If you’re dreaming of dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, pristine beaches, and the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands, then buckle up, because we are going to cover everything you need to know to plan the perfect NC500 road trip!
NC500 ROUTE
The NC500 is a spectacular 516-mile circular route that starts and ends in Inverness, winding its way around the stunning northern coast of Scotland. We drove the route this legendary route in the anti clockwise direction. Starteding off by heading north to John o’ groats, then turning west traversing the very top of mainland Scotland, then heading south snaking along the rugged coastline to the applecross peninsula, before looping back to Inverness.
Getting Around
The NC500 is a driving route so you will need a car, motorbike, campervan or some other fom of transport.
Car: Obviously a car is the most popular way to get around giving you the freedom to park and explore pretty much anywhere you want. If you live in the UK and own a car you can drive up to inverness and start the route from there. If not you can fly to inverness and hire a car from the airport like we did so you can pick it up and drop it of from tour point of entry.
Campervan/Motorhome: A Campervan or Motorhome offers the ultimate flexibility for accommodation and cooking. However, be mindful that some of the more challenging roads that are not suitable for larger vehicles, like the B869 the Drumbeg Loop and the Bealach na Bà. But there are alternative routes if you are not confident driving on these roads. You can also look into hiring one from Inverness as well if you fancy that.
Motorcycle: The NC500 is a motocyclists paradise with its winding roads and open landscapes. We saw loads of motorcylists and it looked like loads of fun so if you are a motorcycle enthusiast if it wasnt already on you bucket list add the NC500 to it.
TRAVEL TIP: Just for general awarenss there are loads of single-track roads with passing places – drive carefully take your time and be aware of your surrounding and be courteous to other drivers.
Where to Stay
You’ll find Accommodation all along the NC500 with a diverse range of choice, catering to all budgets and styles. You’ll find everything from hotels and charming B&Bs to cosy glamping pods and scenic campsites.
Hotels & B&Bs: you will find a larger selection around towns like Inverness, Ullapool and Dornoch, you’ll have a good selection of hotels.
Glamping & Pods: These are incredibly popular along the route. Offering an outdoor camping experience with more comfort.
Campsites: If you’re travelling in a campervan or with a tent, there are loads of campsites, from basic to those with full facilities. Some like sango sands oasis have amazing views from the campsite.
Best Time to Visit
High Season: You can visit the NC500 all year-round but let’s be honest the best time to visit is in the peak season in summer between June and August. You will get long daylight hours with sunsets as late as 10:30 PM, warmer temperatures, and all attractions and activities are in full swing. However, it’s the busiest time, so expect more crowds, higher prices and full car parks in the busier spots.
Shoulder Season: The shoulder seasons is also worth considering (Spring from April – May & Autumn from September – October): This is the sweet spot! With Fewer crowds and decent weather and stunning scenery. Spring brings new life and blooming wildflowers, while autumn explodes with incredible autumn colours. The weather can be variable, ranging from sunny days to days where it’s miserable rainy and windy and most likely all three in one day so keep that in mind!
Low Season: Winter (November – March): this is obviously the worst time to travel here. Alot of places will be closed for the season. There can also be snow and ice on the roads with some sections may even be closed. But there is hardly anyone around so you will have the whole place to yourself.
Our Recommendation: We visited in September and it was still a little busy in some places and the weather wasn’t the best at times. But overall a good experience. But if you are willing to put up witht the crowds summer would be amazing with long sunny days.
Itinerary / Things to Do
Day 1: Inverness to John o’groats (East Coast)
We leave Inverness and make our way north to John o’groats where we will stay 2 nights. You can also split this up and stay in the Wick area if you dont feel comfortable covering all that ground on the first day.
Our first stop is in the the Black Isle at Chanonry Point for a chance to spot bottlenose dolphins where the best time is on a rising tide. Still in the black isla are we drive onto Fairy Glen Falls a beautiful little woodland walk whith 2 waterfalls along the trail. Next stop by Dornoch a charming little historic town with a beautiful beach and cathedral. Depending on the time you can stop for breakfast or Lunch or brunch even. After grabbing a bite to eat head to Big Burn another beatiful woodland walk through a stunning lush green gorge finishing off at another waterfall. Just a short drive from Big burn is Dunorobin Castle. A fairytale-like castle with stunning gardens and daily falconry displays. Be aware there is an entry fee of £20 to visit Dunrobin Castle Last stop of the day Carn Laith a iron age fortified home that is a really cool piece of history that has stood the test of time.
Day 2: John o’ Groats (North East)
Today we will explore the north eastern corner of mainland scotland. Starting by driving back south to Whaligoe Steps. Descend 330 steps down a cliff face to a historic fishing harbour. with an epic waterfall that plunges over the cliffs into the ocean. This was one of our favourite stps on the NC500! Head back north to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe a dramatic ruined castle perched on the cliffs with dramatic views of the cloastline. There are some other casltes in the are that we didnt have time to check out Castle of Old Wick and Old Keis Castle. Head back to John o’groats to visit the iconic signpost. marking the furthest point north east from Lands end in cornwall the most southwestern point in mainland great britain. Our next stop is a few miles to the east at Duncansby Head the most north easterly point of main land great britain. here there is a walking trail that takes you down to the Duncansby Stacks a group of dramatic sea stacks that rise over 60m out of the ocean. Our last stop of the day is Dunnet head The most northerly point of mainland Britain, offering incredible views of the coatline, the Orkney islands and a historic lighthouse.
Day 3: John o’ Groats to Durness (North Coast)
Day 3 we are going to wind our way accross the very north coat of mainland scotland where we will find some of the best beaches on the NC500. Aim to stay somewhere in the Durness area. We stayed in Olshoremore for 2 nights but we think if we did it again we would have stayed only one night in Oldshpremore and the second night stayed further south around Achmelvich bay, Lochinver or Ullapool area.
Our fisrt stop is Dunnet bay just a little bit past where we finished yesterday this is a beautifull long sandy beach and if you are camping there is also a caravan park here that would have been the perfect stop the night before. For breakfast stopped in at Thurso a historic town that is known as the gateway to the far north, here there are many cafes and bakeries and a decent sized supermarket to stock up on food. Head further west to Strathy Beach a beautiful sandy beach this a great place to take a stoll enjoy the beautiful scenery and check out the rocky cliffs where you can explore caves and find hidden beaches. This place was a real hidden gem. We keep heading further west along the beautiful coatline crossing the Kyle of Tongue a large sea loch that is crossed via a bridge and causeway. There is a car park halfway accross where can take a quick stop and take in the views. along this stretch you will pass a couple of points of interest like the Ard Neackie Lime Kilns and Ceannabeinne Beach a stunning white sand beach. Our next stop is Smoo Cave a dramatic sea cave with a spectacuar large entrance you can explore part of the cave and see a waterfall inside the cave as a stream runs through the cave and into the ocean. This is a must top on the NC500. Last stop of the day is Sango Sands, a stunning white sand beach with turquise water will make you think you have been transported to thailand. here you will also find the famous sango sands viewpoint for amazing views. And again if you are camping the famous Sango sands oasis is right here overlooking the beach.
Also if you have time also check out Oldshoremore Beach voted one of the best beaches in europe. And the best thing there are no crowds or sunlounges but you may struggle to find a beer.
Day 4: Durness to Lochinver/Ullapool (North West)
Today we will explore the north western area with our first stop Kylesku Bridge a modern architectural bridge spanning a channel that connects mutliple sea lochs. Its a Great photo opportunity that is just a pull off on the side of the road. Head furhter south to Wailing Widow Falls probably the most beautiful and powerfull waterfall on the NC500. It is fed from Loch na Gainmhich and pours into a dramatic gorge below. Just 5 miles down the road we have Ardvreck Castle a picturesque ruins of a 15th-century castle sitting on the shores of Loch Assynt. This castle was also the former stronghold of the MacLeods of assynth. If you are up for a hike head to the Bone Caves here you will find some caves located high up in the side of a hill with amazing views of the highlands. In the caves archelogiststs found the remins of bears and other creatures that are no longer found in Scotland. Drive the incedibly scenic B869 the Drumbeg Loop one of the most sunning sections of the NC500 and stop by Clashnessi Falls and Achmelvich Bay another incredible white sand beaches with turquoise waters. Last stop of the day is Lochinver a picturesque fishing village, famous for its pie shop! Stop by the Lochinver larder to try out one of their famous pies.
Day 5: Lockinver/Ullapool to Gairloch (West Coast)
Today we head south to the Gairloch area there isn’t too many stops on this day just alot of driving on slow windy roads but with amazing views.
First stop of the day the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve this is an important geological site with a short hiking trail with some of the best views of the scottish highlands on the NC500 with loads of interprative signs along trail tailing the geoligical history of the area. Head onto Ullapool A lovely village, we had a poke around town and do some shopping and try some fresh seafood. We had some seafood at the very popular Seafood Shack and it is delish. After lunch hit Corrieshalloch Gorge a breathtaking deep gorge with a suspension bridge and spectacular waterfall. There is a short hike through lush mossy wooland to reach the gorge where you will pass numerous other waterfalls along the way. Keep heading south stopping at Inverewe Garden a unique botanical garden flourishing in the northern Highlands thanks to the Gulf Stream. Loch Maree one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs, surrounded by beautiful mountains and dotted with small islands.
Day 6: Gairloch to Applecross Area (South West)
Today we are going to wind our way south along the Applecross peninsular and go on a little detour to see an epic castle! Where to stay on day 6 really depends on what accomodation you are after are you camping? Or staying in hotels? I will mark an area on the map and aim to stay somewhere in the marked area some some of this are is quite remote with little options.
Our first stop is Loch Torridon here there asomr nice viewpoints looking over the loch with its beautiful mountain backdrop and a number of hiking trails in the area if you fancy it. Next we will snake our way along the rugged Applecross peninsula this is a really beautiful stretch of road with loads of pullouts to stop and admire the views. Eventually you will make it to Applecross village a charming little town that is great place to stop for a bite to eat or grap a pint in the pub to steady your nerves for the next section. The infamous Bealach na Bà Scotland’s third-highest road pass, with hairpin bends, steep grade. This is a true white knuckle ride but with incredible panoramic views. Our final stop of the day is Eilean Donan Castle this is a bit of a detour from the nc500 but well worth visiting one of the most iconic castles in Scotland.
Day 7: Applecross to Inverness (Return Leg)
The last day we make our way back to Inverness stopping at Rogie Falls a beautiful waterfall thst is a good place to spot leaping salmon. Once you get back to Inverness if you have time explore the city a little and visit the Inverness castle, explore the City center and walk along the River Ness.
NC500 Travel Tips
Plan Ahead: Book accommodation well in advance, especially in hgh season. If you leave it too late it really limits where you can stay and the prices will be thru the roof!
Don’t Rush: take your time and and enjoy the beaurltiful views on the journey While we reccomend 5-7 allow more time if you can. There are so many stops and trust us you will want to see them all! Have a plan be flexible but take it day by day as things can change like our next tip.
Be Prepared for Weather: The Scottish weather is famously unpredictable. Pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear, even in summer.
Fuel Up: Petrol stations can be sparse in some of the more remote areas, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge. You dont wan to ge stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Download Offline Maps: Phone signal can be patchy in parts of the Highlands. So make sure you have offline maps availabe to navigate.
Food & Drink: Keep in mind some of these places are remote and there isn’t many options available to eat out or even supermarkets can be few and far between. So make sure you look into the options around where you are staying as their might not be any and stopping along the journey maybe more convenient.
Next Stop:
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