NC500: The Ultimate 7-Day Road Trip
516 miles of coastal roads, mountain passes, castles, distilleries, and some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe. Here's your day-by-day plan.
Duration
7 Days
Total Distance
516 miles (830 km)
Difficulty
Easy – Moderate
Best Season
May – September
Budget
£700 – 1,500 pp
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is Scotland's answer to Route 66 — a 516-mile loop starting and ending in Inverness, taking you through the wildest, most beautiful corners of the Scottish Highlands. Launched in 2015, it's become one of the world's most celebrated road trips.
This 7-day itinerary splits the route into manageable daily drives (rarely more than 3 hours behind the wheel) with time for walks, castles, distilleries, and spontaneous stops. The route is designed counter-clockwise (west coast first), which most drivers agree puts the most dramatic scenery in your first few days.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Inverness to Applecross
- Bealach na Bà — one of Britain's steepest and most dramatic mountain passes with hairpin bends and 2,053ft elevation
- Applecross Inn — legendary seafood right on the waterfront (book ahead)
- Views across to Raasay and Skye from the coastal road
Where to stay: Applecross or Shieldaig. The Applecross Camping & Caravan site has spectacular views.
Applecross to Ullapool
- Torridon — the most dramatic mountains on the route; Liathach and Beinn Eighe dominate the skyline
- Inverewe Garden — a subtropical oasis in the Highlands, open year-round
- Corrieshalloch Gorge — a 200ft-deep slot gorge with a suspension bridge
- Ullapool — a lively fishing town with great pubs and the best fish and chips on the west coast
Where to stay: Ullapool. The Arch Inn or Riverside campsite for budget. Broomfield Holiday Park has sea views.
Ullapool to Durness
- Ardvreck Castle — a ruined 16th-century castle on Loch Assynt, perfect photo stop
- Kylesku Bridge — sweeping curved bridge over Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin, one of the route's most photographed spots
- Lochinver Pies — legendary pies from the Lochinver Larder (the venison pie is famous)
- Sandwood Bay — a 4-mile walk each way to one of Britain's most beautiful and remote beaches (only if you have energy left)
Where to stay: Durness. Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse or Mackay's Rooms. Smoo Cave Hotel for pub dinners.
Durness to Thurso
- Smoo Cave — a massive sea cave you can explore on foot (free) or by boat tour (£10)
- Dunnet Head — the true northernmost point of mainland Britain (not John O'Groats)
- Strathy Point — a short walk to a lighthouse with excellent sea views and puffins in summer
- Mey Castle (Castle of Mey) — the Queen Mother's former holiday home, open May-September
Where to stay: Thurso. The Weigh Inn Hotel or Thurso Bay Caravan Park. Good supermarket for resupply.
Thurso to Wick
- John O'Groats — the famous signpost (great photo, but don't spend more than 30 minutes)
- Duncansby Stacks — dramatic sea stacks just south of John O'Groats, far more impressive than the signpost
- Castle Sinclair Girnigoe — a ruined cliff-top castle near Wick, atmospheric and free to visit
- Pulteney Distillery — Old Pulteney whisky tour in Wick (£25, includes tasting)
Where to stay: Wick or Lybster. Mackays Hotel in Wick is the self-proclaimed "home of the world's shortest street."
Wick to Dornoch
- Dunrobin Castle — a French-style chateau on the Scottish coast. Falconry display twice daily. One of the route's best stops.
- Carn Liath Broch — an Iron Age stone tower right next to the A9, free to explore
- Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain — one of Scotland's most famous single malts. The tour is excellent.
- Dornoch Beach — miles of golden sand, often completely empty
Where to stay: Dornoch. Dornoch Castle Hotel (whisky bar with 300+ bottles) or the Eagle Hotel.
Dornoch to Inverness
- Falls of Shin — salmon leaping waterfall (best May-October) with a good café
- Beauly — a pretty village with a ruined 13th-century priory. The Corner on the Square deli is worth a stop.
- Chanonry Point — between Fortrose and Rosemarkie, one of the best places in the UK to see bottlenose dolphins from land (check tide times)
- Inverness — finish with dinner on the River Ness. The Mustard Seed or River House for a celebratory meal
Where to stay: Inverness. Plenty of options. Finish the loop!
Budget Breakdown
| Item | Budget (pp) | Mid-Range (pp) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (7 nights) | £175 – 280 | £500 – 900 |
| Car Rental (7 days) | £200 – 350 | £350 – 600 |
| Fuel (~830km) | £80 – 120 | £80 – 120 |
| Food & Drink | £140 – 210 | £280 – 500 |
| Activities & Entry Fees | £50 – 100 | £100 – 200 |
| Total (per person) | £645 – 1,060 | £1,310 – 2,320 |
Prices are indicative 2026 rates. Budget assumes campsites/hostels and self-catering. Mid-range assumes B&Bs/hotels and eating out. Car rental prices spike in July-August — book early.
NC500 Essential Tips
Going west coast first puts the most dramatic scenery in your first few days when energy is highest. Most experienced NC500 drivers recommend this direction.
Accommodation, distillery tours, and popular restaurants fill up months in advance for summer. Don't wing it — you'll end up sleeping in your car or driving 50 miles extra to find a room.
Petrol stations are sparse on the west and north coasts. Don't let your tank drop below half. Key refueling points: Ullapool, Lochinver, Durness, Thurso, and Wick.
Sun, rain, wind, and (yes) sometimes snow can happen in a single day, even in June. Layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to drive the NC500?
May, June, and September are ideal — long daylight hours, most attractions open, and roads are less congested than July/August. April and October can work but expect some closures. Winter (November-March) is not recommended for first-timers — snow closes passes and many accommodations shut down.
Can the NC500 be done in less than 7 days?
Technically yes — you could drive the loop in 3-4 days. But you'd spend most of your time behind the wheel and miss the best stops. Five days is the minimum we'd recommend; 7 days is comfortable. Many travelers take 10-14 days to add walks, distilleries, and detours.
What kind of car do I need?
A standard car works fine for the main route. The roads are paved throughout. A larger vehicle (SUV) is more comfortable on narrow passing-place roads. Motorhomes/campervans are popular but require confidence on single-track roads — and you must use passing places to let faster traffic through.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
Yes, absolutely. Accommodation on the route is limited, especially in the remote stretches between Ullapool and Thurso. For travel between May and September, book 3-6 months ahead. Many B&Bs and small hotels fill up completely. Don't rely on finding walk-in availability.
Is the NC500 suitable for families?
Yes, with planning. Kids love Dunrobin Castle, Smoo Cave, the beaches, and dolphin spotting. But some days involve long drives (3+ hours). Plan for plenty of stops. Book family-friendly accommodation well ahead. The route is best for kids aged 8+ who can handle car time.