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Rocks, lochs, waterfalls, beaches, mountains, hikes, boats, castles, seafood, pies, golf, gigs — what’s on your North Coast 500 itinerary?
As much about the drive as its attractions, this scenic circular road trip around the northern Scottish Highlands is a popular destination, so expect crowds during the summer months.
If you want a more peaceful experience take advantage of the shoulder seasons around mid-April or late autumn before the local businesses go into hibernation for winter.
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North Coast 500 Itinerary
Inverness
Inverness is a lively city, ideal for kick-starting or concluding your NC500 road trip, or both if you have time.
One of my favourite things to do here is a pub crawl between live gig venues like Hootenanny, Gellions, and The Highlander; just be cautious of the drink-driving laws.
Alcohol-free attractions include the Inverness Museum, Cathedral, shopping, and walking along the River Ness or through Ness Islands.
Inverness has landmarks close by that are worth visiting to learn more about the history of the area and wider Scotland – see Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns.
Read next: Things to do in Inverness.
Note: This NC500 road trip route goes clockwise but there is no right or wrong way to drive it.
Just reverse the suggestions below and most importantly, reserve accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment — whether you turn right or left at the start may be determined by bed and breakfast or campsite availability!
Bealach na Bà Viewpoint
Leaving Inverness over the Kessock Bridge, the next stop is Applecross in Wester Ross, driving over the infamous nail-biting, hairpin Bealach na Bà pass.
If you have plenty of time, you can also pull over at Rogie Falls before you take on the notorious road.
Applecross
Once you’ve navigated the winding single-track road, you deserve a breather.
Head to the Applecross Inn for fresh seafood served indoors or at the outdoor seating area with views over to the Isle of Skye.
Sheildaig
Sheildaig is a small charming village with a few food options such as the Sheildaig Bar where you can dine outdoors and watch out for the eagles who nest on Sheildaig Island.
You’ll also find public toilets, bed and breakfast accommodation, and a campsite in Sheildaig or a family-run hotel in neighbouring Torridon.
Torridon Hills
The drive through the Torridon Hills on the way to Gairloch is absolutely mesmerising!
Gairloch
Get ready for some serious beach eye candy coming up in the village of Gairloch, most notably the fantastically named Big Sands.
Boat tours, including a vessel with windows below the boat, are available from April until October.
Along with Sheildaig, Gairloch is a popular base for visitors exploring Wester Ross; accommodation includes hotels, bed and breakfasts, a hostel, and a campsite.
Mellon Udrigle Beach
If you’ve scrolled through NC500 content on social media you will definitely be familiar with Mellon Udrigle, one of the region’s white sand and turquoise water beaches.
There is a small car park and boardwalk leading to the beach which has no facilities so pack your own food and go to the loo in one of the towns beforehand.
Ullapool
Ullapool in Ross and Cromarty is the biggest and liveliest town on the West Coast of the North Coast 500.
It is the ideal base for those looking to hit the brakes for a few nights as there is enough to keep you entertained in the evenings and many day trip options nearby.
During the busier months, locals and visiting artists play gigs in the small pubs that serve bar menus and drinks — listen out for my friend Kim Richards!
A hike up Stac Pollaidh is always recommended to blow the cobwebs the day after!
There’s a well-trodden path with some scrambling at the top if you want to reach the summit but on a clear day, views can be enjoyed from the walk up.
Set aside 2-3 hours for this hike, one of my favourites in Scotland.
Did you know you can get the ferry to the Isle of Lewis from Ullapool?
Lochinver
Lochinver is another wee lovely village surrounded by water and home to cafes and freshly made pies!
It is located in the Assynt area of the NC500 which is known for its rocks, lochs and waterfalls with the tumbling Chranaidh Waterfall aka Wailing Widow Falls, just a short drive away.
Ardvreck Castle
Ardvreck Castle is a 15th-century ruin that sits on Loch Assynt, close to a small but mighty waterfall.
Achmelvich Bay
Achmelvich is another crystal clear water beach with the perfect photo opportunity on top of its rocky side looking down on the bay.
The landscape surrounding the single-track road leading to the bay feels like another planet!
Achmelvich often appears on “top ten” beaches lists in the UK.
Clachtoll Beach
Just as pretty, neighbouring Clachtoll has a campsite.
Durness
Before we head north to Durness in Sutherland, it is worth noting that the coast that stretches all the way is packed with wee bays and beaches just waiting to be explored such as Scourie and Sandwood.
Durness is home to a few unique activities!
Smoo Cave is a small but dramatic sea cave.
You can walk down to the entrance and explore for free or take a small (paid) boat tour into the cave.
The Golden Eagle Zip Line flies 100 ft above Ceannabeinne Beach!
Did you even go to Durness if you didn’t indulge on a hot chocolate from Cocoa Mountain?
Durness has bed and breakfasts, apartments, a campsite, a Spar shop, and public restrooms.
Thurso
The drive from Durness to Thurso in Caithness provides lots of opportunities to hop out of the car and take in the sea air as well as a side step to “The Unknown” Sculpture by Kenny Hunter.
The first of two spectacular castles on the East Coast of the NC500, The Castle and Gardens of Mey, is located in Thurso.
It was purchased and restored by Queen Elisabeth and does a nice scone and tea according to reviews.
Thurso has a train station, so if you want to see some of the NC500 by public transport you can take advantage of the Far North Line which also stops at Dunrobin Castle.
Scrabster, near Thurso, is where ferries sail to Stromness, a gorgeous town in the Isle of Orkney.
John o’ Groats
Famous for being the most north-eastern tip on the mainland of Scotland, every visitor leaves with a picture of the sign!
Nearby are the striking teardrop-shaped Duncansby Stacks.
Driving down the next stretch of the NC500’s east coast, you’ll pass lots of small towns and the Mermaid of the North statue.
Dunrobin Castle & Gardens
Dunrobin Castle is an incredible 189-room stately home, 18 of these rooms can be toured with a purchased ticket.
The turreted home also has a well-manicured garden inspired by Versailles that overlooks the Moray Firth, you could easily spend an hour relaxing here.
It has been home to Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century, however, the castle tour doesn’t explicitly discuss its ties with the Highland Clearances where local families and farmers were forced to leave the area they had a generational claim to.
Cromarty
Cromarty is a cute town located on the Black Isle.
Wander its streets looking out for the Georgian and Victorian architecture such as Forsyth House.
There’s also a thatched house which was the birthplace of geologist Hugh Miller.
Cromarty has a few accommodation options and cafes to dine at.
Chanonry Point
This narrow peninsula is the place to go for dolphin spotting near Inverness.
You can even do boat tours to increase your chances of seeing them.
Finish
Congratulations!
You’ve just closed the loop on the North Coast 500.
Whether you make time for every attraction or prioritise the activities that best fit your travel style — it’s guaranteed you’ll see new landscapes and discover your own wee hidden gems that make your trip.
Let me know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles is the NC500?
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is approximately 516 miles (830 km) long.
How many days does it take to complete?
There is no accurate answer to this, unfortunately — how much time do you have?
I’ve known locals to do it in two, but it’s not advised unless you want to spend the whole ride in the car.
A reduced itinerary could feature leaving Inverness for one night in Ullapool, the second night in Thurso and then down the East Coast to Inverness on the final day with minimal stops.
Alternatively, you could easily spend two weeks visiting every nook and cranny of the NC500 and enjoying slow evenings in the same place for a few nights.
Let me know what you end up doing in the comments!
Clockwise or anti-clockwise?
There is no set path, which means you can go clockwise or anti-clockwise around the NC500.
Some like to save the rugged mountain landscape of the West Coast for the second half of the road trip, others prefer to spend more time there so tackle it first.
Is the NC500 signposted?
Yes, you’ll see signs for villages and towns and brown signs for tourist attractions.
Should I go by car or camper?
OK, so this is a bit of a political hot potato as Highlanders are fed up with tourists mistreating their homes.
There are no rules against driving a car or campervan around the NC500, however, this remote region is also where locals live and work so they need access to the roads.
Here are some tips:
- Learn how to use “passing places” on single-track roads
- Pull in if it is on your left and let the driver by
- If this scares you, consider an NC500 tour or the Far North train line
- Only park in car parks and parking spaces
- Reserve accommodation with parking, most have this
- Book your campervan into caravan sites owned by locals with facilities
- If you want to camp – hike and take a tent with you
- There are hostels for budget visitors or outdoor enthusiasts
- Support the local businesses — drink in the pubs, dine at the cafes, and pay for tours
Any questions? Just pop them in the comments below or ask in the Facebook group.
