If you’re planning a road trip in Scotland, then the North Coast 500 (NC500) is probably on your bucket list.
Launched in 2015, the NC500 is arguably Scotland’s most famous scenic road trip. Starting and finishing at Inverness Castle, it takes in 516 miles (800km) of stunning Scottish coastal scenery.
You’ll pass white, sandy beaches, dramatic landscapes, historic castles, mountains, lochs and valleys, and travel to the UK’s most northerly point, John O’Groats.
Travelling through six different regions, Inverness-shire, Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross and the Black Isle, the NC500 is popular with roadtrippers, cyclists, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife spotters and epic view-seekers. It’s also home to numerous campsites. Making it ideal for exploring in your Wild Camper Truck or campervan.
North Coast 500 campervan hire
If you’re looking to hire a camper for your road trip, our 4x4 camper trucks start at just £160 a day. Your off-grid camper comes with a fully equipped kitchen, heated outdoor shower and of course, a comfy bed for the night. We’ll even throw in a free outdoor cinema so you can watch Netflix under the stars. Find out more about hiring a Wild Camper Truck in Scotland.
‘We rented the camper truck for a week to do the NC500 and we had the most perfect adventure. The truck had everything we needed and was a dream to drive.’ Josh
How long does the NC500 take?
The RAC recommends taking between five and seven days for your adventure, allowing time for plenty of stops. Although if you have longer, you can easily spend 10 days or more discovering ‘Scotland’s Route 66’ with its quaint villages and outdoor sports opportunities.
When is the best time to visit?
Most people travel the NC500 between May and September. Although, as long as the weather plays ball, and your vehicle is suitable (the roads are often narrow, single-track and winding), you can travel throughout the year. Just be aware that some campsites and attractions may be closed in the off season.
Where can I stay on the NC500?
There are plenty of official campsites along the NC500, although it’s advisable to book in advance, particularly if you’re travelling in the summer.
Wild camping is also allowed along the NC500, as long as you leave no trace and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code . It’s important to note, though, that wild camping is only permitted in tents, not motorised vehicles. If you’re travelling by campervan or camper truck and fancy something a bit more off-grid, check out the following sites to find landowners who allow overnight camping.
Where can I stay on the NC500?
There are plenty of official campsites along the NC500, although it’s advisable to book in advance, particularly if you’re travelling in the summer.
Wild camping is also allowed along the NC500, as long as you leave no trace and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code . It’s important to note, though, that wild camping is only permitted in tents, not motorised vehicles. If you’re travelling by campervan or camper truck and fancy something a bit more off-grid, check out the following sites to find landowners who allow overnight camping.
- Off Grid Camp – a network of privately owned, off-grid spaces where you can pay the landowner to stay. When you hire a Wild Camper Truck you can get discounted access to the Off Grid Camp website. If you buy a demountable camper for your pick up truck, we’ll give you a year’s free membership. Usually priced at £25 a year, membership means you can browse and book more than 165+ off grid camping locations across the UK.
- Park4Night – an app and website that’s regularly updated by campers sharing great places to stay in your campervan or truck.
- Forestry and Land Scotland have an excellent network of places to stay
What are the best itineraries for the North Coast 500?
You can buy bespoke NC500 itineraries or plan your own depending on where you want to stop and how long you want to spend on your trip. And as long as you follow the brown NC500 road signs once you’re on route, you shouldn’t go far wrong.
These seven- and 10-itineraries will give you a good starting point to plan your Highland adventure.
North Coast 500 seven-day itinerary
Travelling anti-clockwise
Day one
Inverness to Dornoch
Start your trip exploring the city of Inverness, it’s small enough that you can walk between most of the sights.
Visit Inverness Castle and its grounds (reopening in 2025) walk along the river Ness to the Ness Islands, a group of small islands connected by Victorian footbridges, and stock up with treats and gifts at the town’s markets.
Then head north to the small town of Dornoch with its 13th-century cathedral and long golden beach. Passengers might appreciate a stop at the Glenmorangie Distillery for a taste of Scottish whisky along the way.
Day two
Dornoch to John O’Groats
As you travel towards Scotland’s most northerly tip, stop off at Dunrobin Castle, where falconry displays are regularly held in the gardens.
The golden sands of Brora, stretching for around two miles along the coast, are the perfect place to stretch your legs and even take a dip if you’re feeling brave. And Whaligoe Steps are another good stopping point. Built into a 250-foot cliffside, the steps zig zag down to a natural harbour.
Then, as you travel towards John O’Groats, you’ll pass atmospheric ruined castles, including the Castle of Old Wick and Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.
Day three
John O’Groats to Strathy
After you’ve snapped your photo by the famous John O’Groats sign, and taken in the 60m-high Duncansby sea stacks, head towards Dunnet Bay. A beautiful crescent-shaped beach, it’s home to epic wildlife including orcas and porpoises.
The Castle of Mey, a former home of the Queen Mother, is another good stop-off point.
Finish your day at Strathy Point Lighthouse – a great spot for watching the sunset. Note that you can’t stay overnight at Strathy car park, however there are campsites in the nearby villages.
Day four
Strathy to Durness
The remote Coldbackie beach – a popular spot with surfers – is a hidden gem on route. It’s a good spot for a stop off to take in the views of the Orkneys or catch some waves.
You’ll pass through the town of Tongue with its sea loch and nearby ruined castle, Castle Varich.
And make sure you stop at the dramatic Smoo Cave. An ancient sea cave, explore by foot or book onto a boat tour.
Finish your day at Sango Bay, a beautiful, quiet beach with a large campsite nearby.
Day five
Durness to Ullapool
Heading onto the western coast, you’ll pass Loch Inchard sea loch and the unspoilt, white sand Oldshoremore Beach. You’ll also pass over the impressive curved Kylesku Bridge.
If you fancy a short detour to stretch your legs, explore the Tarbat Peninsula with the Tarbat Ness Walk, beginning and ending in the village of Portmahomack.
Stop off to discover the waterfalls and freshwater lochs in Assynt as well as the ruins of Castle Ardvreck. And take a break on the white sands of Achmelvich Bay, one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.
The spectacular rocks at Knockan Crag nature reserve, formed where two continents collided millions of years ago, are well worth exploring. And take a hike to the Bone Caves, high in the limestone cliff walls of Creag nan Uamh.
Day six
Ullapool to Torridon
From the village of Ullapool head to the Corrieshalloch Gorge National nature reserve. A spectacular gorge that can be crossed by a Victorian suspension bridge, you’ll see the water crashing down from the Falls of Measachl.
There’s another waterfall, Victoria Falls, worth stopping at at Loch Maree. And you can learn about the local wildlife, including golden eagles, at the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve visitor centre.
Stop at the Glen Docherty viewpoint for stunning highland views and epic photos.
Day seven
Torridon to Inverness
The final leg of your journey offers some of the most scenic, yet challenging driving. The narrow, winding roads around the Applecross Peninsula take you over the mountainous terrain on the nail-biting Bealach Na Ba pass. An old cattle road, from the viewpoint, on a clear day, you can see over to the Isle of Skye.
If you’re feeling less brave, though, you can take the northern coast road along the lowlands.
From here make your way back to Inverness.
North Coast 500 10-day itinerary (from Edinburgh)
With a 10-day itinerary you’ve got time to make a detour and catch the ferry from Mallaig to the beautiful Isle of Skye. Add a stop at Tay Forest Park on the way back to Edinburgh.
Day one
Edinburgh to Inverness
Day two
Inverness to Dornoch
Day three
Dornoch to Wick
Day four
Wick to Durness
Day five
Durness to Ullapool
Day six
Ullapool to Applecross
Day seven
Applecross to Maillag – ferry to the Isle of Skye
Day eight
Isle of Skye
Day nine
Maillag to Tay Forest Park
Day 10
Tay Forest Park to Edinburgh