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So, you fancy doing the North Coast 500 in the Scottish Highlands? You’re in the right place! I spent a week driving this beautiful route with my two friends in my little Fiat 500 (it managed just fine!). At the time, I was living in Wick, right on the NC500, which meant I had the chance to explore the area and all it has to offer properly.
Living locally gave me more than just the opportunity to drive this road trip – it gave me insider knowledge. From chats with locals to spontaneous off-the-beaten-track adventures, I’ve collected plenty of tips, must-sees, and hidden gems that you won’t always find in the guidebooks.
This post is your ultimate NC500 overview — everything you need before setting off. The route is massive, so I’ve broken it into four sections, each with its own comprehensive guide for an in-depth look at every stage of the journey. Think of these as your ultimate guides to the NC500, written by someone who’s driven the road firsthand.
What Is the North Coast 500?
The North Coast 500 is a legendary 516-mile route around the Scottish Highlands. Since its launch in 2015, it has become hugely popular — and for good reason. Every turn offers breathtaking scenery, especially along the west coast.
It will take you on a true Highland adventure — expect winding single-track roads, rugged hills, white sandy beaches, fairytale castles, and charming little villages.
Where Does the NC500 Start and End?
The North Coast 500 is essentially a loop, and most people start and finish in Inverness. Some say the official starting point is Inverness Castle, but honestly, there’s no rule — for me, it began at a cosy pub in Inverness with a pint in hand!
Inverness is probably the most convenient place to kick things off. It’s easy to reach from Glasgow or Edinburgh by taking the train or bus, and the city even has its own airport — perfect if you’re coming from further afield.
That being said, you don’t have to start in Inverness. Since the NC500 is a loop, you can begin (and end) wherever you like — the choice is yours, and wherever you start is where your adventure will end.
How Long Does It Take to Drive the North Coast 500?
I’d personally recommend taking at least 7 days to drive the NC500. The scenery is absolutely stunning, so the more time you have to travel slowly and really soak it all in, the better.
I spent 7 days on the route myself, including an overnight stop on the Isle of Skye, and found it was the perfect amount of time to really enjoy the journey.
If you only have five days or less, I’d focus on just a section of the route — otherwise, it can feel a bit rushed. Personally, I’d choose the west coast stretch from Applecross to Durness; in my opinion, it has the best scenery on the NC500. Otherwise, you could consider driving the North East 250 — a similar but smaller route than the NC500 that offers a different kind of adventure through Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
With more than 10 days, you could take your time exploring places just off the route, like the Isle of Skye, the Outer Hebrides (Lewis and Harris), or Orkney.
Best Time of Year to Do the NC500
The best time to tackle the North Coast 500 is undoubtedly the shoulder season — spring and autumn. I did the route in April, and I loved it: the roads weren’t crowded, the sights were relatively quiet, and everything was open and accessible.
The summer months (June–August) are the busiest. Expect crowded sightseeing spots, busier roads — which can be frustrating on the single-track sections — and accommodation that books up fast. On the plus side, everything is open for the tourist season, the days are longer (perfect for sightseeing), and there’s a slightly better chance of good weather — emphasis on slightly, because, well… it is Scotland after all!
I generally wouldn’t recommend the winter months (November–March). Many businesses have reduced hours or are closed entirely, and the weather can be harsh, with snow common in the Highlands.
North Coast 500 Route Map
I’ve put together a map of the North Coast 500 for you, which you can see below. It shows the official route, plus a few extra trips and shortcuts that you can take.
One of the best things about the NC500 is that you don’t have to stick to a strict route — the journey is yours to shape! I’d highly recommend a visit to the stunning Eilean Donan Castle. It’s just a short detour from the main route and is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks.
As the map shows, the main route hugs the coast almost all the way around, which makes it easy to include trips to nearby islands like Skye, Lewis and Harris, or Orkney. Fun fact: Scotland has over 900 offshore islands, and the beaches are stunning… just don’t expect tropical weather!
On the map below, the official route and main NC500 towns are marked in blue, and the orange pins show additional stops worth exploring off the route.
Highlights and Must-See Stops on the NC500
The North Coast 500 is bursting with incredible stops, from rugged coastlines and dramatic cliffs to charming villages and historic castles. I’ve broken down all the must-see places for each session on the route in my NC500 blog post series, so you can plan your trip without missing a thing.
Some of my personal favourites and must-sees along the way include:
- Bealach na Ba – One of the most exciting roads on the NC500, although it’s definitely not built for huge cars or campervans. There’s even a sign at the start warning motorhomes and campervans to avoid it. I’m not sure it was made for my Fiat 500 either — I ended up calling my dad at the top after my car started making a strange ‘rolling’ noise!
- Duncansby Stacks — Massive, towering rock formations just off the east coast. The view is incredible, but be careful when walking up — you’re right on the edge of a cliff.
- Dunrobin Castle – In my opinion, this might just be the prettiest castle in all of Scotland.
- Dunnet Beach – Catch the sunset here on a clear day; it might just be the most magical one you’ll ever see.
- Dunnet Head – The northernmost point of mainland Britain.
- Smoo Cave – A pretty cool sea cave in Durness.
- Torridon – Home to some of the best landscapes on the NC500.
- Ullapool – For the full Scottish experience, pop into a local pub and enjoy some traditional Highland music.
Check out my full guides to each section of the NC500 from Inverness to Thurso, Thurso to Durness, Durness to Applecross, and Applecross to Inverness to explore all the stops, hidden gems, and insider tips that will make your journey truly unforgettable.
Driving the NC500: Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise
Do you drive clockwise from Inverness to Applecross or anti-clockwise up to Thurso? This is one of the first big decisions when planning your NC500 trip. The good news is, whichever direction you choose, you’ll end up back where you started — so it’s really not a huge dilemma. It’s entirely up to you which way you go!
Personally, I’d 100% recommend driving the NC500 anti-clockwise from Inverness to Thurso, and here’s why:
- Roads: The east coast mostly has main roads (A9), while the west coast is full of single-track roads. Taking the anti-clockwise route means you start on the easier main roads, which helps build your confidence before tackling the trickier single-track sections later.
- Views: The west coast has some of the best scenery on the NC500 (like Ardvreck Castle and Loch Torridon pictured below), so going anti-clockwise means you save the most breathtaking views for the end — the perfect finale to your Highland adventure!
Tips for Single-Track Roads and Driving in Scotland
Remember That The UK Drives On The Left
This is so important! Traffic accidents in the highlands have massively increased since the NC500 became popular, mostly because people forget or don’t know which side of the road to drive on.
Scotland Has Zero Tolerance On Drinking And Driving
Technically, the limit isn’t zero, but it’s very low. Even one alcoholic drink could put you over the legal limit, so play it safe and don’t drink at all if you’re driving.
Be Mindful Of Your Speed
The single-track roads and hairpin bends aren’t built for high speed, so take it slow. But also avoid driving unnecessarily slowly — if cars are behind you, pull into a passing place to let them by. You’ll enjoy the journey much more, too!
Watch Out For Animals
Cows, sheep, and deer are common on these roads. Slow down and wait for them to move before continuing.
Use Passing Places
On single-track roads, passing places are your friend. If you’re closer to a passing place, pull in to let the other car pass. Sometimes one of you may need to reverse — it’s all part of the NC500 etiquette.
Accommodation Options on the NC500
My biggest tip for booking accommodation on the NC500 is to book months in advance. Even in April, I found that many places were already full, and in summer, it’s even busier. Booking early not only gives you the best choice of places to stay but also lets you plan the direction of your route. Leaving it until the last minute can force you into a route or direction you hadn’t intended.
In my guides, I’ll cover budget, mid-range, and luxury options for each section: Inverness to Thurso, Thurso to Durness, Durness to Applecross, and Applecross to Inverness.
But for now, here are some of my personal favourite spots along the route — I’m a big fan of glamping pods and lodges myself, and there are plenty on the NC500!
- Start or end your NC500 journey in style at the Kingsmill Hotel in Inverness. This 4-star hotel offers a warm Highland welcome, comfy rooms, and a fantastic restaurant. Don’t miss trying their sticky toffee pudding — it was so good, I just may have ordered another one to my room!
- Stay in one of the North Coast 500 Pods in Brora on the east coast. These luxury glamping pods are so cosy, with some pods even featuring private hot tubs and saunas, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. There are also North Coast 500 pods in Achmelvich on the west coast.
- Stay at the iconic John O’Groats on the north coast. The John O’Groats luxury lodges or apartments offer stunning sea views and are a perfect base for exploring the northernmost point of the British mainland.
- Located in the quaint village of Tongue on the north coast, The Tongue Hotel boasts stunning views over the Kyle of Tongue and Ben Loyal.
- Located beside the picturesque Kylesku Bridge on the west coast, Kylesku Lodges offer a peaceful escape. These self-catering lodges provide panoramic views over Loch a’ Chàirn Bhàin and are an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Food and Drink Along the Route
After having lived on the NC500, I know where you really need to eat. Here are some of my favourite spots you shouldn’t miss:
- The River Bothy, Berriedale Bends – This lovely little tearoom used to sit next to a notorious hairpin bend — thankfully replaced by a safer stretch of road! What was once a pit stop to catch your breath after navigating the bends is now a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. The café serves delicious lunches, cakes, and even traditional afternoon tea.
- Wickers World, Wick – A local favourite when I lived in Wick. The food is simple, hearty, and delicious — they proudly claim to have the best food in town!
- Bord De L’Eau, Wick – A charming French restaurant in Wick with incredible, authentic dishes.
- Capilla Tapas, Scrabster – Set in a tiny chapel, this spot serves some of the best Spanish tapas on the route. Don’t miss the patatas bravas – you can thank me later!
- Sango Sands Oasis Restaurant and Bar, Durness – Perfect for a snack or a full meal. A friendly, down-to-earth option while exploring the far north.
- Cocoa Mountain, Durness – Stop for a delicious hot chocolate or pick up some sweet treats to take home.
- Clachtoll Fish and Chips, Lairg – No NC500 trip is complete without a proper chippy stop. Grab a takeaway and head to the nearby beach. Perfect combo: stunning scenery and tasty fish and chips!
- Applecross Inn, Applecross – A lovely Scottish pub with hearty food and accommodation. Ideal for a stop before taking on the Bealach na Ba. Stunning views over Applecross Bay to the Isle of Raasay!
- The Mustard Seed, Inverness – One of the best restaurants in Inverness, a lovely start or end to your NC500 adventure.
As with accommodation and activities, there are too many incredible food stops to mention here. I’ll dive deeper into all the best eats in my NC500 blog series.
Best Vehicles for the North Coast 500 (Car, Campervan, Motorbike)
Cars
Honestly, pretty much any car can handle the NC500. I completed the road trip with my two friends in my little FIAT 500. It made it, but I won’t lie — it wasn’t the comfiest ride for a 7-day trip! A slightly bigger car definitely makes for a more comfortable and enjoyable journey.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, don’t worry — there are plenty of rental options in Inverness, which is the best place to pick one up. There aren’t many rental options elsewhere along the route, so starting in Inverness makes things much easier.
To compare car rental companies and find the best deal, I recommend using DiscoverCars or AutoEurope. Both are reliable websites that let you compare prices and ratings across hundreds of rental options in Inverness, helping you find the right car for your NC500 adventure.
Campervans
A small campervan is another great option — and the bonus is that you wouldn’t need to book accommodation along the route. I’d suggest keeping it small, though, because Highland roads can be narrow, especially on the single-track sections. A bigger campervan can be tricky to navigate, and it might stop you from driving up Bealach Na Ba, one of the highlights of the trip.
If you’re hiring a campervan or motorhome, the Highland Council’s NC500 Motorhome Scheme is worth considering. This voluntary seven-day pass costs £40 (VAT included) and grants access to 12 designated overnight parking spots along the route, including Torvean Car Park in Inverness, Golspie Shore Street Car Park, Dunnet Head Car Park, Ullapool Latheron Car Park, and Gairloch Harbour Car Park. Parking is first-come, first-served from 10pm to 8am, with a 72-hour no-return rule at each location to ensure fair use. The scheme helps manage the growing number of campervans on the route, offering a structured and sustainable way to explore Scotland’s stunning NC500 by motorhome or campervan.
Motorbikes or Bicycles
If you’re feeling adventurous, the NC500 can also be done by motorbike or bicycle. Just be extra careful on the blind corners, hairpin bends, and single-track roads.
Heads up: it’s not possible to do the full NC500 by train or bus as the public transport links aren’t that good.
Fuel, Charging Points, and Practical Essentials
There are plenty of petrol stations and electric charging points along the NC500, so you don’t need to worry too much about running out of fuel or charge.
That being said, some stretches between stations can be quite long. My tip would be that if you’re below half a tank, top up at the next station you see — it’ll save you stressing later.
The map below shows the locations of petrol stations (red) and electric charging points (green) along the route.
Costs of Doing the NC500: Budget Breakdown
The North Coast 500 can be as affordable or as expensive as you want it to be. Your budget will mainly depend on whether you rent a car (and what type), the accommodation you choose, and whether you eat out or cook your own meals.
There are plenty of ways to keep costs down. On my own NC500 trip, expenses were surprisingly low. There were three of us, so we split fuel and accommodation costs. We stayed mostly in hostels, cooked some of our meals, and kept restaurant choices budget-friendly. Since I drove my own car, I avoided rental fees – petrol was our only big expense, and that was shared between us.
To give you a ballpark idea, here are some rough NC500 cost estimates:
- Car Rental: £30–£50 per day for a standard car.
- Petrol: £150–£250 for the full 516-mile route (standard car).
- Accommodation: £100–£200 per night for a mid-range hotel. Costs vary depending on the season and type of stay – hostels are cheaper, luxury hotels are more expensive.
- Food: £30–£50 per person per day. You can save by cooking your own meals or choosing budget dining options.
So, for a 7-day North Coast 500 trip, including car rental, fuel, mid-range accommodation, and food, you should budget roughly £1,400–£2,700 (for two people).
North Coast 500 Suggested Itineraries (5, 7, and 10 Days)
The sample North Coast 500 itineraries below are designed to maximise time on the stunning West Coast, which many (including myself) consider the most scenic part of the NC500 route.
5 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary
- Day 1: Inverness to Thurso
- Day 2: Thurso to Durness
- Day 3: Durness to Ullapool
- Day 4: Ullapool to Applecross
- Day 5: Applecross to Inverness
7 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary
- Day 1: Inverness to Brora
- Day 2: Brora to Thurso
- Day 3: Thurso to Durness
- Day 4: Durness to Lochinver
- Day 5: Lochinver to Gairloch
- Day 6: Gairloch to Applecross
- Day 7: Applecross to Inverness
10 Days North Coast 500 Itinerary
- Day 1: Inverness to Brora
- Day 2: Brora to Thurso
- Day 3: Thurso to Tongue
- Day 4: Tongue to Durness
- Day 5: Durness to Lochinver
- Day 6: Lochinver to Ullapool
- Day 7: Ullapool to Poolewe
- Day 8: Poolewe to Applecross
- Day 9: Applecross to Strathpeffer
- Day 10: Strathpeffer to Inverness
Packing List for a North Coast 500 Road Trip
Don’t make my mistake — pack wisely for the NC500! Those beaches may look tropical in the photos, but trust me, they can be absolutely freezing. I thought a crop top in April on the NC500 was a great idea… spoiler: it wasn’t. Comfort over fashion every time.
Scotland’s weather is famously unpredictable. There’s a common saying here: “four seasons in one day“. One moment you’ll be basking in sunshine, the next you’ll be battling sideways rain. The key is to be prepared. Make sure you pack layers, waterproofs, and warm clothing (even in summer) so you’re ready for whatever the Highlands throw at you.
Here are ten essentials that I’d recommend packing:
- Hiking boots – Packing hiking boots is an absolute must. There are parts of the NC500 where you’ll want to go off the beaten path, and the terrain can be muddy or boggy. The boots linked are the exact pair I use, and I highly recommend them. I recently wore them on a 7-day hiking trip in Madeira, and they were incredibly comfortable.
- Waterproof jacket – An absolute must for a trip to Scotland!
- Thermal layers and thick socks – Definitely pack these if you tend to run cold.
- Small backpack – Perfect for day trips and going hiking.
- Midge spray – Essential in summer months to fend off the attack of the midges.
- Suncream – Yes, you can get burnt in Scotland — especially if, for some strange reason, the sun actually decides to show up that day.
- Refillable water bottle – You can drink the tap water in Scotland, so bring a water bottle to make sure you stay hydrated when you are out and about.
- Microfibre towel (and swimsuit) – If you’re brave enough to take a dip, you’ll want a towel that’s lightweight, quick-drying, and compact — a microfiber towel is perfect for this.
Wildlife and Nature on the NC500
One of the absolute highlights of the North Coast 500 is the incredible wildlife and natural beauty waiting around every corner. One of the most iconic (and most common) animals to spot is the majestic Highland Cow. This was the only wildlife I managed to see on our whole NC500 trip — it definitely requires a bit of luck!
Other animals you might spot on the North Coast 500 include seals, red deer, golden eagles, otters, or even dolphins. Visit between late spring and early summer, and you could spot puffins — or, if you’re extremely fortunate, orcas off the Caithness coast!
Some of the best places for wildlife spotting are Dunnet Head, Caithness, Torridon, and Gairloch, so keep your eyes peeled when driving through these areas. Also, bring binoculars as the wildlife can be pretty hard to spot from miles away.
Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path
Depending on your itinerary, you might have time for a short (or longer) detour off the route. While the NC500 itself is packed with highlights, there are plenty of hidden gems nearby that are well worth visiting. Here are just a few, with more explored in the rest of my NC500 blog series:
- Eilean Donan Castle – About 30 minutes off the main route, this is one of Scotland’s most iconic castles. The perfect time to visit is either at sunrise or sunset.
- Fyrish Monument – If you fancy adding a hike to your NC500, then this 2-hour walk is a great choice and takes you to one of Scotland’s quirkiest landmarks. Take a picnic with you and enjoy the views.
- Chanonry Point – Just 20 minutes off the route, it’s one of the best spots in Scotland to spot dolphins and even whales.
- Isle of Skye – From the Old Man of Storr and Fairy Pools to a sunset at Elgol, Skye is packed with incredible scenery. To do it justice, you’ll want a couple of days, but even a quick stop lets you see at least one highlight. This Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan tour is a great way to maximise what you can see in a single day.
- Loch Ness – If you have extra time at the start or end of your NC500, take a Loch Ness Cruise. You might even get a glimpse of the Loch Ness monster!
North Coast 500: What to Expect in Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter
Spring on the North Coast 500
Temperatures in spring typically range from 9–14°C (48-57°F), and the days are starting to get longer — perfect for exploring. Expect a mix of all types of weather: rain, sunshine, and clouds. It’s still quite chilly, so pack a warm jacket and a couple of jumpers to stay comfortable while sightseeing.
Summer on the North Coast 500
Average summer temperatures in the Highlands are around 16–19°C (60-66°F). It’s not particularly hot, so bring some layers just in case. Scotland is famous for experiencing four seasons in one day, so be prepared for sudden changes in weather. Pack sunscreen in case the sun makes an appearance! The long summer days are ideal for sightseeing along the NC500 and enjoying the landscapes at a relaxed pace.
Autumn on the North Coast 500
In autumn, daytime temperatures range from 9–16°C (48-60°F). The Highlands start to get much colder, so bring jumpers, layers, and a warm jacket. Days gradually get shorter, making it a quieter time to explore the route without the summer crowds.
Winter on the North Coast 500
Winter daytime temperatures are typically 5–7°C (41-45°F), but they can drop close to freezing. Snow is common in the Highlands during winter, so pack thermals, multiple layers, a big comfy jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves.
Final Tips for Planning Your North Coast 500 Adventure
Leave a little room in your itinerary for spontaneous detours — often, the most magical stops aren’t in any guidebook.
A few practical reminders: download the route offline on Google Maps, since the signal can be patchy in remote areas. And if you’re hiring a car, don’t forget your driving licence and all necessary documents, including breakdown cover information.
Lastly, one of the biggest mistakes of driving the NC500 is rushing the route, as you’ll miss the lovely slow pace of the Highlands. So, make sure to slow down and really enjoy the journey!
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Kirsty
