncover their own Scotland with one of the other popular routes, such as the West Coast of Scotland, including the amazing Isle of Skye, the former 'Kingdom of Fife, with a visit to non-other than the home of Golf, and discover more about Edinburgh and the Romantic Borders.

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Opening times

9.00 - 5.30 Monday to Friday

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