{"id":1948,"date":"2026-07-24T16:39:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T14:39:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/?p=1948"},"modified":"2026-11-09T15:53:28","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T14:53:28","slug":"north-coast-500-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/north-coast-500-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"A comprehensive guide to the North Coast 500"},"content":{"rendered":"

The North Coast 500 is one of Europe\u2019s 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<\/strong> enables you to plan each stage and avoid an overly packed itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Fancy a trip to Scotland?<\/strong> Our on-site experts design your tailor-made trip to Scotland<\/a>, at your own pace.<\/div>
Get my free quote<\/a> Free and without obligation<\/span><\/div>
\u201cLo\u00efc and his team really listened and created a truly tailor-made trip for us \u2013 thank you again!\u201d \u2013 Charlotte<\/strong>, Google reviews<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

North Coast 500 Guide: What is this route?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The North Coast 500, often referred to as the NC500, is a scenic route running through the northern Highlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

The loop can be walked in either direction. However, walking anti-clockwise means you\u2019ll finish with the spectacular scenery of the west coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How many days should you allow for the North Coast 500?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is certainly possible to travel the route in five days. However, this pace leaves little time for sightseeing and hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seven days is a reasonable minimum. However, nine or ten days allow for a more relaxed trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> and most beautiful islands of Scotland<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 1: Inverness and the Black Isle Peninsula<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to our North Coast 500 guide, Inverness is therefore the natural starting point of the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before hitting the road, you can explore the city centre, the banks of the River Ness and the Victorian market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, head to the Black Isle peninsula. Chanonry Point is particularly well known for dolphin watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also visit the villages of Fortrose and Cromarty. Finally, several distilleries are located nearby. To learn more, follow the whisky route<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 2: Inverness to Applecross<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From Inverness, the road then gradually joins the west coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will pass through Lochcarron before reaching Bealach na B\u00e0. This mountain road offers truly remarkable panoramas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Applecross, enjoy the village, the sea views and the local produce. The scenery at sunset is often stunning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 3: Applecross to Torridon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The coastal road between Applecross and Torridon mostly passes through wild landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It runs alongside several bays before reaching the Torridon Mountains. What\u2019s more, there are plenty of hiking opportunities in this region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The village of Shieldaig makes for a lovely stop. Afterwards, you can carry on to Kinlochewe or Gairloch, depending on your plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 4: Torridon to Ullapool<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This day also takes you through one of the most beautiful sections described in this North Coast 500 guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights include Loch Maree, the Corrieshalloch Gorges and several vantage points offering views of the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ullapool is a charming little harbour. It also has several restaurants specialising in fish and seafood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the village is a good base from which to explore the surrounding area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 5: Ullapool to Durness<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From Ullapool onwards, the road becomes wilder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ruins of Ardvreck Castle overlook Loch Assynt. The Assynt mountains then accompany much of the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also head to the beaches at Achmelvich or Clachtoll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further north, Durness offers several unmissable sights. Sango Sands and Smoo Cave are among the best known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 6: Durness to Thurso<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The north coast, on the other hand, offers a different atmosphere. The mountains gradually give way to moors and cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kyle of Tongue and Varrich Castle are well worth a stop. The road then passes through several remote villages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you approach Thurso, the landscape becomes more open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The town is also a convenient stopover on the way to the Orkney Islands by ferry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 7: Thurso, John O\u2019Groats and Wick<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, carry on towards John O\u2019Groats. Despite its reputation as a tourist destination, the village offers lovely views of the Orkney Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Duncansby Head is also well worth a visit. Its cliffs and rock formations are spectacular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, Wick has an old harbour and several traces of its history linked to herring fishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 8: From Wick to Inverness<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The east coast, on the other hand, offers more castles and villages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe stand on the cliffs near Wick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The road eventually reaches Inverness, completing the loop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most beautiful beaches on the North Coast 500<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Northern Scotland is also home to several remarkable beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the most beautiful are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n