Plan a North Coast 500 (NC500) Road Trip
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a scenic 500-mile road trip around the northern coast of Scotland. It is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world and offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged cliffs and sandy beaches to rolling hills and lochs.
The NC500 Truths That Trip-Planning Blogs Skip
The North Coast 500 is marketed as Scotland’s answer to Route 66. It is spectacular. It is also 516 miles of mostly single-track road through some of the most remote terrain in Western Europe. Going in unprepared is the fastest way to ruin what should be a once-in-a-lifetime drive.
- Five days minimum, seven is better. The NC500 in three days means eight hours of driving per day on narrow roads. You will see car parks, not coastline. Five days lets you stop, walk, and eat properly. Seven days lets you wait out bad weather and take detours to places like Handa Island and Sandwood Bay.
- Drive anticlockwise. Most guides say clockwise. Go the other way. The dramatic west coast (Applecross, Wester Ross, Assynt) hits you first when you are fresh and excited. The gentler east coast carries you home when you are tired. You will also avoid head-on encounters with the clockwise majority on single-track stretches.
- Book every night’s accommodation before you leave. There are stretches of the NC500 where the next B&B is 40 miles away and has three rooms. In summer, all three will be booked. The days of finding a room on arrival ended years ago. Book Durness, Lochinver, Ullapool, and Applecross well in advance.
- Carry food and water for each day’s driving. There are sections where the nearest shop is an hour away. Pack sandwiches, water, and snacks each morning. The Cocoa Mountain chocolate shop in Durness and the pie shop in Lochinver are worth planning your lunch stops around, but do not assume food will be available between them.
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This guide will provide an overview of the route including some of the most popular sights and activities along the way.
It is essential to plan ahead before starting your trip and it is imperative to make sure your vehicle is in good condition. The NC500 route takes you through some remote areas making it essential to have a reliable vehicle and enough fuel to complete the journey. Also be sure to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing as the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable.
The NC500 route begins in Inverness which is known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Inverness is a great place to start your journey as it offers a range of accommodation options and plenty of opportunities for exploring the city. Some popular attractions in Inverness include the Inverness Castle and the Culloden Battlefield both of which offer a glimpse into Scotland’s rich history.
After leaving Inverness your first major stop on the NC500 route is the town of Ullapool which is located on the shores of Loch Broom. Ullapool is a charming fishing village that offers a range of accommodation options and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can take a boat trip on Loch Broom to spot seals and seabirds or hike the nearby mountains for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
From Ullapool the route takes you along the coast while passing through picturesque towns like Gairloch, Shieldaig and Torridon. These towns offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Scottish Highlands and are great places to stop and explore. Visitors can take a stroll on the beach, visit the local museums and art galleries or take a boat trip to see the local wildlife.
The next major stop on the NC500 route is the town of Durness which is located on the far northwest coast of Scotland. Durness is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Scotland including the iconic Smoo Cave and the white sandy beaches of Balnakeil Bay. Visitors can take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Handa and Hushinish or hike the nearby mountains for stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
From Durness the route takes you through the towns of Tongue and Bettyhill before returning to Inverness. Along the way visitors can stop and explore the historic towns of Wick and Thurso both of which offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Scottish Highlands.
The North Coast 500 is a fantastic road trip and definitely something that is worthwhile to consider when planning a trip to Scotland. When you’re ready to plan your Scottish adventure, our Scotland trip planning guide has all you need to get started.
It is also not necessary that you drive yourself, why not take a tour?
8-Day Orkney, Hebrides and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh
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Experience Scotland beyond the typical tourist destinations on this 8-day tour. Join a group of 18-35 year olds as you explore the North Coast 500, Orkney, Lewis and Harris, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and more.
Discover the mainland’s top sites and the beautiful islands of Skye, Orkney, and Harris. Enjoy an exclusive tour designed for young adults, including a Viking beach feast, fresh seafood, and whisky.
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