ABOUT NORTH COAST 500 TOURS
If you’ve got questions about the North Coast 500, read on. We’ve compiled all the expert tips about this incredible driving route to help you plan your tour. From must-see places to packing recommendations, here’s everything you need to know about enjoying a trip along Scotland’s North Coast 500.
WHAT IS THE NORTH COAST 500?
The North Coast 500, or NC500, is one of the best road trips you can drive in the UK. The NC500 route takes you through striking scenery in the northern Scottish Highlands, encompassing just over 500 miles (516 miles or 830 kilometres, to be exact).
WHERE IS THE NORTH COAST 500?
You’ll find the NC500 in the northernmost part of the British mainland. Usually you’d start your road trip in Inverness, northeastern Scotland, and follow the coast around to Applecross in the west. Overall, you’d travel across 6 regions: Inverness-shire, the Black Isle, Easter Ross, Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross.
HOW LONG DOES THE NORTH COAST 500 TAKE?
To allow yourself enough time to explore this part of Scotland, we highly recommend that you choose an NC500 itinerary of at least 5 or 7 days. This way you could get to know each region well and take your time to drive the route.
WHICH DIRECTION TO DO THE NORTH COAST 500?
Our Scotland travel experts suggest that you drive the NC500 anti-clockwise, with Inverness as your starting point. You’d then head up the east coast from there, before following the northern road and then driving down the western side.
The reason is that the scenery you witness becomes more and more dramatic in this direction, culminating with the mountainous landscapes on the west coast. Plus it means that you can continue your adventures in top Scottish spots like the Isle of Skye, Fort William and Glen Coe.
Good to know: If you’re thinking about taking a Scottish road trip from the UK, we can help. Explore Scotland on a Nordic Visitor self-drive tour and save up to 10% if you use your own car.
Our Scotland travel experts will design your route, book you into the best possible accommodation, and share all their insider tips with you.
This means you can leave all the hassle of trip-planning to the experts, who are based in Scotland and know the country inside out. What’s more, you get access to our 24/7 helpline during your holiday. Should you need any support, we are only a call away.
Plus, we have cancellation insurance available so you can cancel or change the dates of your tour if you need. This gives you flexibility when booking your trip, as well as peace of mind knowing that we'll take care of handling the changes.
-
Get in touch to find out about our reduced rates for visitors driving from the UK
-
Find out how you can Book With Confidence thanks to our flexible booking terms
MUST-SEE PLACES ON THE NORTH COAST 500
There are so many beautiful sights awaiting you on a North Coast 500 self-drive tour. From sandy beaches to grand castles, serene lochs to majestic mountains, you’ll be treated to some of Scotland’s top highlights on your road trip.
Add these must-see spots to your North Coast 500 itinerary:
TOP THINGS TO DO ON THE NC500
There are plenty of things to do on your adventure through northern Scotland. Imagine exploring the ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt, or sampling freshly caught seafood in Ullapool.
Here are the best things to do on your NC500 road trip:
-
Stroll along white and gold sand beaches
-
Go hiking in the hills, forests and glens
-
Taste fresh, local seafood at fishing villages
-
Investigate regal castles and ancient ruins
-
Sample heady whisky at local distilleries and pubs
-
Take on the highest mountain pass in the country
-
Stop by the northernmost tip of mainland Britain
-
Discover hidden coves and mysterious sea caves
-
Spot dolphins and seabirds from the shore
-
Admire views of rivers, lochs and waterfalls
WHERE TO STAY ON THE NC500
In terms of where you should stay on your North Coast 500 journey, we’d recommend the following places:
-
Inverness
-
Thurso
-
Durness
-
Ullapool
-
Torridon
We’d also suggest that you stay in Ullapool for 2 nights so that you can make the most of being in this beautiful area. You could explore the coast on boat tours or take day trips to see top highlights in the region, such as Corrieshalloch Gorge.
Charming guesthouses and bed & breakfasts await you in northern Scotland, so you can expect a relaxing stay. Make sure you reserve ahead of time though, as accommodation is often in demand.
Or leave the arrangements to Nordic Visitor and we’ll book all your NC500 stays for you. We have guaranteed beds in desirable locations, and we quality-check all the accommodation on your itinerary to make sure it’s up to our high standards.
SUGGESTED NORTH COAST 500 ITINERARY
If you’re visiting from outside of Scotland, you’ll likely be beginning your self-drive tour in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Here is our NC500 itinerary suggestion from start to finish:
-
Day 1 – Arrival in Edinburgh. Explore the Scottish capital at your leisure.
-
Day 2 – Drive up to Inverness, the gateway to the northern Highlands.
-
Day 3 – Day of leisure in Inverness-shire. See Loch Ness and Culloden.
-
Day 4 – Journey to the north of Scotland to Thurso.
-
Day 5 – Travel along the northern coast to Durness.
-
Day 6 – Drive south to Ullapool, passing by seaside attractions.
-
Day 7 – Day of leisure in Ullapool. You could explore other highlights of Wester Ross.
-
Day 8 – Travel across the soaring Torridon Hills.
-
Day 9 – Head to Applecross and take on the mountain pass, Bealach na Bà. Then drive south to Fort William.
-
Day 10 – Return to Edinburgh or Glasgow passing by the majestic Glen Coe and the Trossachs National Park.
This is one recommendation for how to take on the NC500, but there are other ways to do it. For example, you might like to explore more top sights in Scotland as part of your self-drive tour to make the most of your trip.
You could head to the Isle of Skye from Applecross and spend a couple of days discovering the island’s jaw-dropping landscapes. Or perhaps you’d like to take the ferry to Orkney where you can uncover Viking history.
HOW TO PLAN YOUR NC500 TRIP?
The easiest way to plan your NC500 road trip is to have an expert organise it all for you. By doing so, you can relax and look forward to your getaway, without needing to worry about logistics and travel arrangements. It also means you have local support before, during and after your tour.
At Nordic Visitor, our Scotland travel consultants are based in Edinburgh. They know the country inside out and will use their expertise to arrange a tour package that suits you perfectly.
When you book a North Coast 500 package with us, you can expect:
-
A personal travel consultant based in Edinburgh who’ll arrange your trip
-
Excellent accommodation at your chosen price point, with daily breakfast
-
Car rental* with CDW, unlimited mileage and authorisation for 2 drivers
-
A hand-noted, personalised itinerary and route
-
24/7 phone support during your adventure for peace of mind
-
Cancellation insurance available to protect your money
*If you’re coming from the UK and you’d prefer to drive your own car on your road trip, you can enjoy savings of up to 10%. Contact our Scotland travel team to find out about our reduced rates.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO DO THE NC500
The best time to drive the North Coast 500 is between April and October. You’ll have the most daylight hours, open attractions, and accommodation options at this time of year.
Compared to the winter months (November to March), the roads are generally more accessible between April and October. It’s also good to know that certain highlights, such as castles, are only open to the public during the high season.
One thing to be aware of about Scotland in summer – between June and August – is that it attracts the most visitors. You should also make sure to book your trip early so that you don’t miss out on your accommodation of choice.
To experience the NC500 when it’s a bit quieter, consider visiting Scotland in spring or autumn. As a bonus you can enjoy gorgeous landscapes dotted with blossoming flowers or red and gold foliage.
TIPS FOR DRIVING THE NC500
Scotland’s road conditions are usually safe, but extra care may be needed in certain remote parts of the Highlands. This is because you may encounter single-track roads, wildlife and farm animals, and cyclists.
Should you come across an oncoming vehicle along a single-track road, prepare to use a passing place to allow them to get by. In some cases you may need to reverse to reach the nearest one.
Never exceed the speed limit and drive with caution in case animals are crossing the road. The North Coast 500 is also popular with cyclists so give yourself plenty of time to stop and react.
On occasion, you may find that pedestrians are walking alongside the road. Visitors often enjoy wild camping in the Highlands, which is why you might come across some campervans and tents on parts of the route.
WHAT TO TAKE ON THE NORTH COAST 500
When packing for your NC500 tour, you should be ready for all weather and bring plenty of warm layers. Waterproofs are a must as it can get wet in the Scottish Highlands.
Here’s our recommended packing list for Scotland:
-
Warm jumper or fleece
-
Waterproof jacket
-
Good walking shoes or boots
-
Light scarf or thin jumper
-
Midge repellent
-
Umbrella
-
Binoculars
-
Backpack
-
Camera
-
Sun hat
-
Sunglasses
If you’re visiting in the summer months, be sure to prepare for midges. You could bring some Avon Skin-So-Soft body oil spray, the go-to repellent for Britain’s Marines. And we suggest you wear long sleeves and trousers, particularly at dusk when midges are at their worst.
Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.
