north coast 500 trip of a lifetime

8-Day North Coast 500 Itinerary – A Beautiful Road Trip Along Scotland’s North Coast

In this article we want to share with you an NC500 itinerary filled with practical tips.

Scotland’s north coast, a land very much untamed by modern society, is not only a place of mythology and legend, it is also one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions.

Each year, people descend on this world-famous road trip in the thousands, all hungry to experience Scotland’s raw, natural beauty.

What is the North Coast 500 (or NC500)?

The North Coast 500 is a stunning 516-mile (830 km) scenic route around the north coast of Scotland , which starts and ends at Inverness Castle.

The route is also known as the NC500 route and links many features in the northern Highlands of Scotland. It takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

We were lucky enough to experience “Scotland’s Route 66” over a two-week camping trip.

And to share our tips for a perfect North Coast 500 road trip with you we’ve created this action-packed guide to the NC500!

The Ultimate North Coast 500 Itinerary for 8-Days

Scotland’s North Coast 500 Route

The North Coast 500 route is typically completed in a clockwise direction, heading up the west coast and down the east.

Going against the grain, we decided to do the opposite , and I suggest you do too!

By heading up the east coast, you will be able to experience all of the beauty it has to behold, before heading on to the even more breathtaking west coast of Scotland.

Everyone you will speak to about the NC500 will tell you the good parts are in the west, so save the best for last!

Day 1: Inverness to Dornoch

Our trip actually began a little further south of Inverness, in the small town of Aviemore.

If you are into your outdoor activities, then this is a definite stop for you. From windsurfing to mountain-climbing, as well as all the winter activities you can imagine, the Cairngorms is an outdoor lover’s playground.

Heading an hour north from Aviemore, you will reach the beginning of your North Coast 500 adventure.

Make a quick stop in Inverness to stock up on essentials and see the main sights around the city. The famous castle of Inverness is the main attraction in the city center.

Heading north from Inverness, your next stop is at the Falls of Shin.

This small group of waterfalls has a visitor center with a café, providing the perfect spot for a toilet break.

If you visit during the summer, you may just be lucky enough to witness the fascinating salmon migration. Watch in awe as these huge fish battle their way up the foreboding waterfalls. Amazing!

Spend the night in a cute B&B in Dornoch or choose to camp around Dornoch.

Dornoch is a cute town and seaside resort, which lies on the north shore of the Dornoch Firth (a narrow inlet of the sea).

Day 2: Dornoch to John O’Groats

Start your day off right at the Cocoa Mountain café in Dornoch town center, offering (quite literally) the “World’s Best Hot Chocolate”. Absolutely drool-worthy and definitely one for Instagram.

It’s a jam-packed day, however, so don’t hang around here too long!

First stop is the beautiful Dunrobin Castle, about 20 minutes north of Dornoch. At £14 a head entrance fee, this refurbished castle unfortunately wasn’t up our street of budget traveling . However, anyone with an interest in the castle’s heritage should pay a visit.

Onwards north to the small town of Brora, where you can park up and join the local cattle in wandering across the local golf course to the beautiful beach.

Next up are two of our favorite castles on the entire route, the Castle of Old Wick and Castle Sinclair.

First you will reach the smaller of the two, Castle of Old Wick, which sits right between two cliffs and offers incredible views of the ocean.

The larger Castle Sinclair Girnigoe sits further north and is one of our favorite stops on the NC500 route .  If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you do NOT want to miss this one!

Just imagine what life must have been like here, 500 years ago, when they had no clue what lay over that vast blue ocean.

Spend the evening in John O’Groats.

This highland village combines dramatic, unspoiled scenery with wildlife, including a great array of birdlife on the local cliffs, and seals, dolphins, minke and killer whales in the surrounding waters.

Day 3: John O’Groats to Thurso

If you haven’t already, head into John O’Groats town center to get a photo with the iconic signpost, before heading to your next stop of the day.

Today’s North Coast 500 itinerary starts with the awe-inspiring Duncasby Stacks. Sitting at the most northerly point of the east coast, these beautiful columns of stone need to be seen to be believed.

Next, Dunnet Bay Beach sits just beyond John O’Groats and is a good spot for a beach stop-off. Stretching for hundreds of meters, the beautiful white sands make a perfect spot for a picture.

Continue on to Thurso to end your day there. Thurso is a town situated in the historical area of Caithness. It is the northernmost town on the British mainland.

Day 4: Thurso to Durness

Start your day off with some morning yoga by the Strathy Point lighthouse, before hitting the road to Skerray Bay.

If you are feeling brave, then this beautiful, secluded harbor is the perfect place for a quick, North Sea dip!

The next part of this North Coast 500 itinerary is a drive to remember, as you wind your way between the greenest lochs and the bluest oceans you will ever see !

As if transported to Hobbiton from the Lord of the Rings, the rolling hills and greenery are absolutely breathtaking.

Finish off the day by making a quick stop at the stunning Coldbackie sands to experience your very own private beach and explore the nearby caves and waterfall!

Day 5: Durness to Scourie

As you travel from Durness to Scourie, you have the opportunity to explore the incredible Handa Island .

Catch a quick boat ride over to the almost uninhabited island and explore the nature walk around its entire perimeter.

Taking about three hours to complete, this walk will show you some of Scotland’s most rugged cliffs, as well as what beautiful birdlife it has to offer. Definitely worth a visit!

Day 6: Scourie to Ullapool

Two quick stops on today’s North Coast 500 route are the incredible Kylesku Bridge, a beautiful piece of modern engineering sitting amongst Scotland’s incredible countryside, and the famous Ardvreck Castle which sits guarded by the surrounding loch.

Head on further to the Knockan Crag Nature Reserve , where you can witness some fascinating examples of the raw power of nature.

Rock formations show younger rocks sitting on top of older ones, which left scientists over the last century absolutely perplexed. It was later discovered that this came about from young rock layers being forced up and on top of older layers as the continental plates rubbed against each other.

Ullapool, although still a small town, is the largest settlement for many miles around and an important port and tourist destination.

So you might enjoy the slightly more lively feel of this town than many others you have passed on the North Coast 500 route.

A tip from Sanne, Spend Life Traveling’s editor: “I once spent a summer working in Lochinver , a small town north of Ullapool. On a day trip to Ullapool I found out the hard way that gas stations close early… We ended up stranded in between Ullapool and Lochinver at night! So lesson learned: don’t wait until the last minute to fill up your car !”

Day 7: Ullapool to Poolewe

Browse the cute shops along Ullapool’s high street and take one last look at the beautiful scenery surrounding this vibrant town.

The first stop of the day is at the Falls of Mesach, sitting just beyond Ullapool.

With a newly built rope bridge and viewing platform, this waterfall is unlike any other on the north coast. One thing we will say is to make sure you get there early, as this is a popular stop for tourist buses!

The next stop on today’s NC500 itinerary is the small town of Poolewe itself ( pronounced Pool-You ). Explore the Inverewe Garden Centre and see the beautiful flower gardens it has to offer.

To round the day off, you can enjoy some classic Scottish folk music at the local ceilidh in the town center. Bring your dancing shoes as this will be a night to remember!

Check out their Facebook page to find out when the next ceilidh (a social event with Scottish folk music and singing, traditional dancing, and storytelling) will be.

Day 8: Poolewe to Applecross

The first stop of the day is at the Beinn Eighe visitor center, where you can learn all about the surrounding area and how the beautiful countryside has come to be.

With a custom-built bird hideaway and even a zoomable birdwatching camera, this is also the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic as you admire the wildlife.

Stop in at the loch-side town of Shieldaig in Wester Ross and grab a coffee in the quaint coffee shop Nanny’s. This beautiful little town has incredible views down Loch Shieldaig and is the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll to breathe in the fresh, sea air.

The final stop of our North Coast 500 trip was the small town of Applecross, nestled away on the other side of the Bealach na Ba pass. This is another of our favorite stops on this trip, so don’t miss out!

As you approach Applecross from the south, you will find yourself winding your way up the most beautiful road in the UK.

The Bealach na Ba pass is straight out of Top Gear, with its hairpin bends and knee-wobbling drops. Fear not however, as the view from the top of the hill is worth every heart-pounding moment of the drive, with spectacular views of the Isle of Skye!

Wind down your epic road trip in the quaint harbor town of Applecross and enjoy the best fish and chips Scotland has to offer in the Applecross Inn.

What an end to a road trip of a lifetime!

Best Places for Shopping Along the North Coast 500

Shopping around the north coast of Scotland can prove to be an expensive affair if not done properly.

With large shops few and far between on the northern and western coasts, if you do not plan your meals properly you will find yourself in the expensive local shops instead.

This is a list of the large, chain stores you can find along the North Coast 500 route. And we recommend stocking up here.

• Morrisons – Inverness
• Tesco – Wick
• Tesco – Thurso
• Tesco – Ullapool

Accommodation Along the NC500

As budget travelers, we aimed to experience this famous road trip as cheaply as possible, picking wild camping as accommodation for the vast majority of our trip.

In Scotland, it is perfectly legal to camp around the majority of the countryside, so long as you follow certain guidelines .

If camping is something you are into then you can check out our Wild Camping Spots around the NC500 .

Alternatively, there are numerous Bed & Breakfasts in the different towns you will pass on the North Coast 500 route.

Because most B&Bs are small and with the NC500 becoming more and more popular we do recommend booking in advance, which you can simply do through Booking.com .

When is the Best Time to Visit the North Coast 500?

With the weather in Scotland being a fickle thing, choosing the perfect moment to travel along the North Coast 500 is tricky.

At the end of the day, you will never be able to predict when the good weather will come. The best you can do is pick a date and hope for the best!

The best time of year to visit the north of Scotland is between May and July , during the “dry season” (a term used very loosely), and before any “midges” wake up to haunt every Scottish local’s nightmares.

Given that the NC500 is growing in popularity year after year, it is also advisable to visit during the period before the school holidays begin , as the roads will soon become mayhem. This is any time before the end of June, or after August.

Whenever you choose to visit Scotland and whatever accommodation you decide upon, one thing that is certain is that you will fall in love with this country.

Give Scotland a go, dine in cozy restaurants with delicious food, meet the friendliest locals, and discover some of the most beautiful countryside in the world!

Also Read: Practical Tips for Driving Abroad for the First Time

The 8-Day North Coast 500 Itinerary on a Map

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4 thoughts on “8-Day North Coast 500 Itinerary – A Beautiful Road Trip Along Scotland’s North Coast”

I traveled most of this in 1966 with a mate in an old (then!) Morris Oxford car. Great picture of the Bealach na Ba pass. Doesn’t look as though this has changed since then. In those days this was the only route, other than by sea, into the coastal village of Applecross. By the way the Scottish North Coast beaches are BEAUTIFUL, if only the water was warmer…

Thanks Gary! 🙂 I am happy you found the article helpful. Enjoy the NC500!

Excellent thank you for the info planning on doing the NC500 in April 19 and using this as our main guide.

That’s a beautiful place. I hope I get a chance to go someday.

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The Ultimate North Coast 500 Guide

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North Coast 500 – Scotland Road Trip of a Lifetime

Buckle your seat belts! We’re about to take you on the ultimate road trip adventure along Scotland’s North Coast 500 route! Starting and ending in Inverness , this 500-mile circular drive takes you along stunning coastlines and countless lochs. You’ll navigate through winding mountain passes and awe-inspiring landscapes. Step back in time as you visit castles, historic ruins, and heritage centers. Tantalize your tastebuds as you sip award-winning whiskies, taste deliciously organic beer, and sample some of the Highland’s local delicacies. With numerous trails to hike, beaches to explore, and history to discover, there is certainly no shortage of things to do and see along this award-winning route around Scotland’s northern Highlands! Get ready! Here we go…

Ultimate North Coast 500 Guide

Which direction should i travel on the north coast 500.

Clockwise or anticlockwise… that is the question! Since the route is set up in a circular manner, you can go one of two ways. While many people choose to drive west from Inverness and complete the route in a clockwise direction, we decided to head north and travel counter-clockwise. There are benefits to both. Traveling clockwise , the coast will be directly to your left, whereas traveling counter-clockwise (or anticlockwise), you’ll have a lane of passing cars on your right between you and the coast. Despite this, we chose to travel counter-clockwise for two main reasons: 1) We didn’t want to encounter the Bealach na Ba pass near Applecross on our first day, as we were driving a semi-large campervan and felt that we needed to get used to the vehicle before tackling this challenging portion of the drive (more on that later), and 2) We wanted to add in a visit to Isle of Skye toward the tail-end of our journey. So, as to not backtrack, we started our journey north from Inverness !

What is the North Coast 500 Weather Like Throughout the Year?

Well, it is Scotland, and like with much of the UK, the weather can be unpredictable . We drove the North Coast 500 in the first week of April and as was expected, it was cold. And sadly, it rained… A  LOT! For the first few days we were covered in a perpetual foggy mist that on occasion would turn into a blinding downpour. There were a few times where we had to pull over and just wait, because we didn’t want to miss seeing anything along the route. The sun didn’t make an appearance until about 3 days into our journey. We weren’t exactly equipped with the appropriate weatherproof clothing and footwear, so this kept our hiking to a minimum as many of the trails were extremely muddy. That being said, the weather was absolutely glorious for days toward the tail-end of our road trip, so we know for a fact that the sun does shine in Scotland! So basically, be ready for anything! Our new slogan for Scotland is All Seasons, All the Time, as we experienced a little bit of everything on our early April journey! In general, May and June are typically the sunniest months in North Scotland, whereas July and August are the warmest months with daily average temperatures of 66 °F (19 °C) at lower levels. January and February are the coldest months with daily averages only reaching about 36 °F (2 °C).

What Animals Will I See Along the North Coast 500?

Amazing things to see along the north coast 500, inverness to dornoch.

This is where it all begins… and ends! Explore the small, yet bustling town of Inverness at the start or completion of your North Coast 500 itinerary. Because it was raining during our initial arrival into Inverness , we decided we’d check out the city on our way back through. So glad we did, as the weather was fantastic at the end of trip, though we only really had time to do a quick drive-through tour of the city. If you find yourself with time to spare in Inverness , stroll along the River Ness , visit the castle , stop by the Tomatin Distillery , and check out the Highlanders’ Museum .

Once you leave Inverness , stop by the Black Isle Brewery , Scotland’s only organic brewery, to take a tour and sample some of their barrel-aged oatmeal stout or pollinated heather honey beer, among other delicious brews. And since you’re now on the Black Isle, head on up to Chanonry Point in Rosemarkie to see if you can spot those bottlenose dolphins! If you feel up for a drive to the end of the peninsula, you can check out Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum . Other attractions once you leave the Black Isle peninsula include: the Dalmore Distillery , Tain through Time , and the Glenmorangie Distillery . For a look at even more distilleries along the route, check out this NC500 Itinerary .

Although the town of Dornoch wasn’t too far from our starting point in Inverness , we didn’t want to pack too much into our first day, so we pulled into the Dornoch Campsite and called it a day! Give yourself time to explore this 13th-century charming small town and its expansive beach before moving on. Don’t miss its impressive cathedral . If you’re into golf, tee off on the Royal Dornoch championship course , ranked 13th in the world!

TIP: Remember! The dolphins only really come out to play at Chanonry Point in Rosemarkie during high tide. Unfortunately for us, high tide was very early in the morning and very late at night, after the sun went down. Sadly, we didn’t see any dolphins during our visit, as it is low tide most of the day.

Scroll through the pictures of things we saw between Inverness and Dornoch

Dornoch to John O’ Groats

Shortly after departing Dornoch , you’ll come upon Dunrobin Castle in Golspie (open April 1st-October 15th). The castle resembles a French château and is one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating back to the early 1300s. Once you’ve had your fill of fancy curtains, pass Càrn Liath (an Iron Age broch), and  make your way to the Clynelish Distillery . We thoroughly enjoyed our hour-long tour of the factory and warehouse followed by a sample of their award-winning whiskey. There are a few heritage centers along the way from Clynelish to the bustling town of Wick , though we stopped off at the historic Grey Cairns of Campster . The site was about 5 miles off the main road, but we found the history and purpose of these structures quite fascinating. Though we tried to see the Sinclair & Girnigoe Castle ruins just north of Wick , we were unsuccessful. We knew it didn’t open for the season until May, but we were hoping to see it from the outside. No such luck, as it is situated on a cliffside inaccessible during our time of visit, unless we wanted to slosh through a muddy field. Our final stop of the day was John O’ Groats , Scotland’s most northeasterly point and home to the Duncansby Stacks .

TIP: Know the way! Although there is a well trodden path along the fence leading away from the lighthouse at Duncansby Head , go up and over the hill near the lamppost behind the ‘Coaches Only’ parking in the parking lot for a more direct route to the Duncansby Stacks .

Scroll through the pictures of things we saw between Dornoch and John O’ Groats

John O’ Groats to Scourie

Now that you’ve visited Scotland’s most northeastly point, head a few miles west to Dunnet Head and stand at the most northerly point on mainland Britain. Marvel at the cliffs near the lighthouse and take in 360-degree views at the hilltop lookout point. For incredible views of Dunnet Bay Beach , drive pass the beach into Castletown . There’s a carpark just before an eerily abandoned house on the right. Continue west on the A836. Before the small town of Reay , you’ll drive through the most industrial part of the route, as you pass wind turbines, power lines, and factories. Before reaching Strathy , turn right at the sign pointing toward Portskerra . You’ll drive through a residential area, take a right at the fork, then turn right at the sign for Portskera Harbour . We hadn’t read about this location previously, but definitely wanted to mention it, as it was quite a find! We made our lunch and enjoyed the views overlooking Melvich Beach and the seaside cliffs. We then made the drive out to Strathy Point , and while the views along the way were great, the car park is more than a mile out from the lighthouse.

The rest of the day, although overcast, was chock full of insanely beautiful scenery, including overlooks at Bettyhill , Borgie Glen , Torrisdale Bay , and Coldbackie . Skerray Harbor proved to be an interesting find as we came upon an abandoned artists’ haven in ruins of an old house. Kyle of Tongue was an impressive inlet including the ruins of Castle Varrich poised high on a hillside. After enjoying quintessential Scottish highlands scenery (including a beautiful rainbow) around Loch Eriboll , we arrived at Smoo Cave . Though tours through the cave are available April through September, we arrived too late in the day to take advantage of this, so we briefly explored this magnificent cave on our own (the cave is only partially accessible without a tour). There are some great beaches in this area, including Balnakeil Beach . To get to Balnakeil , you must drive off the main road for about 2 miles. Supposedly this is where the famous Cocoa Mountain chocolate shop is, though we couldn’t find it on our GPS. You’ll also find a gorgeous beach just behind the Durness Visitor’s Center , so if you have questions about the surrounding area or just want to admire yet another beautiful beach, stop on by! The drive leading away from Durness was breathtaking. And though we didn’t go much further on this day, the views of the valley were a great way to wrap up another day on the North Coast 500! We parked our campervan at Scourie Campsite for the night. The views of Scourie Bay at sunset from their cliffside pitches can’t be beat!

TIP: There’s more! During this portion of the drive you can also check out the Castle of Mey , the Castlehill Heritage Center , and the Strathvanver Museum if you need a history fix or somewhere to go if it’s raining!

Scroll through the pictures of things we saw between John O’ Groats and Scourie

Scourie to Ardmair

Though the roads became a little more harrowing during yesterday’s drive, nothing could compare to the narrow one-way lanes we were greeted with on the way to Drumbeg . Everyone mentions that the Bealach na Ba pass near Applecross is the scariest portion of the North Coast 500 , but following our drive to Drumbeg , we were puzzled as to how this portion of the drive was never mentioned. Well, we survived and lived to tell about it, but just be prepared for narrow roads, blind summits, and tight turns. There is a bypass road if you don’t want to drive this portion, but we’d be lying if we said you wouldn’t miss much. Since it’s a peninsula, there are plenty of gorgeous beaches to admire, including Clashnessie , Clachtoll , and Achmelvich (which is a little off the route on yet another narrow road, but totally worth a visit). At the completion of this peninsula drive, you’ll be rewarded with the intriguing ruins of Ardvreck Castle along the banks of Loch Assynt .

Driving through Knocken Crag National Nature Reserve , we saw countless red deer grazing and were able to snap some awesome shots of these majestic creatures. We didn’t get at far as we had hoped this day, as the rain really started to come down again as we were passing through the reserve. Rather than continuing down to Gairloch like we had planned, we stopped in the tiny town of Ardmair and set up camp at the Ardmair Campsite . Even though the weather was poor, the views from this site were still amazing. Highly recommended, though a little on the pricey side! I guess you’re paying for the views.

TIP: Know Your Roadside Manners! On one-way roads, pay attention to the signs reading ‘Passing Place’. When you encounter another car on the road, pull off to the side at the nearest Passing Place (note, it may be behind you) and flash your headlights to let the other person know it is safe to pass. Typically, if someone flashes their lights at you, it means they are safely off the road and are telling you to proceed.

Scroll through the pictures of things we saw between Scourie and Ardmair

Ardmair to Loch Carron

Once you’ve passed through Ullapool , keep your eyes peeled for Lael Forest Gardens . This is an excellent (and free) place to walk along brief and peaceful forest paths. Feeling like you need to connect with nature further? Head to Corrieshalloch Gorge near Braemore . You may experience a little bit of vertigo while on the gently swaying suspension bridge overlooking water cascading 150ft (46m) over the Falls of Measach , and though a little bit terrifying, it’s definitely worth a stop! Just a half-mile past the gorge is a lovely lookout spot where we recommend you take a few moments to simply enjoy the view! Continue on the route toward Dundonnell to be rewarded with amazing vistas and seemingly endless horizons. Waterfalls pour down to rivers below cutting through the picturesque landscape. After passing along Little Loch Broom you’ll come to the absolutely stunning Gruinard Bay . This epic scene called for a lunch break, so we parked our campervan and chowed down with a view! Mellon Udrigle is another beach a little off the path, but definitely worth a visit.

Inverewe Gardens near Poolewe is a botanical garden with an eclectic collection of vibrant florals and plants from all over the world. Our visit was a little early in the season, and while there wasn’t too much in bloom at the time, the grounds were a peaceful oasis to explore. Gairloch Beach and Big Sand Beach , both near to the gardens, are said to be spectacular spots to watch the sunset . Gairloch also has a Heritage Museum that may be worth checking out, as its displays and artifacts take you on a journey through time in the northwest Highlands.  Departing from Gairloch , as you drive south toward Talladale , you’ll pass by the Loch Maree Islands and also have a wonderful view of the magnificent Ben Eighe  as you make your way through the Ben Eighe National Nature Reserve . There are definitely some challenging hikes in this area if you’re looking to get your blood pumping!

For further exhilaration, get ready, because you’re now coming upon the most talked-about portion of this grand adventure – Bealach na Ba ( Pass of the Cattle ) by Applecross . Passing through Torridon and along Upper Loch Torridon , as you climb and descend on narrow one-lane roads, you will want to stop often to catch your breath and to take lots of pictures! The west coast of the peninsula drive offers panoramic shots of the Isles of Rassay and Skye . Like with the drive to Drumbeg , there is an alternative route to which you can by-pass this white-knuckle drive. But, if you’re ready for some added adventure, conquer what is to known to many as one of the best drives in the UK! Prepare yourself to conquer super tight hairpin turns and switchbacks along the steep hillside with gradients reaching 20%. Too bad there’s not a distillery at the end… we both could’ve used a shot of whiskey after that!

This was a rather long day, but who knew it would only get better from here?! For this was the night we tried wild camping in our campervan for the first time, and boy, did our sense of adventure pay off! We’re big night sky enthusiasts, so we picked a place to park away from city lights on an overlook at the edge of Loch Carron (in Stromeferry ). After a late dinner, we decided to take a step outside to photograph the stars, as there were billions visible. Within minutes, the Northern Lights appeared and danced across the dark sky! Their alluring display only lasted a few minutes before the clouds rolled in, but it was enough to capture some great shots and make it a very memorable first night of wild camping .

Curious about getting off the grid? Check out our post on Wild Camping in Scotland .   

TIP: Look Up! Scotland is an excellent place to view the Northern Lights (in the autumn and winter months). There are several locations around the country where you may have a chance at viewing this spectacular natural phenomenon including: Shetland , Orkney , and Caithness , Aberdeenshire and the Moray Coast , the Isles of Lewis, Harris , and Skye , Cairngorms National Park , Galloway Forest Park ( Scotland’s only Dark Sky Park ), Rannoch Moor and Perthshire , and Angus and the coast of Fife . And even if it isn’t the season for the Northern Lights, these locations should be perfect for star gazing, provided you have clear skies!

Scroll through the pictures of things we saw between Ardmair and Loch Carron

Isle of Skye

This was our second visit to Scotland . We regretted not having visited Scotland’s most talked about island on our first visit, so we vowed to go on a return trip. Though the North Coast 500 route doesn’t include the Isle of Skye , we added a few extra days to our itinerary so we could explore what was recently named as one of the UK’s most beautiful islands in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards . Because this post is all about the North Coast 500 , you’ll have to head over to our Isle of Skye post to read more about our two days on this magical island! So for now, we’ll share a a few pictures with you to whet your appetite.

Loch Carron to Inverness

Following our 2-day detour to the Isle of Skye , we were committed to completing the North Coast 500 route on our way to Cairngorms National Park . Passing through Glen Carron was a scenic treat as we made our way to the stunning Rogie Falls . The sun was shining as we drove back through Inverness to close out the incredible North Coast 500 route!

Scroll through the pictures of things we saw between Loch Carron and Inverness

Making the Most of Your Journey on the North Coast 500

So, maybe you were already planning a trip along the North Coast 500 or maybe just by reading this post, we’ve inspired you to pack your bags and head off to northwestern Scotland! Either way, we hope we’ve provided you with the ultimate North Coast 500 Guide ! Before we close out this ridiculously long post, we want to give you a few more tips for making the most of your journey along the North Coast 500 !

• Plan Ahead! 500 miles is a lot of ground to cover, and with so much to see and do, it’s good to have an idea of what YOU want to experience. You could spend a few weeks traveling the North Coast 500 and not see everything. Know how many days you plan to be on the route and plan activities that are of interest to you. Utilize this guide along with the official North Coast 500 website and VisitScotland.com to plan all of the details. Visit Scotland also has several information centers along the route, providing free planning resources and offering great local advice.
• Take Your Time! Some of the roads are not in the best condition or are otherwise somewhat petrifying on their own. Particularly if this is your first time driving on the left side of the road, be prepared for narrow, one-way, and winding roads in parts! Know how passing places work and take your time. With so much to see along the way, there’s no need to rush. We found that there was nothing to worry about, as most drivers were very courteous and allowed us to pass if we could not pull off the road first.
• Be Prepared for Quick Changes in Weather! As mentioned before, we recommend you dress in layers that you can put on and take off, as the weather can change by the minute. Weatherproof jackets and shoes are highly recommended for this region.
• Check Opening Dates and Hours! On a few occasions, we missed out on being able to visit some attractions along the way, because it was either too early or late in the day, or it wasn’t yet open for the season. We also didn’t know that you’d only be able to spot the dolphins off Chanonry Point during high tide, so we missed out on that opportunity as well! So, learn from us and really plan ahead if there are things you definitely want to see or do along the route!
• Disconnect! We live in an age where many of us are constantly connected to our devices, and even though you’ll want to upload amazing photos from your journey to Facebook and Instagram, it’s important to note that cell towers and WiFi are very scarce along this route. If you absolutely need to connect, your best bet is to stop into a coffeeshop or café, make a purchase, and connect to their WiFi. The Visit Scotland information centers located along the route not only offer free planning resources and offer great advice, they also provide visitors with free WiFi. Though in order to avoid frustration by spending most of your trip searching for a signal, disconnect and simply enjoy the journey!
• Bring Your Sense of Adventure! Though we urge you to use maps and other resources to plan out your trip, we’d also like to encourage you to feel free to detour off the planned route a little bit to discover lesser known gems! There were a few times where we saw something that caught our eye that was not labeled on the map. We went off in search of adventure, and felt that we had discovered something new!

THANKS FOR FOLLOWING OUR NORTH COAST 500 ITINERARY!

Need help planning your own journey along the North Coast 500? For less than you’d pay for a coffee or hot chocolate on a chilly Scotland day, you can download our printable North Coast 500 Destination Guide which basically summarizes this post and contains some additional helpful information including: Suggested Travel Direction | Year-Round Weather | Camping Along the North Coast 500 Guide | Animals | List of Things to See/Do Between Points Along the Route | Suggestions for Making the Most of Your Trip | Sample 5-Day Itinerary | 3-Page Photo Guide (You can see a sample of the guide before making a purchase.)

For further inspiration, please check out the video we put together or our journey along the North Coast 500 !

If you’re interested in campervan / motorhome rental for the North Coast 500, Bunk Campers has pick-up locations in both Edinburgh and Glasgow . The size of our vehicle is the maximum we would recommend for the more harrowing drives to Drumbeg and along Bealach na Ba . For reference, we rented the Aero model. (Anything larger, and you’d probably want to take the bypass roads near Drumbeg and Applecross .) We did a few nights of wild camping in our motorhome during our journey and can definitely recommend this method of travel for this magnificent region of Scotland!

We’d like to thank Bunk Campers and Visit Scotland for their support in our journey along the North Coast 500 . As always, all opinions are our own and are an accurate representation of the experiences we had.

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18 Comments

Hi sam and toccara. I have just read your excellent blog on the north coast 500. My wife and i have already made plans to do this fantastic route in september, but your blog has just whet my appetite even more for our trip. Thank you for allowing people to experince your journey, and for passing on your tips etc for things to see do and visit.

Malcolm reah

Wonderful! I’m so glad the route was recommended to us and now we want to recommend it to others! When we were planning, I couldn’t find much in the way of things to do between points on the drive, so I wanted to create something useful that future travelers to the route could use. Feel free to download of our guide to take with you! https://forgetsomeday.com/north-coast-500-destination-guide/ Have a blast! It’s a beautiful region of Scotland!

For an extra few miles can I recommend you turn left of the A835 at Drumrunie and drive past Stac Pollaidh then right, at Badnagyle, towards Lochinver. The views are simply stunning across towards Suilven

Thanks for the added tip! We’ll definitely have to do this drive again in the future, as I know there is so much more to see!

Hello- fantastic blog/website and article on Northcoast 500. How long did this take? Could it be done safely and enjoyably in 5 days (no Skye as we will have already done that for 3 days)? Don’t laugh! My daughter and I find ourselves with 6 days to plan June 13-18 after the half marathon on Isle of Skye on 6/11. This has me really excited, just do not know if doable. Thanks for your GREAT accounts of your travels!

Thank you so much! We put a lot of time and energy into creating it, so our readers could have a great resource! We did the North Coast 500 in 5 days. Could’ve used another day or two, mostly due to poor weather, but yes it can be done! 🙂 We actually only spent 2 days on Skye and definitely could’ve used more time. Have a wonderful time on your journey along the North Coast 500!

We are going to Scotland this summer and are going to follow in your footsteps. It looks like a really beautiful drive. Hope there are not too many white knuckle parts.

How wonderful! We love Scotland and between our two separate trips, we’ve spent about 5 weeks there. We still have experiences we haven’t even written about. The North Coast 500 is a beautiful and adventurous drive. There are only a few white knuckle parts, but keep in mind, we were in a fairly large campervan during our journey. Have a wonderful time and let us know if you have any questions about the drive.

Thank you so much for sharing. We’re off on the NC500 trip with a campervan (campervanning for the first time and also terrified of the road to Applecross!). This has given me loads to look in to. Stunning pictures too – THANK YOU!

You are most welcome! Applecross wasn’t so bad; fortunately, there were not other cars on the road when we made our journey through the pass, so we had the curvy road all to ourselves! Have a wonderful time along the route!

Thanks for sharing I am hoping to talk my hubby into this next year. Looks really good.

You’re welcome! I hope you’re able to convince your husband to make the drive along the North Coast 500. It’s a wonderful road trip and an excellent way to explore the beauty of the Scottish Highlands!

Just did a section of the Northcoast 500 – along the west coast to Durness. It was fabulous although the weather was only average. We could not see past the edges of the road on our drive over the Bealach na Ba. The beaches are amazing – windswept with gorgeous white sand. Next time and there will be one, we will spend a couple of weeks and drive the full route.

Part of the route is better than none of the route! And I love that you’re already talking about going back for another visit. The weather was less than stellar during our trip, as well, so we’d also love to go back and drive the route again (preferably in better weather). That’s a shame that you couldn’t experience the beauty of Bealach na Ba; hopefully you’ll have better weather during your next trip!

Loved your post. We are leaving in a week although we have a home base in Beauly we will be taking day trips along the 500 rt. We are also stopping off in Orkney to visit rellies . Your suggestions were very helpful . Amber

Awesome Amber! So glad you found our post useful. Have a great time along taking day trips along the route.

Enjoyed your post very much. We are planning to do some of the North Coast 500 at the beginning of October and are renting a small motor home. Unfortunately we only have 5 days, leaving from Edinburgh. We would like to see a distillery on the way and having a hard time now to decide which way would be the most interesting to travel. The clockwise or the counter clockwise. Do you have any suggestion?

As we mentioned in our post – “Clockwise or anticlockwise… that is the question! Since the route is set up in a circular manner, you can go one of two ways. While many people choose to drive west from Inverness and complete the route in a clockwise direction, we decided to head north and travel counter-clockwise. There are benefits to both. Traveling clockwise, the coast will be directly to your left, whereas traveling counter-clockwise (or anticlockwise), you’ll have a lane of passing cars on your right between you and the coast. Despite this, we chose to travel counter-clockwise for two main reasons: 1) We didn’t want to encounter the Bealach na Ba pass near Applecross on our first day, as we were driving a semi-large campervan and felt that we needed to get used to the vehicle before tackling this challenging portion of the drive (more on that later), and 2) We wanted to add in a visit to Isle of Skye toward the tail-end of our journey. So, as to not backtrack, we started our journey north from Inverness!” We visited the Glenmorangie Distillery, though there are a few to choose from along the NC500. Have a wonderful trip!!

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North Coast 500 The Road Trip of a Lifetime - NC500 Guide Book

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Published January 1, 2022

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Detailed 7 Day North Coast 500 Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated: March 27, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 136 Comments

The North Coast 500 is the most popular road trip in Scotland and we’ve put together a comprehensive 1 week North Coast 500 itinerary to help drivers navigate this driving route. This detailed day-by-day North Coast 500 itinerary covers all the basic details (mileage, general route) and sightseeing highlights along the approximately 500 mile route.

We’ve driven the NC500 route several times ourselves so we’ve been to all the highlights and many of the lesser known spots. In this guide, we cover scenic viewpoints, beaches, castles, museums, golf courses, natural wonders, whisky distilleries, historical sites, suggested detours, and so much more. We also provide suggestions for where to eat and where to stay each day along the drive with options for almost any budget.

Use this 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary to plan your travels around this beautiful part of the northern Scottish Highlands and get the most out of your NC500 road trip!

Table of Contents:

Preparing for your North Coast 500 Road Trip

First, before you take off on your epic North Coast 500 road trip, we recommend reading our North Coast 500 planning guide to get you oriented with all the basic things you need to know to plan your trip.

Our planning guide covers background information about the North Coast 500 route, advice on when to go, an overview of the highlights, car and campervan rental options, tips for traveling with your dog, camping tips, guided tours, safety and driving tips, a suggested packing list, and a list of helpful resources.

But below is some basic information about how to get to the North Coast 500 starting point, where to rent a car for the drive, and how to determine how many days you need to drive the NC500.

Getting to and from the NC500 Starting Point?

The North Coast 500 is a circular route that begins and ends in the city of Inverness. Inverness is the largest city in the Scottish Highlands, and it has an airport, train station and bus station, making it easy to get here using a variety of transportation options.

Inverness is about a 150 mile drive from Edinburgh (~ 3 hour drive), 170 mile drive from Glasgow (~ 3.5 hours drive), 300 miles from Belfast (~ 8 hours with short ferry ride), 370 miles from Manchester (7.5 to 8 hours), and 570 miles from London (~ 10 hours).

You can check the latest road conditions and traffic in Scotland online at Traffic Scotland .

Inverness Airport has flights to and from a number of locations in the UK, Ireland, and continental Europe. If you are arriving from outside the UK, your flight is likely to have a layover in a larger UK airport like London, Glasgow, or Edinburgh.

It is about a 20 minute drive from Inverness airport to downtown Inverness, or you can take a bus (check local bus schedules here ), or it’s a 20 minute taxi ride (can book and compare fares on minicabit ).

Train connections to Inverness are good from most areas of the UK. You can get to Inverness from Edinburgh or Glasgow in about 4 hours and from London in 8 to 10 hours.

There is no single national train service in the UK, but Trainline  and  ScotRail are good websites to check for schedules and to purchase train tickets. We recommend purchasing train tickets in advance to ensure a seat and for the best prices. 

There is also the option to travel overnight on the overnight sleeper train the Caledonian Sleeper from London or elsewhere in Scotland. You can see schedules and fares here , and you can read our sleeper train review here .

Inverness is well-connected to the rest of the UK by public bus. You can check  National Express for coach connections and prices.

We recommend using the Traveline website for helping to plan longer journeys in the UK via public transportation. The site is especially helpful if you are having trouble figuring out which bus to take or how to do a multi-leg journey.

If you are coming from Ireland, ferries regularly run between Belfast in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan in Scotland. It is about a 5 hour drive from Cairnryan to Inverness. You can check out the local ferry routes and schedules here .

Note that if you plan to rent a car outside Scotland and take a ferry, be sure to check your rental car agreement. Bringing a car to Scotland may be against your car’s rental terms (particularly any ferry crossings).

North Coast 500 Car Rentals

If you are not driving your own car, you can easily rent one in Scotland or elsewhere in the UK. For those driving the NC500, Inverness is a natural place to pick up a rental, but you can also do it in any of the other main cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Aberdeen.

Car Rentals

In Inverness, you can rent a car from a number of rental car agencies in Inverness Airport or downtown Inverness. Just be sure your rental is fully insured. Enterprise is usually our go-to company for car hire.

Each rental car agency has its own rental policies. But generally, to rent a car in Scotland (or elsewhere in the UK), you must be at least 21 to 30 years old (many have 23 as an age limit) depending on the vehicle category and car rental agency. There is often a surcharge for drivers age 25 or under.

To rent a car in Scotland, you also normally need to have held a valid driving license for at least a year (some require up to 3 years) and the driver’s license must be in English or use the Latin alphabet (or you’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country).

Motorcycle Rentals

If you want to rent a motorcycle for your NC500 road trip, you can check out the North Coast 500 Moto Experience  in Inverness and the  Highland Motorcycle Hire in Muir of Ord (20 km west of Inverness).

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

Campervan, RV, & Motor Home Rentals

There are several places to rent campervans in and around Inverness, including Highland Campervans , Loch Ness Motorhomes , and  Rover Rentals . For peer-to-peer campervan and motorhome rentals, you can also look at options available on  GoBoony and Outdoorsy .

If you are arriving elsewhere in Scotland or the UK, you’ll also find plenty of options around any of the large cities in the UK. For example, if you are starting in Edinburgh or London, Spaceship Rentals is another place to check for campervans and motorhomes.

We also recommend using Motorhome Republic for campervan rental – they compare prices across the major rental firms in the UK to find the best price for you. You can book your RV for the UK through them here .

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

I’d recommend renting the smallest size campervan or motorhome/RV that you need as the narrow roads of the Highlands are not designed for large vehicles and larger vehicles are prohibited on some roads.

To be able to safely drive the NC500, you must be able to safely reverse the vehicle on small roads and it must fit into passing places. It is recommended that you don’t drive or rent any vehicle that has a total length of more than 18 feet.

If you are planning to do the NC500 by campervan or motorhome, we recommend checking out our NC500 camping itinerary , and our guide to campsites on the North Coast 500 .

Should I plan my North Coast 500 road trip in advance?

Yes, we would recommend booking your lodging in advance and to have a general idea of the main things you want to do. It is also wise to book ahead any guided activities such as kayaking, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, guided mountaineering, etc. in advance as many of the small operators tell us they can be booked up weeks in advance.

The North Coast 500 has become increasingly busy and there are a limited number of lodging and service options along the route. Waiting until the last minute to book lodging can leave you with few options, particularly if you are traveling between mid-May to early September.

If you are traveling off-season, there will be fewer travelers, but many of the businesses are seasonal so there are fewer lodging options and attractions open between October and April. So again it is wise to plan ahead.

How do you decide how long to drive the North Coast 500?

If you are not sure how long to spend along the North Coast 500, we recommend 7 to 10 days as the most ideal amount of time. This gives you plenty of time to see all the highlights, visit attractions, do some hiking, do some outdoor activities, and really see the area without feeling rushed.

Although it is possible to race around the North Coast 500 in 3 days, this is not recommended as you’ll see little and spend a lot of time driving in your car. You’ll want to take time to stop and explore and appreciate the scenery. We recommend at least 5 days to drive the full NC500.

This is not a route to drive quickly. The roads are mostly narrow and single-track and parts of the route can be congested in the summer months with tourists. Seeing deer and sheep on the road is common. Don’t plan a trip that will require you to rush around at top speeds; be a safe and responsible driver.

If you have more time, you’ll have a chance to see even more. The more time people take, the more they tend to enjoy the trip. We’ve driven the North Coast 500 route now several times and have spent between 7 day to 3 weeks at a time along the route. You won’t run out of things to do if you enjoy outdoor activities!

What if I have less than 1 week to drive the North Coast 500?

You can easily adjust this itinerary if you have a bit less than 7 days to drive the North Coast 500. We recommend a minimum of 5 days to drive the NC500 route, and you can see our suggested itinerary for 5 days around the NC500 .

If you have less than 5 days, we recommend driving only a portion of the route or considering joining a guided tour. If you are considering a guided tour, we can recommend this 3 day tour from Rabbies , an Edinburgh-based tour company we have used several times. They will take care of the planning, ensure you see all the main highlights, and keep you safe on the road.

What if I have more than 7 days to drive the NC500?

It is great if you have more than 1 week to drive the NC500! We can easily spend a few weeks in the area ourselves and you’ll have plenty to do and see if you enjoy outdoor activities.

If you have a few extra days, I’d turn a couple of the 1-night stays into 2-night or 3-night stays so you can better explore areas that are of most interest to you. It is always nice to not have to pack up and change lodging every night.

You also have a chance to explore some of the secondary routes and explore off the NC500. We provide lots of suggestions for things to do and detours in our itinerary.

If you have several extra days, we’d recommend adding on a visit to one of the islands that can be reached from along or near the route such as Orkney, the Outer Hebrides (e.g., Lewis & Harris), the Isle of Skye, or Shetland. We’d recommend at least 2 full days on any of the above islands to make the most of a visit.

Additional Resources?

If you have further questions, we recommend checking out the rest of our content on the North Coast 500 , including our North Coast 500 planning guide (start here), North Coast 500 highlights , North Coast 500 photography locations guide , North Coast 500 hotel guide , NC500 camping itinerary , and North Coast 500 B&B guide for more information.

If you have additional questions not answered here, feel free to leave us your question at the end of this article in the Comments section. We’ll do our best to answer your questions about the NC500 and provide our advice based on our experiences.

How to Use this NC500 Itinerary?

We recommend that you use our North Coast 500 itinerary as a suggested guide rather than an inflexible itinerary.

There is no way you can visit all the listed attractions or eat in all the restaurants in one road trip with only 1 week so choose the ones of most interest to you. Modify the road trip itinerary to best suit the time you have available for your trip, your preferred pace of travel, and your interests. It is your trip!

We designed this North Coast 500 itinerary with the idea that you would leave Inverness the first day with little time to explore the city. But we highly recommend taking at least one full day to explore Inverness before (or after) your road trip. If you have more time, there is A LOT to do around Inverness and there are lots of great potential day trips from Inverness to places like Loch Ness and the Cairngorms National Park . Add extra days if you want to spend more time exploring Inverness and the surrounding area.

Below is a brief guide to each of the sections within our North Coast 500 itinerary to help you understand and make the most of it:

Starting & Ending Point: This provides our suggested starting and ending point for each day. For a couple of the days, we provide alternative stopping points depending on how far you want to drive and where you book your accommodation.

Route : This section provides a general idea of the route for that day if you are following the NC500 official route. The route is pretty easy to follow and we recommend picking up the official North Coast 500 route from the visitor center in Inverness before your trip to help keep you on track.

Mileage: We list the approximate mileage that would be driven that day if you follow the NC500 route. Of course, if you make any detours or deviations from the route, this will add to your overall mileage. We found that we almost always drove a bit more (and sometimes a lot more) than anticipated.

North Coast 500 Main Attractions: In this section, we highlight many of the main attractions along that day’s suggested route such as scenic viewpoints, museums, castles, golf courses, gardens, distilleries, beaches, visitor centers, interesting shops, and historical sites.

We recommend reading over the itinerary before your trip and note down any must-see attractions. For these, I would recommend checking on opening dates and hours to make sure you can fit them into your schedule. Many places are closed on certain days and a few require advanced bookings. Most attractions along the route are open seasonally so if traveling outside of the summer months, some will be closed.

Note that if you would like to do any activities along the route (e.g., wildlife watching boat tours, fishing, golfing, clay pigeon shooting, guided hikes, surfing lessons, cooking classes, geology walks, etc.) I would be sure to book these before your trip. Many of these require advanced reservations and some book up well in advance.

Notable Detours:  If there are any notable detours off the driving route that day, such as the Black Isle, trip to Orkney, or Coigach Peninsula loop, we list them in this section. Just note if you plan to make a lot of detours (or do long ones such as out to the islands) you will likely want to add more days to your trip.

North Coast 500 Dinner Recommendations: In this section, we’ll tell you about your options for dinner in and around the town where we recommend staying for the night. Breakfast is offered at most B&B’s and hotels and lunch is fairly easy to find in most towns along the route, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a place to eat during the day. But there are fewer places serving dinner.

In some places you’ll have many choices of where to have dinner (e.g., Inverness or Ullapool), but in other towns you’ll have more limited choices. In all the places we recommend overnighting, you should have at least 2 or more choices for dinner, especially if traveling between May and September. If you are traveling in the off season, choices may be more limited, especially in the less populated areas.

We list everything from sandwich shops to pubs to fine dining for each location. We’ve eaten at about 70% of the restaurants we list, so feel free to give us a shout if you have any questions or want a recommendation for a certain type of food or for a certain budget. Also let us know if you find that one of the restaurants on our list has closed, or find a great one that has recently opened.

Most restaurants along the North Coast 500 route stop serving dinner between 8:00pm and 9:00pm (20:00 and 21:00). If you plan to arrive after 8:00pm or so, I’d be prepared and pick up sandwiches or something along the way so you aren’t in the situation where you have nothing to eat for the evening.

For those planning to cook their own meals, most towns of any size have a small grocery or general store that sells basic groceries, snacks, prepared sandwiches, etc. Note that in many of the smaller towns, these stores close between 5:00pm and 6:00pm (17:00 and 18:00).

SPAR is the most common store for groceries (as well as other necessities) along the route (many small towns have one), and SPAR also often doubles as the town post office and general store. Some of the larger campsites and caravan parks also stock basic groceries and camping necessities that campers can purchase.

Larger grocery stores along the NC500 can be found in Inverness (several large supermarkets including Tesco, Lidl, Asda, and Morrisons), Thurso (Tesco, Lidl, and Co-op), and Ullapool (Tesco Superstore). These are good places to stock up on groceries if you are staying in self-catering lodging or camping.

North Coast 500 Lodging Recommendations: In this section, we list recommended hotels across a number of budgets and types. We list hotels, inns, B&B’s, hostels, and other types of accommodation. We also note campsites and campervan parks near each recommended overnight location for those wanting to do tent camping or plan to travel by campervan, RV, or motorhome.

We have attempted to provide options that will suit all kinds of travelers from budget travelers to luxury travelers; however, know that many towns along the route do not have any 4- or 5-star hotels and many towns don’t have any hostels. If you are looking for 5-star luxury at every stop, you may be disappointed, but there are good mid-range options all around the route.

We only list accommodation recommendations for suggested overnight stops within the 7 day itinerary, but if you are looking for other lodging options in other spots, take a look at our guide to where to stay along the North Coat 500 .

Parking is available for free at (either a dedicated car park or free on-street parking) almost all lodging options around the route. The only place where you might want to check on parking is Inverness as not all hotels and B&B’s have their own parking area, but there is almost always free street parking around or low-cost car parks.

** Important Note :  We’ve driven the route several times over the past few years and have seen a large number of openings, closings, and changes of ownership of hotels, B&B’s, restaurants, museums, shops, and other businesses. We strive to keep this information as updated as possible, but be sure to check ahead for latest information.

If you know of an attraction that has disappeared or a business that has closed (or a great place that has opened or re-opened) please feel free to leave us a Comment and we will look into it and update our information. We appreciate your help in keeping our information updated for future readers! **

1 Week North Coast 500 Itinerary Map

Below is a quick outline of our suggested North Coast 500 itinerary route and the starting and ending points for each day are shown in the map below. This is just a quick reference North Coast 500 map to show the route and itinerary so you can visualize it!

You can click this link or double click on the map image below to explore or save the map.

1 Week North Coast 500 Itinerary Summary

Here’s an overview of the route for quick reference.

• Day 1:  Inverness to Dornoch
• Day 2:  Dornoch to Wick
• Day 3 : Wick to Tongue
• Day 4 : Tongue to Lochinver
• Day 5 : Lochinver to Ullapool
• Day 6 : Ullapool to Kinlochewe
• Day 7 : Kinlochewe to Inverness

7 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary

Here is our suggested 1 week North Coast 500 itinerary. The itinerary begins and ends in the city of Inverness.

We recommend driving the NC500 route counterclockwise (starting along the east coast) so the itinerary follows this direction going northeast and then west. However, you can easily reverse this route and start your trip by exploring the west coast first. You just need to start reading from the end.

As noted earlier, we suggest that you use our itinerary as a guide for planning your trip and that you modify it as needed.

To make the most of your trip and time, you might consider picking up a map of the route.  If you will be driving beyond the NC500, we also recommend getting a good driving map of Scotland or a road atlas like this one .

There used to be a physical copy of the official North Coast 500 map available, however this has been discontinued. You can sometimes find it on eBay, with this search . There is also this map of the route available on Waterstones.

You might also want to get a guidebook written for the North Coast 500. There are a few of them now, and you can see them here . Personally, we have not used them and have heard mixed reviews from readers, so read reviews to decide if one of these might be helpful for your trip.

For those planning to do a lot of hiking, cycling, or climbing along the North Coast 500 (or elsewhere in Scotland), we highly recommend using Ordnance Survey maps . These are the best and most detailed maps for the UK.

There are OS 1: 50,000 scale Landranger maps (good for cyclists, drivers, and hikers planning to stick to well-established paths) as well as the OS 1:25,000 scale Explorer Maps for those hiking and wanting to get off the paths. For example, this is the Landranger Map  for Assynt & Lochinver and this is the  Explorer Map for that same area.

OS ships globally, but some of the maps are also available on Amazon. If you have a question about which map you need for certain hikes or areas, feel free to ask.

We have driven the route many times now and we have visited almost every listed attraction along the North Coast 500 and done almost all the listed detours. So if you have a question about something after reading over the itinerary, feel free to ask us in the Comments section at the end of this article.

OK, let’s get this road trip started!

Day 1 of North Coast 500 Itinerary: Inverness to Dornoch

Welcome to the North Coast 500—today your great Scottish road trip begins! Today you head up the east coast with opportunities for beaches, golfing, wildlife spotting, cultural attractions, whisky distillery tours, and hiking. The biggest decision today is whether you want to detour to explore the Black Isle or not.

Let’s get started!

Starting & Ending Point: Inverness to Dornoch

The official beginning is Inverness Castle, but feel free to begin wherever you wish. You’ll start by heading west out of Inverness along the A862 towards the small town of Beauly.

Route:  Inverness –> Beauly –> Dingwall –> Tain –> Dornoch Mileage: ~ 53 miles / 85 km (~ 93 miles / 150 km if do Black Isle detour) Areas of Scottish Highlands: Inverness-shire, Easter Ross (a.k.a. Ross-shire and Ross & Cromarty), and Sutherland

Main Attractions Along Route

• You’ll be leaving Inverness today. Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, has a number of attractions in the city itself such as Inverness Castle (only the viewpoint is open to the public), Inverness Museum & Art Gallery , Ness Island Walk, and Inverness Botanical Garden . And offers a number of great attractions within a short drive such as Fort George , Culloden Battlefield , Cawdor Castle , and Loch Ness. You can see our guide to day trips from Inverness . We highly recommend spending a full day exploring Inverness before or after your NC500 road trip if you haven’t visited before.
• Note for those interested in the Picts , an early group of people who inhabited Scotland, there is a Pictish Trail that ties together over a dozen sites between Inverness and Dunrobin Castle. Most sites are Pictish carved stones and you can add any of interest to your itinerary. A few require you to phone ahead to ensure access.
• The area of the Moray Forth and Beauly Firth around Inverness and North Kessock is well known for wildlife and people often spot birds, otters, and dolphins here.
• Beauly is the first village you’ll come to and is best known for Beauly Priory, or the Priory Church of the Blessed Virgin and John the Baptist, which was founded in 1230 by Valliscaulian monks. The Reformation in 1560 brought an end to its religious use and it is in ruins now, but it’s maintained by Historic Scotland and worth a visit (free to visit). John Keats visited here and wrote a poem about the ruined abbey . Beauly also has its own Pipe Band that performs traditional music every Thursday evening in the town square during summer.
• Just north of Beauly , you’ll pass by Robertson’s Farm Shop , this is an excellent place to grab picnic supplies. They also have a small family petting zoo (small fee) here where the kids can get up close to sheep, goats, Highland cattle, chickens, pigs, alpaca, etc.
• Next village is Muir of Ord which offers a golf course and a nearby whisky distillery. The Glen Ord Distilery , which produces a popular single malt whisky, has a visitor center and you can take distillery tours and/or do tastings here. For those interested in archaeological sites, the golf course is also the site of the Castle Hill Henge (previously known as the Muir of Ord Fort) which may be a Neolithic or Bronze Age henge and there are also standing stones within a mile of the henge. If you want to see it, just stop in at the golf course and ask about it.
• If you are wanting to detour to visit the Black Isle (recommended if you have time), you’ll probably want to do that now. See Possible Detours section below for more information about the Black Isle.
• Dingwall is a very pleasant town to stroll around so we recommend parking and taking a stroll along the main street (High Street), here you’ll find a number of local shops, a few casual dining spots, and the Dingwall Museum (entry by donation, seasonal). The small museum covers the local town history and is worth a stop. There is a heritage walk you can do that takes about 1.5 hours (ask about it in the museum) and covers local monuments and historical buildings. The tower you’ll likely notice on the hill is a memorial to local hero Major General Hector MacDonald and you can do a hike up to the tower which offers a nice view back over the town and Black Isle.
• Outside the town center of Dingwall is Tulloch Castle which is believed to date back to the 12th century and is today a hotel. GlenWyvis is a community-owned distillery, started in 2015, that produces both gin and whisky. You can’t visit the distillery (as of last check) but you can purchase and try it locally in Dingwall.
• Evanton isn’t a large village but if offers several woodland hiking trails in and around the community-owned Evanton Woods . One 2.5 mile hike goes past the Black Rock Gorge, which was a Harry Potter filming location . There is also a very nice woodland playground located here (about a 10 minute walk from town center parking area) if you are traveling with kids.
• The little village of Alness has a golf course and two whisky distilleries, Dalmore Distillery (open to visitors, seasonal) and Teaninich Distillery (not open to public). You might also consider a hike up to the nearby Fyrish Monument ; there are nice views of Ben Wyvis and the rest of the local area from the monument on a clear day.
• A brief detour can take you to Invergordon which is home to another golf course and the Invergordon Museum (entry by donation, seasonal) which covers local history of the town and area.
• Another brief detour can take you to the Nigg Bay reserve which is an extensive area of mudflats, saltmarsh, and wet grassland on the Cromarty Firth, much of which is part of a The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reserve. It is a good place to see wading birds and wildfowl, especially at high tide. The reserve operates a hide and small car park here. Those interesting in birdwatching here should check out the reserve website . A bit further south is the parish church in Nigg that contains the Nigg Stone, an important carved Pictish stone.
• Tain has a long history and was Scotland’s first royal burgh back in 1066, and its town center is worth a short stroll. Some notable buildings are the Tain Tolbooth & Clock Tower (across the road from the Royal Hotel) and the medieval St Duthac Collegiate church. If you have time we recommend a visit to Tain Through Time (small admission fee), which includes 3 buildings set within the church grounds which include a visitor center focused on the story of medieval pilgrimage to Tain, the medieval church itself dedicated to Saint Duthac , and the Tain & District Museum which covers the local history. The Clan Ross Centre is also located within this museum.
• Tain also has a golf course and a whisky distillery. Glenmorangie Distillery dates back to 1843 and produces a single malt whisky and is one of the best selling single malts in Scotland each year. The distillery offers guided tours and tasting classes to the public.
• Just outside of Dornoch (but not open to the public) sits Skibo Castle , which was the home of Scottish-American industrialist Andrew Carnegie . It can’t be seen from the road and doesn’t allow public visits as it is an exclusive members-only residential club. It has its own golf course, stables, and tennis courts. This is where Madonna married Guy Ritchie in December 2000. You can learn more about the castle in the HistoryLinks museum in Dornoch.
• Dornoch is a lovely little town best known for its famous championship golf course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club (book tee time well in advance) and is a major draw for golfers. In the center of town you’ll find Dornoch Cathedral (grand parish church which has seen the likes of Madonna and Elon Musk), Dornoch Castle (15th century castle, now a hotel), and the old 19th century jailhouse (now a shop). Dornoch also has a beach which is a pleasant place for a seaside stroll. For local history, we recommend a stop at HistoryLinks (small admission fee) which covers all the local history and you can also pick up a heritage trail map that will guide you to places like the old mercat cross and The Witch’s Stone (commemorates last legal witch burning in British Isles in 1727). There’s also the popular Cocoa Mountain which sells handmade chocolates and serves hot chocolate

Possible Detours

Today’s drive to Dornoch isn’t that long so depending on what time you leave Inverness and how many stops you plan to make, you may have time for a detour. If you have time we’d definitely recommend the Black Isle detour.

If you have even more time (ideally another day) you might consider more exploration of the Tarbat Peninsula and doing the Lairg Loop.

• The Black Isle is a large peninsula located just northwest of Inverness. The area has a number of interesting small towns, attractions, and scenic spots that are worth a stop if you have time. These include Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Museum & Cottage, Black Isle Brewery, Fortrose Cathedral, wildlife watching boat tours (book in advance), Pictish stones, and Fairy Glen waterfall. Chanonry Point is one of the best places to see dolphins in Scotland. See our guide to things to do on the Black Isle to plan your visit. You can turn off the NC500 route to visit the Black Isle in a few different spots between Inverness and Dingwall. It is about a 1.5 hour detour to drive around the peninsula and return, but I’d allow at least 3 hours if you want to make stops and explore.
• If you like Pictish stones and lighthouses, you might want to make the detour to explore the Tarbat Peninsula . Here you can visit the interesting Tarbat Discovery Centre (small admission fee) which is located in an old parish church and is focused on Pictish history and artifacts. There are also more Pictish stones and historical sites in area (ask at Discovery Centre). You can also follow the coastal Tarbat Ness walk from Portmahomack to the local lighthouse which was designed by Robert Stevenson. You can detour to this area from Tain, it is about a 20 minute drive from Tain to Portmahomack.
• Lairg Loop – If you have extra time, you might consider driving the Lairg Loop which includes the chance to drive through Bonar Bridge, see the Falls of Shin (visitor center, walking & cycling paths, restaurant, waterfall with chance to see salmon jumping), and visit Lairg. In Lairg, you’ll find the Ferrycroft Visitor Centre which is a good place to get local information and to do two short walks, the Ord Lairg Archaeology Trail and Ferrywood Trail. This is a popular fishing area, especially for trout in local lochs, and you can purchase bank permits and boats here . The Lairg Loop without stops adds a little over 1 hour of driving.
• If you are doing the Lairg Loop, you may also want to make a detour to see Croick Church (about 10 miles west of Ardgay) in the parish of Croick . It is a Church of Scotland 19th century parish church of Thomas Telford design that figured prominently in the Clearance of Glencalvie in 1845. It is about a 25 minute drive from Ardgay to reach the church. So add an extra hour to the Lairg Loop drive if you want to visit the church.

Dinner Recommendations

You have several options when it comes to finding dinner in Dornoch. Reservations are recommended at many of the restaurants so I’d recommend calling ahead to book if there is one you really want to eat at during your stay.

I’d also check with your B&B or hotel, as many offer evening meals in Dornoch for guests.

Here are some options:

• Coach House Bar & Restaurant – If you are looking for inexpensive pub grub or a drink at a local place, this is a good bet. The service here is friendly; however, the food we’ve had here was only so-so. Full bar; pub is dog friendly.
• Luigi – This is a casual cafe that serves tasty lunches during the day, and they also serve evening meals on some nights. Serves contemporary European food with a focus on fresh and local seafood. Serve wine and beer. Reservations recommended.
• Sutherland House Restaurant & Bar – Traditional Scottish food, British pub food, and steaks. Full bar. Located in central Dornoch. Popular spot; reservations recommended in summer.
• Conservatory Restaurant – Located at the Royal Golf Hotel, the bistro-style conservatory restaurant offers nice views over the Royal Dornoch Golf Club and Dornoch Firth. Offers à la carte menu with traditional Scottish and European dishes. Full bar. Reservations recommended.
• Castle Restaurant – Although the Dornoch Castle Hotel is best known for its award-winning whisky bar, it also has a good hotel restaurant. Serving contemporary Scottish and European meals. Wine list. We’ve had very good meals here. Reservations recommended.
• Links House – French inspired food using local produce. Offer both an à la carte menu and a set tasting menu. Extensive wine list. Excellent option if you are looking for a fine dining experience; reservations essential.
• Late Night Option – If you are arriving into the town late, Highland Spice, an Indian restaurant and takeaway, usually offers takeaway until 11pm.

Lodging Recommendations

We recommend lodging options in Inverness for those staying overnight there before starting the North Coast 500, and accommodation in Dornoch, where we recommend spending your first night along the NC500.

Accommodation in Inverness

If you are looking for a place to stay in Inverness before (or after) your NC500 trip, here are some suggestions, many of which we have stayed in:

• Bazpackers – A well-rated hostel offering 4-bed and 6-bed dorms rooms as well as private rooms, and a lounge and kitchen. Central location, 2 minute walk from Inverness Castle and 15 minute walk to train and bus stations.
• No. 29 B&B is a good value bed-and-breakfast offering ensuite rooms, a continental or cooked breakfast, and friendly hosts. It’s about a 1 minute walk from Inverness Castle and to the train and bus stations.
• Ardentorrie House – directly opposite Inverness Castle and offering lovely views of the castle and Inverness skyline, this B&B offers spacious en-suite rooms and free on-site parking, as well as a highly rated full Scottish breakfast.
• Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa – This centrally-located 3-star hotel is set in a large Victorian building, and offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool , spa, beauty services, 24-hour front desk, modern gym, spa, and two on-site restaurants. Many rooms offer fine views overlooking River Ness and Inverness Castle. It is about a 10 minute walk to Inverness Castle and to the train and bus stations.
• Invernevis B&B – This lovely 4-star B&B is set in a Victorian-era villa and offers several rooms (most en-suite, 2 with shared bathroom), a welcome dram of whisky, lovely decor, and a cooked breakfast. It is about a 20 minute walk from Inverness Castle.
• Jury’s Inn – This 4-star hotel offers comfortable modern rooms at a good value, and also offers a 24-hour front desk, swimming pool, leisure center, free parking, and an on-site bar and restaurant. It is about a 5 minute drive or 30 minute walk into central Inverness.
• Kingsmills Hotel   –  This 4-star luxury hotel offers comfortable rooms across two buildings, a whisky bar, a leisure club (gym and pool), a spa, two restaurants, and free parking. We found the rooms very comfortable here. Hotel is located next door to the Inverness Golf Club. Offers a variety of rooms categories and types from modern to historically decorated. It is a 5 minute drive or 20 minute walk to central Inverness.
• Rocpool Reserve Hotel – This 5-star chic boutique hotel offers 11 rooms in a renovated Georgian mansion house. The hotels offers a guest lounge, on-site stylish cocktail bar, and a popular on-site restaurant where we had a lovely meal. Centrally located and a 7 minute walk from Inverness Castle.
• Ness Walk – This 5-star luxury hotel just opened in summer 2019 and features a modern interior, spacious guest rooms, an opulent lounge, and an on-site fine dining restaurant. A 12 minute walk to Inverness Castle.
• Bunchrew House Hotel -This 4-star luxury hotel offers 16 guest rooms in a 17th century baronial country home just outside Inverness in a woodland setting. Hotel offers a large guest lounge, on-site bar, on-site restaurant, and garden area. A great place for couples looking for a romantic break, and we enjoyed our stay here. About a 15 minute drive from Inverness Castle.
• Campsites – The nearest campsites and caravan parks are Torvean Caravan Park and Bught Park Caravan Park & Campsite . Also nearby are Ardtower Caravan Park and Bunchrew Caravan Park .

Accommodation in Dornoch

Here are suggestions for lodging in and around Dornoch across a variety of budgets:

• Strathview Lodge B&B – Located about a 10 minute drive from Dornoch, this lovely B&B offers good-sized comfortable en-suite rooms and a tasty cooked breakfast. We’ve stayed here. Great location for birdwatchers as very close to the Loch Fleet Nature Reserve.
• Heartseed House B&B – This B&B is located just outside Dornoch and offers 3 comfortable rooms with nice views over rural land and Dornoch Firth. Offers cooked-to-order breakfast, and pets are allowed on request.
• Albatross B&B – This centrally located B&B offers two en-suite guest rooms as well as free on-site parking, free WiFi and a full cooked breakfast.
• Dornoch Castle Hotel – If you are looking for a Scottish castle to stay in while in Dornoch, then the 3-star castle hotel may suit the bill. Its history dates back to the 15th century and it offers 22 comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and an award-winning whisky bar and lounge. Central location across from Dornoch Cathedral.
• Links House – A 5-star luxury boutique hotel with 14 rooms across three adjacent buildings. Beautiful decor, excellent on-site restaurant, and luxury amenities. Located next to the Royal Dornoch Golf Club. If you are looking for the nicest place to stay in Dornoch, this is it!
• Campsites – Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park – offers both serviced and unserviced pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. Located near beach and golf courses.

Day 2 of North Coast 500 Itinerary: Dornoch to Wick

Hopefully, you enjoyed your first taste of the North Coast 500 yesterday and are ready for Day 2. Today you have lots of things you can do, including birdwatching and wildlife spotting at Loch Fleet, learning more about the Highland Clearances and local history of the region, touring the impressive Dunrobin Castle and its gardens, and visiting dozens of archeological sites. There are also many hiking opportunities as well as several whisky distilleries and golf courses along today’s NC500 route.

Although today’s drive is again not that far, there are lots of stops you can make along the way. We recommend looking ahead before setting out and noting the must-see stops for yourself along the route today and then plan your day accordingly.

Starting & Ending Point: Dornoch to Wick (or John O’ Groats) Route:  Dornoch –> Brora –> Helmsdale –> Dunbeath –> Wick Mileage: ~ 62 miles / 100 km (~ 78 miles / 125 km if end in John O’Groats) Areas of Scottish Highlands: Sutherland and Caithness

• Say goodbye to Dornoch and head north towards Golspie.
• You might want to make a short detour to visit Embo as it has a lovely beach (you can actually walk from Dornoch Beach to Embo Beach as well).
• For those who enjoy wildlife and birdwatching, you should make a stop at Loch Fleet, a national nature reserve. Loch Fleet is a sea loch surrounded by sand dunes, mudflats, coastal heath, and pinewoods. It is a popular place for birdwatchers and also good for spotting local plants, otters, and seals. The ruins of the 14th century Skelbo Castle are also here. Lots of trails here, coastal and woodland, from short easy ones to longer hikes. The Skelbo Forest walk is an ideal one for families as it has lots of shade and has a number of woodcarved animal sculptures along the path.
• The town of Golspie has another golf course (can’t have enough of them!) and a nice little shop selling stones and fossils called the Golspie Stone Shop . You’ll likely notice a statue above the town, this is a 100-foot tall statue of the 1st Duke of Sutherland which was erected in 1837. The Duke and his wife (as is the Sutherland name) are controversial figures because of their role in the Highland Clearances . The statue, known locally as The Mannie, marks the top of Ben Bhraggie and you can hike up to the statue from Golspie, and there are lovely views from the top on a clear day. You can continue that hike onto the Big Burn or Dunrobin Castle estate as well.
• If you are looking for more hiking opportunities today, just outside Golspie is the lovely Big Burn hike which is a lovely wooded area and stream with a series of small waterfalls.
• Now you’ll arrive at the fairytale castle of the Scottish Highlands, Dunrobin Castle . Of all the castles in Scotland, this is the one that looks most like a Disney Castle. Although it dates back to the medieval period, most of what you see today dates only to the mid-nineteenth century and was designed by English architect Charles Barry. Dunrobin Castle is the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland and the Clan Sutherland, and is still owned and used by the Sutherland family. The castle is open to the public seasonally to visit (admission fee for entry). Here you can tour the castle rooms, visit the beautiful formal French gardens, and explore the museum (warning: lots of stuffed animals inside the museum!). There are also regular falconry shows in the garden in the summer. You can easily spend a couple of hours here, and we always enjoy visiting.
• After leaving Dunrobin Castle, you will soon see a sign for Càrn Liath which is an Iron Age broch . You can see it from the road, but there is a small car park on the opposite side of the road where you can park and walk over to the broch if you wish. The site is maintained by Historic Scotland. More brochs (or well broch remains) can be found in Caithness than in any other part of Scotland. When visiting, just be sure not to walk on top of or disturb any of these archaeological structures. Learn more about local brochs on the Caithness Broch Project website .
• In Brora you’ll find a popular golf course, a small beach, and the small Brora Heritage Centre (free, donation only). If looking for a coastal hike, consider doing part of the John o’ Groats Trail from Brora to Golspie or from Brora to Helmsdale .
• Just outside of the village of Brora is the Clynelish Distillery which includes both a modern distillery and a 19th century one (this one was renamed Brora Distillery ; currently closed with plans to reopen it in 2020). Tours and tastings are available to the public.
• Helmsdale – Helmsdale’s harbor was once home to one of the largest herring fishing fleets in Europe. The town has an interesting history with links to the Highland Clearances, herring industry, gold rush, and castle poisonings, which you can learn all about at the museum (small entry fee) at the Timespan Heritage and Art Centre . Timespan also has a cafe if you are hungry or need a cup of coffee. The other thing to see in Helmsdale is a bronze statue on a hill called The Emigrants which is a touching memorial to those who left Scotland during the Highland Clearances .
• About 5 miles north of Helmsdale is the former clearance village of Badbea , which was one of the villages in the area where evicted people settled during the Highland Clearances. There is a small car park here and a path to the former village. There are some signs here telling about the history of the village and a monument by David Sutherland, and you can see some of the remaining stone walls of buildings and such.
• In Dunbeath , you’ll find the Dunbeath Heritage Centre . Writer Neil Miller Gunn was born in Dunbeath and you can find a memorial statue Kenn and the Salmon (based on two of his characters) located near the harbor. Also nearby are a number of archaeological sites like Dunbeath Broch (this nice walk includes the broch, a carin, and standing stone) and the Dunbeath Castle Gardens (fee, private gardens open by appointment only). Garden lovers should be sure to schedule a time to visit in advance.
• Just outside Dunbeath along the route is the Laidhay Croft Museum (small fee to enter, pay in tea shop if no one around) which includes a 250-year-old rush thatched Caithness Long House which you can explore which is cluttered full of antique furnishings as well as a byre (barn) and shed with tools. There is also a tea room next door and it’s a place we like to stop to support the little museum.
• Near Latheron , is the Clan Gunn Museum & Heritage Centre which is a museum dedicated to the history of the Clan Gunn which is located within the Latheron Old Parish Church.
• There is also a large standing stone (over 12 feet high) in a field in Latheron called the Buldoo stone or Latheron stone, you can see it from the A9 but we could not find an easy way to access it on foot. Further along towards Lybster sit the ruins of Forse Castle , you can’t see it from the road but it can be seen from the coastal hiking path between Dunbeath and Lybster.
• In between Dunbeath and Wick are a number of archaeological sites of burial cairns, standing stones, brochs, etc. There are probably hundreds of sites and you can easily spend a couple of days just exploring them. If you don’t have a lot of time, maybe pick one or two to visit and add those to your itinerary today. Most of these require small detours from the North Coast 500 route to visit. The most popular (and best signposted) are the Achavanich Standing Stones (36 smaller stones part of a stone circle), Grey Cairns of Camster (Neolithic burial chambers, note have been restored by Historic Scotland but very impressive), Yarrows Archaeological Trail (hiking path with several sites), Cairn o’ Get (remains of a tomb, it’s about a 3/4 mile hike to reach, not recommended if muddy), and Hill o’ Many Stanes (rows and rows of small standing stones). Laurence and I have visited all of these so if you have a question, let us know.
• In Lybster is the Waterlines Heritage Museum located next to the Lybster fishing harbor, which focuses on local history and its former importance as a fishing station. The village also has a golf course.
• A bit further along is the Whaligoe Steps which is a man-made stairway of 330 steps that were handcut to lead down to a scenic harbor between two sea cliffs which was once a landing place for fishing boats. The steps are steep so keep that in mind before heading down and make sure to keep a close eye on children. There is also a very good cafe here that serves lunch and drinks, as well as dinner on certain evenings (make dinner reservations in advance).
• Near Thrumster is the previously mentioned Yarrows Archeological Trail which is a hiking path along which are the remains of a Mesolithic site, Neolithic chambered tombs, Bronze Age hut circles, and a broch. It starts near the southwest part of the Loch of Yarrows and there is a parking area here and signage. The full walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, you can see more details of the walk here . If you are really interested in this trail, consider spending the night at nearby Thrumster House as there are archeological sites on the private grounds and the owners have been involved in making and promoting the local trail.
• Our recommended final destination for the day is the town of Wick . Wick has an interesting history and we recommend learning about it in the excellent Wick Heritage Centre if you have time. Also in Wick, you’ll find the Old Pulteney Distillery (open for public tours and tastings), a golf course, three harbors, and a Carnegie library. You can also hike up to Old Wick Castle , which is a 12th century ruin along a cliff.
• Looking for activities? Scenic boat trips along the coast are possible from Wick harbor with Caithness Seacoast (recommend booking in advance).
• The Lairg Loop (described in Day 1’s Possible Detours section) is a possibility again today. Note that this route takes at least 1 hour to drive without taking into account stops.
• The Forsinard Flows , a large blanket peat bog reserve that is protected by the RSPB and an important natural area, is a possible detour from Helmsdale today. However, we recommend if you want to visit here that you wait until Day 3 as it is quicker to access from the north. But if you do decide to go today it is about 25 miles to the Visitor Center and it takes about 45 minutes to get there from Helmsdale. So a detour there and back will take at least 2 hours, but longer if you want to spent much time exploring the reserve.

There are a few dinner options in Wick, and you can also check with your lodging in advance if they do evening meals.

• No 1 Bistro – This restaurant located at the Mackays Hotel serves both lunch and dinner and focuses on modern Scottish food using lots of local produce. Great place with high quality food. Full bar, and they even have a cocktail menu. Reservations strongly recommended for dinner.
• Bord de l’Eau – A relaxed French restaurant serving classic French dishes and French inspired dishes. The chef was born in France and the restaurant gets good reviews. Located along the river. Wine menu. Reservations recommended for dinner.
• Harbour Chip Shop – If you are looking for reasonably priced fish and chips (and other deep fried goodies), you might want to head down to the harbor to the local chippy for some takeaway.
• DeVita’s – This is a family-run pizzeria and Italian cafe serving salads, pizza, pasta, paninis, and burgers. DeVita’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• The Alexander Bain – This is a large Wetherspoon’s pub named after a local inventor, serving the usual British pub fare, pizzas, and has a full bar. Note this pub has recently been put up for sale (as of March 2019) so its future is currently uncertain but still open at last check.
• Late Night Options – If you are arriving into the town late, you have a few options of places to check including Bombay Spice (Indian takeaway & delivery, usually open until midnight), The Great Wall (Chinese, cash only, usually open until at least 10pm), and Tandoori Spice (Indian restaurant and takeaway, usually open until 11pm).

We recommend staying overnight in Wick tonight but if you can’t find something in Wick, or want to drive a little further, you might consider spending the night a little further north in John o’ Groats.

Here are suggestions for lodging in Wick and John o’ Groats across a variety of budgets:

• Mackays Hotel in Wick – This 3-star hotel is famous for being on the world’s shortest street. Built in the 19th century, the hotel offers a mix of traditional and modern decor with comfortable rooms and apartments offering modern conveniences. Hotel has an on-site bar and popular restaurant, and a cooked Scottish breakfast is included in hotel room rates.
• Clachan B&B in Wick -The Clachan B&B is a well-rated bed-and-breakfast offering comfortable rooms, free WiFi, and an included full breakfast. About a 10 minute walk from town center.
• Bay View B&B in Wick – Located near the harbor, this B&B offers comfortable rooms with traditional decor at good value prices. Breakfast included. Some rooms have sea views.
• Thrumster House in nearby Thrumster – A B&B situated in a Victorian mansion with lots of antiques and family heirlooms. Friendly owners, dog-friendly (must like dogs), and included breakfast. Lovely garden with walking paths and even Bronze Age ruins. A great place for both dog lovers and archaeological lovers. Located 4 miles south of Wick.
• Bower Wigwams in Bowermadden – A collection of camping pods offering good value glamping stays and each includes mattresses, television, towels, and basic amenities. Some pods have en-suite bathrooms. There is a shared kitchen facility, fire pit, and toilet and shower area. Campsite is family friendly and situated on a farm. Be sure to bring your own food and cooking stuff if you plan to make meals. Located about 10 miles north of Wick.
• John O’Groats Inn & Lodges in John o’ Groats – If you are looking for self-catering lodging options you might want to head up to little John o’ Groats. The restored Victorian era Inn at John O’Groats offers studios to 4-bedroom apartments, and the Lodges at John O’Groats offers newly-built self-catering 3-bedroom villas. Many offer sea views. All options are self-catering with cooking facilities, but also come with a complimentary welcome hamper with local goodies and a concierge service. Expect modern decor, locally sourced furniture, and modern technology. The hotel owns and maintains the famous signpost showing how far John o’ Groats is from different locations.
• Seaview Hotel in John o’ Groats – A 3-star family-run hotel offering comfortable en-suite rooms, free parking, flat-screen TVs, and on-site dining. Hotel has an on-site bar and restaurant. Some rooms have sea views.
• Northern Sands Hotel in Dunnet – This is a great 3-star 12-room hotel near Dunnet Head and within walking distance of Dunnet Bay Distillery and the beach. Offers comfortable spacious en-suite rooms, free parking, and an on-site bar and restaurant. Just note that Dunnet is about a 30 minute drive from John o’Groats.
• There are no hostels that we know of in Wick, but if you venture a bit further along the route you can stay in Sandra’s Backpackers Hostel in Thurso. However this adds quite a bit of extra driving for today, so do plan accordingly if you plan to stay in Thurso.
• Campsites : Wick Caravan and Camping Site (closure announced in 2022, hoping new owners will reopen for 2022 or 2023 season). Also near Wick is Bower Wigwams which offers popular camping pods. If you’d rather stay in John O’Groats there is John O’Groats Caravan & Camping Site and Stroma View Caravan & Camping Site .

Day 3 of North Coast 500 Itinerary: Wick to Tongue

Today you finish your exploration of the western section of the NC500 and begin your exploration of the far north of Scotland. In fact, you can stop to see the northernmost spot on mainland Britain and visit the most northerly town.

Today there are plenty of chances for stops to see dramatic scenery, local wildlife, and sandy deserted beaches. There is the famous former home of the Queen Mother that you can visit, great little museums where you can learn local history, the most northerly 18-hole golf course on the British mainland, and a popular gin distillery. There are also loads of historical and archeological sites from Pictish stones to medieval churches. Hiking opportunities abound from dramatic coastal hikes to easy forest hikes.

Note that if you have not yet encountered single track roads (one lane roads) then you will definitely be driving on long stretches of single track road today. If you are new to driving on single track roads in Scotland, please be sure to read our single track road driving guide before you set out. Know the road laws and how to use (and not use) passing places, be sure you know how to reverse your vehicle, and please pull over into passing places to allow faster traffic to pass you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.

Although today’s drive is again not that far, the single track roads slow down traffic here and inexperienced drivers on the route can really slow things down. Expect it to take a little longer than anticipated to get to places. Loads of stops you can make again today, so plan your day accordingly.

Starting & Ending Point: Wick to Tongue (or Durness) Route:  Wick –> John o’ Groats –> Thurso –> Bettyhill –> Tongue Mileage: ~ 79 miles / 127 km (107 miles / 172 km if drive on to Durness) Areas of Scottish Highlands: Caithness and Sutherland

• Say goodbye to Wick and continue your drive north.
• Just north of Wick is Noss Head , where you can park and walk up around the lighthouse here. There is a small parking area before you arrive at the private drive to the lighthouse, which is still actively used. Also from here, you can walk to the dramatically situated ruins of the 15th-century Castle Girnigoe and the 17th-century Castle Sinclair (although new theories suggest it may have been one large fortress Castle Sinclair Girnigoe ), built for the Sinclair Earls of Caithness. The Clan Sinclair also built the nearby 16th century Ackergill Tower which was for a long time a 5-star castle hotel along the route but which closed in December 2018 and is now a private residence. Ackergill Tower is not open to the public.
• Around Keiss , there is yet another Clan Sinclair ruined castle, known as Old Keiss Castle. It is on private land and not publicly accessible, but you can get a good view of it from this coastal path , which also leads to Nybster Broch. Nybster Broch is an Iron Age broch along the coast worth seeing and there is also the Mervyn Tower here, which is a monument to Sir Francis Barry , an English businessman who excavated the Nybster broch in 1900.
• Just north of Nybster Broch in Auckengill , there is the Caithness Broch Centre (formerly the Northlands Viking Centre) which is worth a short stop if open to learn more about brochs and other archaeology sites. However, it has been closed every single time we have driven by in recent years.
• Now onto John o’ Groats , a place famous for being at one end of the 876-mile “End to End” route that connects it to Land’s End in Cornwall. It is often mistakenly referred to as the northernmost point in mainland Britain (but this is actually nearby Dunnet Head), but it does have a famous signpost that replaces the original “Journey’s End” signpost which was a customizable sign that people could pay to have their photos professionally taken next to. Today, the sign is no longer the original customizable one, but it is free to take your own photo here. There are nice sea views out to Orkney here on a clear day and you can take a ferry to the islands from here. In summer you can take wildlife sightseeing ferries and boats from here with John o’ Groats Ferries . There is a cafe serving hot meals and a couple of gift shops here.
• Just northwest of John o’ Groats you can make a short drive to Duncansby Head . There is a lighthouse you can see here built by David Alan Stevenson (active, not open to the public), sea cliffs, and sea stacks (known as the Stacks of Duncansby). It is a very scenic area and you can often see seabirds nesting on the cliffs and stacks, and you may also see seals. Whale spotting is also popular along here. Bring your binoculars if you have them. You can just take a short walk out to the viewing area or it is about a 1 hour walk out past the sea stacks along the cliff.
• In Mey , you’ll find the Castle of Mey, another former Sinclair castle, which is best known as the former home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother who used it as a holiday home from the 1950s until her death in 2002. It is open to the public seasonally for visits (fee for entry) and you can tour the castle, the gardens, and visit the family farm animal center. The interior of the castle has been left much as it was when the Queen Mother lived here. There is also a large tea room serving hot food and drinks and a gift shop. There is even a new luxury B&B on the grounds. You can find out more about the castle and its attractions here .
• Around Dunnet , you can head out to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point in mainland Britain. There is a stone marker here next to the parking area and a well-marked short path to a viewpoint. Or you can explore further by taking a coastal walk of the area which is part of the Dunnet Bay Nature Reserve, and home to lots of flora and fauna, including important plants and seabirds.
• Also around Dunnet you’ll find Mary Ann’s Cottage , a well-preserved croft home dating back to 1850 and last lived in by Mary-Ann Calder, allows visitors to see what crofting life was like in the 19th and early 20th centuries here. It is normally open for a few hours each afternoon during the Spring and Summer seasons. Also you’ll find Dunnet Bay Distillery famous for Rock Rose gin and their iconic ceramic bottles. They offer tours to visitors and there is also a gift shop here. Also, the Seadrift Centre is located right next to the Dunnet Bay Caravan Club site, and is a visitor center and has free exhibits about the local geology and wildlife. A short stroll from the parking area takes you to dunes and a beach which is a pleasant place for a stroll.
• Castletown  is best known as the “Flagstone Village” as it used to be a major source of flagstone. Here you can visit the Castletown Heritage Centre to learn more about the town history and the parish of Olrig. Also just outside of the heritage centre are two short walking trails you can follow, we followed one of them and it was well signposted, taking us on a self-guided tour around former buildings used related to the flagstone industry.
• Thurso is the largest town along the northern section of the North Coast 500 and the most northernmost town on the UK mainland. It has a compact center that is a pleasant place for a stroll. Some notable places of interest in town include the ruins of St. Peter’s Kirk (one of the oldest churches in Scotland), the “new” 19th century St Peter’s and St Andrew’s Church, Sir John’s Square (in front of church with a statue of Sir John Sinclair and a war memorial), and the ruins of Thurso Castle (can be viewed from across river from Riverside Drive). For railway enthusiasts, you’ll find the most northerly railway station in the UK located here. Thurso is also a good place to pick up food, supplies, and get fuel. It also has a golf course.
• One of our favorite museums along the NC500 located in downtown Thurso is North Coast Visitor Centre (formerly Caithness Horizons Museum & Art Gallery). This reopened in 2021 following a period of closure due to funding issues . The museum, located in the former Town Hall building, covers the history of the local area and is notable for its collection of Pictish stones and artifacts from the Dounreay Nuclear Power Plant .
• You might be surprised to learn that northern Scotland, particularly Thurso, is a popular place for surfing and national championships have been held in Thurso. Big waves are regular features along the northern beaches in the winter, attracting big wave surfers. In the summer months, when the waves are not so large or dangerous, some locals (look up Scot Surf in Durness for example) will take tourists for surfing lessons. You’ll want a wetsuit or drysuit for any prolonged water activities as the water is never warm up here!
• At Scrabster , there are ferries to the Orkney islands from the harbor and you can also do a scenic coastal walk around Holburn Head here.
• At the remote hamlet of Crosskirk , you can do a hike to visit the ruins of St Mary’s Chapel which is believed to have been built around 1100. There is a small signed parking area and the hike is across sheep fields and a little bridge, and can be muddy. It took us about 45 minutes round trip.
• Those interested in birdwatching may want to make a short detour to visit Broubster Leans which is another RSPB reserve which includes grassland, heathland, moorland, wetland, and marshland habitats.
• Little Reay has a golf course ( Reay Golf Club is the most northerly 18-hole course on the British mainland) and a sandy beach at Sandside Bay. The wee village also contains the remains of a medieval church and graveyard and the 18th century Reay Parish Church.
• The sea cliffs and grounds around Melvich Bay is a popular place for seabirds to nest in the spring and summer months.
• Strathy has a nice large sandy beach just off the route and nearby Strathy Point is another scenic point you can choose to explore. You can follow the single track road to Totegan and then park where indicated at the end of the public road. You can then follow the private road on foot out to the lighthouse (private, not open to public) and Strathy Point which is a 10 to 15 minute walk. You can then wander along the cliff edge for nice views and chances to spot wildlife.
• In little Bettyhill is the Strathnaver Museum , located in the former Parish Church of Columba, which covers local history and has a whole room dedicated to Clan Mackay (this area of Scotland is part of “Mackay Country”) with a large collection of memorabilia belonging to the Clan Mackay Society . Don’t forget to see the 8th century Farr Stone here.
• The Strathnaver Museum is also a good place to get information about the Strathnaver Trail (which starts here), a walking/driving trail which currently connects a couple dozen historical sites that include Pictish carved stones, burial cairns, war memorials, Highland Clearance village remains, and stone circles. Each site includes an interpretive sign, some require hikes to reach from the car parks. There is also the local Rob Donn Mackay Trail , where you can visit places connected to the Scottish Gaelic 18th century poet and his work.
• Also near Bettyhill is the sandy and pretty Farr Beach, another place you may see surfers, and the scenic Torrisdale Bay. You can take a hike down into Torrisdale Bay where you can reach a sandy beach and see the remains of a broch. Just be careful with the tides here. Further along the route is Coldbackie Beach, another pretty sandy beach.
• Near Borgie , Borgie Forest is a good place for a fairly short forest walk near the River Borgie. We enjoyed searching for The Unknown statue by Kenny Hunter.
• We recommend overnighting tonight in Tongue or you might carry on a bit further west to the village of Durness. Tongue is a small village with a small shop, post office, fuel station, and a few lodging and dining options. We recommend the pleasant hike to the ruins of Castle Varrich (Gaelic: Caisteal Bharraich), a 14th century castle built by Clan Mackay, if the weather is decent. It’s about a 1 hour hike round trip from the village to the castle. A few years ago a metal staircase and viewpoint was built at the castle ruins that allows for a nice view over the Kyle of Tongue and the nearby mountains. Just outside Tongue, you can find a memorial to local Gaelic poet Ewen Robertson who wrote a lot about the Highland Clearances.
• From the area around Tongue you can get great views of Ben Hope and Ben Loyal (you might consider a drive and hike around nearby Loch Loyal), and it is great place to base if you are planning to climb either Ben Loyal or Ben Hope.

You have a few detour possibilities today to explore Orkney (this will require at least a full day), see the Forsinard Flows, or explore the Strathnaver Trail.

• Orkney is an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland. The islands are most famous for their Neolithic sites, Viking heritage, their role in the World Wars, and local wildlife (seabirds and seals). You can reach Orkney by taking ferries from John O’Groats, Gills Bay, or Scrabster. You can easily spend a week exploring the island but you will need at least a full day to see some of the highlights of the main island. If you only have a day, I’d recommend booking a day tour of the island either with ferry tickets or without ferry tickets (book your own) so that you can see as much as possible with limited time. We recommend adding extra time to your NC500 trip if you plan to visit Orkney.
• Forsinard Flows , a large blanket peat bog reserve that is protected by the RSPB and an important natural area, is another detour possibility today. The Flow Country is the largest area of blanket bog in the world, and the blanket bog is important as it holds a huge amount of carbon and is also an important habitat for a number of birds and other wildlife. Much of it is protected by the RSPB and other local organizations and it is a popular place for birdwatchers. You can detour by taking the A897 south in between Reay and Melvich, and it is about a 14 mile drive (about 25 minutes) to reach the small Visitor Centre which is located in an old railway station building.
• The mentioned Strathnaver Trail starts at the Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill and a few of the trail sites are within a short walking distance of the museum whereas others are a few miles away off the NC500 route. You need to do a mix of driving and walking. The detour to follow the trail is not very long but many sites require hiking to go see, so it depends on how much time you have as you can spend a couple of hours or most of day exploring the trail and doing the hikes. The folks at the Strathnaver Museum can help you choose some sites to visit if interested.

Dinner Options

You only have a few options for dinner in Tongue or Durness so it is good to plan ahead, especially if traveling off-season, so that you know your options as some restaurants are seasonal and/or are not open 7 days a week. But there is usually at least one dinner option (usually 2) open in both Tongue and Durness.

Note that there are no super late night dining options in Tongue or Durness and most places stop serving by 9:00pm (21:00). So if you are planning to arrive around 9pm or later, we’d recommend picking up something to eat before you arrive.

• Ben Loyal Hotel in Tongue – The hotel offers evening meals in their casual bar or in their hotel restaurant (open seasonally). They offer a variety of Scottish and European dishes with a focus on locally caught seafood. We had a really great meal here, and we can definitely recommend the seafood dishes (the meat dishes were good too though). Friendly staff; full bar. Reservations recommended for the restaurant.
• Tongue Hotel in Tongue – Tongue Hotel offers evening meals in either the more casual bar or in the nicer hotel dining room. Menu includes a wide selection of Scottish and European dishes as well as burgers. Has a children’s menu. We’ve eaten here a couple of times and found the food to be good at decent prices. Friendly staff and full bar with large whisky selection. Reservations recommended for the restaurant.
• Smoo Cave Hotel near Durness – The hotel has a bar and restaurant that serves quality pub food. Wide selection of traditional pub dishes with lots of rave reviews of their fish and chips. Full bar. Sometimes have live music.
• Sango Sands Oasis in Durness – This large casual restaurant and bar sits right next to the Sango Sands beach and campsite. It offers a wide selection of pub style dishes. We’ve eaten here a couple of times and they serve decent pub food and we’ve been impressed by their friendly staff and quick service even on busy evenings. We’d recommend choosing one of the homemade options on the menu (just ask) as these are usually the best. They also do takeaway.
• Meet and Eat Cafe near Durness – This is a newly opened (in April 2019) cafe and restaurant located within the Balnakeil Craft Village which has replaced The Whale Tale (which moved to Scourie). It has modern decor and serves homemade soups and baked goods and uses local meat and seafood in its dishes. Reservations needed for evening meals.

Tonight we recommend staying the night in Tongue, or driving a bit further west to Durness. Note that the northwest corner of Scotland has few lodging options and these can book up well in advance, even the hostel rooms. So we definitely recommend booking in advance.

• Tongue Hotel in Tongue – A country hotel offering 19 ensuite rooms in a former nineteenth-century hunting lodge built for the Duke of Sutherland. Rooms are traditionally decorated and many include original Victorian fittings and furnishings. A decanter of sherry awaits guests in their rooms, and there is a cozy lounge where guests can relax with drinks, read, or choose one of the many board games on selection. The hotel has a full-service restaurant and bar.
• Ben Loyal Hotel in Tongue – This small Highland hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms and flat-screen TVs, and a cooked to order breakfast. Hotel has an on-site pub and an on-site restaurant. Friendly staff; good food.
• Tigh Nan Ubhal Guesthouse in Tongue – Located in the center of the village, the B&B offers small but comfortable rooms with modern decor. Stay includes a cooked Scottish breakfast.
• Tongue Hostel in Tongue – This hostel located in a former hunting and fishing lodge sits outside the village on the shores of the Kyle of Tongue. Offers both dorm beds and private rooms, and shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
• Mackays Rooms in Durness – A lovely boutique B&B offering 7 cozy en-suite bedrooms, each with “modern highland chic” decor. There is also a cozy guest lounge with fireplace. Stay includes a wonderful cooked breakfast.
• Durness Youth Hostel near Durness – This well-rated hostel is located near Smoo Cave and offers both dorm beds and private family rooms. Also offers a shared lounge, kitchen, and bathroom facilities.
• Campsites – The closest campsite to Tongue is Bayview Caravan Site . Campsites near Durness include Sango Sands Caravan & Camping and Altnaharra Caravan Club Site .

Day 4 of North Coast 500 Itinerary: Tongue to Lochinver

Today you enter the North West Highlands Geopark, an area of special geological interest and dramatic beauty. You have a chance to explore a large cave, visit a craft village, stroll along white sandy beaches, learn why the local geology is so important, and admire the dramatic scenery of this northwestern tip of Scotland.

There are also many opportunities today for long hikes, climbs, water activities, and sightseeing detours so be sure to plan accordingly as many of our suggested activities and detours require 3 to 5 hours to do.

Again today is not a long drive but the single track roads can make for slow going in places and there are some steep sections so drive cautiously. There is a choice to make after Kylesku about the route to take to Lochinver. Although the routes seem similar in terms of length, the coastal route takes much longer (at least twice as long) as it is slower, steeper route (not suitable for large vehicles). So keep this in mind when planning your route today.

Starting & Ending Point: Tongue to Lochinver Route:  Tongue –> Durness –> Scourie –> Drumbeg –> Lochinver Alternative route (for motorhome users & those with limited time): Tongue –> Durness –> Scourie –> Skiag Bridge –> Lochinver Mileage:  ~ 89 miles / 143 km (82 miles / 132 km if avoiding B869 road) Area of Scottish Highlands: Sutherland

• This morning you’ll say goodbye to Tongue and head west, continuing to enjoy scenic views of the Kyle of Tongue, Ben Loyal, and Ben Hope along the route.
• Just before reaching Loch Hope, you enter into the North West Highlands GeoPark . This is a UNESCO designated GeoPark that has amazing geology and outstanding landscapes. It is a remarkable place of world-class discoveries in the geology world, but even if you have no interest in rocks, you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery. The park encompasses about 770 square miles (2,000 square km) of land. For the purposes of the North Coast 500 route, basically everything you’ll see between Tongue and Ullapool is part of the large geopark. We’ll point out all the major attractions and stops, but if you have an interest in geology, you might want to plan extra time in this area.
• The area around Loch Eriboll is a bit steep and windy but very scenic. If you are driving a motorhome be cautious along this stretch of road from here to Kinlochbervie. In the 19th century, a local estate here quarried lime from the island of Eilean ChoraidhI , and you can still find the remains of the lime kilns (known as the Ard Neake Lime Kilns) on the east side of Loch Eriboll.
• If you are looking for a bit of a thrilling rush today, you might want to try out the most northernly zipline in the United Kingdom. It is called Golden Eagle Zip Line and is located just before you reach Ceannabeinne Beach. Note zip line operations are seasonal and weather dependent.
• The first major attraction along today’s route is Smoo Cave which is an impressively large sea cave (and freshwater cave). Parts of the cave were occupied in prehistoric times, perhaps as early as 10,000 years ago. You can explore the outer chamber on foot for free. In the spring and summer months, you can take a guided tour (fee) further into the cave which includes a tour on foot (need suitable footwear) plus a raft ride to access the inner chambers and see the waterfalls and sinkholes. Very much worth a stop and visit.
• In the little village of Durness you’ll find beautiful sandy beaches (Sango Sands and Balnakeil Beach), a 9-hole golf course (the most northerly 9-hole course!), and general village amenities (shops, fuel, pub, etc.). Also nearby is the Balnakeil Craft Village which is a “craft village” occupying a number of former military buildings built in the 1950s during the Cold War that were never used. In the 1960s it started to become occupied by artists, craftspeople, and recluses. Today, you’ll find an eclectic mix of craft shops, as well as a cafe/restaurant. There is also Deep Time , which is a geology exhibition (free, entry by donation) by geologist Dr. Bjorn Hardarson from Iceland, and he also leads guided geology tours in the area (book tours in advance). Whether you want a short introduction to the geology in the area or a more in-depth one, consider booking one of these expert-guided walks! Note that many shops at the craft village do not conform to regular opening hours and what you’ll find open is always a bit of a guess and the shops seem to change every time we visit.
• There are a few lovely shorter walks you can do around Durness to Faraid Head . In this area, you can walk to the ruins of the 17th century Balnakeil Church, the sandy beach of Balnakeil Bay, and a 1950’s radar station. You can often see seabirds and seals around Faraid Head.
• Just outside of Durness, near Keoldale is the ferry point if you choose to visit Cape Wrath . Cape Wrath is a special wildlife area, has a lighthouse designed by Robert Stevenson, and is an active military training area for the Ministry of Defense. See Detours section for more information if interested in visiting Cape Wrath (takes 3 to 4 hours).
• A short detour can bring you to Kinlochbervie , note the road is steep, which has a little harbor and Oldshoremore Beach. If you continue down the single track road B801, you come to the car park for the trailhead for the hiking trail to Sandwood Bay , a beautiful windswept beach with an iconic sea stack (Am Buchaille) that is often a contender for best beach in Britain and one of the more difficult to reach. This is not a difficult hike but it is a long hike (~ 4.5 miles each way) and there are no services at the beach so make sure you are prepared if you decide to do this hike. The path is maintained by the John Muir Trust and there are basic toilets and facilities at the car park as well as a donation box. You’ll need to allow at least 4 to 5 hours for the hike and short visit.
• The most notable structure in Laxford is Laxford Bridge which is a stone arch bridge along the A838 spanning the River Laxford, a popular river for salmon fishing. Geologically, the area is important because you can clearly see a shear (deformed rocks) from the Moine Thrust here. There is a roadside lay-by for a few cars to park with an interpretive sign about 2.5 miles north of Laxford Bridge along the A838 which is one of the best places to see this. You can see three main rock types of different ages swirled together (grey gneisses, black amphibolite, pink granite) that were exposed by road works here.
• A 3 mile detour to Tarbet brings you to a small fishing hamlet that has two main attractions, a seafood restaurant called the Shorehouse and the small passenger ferry to Handa Island. See Detours section for more information about visiting Handa Island (takes about 4 hours).
• Scourie is a small crofting village with a small harbor, and is known for its “palm trees”. Scourie Bay is an important geological area as there are many places here where you can see and touch Lewisian gneiss, the oldest rock in Europe which is estimated to be about 3 billion years old! The area is a popular place for brown trout fishing. If you are interested in fishing in this part of the world, we recommend considering booking a fishing trip (from boat, river, or shore) with local angler Stewart Yates of Assynt Fly Fishing .
• In little Kylesku you have the striking Kylesku bridge and a nice roadside scenic viewpoint (there is a large car park). You can also take seasonal wildlife sightseeing boat trips (can book here ) from here and the restaurant at Kylesku Hotel serves tasty seafood meals.
• At Unapool, you see the Rock Stop just off the road in the former Unapool School Building. Keep an eye out as it is easy to miss the turn off. Inside, you’ll find an exhibition room that includes a video about the North West Highland GeoPark, visitor information, a café that serves light lunches and coffee, and a small gift shop. Great place to stop to learn about the GeoPark and get ideas of places you might want to stop within it. We always stop here when its open to get coffee, food, or something from the gift shop to help support the GeoPark.
• Just after the Rock Stop, you have the choice to head off onto the more narrow B869 along the coast or continue along the A894 . If your vehicle is 16 feet or longer in length, it is recommended that you follow the A894 south and then the A837 west to reach Lochinver which is less steep and more able to handle larger vehicles.
• For those driving along the B869 , there is lots of nice scenery along this route to enjoy. Take it slow as the road is single track and steep and narrow in places. Some places you may want to stop are in little Drumbeg to visit Drumbeg Stores (great place for picnic supplies and snacks) and Assynt Aromas (candle shop and tea garden), Clashnessie (beach, mill ruins, and from the beach you can take the short hike to nearby Clashnessie Waterfall if you want), Clachtoll (pretty beach and this hike also takes you past memorial to Reverand Norman Macleod and Clachtoll broch ruins), and Achmelvich Bay for its beautiful white sandy beach. At Achmelvich, there are also short hikes you can do from the campsite here, including out to the little concrete “hermit’s castle” built by David Scott in the 1950s.
• If you have more time, you can make a brief detour (~ 15 minutes) along the twisty narrow road between Clashnessie and Stoer which takes you out to the Stoer Head lighthouse. It is another Stevenson lighthouse (private, not open to public, part is used as a holiday let) but some nice scenic views. This is also the starting point for those doing the hike out   (~ 3 hours round trip, track is often very muddy) to the Point of Stoer and the Old Man of Stoer seastack. There are no permanent services here other than a parking area, although sometimes there is a compost toilet open or a local snack van in the summer.
• For those continuing along the A894 , the turn onto the A837 to Lochinver winds around Loch Assynt and offers some lovely scenery. We often see red deer in this area, especially in the early morning and evening. If looking for an easier hike in this area, consider this one which starts near Little Assynt Estate and along which you’ll have views of nearby mountains, Quinag and Suliven. Also nearby is an all-abilities path suitable for those in wheelchairs and those with strollers; it starts from the Leitir Easaidh car park and goes around two lochs.
• Either route (B869 or A894) will lead you to the village of Lochinver . Lochinver is the largest village in Assynt and is an important fishing port. Highland Stoneware is based here and you can see how the pottery is made and purchase it at their store here; it is used by many of the B&B’s, hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants along the NC500 route. The local pie shop, Lochinver Larder is a well-known place to get both savory and sweet pies. The village has all the basic amenities (a few shops, post office, a couple of restaurants) and a range of lodging options.
• Lochinver is a popular base for anglers, hikers, cyclists, and people looking for outdoor pursuits. If you are looking for a guided hike or climb in the Assynt area, whether a half day hike or a challenging multi-day climbing trip, we can recommend Tim Hamlet at Hamlet Mountaineering . If you are new to fishing in this part of Scotland, we recommend considering booking a guided fishing trip (from boat, river, or shore) with friendly local angler Stewart Yates of Assynt Fly Fishing . He knows all the best places as well as all the laws and regulations regarding fishing in the area. Families welcome. Book activities well in advance if you can.
• Dun Dornaigil broch – This is an impressive Iron Age broch ruin; however, it is about a 1 hour detour to drive here off the main NC500 route to see the broch and return. So I would not recommend this one unless you have extra time in this area or really love brochs. The broch is signed from the main road, and you turn south off A838 near the hamlet of Hope. It is about 10 miles or so down the road but it is a single track road so takes about 25 minutes to reach the broch. Nice views of Loch Hope and Ben Hope along the way. Allow about 1 hour for this detour.
• Cape Wrath has a lighthouse built by Robert Stevenson in 1828 that you can see (not open to public), is a special wildlife area, and is an active military training area for the Ministry of Defense. To reach it you need to take a small seasonal passenger ferry and then a bus (or do a long hike) to reach the lighthouse and a small cafe. Bring cash to pay for ferry, bus, and cafe. The bus ride here includes commentary and is interesting but it is bumpy. The ferry is seasonal and dependent on tides, weather, and MOD firing schedule and is first-come, first-serve. You can check service times and dates here , although we found these don’t always match what is posted at the ferry departure point so best to check there. You will need at least 3 hours to visit Cape Wrath, and this includes minimal time for hiking/walking. Note intrepid hikers can hike here from Sandwood Bay (tide and firing range dependent, check before setting out) and can camp or stay in a mountain bothy overnight. Allow 3.5 to 4 hours for this detour.
• Handa Island is a protected nature reserve owned by the Scourie Estate and currently managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Each Spring and Summer, up to 100,000 seabirds nest here and it also is home to important maritime plants. There are a particularly large number of guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and great skuas, but you also have a decent chance to see a number of other birds (e..g, Arctic terns, puffins, fulmars) and marine mammals (e.g., seals, otters). There is a seasonal small passenger ferry from Tarbet that carries people to and from the island. Tickets were £15 each on last check and must be paid in cash. First come, first serve. The boat ride takes about 10 minutes each way (note you are likely to get a little wet from the spray and arrival on the beach), then there is a short talk by the ranger, and then you explore on your own. You can rent binoculars from the ranger hut which are a good idea if you don’t have a pair as many of the birds are off on the cliffs and sea stacks. It takes about 3 hours to walk the visitor path on the island. Stay on the marked path/boardwalk to avoid environmental damage and disturbance of bird nesting areas. See ferry times and more about visiting here . Allow about 4 hours for this detour.
• Falls of Kirkaig – If you like waterfalls and are looking for a local hike, you might want to make a detour heading south of Lochinver to hike to the Falls of Kirkaig (a.k.a. Lochinver Waterfalls). It is about a 21 minute drive along a track road to Inverkirkaig to small car park and then a 2.5 hour hike to the falls and back. Allow about 3.5 hours for this detour.

Booking is recommended for dinner in Lochinver, especially in summer. Places often book out in the evenings during the busy season. Note there are currently no late night food options in Lochinver or surrounds, so plan ahead if you plan to arrive into the village at 9pm or later.

• Peet’s Restaurant – Popular local restaurant focusing on seafood and pub favorites. Well-cooked food at reasonable prices, known for its seafood chowder. Recommend trying the local seafood or asking what else is fresh and local. Recommend booking ahead, especially in summer.
• Inver Lodge Restaurant – If you are looking for a more upscale dining option, you might want to try the restaurant at Inver Lodge. Menu focuses on local seafood, steaks, and game. Full bar and wine menu. Reservations needed. Note : As of April 2019 this restaurant is no longer associated with the Roux brothers (previously called Chez Roux) and hotel has returned to local ownership.
• The Wayfarers Bar – The pub at the Culag Hotel is a local hangout for beer and they also sometimes serve evening meals. We’ve never eaten here and the food has mixed reviews, but worth checking to see if they are serving if you are looking for a place to eat.
• Lochinver Larder – The famous local pie shop, offering both savory and sweet pies, as well as other cafe meals and snacks. Offers eat-in meals, takeaway, or pies to heat later options. Note: It normally closes by 6:00pm so this might be a good option for those looking for an early dinner or those doing self-catering wanting to get pies to heat up later for dinner.
• An Cala Cafe – A modern and casual cafe restaurant located at the An Cala Bunkhouse serving daily specials with a focus on what is fresh and local. Note usually close at 7:30pm, so best for those looking for an early dinner. Recommend that you call ahead for evening meals.
• Kylesku Hotel Restaurant  in Kylesku – This restaurant is well-known for its local seafood dishes, most of which are caught in the waters around Kylesku. Full bar. Reservations strongly recommended for evening meals.  Note : This restaurant is about a 30 minute drive north of Lochinver so if you want to eat here, you may want to grab an early dinner on your way to Lochinver or consider overnighting in Kylesku.

**Note that until recently, there were a few more good dining options in Lochinver, but The Caberfeidh pub and The Albannach (fine dining as part of B&B) are currently both closed. Also the nearby Glencansip Lodge which used to serve evening meals has stopped doing so this year. Many businesses are up for sale in Lochinver at the moment so things are likely to continue to change. If you have any local updates, please let us know!**

Lochinver has a number of lodging options but most are bed-and-breakfasts which have only a handful of rooms. So it is best to be sure to book in advance to get the type of lodging you want.

• Daver Guesthouse – This 4-star B&B offers four well-appointed rooms with modern amenities. Each room is individually decorated and three of the rooms have views over the bay and one has a view onto the garden. The B&B also has a small lounge area with TV and games. Delicious cooked to order breakfast included.
• Inver Lodge – This 21-room luxury hotel perched atop of a hill overlooking the Lochinver and its loch. Although the hotel is not attractive from the outside, it offers some great views, with all rooms and the restaurant having bay views. The hotel strives for understated luxury and rooms are spacious and comfortable with traditional Highland decor. There is a guest foyer and library area as well as an on-site bar and good restaurant. The restaurant offers nice views over the harbor.
• Tigh Na Sith – This well-rated small B&B offers 3 comfortable en-suite rooms, free WiFi, flat screen TVs, and all the basic amenities. Cooked to order breakfast served at a communal breakfast table. No children; age 16+ only.
•   An Cala Bunkhouse – This small modern hostel in Lochinver offers 12 beds across 3 dorms rooms. Shared kitchen, lounge, and bathroom facilities. Also has an on-site cafe. A great place for budget travelers.
• The Hideaway – A popular self-catering cabin cottage that offers a kitchenette, hot tub, washing machine, and terrace with great views. Great self-catering option for 1 or 2 people. Located a few minutes drive outside of Lochinver.
•   Kirkaig Lodge in Inverkirkaig – This B&B offers 3 spacious en-suite rooms with modern decor and amenities. Shared lounge and there is also a sauna on site. Continental breakfast on tray provided in mornings. One room has a sea view over Inverkirkaig Bay. No children under age 15 allowed. This B&B is located in Inverkirkaig near the Falls of Kirkaig hike, about a 10 minute drive from Lochinver along track road.
• Glencanisp Lodge near Lochinver – This historic Victorian Highland lodge has been turned into a 10 room B&B (some en-suite, many share a bathroom) and is owned by the community Assynt Foundation. It is run by a great local group, staff are friendly, and the lounge is cozy, but we have found the place to be a bit disorganized, the room furnishings outdated, and some rooms in need of repair. The hotel booking photos did not match our room. However, this is an ideal place to stay for those planning to hike Suliven as it sits along the trail, and offers great views in a pretty setting. Breakfast included; no evening meals. It is located about a 10 minute drive west of Lochinver along a track road; the road is not suitable for motorhomes and had a number of potholes when we last drove it.
• Campsites : The closest campsite and caravan site to Lochinver is Shore Caravan Site . Also in the area is the Clachtoll Beach Campsite and the Birchbank Site (open to Caravan Club members only).

Day 5 of North Coast 500 Itinerary: Lochinver to Ullapool

Today you’ll drive through the rest of the North West Highlands Geopark so it is a good day for stops to learn more about the local geology. There is also lots of stunning scenery along today’s route and several popular spots to stop and park for scenic views and photos. For those in regular sized vehicles, we recommend taking a detour to explore the Coigach peninsula for even more great coastal scenery. You’ll end today in the largest village along the western section of the NC500.

Today’s route goes past some of the most popular and iconic hills and munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 ft) along the NC500 so hill walkers and hikers may want to plan a hike today. It is also a great area for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boat rides, and other outdoor activities.

The route is again intentionally short to give you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, hiking, and outdoor activity opportunities that this area has to offer.

Starting & Ending Point: Lochinver to Ullapool Route:  Lochinver –> Inchnadamph –> Elphin –> Ullapool Mileage: ~ 36 miles / 58 km (~ 46 miles / 74 km if add in full Achiltibuie route) Areas of Scottish Highlands: Sutherland and Wester Ross (a.k.a. Ross-shire and Ross & Cromarty)

• This morning you’ll leave Lochinver and head south. This morning might be a good time to do a local hike and there are many around Lochinver and Loch Assynt to consider from easy to challenging. We mentioned some easier hikes on yesterday’s itinerary, but if you are looking for some more serious hill walking or climbing, there are loads of nearby mountains and hills including Suilven, Stac Pollaidh, Canisp, Cul Baeg, Quinag, Creag Liath, and Ben More Assynt.
• Just along the road along Loch Assynt you’ll see the ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Calda House sitting next to the loch. Ardvreck Castle is believed to have been constructed by the Clan MacLeod in the late 15th century and was later captured by the Clan MacKenzie in 1672. Calda House was built for a couple from Clan Mackenzie and was one of the grandest houses in the Highlands in the early 18th century. We recommend stopping at the parking area and getting a closer look; there are good information panels here.
• Inchnadamph is a small hamlet that is strongly associated with the geological findings of the 19th century, including the discovery of the Moine Thrust which runs through the area and the findings at the nearby Bone Caves. Ben Peach and John Horne , the British geologists who helped map the Moine Thrust and also made discoveries in the bone caves, stayed in the Inchnadamph Hotel and there is a stone monument to them on a hill nearby in a field. Horne and Peach’s writings about their findings in the North West Highlands remains an important book in geology as they helped answer the question of why older rocks were sometimes found on top of younger rocks. Today Inchnadamph is still an important stop for geologists.
• Just south of Inchnadamph is the hiking path to the Bones Caves. The caves were excavated in 1889 by the geologists Peach and Horne, where they (and later others) found the remains of a number of animals, many now extinct in the UK including lynx, bears, wolves, and lemmings. You won’t see any remains today in the shallow caves but it is a pleasant hike and we often see deer near the trailhead. Just note that some areas near the caves are pretty steep and can be slippery. It takes about 1.5 hours to do the round trip hike .
• There are a few scenic viewpoints with parking areas where you can stop between Inchnadamph and Drumrunie for scenic views and photos.
• There are a number of limestone caves in the area and those with a strong interest in spelunking may want to arrange a stop in the small crofting village of Elphin. Located here is the Elphin Caving Centre run by the Grampian Speleological Group as well as a club hut with self-catering accommodation. You’ll want to contact the group in advance.
• If you only stop for one geology focused hike during your NC500 trip, Knockan Crag is a good one. It is educational, interesting, and you get great views from the trail. The small open air Rock Room is an informational visitor center where you learn about the geology of the area and the importance of the discovery of the Moine Thrust. You can see and touch rocks that are millions and billions of years old. Then there are three trails that you can take of varying lengths that go up the hill and there are signs, sculptures, viewing points, and small exhibits along the way. The longest trail provides the best views and takes about 1 hour to hike. There is a well-marked parking area here off the road as well as toilets and picnic tables.
• Just past the estate of Drumrunie , you have the option to continue south or make a detour to take a route west to explore the Coigach peninsula towards the small village of Achiltibuie. If you are in a normal sized vehicle and have the time, we recommend taking this detour. The road is narrow (not for large motorhomes or trailers), but offers some lovely scenery and small villages. It takes about 1 hour to drive to the end of this route. See Detours section below for more information.
• After you past the tiny village of Ardmair and its holiday park and campsite, there will be a road that leads to the Rhue lighthouse. This is a short detour where you can park and take a short walk to the Rhue lighthouse (not open to public). From this area, on a clear day, you have nice views of the Summer Isles and Loch Broom. It is about a 10 minute or so walk to the lighthouse.
• Ullapool is the largest village along the western part of the route. The village’s most distinguishing feature is its large harbor and it also has a ferry terminal where you can take ferries to Lewis and Harris. Ullapool has a small museum housed in a former Parliamentary church designed by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford , a golf course, and a Highland Stoneware pottery store and workshop (if you didn’t stop in Lochinver). It has a large grocery store and a number of small shops, and is a good place to get groceries, fuel, and any needed supplies. It is home to the annual Loopallu music festival each September. You can often find live music, especially on weekends, at one of Ullapool’s many pubs and restaurants.
• If you are looking for a stroll in Ullapool, there are nice places to walk around the harbor area and around Loch Broom. For a longer walk we can recommend heading up to the summit of Meall Mor, where you can get great views over Ullapool, Loch Broom, and Loch Achall.
• Coigach Peninsula – A route leads from Drumrunie west along the coast of the Coigach Peninsula towards the little village of Achiltibuie. Along the route there are a few crofting hamlets and fishing villages, the largest of which is Achiltibuie. There are no must-see places here but lots of nice scenery and it is a popular place for diving, sailing, kayaking, climbers (especially Reiff), and walking. You get great views of the Summer Isles from along the route. If you are looking for kayaking options around here, this company (book in advance) offers both guided sea kayaking and loch canoeing. This detour takes about 1 hour if you drive to the end, so I’d allow at least 2 hours for this detour.
• The Summer Isles – The Summer Isles are a group of about 20 islands and large rocks that sit below the Coigach Peninsula. Many of the islands are home to seals, otters, seabirds, and other wildlife and only one of the islands, Tanera Mòr , is currently inhabited (luxury holiday village planned here by investor Ian Morse) although others are used for sheep grazing and one is a RSPB reserve. You can take seasonal boat trips around the islands and Coigach peninsula from Ullapool, or you can kayak over to the isles (and even camp there) with Kayak Summer Isles .
• Lewis & Harris – Lewis and Harris is the largest island in Scotland and the main island of the Outer Hebrides. You can take a ferry (takes about 2 hours 45 minutes) from Ullapool to the town of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. There is a number of things to do on the island which include visiting archaeological and historical sites (standing stones, Lewis Castle, Blackhouse), learning about Harris Tweed (all of which is handmade on the island), enjoying the sandy beaches, outdoor activities (hiking, hunting, fishing, cycling), and spotting local wildlife (Harris is a good place to see eagles). You’ll want at least one full day on the island to explore. If you want to do a day trip, we’d recommend taking the ferry over and then joining a small group tour or private tour so you can see some of the main highlights of the island with limited time.

Restaurant Options

Many dining options in Ullapool are clustered around the harbor. Booking is recommended for dinner at most places in Ullapool, especially in summer. Restaurants often book out in the evenings during the busy season, although you can always find some place to get food in the evenings. Many hotels and inns serve meals in Ullapool.

• The Arch Inn – This waterside restaurant and bar serves all day meals including burgers, seafood, steaks, and chicken dishes. It sits in a historical building originally built by the British Fishing Society. There is often live music in the evenings here and they also offer accommodation. Often one of the most lively places in Ullapool.
• The Ceilidh Place – The menu at this popular Ullapool restaurant is focused on seafood with daily specials. Full bar. Sometimes offers live music, and also have a bookshop and rooms. Our favorite place to eat in Ullapool. Reservations recommended.
• The Royal Hotel – This is one of the largest hotels in Ullapool and the hotel restaurant serves primarily Italian inspired dishes including pizza and pasta. Full bar.
• Seafood Shack – If you are looking for takeaway, this seafood food truck is a good option and it offers tasty high-quality local seafood. This was the first place we ever ate in Ullapool.
• The Seaforth Bar & Restaurant – This bar and restaurant focuses on local sourced and good quality Scottish pub favorites such as fish and chips, steak pie, haggis, burgers, and mussels. Full bar. Often have live music. Also offer takeaway chippy for those looking for fish and chips to eat elsewhere.
• Ferry Boat Inn Restaurant – A seafood restaurant and traditional bar. Primarily serve local seafood dishes but also offer a few meat and vegetarian dishes. Wine list. Also offers rooms.
• The Frigate – A casual shoreside cafe and restaurant serving all day meals. Focused on local produce, seafood, salads, burgers, and homebaked breads and desserts.
• Late Night Options – There are a couple of late night options usually open in Ullapool until 10:30pm or 11pm, including Lucky House (Chinese) and Essence of India (cash only).

Ullapool offers two larger hotels (over 50 rooms) and a number of small inns and bed-and-breakfasts. If you decide to stay outside of Ullapool, just note that the main dining options in the area are located in central Ullapool.

• The Royal Hotel – This 3-star 19th century hotel is one of the largest and oldest in central Ullapool, offering more amenities than many of the others. The traditional hotel offers 54 rooms across a number of categories, which include family rooms. The hotel has an on-site full-service restaurant and a bar.
• Harbour House   – This well-rated harborside guest house offers comfortable rooms and a cooked to order breakfast. Great location, nice views from the property.
• Croft 17 B&B – This lovely B&B is run by Ullapool locals Jaimie and Martin, and offers impressive views across the loch and down to the town of Ullapool. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and the rate includes a continental breakfast, with free parking and WiFi also included. Located a 5 minute drive north of Ullapool.
• Westlea House – This family-run B&B offers five comfortable and stylish themed rooms. The eclectically stylish common areas include a dining area and guest lounge that contains a large collection of books, guides, and LPs. An interesting feature of the B&B is little listening nooks with turntables where you can listen to vinyl records.
• The Arch Inn – This local restaurant and bar also offers several guest rooms. Note can be a bit noisy during dinner service and check in is at the pub, but it is very conveniently located along the waterfront. Some rooms have sea views.
• Ullapool Youth Hostel – This well-rated hostel with views over Loch Broom offers dormitory rooms, family rooms, and private rooms. Offers a large communal kitchen and lounge area.
• Campsites : Broomfield Holiday Park is centrally located in Ullapool next to Loch Broom and walking distance to most town attractions, shops, the ferry terminal, and restaurants. Not far from Lochinver is also Ardmair Point Caravan & Camping Park .

Day 6 of North Coast 500 Itinerary: Ullapool to Kinlochewe

Today you follow the North Coast 500 south past more wonderful scenery in the area of Wester Ross. You have the option to visit a lovely garden, walk across a gorge, walk along sandy beaches, see waterfalls, learn about the Arctic Convoy, and visit a local heritage museum. As usual there are lots of opportunities for hiking and all sorts of outdoor activities. 

Starting & Ending Point: Ullapool to Kinlochewe Route: Ullapool –> Aultbea –> Gairloch –> Kinlochewe Mileage: ~ 76 miles / 122 km Area of Scottish Highlands: Wester Ross (a.k.a. Ross-shire and Ross & Cromarty)

• Today you say goodbye to Ullapool and head southwest along the coast towards Gairloch. We recommend getting fuel and any food and supplies you need before you head south as there aren’t many grocery stores or fuel stations along the route for the next day or so.
• Just after leaving Ullapool in Leckmelm , there is the Leckmelm Shrubbery & Arboretum. A nice place to stop to wander around in a pretty garden and see some interesting trees. Lots of rhododendrons when they are in bloom. Small donation requested (£3 at last check) for visiting. Often quiet here.
• Near Braemore is the Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve which is best known for its suspension bridge designed in 1867 by John Fowler , the chief engineer of the famous Forth Rail Bridge, that stretches across the box canyon and Droma River. You can walk over the pedestrian footbridge, although it is not for those with a fear of heights. A series of waterfalls, Falls of Measach, make for beautiful scenery. It is about a 10 minute walk from the car park to the viewing area but you can also follow a couple of hiking trails. Good place for short hikes and birdwatching. The site is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland and there is no fee to enter, but donations of £2 per person suggested for parking and maintenance. There are no toilet facilities here, although there is often a food truck serving food in the parking area.
• There are several small waterfalls off the A832 around Dundonnell that you may want to stop to see, Dundonnell River Falls, Ardessie Falls, and Eas Dubn Falls. None are huge waterfalls or must-sees, but can make for a nice break if you are looking for a stop or short hike. There are several hiking opportunities in the area, including the start of the popular hike to the An Teallach ridge . Just note this is a long and difficult hike. Two hikers have died so far in 2019 on this hike so do be careful when choosing hikes in the Scottish Highlands!
• There are nice views from and around Gruinard Bay . There are also a few small sandy beaches here. If you detour north of Laide about 10 minutes you can also stop at Mellon Udrigle beach which is a white sandy beach with scenic views over the Coigach peninsula.
• Aultbea was used as a strategic place for boats to harbor at Loch Ewe during World War II because it was well protected. Convoys from here followed a perilous route across Arctic waters to provide supplies to the Soviet Union during the war; it was a dangerous mission and many boats were sunk in the freezing waters with hundreds of casualties. Although the convoys were mainly made up of Royal Navy troops and ships, they also included American and Canadian naval forces. There are a few places in Aultbea where you can learn more about these events and the strong impact it had on this little village during WW2. These include a small roadside stop signed as “War Time Memories” next to MacLennan Park that has informational panels and the Russian Arctic Convoy Museum which has a lot of information and a large collection of artifacts from the period (small fee for entry). The Russian Arctic Convoy Museum has been a long-term project for the local community and is a great place to support as it relies on entry fees, donations, and volunteers to stay open. We also recommend a visit to Rubha nan Sasan, Cove Battery (see Detours section).
• Also in Aultbea is a combined cafe and perfumery shop called Aroma Cafe which is a nice place to stop for a coffee and snack with a nice view over Loch Ewe. Note that the popular Isle of Ewe Smokehouse (popular for its smoked salmon) has recently closed (in 2019) and is now being converted into a holiday let. The Aultbea Hotel (which also had a previously recommended restaurant) closed suddenly in April 2019 with no date set for reopening.
• Just north of the village of Poolewe , you’ll find the Interewe Gardens which is a large garden that includes a lovely collection of trees, flowers, and other plants along the loch. Because of the Gulf Stream, even some tropical plants thrive here and it is a lovely garden to explore with lots of meandering trails. There is also a seasonal cafe, shop, Inverewe House (former home of Mairi Sawyer that you can tour), and Sawyer Gallery (seasonal contemporary art gallery) within the garden. Wildlife boat trips are also often offered here in the summer. The garden is run by the National Trust for Scotland and there is an entry fee to visit (free for members).
• Poolewe is a pretty little village on the shores of Loch Ewe. There are some hiking opportunities, such as this circular hike around Poolewe that circles Loch Kernsay.
• In Gairloch , you’ll find the Gairloch Museum which is the local heritage museum which just got a new building and has been recently redeveloped, definitely worth a stop for those interested in the local history. The small fishing village also has has a 9-hole golf course, a small harbor, whale cruises , and several small shops and cafes. There is smaller beach next to the golf club (Gairloch Beach), and if you drive 4 miles north of Gairloch along the B8021 there is the Big Sand Beach which is a large sandy beach which is a popular beach and a great spot for sunset. There is also a marked archaeological trail here called the Sands Archaeological Trail which leads to some local archaeological ruins and you can learn more about it at the museum.
• If you are looking for activities like fishing, deer stalking, falconry, guided hikes, or archery, you may want to make a short detour towards Badachro . Here you’ll find the 26,000 acre estate surrounding Sheildaig Lodge which offers a number of activities you can book (note that some are for hotel guests only). One of the more unique is a chance to go out on a boat with a local creel fisherman and then enjoy your catch as part of a 5-course seafood feast at the hotel restaurant. You can also book shorter boat trips directly with Shellfish Safaris . There are several hikes around Badachro include one through Flowerdale Glen (ends at Flowerdale waterfall) and up to the “Fairy Lochs” which takes you past the memorial of an American WW2 Liberator crash bomber (a touching memorial).
• Between Slattadale  and Kinlochewe are some lovely views of Loch Maree and its many small islands. The loch became famous for trout fishing after it was visited by Queen Victoria and her ghillies in 1877 during her stay at the Loch Maree Hotel (still an operating hotel). She visited the Isle of Maree as well by rowboat; the island has the ruined remains of a chapel, graveyard, well, and oak tree that are believed to have been the 8th century hermitage of Irish Saint Maelrubha (who founded a monastery in Applecross).
• Just off the road near Talladale is Victoria Falls , a small but pretty waterfall named after Queen Victoria, which is a short walk from a marked car park. Not a must-see but nice if you want to stretch your legs. If you continue up the trail further you can also get a nice view of Loch Maree from the top of the trail.
• Kinlochewe is a small village located just south of Loch Maree. This is a great place to explore the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve which was the UK’s first National Nature Reserve. It offers mountains and pinewoods. There are trails you can explore, including a woodlands trail and a  mountain trail, and lots of birdwatching opportunities. There is a seasonal visitor center open in Kinlochewe which is a good place to learn more and get trail maps.

There are no major recommended detours today, but you do have a few options to take short routes off the NC500 if you want to do so. Note that all are along narrow single track roads. You can also of course head off to Lewis & Harris or the Summer Isles today (as described under Day 5’s potential detours).

• Rubha nan Sasan, Cove Battery – If you are interested in World War 2 history, we’d definitely recommend a detour out to visit the coastal battery and war memorial to all those who lost their lives in the Arctic Convoys. You’ll find the remains of an emergency coastal battery built in 1941 (manned from 1942 to 1944) which include ruined gun houses, an observation post, gun-emplacements, and other buildings. You’ll also find a memorial cairn to the American sailors who lost their lives when the Liberty ship SS William H. Welch wrecked nearby in 1944 (most died, but several men survived thanks to local crofters). There are some signs here and a trail you can follow, just note that parts of the path are steep and watch out for scrap metal. A great follow-up visit to the Russian Arctic Convoy Museum. The battery is about a 20 minute drive from Poolewe along the B8057 so I’d allow about 1.5 hours for this detour.
• Rubha Reidh – If you are looking for a secluded coastal hike, you might want to head out towards Rubha Reidh. You can drive as far as Melvaig and park in the small car park as it becomes a rough private access only road after that. It is about a 1 hour walk to the Rua Reidh Lighthouse which was built by David Alan Stevenson (private, now a B&B, holiday let and private home). Great views from near the lighthouse on a clear day across the Minch to the Isle of Skye, the Shiant Isles, and the Outer Hebrides. You can continue your hike out for more coastal scenery at Rubha Reidh and there are sea stacks and a natural arch along the way as you make your way to the isolated Camus Mor beach. It is about a 20 minute drive from Gairloch to Melvaig, a little over a 1 hour hike out to the lighthouse, and another 1.5 hours or so out to Camus Mor. If you only want to go to the lighthouse I’d recommend at least 3 hours for this detour and if you want to do the full hike I’d allow at least 5 hours for this detour.
• Red Point – Red Point has two beaches and a  pony trekking center . You need to book horseback rides in advance. Note that although called the Gairloch Trekking Centre, the family-friendly stable is actually a good 30 minute drive from the village of Gairloch, so take this into account when making any reservations. There are also two pretty sandy beaches here with reddish sand, the one closest to the car park you can reach via a short (but somewhat steep) hike through sand dunes, but the other requires about a 30 minute hike to reach. It is about a 20 minute detour from the NC500 (leave NC500 near Kerrysdale) along the B8056 (single track road) to reach Red Point.

There are limited evening dining options in the villages in this area so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and see what is open near your lodging. Reservations recommended for most restaurants in this area, especially if you are looking for a sit down meal. Don’t expect any late night food options here, so do plan accordingly!

• The Beachcomber in Gairloch – A casual family-run fish and chips eatery. Family friendly. Can eat in or takeaway.
• Shieldaig Lodge Hotel near Badachro – A fine dining restaurant serving set price 3-course meals focused on local produce, much of it coming from the large hotel estate and garden. Typical main dishes include venison, beef, lamb, salmon, pheasant, and trout. Always at least one vegetarian dish offered. Reservations needed. Full bar with large number of gins and whiskies on offer.
• Badachro Inn – The cafe serves informal evening meals with a focus on fresh locally caught seafood. Full bar. Family friendly. Reservations recommended, but there are also bar seats available first come, first serve.
• Benn Eighe Bar & Restaurant in Kinlochewe – Restaurant and bar located at the Kinlochewe Hotel focused on locally sourced home cooked foods. Serves high quality pub food. Full bar.
• Ledgowan Lodge Hotel Restaurant – Restaurant serves Scottish favorites and locally sourced options. Offers an à la carte bar menu as well as a 2- or 3-course menu in the restaurant. Full bar. Reservations recommended.
• 1887 Restaurant – This fine dining restaurant is located within The Torridon Hotel and it offers both a tasting menu and a seasonal fixed price menu. Most dishes highlight local produce, especially venison, salmon, beef, and shellfish. Full bar. No children under age 10 allowed in dining room for dinner (those with kids or teens will find a more family-friendly environment next door at the Torridon Inn). Great food and service; extensive wine and whisky lists. Reservations needed.
• Bo & Muc in Torridon – This gastropub serves tasty pub favorites like burgers, fish & chips, steaks, pies, and sharing platters. They also offer a kids menu. Full bar. We’ve had really good food here; friendly staff. Reservations recommended.
• Gille Brighde – Local restaurant focused on seafood but also serve soups, burgers, steaks, venison, and other dishes. Menu changes regularly. Seasonal; normally open for dinner and Sunday lunch. This restaurant has a pretty remote location (about a 30 minute drive from The Torridon hotel) so I’d call in advance before heading here to confirm opening hours and availability.
• Late Night Options – The only (somewhat) late night option usually open in the area is Hai Yang, a fast food Chinese takeaway place in Gairloch. It is usually open until 10pm.

Tonight we recommend staying around Kinlochewe. There is not a huge number of lodging option in Kinlochewe or nearby villages so we’d recommend looking for lodging anywhere between Gairloch and Torridon. Definitely recommend booking in advance!

• Old School House B&B in Gairloch – This relatively new B&B is run by Sarah and Rob who have spent many years in the area. They currently have two spacious and comfortable rooms available (soon will have a third). Rooms offer nice views and your stay includes a cooked to order breakfast brought to the table in your room. Free parking and walking distance to most places in Gairloch.
• Shieldaig Lodge Hotel near Badachro – This former Victorian hunting lodge is set in a 26,000 acre estate next to Shieldaig Bay in a lovely location. It offers 12 guest rooms, guest lounges with fireplaces, and an on-site bar and restaurant. Offers lots of activities on and near the estate including falconry, archery, hiking, fishing, stalking, etc. If you are looking for a traditional Highlands hunting lodge sort of place to stay, check this one out.
• Loch Maree Hotel in Talladale – This 3-star Victorian hotel offers comfortable guest rooms, several of which offer scenic views of Loch Maree, and an on-site bar and restaurant. Queen Victoria stayed here in 1877. Good base for those looking to do outdoor activities nearby.
• Kinlochewe Hotel in Kinlochewe – A 3-star hotel offering good value rooms and an on-site bar and restaurant. Some rooms share bathrooms. Popular with hikers and hill walkers.
• Kinlochewe Mountain Chalets in Kinlochewe – Here you’ll find four 2-bedrooms chalets for up to 4 persons each. All units contain a TV, a living room with a sofa, a well-equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom with shower. Peaceful location with great views of Beinn Eighe and a perfect base for hikers. Pets allowed with prior notice.
• Ledgowan Lodge in Achnasheen – This hotel is located in a former Victorian country house with comfortable guest rooms, well-decorated public rooms, and an on-site bar and restaurant.
• The Torridon in Torridon -The Torridon is a 5-star 18-room country house hotel with castle-like turrets. It is the former hunting lodge of the Earl of Lovelace and is one of the best known hotels along the North Coast 500. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a mix of traditional and contemporary decor, a large on-site bar, a fine dining restaurant, and a number of luxury amenities and services. Activities on the estate can be booked including fishing, clay pigeon shooting, guided hikes, kayaking, etc.  If you are looking for a luxury hotel in the area, this would definitely be our recommendation, and we very much enjoyed our stay here.
• The Stables   in Torridon – A cozy inn next to The Torridon Hotel that offers large rooms with all the basic amenities and a nice pub-style restaurant. Rooms would be particularly suited to families or small groups, as they have options for 2, 4, or even 6 person family rooms.
• Torridon Youth Hostel in Torridon – This is a well-rated hostel offering both dorm rooms and private rooms with shared facilities. A great option in this area for those traveling on a small budget.
• Campsites : Kinlochewe Caravan Club Site (Kinlochewe) and Torridon Camp Site (tents only, limited facilities). In Gairloch you’ll also find the Sands Caravan and Camping Park and Gairloch Caravan Park

Day 7 of North Coast 500 Itinerary: Kinlochewe to Inverness

Today you’ll drive the final section of the North Coast 500 route as you make your way back to Inverness. This route today provides lots of scenery of lochs, mountains, and coast as you take in the rugged vistas around Torridon and then head along the Applecross peninsula for coastal views. There are opportunities for hiking, tasting local seafood, visiting gardens and waterfalls, learning about local history, and much more today!

A special thrill of today is the steep and windy (but scenic) drive between Applecross and Tornapress as you go across the Bealach na Bà. However, note this route is not for all drivers or vehicles so be sure to decide if you want to take this route today or not as you have some options.

The route today is the longest on our 7 day itinerary, although you can shorten it if you need to as you can take shortcuts if you need to get to Inverness sooner. But we recommend taking your time today to enjoy the scenery and your last day on your route if you can. If you have an extra day, you could break up the drive by spending the night in Lochcarron and/or enjoy extra time enjoying the attractions in and around Inverness. 

Starting & Ending Point: Kinlochewe to Inverness Route:  Kinlochewe –> Applecross –> Lochcarron –> Strathpeffer –> Inverness

You have some choices today regarding how you get to Inverness. The official NC500 route follows the single track minor road along the coast to Applecross. We recommend driving this route if the weather is decent and you have the time, are not afraid of curvy steep roads, and you are not driving a large motorhome or towing a caravan (oversized vehicles are prohibited on the Bealach na Bà section of the route). The coastal route takes about 1.5 hours or so to get from Shieldaig to Ardarroch.

If you want to bypass the coastal route and the Bealach na Ba section you can take the A896 past Shieldaig towards Kishorn and Ardarroch. This bypass takes about 25 minutes to drive from Shieldaig to Ardarroch.

Note that if you are really short on time today, you can skip part of the route today and drive straight from Kinlochewe along the A832 towards Achnasheen to Inverness. It only takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get from Kinlochewe to Inverness using this route.

Mileage: 122 miles / 196 km  (~ 95 miles / 153 km if do the A896 shortcut) Area of Scottish Highlands: Wester Ross, Easter Ross, and Inverness-shire

• Say goodbye to Kinlochewe (or wherever you spent the night) and head southwest towards Torridon. If you are following a shortened route today, you’ll need to modify the itinerary to fit your route as this itinerary will follow the “official NC500 route” along the coast via Applecross.
• Glen Docherty is a scenic glen located between Loch Maree and Kinlochewe. There is a great viewpoint here located on a small hill that is a short detour from Kinlochewe along the A832 towards Achnasheen. Just drive up and park in a parking spot and you get a great view of Glen Docherty and Loch Maree in the far distance. Queen Victoria stopped here in her coach on her way to Loch Maree and wrote that the loch was “grand and romantic” in her journal. Her visits and love of the Scottish Highlands would lead to a large increase of tourism to Scotland during the Victorian era.
• Now head to Torridon. All around the small village of Torridon, you’ll have views of a number of mountain and hills including Beinn Eighe, Liathach, Beinn Alligin, and Sgurr Dubh. Torridonian sandstone makes up a lot of the local landscape and the name of the stone came from Torridon. This is a very popular area for its scenic beauty and it attractions a lot of hikers, climbers, and hillwalkers. Alongside Loch Torridon is the popular 5-star turreted country house hotel The Torridon. Loads of lovely walks from and around Torridon ranging from easy and flat to difficult mountain hikes, see some options here .
• As you drive along to Sheildaig , scenic views continue and there are some steep sections of the road so please drive carefully. Shieldaig offers more great views and we’d recommend a walk around the little peninsula here if the weather is good.
• At Sheildaig, you will need to decide if you plan to drive the coastal route around the Applecross Peninsula towards Fearnmore and Applecross (recommended if you have the time and don’t mind curvy roads) or want to skip it and head south along the A896 towards Kishorn and Ardarroch.
• If you are following the coastal route, it is a slow single track minor road so be prepared for a slow drive around the Applecross Peninsula but it provides lovely views of the Isle of Skye, Isle of Raasay , and Rona along the coast. There are some villages here but few businesses as you make your way to Applecross. Drive slowly and enjoy the views.
• At Applecross you’ll find red sandy beaches and the Applecross Heritage Centre where you can learn about local history and heritage. Applecross is believed to be one of the earliest places of settlement in Scotland but was very isolated (accessible only by sea) until the early 20th century. History lovers may also want to stop to see the Clachan Church (near the heritage centre), the current church was built in 1817 but the graveyard is much older and a monastery was founded here around the 7th century by the Irish saint, Maelrubha . We normally stop at the Applecross Garden , part of the large Applecross Estate, for something to eat which includes a walled garden, restaurant, plant shop, and gift store. If you have some time to explore, there are a few paths you can take from the walled garden towards the river, coast, or around the estate such as this one .
• The Bealach na Ba, which means Pass of the Cattle in Scottish Gaelic, was originally built in 1822 as a way to allow people to move livestock to and from this area. It is one of the highest roads in Scotland and offers some scenic views along its many twists and turns. This single track road is several miles long and has a steep gradient and sharp curves; it is not recommended for timid drivers, inexperienced drivers, or those in larger vehicles. Note this route is often impassable and closed in the winter months. Be sure to drive carefully, heeding all warning signs as accidents here are very common. It offers great scenery as you make your way along it and there are a couple of scenic viewpoint parking areas where you can stop and park safely (don’t stop anywhere else!).
• Soon after the Bealach na Ba (or if you skipped it by taking the A896), you will pass through the tiny village of Kishorn . If you are hungry for seafood, we can recommend the Kishorn Seafood Bar if it is open (seasonal).
• You’ll soon arrive into the village of Lochcarron which not surprisingly sits on the edge of a lake called Loch Carron. The village is home to the Lochcarron Weavers where you can learn more about tartan, the weaving process, and shop for some Scottish tartan (you can get made to order items here as well). If you drive or walk south along the loch, you’ll come across the ruins of the 14th century Strome Castle (very ruined). If you want to see a number of red deer (and sheep) up close consider booking a guided tour to see deer with gamekeeper Colin at  Reraig Forest near Lochcarron. The tours include an Argo (an ATV) ride up into the forest and are a lot of fun!
• Strathcarron is the next village along. It is home to a small craft brewery ( Strathcarron Brewery ), not sure if it is open for any public tours but you can buy the beer locally. If you enjoy gardens, we can recommend a small detour (10 minute drive south) to Attadale Gardens . Here you’ll find paths through lots of lovely flower beds, gardens, and trees. Gardens are open seasonally to the public; be sure to check dates and hours. There is a fee to visit.
• As you drive east between Lochcarron and Garve, this stretch of road is a popular place to see deer; we regularly see them in this area. Along the way, you’ll drive through Achnasheen situated along the River Bran. The main business in the village is the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel, a country house hotel.
• The village of Garve is quiet and sits along the Black Water river, offering nice views of Ben Wyvis. There are several walks and hikes you can do in this area, including this easy one along the Black Water or the more challenging monro hike of Ben Wyvis . Those with kids may want to make a stop at the Ben Wyvis Natural Play Park , a children’s play park in the woods.
• Between Garve and Contin, is the well-marked parking lot where you can stop to visit Rogie Falls , a series of small waterfalls on the Black Water. There is a small suspension bridge here where you can walk across. It is a 10 to 15 minute easy walk from the car park to reach the falls, although you can also do a longer hike here. Several hiking paths go through the Torrachilty Forest .
• The small village of Contin has a parish church dedicated to St. Maelrubha located on Contin Island that dates back to medieval times although most of the current structure dates to the 18th century. The church is associated with a particularly savage act of violence against the local Mackenzies in the 15th century by the Macdonalds who set fire to the local church after barring in hundreds of local villagers who had sought sanctuary there.
• If you take a short detour northeast of Contin, Strathpeffer is a former Victorian spa town and today it is a lovely village for a stroll. We recommend a stop at the Highland Museum of Childhood which is located in the old railway station (entry by donation), and it houses local history information, visitor info, a doll and toy collection, and some other exhibits. Staff here are friendly volunteers who can give you more information about the area and direct you to the local heritage walking route . Notable things to see around the village are the town square, former Upper Pump Room (exhibitions here about spa history), and the Pictish Eagle Rock (Clach an Tiompain). Nearby is also Castle Leod which was built for Clan Mackenzie and is still the home of the clan chief, Earle of Cromartie. It is a private home but parts of the castle are open to the public on a limited number of days each year.
• If you enjoy birdwatching and nature, you might want to head up to the RSPB Tollie Red Kites Natural Reserve just south of Loch Ussie. The main bird to spot here is the red kite, but you also have the chance to see a number of other birds including ravens, finches, tits, woodpeckers, and osprey. There is a visitor center and outdoor viewing area here as well as toilets, a picnic area, and nature trails. Free for members; entry by donation.
• Now you head back through Beauly and the Muir of Ord, which you likely drove through the first day of your road trip, to the starting point of Inverness.
• You have now completed your NC500 road trip and are now back in the Capital of the Highlands, the city of Inverness !
• As noted in Day 1 there are plenty of things to do in and near Inverness. We’d also highly recommend doing some day trips from Inverness if you have the extra time. If you are tired of driving, we can recommend day tours by local Rabbies which offers small group tours from downtown Inverness to places such as Loch Ness (great tour, we’ve done this one), the Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle , the Black Isle (if you missed it on your NC500 trip), and whisky tasting tours .
• If you are looking to extend your road trip consider heading south into the Cairngorms National Park and heading along the east coast along the scenic North East 250 . You can see our suggested 3 day North East 250 itinerary for suggestions of what to do, see, eat, and where to stay along the driving route.
• If you are looking for more places to visit in Scotland we have a lot of guides to places to visit in Scotland including things to do in Edinburgh , things to do in Aberdeen , things to do in Glasgow , things to do in Loch Lomond National Park , visiting Cairngorms National Park , summer festivals in Edinburgh , skiing in Scotland , day trips from Edinburgh , Harry Potter sites in Scotland , and much more across our two blogs.

There are no major detours recommended today since you have a longer day of driving today. But if you are planning to head along the west coast and/or visit the Isle of Skye, you may want to head south at Strathcarron. You can end your NC500 journey early here or add some days to your itinerary to visit places along the west coast before heading back to Inverness.

• Plockton is a pretty village located on the shores of Loch Carron that is worth a stop if you are headed southwest. It is located about 30 to 40 minutes drive south of Strathcarron. Here you have nice views of the bay including some palm trees that are able to grow with help from the warm Gulf Stream. The village is worth a stroll around with several shops, restaurant, and art galleries. You can also get out on the bay by renting a kayak or boat here, or take the popular seal tours offered by Calum’s Seal Trips .
• Near the small village of Dornie is Eilean Donan Castle , which is one of the most recognizable castles in Scotland. It was originally built in the 13th century by the Clan Mackenzie and was a stronghold for the Mackenzies of Kintail. Although the castle history dates back to the 13th century, the current building is primarily a 20th century restoration of the medieval castle as the castle was largely destroyed in the 18th century by the Royal Navy. You’ll likely recognize the exterior of Eilean Donan Castle as it is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. The castle is open for tours to the public and you can buy tickets at the visitor center which also contains a coffee shop and gift shop. It is about a 30 minute drive from Strathcarron.
• The Isle of Skye in Scotland is a popular large Scottish island known for its scenic and rugged landscapes. Popular stops include Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Quiraing, the Fairy Pools, Dunvegan Castle, and Neist Point. The Isle of Skye is very popular, particularly in the summer, and you can see our tips for avoiding the crowds on the Isle of Skye . It is about a 1.5 hour drive from Strathcarron to Portree (capital town on Skye). You’ll want at least one full day to explore the island.

Inverness offers everything from humble cafes and McDonald’s to fine dining, so you should be able to find something that appeals. Also lots of places to get drinks in Inverness whether you have a desire for a Scottish lager, craft beer, whisky, or a fruity cocktail.

There are dozens of dining options in Inverness, but here are a selection of recommendations to get you started:

• Fig & Thistle – A cozy bistro offering European dishes with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Good selection of vegetarian options. Offers wine list and cocktails.
• The Mustard Seed Restaurant – Modern restaurant situated in a former church serving modern European dishes with a focus on local and seasonal produce. Full bar; good wine list. Lunch and early dinner specials. Very popular; reservations strongly recommended.
• The Kitchen Brasserie – A contemporary Scottish restaurant serving many modern British favorites using local and seasonal produce. Top floor offers nice views over Ness River. Very good value lunch and early evening dinner specials here; we’ve had good experiences here. Good wine list. Owned by the same folks who run The Mustard Seed. Reservations recommended.
• Number 27 Bar & Kitchen – An upscale pub restaurant offering upscale contemporary British and European dishes. Full bar.
• Scotch & Rye – Bar and restaurant with a menu and decor inspired by the American speakeasies of NYC and Chicago with nachos, hot dogs, burgers, etc., but also has some Scottish and Mexican inspired dishes. Full bar. Some tables are dog friendly.
• Hootananny – A popular local pub offering good value pub favorites. Regularly has live Scottish folk music and ceilidhs. Check schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.
• Rocpool – This popular upscale brasserie offers modern Scottish dishes including seafood, beef, and game. Focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Reservations strongly recommended.
• River House – Upscale restaurant next to the river focused on fresh Scottish seafood and shellfish, but also offers a selection of meat, game, and veggie options. Oyster menu and full bar. Reservations strongly recommended.
• Chez Roux Restaurant – The restaurant located at Rocpool Reserve Hotel offers French inspired fine dining with Scottish ingredients. Menu designed by Albert Roux. Full bar. The R Bar (also located in the hotel) is also a good place for pre or after-dinner drinks. Reservations necessary.
• Late Night Options – There are usually food options in Inverness open until at least midnight; I’d ask your lodging for nearby recs. Some places to check include Aspendos (Turkish), The Castle Tavern (traditional pub menu in a historical building), McDonald’s (located on High Street; fast food), Scotch & Rye (American inspired bar food), Millburn Takeaway (Chinese takeaway or delivery), and Domino’s (pizza takeaway or delivery).

Since you’ve reached the end of the North Coast 500, you might want to celebrate by choosing a nicer hotel in Inverness to stay in. Or if you don’t mind staying a bit outside of Inverness, you might also consider a castle hotel stay, such as at  Tulloch Castle Hotel or Kincraig Castle Hotel .

You can see our full Inverness hotel recommendations under Day 1 of the itinerary, but we’ll briefly repeat them here:

• Bazpackers – Centrally located hostel
• No. 29 B&B is a nice good value bed-and-breakfast option. If looking for something a little nicer, check out Ardentorrie House or Invernevis B&B
• Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa – Centrally located 3-star hotel with spa and restaurant, offers nice views over River Ness and castle.
• Jury’s Inn – Modern hotel offering good value, swimming pool, bar, and on-site restaurant, located outside of central Inverness.
• Kingsmills Hotel ,   Rocpool Reserve Hotel , Bunchrew House Hotel , and Boath House (in Nairn) – These are our recommended 4- and 5-star hotels in and near Inverness for those looking for a more luxurious stay.
• Campsites – Torvean Caravan Park , Bught Park Caravan Park & Campsite , Ardtower Caravan Park and Bunchrew Caravan Park .

So that is the end of our North Coast 500 itinerary! We hope that you have found this itinerary helpful in planning your own NC500 road trip.

If you are planning an upcoming trip, be sure to check out all our other articles on the North Coast 500 .

You can also PIN this article to Pinterest to read it later:

If you are planning your own North Coast 500 road trip and have questions about the route or traveling within Scotland, we’re happy to try to help. Just leave any questions or comments in the Comments section below!

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Terry Tench Post author

April 17, 2024 at 10:59 am

We are using your 7 day nc500 itinerary on our tour this year but want to see Isle of skye for I day/ night then to fort William 1 night whilst heading back home to cheshire England should we go from Ullapool to skye then fort William

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

April 19, 2024 at 2:39 am

For a detour to Skye (or to just skip the last day), I’d leave the North Coast 500 and itinerary at Strathcarron. If you wanted to save time you could also skip Torridon, Applecross peninsula, and Bealach na Bà and just head from Ullapool down to Strathcarron and then over the bridge to Skye. But I would recommend including that section if you have time but it would definitley save you time if you need to skip some things on that day.

From Strathcarron, it is about a 30 minute or so drive to Skye Bridge that you cross to reach the island. I’d consider maybe staying in Portree if you are only there a night as its the largest town and relatively central. I would allow about 3 hours to drive from Portree (on Skye) to Fort William with some short stops for views/mountains and such.

If you are planning to visit Eilean Donan Castle, you could do that on your way to or from Skye. Just be sure to check the opening dates/hours if you want to actually tour the castle.

Hope that helps and wishing you a great trip to Scotland! Just let us know if you have any further questions.

Best, Jessica

Deanna Post author

March 20, 2024 at 8:17 am

I am flying in and out of glasgow, only have five full days. I’d like to drive the nc500, but also see other areas. What do you suggest as an efficient route?

Will fly into glasgow 11/16 for five full days. Does it snow in the nc500 area during that time ? Trying to figure out most efficient route.

March 21, 2024 at 10:47 am

So the best place to start would probably still be Inverness. From Glasgow, it takes about 3-4 hours to get to Inverness by car or train. You could pick up a hire car in either Glasgow or take the train or bus up to Inverness and pick up the car there. Or if prefer not to drive given your limited time, you also have the option to join a 3 day tour .

The North Coast 500 route is a set route so you can drive it counterclockwise or clockwise, it doesn’t make much difference although we generally recommend counterclockwise (starting on east coast and then heading north and west) for first time. But 5 days is really the minimum we’d recommend for really enjoying the NC500 if you are driving yourself as otherwise you’ll spend most of your time driving and getting from place to place. If you do plan to see other parts of Scotland and only have 2-3 days, then I would consider just visiting an area of the North Coast 500 or joining the tour so you at least get a sense of the highlights.

If you haven’t checked out our planning guide , I’d start there. Also Laurence has put together a 5 day itinerary that is less detailed and more rushed, but might suit you better. However, again, it would mean using all 5 days for the NC500 and also allowing time to get to and from Glasgow. So I’d really consider how many days you have and what you really want to see.

It can snow along the North Coast 500 in November but it is not super common until a bit later in the winter. But we’ve definitely had our trip delayed by snow covered roads during winters before and snow and ice can make some of the hikes dangerous. The more minor roads can also close due to snow/ice/flooding. So something to keep in mind but not likely a huge worry in mid November (and not really something you can plan around until you know the weather forecast much more closer to the time).

But of course because November is off season for northern Scotland, some places will be closed in November, this includes smaller attractions, outdoor activities, many campsites, and some hotels and restaurants. So you’ll want to be sure to plan ahead, especially with any must-see indoor attractions, accommodation, and evening meals.

Marco Semprevivo Post author

February 22, 2024 at 5:41 am

Hi Jessica & Laurence, First, my compliments this blog is fantastic and useful. We want to go to Scotland in June 2024 and we wonder if we start from Edinburgh and stay there for two days is it possible to do the NC500, and Loch Ness in about 15 days? Best regards, Marco

February 23, 2024 at 9:34 am

You’re very welcome and yes, you can definitely explore Edinburgh, see Loch Ness, and do the North Coast 500 in 15 days. I’d probably recommend 3 nights in Edinburgh, then 3 nights in Inverness (Loch Ness is near Inverness), and then 7 nights along the North Coast 500. Then with the extra days you can add them where you like in Edinburgh, Loch Ness/Inverness, or along the North Coast 500. Or maybe an overnight stop in the Cairnogrms on the way up to Inverness if you are driving.

In Edinburgh you don’t need a car, so I’d pick up one either once you are ready to leave Edinburgh to drive to Inverness or take the train to Inverness (easy connection) and pick up a car once in Inverness. I’d probably leave a day to explore Inverness, and then a second full day to see Loch Ness and that area.

For seeing Loch Ness, you can drive there from Inverness as a day trip, go stay overnight near the lake, or just join a day tour from Inverness (we recommend the one from Rabbie’s). You can see our guide to Loch Ness to plan that out.

Then you can start the NC500 road trip from Inverness and follow the above 7 day itinerary. Since it sounds like you may have a couple extra days, you can use them along the route to book a few 2-night stays rather than moving along each night. That will make it more relaxing and give you more time to explore the different areas and do more activities/tours/attractions. Or if you prefer, you can spend that extra time in Edinburgh as there are lots to do there and also many good days trips that can be done from there.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any more questions as you plan your trip to Scotland!

Sami Tamim Post author

November 30, 2023 at 11:54 pm

Hi Jessica, Are there sufficient Electric Vehicle charging points along the routes to avoid “charge anxiety” if driving an electric only vehicle?

Regards Sami

December 1, 2023 at 10:18 am

So, yes, since about 2016, there have been enough electrical charging points around the North Coast 500 route for those with fully electric cars to drive the route safely. There are electrical charging points throughout the route, including rapid charge points.

You can find charging points using this interactive map or an app like ZapMap . Just note however, that there are often just a couple of charging stations at each place so you will need to factor potential waits into your shcedule as well as out of service charging points.

So if you have an electric car you plan to drive, you should be fine. I would just keep your range and charging needs in mind when planning your route itinerary, and perhaps consider staying each night in a town with an electric charge point so you could do that each night after your day of driving.

If you are renting a car, a hybrid might be a better option as it will give you more piece of mind and flexibility and you won’t hae any “range anxiety”.

We cover this and lots of other NC500 planning information in our planning guide . That article might be helpful if you are planning your first drive along the North Coast 500.

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

Jean (Jeannette) Porter Post author

September 26, 2023 at 7:35 pm

Greetings….. We are planning on heading over to Scotland towards end of April/May next year from New Zealand. I have just come across your amazing and very well written iitinerary on The North Coast 500 Route and it was such an exciting read. We plan on picking up a rental car in Inverness to start our trip. Can hardly wait. Friends of ours did this trip years ago and said how amazing it was. Some questions: Would two days on the Orkney Islands give us plenty of time to see and do a lot of the activities while there? Also how much would the ferry cost to take the rental car over and back again if that is what people do? Is April/May a good time to travel to Scotland? We are thinking of spending about 10 days to do the 500 Route as we want to do and see as much as possible in that time without racing all the time? Would we get accomodation at that time of year or would it be a bit of a struggle? I cant wait to read your intinerary again and again. Thank you so much for any help. 🙂 My paternal grandfather was born in Inverkip. We came over to England/Scotland for the first time 10 years ago and it was love at first sight 🙂

September 27, 2023 at 6:37 pm

That sounds like a very exciting trip and so glad you are visiting Scotland and planning to drive the North Coast 500. Glad our articles and itinerary have been helpful!

Yes, Inverness is an ideal place to start and end your trip so a good place to pick up and drop off your rental car.

So 2 days should give you plenty of time to explore the biggest island of Orkney (the “Mainland”, also known as Hrossey and Pomona) but you’d need more time to really explore Orkney as there are about 70 islands I think and several are worth visiting for attractions, wildlife, history, etc. If you had 2 full days/nights you could take a ferry to see one extra island. But if you are looking to see the main attractions (there are several, happy to give some recs) on the Mainland, you’ll find lots to do on the main island which also includes the two biggest towns, Kirkwall and Stromness. So you can easily spend 2 days exploring it. Yes, you can either take your car over or join a day tour (with a bus or a private driver) that shows you around the island. Regular ferries call into both Stromness and Kirkwall (from John O’Groats, Scrabster, and Gills Bay).

It depends on the specific ferry and time of year, but the cost of a ferry is pretty reasonable for those on foot or bike (about 18 pounds I think each way) but it costs a lot more if you want to take a car. I think for example it would be about £100 each way (£200 total) for 2 people and a car return with Northlink from Scrabster to Stromness. I don’t think rates are out for that far in advance but I’d check at the end of the year. But I’d estimate around £200.

Yes, mid April through end of May can be a good time to visit Scotland. We’ve been lucky at that time of the year in terms of weather, but you can never predict weather and it is wise to basically always be prepared for rain and wind, and be happy when you get the nice sunny days! It used to be pretty quiet that time of year, but it does tend to start picking up around Easter now, but you will miss the high time with all the summer visitors. Most seasonal business open in April around Easter. May is safer if worried about any attractions not being open.

For accommodation, we recommend booking at least 3 months in advance (6 months is better if there are specific places you want to stay as some of the most popular start getting bookings 1 year in advance). But if you have your flights and car booked well before then, I’d do it 6 months out if you are booking hotels and B&Bs. If you book on a website like Booking.com you often have option to cancel it so long in advance for free (or worth it to pay a little extra for this option in our opinion) if your plans have to change.

Yes, 10 days ia great amount of time, we say at least 7 days ideally and 10 is even better!

I don’t think we have ever been to Inverkip, but we have been very close when we traveled from Glasgow over to Aran. Will you be visiting on this trip?

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have further questions as you continue to plan your trip!

John van Stipriaan Post author

August 15, 2023 at 2:23 am

I will be starting from Edinburgh in a camper. Taking the coastal road to Inverness then a shortened NC500 around to glascow. This is going to be in mid November. Main question is the availability of camp grounds or freedom camping along the way. Any advice gratefully received, thank you.

August 15, 2023 at 8:46 am

Glad to hear that you are planning to drive at least part of the North Coast 500 and happy to try to answer your questions and give you some advice for your trip!

So mid-November tends to be fairly cold and is not a popular time to camp or drive the NC500, so some of the campsites and caravan parks will definitely be closed during that period as many are seasonal from Spring to end of summer/beginning of autumn. But some are open year round or most of the year. If you plan ahead you should be able to still find places to go, you can check out the North Coast 500 campsite and caravan park directory for what is available. Some places recommend/require reservations, others don’t. You can contact them directly to find out more. If there are any sections where you want to stay that don’t have campsites open, you can also check out the glamping pods, cabins, etc. as many of these are open year round and are interesting places to stay without needing to camp for the night.

So that directory should help you in determining availability, this camping itinerary for the NC500 might also be helpful in planning your time, depending on how much time you have. We’d generally recommend at least 5 days (7 days+ ideal).

In terms of “freedom camping”, if you are talking about wild camping, that is for people doing tent camping away from vehicles and houses. And that is covered in the above North Coast 500 camping itinerary under wild camping. But if you are planning to stay in a camper that wouldn’t be wild camping. And also during that time of the year it can get pretty cold so you’ll want access to heat.

If you are driving from Edinburgh up to Inverness, you might consider doing part of the North East 250 as part of the route goes up along the coast and rest through the lovely Cairngorms. You probably wouldn’t want to do the full loop but could do part.

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

Allan Post author

July 5, 2023 at 2:07 pm

hi there, i am scrolling through this on my iphone and it feels like i would scroll 30 miles worth of scrolling lol is this info available in a small book kind of thing many thanks allan

July 6, 2023 at 4:42 am

So glad that you are finding our North Coast 500 itinerary useful. It is indeed long and pretty in-depth in its coverage.

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

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

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

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

yadi jayran-nejad Post author

June 4, 2023 at 2:25 am

Dear Jessica and Laurence Thank you so much for writing such a great detailed description of the highland famous NC500 route. It has become my companion since I first read it a week ago. I read it several times a day! Next to my Navigator Scotland road Atlas. It is amazing. Well done and thank you again. I am a follower now! Regards Yadi

June 14, 2023 at 6:53 am

Thanks so much for taking the time to let us know that our North Coast 500 route itinerary has been so helpful for your trip. It is also nice to have a road atlas and driving, especially if looking for some interesting detours and other places you might want to explore as you are driving in Scotland.

Thanks for following, and just let us know if you have any questions about future travels!

James Murray Post author

March 27, 2023 at 3:05 am

do you supply a map and list of places to stay thank you james

March 27, 2023 at 8:05 am

Glad you are finding our travel guides and North Coast 500 itinerary helpful. So yes, within this post above, you can see there is a rough map for Google maps you can see. There is also suggested lodging options under each day. For more lodging options, you can see our NC500 hotels and NC500 B&B guide posts. Both of those posts have the lodging options marked on a Google map that you can click on and look at.

If you are looking for paper maps, you can try online via ebay or Waterstones if you are in the UK as noted. Otherwise, you can buy them once you are in Scotland in a bookstore or tourist shop in Inverness or along the route.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip along the North Coast 500.

Pi Post author

January 23, 2023 at 8:51 pm

Hi Jessica & Laurence Thank you so much for providing such a detailed route, especially for winter time. I and my boyfriend will follow your plan during this February. We booked the regular car already but, as we are from tropical country, we wonder if the 4wheel drive is necessary for winter in this area. We will go any off road though. And we try get snow chain as your suggestion but the car rental company don’t have it for rent. Is there any shop that we can buy snow chain around NC500 or before we go to Cairngorms?

Best wishes,

February 1, 2023 at 2:25 am

Glad you have found our NC500 guides helpful.

So you may or may not encounter snow during February in Scotland but it is a good idea to be prepared if you do. We used a regular 2WD car when you did our visits so you should be OK with a 2WD. But there was one day we had to stay put as the snow made the roads very slick and they were icy. But otherwise, we were OK. If you encoutner really bad weather, you’ll probably want to just be flexible and stay put until it passes. Roads are normally cleared fairly quickly and snowstorms tend not to last more than a day or towo.

It can be a good idea to have snow chains in your car even if you aren’t super likely to need them. However, it is not a legal requirment as it is in some parts of the world do you don’t need to have them. Yes, you should be able to buy a set of snow chains in Scotland during the winter at any big automotive shop (such as in Inverness) or you can buy a set online on Amazon. But since you are just there for a short time, you might see if there is someone locally you can just borrow (or rent) them. Or just be prepared to be flexible and don’t drive until any storms have passed and roads are cleared (this is what most people in Scotland do to be honest as most don’t have snow chains).

Just a remind if you use snow chains, you need to remove them as soon as you are on cleared roads as they can cause damage if you drive with them on without snow/ice.

Anyway, hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful trip!

Ian Nelson Post author

October 8, 2022 at 2:03 am

Hi Guys, We completed the NC500 last month following the major parts of your itinerary. To be honest it made our experience much more enjoyable because of the limited planning involved. We used Hotels and B&Bs for accommodation over seven days. We were fortunate with the weather, only had one day of torrential rain. Thank you for your time and work compiling the detailed itinerary. I have already told people to look at your site first before they go anywhere else. Best Regards Ian

October 12, 2022 at 2:45 pm

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment after your NC500 trip! We love to hear that our North Coast 500 road trip information was helpful to other travelers.

And so happy that you had such a great experience and that the weather was good to you on most of the days of your trip!!!

Trudi Post author

September 26, 2022 at 2:00 am

Dear Jessica and Laurence, Your blog has been such a fantastic way of helping us plan our N500 trip. We are heading up to Scotland tomorrow (currently en route in North Yorkshire). The information and detail you have provided means that it is a lot less daunting and we are now so excited to see everything along the way. We have at least 7- 9 days to explore so thank you so much. I will let you know how we get on.

Kindest regards,

Trudi and Kev

September 26, 2022 at 1:53 pm

Hi Trudi & Kev,

So glad that our information on the NC500 has been helpful in planning your trip up to Scotland. Wishing you a wonderful trip up from North Yorshire and around the NC500. I hope you have a wonderful trip and our fingers crossed for some nice weather.

And yes, we’d love to hear how your trip goes once you are back. Feel free to let us know your favorite sections, tips, etc.

Best, Jessica & Laurence

Chandra Prathaban Post author

August 11, 2022 at 6:49 am

Hi, At the outset let me thank you for a very informative and well structured NC500 blog. We are planning to do the NC 500 in October last week. We have 5 1/2 days and we plan to cut short our travel at Lochinver and return to Inverness airport via Ullapool on the last day. Is it a good time to do that? Secondly, we are doing it with as family along with our grand daughter who is 5 1/2 years old. Will it be bit too much for a a kid?

Thanks again.. Chandra

August 12, 2022 at 3:31 am

Hi Chandra,

I think 5.5 days to do the route to Lochinver would work. From Lochinver to Inverness airport, is about a 2.5 hour drive (without any stops). I’d allow 3 hours to account for traffic and any road work. You’ll also need to of course factor in time for car rental return and check-in. So I’d leave at least 5 to 5.5 hours before you need to board your flight.

October is a good month to drive the route as the temperature should be pretty good and crowds should be thinning out along the route. But just note some of the smaller seasonal business may be closed by the end of October.

I’d see our planning guide for some tips on traveling the North Coast 500 and preparing for the drive. There are also some attractions and locations listed in that guide that are more kid and family friendly (see section “Best Stops for Families with Children along the North Coast 500”). Many people travel with children, you just have to be extra cautious and keep her near when outdoors as people can drive fast on the route, livestock is often unfenced, and there are often no barriers to cliffside areas. Most towns have little playgrounds or parks which can be a good place to take a break. Most attractions allow children. It is also fairly easy to find casual dining options along the route that are suitable for kids.

If you haven’t already done so, I would book your accommodation along the route once you have your dates set. This is especially important if needing family rooms or booking multiple rooms (often needed if traveling with more than 2 adults). Most hotels only have 1, if any family rooms, and if you are needing multiple rooms, you will want to ensure they are available. Also note there are some B&Bs and hotels that don’t accept younger children so be sure to check rules before booking.

Hope that helps, and wishing you a great trip along the NC500!

Chandra Prathapan Post author

August 15, 2022 at 2:26 am

Thanks Jessica.. Your reply is quite detailed and helpful.

August 15, 2022 at 6:09 am

You’re very welcome, wishing you and your family a great trip around Scotland.

Caitlin Post author

August 6, 2022 at 2:23 am

Hey, we’re just back from our nc500 trip and just wanted to thank you guys for this blog – it was super helpful and we loved so many of your recommendations! Thanks so much for doing so much of the planning and prep for us. ☺️

August 7, 2022 at 12:18 am

Hi Caitlin,

So happy to hear that our North Coast 500 articles were helpful in your travel planning. I hope that you had a wonderful trip along the NC500!

Chris Post author

June 23, 2022 at 1:59 pm

Hello! My wife and I plan a week long road trip through Scottish Highlands. However, we will be starting from Edinburgh. We are wondering how best to modify the trip so we see some great spots but not feel too rushed. Any suggestions how to best modify or truncate the 500 trip would be much appreciated! -Chris and Maggie

June 24, 2022 at 5:30 am

Hi Chris & Maggie,

Sure, happy to help. So if you spend a leisurely day driving up to Inverness and a day driving back to Edinburgh (or you can take a train, plane, or bus), that would give you 5 full days along the route. So you can modify it accordingly (you’ll just have time to make fewer stops). For where to stop overnight, you can check out this 5-day itinerary for ideas.

Now if you have less than 5 days, we wouldn’t recommend driving the NC500 as you’ll likely just feel rushed. If you have less time we’d recommend considering joining a tour such as this one led by a local guide which will take you to the highlights and you don’t need to worry about driving, parking, booking things, etc.

But I would also ask if you are trying to see an overview of attractions in the Scottish Highlands or just want to drive the North Coast 500? The North Coast 500 route takes in the very northern part of the Highlands but many of the most popular visitor sights and attractions are elsewhere. So I guess it depends on what you want to see and do with your time and if you have visited the Highlands before.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Scotland. Happy to give more suggestions once you have drafted an itinerary.

June 25, 2022 at 7:39 am

Jessica, Thank you for such aa thoughtful response. We have a full seven days to experience Scotland! My thought is that we take a day to ride up to Inverness, do your 5 day 500 route, but instead of connecting back to inverness, we pick a route back to Edinburgh! Does that sound like a good plan for Scotland first timers? Your website is an amazing resource! Thank you so much!

-Chris and Maggie

June 26, 2022 at 5:54 am

Hi Chris and Maggie,

Yes, that can definitely work. Going back to Inverness is the quickest route back down to Edinburgh as it connects you to the main motorway (A9). However, you can certainly take a different route back if there are other places off that route that you want to visit. There are certainly more scenic routes but just be sure to check the driving times.

But just note if you only have 7 days total in Scotland, you will probably want to spend at least a couple of days in Edinburgh? There is a lot to see and do in the city. So if you spend 2 full days in Edinburgh, then that means you only have 5 days elsewhere, which means you would probably only have about 3-4 full days for NC500. So I would just make sure you are not too rushed with your plans.

chris Post author

June 26, 2022 at 6:32 am

Fantastic! Some great advise! Thank you so much.

Marion Rogers Post author

May 2, 2022 at 5:47 am

We are planning our first overseas trip post Covid and border closures from Australia. I found your blog extremely helpful. Now to work out exactly what we would like to do during our time in Scotland.

May 2, 2022 at 5:55 am

That is very exciting to be able to travel again! And happy to hear our travel blog has been helpful in planning your trip to Scotland. Happy to try to help and provide advice once you have a good idea of how many days you have, how you want to get around, and what specifically you are interested in doing/seeing while in Scotland.

christine Post author

April 19, 2022 at 3:00 pm

We are planning on doing this trip as part of our 50th wedding anniversary celebration we have several trips planned but very excited to finally be doing the 500, your itinerary has been so helpful really enjoyed reading it.

We are planning on doing the trip over a three week period to enable us to do all the detours and spend more time in places. We can make the trip anytime and would welcome your advice on when is the best time to visit ,we were thinking May or September but would prefer not to visit during school holidays, we are very flexible with our time.

April 20, 2022 at 5:26 am

Hi Christine,

So glad you are finding our North Coast 500 itinerary and blogs helpful in planning your anniversary trip! 3 weeks along the route will give you plenty of time to do most of what we have listed in our itinerary as well as have time for detours such as visiting some of the islands.

Both May and September are great months to do the North Coast 500 and are generally our two favorite times of year for traveling around Scotland in general. In terms of weather you can of course not predict but we have had lovely weather during those months but always be prepared for rain and cool weather 😉

Yes, no matter when you travel I’d avoid any school holidays (unless traveling with kids) – check the term times for both England and Scotland. It is also good to avoid bank holiday weekends.

I don’t really have a preference for May versus September – if you are planning it for this year, then I’d maybe recommend September if you are planning for staying in B&Bs/hotels just as you will have a better chance of booking your first choice accommodation for September as I know some of the hotels and B&Bs we recommend are pretty booked up for May/June already. But if camping then it doesn’t make too much difference as although more campsites are taking prebookings, they don’t tend to book up too far in advance.

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

Sarann Post author

April 10, 2022 at 1:46 pm

This blog is brilliant and full of information on campsites, hotels, restaurants and activities – it’s all been covered! Me, my husband, son and dog will be doing the NC500 this summer and can’t wait. Using your itinerary I’ve just sat and planned the campsites to use and this has saved so much time. We’re travelling from North Ayrshire so not that far but will be stopping off at Aviemore first to get used to the campervan. We’ve probably done a lot of the north west coast of Scotland, as we’ve got family that stay that way and we just love it! But we haven’t seen any of the east coast so that will be a first for us. I’ve saved this page for our travels for reference – I’m sure I’ll need it!

April 10, 2022 at 3:42 pm

Sounds like you have a great NC500 holiday to look forward to this summer with your family! So happy that you are finding our North Coast 500 guide and other blog posts helpful in planning your trip. Laurence has a couple of posts specifically on camping along the North Coast 500 over on Finding the Universe which you may have already seen, but if not those posts have a lot of camping and campsite tips.

The Cairngorms (Aviemore) is a great place to stop on your way up from Ayrshire before heading to Inverness and starting the route.

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

Dan and Beck Post author

December 18, 2021 at 3:12 am

Hi Jessica,

Thanks for sharing such a fantastic NC500 itinerary.

We used this article to help plan our NC500 hiking adventure. Your tips on campsites were very helpful!

We really like your website, and have followed you on IG!

Cheers, Dan & Beck from Travel Made Me Do It

December 18, 2021 at 7:24 am

Hi Dan & Beck,

Glad you enjoyed our NC500 itinerary and other articles. There are certainly lots of walking, hiking, and climbing opportunities in and around the NC500 😉 We note many of our favorites in our guides but there are many to discover in each region.

Phil scott Post author

October 25, 2021 at 8:45 pm

My wife and I are from Australia. We are planning to be in the UK in early April. Not an ideal time to be so far up north doing the North Coast 500 but it has to fit in with our other plans in Europe. Accommodation wise, will establishments be open at that time of the year to enable us to see as much of the area as we possibly can?

October 26, 2021 at 7:34 am

Yes, April probably isn’t the best time to explore the NC500 but a number of the seasonal businesses do re-open in April. Although it will depend on your dates as I think many of the smaller seasonal spots and museums may not be open yet. We generally recommend after Easter as the best time as that is when most of the seasonal businesses are re-eopening but also because of weather.

In terms of accommodation along the North Coast 500, as long as you book in advance, you should be fine as although not every place will be open, you should still be able to find at least a few places open in each area of the route. Many hotels, particularly in Inverness, Dornoch, Wick, Thurso, and Ullapool are open year-round or may just close for a short period, whereas in other spots, particularly the north you do get a lot of B&Bs and small hotels closing for the winter season. Some places will base their opening and closing dates based on advance bookings but many should be re-opening by April, especially since a busy season is expected after a couple of seasons where businesses had to close part of the season due to COVID-19.

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

Phil Post author

October 26, 2021 at 9:44 pm

Many thanks Jessica. I will take your advice and be booking well ahead as it is a journey we want to make.

Wendy B Post author

October 12, 2021 at 9:59 am

Thank you for producing such a detailed and informative website. I planned the whole route using your superb suggestions and recommendations. I also bought a book to cross reference but it was nowhere as useful. You really could turn this into a very good guide book. Thank you for the time and effort you have put into this. I will be recommending it to friends who want to do this next year.

October 12, 2021 at 10:43 am

So glad that you enjoyed your North Coast 500 trip, and that our NC500 itinerary and planning guides were so useful in planning your trip! We have not personally used any of the guidebooks, but we have also heard this about the existing guidebooks. We are lucky to have done the route many times and visited so many of the attractions, hotels, B&Bs, campsites, restaurants, shops, etc. and done so many of the walks and hikes in this beautiful area of Scotland. Our articles can be printed as PDFs, but we do recommend just using them online to be able to click links and to prevent the need to print them as they are very long 😉

Thanks for recommending it to friends who may want to drive this route next year. We certainly appreciate it and for taking the time to let us know that our NC500 articles were helpful to you!

Lyn Post author

September 13, 2021 at 8:50 pm

I came across your blog and wow! I am learning a lot, it is a bit overwhelming. My husband and I are planning this trip in mid october, I am not sure if it would be a good time? We plan roughly 7 days, and just wondering if it would be best to stay in say 4 hotels/bnb in a week around the coast and what area to focus in? ANy suggestions would be helpful 😀 thank you, and I will continue browsing thru your blog. Thank you so much.

September 14, 2021 at 7:45 am

October can be a great time to travel in Scotland, but just note it may be a bit wet and cool. A number of attractions, restaurants, and lodging options are also seasonal and some will close at the end of September or October, so just be aware of that as well. Some places, like the smaller museums and private gardens, will open only by pre-arrangement. But other than those, it can definitely be a quieter time to travel although we expect it to still be fairly busy along the North Coast 500 this year as there is still a lot of pent-up travel demand.

I think that you can definitely do 2 night stays at a few places instead of moving along each night. It will likely mean a bit of backtracking along the route, but means you don’t need to pack up each night which is great. Then you can just use each base to explore the area rather than driving it as a set route which will give you a bit more flexibility. For instance, if you have 7 days/8 nights, you might consider 2 nights each in the four corners of the route, so say around Inverness for the first 2 nights, around Wick/John O’Groats/Thurso for day 3 and 4, around Tongue/Durness/Lochinver for day 5 and 6 and then a last stop around Gairloch/Kinlochewe/Torridon for your final two nights.

But I would also take a look over the itinerary to see if there are any specific attractions, activities, tours, hikes, etc. that you are really interested in (and make sure they are possible during your dates). That may encourage you to pick one town or area over another for your overnight stops. For example, if there is a morning boat tour or a full-day hike you want to do, then staying nearby for that would probably be a good idea.

Once you have your dates and where you want to overnight, I would definitely book your accommodation ASAP to ensure you get a room you like and within your budget in each location. We list some suggestions in our itineary as well as in our North Coast 500 hotels and North Coast 500 B&B guides .

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have more questions after reading over our NC500 guide and itinerary. Wishing you and your husband a great trip.

lyn Post author

September 21, 2021 at 9:12 pm

Hello Jessica,

Thank you for replying. I do appreciate the advise and browsing your blog had certainly help. Thank You Lots!

September 22, 2021 at 3:47 am

You’re very welcome. Just let us know if you have any further questions and wishing you a wonderful trip!

michelle dudman Post author

September 13, 2021 at 1:03 pm

I have just subscribed to your monthly newsletter. Please can you advise how I can print your guides. Ive been reading through them for months now but ready to print them out and take them with us next week!

September 14, 2021 at 6:02 am

Hi Michelle,

Glad that our North Coast 500 guide has been helpful to you! Yes, I can see that you are now an active subscriber to our free monthly newsleter.

To print an article, just open up the article and then click on the Printer icon (on the side or at the end of the article) for the article of interest. You’ll be asked to be in your name and the emailed you used to subscribe. Then a printer-friendly document should open without all the ads, images, formatting, etc. If you have any issues or questions, just let us know.

If you have any questions as you plan your NC500 trip, just let us know. Wishing you a great trip next week.

Steve Hardy Post author

August 27, 2021 at 6:16 am

Hi do you have a book/guide on the 500 ? Where can I get one Having just seen it on the news I would love to do it next year & would prefer a guide to follow instead of being reliant on WiFi/internet

August 29, 2021 at 3:36 am

Glad you are finding our North Coast 500 itinerary and other NC500 articles and advice helpful.

All our advice and information is available only on our websites. You can also print them off yourself if you are a subscriber to our monthly newsletter . To print the article in a printer-friendly format (with all ads and images removed) or save them as a clickable PDF, you just need to subscribe to be subscribed to our monthly travel newsletter (it is free and easy to subscribe).

I’d start with our North Coast 500 planning guide to get started and then use the itinerary for planning day-to-day things to do and accommodation.

If you want a printed guidebook you can order one from Amazon, there are a few of them available that have been written by others, one by Rough Guides for example, but we have never used them ourselves. You can see them here .

Christine Brewer Post author

August 21, 2021 at 10:58 am

I will be travelling on my own and don’t want to be planning as I want the option to have the freedom. Being single, I am concerned about only staying the one night then off to a new destination the following day. Reading above, it seems a one nighter is not that easy. Should I be thinking of a different trip around Scotland altogether. Thanks for any help you can offer. You have done an amazing job giving all this information to everyone that wants to travel the NC500. Scotland needs to be giving you the key to the city. Christine

August 21, 2021 at 12:47 pm

Glad you are enjoying our North Coast 500 travel guides and itinerary.

For traveling right now, planning is a good idea as with COVID-19 restrictions and a lot of places requiring pre-booking (even places that normally do not), it is hard to travel without some planning beforehand if you want to visit attractions and be assured of hotel stays and hot evening meals. The NC500 is a particularly busy route with limited accommodation and places to eat along certain sections.

But you can always just choose a couple places you want to stay and then spend say 3 nights in each and explore each day from the particular town. For instance, perhaps you want to stay 3 nights in Inverness and 3 nights in Ullapool and just explore as you wish each day from there. So the only thing you would really need to plan in advance is your lodging and how you plan to get there. Planning evening restaurant meals in advance (just that same day or a day in advance is generally enough). So instead of driving the NC500 as a route, you just choose a couple of places in the north that you really want to explore.

But there are other places in Scotland that may be more suited to staying longer periods of time. Tell me a little bit more about what kind of trip you want to have and the kinds of things you enjoy doing. Have you been to Scotland before? If so, what parts have you visited before?

Kerry Post author

July 4, 2021 at 1:20 pm

Hi guys! Just wanted to say a massive thank you for publishing this blog and all your super tips and advice. I’ve just returned from a 9 day trip and followed many of your suggestions- especially the hikes and things to stop and see! I also read your guide to single track roads which was such good prep for a first timer like me. I enjoyed every minute of my trip and credit you guys for helping me prepare!! Thanks again! Kerry

July 5, 2021 at 12:28 pm

Wonderful to hear that you had such a great 9 day North Coast 500 trip! And so glad that our tips and advice were helpful for preparing for and planning your trip. Thanks for letting us know, we love to know that our travel blog has helped others!

Nathan Post author

June 15, 2021 at 9:18 am

I have 1 extra day, where would be best to use this?

Reading the blog I am torn between an extra night in Wick to visit Orkney via a day trip or an extra night in Ullapool to do a summer isles day trip. Is this toss up right or have I missed something else!

June 16, 2021 at 4:38 am

There are lots of options and if you have 8 days, you could really spend the extra night at any of the recommended stops and find plenty to do, depending on your interests. If you plan to do any longer hikes, you could use the day for this as well since many hikes require several hours or more to complete.

It sounds like you are most interested in visiting an island or doing a boating trip? For the Summer Isles, you have the option to do sea kayaking tours (see article above for link) or to just book a regular boat tour. I would first check on booking the kind of Summer Isles trip you are interested in to see if you would be able to get a trip for the date you would be there or not as this is something you’d need to book in advance as they are often not daily.

The passenger ferries to Orkney are regular and frequent. Although I’d still recommending getting your ticket in advance if you are planning to take your car. Orkney is great but you’ll be rushed to see all the major sights as a day trip and some of the popular attractions need to be pre-booked, so I’d definitely check on the attractions you want to visit if you decide to do that. Or you could join a guided day tour which often includes your ticket entry and will take you to the main highlights.

If you like birds, another island you might consider is Handa Island (described in article) which is a nature reserve maintained by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and is open to the public during the summer. You take a small boat from Tarbet to reach the island.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have further questions. Good luck planning your North Coast 500 trip!

Peter Jacob Post author

June 5, 2021 at 9:22 am

A humungous thank you from my wife and me. We spent an awesome 2 weeks in May, pretty much following your route and suggestions for accommodation and meals. Luckily everything worked well and your tips for things to see and side trips were invaluable. Forsinard Flows, for example were a highlight. The holiday was a delight and the planning easy, thanks to you.

Because of Covid rules we had two last minute changes to our accommodation but were able to find a good alternative very quickly using your list.

We highly recommend your site for those planning a NC 500 or similar trip. Oh, by the way, we stayed in Perth on our way to Inverness and had breakfast at Effies Cafe. Wonderful way to start – so much so that we made a point of stopping there for lunch and carrot cake on our way back.

You don’t by any chance do a similar thing for the Western Isles? !!

We usually try to go abroad but are already thinking of going back to the North/West of Scotland – and not just because of Covid.

June 7, 2021 at 5:07 am

So glad to hear that your had such a great North Coast 500 trip and that our itinerary post was so helpful in planning your trip. Sounds like you had an amazing time. Forsinard Flows is a great place, especially for those interested in birds or geology and often overlooked despite its environmental importance.

Which of the Western Isles are you planning to visit? We’ve been to a number of Scottish islands, but the main one of the Western Isles we’ve visited are Lewis and Harris. So those we know fairly well and could definitely give tips and travel information for those but not so much for the smaller ones (Uists, Barra, etc). But in general, along the west coast of Scotland, we’ve been to a number of others like Skye, Jura, Raasay, Islay, Arran, etc.

If you enjoyed our content, I recommend joining our free monthly newsletter as we will have more Scotland content coming out in the future. We send it out once a month and talk about new content on the blogs, what we are up to, and also include travel tips, reader discounts, and giveaway prizes each month.

Pete Post author

June 4, 2021 at 8:59 am

Hi Jessica & Laurence

Thanks for your guide, which was a huge help in planning the itinerary for a trip we completed last week. We saw some wonderful scenery, but sadly not much wildlife, bit DID hear a Cuckoo somewhere along the way. We recommend the Aigiliean B&B in Inverness – about 15 mins walk from the centre, run by a delightful couple, Kath & David. They were very helpful & nothing was too much trouble. On the day we were taking the ferry from Scrabster to the Orkneys, we visited Culloden. That meant we had to rather dash up the coast (having seen Black Isle the previous day), to be on time for the ferry, so missed a couple of things on the way up, but that was more than compensated for by the couple of days we had in the Orkneys. Managed to get the ”obligatory” JoG snap tho’!

What a gorgeous spot is the Orkneys. If anyone else detours there from the NC500, they could do worse than stay in the Lindisfarne B&B, Stromness run by Deborah & her young family. Lovely people. Fine location. Plenty of fascinating stuff on the main island (pre-pyramids era!) – we didn’t venture further as we did the North one day, & the South the next, before returning to Thurso for an overnight.

On via Smoo caves to Ullapool. Beautiful run. Cave well worth the effort. Such atrocious weather, we didn’t venture from the car too much. Ullapool was everything we hoped for after reading your guide. We dined at the Ceilidh Place – very good meal, pleasant staff, reasonably priced.

The run from Ullapool via Inverness to overnight in Aviemore was spectacular. We went over Bealach an bha in the clouds. That was hairier than some of those Coos. Visibilty down to about 5 yds on that road – imagine! I loved it. The boss wasn’t so enamoured tho’. On the way through, we stopped at the Torridon Hotel for our standard Scone & cuppa lunch – very swish – a proper hotel in a beautiful spot.

Amongst many delightful memories, one that I must mention is the amount of gorse on the hillsides. That wasn’t expected, & was a delight to see. I have a photo of a ”lone” gorse bush to juxtapose with your lone pine.

Thanks again for the guide. Best wishes, Pete from Essex

Thanks again for the guide

June 5, 2021 at 6:04 am

Hello Pete!

So glad that you had such a great trip around the NC500! Also happy to hear that our North Coast 500 guides and itinerary was helpful to you in planning your trip.

Thanks for taking the time to share some of your own North Coast 500 trip highlights with us. Yes, we would not recommend driving from Culloden to John O’Groats in a single day, and it sounds like you missed many things along the east side, but that is just a reason to return again when you have more time! So glad you had so many memorable moments along your trip, from the gorse to the Orkneys detour to Smoo Cave to tea at The Torridon 😉

Wishing you a wonderful rest of the summer, Jessica & Laurence

Asit Vithlani Post author

April 23, 2021 at 2:30 am

I am planning Ben Nevis and NC500 from 22nd Sept. I have 14 days with me and driving from London. First of all you guys have done a Fantastic Job with the info on this website, HATS OFF to you.

Is it ok after finishing Ben Nevis at Fort William I start clockwise and go straight to Applecross instead of Inverness which we will be ending off anyways??/

April 23, 2021 at 11:04 am

Sounds like you have a fantastic 14 day trip to Scotland coming up. Glad our blog posts are helping in planning your NC500 trip!

Yes, of course, you can start the North Coast 500 route where you wish and go either direction. As you have read, we do recommend generally starting in Inverness and going counter-clockwise for the reasons given in our planning guide, but you can certainly head from Fort William to Lochcarron and then head up to Applecross from there and go north up the western coast towards Ullapool.

Just note if you join there and leave in Inverness you’ll miss a bit of the southern stretch of the route (you can see the main sites as listed on the last day of itinerary in case any of those places were of interest). You could also catch them once back in Inverness as none of them are too far from the city.

Hope that helps and wishing you safe and happy travels! Jessica

April 24, 2021 at 4:25 pm

Thank you for replying. I have been reading through your website for a few days now and can almost feel that I am on the NC500,

Can you advise, I was looking at the route and its a one night stay on every stop. I would like to do 2-3 night stay reason is cant get 1 night bookings and would also enjoy the local area. Can you suggest how would I go about.

For example Combine Ullapool and Lochinver???

April 27, 2021 at 2:50 am

So glad that you are finding our North Coast 500 resources helpful in planning your trip 😉

Yes, I think a lot of lodging is getting booked up for the summer already along the NC500 and it looks like it is going to be a busy year. So I would book your accommodation soon. We do still see people booking 1 night stays, but more places are only offering 2 or 3 nights stays, especially with the advanced cleaning procedures due to COVID-19 this year.

Yes, definitely. We always recommend staying more than 1 night in places when you have the extra time. Any of the suggested places to stay overnight will work for 2-3 nights. I guess it depends on how many nights total you have for the route itself, what things you plan to do along the route, and how much time you want in each area. But certainly, you could stay in a place like Lochinver for 3 nights and just do more driving around the larger area to include Ullapool. From Kinlochewe, for example, you could see a lot of the southwest corner of the route like Applecross, Torridon, Lochcarron, Gairloch, etc. Wick is a good place from which to explore the northwest corner. Inverness can be a good base for lots of places in the southern part and the Black Isle. Etc.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Lynne Bunney Post author

March 27, 2021 at 10:16 am

Hi we are first timers have just booked a motorhome for July and are mind boggled with nc500 . Never been to Scotland. We have 8 nights travelling from Newcastle. Is it best to stay every night on a campsite or can you get away with 2 nights on one campsite and travel a bit, we would maybe like to go to Skye, Applecross. John o groats, Lochness as they are the ones we’ve heard of and supposed to be nice. Apart from that, we havn’t a clue. Also is it best clockwise or anti? We have a camping club membership included so any suggested itinerary and campsites would be a great help. Thankyou

March 27, 2021 at 11:35 am

Happy to try to help with your first trip to Scotland and first drive along the North Coast 500!

First thing I would recommend is familiarizing yourself with the Nc500 route and where it runs and things you can do along the route, you can do that with our North Coast 500 planning guide . So I’d start there.

For general camping information, I’d read this North Coast 500 camping guide which also includes a 7-day recommended camping itinerary with some campsite recommendations for each suggested stop.

So you can see there are several campsites in Scotland that are part of the Camping and Caravanning Club here .

Of those, 3 are along the route or really close to it: the ones in Dingwall, Rosemarkie (on Black Isle), and Interewe Gardens Poolewe. So those could certainly work as stops on your route but you’d probably not want to just stay in those as there are large sections not easily covered from these. So I’d definitely recommend staying in some non-club campsites as well to have more time to see these sections of the route.

You can certainly spend 2 nights at some stops and explore from there. But I’d start with figuring out what you want to do/see most and how many dates you have to figure out what might work best. Our itineraries give you an idea of what there is to do/see and the distances for each area to help you decide.

If you have 8 nights total and are starting and ending in Newcastle, then the first day and last day will probably be taken up driving up to Inverness and then back to Newcastle. It will take about 5.5 hours each way and I’m sure you’ll probably want to make some stops. So I’d say you will have 6 nights along the North Coast 500 if that is correct?

Loch Ness is not along the North Coast 500 but is near Inverness so would be an easy place to stop on your first day and maybe stay your first night at the campsite there (Loch Ness Shores). Then you can head to Inverness and start your drive along the NC500 on Day 2 of your trip. We recommend driving the route east to west, and you can read why in our planning guide. Then I’d spend 6 nights along the North Coast 500 and then perhaps return to Loch Ness to spend Night 8. Then spend the next day driving back to Newcastle, maybe making a stop or two along the way south if you have time.

Similarly, the Isle of Skye is a detour and I’d probably recommend not trying to fit it into this trip as you’d have limited time and it will be really busy in July. So I’d probably save it for another trip as I’d recommend at least 2 nights there to see the highlights.

We are expecting the NC500 to be very busy once it opens up to tourism again, so I’d recommend booking a trip where you can take the route at a slow and relaxed pace. You’ll be able to see more and take your time to enjoy it and not be rushed to get from place to place.

Hope that helps, and let me know if you have more questions after reading the recommend guides!

Wishing you safe and happy travels to Scotland! Jessica

Reba Post author

March 25, 2021 at 10:44 pm

This is an amazing and so detailed North Coast 500 itinerary for this part of Scotland. I did this in 2019 with my husband and I am hoping (fingers crossed) we will be allowed to return to Scotland to give it another go and spend a bit more time in summer or autumn of this year. Thoughts on the likelihood of this being possible?

Thanks again for your awesome travel blog!

March 26, 2021 at 9:19 am

Thanks so much, so glad that our North Coast 500 travel blog posts were helpful to you when you did out past trip, and I hope they will be again.

I do think that it is likely Scotland will open up to tourism by summer 2021 and that the lodging, restaurants, and attractions along the NC500 will be open then. That is sort of where we have been told things are heading. Although, of course, you should expect the normal COVID-19 restrictions that you’d expect regarding limited capacity, more places requiring reservations, face mask requirements, less shared facilities, etc.

However, it is of course impossible to predict travel conditions in the current environment, so if you plan ahead I would certainly recommend only making plans and bookings where you can get a refund or re-book as needed. If you are traveling from outside the UK, I’d also be sure to check the current travel conditions for visitors from your countries as there are quarantines in place for some international visitors.

Hope that helps, and wishing you safe and happy travels! Jessica

Nancy Post author

March 24, 2021 at 1:57 pm

hi there can you tell me if the route 500 is suitable for a 7.5 mtr motor home kind regards Nancy

March 25, 2021 at 8:55 am

We generally recommend choosing the smallest vehicle for the trip you need as the roads are single track in many sections and can be narrow and parking for larger vehicles is limited in many places. The official NC500 folks have recommended vehicles that are 18 feet or less in length or about 5.5 meters in length. So if you have the option for a shorter motorhome, I’d probably choose that option as it will make for a more pleasant trip for you and for fellow drivers sharing the road with you.

If you decide to do it in the larger motorhome, I would avoid the narrower roads such as the B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku and the Bealach na Ba road. You’ll see vehicle size limits posted on a few of the minor roads leading off the NC500.

You can see more information for planning your trip in our NC500 planning guide and our North Coast 500 camping guide .

Adam Clarke Post author

January 29, 2021 at 9:19 am

Hi Guys, Amazing guide. We have found this so useful and all I’ve done so far is booked accommodation (that’s taken me a few days!) I would like your advice on the final couple of days of our NC500 tour. We’re thinking of travelling to and staying in Fort William after leaving Torridon, rather than going back to Inverness? Where we are staying for our first night. We have two teenagers (13/15) and wondered which route/location would be the most interesting. From there we are travelling back to Bristol, stopping at Carlisle or somewhere like that. What would you advise. Many thanks in advance The Clarkes

January 30, 2021 at 5:57 am

So glad to hear our North Coast 500 travel guide and itinerary has been helpful in planning your trip! Sounds like you have a lot of your time already planned.

I think if you are already going to explore and stay in Inverness at the beginning of your NC500 trip, then the night after you stay at Torridon, you could make your way to Fort William. You’ll probably want to leave the NC500 route at Strathcarron and then head south. Some places you might want to stop on the way to Fort William might be Plockton (nice little village, can take short boat trips to see seals) and Eilean Donan Castle at Dornie. Fort William is a nice town and there are a number of things you could do in town and in that area. If you haven’t been, I’d recommend heading out to Glencoe for the views, hikes, and folk museum either before or after your stay in Fort Wiliam.

If you have time on the next day, some ideas would be to make some stops in Loch Lomond National Park , visit Doune Castle, and maybe stop to explore in Glasgow. Glasgow has some great free museums, gardens, and sites, you can see our guide to things to do in Glasgow for more.

Hope that helps, and let me know if you have more questions as you plan your trip! Jessica

Shawnee Post author

December 30, 2020 at 1:22 pm

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed blog! Its taken my husband and I two evenings to go through it and take in and take note of all of your knowledge. This has been a great help to plan our family NC500 trip in readiness for May. Id imagine this will be our bible for our adventure. Thank you so much, hope you’re all well. Love the Harries’

December 31, 2020 at 6:04 am

Hi Shawnee,

So glad that our North Coast 500 blog posts have been helpful in planning your May trip. Hopefully things will be open and restrictions will be lifted in Scotland by then!

As you plan your NC500 trip, just let us know if you have any questions, we are happy to try to help.

Wishing you and you family happy and safe future travels and a wonderful 2021! Jessica

Han Post author

November 8, 2020 at 1:24 pm

This was so detailed and helpful for our trip. We used it everyday and we had a great time!

Thank you! Han

November 9, 2020 at 5:53 am

Glad to hear you had a great time and that our North Coast 500 itinerary was so helpful during your trip!

Wishing you safe & happy future travels, Jessica

Clive Proctor Post author

October 3, 2020 at 12:46 pm

Thankyou so much, we have just had the best week with glorious weather on our nc500 trip, using your itinerary as a guide. It’s an amazing place! We were in a motor home so missed out applecross but did a Monroe instead😬😬😬😬. Now back thinking about doing it again in reverse as could spend weeks exploring the amazing highlands. Clive.

October 4, 2020 at 7:24 am

So glad that you had such a great North Coast 500 trip and were blessed with some good weather 😉 Also happy to hear that our itinerary was helpful and that you got to do some monro bagging. Yes, definitely more to explore and I hope you have a chance to return in the future!

Wishing you safe & happy travels!

Alan Scott Post author

September 16, 2020 at 4:29 am

Very informative and easy to follow/read have just returned from Clachtoll having been driven out by the weather, we have a 7.5m motorhome and in places it was definitely tight, all been well I would like to return sometime next year (current circumstances allowing) many thanks again for taking the time to write such an informative article/guide Alan Scott

September 17, 2020 at 8:24 am

Glad that you enjoyed your time on the North Coast 500 and found our guides useful. Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry to hear that you encountered bad weather, but hopefully you can finish it next year.

Yes, motorhomes of that size or larger are going to struggle on the narrow side roads and curvy parts of the route. When people are renting or leasing a motorhome or caravan in Scotland, we definitely recommend choosing the smallest option you need for the route as it gives you more flexibility.

Wishing you a great rest of the year, and hope you can return to the route next year!

Maxine Post author

August 29, 2020 at 10:29 am

Hi, Thanks for a very informative guide to the route and kit to take. You have inspired us to go in September. We have booked allour accommodation, following your route, but everywhere is fully booked in Lochinver, can you suggest other locations that we could easily substitute without taking us far off route?

Many thanks, Maxine

August 29, 2020 at 11:33 am

Glad that our NC500 guide has inspired your upcoming road trip! Yes, unfortunately, a lot of places are booked out a month or so in advance as it is a popular time and place to travel right now.

If everything is booked in and around Lochinver, I’d check nearby towns like Inchnadamph (20 minutes drive away) and Kylesku (30 minutes away) if you haven’t already as those both have a small hotel and a couple of B&Bs. There is also the Summer Isles Hotel in Achiltibuie, which is located along one of the recommended detours (about 1 hour drive from Lochinver), and is a hotel we have stayed and can recommend.

But if you have already checked those, or nothing is available, I’d consider just adding an extra night to your stay in or around Ullapool in the same place you are already staying there. The two towns are only about a 1 hour drive apart along the NC500. So anything you miss coming further south that first night, you can spend the following day seeing and you won’t have to backtrack too much. It is a lovely area of the North Coast 500 so there is plenty to do in that area.

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

August 29, 2020 at 12:55 pm

Thanks Jessica, I didn’t expect such a quick response, your suggestions are really helpful.

Ruth Post author

August 14, 2020 at 7:12 am

Hi, epic blog! I’ve noted down lots of information but I did want to ask whether you’ve ever done the NC500 in winter? I turn 30 in Feb and we plan on doing it then and hopefully catching the northern lights but I wondered if you’d ever done it and had any extra tips? We do plan on renting a motorhome so I’ve noted down where we can’t go from your guide which I can’t express enough how amazing it is but I just wanted to pick your brain. Thanks in advance!

August 14, 2020 at 9:39 am

Glad you are finding our North Coast 500 guide so helpful in planning your trip!

Yes, we have indeed driven the North Coast 500 in winter, including in February, but haven’t written a specific post about it yet. Winter has its pros in that there are fewer visitors and less people on the road. But it also has a lot more challenges namely weather, availability, and the closure of all the seasonal businesses.

I think the biggest downside is that so much is closed. Lots of places along the route are seasonal and close for the winter months (many close from October to April) and this includes many major attractions, tour operators, hotels, restaurants, campsites, museums, and tourist-related shops. So it is likely some places you want to visit won’t be open and you’ll have limited options for food (especially evening meals) and lodging (many of our recommended hotels and B&Bs closes for parts of the winter). But if you are staying in a motorhome, some of this will matter less to you. Many of the campsites are also seasonal so you’ll want to plan ahead to ensure you have places to stop and get services along the trip.

The other major factor is weather. The main factor is that it is often cold and windy during that time of year. We had snow during part of our trip which closed the local roads for part of a day and made them quite unsafe to drive until they were plowed several hours later. So being flexible is definitely good as we had to change around our schedule a bit and stayed extra days in one area because of the bad weather. The snow also meant that some of the walking and hiking trails weren’t really possible so it can also limit outdoor activities as well.

But we had a lot of time and flexibility when we did it in February and we booked our stays in advance (we stayed at hotels and B&Bs, and had a regular car) but kept them flexible (with free cancellation) so could alter as needed based on weather and everything.

– Plan in advance but keep plans flexible if you can. Good to have extra time and not have to rush back at a certain time/date. This way bad weather, road closures, or wanting to extend your trip a bit won’t matter too much. – Since you are thinking about doing the NC500 with a motorhome, you’ll want to check in advance where campgrounds/services will be available for you. Many shared services (toilets/laundry/showers/waste disposal) have closed or are more limited due to the coronavirus, and many campsites are taking only people who book in advance. – For any places you are keen to visit, I’d check their operating dates/hours in advance. Some attractions in winter are open by appointment only. So, for instance, some of the museums will allow people to visit but they need to arrange a volunteer to be there. So you will want to try to contact and give them plenty of notice (several days to a week) to have a good chance of visiting. – For meals, especially evening meals out, you’ll want to check to see what will be available near you. In some places along the North Coast 500 (particularly the northern section), there are very few options during winter at night. Checking in advance can help you plan meals you’ll want to have in the motorhome versus going out to eat. Many restaurants require reservations right now for evening meals. – Bring plenty of warm clothing and gear, and boots that can handle both water and snow. Be prepared for gusty winds, rain, and snow. If you are well-outfitted then it will allow you to really explore more no matter what the weather throws at you. Same with your motorhome as you want to prepare it for winter and bring your winter supplies (or make sure the rental comes that way). – If there are any tours you are keen to take, I’d check ahead to see if they will do a tour in February. A lot of the outdoor tours generally don’t take place in winter for obvious reasons, but the operators may offer alternative tour suggestions for winter. For instance, instead of sea kayaking we did loch canoeing in winter. We’ve also done clay pigeon shooting in winter. – For hiking and climbing, be sure to check trail conditions if considering a longer or more difficult one. Many of the long-distance hikes and climbing is not recommended during winter as the conditions can be dangerous, especially at higher elevations and for those not familiar with the terrain. So just use good judgment and check with locals about suggestions. Or consider getting a local hiking guide. We stuck to the shorter, flatter, and easier trails in winter. – If you like spotting deer, winter is the best time to spot them along the route, particularly along the western and southern parts of the route. Best times are near dusk and dawn, but you can often see them all day long in some places in winter as they come down from the hills for food. You’ll likely see both red deer and roe deer. – Winter often means a lot of bad weather, but when the sun does come out photography during the winter light can be really beautiful. It can be a magical time to take in the scenery.

For the Northern Lights, your best chance to see them is along the far northern coast so if that is something you are really keen to try to spot, I’d maybe focus more of your time along that part of the North Coast 500 route. For a better chance, you may consider taking a detour off the route and heading further north for part of your trip to the Orkney or Shetland Islands. Shetland, because it is so far north, has been the best place for us. Scotland is not a particularly great place to see the Northern Lights because of the weather, but if you have time and patience you may well see them in winter! We have seen lots of great photos from those who live along the northern part of the NC500, although we’ve only seen them once ourselves there.

If you haven’t seen the Northern Lights before, Laurence has written a guide to seeing and photographing the Northern Lights which may be useful in helping you find them. There are some good phone apps out there that can help predict your chances of seeing them from a certain location each day.

OK, well I hope that helps. Feel free to reach of if you have further questions as you plan your trip and wishing you a great birthday trip around the North Coast 500!

Ken Charlton Post author

July 29, 2020 at 12:19 pm

Hi Jessica, Thank you so much for your fab guide to Route 500. My wife and I are planning the route for May 2021. Have booked in to all our chosen accomodation except for the night at Kinlochewe. Thinking of the Kinlochewe Hotel but wanted to ask if you might recommend somewhere further west to reduce the long journey back to Inverness. On other hand I was thinking that the route from Ullapool, although relatively short, seems to have many viewpoints and not to be rushed – maybe that’s why you suggest stopping at Kinlochewe? Once we leave the peninsular on the last of our 7 days the road is an A road so presumably we can pick up speed to reduce the journey time to Inverness. So stopping at Kinlochewe or further west towards Applecross? Any thoughts?

ken charlton Post author

July 29, 2020 at 12:21 pm

Yea meant to subscribe. Will do now! Thanks again, Ken

July 29, 2020 at 5:13 pm

I think the choice may just depend on how much you plan to do on Day 6 and Day 7. The driving distances are not that far on either day in terms of total miles but there is plenty you can do on each day. Day 6 we recommend more stops and things you can do (museums, activities, hikes, villages), whereas on Day 7 there is more scenery and enjoying the drive with some recommended stops. So it really depends on what you want to see and do each day and how much time you want to spend doing them. I’d take a look at what is listed under Day 6 and 7 of the itinerary, see what sounds appealing, and then estimate the time each day you think you’d need.

I’d just be sure to always allow in a bit of extra time each day for flexibility in case you decide to make extra stops or things take longer than planned. Sometimes also traffic or road works can slow you down.

The coastal road around the Applecross peninsula is a slow-going minor road and the Bealach na Bà pass is obviously a section of the route you need to take slowly (and tourist traffic can make it even slower). But once you get back to Ardarroch and Strathcarron, you are indeed back on an A road and it should take about 1 hour and 30 minutes or so to get back to Inverness without making any stops. You can easily do the full peninsula drive from Kinlochewe and return to Inverness in a day.

We haven’t personally stayed at the Kinlochewe Hotel, but it has really good reviews and ratings and seems to be a very solid 3-star hotel. But if you decide you want to stay further west to spend more time on the peninsula or get back to Inverness earlier in the day, that can work too. You can check out accommodation in Torridon, Shieldaig, or Applecross to save some time for Day 7.

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

August 2, 2020 at 9:07 am

Thanks Jessica for your prompt reply. You really are a star! I’m sticking to your origian 7 day journey travelling anti clockwise. I’ve added an extra day in John o’ Groats to have a 1 day trip to Orkney and an extra day at Kinlochewe to spend the day in the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve. Sadly the Kinlochewe Hotel was fully booked with a large party so instead I’m spending 2 nights at the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel which apparently is only 10 miles from Kinlochewe. At all other places I’ve been able to book my chosen accomodation. Thanks again for your help and hugely helpful website

August 2, 2020 at 10:24 am

Glad that my reply and our NC 500 articles have helped. It sounds like you now have most of your NC500 road trip all planned out. Having more than 1 night in a couple of locations is definitely nice 😉

You can see several highlights on a day trip to Orkney by ferry. The Orkney “mainland” (the largest and main island of Orkney) has a number of important historical attractions – just note that some attractions will require you to book in advance to be able to visit them. So I’d check ahead to see and book as needed. There is a discount card, the Orkney Explorer Pass, but this may not be of value to you since you will just be there for a day but you may want to check it out anyway.

Wishing you a wonderful trip! Jessica

Jayne Ellis Post author

July 22, 2020 at 2:28 am

Hello both,

We are hoping to do the Brora to Golspie walk on our trip; I know it says you can see Dunrobin Castle, but can you advise if you can get access to it when completing this walk, or if it is only accessible via road? Jayne and Graeme

July 22, 2020 at 4:23 am

That is a lovely walk, especially in nice weather with some really nice views, a walk along the beach, and often chances to see seabirds and seals. You do see Dunrobin Castle, both from the approach and in front of the gates. However, you can’t access the castle directly from the public path, but I think you may be able to follow a path up and around to the car park from there. The entrance and ticket area for the castle and gardens is at the top of the hill inside the castle.

If you are interested in visiting the castle and gardens, I’d probably call Dunrobin Castle and ask how you can approach and which path you can take to get up to the ticketing area from the coastline. The staff should be able to advise you the best approach. I know they have had to change some things due to the coronavirus but I believe both the castle and garden are now open.

For the walk, I’d check the tide tables for the area first to plan the best time for your walk, as it is best around low tide. At high tide it can be more difficult alongside the coast to follow the path.

Jayne Post author

July 22, 2020 at 7:48 am

Thank you !

Marianne Post author

July 21, 2020 at 2:43 am

Thank you so much for such a useful blog! My friends and I are planning on doing the north coast 500 In a campervan and wondered what your thoughts/ general rules are around wild camping? Thank you

July 21, 2020 at 6:35 am

Hi Marianne,

Glad you are finding our North Coast 500 travel tips useful! It is a great route and it is a great route to do in a small campervan.

Now, wild camping is camping away from the road and not in a motorized vehicle. Wild camping is meant to be for those sleeping in a tent and doing so well away from houses, livestock, businesses, and roads.

If you are planning to sleep in your campervan, we’d recommend booking campsites so you have a safe place to stay, have access to running water, showers, electric, WiFi, and other amenities as needed. The campsites are also usually located in scenic places and are a great place to meet other travelers. It also helps prevent environmental damage and helps contribute to the local economy. If sharing with friends, the cost of camping would be very little when split amongst you.

There have been a lot of issue with people parking alongside the North Coast 500 route and the issue that go with that (blocking traffic, parking illegally, litter, irresponsible waste disposal, leaving ruts, etc).

Note that we’d recommend booking campsites in advance to guarantee a spot. Some campsites along the route have decided not to open in 2020 or are limiting spaces to ensure social distancing, which means that there is going to be less camping spaces along the route than usual and it is expected to be busy along the route. Also some may not have the shared toilets/showers/laundry facilities open so something to check on when booking.

For more on wild camping, campsites, and such, I’d check out this camping itinerary .

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

Tim Post author

July 12, 2020 at 11:41 am

Hi. If possible,can you supply a list of dog friendly places to stay. I haven’t read all the information as yet. We would like to do 7 day tour this year. Many thanks in advance.

July 13, 2020 at 11:46 am

We do keep a file on dog-friendly hotels along the North Coast 500. I’d start with our list of recommended hotels and B&Bs. If you are following our suggested 7 day NC500 itinerary, you can check to see which hotels at each place you want to overnight are dog friendly.

We include a section on whether the accommodation accepts dogs in both our North Coast 500 hotels and B&B’s articles, which you can find here:

NC500 Hotels (and a few B&Bs): https://independenttravelcats.com/north-coast-500-hotels-where-to-stay-nc500/ NC500 B&Bs: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/bed-and-breakfast-accommodation-north-coast-500/

The above pet policy information was correct as of earlier this year, but of course, be sure to double-check their latest pet policy before making your booking. Also note that some of the hotels and B&Bs we list are almost full for 2020 and a couple of them have decided not to open this year, so finding accommodation in some areas can be tricky (especially in northwestern part of route) depending on when you plan to go.

If you have questions about any specific places or have trouble finding a place to stay in a certain area, let us know and we can try to help. Also happy to answer any other North Coast 500 questions as you plan your trip.

Gavin Walker Post author

July 5, 2020 at 9:03 am

Hi, i’m in the early stages of planning a trip. I’m in a wheelchair an wondered if you had any information on accessible accommodation along the route.

Thank you Gavin

July 6, 2020 at 11:17 am

Traveling the NC500 in a wheelchair definitely requires more planning as a lot of lodging and attractions along the route are not wheelchair accessible. But there are a number of hotels and some B&Bs that do have at least 1 wheelchair accessible room. There are lots of options in Inverness but your options become more limited in the smaller towns along the route.

Now, what is labeled as wheelchair accessible does seem to vary though – for instance some have roll-in showers and some have a lip or small step that has to be navigated to access the shower.

We’ve been asked this question before and have some notes on some of the different hotels and motels along the route. Let us know if you have any specific requirements (e.g., roll-in shower or wet room), the type of lodging you are looking for (e.g., luxury hotel, B&B, mid-range hotel), when you are planning to travel, and anything else that might be helpful, etc. Then we’re happy to put together a list of some of the places we’d recommend checking out that may be a good fit.

Gavin Post author

July 6, 2020 at 1:05 pm

Thank you for your reply. I don’t have a specific date in mind yet because as you say it needs a bit more planning. Although i’m a full time chair user i’ll be traveling with my partner and together there isn’t much that stops us.I think initially looking for places to stop along the route. Ideally a roll in shower but what is essential is the access for my chair. Single steps are ok but no first floor rooms for example.Probably low budget hotel or B and B. Somewhere to just sleep before we set off again.

After that we would be looking for any walks with relatively even surfaces and things to do. Obviously I’m not expecting tarmac paths but ideal places to stop or views i’ll get the benefit of. Sometimes it’s just as important knowing the places to avoid.

July 7, 2020 at 7:02 am

We have found that the more expensive lodging providers and the larger hotels are the most likely to have fully wheelchair accessible rooms, so it is a bit more challenging for those looking for budget and mid-range places. But here is a list (in counterclockwise order starting in Inverness) that will hopefully get you started with places that have at least one accessible room that we believe have step free/single step/can add ramp on request and also has a roll-in shower. You’ll want to of course verifiy that before booking.

– Loch Ness Inn in Drumnadrochit (about 25 minutes southwest of Inverness) – Holiday Inn Express in Inverness – Muir Bank in Muir of Ord (about 15 miles from Inverness) – Evelix Pods in Dornoch (1 of the pods is noted as being wheelchair accessible) – Royal Marine Hotel in Brora – Bayview House in Brora – Castle Arms Hotel in Mey – The Hawthorns B&B in Mey – Bank House in Thurso – Kylesku Hotel in Kylesku – Summer Isles Hotel in Achiltibuie – The Arch Inn in Ullapool

Here are several more hotels which we think also have at least one wheelchair accessible room, but are on the more pricey end of accommodation along the route:

– Kingsmill Hotel in Inverness (have several accessible rooms) – Rocpool Reserve Hotel in Inverness – Dornoch Castle Hotel in Dornoch – John O’Groats Inn & Lodges in John O’Groats – The Torridon in Torridon – Coul House in Contin

Some of the above have the rooms easily denoted on their website or a third-party website, but others will require you to call and inquire.

Most of the scenic viewpoints are just off the road as are views of many of the prehistoric monuments and attractions so most of those should be accessible for you. For walking trails, a lot are not very accessible for wheelchairs as many require going up or down steps or going through a kissing gate or have rugged terrain, but a great example of one that is is the Leitir Easaidh All Abilities Path near (it is included in our NC500 7 day itinerary) near Lochinver. Also, some of the RSPB paths and trails are wheelchair accessible at the RSPB reserves such as Nigg Bay and Forsinard Flows. The RSPB actually provides a lot of accessibility information on their website and you may want to contact them for a list of reserves in the Highlands with wheelchair accessible trails.

Hope the above helps in planning your North Coast 500 trip. We’d love if you would let us know what you find out in booking your accommodation and planning your trip (and later once you return) as we’d love to update our resources for future travelers in wheelchairs wanting to do the route. Feel free to email us !

July 7, 2020 at 7:42 am

Thank you for your great response.

July 7, 2020 at 10:53 am

You’re very welcome and interested to know what you find out!

Also here are a couple more hotels that are budget-oriented in Inverness that may be of interest and have wheelchair-accessible rooms/facilities:

– Inverness Youth Hostel – some of the private rooms are wheelchair accessible and there is a communal accessible toilet and wet room – Travelodge City Centre in Inverness

Tonie Post author

January 30, 2020 at 10:41 am

Thank you for such an informative website- it’s a pleasure to read, and so helpful with our route planning!

I’d just like to ask for your opinion on where you would sneak in one extra night, if you could, please? We have an 8-night journey planned. Would you make it 2 nights somewhere, or add one more stop? Maybe Black Isle? John O’Groats? Orkney?

Having great fun and building up excitement for this road trip, and really appreciate your passion for the region!

Many thanks, Tonie & Steve

January 31, 2020 at 7:33 am

So happy you are finding our North Coast 500 guides helpful in planning your upcoming journey.

Orkney is a great place to visit and you could stay on the main island like in Kirkwall (main town) or stay an extra night in John O’Groats and just do a day trip by ferry, leaving on a morning ferry and returning on an evening one. The only thing is that if you think you may be in the area again, we’d recommend at least a couple of nights on Orkney to really explore the mainland and then more days if you want to visit any of the other islands. You could easily spend a full week exploring the islands. But you can certainly see some of the highlights of the main island with just one full day. I’d just research ahead of time what you want to do to make the most of your day. For example, if you want to visit Maeshowe, we’d strongly recommend booking ahead as numbers are limited and reservations are often sold out in advance for time slots, especially if traveling in the summer months. There are also tours you can join that go to all the highlights in one day as well.

The Black Isle can be a great place to spend a night. It just depends if you are interested in the attractions there or not. But you could certainly visit the churches, the waterfall, the well, the museums in Cromarty & Fortrose, visit a brewery, do a dolphin watching boat tour, etc. So plenty to fill up a full day. We normally stay in Cromarty and within walking distance of some place to eat so we can just walk to dinner and back.

Another recommendation would be to stay an extra night in Lochinver as there is lots of driving detour options and hiking/outdoor/scenery opportunities in that area. So that could be a good place to add an extra night. But it really depends on what is most of interest to you.

Tonie & Steve Post author

February 2, 2020 at 3:29 pm

Thanks very much Jessica! So much choice. Very much appreciated

Karithikeyan Post author

January 18, 2020 at 3:24 am

For anyone planning to take the NC500 road trip, you are reading the right article. Thank you Laurence and Jessica Norah for covering almost all important nuances required to successfully complete the North cost 500 road trip in a week, in a smooth way. Me and my friends are waiting to relish the experience soon. The most alluring about the whole article is your eye for detailing.

January 18, 2020 at 7:39 am

Hi there, Thanks so much for letting us know that our North Coast 500 itinerary has been so helpful. Yes, we do indeed like to go into detail – but it helps we’ve driven this route so many times now. Hope you enjoy your upcoming road trip and feel free to report back! Best, Jessica & Laurence

Stewart Crowe Post author

January 12, 2020 at 8:17 am

What an informative blog, well done. Used to live in Elgin back in the 70’s. Wife and I are both in our mid 70’s now and planning to do this in 2021 but taking 10 – 12 days. Could you suggest changes we should make to your itinerary.

Many thanks Stewart

January 12, 2020 at 8:42 am

Hi Stewart,

We were in Elgin last year – stopped at the cathedral, town museum, and had a wander around, had a nice visit 😉

If you have an extra 3 to 5 days for the NC500, I have two thoughts. One is to just add to overnight stops, so instead of all 1 nights stops, I’d stay two nights in the places along the route that are of most interest. This will allow you to explore those towns and areas more in depth, explore more of the things off the route, and be able to go along at a slower pace without feeling rushed.

In terms of where to add those nights? I think there are enough things to do anywhere in the route to justify a 2 night stay as we’ve driven the route several times and still always come up with more to do. But it depends on your interests so I’d look along the itinerary to see where you might want more time. If you want some more specific suggestions, feel free to let us know what you enjoy doing most and what areas/towns look most interesting to you and happy to suggest some places.

If you want to hire a guide or do some tours, like going out for a day of fly fishing, hiking, canoeing, learning about geology, or wildlife sightseeing, etc., those are definitely good places along the route to have extra time so you don’t feel rushed. These are also good things to book well in advance as many of the tour operators we recommend are small (sometimes just a single person) and they are often booked full once summer comes around. Although since you are planning for 2021, you have plenty of time 😉

The other thing I would consider, especially if you have 4 or 5 extra days, is a trip out to one of the islands. As noted from the itinerary there are a few different places in the northwestern part of the route where you can get a ferry to Orkney around John o’Groats. Lots to do and see on Orkney, especially if you like historical and archaeological sites, and the birdlife is great in the spring and summer months. Another island trip idea is to head over to the Isles of Lewis and Harris from Ullapool – again lots of historical and archaeological stuff, wildlife, beaches, places to buy tweed, etc. Both Orkney and Lewis and Harris are great for at least 2 days of exploration and you could certainly spend much longer on either.

So those would be my suggestions. So I would not so much change the route as just add more time into what is there and consider adding 2 to 3 days popping over to either Orkney or Lewis and Harris.

Hope that helps and let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your NC500 trip!

August 9, 2020 at 3:35 am

Hi Jessica, 2nd time of trying to reply to this, if you got a part reply please ignore!! Further to your response to me back in January of this year have now put together an outline plan for 2021. Would very much welcome your comments/suggestions. Our main interests are Driving, Wildlife, History, Walking, Stately Homes/Gardens and similar – so very wide ranging. The hardest thing I am finding is not to try to have too many stops!!

Drive to Edinburgh 3 Nights Other stops will be: Inverness – 1 night as we lived near Inverness and have seen all the sights near to hear Dornoch -1 night Dunnet – 1 Night Durness – 2 nights Ullapool -2 nights Gairloch – 1 night Strathcarron – 3 nights. Whilst here will have a day trip to Skye, Drive the Bealach Na Ba and go feed the Red Deer. Return home via Edinburgh, Durham, Whitby and York.

Kind Regards Stewart

August 9, 2020 at 4:09 am

Sorry you were having trouble with the message. I didn’t get the first partial reply, just this one 😉

I think your itinerary looks great, and it will give you plenty of time around the North Coast 500 route, especially along the western part of the route. Since you used to live in Inverness, I am guessing you have already seen many of that attractions around the eastern and southern parts of this route so this looks perfect in that case.

The only thing I will say is that I don’t really recommend day tripping to Skye, as there is so much to see. But if you have already been here or are only trying to see a handful of highlights, that can work.

For anything you want to do that requires a tour (fishing, guided hikes, Argo tour to see the deer), I’d be sure to book ahead once you have your dates set and lodging all booked. Many of the companies are just run by one or two people so they can only run one or two tours each day. Just be sure to ask about the cancellation policies.

And next year closer to your trip, I’d also check the websites for any of the attractions that require tickets (gardens, Dunrobin Castle, museums) for their opening hours and if you need to reserve in advance as many now require you to book in advance due to the coronavirus. It is hard to say what things will look like during the 2021 season.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip.

Don Post author

January 9, 2020 at 5:09 am

I am just beginning to think about planning a trip round the NC500 and am finding your guides extremely comprehensive, a lot to try to take in looking at a screen. Have you considered having these printed, especially the 5 day and 7 day itineraries, for people to buy from you?

January 9, 2020 at 5:34 am

Glad you are finding all our North Coast 500 articles helpful!

Yes, we have looked into offering a printed guide and get asked for printed guidebook versions of our posts fairly regularly, but we have not found an easy or economical way to do this (and keep that content updated) for people to purchase.

But several months ago we introduced an easy way for people to print them from home (or from a copy shop/print store/library). If you are one of our monthly newsletter subscribers, you can print or download most of our articles (including this one) as a clickable PDF file. If you are not a subscriber, it is free and easy to join and you can learn more and join here .

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

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

If you want a printed guidebook for the NC500, you can try Amazon as there are a few of them out there now, although we have never used them. We have heard mixed reviews of them.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip!

Liz Lawrence Post author

January 8, 2020 at 3:44 am

Fabulous website We want to do the route 500 with a dog Any advice re either B&Bs/camping??

January 9, 2020 at 11:01 am

You can see our NC500 hotels guide and NC500 B&Bs guide as both note if each hotel or B&B is dog-friendly or not at last check. Although do of course always double check before booking as policies do change. A few accept pets with no extra charge, but the majority do charge a small pet fee per dog per stay.

More of the hotels accept dogs than the smaller B&B’s and guesthouses based on our experience. But you can certainly do the route staying at B&B’s, they are just a bit harder to find. Many holiday rental homes also accept pets, but that is going to generally be a more pricey option if than B&Bs or camping.

Just for a quick idea if you wanted to generally follow our suggested 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary and stay in dog-friendly B&Bs on the NC500:

-Day 1 Dog friendly B&B in Dornoch – Heartseed House B&B -Day 2 Dog friendly B&B near Wick – Thrumster House -Day 3 Dog friendly B&B near Tongue – Farr Bay Inn (in Bettyhill) and MacKays Rooms (in Durness) -Day 4 Dog friendly B&B near Lochinver – The Green Cruachan (in Stoer) or Suliven View Pods -Day 5 Dog friendly B&B in Ullapool – Ferry Boat Inn -Day 6 Dog friendly B&B in Torridon – The Torridon Inn (inn not hotel) -Day 7 Dog friendly B&B in Inverness – Furan Guest House

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

Just note that many of the indoor attractions along the route do not allow pets so if you want to visit those kinds of places (museums, castles, guided tours) you may want to take turns spending time with your dog and one going inside. Same with restaurants, but several have outdoor areas that allow dogs and some bars also allow dogs. There are also takeaway places in many of the towns.

For trails, beaches, and parks, many allow dogs but some do not, but this is usually clearly posted. And almost all ask that dogs be kept on lead/leash at all times and of course all require that dogs are cleaned up after (many have disposal areas on site, but not all).

If you are planning to travel in Spring or early summer, you want to be particularly careful as dogs can spook and do harm to young livestock (there are lambs everywhere!) and can harm nesting birds. Bird and wildlife reserve areas often do not allow dogs for obvious reasons.

Hope that helps, Jessica

Sarah Good Post author

November 20, 2019 at 7:35 am

I absolutely loved your 7 Day Rd. trip. We are planning on doing the north coast 500 next September not sure yet whether we’re doing seven or five days.

Your blog is amazing and I feel like I have already done the trip. Thank you

November 21, 2019 at 9:31 am

So glad you are finding our North Coast 500 itinerary helpful! If you have 7 days, I don’t think you’ll regret it, but you can do the route in 5 days if you have less time.

Our 7 day itinerary lists most things you might want to do, but then you’ll just have to pick and choose the ones of most interest to you each day. But as you can see there’s lots to do, especially if you enjoy the outdoors!

Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your 2020 trip.

Geoff and Joyce Tomlinson Post author

November 15, 2019 at 7:47 am

We would like to join others to thank you for your fantastic guide. I have now booked accommodation for our planned trip in June as I expect many places will be full at that time, perhaps more full because of folks encouraged by reading your guide. We are looking forward to our experience. Thank you

November 15, 2019 at 8:31 pm

Thank you Geoff & Joyce for taking the time to let us know that you have found it helpful in planning your June trip. Yes, many of the hotels & B&Bs we recommend do get booked full in June so definitely good to book ahead. If you have any questions as you continue your planning, just let us know! Best, Jessica

Rob Post author

November 2, 2019 at 8:27 am

We are planning a trip in July 2020 and this site really helps a lot !!! It’s very detailed, provides excellent information and makes our planning much easier or maybe not as there is so much to choose from. The idea is to do the same 7 day trip and for me as a whisky lover, I’m planning to visit some distilleries down the road (Wolfburn, Aberfeldy, Clynlish)

November 3, 2019 at 3:09 am

Sounds like a great trip. Yes, there are several whisky distilleries you can visit along or near the route, especially along the eastern part of the route.

Wishing you a wonderful trip, and just let us know if you have any questions as you continue your planning!

Frankie Fenton Post author

October 1, 2019 at 6:06 pm

Hi guys – I just wanted to send you a big heartfelt “thank you”! We are planning a Northcoast 500 tour next Sept. 2020. I’ve been trolling a number of sites, videos and blogs and it is so wonderful to come across your guide. Heads above the rest. It’s so well organized, is an exceptionally complete overview of all there is to see along the trip, it is just fantastic. It’s truly the only thing we need! This is wonderful. Thank you so much for investing what I’m sure was a great deal of time in putting this guide together.

October 4, 2019 at 10:24 am

Hello Frankie, That is so great to hear that you have found our North Coast 500 itinerary and other articles helpful in planning your road trip. Just let us know if you have any questions as you continue to plan your trip! Best, Jessica

Rene Benjamin Post author

October 13, 2019 at 8:01 am

I very much agree, I am planning a trip as well, the information you provide is excellent!

October 14, 2019 at 2:13 am

Glad to hear that you are finding our North Coast 500 itinerary and other planning guides helpful Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your road trip!

Koos van Riet Post author

August 19, 2019 at 5:20 am

Great the way you make my heart beats faster after reading and seeing the 500 again! We made the trip in 2018 ourselves and I do miss one item:

I do know free camping is allowed (according the rules), but that is not an option for us.

So please tell me about the campgrounds on the NC500.

August 19, 2019 at 6:35 am

So glad that our North Coast 500 itinerary and photos are bringing up good memories from your last trip and getting you excited to drive it again!

Wild camping is allowed, but only for tent campers who follow the Outdoor Access Code rules and regulations. But we actually recommend that all those who plan to camp along the route stay on established campsites for both environmental protection reasons and to help support the local campsites and communities along the route.

There are lots of campsites. Campgrounds along the route vary a bit in terms of size, amenities, prices, etc. but they pretty much all offer the basics of water and electrical hookups, toilets, showers, picnic areas, waste disposal points, etc.

As you probably saw in our itinerary, we list the closest campsites to each recommended overnight stop for each night of the 1 week itinerary in the article. So you can use to help find the best campsite for each night. Almost all take advanced bookings.

You can read more about camping along the route in Laurence’s NC500 camping guide .

Sean & Gemma Post author

August 18, 2019 at 10:56 am

Wow, your blog provides the best information I’ve ever seen about the North Coast 500! It has been so helpful to us. My wife and I are planning on travelling by car in late September (we are just driving up from the Borders) and we will have about 9 days around the route and are not sure if we will do 2 days on Orkney or maybe just extra nights along the route you describe. Trying to book all our hotels now.

We would like to do some water activities (kayaking, canoeing, rafting) and maybe a wildlife sightseeing tour to try to see dolphins, whales, etc. Where would you recommend along the route?

We would be very thankful for any advice! Sean & Gemma

August 18, 2019 at 11:47 am

Hi Sean & Gemma,

So happy to hear that you are finding our North Coast 500 blogs helpful in planning our upcoming road trip! That is great that you have 9 days as that will give you plenty of time. Orkney could be a great option and there are three towns where you can catch ferries over to Orkney along the route in or near John O’Groats.

If you decide to stay those extra two nights along the route, I might suggest adding a night on the Black Isle . The area around Cromarty is one of the best places to see dolphins in Scotland. There are at least two companies that offer wildlife tours from there (we did ours with EcoVentures) with a good chance of seeing dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Although many of the seabirds may be gone by Sept., the dolphins can usually be found year round in the area. If you don’t see them during a boat tour, you can also try seeing them from the shore at Chanory Point.

We haven’t seen whales along the route ourselves, but they are a possibility from any of the wildlife boat tours and people with telescopes have told us they’ve seen them from various spots along the coastline. I think the boat tour that focuses most on whales are the ones in Garloch so that would be my recommendation, you can check them out here .

For kayaking and/or canoeing, we can highly recommend this company which offers both sea kayaking and loch canoeing. The trips are private so be sure to contact Tim (the owner) in advance to book if you are interested. Most of his tours are in the Assynt area so a good base would be Lochinver or Achiltibuie.

So I guess if I had two extra nights with a priority on water activities and a wildlife cruise, maybe one night in Cromarty on the Black Isle (wildlife cruise, good chance for dolphins) and an extra night in Lochinver (or Achilitbuie) if you decide to do kayaking or canoeing there. I’d also check out the Gairloch whale cruises but you could book and do that within the Day 6 itinerary (as noted on our itinerary) between Ullapool and Kinlochewe as that day only has a short amount of driving.

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NC500 Itinerary

• September 17, 2021

NC500 Itinerary (Plus Skye & Fort William)

My Free NC500 Itinerary! In May 2021, we completed an Anti-Clockwise route of the NC500 and also included a short trip to the Isle of Skye & Glencoe. Below is our NC500 itinerary with suggested activities and approx driving times between the locations to help get you started. I always highly recommend that you plan your NC500 before you go! That includes booking hotels or camspites in advance and mapping out your rote. Planning is so important to a successful NC500 trip. I actually recorded and made a video of this trip which you can watch on YouTube here ! For more itineraries, tips and advice for the NC500 why not consider purchasing my ‘No Fuss’ NC500 Guide Book? It’s an Amazon Best Seller and has helped 1000’s of people have the road trip of a lifetime! If you’re still not convinced, please checkout the verified reviews on the product page here.   You can also follow me on Instagram where I regularly post travel tips, videos and photos! 

• NC500 , NC500 ANTI-CLOCKWISE , NC500 ITINERARY , NC500 ROUTE

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Robbie Roams

Collie dog lover, keen traveler and travel guide book writer. In 2022, I released 'North Coast 500 - The Road Trip of a Lifetime' which became an Amazon best seller. Hopefully you find some value in my videos & blogs, if there's something you want to ask me, fire away. Don't forget to follow me on Youtube, Instagram & Facebook for the latest updates. Don't forget to follow me on Youtube, Instagram & Facebook for the latest updates. Rob, Staffordshire, UK

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The complete guide to The North Coast 500

By: Author [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to plan your North Coast 500 Itinerary

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

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

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

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

Looking for the perfect 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary ?

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

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

North Coast 500 route map

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do on the North Coast 500

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

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

Things to do in Inverness

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

Read more: the complete guide to Inverness .

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

Thing to do on the Black Isle and Easter Ross

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

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

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

More things to do around Golspie, Dornorch and Easter Ross

Things to do in Caithness and Sutherland

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

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

More things to do in Caithness and Sutherland

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

Even more things to do in Caithness and Sutherland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do Lochinver & Assynt

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

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

More things to do Lochinver & Assynt

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

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

Things to do Wester Ross and Applecross

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

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

Ready to go?

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

Best things to do with kids on the Scotland Route 66

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

Best beaches on the NC500

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

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

Best castles on the Nc500

The best castles worth a stop on the NC500

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

S cotland Route 66 / North Coast 500 guidebooks

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

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

North Coast 500 tours

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

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

Where to stay on the North Coast 500

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

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

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

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

Self-Catering Accommodation on S cotland Route 66

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

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

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

North Coast 500 campsites and Caravan / campervan stops

Pitch up and put your feet up here…

East and north coast campsites

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

West coast campsites

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

North Coast 500 FAQs

How long is the north coast 500.

516-miles (830 km)

Is the North Coast 500 the Scotland Route 66?

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

How long does it take to drive the route?

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

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

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

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

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

…but what about ticks and midges in Scotland?

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

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

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

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

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

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

3g mobile phone signal on the NC500

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

Driving in Scotland

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

Here are a few tips for driving in Scotland:

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

Motorhomes and camper van s

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

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

Petrol stations on the North Coast 500

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

Love, from Scotland x

The travel blogger and photographer behind Love from Scotland

Wednesday 2nd of March 2022

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

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

Sunday 3rd of January 2021

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

exploringbrightskies

Wednesday 1st of February 2017

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

Richard Bryce

Wednesday 26th of October 2016

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

Friday 14th of October 2016

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

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Nc500 beginners guide.

Day 1 | Inverness – The Black Isle

Whilst Inverness is a small city by comparison, it is the largest city (and only city!) to be found in the Scottish Highlands, meaning this is the perfect place for you to stock up on supplies before travelling to its surrounding more remote areas.

From its city-center castle and Victorian market, to the historical Culloden battlefield and popular Leakey’s bookshop, Inverness has plenty of cultural spots that are well worth the visit.

Across the bridge and further west will take you to the Black Isle – a beautiful peninsula within Ross and Cromarty that is home to the quaint Highland villages of Culbokie, Jemimaville, Rosemarkie, Avoch, Munlochy, Tore, and North Kessock, as well as numerous smaller settlements.

From dolphin boat tours to walks through the Fairy Glen Falls, the Black Isle is sure to capture your attention and your heart.

For camping, we recommend staying at the Fortrose Bay Campsite, which is close to Charonry point where you might see some dolphins chasing salmon in the water!

Day 2 | The Black Isle – Wick

On day 2 it’s time to hit the A9 again and move swiftly north towards Wick. During this stretch you’ll be passing through Dornoch – a great place for golf and whisky lovers with the world renowned Dornoch Championship Golf Course and the fully-stocked Castle Hotel bar.

But arguably one of the most sought after tourist stops along the way is Dunrobin Castle – a fairytale-esque building with some of the most stunning grounds you’ll find in Scotland. Near the town of Golspie, Dunrobin Castle is a definite must-see for any traveller.

From there you’ll drive through Helmsdale and Whaligoe where you’ll find the Whaligoe Steps – a steep staircase built centuries ago to provide access to the harbour.

Throughout the week you’ll come across more and more ancient structures, giving you a great sense of history throughout your trip. By the end of your second day, you’ll arrive in Wick. Depending on your arrival time, we’d recommend visiting the Pulteney Distillery Co. to learn about how Scottish whisky is made, or, for the history buffs, the Wick Heritage Centre. If time allows, you might also want to head out to the ruins of Old Wick Castle or Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, which have spectacular sea cliff views – making for a nice spot to watch the sunset.

Wick Caravan and Camping site is our top recommendation for camping in this area – a family-run campground overlooking the Wick River.

Day 3 | Wick – Dunnet Bay

On the 3rd day, you’re going to visit the most northerly point in mainland Britain, see some stunning coastal scenery, and try some delicious Scottish gin!

From Wick, follow the A99 north. Along the way there are a number of brochs – thousands of year old structures that are found throughout this area, and are well worth stopping off at.

From here, you’re going to head up to John O’Groats, famed as being the most northerly town in mainland Britain – a great place to enjoy some nice cafes and a stunning view across the water to the Orkney Islands. There are also a number of wildlife boat trips you can take here, where you might be lucky enough to spot some seals and puffins!

Dunnet Bay is nearby and we highly recommend visiting the Dunnet Bay Distillery – where you’ll learn all about how gin is made and try some of their distinctive flavors.

Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Site is likely to be the best place for you to camp on this day – where you can admire the stunning views over clean washed sands to lovely Dunnet Head.

Day 4 | Dunnet Bay – Durness From Dunnet Bay, you’ll first pass through the town of Thurso. This is one of the last larger towns you’re going to encounter for a couple of days, so is a good place to get any needed fuel and supplies.

Next, continue to follow the A386 along the north coast, taking in the gorgeous views as you do so. A good spot to take a break is Strathy Point, where a short walk will reward you with lovely views of a lighthouse and the Scottish coast in both directions.

Our next stop is the town of Tongue, which has a small convenience store with a petrol station attached. You can also have lunch here – there’s a small cafe just before you get into Tongue itself (the Weavers Cafe), or food is available at the Ben Loyal Pub or the Tongue Hotel.

For the super adventurous folk looking for a hike, there is a path starting near the Ben Loyal Pub that leads uphill to a ruined castle above town. It is about a 1 hour leisurely round-trip hike up to the ruins of Castle Varrich, which is perched high on a rocky promontory and offers spectacular views.

Finally, continue your drive for another hour or so until you reach the town of Durness, where we suggest you spend the night. This is famous for the impressive Smoo Cave – a cavern you can walk inside that has an impressive waterfall to discover and admire.

Day 5 | Durness – Achmelvich Bay

Day 5 is where we begin to head south along the west coast – home to some of the most dramatic scenery you’ll possibly ever witness. The closest place often considered to be similar in terrain to the Scottish west coast is New Zealand, but many travellers give Scotland the gold medal because of the culture and wildlife that surround the dynamic vistas.

From Durness, the A838 winds down through some truly magnificent scenery, with lots of waterfalls and lochs to take pictures of as you go. After you cross the Kylesku bridge, keep an eye out for the Rock Stop, a visitor centre where you can learn all about the incredible geology of this area. Taking the B869 to Achlmelvich, we recommend spending the night on the peninsula. You have your choice of two campsites but both have stunning views of turquoise water and white sand – this will definitely be one of the picturesque camping spots of the trip!

Day 6 | Achmelvich Bay – Gairloch Rejoining the A837 will take you through Lochinver and allow you to pass the fascinating ruins of Ardvreck Castle. Knockan crag is another place you may want to plan a stop as it has a great 30 minute walking route to stretch your legs and the scenery is spectacular.

Depending on the interests of your travel companions, you might want to head back out to the coast towards Achiltibuie. There’s a great outdoors company based in Achiltibuie called Hamlet Mountaineering, who offer a wide range of outdoor activities including guided hiking and climbing, canoeing, and even sea kayaking.

As you head on to Gairloch, you’ll also pass through Ullapool, which is a good place to stock up on  more supplies if you’re running low.

Day 7 | Gairloch – Lochcarron

It’s the final day of your adventure but we’ve made sure it’s a good one with today’s itinerary!

From Gairloch, the plan for the day is to head to Lochcarron, passing through Torridon and around the beautiful Applecross peninsula. The Bealach na Ba road is a must as it will offer you some of the most beautiful scenery and allow you to see over to the Cuillin Mountains on the Isle of Skye.

From here you can choose to drive back to Inverness and onwards to Edinburgh, or take another day and enjoy a night at The Wee Campsite in Lochcarron.

It’s totally up to you – it’s your adventure!

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary

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

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

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

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

• Day 1: Inverness to Wick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 Highlights : Black Isle, Dunrobin Castle

Day 1 Driving Distance : ~ 130 miles

Day 1 Driving Time : ~ 3 hours

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

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

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

• Day 2: Wick to Tongue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 Driving Distance : ~90 miles

Day 2 Driving Time : ~ 2 hours 30 minutes

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

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

• Day 3: Tongue to Ullapool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 Driving Distance : ~ 100 miles

Day 3 Driving Time : ~ 3 hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4 Driving Distance : ~85 miles

Day 4 Driving Time : ~ 2 hours

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

Other nearby options to consider include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5 Driving Distance : ~115 miles

Day 5 Driving Time : ~ 3 hours

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

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

Map of North Coast 500 Itinerary

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

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

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

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

North Coast 500 Itinerary Overview

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

Tips for Driving the North Coast 500

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

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

Booking Accommodation on the North Coast 500

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

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

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

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

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

Car and Motorhome Hire for the North Coast 500

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

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

WiFi / Cell coverage on the North Coast 500

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

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

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

Road Conditions on the North Coast 500

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

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

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

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

Eating Along the North Coast 500

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

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

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

Responsible Travel on the North Coast 500

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

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

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

Further Reading for the North Coast 500

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

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

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

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

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There are 35 comments on this post

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Lucy Elizabeth Andrew-Willis says

5th January 2024 at 1:00 pm

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

Laurence Norah says

6th January 2024 at 1:22 pm

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

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

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

Anyway, have a great trip!

Keith Cochrane says

12th July 2021 at 3:59 pm

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

12th July 2021 at 4:26 pm

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy the trip!

Kathleen says

5th May 2021 at 1:55 pm

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

5th May 2021 at 2:23 pm

Hi Kathleen,

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

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

Laura Kavanagh-Jones says

30th October 2020 at 1:30 pm

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

30th October 2020 at 1:31 pm

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

Callum McCabe says

10th October 2020 at 7:37 pm

Good Evening,

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

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

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

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

Any help much appreciated.

10th October 2020 at 9:48 pm

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

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

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

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

27th July 2020 at 2:23 pm

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

27th July 2020 at 4:34 pm

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

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

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

I hope this helps with your planning 🙂

Have a great trip!

3rd August 2020 at 3:42 pm

Hi Laurence

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

3rd August 2020 at 4:19 pm

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

21st July 2020 at 4:17 pm

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

21st July 2020 at 4:48 pm

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

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

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

21st July 2020 at 8:36 pm

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

21st July 2020 at 8:37 pm

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

Ursula says

3rd April 2020 at 6:41 pm

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

3rd April 2020 at 6:54 pm

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

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

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

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

All the best,

Barbara says

6th February 2020 at 3:34 pm

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

7th February 2020 at 10:36 am

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

11th February 2020 at 9:35 pm

Mark Janes says

15th September 2019 at 2:10 pm

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

15th September 2019 at 2:19 pm

Thanks for stopping by and your kind comment 🙂

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

Anne hodgson says

26th August 2019 at 8:54 pm

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

27th August 2019 at 7:55 pm

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

Lynne W Carlson says

8th May 2019 at 4:46 pm

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

8th May 2019 at 5:10 pm

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

8th May 2019 at 5:13 pm

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

8th May 2019 at 5:37 pm

I certainly am 🙂

Elaine McAteer says

23rd April 2019 at 3:05 pm

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

Thanks so much for the beautiful pictures and narrative.

23rd April 2019 at 7:24 pm

Hey Elaine!

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

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

Agness | the adventure traveler says

13th April 2019 at 6:44 am

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

13th April 2019 at 9:56 am

Thanks Agness 😀

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North Coast 500 , Travel Guides

37 epic things to do on the north coast 500.

The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to Route 66. It is a magnificent road trip long that covers some of the most beautiful scenery of the north-western Highlands and coastal regions. You can take anywhere between four days and three weeks to drive it, so check out these 37 EPIC things to do on the North Coast 500 and work on your itinerary!

This post contains affiliate links which I may make a commission from. Find out more here . I drove the NC500 as part of a paid project with Hostelling Scotland. All opinions are my own and there was no obligation to write this blog post. This post contains affiliate links, which I may make a commission from. Check my Disclaimer for more information.

The North Coast 500 (short NC500) offers a once-in-a-lifetime road trip through pristine Scottish landscapes and scenery. The far north-west of Scotland is very sparsely populated and the small and winding country roads connect one natural spectacle with the next. 

There are so many places to visit and things to do on the North Coast 500, it can easily take a whole day to cover 30 miles. 

This NC500 travel guide contains everything you need to know to plan your own North Coast 500 adventure – 

• My 7-day North Coast 500 itinerary,
• All travel info for the route,
• A handy map you can save to your Google Maps,
• Practical travel tips for the road,
• My favourite 37 things to do on the North Coast 500 to pick & choose from,
• And a brief packing list to prepare you for this EPIC road trip.

Prepare to walk away with a list of scenic stops and detours from the main route, recommended activities and tours, yummy eateries, beautiful historic sites and many hidden gems off the beaten track.

Use my detailed Northwestern Highlands itinerary to plan your trip on the NC500!

Table of Contents

North Coast 500 Travel Guide

Where is the north coast 500 and how long is it.

The North Coast 500 is a roughly 500-mile road trip around the far north-west of Scotland. 

The circular route starts and finishes in Inverness, the unofficial Capital of the Highlands.

First, the NC500 leads south-west to the Applecross peninsula, Shieldaig and the Torridon mountains. It then turns north towards Gairloch, Ullapool and the mountainous Assynt region.

Passing some of the most beautiful beaches on the northwest coast, the NC500 eventually leads along the north coast towards John O Groats, the northernmost point of mainland Britain. 

From here, the route leads south back towards Inverness. It closely follows the coastline with its castle ruins and quaint small towns, before offering the option for a detour on the Black Isle peninsula.

If you have at least 2 weeks in Scotland, you can combine the NC500 road trip with my Classic Scotland itinerary .

Listen to ‘The Slow Road’ – an episode about the North Coast 500 on my Scotland podcast!

North Coast 500 Map

Check out my map for the North Coast 500 including all scenic stops, recommended activities, places to eat & stay and useful facilities outlined in this post.

How many days for the North Coast 500 road trip?

There is no maximum or minimum for the North Coast 500 and I have certainly heard of people who drive the whole 500-mile loop in 2-3 days.

However, in my opinion, I don’t see the point of rushing and would argue that if you only have 2-3 days, choose one area of the NC500 and explore that more in-depth. 

Otherwise, you will spend all day in the car without the option to spend a significant amount of time discovering the things to do in the North Coast 500 from this post.

We had 7 days to drive the route. One week is a great timeframe to slow down and experience the road trip to the fullest. See my itinerary for the North Coast 500 in 7 days below.

If you have more time, by all means – there is much more to see and do and you could easily spend 2-3 weeks exploring every inch of north-west Scotland.

You might also like: Responsible Tourism in Scotland – 14 Travel Tips for a Positive Impact

Clockwise or anti-clockwise?

We drove the North Coast 500 clockwise, starting and finishing in Inverness. This seems to be the most popular option.

It is possible to drive the NC500 anti-clockwise too. However, keep in mind, that being the only car that goes against the stream can be annoying and tiring on single-track roads. You’d constantly have to navigate around other cars by using the passing places. Here are my top tips for driving on single-track roads .

Since we drove clockwise, the order of the things to do I suggest in this travel guide is also clockwise.

Transport on the North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 is a road trip destination and is best done by car or with a campervan .

There is a train from Inverness to Thurso along the east coast. Regular buses run along the major roads on the east and west coast, connecting the bigger towns and villages.

However, there are very few buses along the north coast. The Durness Bus runs a very limited service between Thurso and Durness on set days of the week.

In short, you won’t be able to reach all the places listed in this travel guide on public transport. Neither will you be able to explore independently or stop at multiple sites each day, as bus services might not be frequent enough. 

Guided Tours of the North Coast 500

If you don’t want to rent a car for any reason, the best option to still experience the North Coast 500 is to book a guided tour . 

Scottish tour company Rabbie’s offers a 3-day NC500 tour from Inverness. Their 5-day Highland Explorer tour from Edinburgh also takes in the southern part of the NC500. Their 10-day Orkney and Outer Hebrides tour spends a few days in the northern and eastern parts of the NC500.

North Coast 500 Itinerary

Our trip lasted nine days. On the first day, we drove from Edinburgh to Inverness with a few stops along the way. Then we spent 7 days on the road trip . On the final day, we drove back down to Edinburgh.

You can maximise your time on the North Coast 500 by flying in and out of Inverness Airport. It is small, but there are many international flights to Inverness.

This is the NC500 itinerary I followed on my first trip. However, I’ve been back to visit specific sections again and explore them in more depth.

Day 1: Inverness to Torridon via Applecross Pass, Distance: 115 miles, Overnight at Torridon Youth Hostel

Day 2: Torridon to Gairloch incl. Beinn Eighe hike, Distance: 35 miles, Overnight at Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel

Day 3: Gairloch to Ullapool , Distance: 58 miles, Overnight at Ullapool Youth Hostel

Day 4: Ullapool to Achmelvich Beach incl. sea kayaking, Distance: 39 miles, Overnight at Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel

Day 5: Achmelvich Beach to Tongue incl. boat trip to Handa Island, Distance: 87 miles, Overnight at Tongue Youth Hostel

Day 6: Tongue to Helmsdale via John O Groats, Distance: 112 miles, Overnight at Helmsdale Lodge Hostel

Day 7: Helmsdale to Inverness via Black Isle, Distance: 86 miles, Overnight at Inverness Youth Hostel

As you can see, we significantly reduced our daily mileage to make time for activities. I recommend you do the same.

If you have more time, it is worth breaking up the drive from Tongue to Helmsdale or adding a few days in Orkney (min. 2 nights).

You might also like: My Top 20 Places to Visit in Scotland

Top North Coast 500 Tips

Driving tips.

The North Coast 500 is an EPIC road trip destination.

However, it is important to keep in mind that many roads in north-west Scotland are narrow and winding. There are many single -track roads, particularly in the far northern regions and many of the detours I suggest in this post also make use of steep single-track roads.

A highlight on the NC500 road trip is the hair-raising Bealach na Bà road – one of the highest mountain pass roads in the UK and sometimes as steep as 20%.

Here are some tips for driving on the North Coast 500: 

• Familiarise yourself with rules for driving on single-track roads
• Don’t park in passing places
• Allow faster cars behind you to pass you if it is safe to do so
• Hire an automatic car if you don’t know how to drive a manual car
• Obey the road signs , particularly when you hire a campervan. Some roads are too small or steep for campervans and other large vehicles

For more tips, read my post about  driving in Scotland .

Accommodation

The North Coast 500 is one of the most popular road trip destinations in Scotland.

I highly recommend booking your accommodation in advance, particularly if you travel during the summer (May to September).

We stayed at youth hostels throughout our road trip and I found them to be a fantastic, budget-friendly option for solo travellers, friend groups and families alike. 

The hostels on the North Coast 500 are not party hostels but are directed at mature travellers who are looking for short-term self-catering accommodation on a budget. 

Couples should note that not all hostels have private rooms available and some only have bunk or twin beds instead of double beds.

All hostels on the North Coast 500 have shared kitchen facilities making these the perfect place to stay if you are on a budget or need to prepare your own food for dietary requirements.

During peak season, I also recommend booking campsites in advance – especially if you travel by campervan. 

The Access Right does not apply to motorised vehicles, which means that it is not your right to park your car, campervan or motorhome by the side of the road to spend the night. Managed campsites or caravan parks should always be your first choice.

If you decide to park and leave your car to hike to a wild camping site, consider the advice of the Access Code with regards to parking .

You might also like: 20 Tips for Wild Camping in Scotland (Tent + Campervan)

Shops, restaurants and petrol stations

The infrastructure in northwest Scotland is definitely sparser than in other parts of the country. However, due to the popularity of the North Coast 500, the region has seen many new businesses such as shops, restaurants, cafes and activity providers.

There is no shortage of petrol stations (gas stations) all along the route. It is never a bad idea to fill up in larger towns where prices are cheaper.

The biggest supermarkets can be found in Inverness, Ullapool, Thurso, Wick and more frequently as you near Inverness. Smaller villages usually have shops too, such as small Spar shops or village shops run by the local community.

There are generally a lot of restaurants in towns and villages along the North Coast 500. However, if you are vegan, you might want to pack your own lunches and book self-catering accommodation as vegan options can be very limited.

We mostly cooked ourselves, but here are some of the restaurants where I really enjoyed the vegan options:

• Black Isle Bar, Inverness
• West Coast Delicatessen, Ullapool
• Stacks Coffee House & Bistro, John O Groats
• The cafe at Timespan Museum, Helmsdale

You might also like: How to travel Scotland as a Vegan

Guidebooks + Maps

There are many maps and guidebooks for the North Coast 500. Here are the ones I found useful on our trip:

• North Coast Journey: The Magic of Scotland’s Northern Highlands by Brigid Benson: This book had lots of tips for detours, scenic stops and historical context. 
• OS Road Map 1 – North Scotland : A detailed road map that covers all areas of the North Coast 500.

Make sure to pick up the official North Coast 500 tourist map along the route as well (for example at the VisitScotland Inverness iCentre, 36 High St).

37 Things to do on the North Coast 500

Inverness is the start and finish point of the North Coast 500, but it would be a shame to rush through without exploring the city itself.

After a walk through the centre – visit Leakey’s Bookshop – and a stroll along the River Ness, make your up to Inverness Castle. The castle is currently closed to the public while it is converted into a tourist attraction.

You might also like: How to Spend One Day in Inverness

Clava Cairns & Culloden Battlefield

Culloden and Clava Cairns are two significant historical sites just outside of Inverness – well worth a visit in your way out of the city. 

Culloden Battlefield is without a doubt one of the most significant places in Scottish history (FREE for National Trust for Scotland members. Join here! ). 

On 16 April 1746, the English army defeated the Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart in one of the bloodiest battles Scotland had ever seen. Over 1,500 Jacobites were killed in an hour and then the battle was over. 

Today, the Battlefield is a historic site and memorial ground for the many people who have lost their lives here. There is a visitor centre and you can either walk the field by yourself or participate in a guided tour. 

Nearby Clava Cairns is a much older historic site. Here you will find four circular chamber tombs surrounded by standing stones that date back to the Bronze Age (about 2,000 BC). 

The site is free to enter and you can read about the excavation process and the assumed significance of the cairns on the boards around the compound.

Bealach na Bà Road to Applecross

The Bealach na Ba road to Applecross is among the finest roads in Scotland and makes for an incredibly scenic drive through the Highlands. However, this is not a drive for the faint-hearted! 

A sign at the beginning of the road warns drivers of the notorious single-track road that climbs up to 626 metres (2,054 ft) above sea level and has several hairpin bends. 

At times it is as steep as 20% and is therefore not suitable for nervous and learner drivers, large motorhomes or campervans. 

Here is an article about the impact motorhome drivers have on the road, and here is a story about a lorry that attempted the journey – just to give you an idea.

If you are in a small vehicle though, you are rewarded with mind-boggling hairpin bends and fantastic views throughout the drive. 

There is a car park at the highest point so you can catch your breath and once you have descended into Applecross you can take it easy along the scenic coastal drive to Shieldaig.

You might also like: The Most Scenic Drives in Scotland

Walk on the Shieldaig Peninsula

Shieldaig is easily one of the prettiest seaside villages in Scotland with its colourful waterfront facing Loch Shieldaig. 

It is well worth stopping here for a few hours and taking in the gorgeous scenery on a walk. 

There is a lovely loop walk around the Shieldaig peninsula which offers stunning views and lots of opportunities to spot wildlife, like otters and sea birds. It is just under 5 km (3 miles) and takes only 1.5 hours – or a little more if you bring a picnic, for example from the Loch Torridon Smokehouse in the village.

You can find a detailed route description here .

Torridon is a tiny village at the foot of the Torridon Hills. Aside from stunning mountain views, it also boasts lovely views across Upper Loch Torridon.

Torridon is a popular home base for hillwalkers and mountaineers who make the most of the variety of Munros and lower peaks in this area. 

The small village shop is well-stocked and doubles up as a cafe. There is an easy walk to rocky headland across the road from the shop. The path leads down to the water and to the ruins of Am Ploc church.

If you love outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking etc), Torridon would be a great home base for a few extra days in the area.

Detour Road Trip to Lower Diabaig

The main road of the North Coast 500 route is scenic as it is, but there are many little detours you can drive to reach even more off-the-beaten-path villages and mountain views. The detour from Torridon to Diabaig is one of them.

As you drive to the end of Torridon village, keep going as the road gets smaller and narrower and continue past a sign that advises learner drivers and campervans/motorhomes to turn around. However, if you are in a campervan or a nervous driver definitely follow this advice! 

The road to Diabaig is one of the most beautiful NC500 add-ons, but it is not for the faint-hearted. The narrow single-track road winds its way up to a viewpoint at 250 metres above sea level. To reach it you have to master various steep hills and hairpin bends, all the while looking out for incoming traffic. 

The views as you descend to Diabaig are fantastic and the small village at the end of the road offers a scenic harbour and the seaside cafe Gille Brighde (closed Mondays & Tuesdays).

When you have had enough of the views, take the same road back to Torridon and continue on the main route of the North Coast 500.

PS: We used the OS North Scotland Road Map to find and navigate these detours!

Hiking at Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

The Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve is the UK’s oldest and also one of its largest. It stretches from Loch Maree over the peaks of Beinn Eighe towards Liatach and Torridon. Its biodiversity of fauna and flora make it a site of special scientific interest and attracts a wide range of botanists, biologists and geologists.

There are many trails at Beinn Eighe, some of which climb the peaks of the mountain and require at least a full day and lots of mountain experience. However, there are also easier trails that are more accessible to NC500 road trippers. 

One of my favourite stops along the North Coast 500 was the afternoon we spent at Beinn Eighe. We chose the Mountain Trail which starts and finishes at the Coille na Glas-Leitir car park on the shore of Loch Maree. 

The trail is waymarked – a rare occasion for mountain trails in Scotland – and is just over 6 km (4 miles) long. It takes 3 to 4 hours to complete.

After climbing steeply through the Caledonian pinewoods the trail emerges above the tree line and becomes very rocky. Cairns mark the trail from here and they can be a little hard to spot sometimes – keep your eyes peeled. Sturdy hiking boots are an absolute must and so is a general comfort with light scrambling. 

Once you emerge at the top, the trail flattens out and leads across the windy plateau. The views of Beinn Eighe and other surrounding mountains are gorgeous! The trail loops around and descends through the pinewoods back to the car park. 

Pick up an educational leaflet at the car park for more info and find a detailed trail description here . Learn more about the nature reserve here .

You might also like: My Favourite Hikes in Scotland – From Easy Trails to Munros

Detour to Redpoint Beach

Just before the main route Kerrysdale and Gairloch, turn left for another scenic detour. The narrow single-track road to Redpoint leads through several small villages and finally, to a gorgeous red sand beach. 

If you have a bit more time and would like to stay in the area, get in touch with Gairloch Trekking Centre who offers guided pony trekking in the area. Imagine riding across this beautiful beach!

Books & Local History in Gairloch

I love quirky cafes and bookstores and the Scottish Highlands are certainly full of them! Hillbillies Bookstore and the adjacent cafe Mountain Coffee Company are a must-see on the North Coast 500.

The cafe offers a variety of refreshments and snacks as well as cakes, teas and coffees in a quirky setting among model gondolas, national park stickers and shelves filled with adventure books. 

These shelves continue in the bookstore next door and hold anything from Scottish poetry to contemporary crime novels and vegan cookbooks. It’s a treasure trove!

Another great place to visit in Gairloch is the Gairloch Museum . The exhibitions showcase the history, culture and natural heritage of the area, including a replica croft house showing how people used to live.

You might also like: 20 Beautiful Towns to Visit in Scotland

Beach Picnic at Big Sands

We stayed at Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel, which gets its name from its proximity to the beautiful beaches of the area. Behind the hostel – a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive – lies Big Sands, a sandy beach with views of the mountains of Torridon and Skye.

We only stopped for a few photos, but since the beach is sheltered from the strong winds you could easily bring a picnic and spend a few hours here.

Inverewe Garden

Gardens on the Scottish west coast are fascinating. You’d imagine that this far north, the climate would be too harsh for anything but gorse and heather – but the Gulf Stream actually has a huge impact on the local flora.

Inverewe Garden near Poolewe is home to plants from across the world, many of which are rare species (FREE for National Trust for Scotland members. Join here! ).

Some of the highlights are a collection of Californian Redwoods, Himalayan blue poppies and various species of rhododendron. 

Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

Leaving the coast and driving inland to loop around to Ullapool felt a bit like a disappointment. Where are all the views?

Then we reached Corrieshalloch Gorge and got excited again. I love a surprise, so when I stepped onto the suspension bridge above the gorge, I was blown away by how narrow, deep and long it was. 

Corrieshalloch Gorge is up to 60 m deep and 1.5 km (1 mile) long. The River Droma rushes through the rock over a series of waterfalls, cutting it deeper and deeper over millions of years. 

The woodland trails make for a lovely walk to break up the drive and you get a lovely view of the waterfalls and bridge from the viewpoint further down the gorge. 

The brand-new Corrieshalloch Gateway to Nature Centre at the car park has a cafe, toilets and a ranger-on-site service. It’s a great place to learn more about this special gorge or simply take a comfort break.

Ullapool is a small seaside town on the shore of Loch Broom.

Lying about halfway through the NC500, it makes for a great stop with its restaurants, shops and pubs. But it is well worth a closer look.

The town has some amazing food options, especially if you like fresh seafood, and a thriving pub and live music scene. I loved our lunch at West Coast Delicatessen (vegan options available) and exploring all the quirky shops. 

I loved the selection at Ullapool Bookstore , including the children’s book The Guillemot Who Wouldn’t Jump which is written and illustrated by a local artist Jenny Rant. The White Rabbit on Argyle Street is a treasure trove for antiques and map lovers and has a selection of vintage fashion as well. 

I also enjoyed our visit to the local VisitScotland iCentre – the staff there was super helpful and knew everything about everything in the area! They are a great resource if you are looking for more recommendations or tour options.

Top tip: From Ullapool, you can catch the Calmac ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and spend a few additional days exploring the Outer Hebrides. Two nights is the minimum to have enough time to see the best things to do on Lewis and Harris.  

Hike up Stac Pollaidh

The mountains of Assynt north of Ullapool offer trails for all levels of experience. There are challenging climbs for experienced mountaineers, but also a few moderate hikes that you can easily incorporate into your North Coast 500 road trip. 

Stac Pollaidh (also called Stac Polly) is one of them. The hike is just under 5 km (3 miles) and takes just 2-4 hours. 

From the top, at 612 m you will be able to enjoy great views of the surrounding higher mountains, the coastline and the Summer Isles offshore. The true summit requires a fair bit of technical scrambling, but even without that this mountain makes for a great half-day hike on your way north from Ullapool. Get a detailed trail description here .

Kayaking to Summer Isles

Driving along the beautiful coastline of northwest Scotland made me anxious to get out of the car and into a sea kayak. 

There are many sea kayaking outfitters and activity providers on the North Coast 500, for example in Plockton, Gairloch or Ullapool, but booking an excursion is not always straightforward. You have to email, check for availability and then there is the thing with the weather – no one enjoys sea kayaking when it’s rainy or windy, so your trip might have to be cancelled. 

We picked up several flyers and recommendations at the VisitScotland iCentre in Ullapool, called around and ended up booking a spontaneous half-day sea kayaking trip with Will from Kayak Summer Isles . 

Will was 2015’s Scottish Adventurer of the Year for sea kayaking around the entire coast of Scotland and climbing all the Munros in winter and has set up this company to share his love for the coastal waters of Ullapool. 

Will took us out to the Isle Martin, the furthest outlier of the Summer Isles and the one with the most impressive sea cliffs (40m tall and another 40 m under the surface). 

Along the way, he pointed out local wildlife, showed us sea urchins and sea stars, deep-sea anemones which we could see thanks to the low tide and several seabirds like fulmars, shags and guillemots. We even spotted an otter pup munching on a sea urchin among the sea kelp! 

Will also shared some of his adventure stories from Scotland and abroad and as a professional photographer offered to take some stunning photos of us in our kayaks.

I’d say as far as kayaking trips in Scotland go, this was my favourite yet!

You might also like: 18 Fun Outdoor Activities to Try in Scotland

Ardvreck Castle

Ardvreck Castle might just be the most popular castle in the west of the North Coast 500. The castle dates back to the 16th century and stands in a prime location overlooking the wide-spanning Loch Assynt. 

After the Clan MacKenzie took control over these lands from the Clan MacLeod in the 18th century, they built a more modern house nearby, Calda House. The house was destroyed in a fire in 1737 and both buildings lie in ruins today.

You can climb the ruins, however, be respectful and mindful of the strong winds that rush through this area.

Achmelvich Beach 

There really is no shortage of beautiful beaches on the North Coast 500. West, north, east coast – all three sides of the route have beautiful beaches with clear water and the finest sand. One of my personal favourites was Achmelvich Beach. 

Achmelvich Beach is slightly off the main route of the NC500 and requires you to drive down a small single-track road for a couple of miles. It is definitely worth the effort though once you reach the end of the road! 

The beach has some of the whitest sand I have seen in Scotland and is well-sheltered from the wind. You might even be brave enough to put on your swimsuit!

A footpath leads over the rocky outcrops over to the next bay which is even more secluded and a perfect sunset spot! 

To get the most out of your visit to Achmelvich Beach, I recommend staying at the Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel, which is right next to the beach.

Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel is one of my accommodation favourites:  Unique Places to Stay in Scotland  – from hotels to B&Bs!

Old Man of Stoer

The Old Man of Stoer is a spectacular sea stack that towers 60 m (200 ft) above the sea.

To get there, continue north on the single-track road past Achmelvich and make your way to Raffin. There is a car park by the Stoer Lighthouse. From there, it’s a 2-mile walk along the coast.

The path is rough, but the coastal scenery is stunning. You may even be able to spot whales and dolphins in the waters below. Return the same way, or continue on a loop trail – here is a description.

Boat trip to Handa Island 

The paradise beaches of Handa Island should definitely be on any beach lover’s NC500 bucket list! 

Handa is a small uninhabited island near Scourie that is managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. A small passenger ferry takes visitors from Tarbet to the island (approx. 10 minutes) where they are greeted by a welcome committee of volunteer guides. 

While the beaches are truly stunning, the main reason people flock to the island during the summer is its wildlife. Skuas nest on the rocky slopes of the island and thousands of seabirds form colonies along the cliffs. 50-60,000 guillemots visit the island every year!

There is a 6 km (4 miles) trail around the island which takes about 3 hours to complete. The volunteer guides will give you a little map, but the path is very easy to follow. 

You might also meet some of the resident scientists who spend all summer on the island to research different species of plants and birds. 

I would set aside at least 4 hours to visit the island – the more the better. You can find out more about my trip to Handa Island here .

In 2024, the ferry runs from 3 April. Note that from 3 April to 3 May, it departs from Scourie. After that it returns to its usual pier in Tarbet.

You might also like: The Best Places for Wildlife Watching in Scotland

Sandwood Bay Hike

Sandwood Bay is one of the most magical places in the northwest of Scotland. I highly recommend adding an additional day in the area between Ullapool and Durness to make time for the hike to the beach!

A clear track leads from Blairmore car park near Kinlochbervie all the way to Sandwood Bay. The hike takes about 4-5 hours round-trip, but add a few hours to enjoy the beach in its full glory! It is most famous for Am Buachaille, a giant sea stack!

Find a detailed route description here .

Smoo Cave near Durness is a very special place and a must-visit on the North Coast 500. It is a combined sea and freshwater cave which means it has been formed from two sides at the same time. It has one of the largest sea cave entrances in the UK – over 50 ft high! 

There is a car park at the top and you have to walk down quite a few steps to reach the cave, but it is worth the effort. If you visit during the day, you can even head deeper inside the cave on a guided walk or a boat tour and explore the rear chambers of the cave. After hours you can only go as far as the first chamber, but that is still really impressive.

Sango Sands

Sango Sands is a breathtaking beach in Durness, particularly famous for its viewpoint boardwalk. I’m sure you have seen it before on Instagram!

There are a campsite, restaurant and bar here, making this a perfect place to spend the night.

Durness Zipline

I first read about the Golden Eagle Zipline in a blog post about family-friendly activities on the North Coast 500 (and subsequently asked the author to write a guest post about visiting Scotland with kids )!

I love zip lining and the idea of flying high above one of Scotland’s beautiful beaches while looking out over the sea was just too much to handle for me. We had to do it!

Unfortunately, we ran out of time and had to head on to our next accommodation, but this zip line will not get away that easy – I will be back!

You might also like: The Go Ape Ziplining & High Ropes Course in Aberfoyle (Review)

Tongue Viewpoint

Tongue is a small village that sits on the edge of the Kyle of Tongue – a shallow sea loch with sandy ground. When the sun is out at low tide, the water turns into an abstract landscape painting with all hues of blue. It’s stunning!

There is a small car park near a War Memorial and fantastic views just across the road.

If you have a bit more time, you can hike to the ruins of Castle Bharraich (Varrich). It only takes about an hour to get there and back. Here is a walk description.

Detour to The Crask Inn

The Crask Inn must be one of the remotest inns in Scotland. It lies along a single-track road between Tongue and Lairg. Driving there from Tongue takes about 45 minutes, although you’ll want to stop to admire the scenery every few miles.

The Crask Inn was built around 1815 and has served as a rest stop for weary travellers for generations. Food is served daily and rooms are available if you’d like to spend the night.

Scenic highlights along the way are the Loch Craggie viewpoint, the winding drive along the shore of Loch Loyal, the ruins of an old sheep-fank building on the loch and the small village of Altnaharra with views of Loch Naver.

From Altnaharra you can also pick up the Strathnaver Trail which highlights sites of interest for the history of Highland Clearances in this area. You can visit Clearance villages, abandoned settlements, burial grounds and monuments for the people who were forced to leave their homelands.

If you follow this trail all the way to Syre and Bettyhill, you’ll miss a short section of the NC500, but you won’t miss our on any of the upcoming places to visit.

The Beaches on the North Coast

On the north coast of Scotland, you’ll find a string of golden sandy beaches. There are many beaches you could visit between Tongue and Thurso. Here are two of my favourites:

• Farr Bay, Bettyhill: This small beach lies behind the village of Bettyhill. You can park at Bettyhill Tourist Information or near Farr Bay Inn and approach the beach through the sand dunes. The beach faces slightly north-westerly and is relatively sheltered.
• Strathy Beach: This sandy beach forms where the River Strathy flows into the ocean. You can park at the Beach car parkby the cemetery and follow a grassy path down to the beach.
• Melvich Beach: This large beach lies near the village of Melvich. A rough track leads to a small car park and a grassy footpath takes you through the dunes to the beach. Allow time to also explore the estuary of the Halladale River.

Strathnaver Museum

The Strathnaver Museum is located in a former parish church and tells the history of the area from the Bronze Age to the early 19th century.

This part of the northern Highlands was one of the worst affected by the Highland Clearances and this museum is a fantastic place to learn about this era.

The museum also has a room dedicated to its collection of Clan Mackay memorabilia and can assist with family history research .

Detour to Dunnet Head Lighthouse

Fancy visiting the northernmost point of mainland Britain? Then do the detour to visit Dunnet Head Lighthouse! 

The lighthouse is only 66 feet tall but sits on cliffs that rise 300 feet above sea level. Next to the lighthouse, you can walk along the cliffs and spot sea birds nesting at these soaring heights.

John O’Groats

John O’Groats gained fame as the northernmost point of mainland Britain (today we know it’s at Dunnet Head Lighthouse) and is thus the natural endpoint of so-called end-to-end walks and cycles. 

End-to-enders are walkers or cyclists who make their way across 1,407 km (874 miles) from Land’s End in Cornwall to John O’Groats in Scotland. The most common off-road walking route is even longer – 1,900 km (1,200 miles). 

At John O’Groats you can visit the famous signpost pointing out Land’s End, New York, Edinburgh, Orkney and Shetland. There are a few shops and restaurants – I recommend Stacks Bistro for vegan options – and several boat tours leaving from the little harbour.

Walk to the Duncansby Sea Stacks

From John O Groats make your way to the lighthouse at Duncansby Head – it’s just a 5-minute drive. A coastal path leads along the mind-boggling cliffs here until you are face to face with the two Duncansby Sea Stacks. 

The winds here can be treacherous so if you decide to go through the gate at the end of the path and on to the unprotected side of the cliffs, take a lot of care and watch the edge.

The site is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the cliffs of the headland offer plenty of nesting space to thousands of sea birds. If you are lucky, you can even spot puffins here!

Old Keiss Castle

The ruins of Old Keiss Castle stand on sheer cliffs overlooking Sinclair’s Bay. The castle looks like it is clinging on to dry land for its life and it’s a fascinating site to visit.

The castle dates from the late 16th/early 17th century. In the 18th century, its owners built a new Baronial-style townhouse a stone’s throw away (known as New Keiss Castle) and left the old castle to the elements. 

It’s best to park at Keiss Harbour and walk to Old Keiss Castle along the shore.

Ousdale Broch

Caithness, the northernmost region of Scotland, has more brochs than any other part of Scotland. Brochs are circular drystone towers that were built during the middle Iron Age, between 400 BC and 100 AD.

They can be very tall – even 10-13 metres – and have incredibly thick walls. This makes them architectural wonders of the prehistoric time.

One of these brochs in Caithness is Ousdale Broch . It lies just north of Helmsdale and offers fantastic views of the North Sea. The broch was mentioned in the Norse Orkneyinga Saga which describes the history of Orkney and Shetland, and archaeological surveys of the area have documented close links to Norse incomers.

The broch was first excavated in 1891, but increasingly falling into disrepair until the Caithness Broch Project consolidated the structure and reopened it in 2020.

There is a small car park just off the A9 and a gravel path with information panels that lead down to the broch.

Helmsdale was one of the biggest surprises on our North Coast 500 road trip. The town was only on my radar because we spent a night at Helmsdale Youth Hostel to break up the drive back. 

Some people we met on the road had suggested that the east of the North Coast 500 was not quite as scenic and exciting as the west. So I prepared myself for a quick and uneventful drive back to Inverness. How wrong I was!

Indeed, the east coast is not as mountainous as the west and since you drive on a much larger road (the A9) it looks like there is not much to do. When in fact, you just need to make a little extra effort to seek out the beautiful spots along the east coast!

Helmsdale is one of them, a lovely small seaside town which is surrounded by gorse-covered hills and sandy beaches. 

To learn about the local area and its role during the Highland Clearances, visit Timespan Museum . There is a cafe here too and tables on a terrace overlooking the River Helmsdale.

Other places to visit in the village are the colourful harbour and the Emigrants Monument.

Helmsdale would be a great home base to spend a few days in the area and discover places like the Whaligoe Steps, Lybster, Latheronwheel, Dunbeath Castle, Berriedale Braes and Ousdale Broch.

Detour to Forsinard Nature Reserve

Much of the very north of Scotland is covered by a vast expanse of blanket bog called the Flow Country . To get an introduction to this beautiful landscape, head inland from Helmsdale and drive northwest to Forsinard.

Forsinard Nature Reserve lies at the heart of the Flow Country. There is an RSPB visitor centre at the train station in Forsinard and two waymarked trails to take you safely into the bog.

The short walk (allow 45 minutes to 1 hour) leaves from right across the train tracks. Follow a boardwalk to the viewing tower and enjoy fantastic views of the area. The flagstone back takes you past dark bog pools and interpretation boards tell you more about the unique flora and fauna of this bog.

The longer walk (allow 2.5 hours) is a loop trail and leaves from Forsinain farm. It takes you through different stages of natural and restored blanket bog and offers many opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Driving from Helmsdale to Forsinard takes approximately one hour. You can also get here from Melvich in about 30 minutes.

Dunrobin Castle 

What Ardvreck Castle is for the west, Dunrobin Castle is for the east of the North Coast 500. Even if the two could not be more different!

The castle looks straight out of a fairytale. With its 189 rooms, it is one of Scotland’s largest castles and is surrounded by a well-landscaped garden. 

The entrance ticket includes the castle and the gardens. If you are on a budget – or simply don’t have the time to tour that many rooms, you can walk down a road on the right side of the castle and take photos of it from the seaside.

Open 10 am to 5 pm (1 April to 31 October)

Big Burn Falls Walk

This hidden wee gem is a quick and easy walk just outside Golspie near Dunrobin Castle. Park at the little car park next to a stone mason’s and follow the waymarked trail for Big Burn Falls. 

The path leads through lush green vegetation to a series of awe-inspiring waterfalls.

The Black Isle

The Black Isle peninsula is worth a trip of its own, but it is also a perfect final place to visit on the North Coast 500. 

There is a lot to do on the Black Isle – from the RSPB nature reserve at Udale Bay and the waterfall walk at Fairy Glen, to the delights of a tour at Black Isle Brewery. 

The Moray Firth to the east of the peninsula is home to a thriving bottlenose dolphin population – to see them get aboard a dolphin cruise from Cromarty Bay or peel your eyes at Chanonry Bay. We were not lucky enough to spot any dolphins as it was raining, but we did see some seals bobbing in the water.

The Black Isle is a lovely final stop before returning to Inverness.

Are you ready for your own North Coast 500 adventure?

Before you decide on am NC500 itinerary and how many days you spend on this road trip, go through this list of things to do on the North Coast 500 or inspiration. Write down which places are highest on your bucket list for you and work out an itinerary based on that.

The Trip Planning Workbook in my Scotland Travel Resource Library is the perfect tool to help you plan a great NC500 road trip. Get it here .

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20 thoughts on “ 37 EPIC Things to do on the North Coast 500 ”

Hey, I’m about to go on nc500 in a couple of months and this was a great read! Thank you so much ?

You’re very welcome – I’m happy to hear that! Have a fantastic trip!!

Thanks for publishing such an awesome NC500 itinerary.

The info you provided on Dunrobin Castle helped us to plan our visit so thank you for that!

We spent 9 days completing the NC500 route and absolutely loved it! If you or your readers are interested, we have written a hiking focussed guide on the best 18 trails along the NC500 here: https://travelmademedoit.com/nc500-hikes/

We really like your website, and have followed you on IG and subscribed to your YouTube channel.

Cheers, Dan & Beck from Travel Made Me Do It

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Hi Kath, I have done parts of this a few times , favourite place has to be Smoo cave , and as for clockwise or anti clockwise , you really need to do Applecross from both directions. Enjoyed this wright up thank you. Mike

Thank you so much for chiming in, Mike! Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂

Wild camping is legal in campervans as long as you stick to the rules of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code regarding the duration of stays and waste disposal.

The above from your article is incorrect information. The SOAC specifically excludes activities reliant on motorised activities, this common misconception is causing serious environmental damage here in the Highlands. In fact if you park at the roadside without the owners permission, you are breaking the law, please amend.

Hi June, thanks for pointing out this error in the article!

I thought this for the longest time, because I saw SO many campervans wild camping in the Outer Hebrides, but realised upon closer reading of the Outdoor Access Code, that this is actually not the fact. I corrected the information in my main guide for wild camping in Scotland, but clearly forgot to amend it here.

I strive to provide correct and factual information on this blog, but sometimes things fall through the cracks. Cheers, Kathi

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There is no issue with campervans using the Bealach na Ba pass. The advice you gave is misleading. It is not difficult or antisocial to drive them here.

Hi Dave, I stand by my advice 100%. Bealach na Ba road is single track, steep and has hairpin bends. There is a sign at the bottom stating that it is not suitable for learner drivers, caravans and very large vehicles – see photo on the article; unfortunately, many people put stickers on top of this essential warning. Many people who hire campervans or motorhomes in Scotland are driving these for the first time and thus, a road like this can be very stressful and even dangerous – i.e. when backing up into a passing place or in the hairpin bends. Maybe experienced drivers in a small campervan would be fine, but I would rather be on the side of caution to avoid issues. I personally don’t recommend driving this road to my clients who hire large vehicles and would not want to communicate this any different on my blog. I want my readers to be realistic and prepares for their trips!

Here are some articles about the issue too: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1736567/video-tourists-failing-to-heed-campervan-warning-on-busy-section-of-nc500/ https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1771097/scenic-nc500-hill-road-closed-after-lorry-becomes-stuck-on-twisty-route/

I’m lucky enough to live on NC500. Our days out consist of visiting two or three of the places you mentioned. I congratulate for getting so much out of your journey and also taking your lovely little detours. Sadly many people see how fast they can get round, this is not what the NC 500 is about as you discovered. It’s an exploration not a race.

I completely agree! We only had a week and it felt rushed – there are so many places I missed and I wanna go back to all the places we saw – how is that even possible 🙂 You’re lucky to live up that way! Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave a comment!

Yaaaayyy I’m so glad you gave Helmsdale a shout out!! I love it there, such a cute little town and I never see anyone mention it. There used to be a diner in the house next to the bridge, which was fantastic. I was really sad when it shut down because that was a perfect stop off on the way down (or up!). Dunrobin Castle is one of my favourite castles in Scotland, and Golspie itself is a really nice town. I’ve STILL never done the west coast, so that’s on the list for this year. There are so many places along there that I need to see!

Loved following along on your trip and this is a great detailed post that should help all planning the NC500. I will be doing many of the things you have listed in June but will unfortunately have to skip others. I guess it is a chance to return for more on another opportunity!

Absolutely! Like I said in the post, we had to make choices too because you can only fit so much into a week. But I can’t wait to go back and zoom in on different regions!! Have a great trip 🙂

I am planning a trip to Scotland in May 2020. The North Coast 500 is something I would be very interested in doing. All the photos were breath taking. I would like to know if this particular trip is wheelchair accessible or could modification be made .

Hi Mary Jane, many thanks for your comment and question. I can’t speak from experience, but can offer a bit of insight: I would imagine that depending on the vehicle you have, some roads, such as the one to Diabaig might be too small to drive [not sure how big your vehicle is though]. In terms of activities and walks, a lot of the walks we did, such as the Mountain Trail at Beinn Eighe, Handa Island or the coastal walk to the Duncansby Stacks were not paved or wheelchair accessible. Disability Information Scotland is a good resource for access in Scotland, http://www.disabilityscot.org.uk/accessible-outdoors-scotland/ , and there is a great travel blogger focussing on accessible travel called Emma, https://www.simplyemma.co.uk/ . I hope these resources are of greater help than me and that you can travel the NC500! All the best, Kathi

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Scotland’s North Coast 500 Road Trip: A Breathtaking Journey  

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Scotland’s North Coast 500 Road Trip: A Breathtaking Journey  

Embark on an unforgettable adventure along Scotland’s North Coast 500, a scenic road trip that winds through the country’s rugged landscapes, picturesque coastal villages and historic sites. In this comprehensive travel guide, we explore the highlights featured in the video, providing valuable insights, tips and recommendations to help you plan your own North Coast 500 road trip.

From the vibrant city of Edinburgh to the remote beauty of Sandwood Bay and the charming village of Applecross, this journey promises breathtaking views and incredible experiences.

Trip Overview:

The video offers an enticing glimpse into the North Coast 500 road trip, taking you through the journey’s various segments. With its timestamped breakdown, you can easily navigate to the specific sections that interest you the most.

General Tips:

Before setting off on your adventure, it’s essential to be well-prepared. The video shares valuable general tips, such as ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy, packing appropriate clothing for the ever-changing Scottish weather and making accommodation reservations in advance.

To fully enjoy the North Coast 500, having the right gear is crucial. The video suggests essentials like sturdy walking shoes, rain gear, camping equipment if you plan to camp and a good camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes along the way.

Begin your journey in Scotland’s vibrant capital, Edinburgh . Explore the historic streets of the Old Town, marvel at the iconic Edinburgh Castle and soak in the city’s rich history and culture before hitting the open road.

Cairngorms National Park:

Venture into the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, where majestic mountains, serene lochs and abundant wildlife await. Immerse yourself in nature, hike picturesque trails and enjoy the tranquility of this stunning wilderness.

Make a stop in the historic city of Inverness , known as the “Gateway to the Highlands.” Discover its rich heritage, visit the impressive Inverness Castle and enjoy the charm of this bustling city situated on the banks of the River Ness.

East Coast, North West and West Coast:

As you traverse the North Coast 500, you’ll encounter the diverse beauty of Scotland’s east, north-west and west coasts. Marvel at breathtaking cliffs, white sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages along the way. Each segment offers unique landscapes and experiences that will leave you awe-inspired.

Sandwood Bay:

Explore the remote and wild beauty of Sandwood Bay, a pristine beach hidden away on the northwestern coast of Scotland. Take a leisurely hike through the dramatic landscape and be rewarded with the sight of this untouched natural gem.

Applecross:

Experience the charm of Applecross, a small village nestled amidst the mountains of Wester Ross. Enjoy scenic drives, indulge in fresh seafood and soak in the tranquility of this hidden treasure.

Home Time and Future Changes:

As your North Coast 500 road trip comes to an end, the video touches on departing Scotland and hints at future changes that may impact the route and visitor experience. Staying informed about any updates is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

The North Coast 500 is a journey of a lifetime, offering breathtaking landscapes, captivating history and warm Scottish hospitality. By following the insights and recommendations shared in this video guide, you can plan a memorable road trip that encompasses the best of Scotland’s North Coast. Get ready to embark on an adventure filled with natural beauty, cultural treasures and unforgettable experiences.

Why You Need The Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide (it’s Free)

Are you planning a trip to Scotland? Are you looking for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on Scottish travel and culture? Look no further – the Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide is here.

Is Inverness Worth Visiting?

Inverness is the perfect base from which to explore the Northern Highlands of Scotland. It is close to popular tourist destinations such as Loch Ness, the Speyside whisky region or the North Coast 500 road trip. Inverness itself is an amazing city to visit, so yes, Inverness is definitely worth visiting.

Ready to start planning that trip to Scotland? Start here!

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North Coast 500 (NC500)

The Ultimate Guide to the North Coast 500 Route in Scotland

The North Coast 500 is one of Scotland’s most popular road trips, offering breathtaking views of Scotland’s stunning coastline, magnificent mountains, and picturesque villages. This scenic route has gained popularity among tourists and travelers from all over the world, attracting adventurers, cyclists, and motorists alike. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the North Coast 500 route in Scotland.

What is the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500, also known as the NC500, is a 516-mile (830 km) route that runs along the northern coast of Scotland, starting and finishing at Inverness Castle. This circular route takes you through some of the most scenic and remote parts of Scotland, including the rugged coastline, mountainous landscapes, and quaint villages. The route is marked by the North Coast 500 logo, making it easy to follow. You can use a map or a GPS device to navigate the route.

The NC500 route takes you through several counties, including Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland, Caithness, and Inverness-shire. Along the way, you’ll encounter some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Bealach Na Ba pass, Applecross peninsula, and the fairy-tale castle of Dunrobin.

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, the North Coast 500 is a must-see destination that showcases Scotland’s beauty and charm. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply looking for an adventure, the North Coast 500 has something for everyone.

How long is the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500 route covers 516 miles (830 km) of Scotland’s coastline, making it a challenging but rewarding road trip. The estimated driving time for the entire route is around 12-14 hours, but this can vary depending on your pace and the number of stops you make. We recommend taking at least five to seven days to complete the North Coast 500, allowing plenty of time to explore the attractions along the route.

What to see on the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500 route offers a plethora of natural landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions that will leave you amazed. Here are some of the top attractions to see along the North Coast 500:

• The Bealach Na Ba pass: This winding road takes you up to a height of 626 meters (2054 ft) and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Applecross peninsula: This picturesque village is home to sandy beaches, clear waters, and a vibrant community of locals. Don’t forget to sample the local seafood at one of the many restaurants.
• The fairy-tale castle of Dunrobin: This 19th-century castle is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and features a beautiful garden, museum, and falconry display.
• Smoo Cave: This unique sea cave in Durness features a 50-foot waterfall, underground river, and dramatic rock formations.
• John O’ Groats: This tiny village is located at the northernmost point of the British mainland and offers spectacular views of the North Sea.
• Eilean Donan Castle: This iconic castle is located on a small island at the meeting point of three lochs and is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.

These are just a few of the many attractions that the North Coast 500 has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or adventure, you’ll find plenty to see and do along the route.

How long does it take to do the North Coast 500?

The duration of your North Coast 500 trip will depend on your pace and the number of stops you make. As mentioned earlier, it’s recommended to take at least five to seven days to complete the route. However, some travelers prefer to take longer to explore the area in more depth, while others complete the route in a shorter amount of time. It’s worth noting that the North Coast 500 route can be challenging in places, with narrow, winding roads and steep gradients, so it’s important to take your time and drive safely.

What is the North Coast 500 route?

The North Coast 500 route is a circular route that starts and finishes at Inverness Castle, taking you through some of Scotland’s most scenic and remote areas. The route takes you along the A835, A837, A838, A894, A9, and A99, and covers a total distance of 516 miles (830 km). The route can be driven clockwise or counter clockwise, and there are several suggested itineraries available to help you plan your trip.

The route is marked with the North Coast 500 logo and includes several notable stops, such as Ullapool, Durness, John O’ Groats, and the Isle of Skye. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning landscapes, charming villages, and friendly locals who will welcome you with open arms. The North Coast 500 is a journey of a lifetime that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

And Finally

The North Coast 500 is a must-see destination for anyone planning a trip to Scotland. This stunning route offers amazing views of Scotland’s coastlines and mountains, as well as a chance to experience the country’s rich history and culture. With plenty of attractions and activities to choose from, the North Coast 500 is a perfect destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re driving a motorcycle or cycling the route, the North Coast 500 promises to be an unforgettable journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Start planning your North Coast 500 trip today and discover the beauty of Scotland’s coastline.

Author: NC-500

I have a passion for adventure and exploration and have travelled extensively across Scotland, exploring some of the country's most remote and scenic areas, plus of course the North Coast 500. While a motorcyclist, I also enjoy hiking, fishing and wild camping. View all posts by NC-500

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NC500 Itinerary

Plan your trip of a lifetime on the North Coast 500 in the Scottish Highlands

Travel the route with our NC500 itinerary

From Inverness to Dornoch, Brora to Tongue, Kylesku to Plockton and all of the wonderful towns and villages in between, travelling the magnificent North Coast 500 is a wonderful experience for everyone. Whether you are on two wheels or four, young or old, travelling alone or as a group, the coastal route of the Scottish Highlands has something for everyone.

The best way to explore the NC500 is to take your time and immerse yourself in the communities, landscapes and all of the amazing experiences and Highland adventures to be had.

7 day itinerary

1st night at Lochardil House, Inverness

2 nights at Royal Marine Hotel, Brora

1 night at Tongue Hotel

2 nights at Kylesku Hotel

Last night at Lochardil House, Inverness

All itineraries are based on 2 people sharing a Deluxe Room (or above) and include:

• A hearty Highland Breakfast per person

• Welcome gift at Lochardil House

• Welcome cocktail per person at each hotel

• Packed Lunch upon check out of each hotel

• £100 Dining Credit per night

• Bottle of house wine on first night at each hotel (supplements for wine upgrade) can be substituted for soft drinks

• Map and recommendations

• Printed itinerary at Lochardil

• Post-stay gift

Spring/Autumn rates from £220 per person per night

Summer rates from £265 per person per night

Winter rates from £179 per person per night

Plan My Journey

Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

10 day itinerary

10 nights stay in the following hotels

2nd and 3rd night at Royal Marine Hotel, Brora

4th and 5th night at Tongue Hotel

6th and 7th night at Newton Lodge

8th and 9th night at Plockton Inn

10th night at Lochardil House, Inverness

Spring/Autumn rates from £215 per person per night

Summer rates from £250 per person per night

14 day itinerary

14 nights stay in the following hotels

3 nights at Royal Marine Hotel, Brora

2 nights at Tongue Hotel

3 nights at Newton Lodge

3 nights at Plockton Inn

2 nights at Royal Golf Hotel, Dornoch

• Printed itinerary at Lochardil House

Stay at our hotels

Our collection of NC500 hotels offer a truly unique and authentic experience each time you stop. We promise a warm welcome, stunning locations, breath-taking views and the best food in the Highlands but each location has it’s own reason to stay a little longer.

Whether it’s paddle boarding in turquoise waters, spectating (or taking part!) at the Highland Games, whisky tasting at some of the oldest distilleries in the world or enjoying endless beach walks and Scottish sunsets. And as the seasons change so do the landscapes and the experiences – autumn, winter, spring or summer, they are all just as exciting!

Let us make it easy for you!

At Highland Coast Hotels we have an expert team who can arrange your entire NC500 trip. Clockwise or anticlockwise – the choice is yours! We will book your hotels, including your dining options, and create an itinerary of fantastic experiences for you to enjoy. We can even book them on your behalf with our experience partners.

NC500 bespoke itinerary includes:

• A hotel stay at any location of your choice within the Highland Coast Hotels Collection (one night or more at each hotel) • A hearty Highlands Breakfast at each hotel • Planned itinerary and experiences booked on your behalf in advance • Lunch and dinner options at our hotels

Terms & Conditions:

• Prices may vary and will be agreed prior to confirmation • Payment must be taken in advance for all hotel stays and experience activities • Hotel stays and experience activities are subject to availability • Experience activities are weather dependent and alternatives may be offered on the day • Children and dogs are welcome – please see our hotel terms and conditions for further details • Dinner and lunch allocation may vary by hotel, and times are subject to availability

Tongue Hotel, Tongue

Plockton Inn, Plockton

Royal Marine Hotel, Brora

Kylesku Hotel, Kylesku

Newton Lodge, Unapool

Royal Golf Hotel, Dornoch

The 20 Most Beautiful Places on the North Coast 500

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

1-Dunnet Head

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

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

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

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

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

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

3-Handa Island

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

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

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

4-Ardvreck Castle

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

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

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

5-Bealach na Bà

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

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

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

6-Applecross Peninsula

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9-Smoo Cave

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

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

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

10-Inverewe Garden

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

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

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

11-Plockton

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

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

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

12-Eilean Donan Castle

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

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

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

13-Loch Maree

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

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

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

14-Gairloch

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

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

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

15-Cape Wrath

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

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

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

16-Dunrobin castle

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

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

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

17-Strathpeffer

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

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

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

18-Loch Ness

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

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

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

19-Castle of Mey

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

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

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

20-Corrieshalloch Gorge

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

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

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

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

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North Coast 500 The Road Trip of a Lifetime Robbie Roams

North Coast 500 The Road Trip of a Lifetime by Robbie Roams

North coast 500 the road trip of a lifetime summary, north coast 500 the road trip of a lifetime: nc500 guide book by robbie roams, additional information, customer reviews - north coast 500 the road trip of a lifetime.

The Easiest Guide to Touring the North Coast 500 Scotland in a Campervan!

Are you dreaming of embarking on a breath-taking adventure through the rugged and beautiful Scottish Highlands? Look no further than the North Coast 500, a 516-mile scenic route that takes you through some of the most breath-taking landscapes in Scotland. And what better way to experience this unforgettable journey than by touring in a campervan ?   

With the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace, a campervan trip along the North Coast 500 is an adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime. But before you hit the road, there are a few tips and tricks you should know to make the most of your experience.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to plan and execute an unforgettable campervan journey along the North Coast 500. From the best campsites and routes to insider tips on where to find the most stunning views, we’ve got you covered. So, buckle up and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime!   

Campervans that are Perfect for the North Coast 500

Touring in a campervan offers a unique and exciting way to experience the North Coast 500, you have the freedom to explore the stunning Scottish Highlands at your own pace . You can stop and admire some stunning views whenever you want and you don’t have to worry about finding accommodation since your campervan doubles as your home on wheels.  

Another benefit of touring in a campervan is the ability to get off the beaten track and explore the North Coast 500 in full detail. With a campervan, you can venture down scenic roads and explore hidden gems. Plus, you can easily change your route and itinerary to suit your mood and preferences. It is, however, important to make these decisions while bearing in mind the potential impact of your camping trip on the natural landscape, the community and other tourists.  

Finally, touring in a campervan is a cost-effective way to explore the North Coast 500. With your accommodation and transportation sorted, you can spend more on local restaurants, shopping and other delights and contribute to the local economy !

Planning Your NC500 Campervan Trip  

Planning is key to a successful North Coast 500 campervan trip. The first step is to decide on your itinerary and route. The North Coast 500 is a circular route that starts and ends in Inverness. You can complete the route in as little as a few days or take your time and spend several weeks exploring the area.  

When planning your route, be sure to consider the weather and season. The North Coast 500 can be challenging to navigate during the winter months due to snow and ice on the roads. Summer is the most popular time to visit, but it can also be crowded, so consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn for a quieter experience .  

Next, you’ll need to decide on your campervan provider. At Wildcat Campervans , we have campervans ready to drive. We’re located in Glasgow so you can easily explore all of Scotland at your own pace. You also don’t require any special license to drive our modern campers, which are entirely designed and converted by us. 

Finally, you’ll need to pack for your trip. Be sure to bring warm clothing and waterproof gear, as the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable at any time of year! 

Essential Items to Pack for Your NC500 Campervan Adventure  

Packing for a campervan adventure requires some careful planning. You’ll need to bring everything you need to be self-sufficient on the road. Here are some essential items to pack for your North Coast 500 campervan adventure:    

• Warm clothing, including waterproof jackets and trousers, gloves, and hats.  
• Bedding, such as sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets.  
• Food and drinks, including non-perishable items that can be stored in your campervan.
• Toiletries, including toilet paper, hand sanitiser and wet wipes.  
• Maps and guidebooks to help you navigate the North Coast 500.
• Electronic devices, such as a GPS, camera and mobile phone.
• Cash and credit cards for emergencies.  

Tips for Driving on the North Coast 500  

Driving on the North Coast 500 can be an exciting and challenging experience. The route is narrow and winding, with many single-track roads and steep gradients. Here are some tips to help you navigate the roads safely:  

• Take your time and drive at a comfortable speed. Don’t rush and enjoy the scenery along the way.  
• Be aware of other vehicles on the road, especially on single-track roads. Use passing places to let other cars pass.  
• Be prepared for narrow roads and tight turns. Many roads on the North Coast 500 are single track, so be prepared to pull over and let other cars pass.  
• Watch out for wildlife, especially on rural roads. Animals such as deer and sheep are common in the Scottish Highlands and can be a hazard on the road.  
• Be extra cautious when driving in adverse weather conditions, such as snow, ice, or heavy rain.    

Where to Stop Along the North Coast 500  

There are numerous campsites along the route, ranging from basic facilities to luxury sites with all the amenities.

When choosing campsites in the Scottish Highlands, it’s important to choose sites that are designated for campervan use. Here are some of the best campsites to consider:      

Inverness Campervan Park : This campsite is conveniently located near the start of the North Coast 500 and offers all the amenities you’ll need, including showers, laundry facilities and a shop.  

Sands Caravan and Camping : This site is located near Gairloch and offers stunning views of the sea and mountains. It has all the facilities you’ll need, including a shop, showers and laundry.  

Inver Caravan Park : This site is located near the town of Dunbeath, in the far northeast corner of Scotland and offers easy access to the North Coast 500. It has all the amenities you’ll need, including showers, toilets and laundry facilities.  

Applecross Campsite : This site is located on the remote and stunning Applecross Peninsula, on the west coast of Scotland and offers stunning views of the mountains and sea. It has basic facilities, including toilets and showers.  

Best Places to Visit & Things to Do on the North Coast 500  

The North Coast 500 is home to some of the most stunning landscapes and attractions in Scotland. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do on the route:  

• The Bealach Na Ba : This mountain pass is one of the highlights of the North Coast 500. It offers stunning views of the Scottish Highlands and is a challenging drive.
• Applecross : This remote peninsula, located on the west coast, is a true hidden gem. Visit the picturesque village of Applecross, take a hike in the nearby Torridon Mountains and enjoy stunning views across to the Isle of Skye.
• Dunrobin Castle : Located on the east coast, Dunrobin Castle is a magnificent stately home that dates back to the 1300s. Explore the castle’s ornate rooms, wander through the gardens or attend one of the castle’s falconry displays.
• Smoo Cave : This dramatic sea cave, located near Durness, in the far north, is a must-visit for adventure seekers. Take a guided tour of the cave, explore the surrounding cliffs, or hike to nearby Balnakeil Beach.
• John O’Groats : The northernmost point on mainland Britain, John O’Groats is a popular destination for visitors to the North Coast 500. Take a photo with the iconic signpost, visit the nearby Duncansby Stacks or take a ferry to the nearby Orkney Islands.

Local Food & Drink to Try on Your Trip  

No trip to Scotland is complete without trying some of the local food and drink. Here are some of the must-try dishes and drinks along the North Coast 500:  

Haggis : This traditional Scottish dish is made from sheep’s heart, liver and lungs and is often served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).  

Cullen Skink : This creamy soup is made from smoked haddock and potatoes and is a popular dish in the Scottish Highlands.  

Whisky : Scotland is known for its whisky and there are several distilleries along the North Coast 500 where you can sample the local spirits.  

Beer : Scotland is also known for its real ale and there are several microbreweries along the route where you can try the local brews.  

Shortbread : This buttery biscuit is a Scottish classic and is often served with tea or coffee.      

The Scottish Highlands are home to a range of local businesses, including farms, shops, and restaurants. By supporting these businesses, you can help to support the local economy and contribute to the sustainability of the region.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Safety should be a top priority on your North Coast 500 campervan trip. Here are some safety tips and precautions to keep in mind:  

• Always wear your seatbelt while driving.  
• Make sure your campervan is in good working order before you hit the road.
• Check the weather conditions before setting out and adjust your route accordingly.
• Be aware of wildlife on the road and drive with caution in rural areas.
• Never park in areas that are prohibited or unsafe.
• Be respectful of the local environment and wildlife and leave no trace of your visit.
• Always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when camping or hiking in the Scottish Highlands.  

Are You Ready?  

Touring the North Coast 500 in a campervan is an unforgettable adventure that offers stunning landscapes, amazing attractions and the freedom to explore at your own pace. By following these tips and tricks, you can plan and execute a safe and enjoyable campervan journey along the North Coast 500. So, pack your bags, hit the road and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!  

Want to know more? Talk to us here. 

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The UK’s best road trips, from the North Coast 500 to the Atlantic Highway

G oing on a road trip these days isn’t all about opening yourself up to the freedom of the highway. It’s equally about doing things differently: from choosing flexibility to minimising your holiday carbon footprint and reducing emissions by opting not to fly. Especially if you’re going electric.

And make no mistake: the UK might not have the checklist desert-scapes and nostalgia-adorned highways of the US , or the wide open spaces and wonders of Australia , but it’s uniformly thrilling for road trip itineraries.

The Highlands instils a sense of adventure, while Yorkshire is terrific at any time of year – and nobody bats an eyelid in Devon or Cornwall when a top-down coupe rolls into town.

Here are our favourite road trips that, in effect, double as a guide to exploring some of the most beautiful parts of the UK .

Read more on UK travel :

• How to hike Scotland’s Hebridean Way
• The best Ireland road trips to discover the Emerald Isle
• The best wild swimming stays in the UK

The North Coast 500, Highlands

The precursor to so many newfangled UK road trips, the North Coast 500 overwrites any Route 66 image with mighty glens, mountains and moorlands, beating rains and coastal splendour. The 516-mile super-loop from Inverness through Caithness, Sutherland, and Ross and Cromarty is now overly popular from May to September, but it still holds its own in winter or spring for its bumper-to-bumper sights. Highlights abound, but include Dunrobin Castle, Smoo Cave in Durness, and a hike up sugarloaf-like Suilven. northcoast500.com

The Torridon is a fantasy Brigadoon castle hemmed in by dragon-scale mountains and a monstrous sea loch. Inside, the story is of sumptuous rooms, a whisky bar, a Michelin-worthy restaurant, and all the tartan trim you could wish for.

Doubles from £299 a night.

Best thing to do

The detour to Applecross along the roller coaster Bealach na Bà single track.

Best restaurant

Ullapool’s Seafood Shack has gone from word-of-mouth foodie destination to bestselling cookbook success. Open from April to October, it serves creel-caught langoustines, scallops, mussels and more.

The Atlantic Highway, Devon and Cornwall

Cutting through a spectacular chunk of England ’s southwest along the A39, this coastline-hugging drive remains a rock pool of beach tradition: there are fishing towns chock-a-block with breeze-swayed boats, squeaky sands leading to fish and chip shops, bracing clifftop walks and surfing adventures. Beyond that, the road leads to the somehow semi-imaginary, yet not-so-distant Land’s End .

An easy 70 miles from Barnstaple to Newquay , this trip is best taken in almost slow-motion, not driven in only a few hours. Your first stops should be beachy Bude then Tintagel, where the legends of King Arthur are remembered thanks to the remains of a castle raised above the nibbled shorefront. Otherwise, you’ll want to shuck saintly seafood in Padstow from town pin-up Rick Stein, then it’s surf’s up in Newquay only 17 miles away. No stag or hen dos, please. visitsouthwest.co.uk

Overlooking Fistral Beach, The Headland Hotel is a classic – come for the wind-whipped cottages and surf views, stay for the spa and swanky Aqua Club retreat.

Widemouth Bay, a beachfront invaded by locals and droves of out-of-towners any time there’s blue sky.

Outlaw’s New Road in Port Isaac, run by Rick Stein protege and multiple Michelin-star winner Nathan Outlaw.

The Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire

Not always on the move like Essex , or as traffic jammed as the Lake District , the roads around the heart of God’s Own County are more of the comforting sort, curving through stone-walled farmlands, prickly hills, forested dales, and steepled market towns.

So set off from Harrogate towards historic Grassington before motoring on from Wensleydale to Swaledale. It offers comfort to the core: Wallace and Gromit-approved cheese in Hawes, plus all-weather yomps to the spritzing Aysgarth Falls. You’ve also come for the thrill of driving over Buttertubs Pass, the high road through Yorkshire Dales National Park, and for War of the Roses history of the sort that causes ripples of excitement. On that front, how about time-stopped Middleham Castle or Jervaulx Abbey, two ghostly relics adrift in the moors?

Otherwise, if sea views and mussed-up hair are more your thing, then – as luck would have it – there’s the Route YC along the Yorkshire Coast. Pick from six themed itineraries between Whitby and Withernsea.

Country house hotel Simonstone Hall in Hawes is a rambly, murder mystery sort of place, as much for city slickers as humble road trippers.

Stock up your car boot with world-class cheese at the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre .

The Black Sheep Brewery , where a pint of cask-conditioned ale is always welcome. There’s a brilliant bar kitchen and brewery tours too.

Causeway Coastal Route, Antrim and Derry

The jigsaw piece steps of the Giant’s Causeway at the halfway point of this 130-mile stunner are 60 million years old – so it fits that there’s often a sense that time has stopped. Start in Belfast beside Titanic’s Dock & Pump House, where the ocean liner was conceived in the early 1900s, then shift up a gear for the Gobbins Cliff Path – this sucker-punch of a cliff face walk was carved out of basalt rock at the end of the 19th century.

Journey’s end is the walled city of Derry, but before that there’s Glenarm Castle and the jewelled greens of the Glens of Antrim, and, perhaps, a boat trip detour across the Sea of Moyle to Rathin Island. You’ll be in the company of puffins and seals if you do. Back on the main road west, it’s onwards to Dunluce Castle and Portrush for championship golf. discovernorthernireland.com

In the thick of the action, near the Giant’s Causeway, The Bushmills Inn is a coaching inn from the 1600s – now it’s the coast’s loveliest boutique.

Old Bushmills Distillery , for a tot of Irish whiskey for whoever’s not driving.

Low-key Harry’s Shack in Port Stewart serves up high-class seafood dishes like lobster and local crab.

The Road to the Isles, Highlands

In the past few years, road trips have popped up around Scotland as often as umbrellas do on a summer’s day. Some include: the North East 250 in Aberdeenshire, The Kintyre 66 in Kintyre, The Coig in Ayrshire, and the Southwest 300 around Dumfries and Galloway.

The Road to the Isles is arguably the original, as it can trace its history back to the days of Bonnie Prince Charlie. There’s only one road to follow – the A830 – and it swallows up 45 miles from Fort William to the end of the tarmac in the ferry port of Mallaig. Justifiably, it also claims to be the true heart of Jacobite Scotland, so linger at glorious Glenfinnan, where the Jacobite rising started in 1745, then hike the hills around Loch Shiel and Glenfinnan Viaduct (the train line made famous in the Harry Potter films).

Then it’s onto Arisaig, Mallaig, and the unspoiled Silver Sands of Morar, a pearly string of blue-on-gold beaches as tremendous as any in the UK. Perhaps, though, the ultimate reward is what awaits at road’s end: the spine-winding sight of the Small Isles of Eigg and Rhum, then their Hebridean sister Skye, which broods darkly on the horizon.

The Sleeping Car at Glenfinnan Station Museum is a sidetracked railway coach turned 10-bed bunkhouse.

Bunks from £90pp for a two-night stay.

Follow the Alternative Coastal Route along the B8007 for direct access to secluded bay after bay.

Overlooking Mallaig Harbour, The Bakehouse and Crannog Pizzeria is for watching the bobbing fishing fleet and chasing off scrap-chasing seagulls.

Dreaming of an epic road trip over the pond? Here’s how to do the great American road trip

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