A comprehensive guide to the North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 is one of Europe’s most famous road trips. This circular route starts in Inverness and winds its way through the northern Highlands for around 830 kilometres. A North Coast 500 guide enables you to plan each stage and avoid an overly packed itinerary.

In short: The North Coast 500 is a loop of approximately 830 km starting in Inverness. Stages include: Black Isle, Applecross, Torridon, Ullapool, Durness, Thurso, John O'Groats, Wick, and then back to Inverness. Duration: at least seven days, avoiding stages longer than 200 km. Tip: book accommodation several months in advance between May and September, and fill up your fuel tank when it's half full.

With white sandy beaches, mountains, cliffs and remote villages, the scenery is constantly changing. However, the journey takes time, so it is best to allow at least seven days.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? Complete Guide to the North Coast 500 "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

On the road, you're more of a…

Fewer stops, more time on siteMore steps to see more

Question 2 of 5

You mainly stop to…

The beautiful viewpointsVillages and good places

Question 3 of 5

Your ideal route?

Scenic country roadsSimple journeys between stages

Question 4 of 5

For nights, you prefer…

Stay 2 or 3 nights in the same placeChange often to move forward

Question 5 of 5

The best part of a road trip?

An impromptu detourA favorite stop

At Brightside Travel LTD, we organise bespoke road trips in the north of Scotland. Each itinerary takes into account driving times, accommodation and activities.

North Coast 500 Guide: What is this route?

The North Coast 500, often referred to as the NC500, is a scenic route running through the northern Highlands.

It usually starts in Inverness. Then it goes to Applecross, Ullapool, Durness, Thurso, John O'Groats and the east coast before returning to Inverness.

The loop can be walked in either direction. However, walking anti-clockwise means you’ll finish with the spectacular scenery of the west coast.

How many days should you allow for the North Coast 500?

It is certainly possible to travel the route in five days. However, this pace leaves little time for sightseeing and hiking.

Seven days is a reasonable minimum. However, nine or ten days allow for a more relaxed trip.

With two weeks, you can add several detours, notably to the Isle of Skye or the Orkney Islands. See our must-sees on the Isle of Skye and most beautiful islands of Scotland.

Stage 1: Inverness and the Black Isle Peninsula

According to our North Coast 500 guide, Inverness is therefore the natural starting point of the route.

Before hitting the road, you can explore the city centre, the banks of the River Ness and the Victorian market.

Next, head to the Black Isle peninsula. Chanonry Point is particularly well known for dolphin watching.

You can also visit the villages of Fortrose and Cromarty. Finally, several distilleries are located nearby. To learn more, follow the whisky route.

Stage 2: Inverness to Applecross

From Inverness, the road then gradually joins the west coast.

You will pass through Lochcarron before reaching Bealach na Bà. This mountain road offers truly remarkable panoramas.

However, it is narrow and very steep. Therefore, it is not suitable for large vehicles. It is among the Scotland's most beautiful scenic drives.

In Applecross, enjoy the village, the sea views and the local produce. The scenery at sunset is often stunning.

Stage 3: Applecross to Torridon

The coastal road between Applecross and Torridon mostly passes through wild landscapes.

It runs alongside several bays before reaching the Torridon Mountains. What’s more, there are plenty of hiking opportunities in this region.

The village of Shieldaig makes for a lovely stop. Afterwards, you can carry on to Kinlochewe or Gairloch, depending on your plans.

Stage 4: Torridon to Ullapool

This day also takes you through one of the most beautiful sections described in this North Coast 500 guide.

Highlights include Loch Maree, the Corrieshalloch Gorges and several vantage points offering views of the mountains.

Ullapool is a charming little harbour. It also has several restaurants specialising in fish and seafood.

Finally, the village is a good base from which to explore the surrounding area.

Stage 5: Ullapool to Durness

From Ullapool onwards, the road becomes wilder.

The ruins of Ardvreck Castle overlook Loch Assynt. The Assynt mountains then accompany much of the journey.

You can also head to the beaches at Achmelvich or Clachtoll.

Further north, Durness offers several unmissable sights. Sango Sands and Smoo Cave are among the best known.

Stage 6: Durness to Thurso

The north coast, on the other hand, offers a different atmosphere. The mountains gradually give way to moors and cliffs.

Kyle of Tongue and Varrich Castle are well worth a stop. The road then passes through several remote villages.

As you approach Thurso, the landscape becomes more open.

The town is also a convenient stopover on the way to the Orkney Islands by ferry.

Stage 7: Thurso, John O’Groats and Wick

From Thurso, you can reach Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of Britain's mainland. On a clear night, it's also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Scotland.

Next, carry on towards John O’Groats. Despite its reputation as a tourist destination, the village offers lovely views of the Orkney Islands.

Duncansby Head is also well worth a visit. Its cliffs and rock formations are spectacular.

Finally, Wick has an old harbour and several traces of its history linked to herring fishing.

Step 8: From Wick to Inverness

The east coast, on the other hand, offers more castles and villages.

The ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe stand on the cliffs near Wick.

Further south, Dunrobin Castle is a sight to behold, with its impressive architecture and gardens. Afterwards, you could stop off at Dornoch or visit a distillery.

The road eventually reaches Inverness, completing the loop.

The most beautiful beaches on the North Coast 500

Northern Scotland is also home to several remarkable beaches.

Among the most beautiful are:

• Achmelvich Beach; ;
• Clachtoll Beach; ;
• Sandwood Bay; ;
• Sango Sands; ;
• Balnakeil Beach; ;
• Melvich Beach.

Some are accessible directly by car. Sandwood Bay, on the other hand, requires several hours’ walk there and back.

The best castles along the NC500

The route takes you past several castles and historic ruins.

In particular, you can visit:

• Ardvreck Castle; ;
• Dunrobin Castle; ;
• Mey Castle; ;
• Sinclair Girnigoe Castle; ;
• Eilean Donan Castle – extension.

These visits perfectly complement the natural landscapes along the route. See also the most beautiful castles in Scotland.

The must-do walks

This North Coast 500 guide also includes hikes suitable for different levels.

Among the most popular are:

• Stac Pollaidh; ;
• Knockan Crag; ;
• Bone Caves; ;
• Sandwood Bay; ;
• Falls of Shin; ;
• Beinn Eighe.

The weather can change rapidly, so it's essential to have appropriate equipment. Our selection of The most beautiful hikes in the Highlands gives other ideas.

Which vehicle should I choose?

A small car is often more practical on narrow roads. See our tips for rent a car.

Motorhomes certainly offer more freedom. However, they can become difficult to drive on Bealach na Bà and some single-track roads.

Furthermore, wild camping in a vehicle is not automatically permitted. You must use designated sites and respect local communities.

Where to stay on the North Coast 500?

However, accommodation options are limited in some regions.

You will mainly find:

• Bed & Breakfast; ;
• guesthouses; ;
• small hotels; ;
• lodges; ;
• campsites; ;
• cottages.

It is essential to book several months in advance, especially between May and September. Our advice’accommodation in the UK detail each formula.

Filling up: the North Coast 500 guide to gas stations

Gas stations are sometimes located far away.

You’ll find them in Inverness, Lochcarron, Gairloch, Ullapool, Durness, Thurso, Wick and several towns along the east coast, amongst others.

It’s best to fill up as soon as the tank is getting close to half full. What’s more, some petrol stations have reduced opening hours.

What time of year should you choose? Advice from our North Coast 500 guide

From May to June, the days are long and the countryside is lush and green.

July and August are the busiest months. Accommodation and the roads may therefore be busy.

September often offers a good balance between weather, colors, and crowds. Our guide when to go to Scotland detailed each month.

In winter, some activities are suspended and road conditions become more difficult.

Driving tips for the North Coast 500

They drive on the left.

On single-track roads, use the passing places to let other vehicles pass. You should also let local drivers pass when they wish to overtake.

Never stop in the middle of the road to take a photo. Instead, use car parks and designated areas.

Finally, slow down when you’re near animals. Sheep and deer may cross the road without warning.

Mistakes to avoid according to our North Coast 500 guide

In this North Coast 500 guide, the main pitfall remains wanting to travel the entire route too quickly.

Also avoid:

• stages of more than 200 kilometres; ;
• last-minute accommodation bookings; ;
• vehicles that are too wide; ;
• stops at passing places; ;
• going for walks without checking the weather; ;
• the detours suggested by the sat-nav without any explanation.

A slower route allows you to better appreciate the region. For a more classic route, see our road trip in Scotland of 7, 10 or 15 days and What to do around Loch Ness.

Also read: Things to do in Inverness: sightseeing, Culloden and Loch Ness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the length of the North Coast 500?

Approximately 830 kilometres. The loop starts in Inverness, passes through Applecross, Ullapool, Durness, Thurso and John O'Groats, then returns along the east coast.

How many days does it take to complete the NC500?

Seven days is a reasonable minimum. Nine or ten days, however, allows for a more relaxed trip, and two weeks leaves room for Skye or the Orkney Islands.

Which direction should I travel on the North Coast 500?

Both directions are possible. However, the counter-clockwise direction allows you to finish with the landscapes of the west coast.

Is it possible to do the North Coast 500 in a campervan?

Yes, but Bealach na Bà and some single-track roads are difficult for large vehicles. Wild camping in vehicles is also not automatically permitted.

Where can I refuel on the NC500?

Particularly in Inverness, Lochcarron, Gairloch, Ullapool, Durness, Thurso and Wick. Fill up as soon as the tank is close to half full, as some stations have reduced hours.

What is the best time of year for the North Coast 500?

May and June offer long days. September is also a good balance, while July and August are busier.

Plan your North Coast 500 itinerary

This North Coast 500 guide provides a starting point for planning your road trip. However, every trip should be tailored to your own pace, the time of year and your interests.

At Brightside Travel LTD, we create bespoke tours in the north of Scotland. We select accommodation, stops along the way, walks and local experiences tailored to your plans.

Discover our bespoke holidays in Scotland:

See our tailor-made trips to Scotland

To view official information about the route, please visit the North Coast 500 website:

northcoast500.com

Want to do the NC500 without any planning? Our 17-day itinerary combines the North Coast 500, the Orkney Islands and the Highlands: Scotland and Orkney Islands trip, from €2,500.

Want to do the NC500 in a van or motorhome? Read our tips for a road trip in a van in Scotland and Ireland.

BRIGHTSIDE TRAVEL

Do you want to experience this trip?

Our local team creates your tailor-made itinerary in the UK and Ireland.

Create my trip