For those searching for an absolute driving adventure on the wild and windswept roads, the North Coast 500 is awaiting them. Also known as NC 50, it is not just a route, it is a 516-mile-long odyssey through some of Europe’s flourished and raw landscapes, fairy tale castles, stomach-dropping cliffs and communities where hospitality runs as deep as their lochs.
To showcase the splendour of the Highlands, this route was outlined in 2015. An almost circular route, starting from and ending back at Inverness Castle, it has gained huge popularity among tourists. But to experience it does not mean ticking off miles, but to slow-trek on single-track roads where your pace is set by the landscape that is the seashore and mountains. Here is your complete guide on touring the NC 500 without any obstacles.
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Deconstruction of a 5-Day Tour
The shortest trip takes 3 days while the longest takes up to 10 days. Instead of skipping through the tour or getting bone-tired on it, a 5-day trip gives you experience without getting stuck in a loop of never-ending roads. The preferable way is to adopt a counter-clockwise route, so that you can come across some of the finest landscapes of the Highlands.
Day 1: Inverness to Applecross
Leaving Inverness behind, you’ll head west along the shores of the Beauly Firth, where the water mirrors the wide sky. Then your first real stop would be Bealach na Bà. It is the UK’s greatest mountain pass, its serpentine-like bends climb up to 2,054 ft, offering panoramic views that will make you awe at every passing minute. You must be careful here because this route is not merciful to large vehicles and soft hearts. Afterwards, you’d be descending into the Gaelic-speaking region of the Applecross peninsula. This milestone will end at Applecross Inn, welcoming you with fresh and sweet langoustines on the waterfront paired with a sunset view over Raasay Island.
Day 2: Applecross to Ullapool
This day is about treading beside the coastline. The road clings to the shore, passing tiny hamlets like Shieldaig, while the bypassing view feels like a beautiful landscape on a postage stamp. A gentle detour from the route leads you to the Fairytale Waterfall at Gruide near Kinlochewe. It literally feels like opening a portal to fairyland with its misty surroundings and moss-covered ground. Then the landscape shifts profoundly as you enter the Inverpolly Nature Reserve, where the notable view is the sugarloaf peak of Suilven.
Subsequently, your next stop would be at Inverkirkaig, where at Achins Bookshop and Cafe, you can relax for a moment with a book of your choice in one hand and a warm cup of coffee in the other. The final stop of your day would be at Ullapool, a bustling fishing town and a ferry port to the Outer Hebrides. You can end your day with a hearty fill of British classic’ fish and chips at the Seafood Shack.
Day 3: Ullapool to Durness
This is where the true north begins, a land of sweeping beauty. The journey leads through the limestone landscapes of Inchnadamph before opening up to vast, peat-rich moorland. Your first major stop would be the astonishing Smoo cave near Durness, a sea-carved cavern where a freshwater waterfall plummets down. Beyond this lies Balnakeli Beach, a vast bone-white colored sand backed by sandy dunes. Behind this wallpaper-worthy view lies Balkeil Craft Village, which offers different artisan creations and crafted trinkets. As you rest there, a refreshing dip in the Baltic water would be the perfect addition to the day’s checklist.
Day 4: Durness to Thurso
Day 4 brings you to a spectacular coastal drive. First, you’ll drive across Kylesku Bridge with elegant views before detouring to Lochinver, which is home to Lochinver Larder and its legendary relishing pies. You must try their Venison and Cranberry pie, which is also a 2022 British pie award winner. The real star of the show however, comes after that, that is the staggering scenery of the Northwest Highlands Geopark.
From the roars of Wailing Widow Falls to the sky-touching cliffs of Clo Mor, every view deserves a stop for its admiration. A detour to Dunnet Head will lead you to a lonely lighthouse sightseeing. The day will end at Thurso, a dream place of surfers with constant, powerful waves all day long.
Day 5: Thurso to Inverness
Your final day of the 5-day long tour will weave you through a part of Britain’s history. Towards the far north, you can see the Norse and Medieval legacy of its era, the first stop would be the intimate ruins of Castle of Mey, a well-known but private retreat of the late Queen Mother Elizabeth. Be careful to book in advance for its sightseeing, or might not get your hands on the tickets soon. A brief stretch from the castle then brings you to John o’ Groats, the iconic signpost to mark the end of the journey.
Yet the journey won’t end before visiting the breathtaking French-style château at Dunrobin Castle near Golspie. The castle itself is marvellous, but the gardens are a masterpiece featuring a large, formal parterre with a fountain in the centre, and a secondary pyramid garden with plants trained up wooden structures. It is also covered with a variety of flowers with eye-pleasing colours and aromatic scents. The final trip through the farmlands of Black Isle takes you back to the familiar streets of Inverness, completing the magnificent route through Scotland’s absolute landscapes.
The Local’s Guide and Essential Tips
Master the Single-Track Road
This is the NC 500’s golden rule. Any tourist must respect the locals and their rules and get respect back. Use passing places to let locals overtake you; they have a normal routine and working life, while you’re the one touring. Remember that the left side is to pass oncoming traffic while the right side is for letting the following traffic go by, especially if it’s a local. Do not park in them for a picnic, and a raised hand or a flash of hazard is a customary thanks.
Book Ahead of Touring
This popular route offers limited opportunities for deviation. Between May and September, the demand for distinctive accommodations such as croft B&B, camping pods and hotels is at stake, with many places booked far in advance. The same rule applies to dining in remote villages as securing a table at the last minute is not an option. For a summer trip, by March, everything is booked, you won’t get the savor of the Seafood Shack or a single room if you’re not quick enough. Thus, a plan is not a constraint, but for your peace of mind.
How to Do Wild Camping: Wild Camping is Not ‘Free Camping’
Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code grants the privilege of responsible wild camping, intended for lightweight, low-impact travel. This means a small tent for up to two nights only, leaving early, and the place as neat as before. But also beware that this right does not extend to camping vans and other similar vehicles. They have their own official designated space that helps the local economy and ensures hassle-free tourism. Another must is to stay well away from houses and roads.
Respect is Everything
Your journey would be through the working living space, so it is on you not to disturb the routine of the locals. Drive with care through minute communities, as there are children around. Never block a farm track or an entrance. Be sure not to leave any trace behind; all litter, without exception, should leave with you. The thriving nature of the North is its greatest treasure, and its care is a responsibility for every visitor.
The Midge; Your Invisible Foe
Midges are small bugs crucial for the Highlands’ environment, but unfortunately, they do bite and are generally a nuisance. From late Spring through Autumn, they reign the landscape, especially around lochs or any other moist source. If you stop on a still evening near a Loch, then be ready for the midge attack. So, come prepared with a proven repellent, Smidge or Avon’s SkinSoother is a locals’ favourite. Also pack a head net for serene enjoyment during the stay. When booking your stay, make sure your accommodation provides mosquito screens. This step will ensure your comfort at best.
Necessities; Fuel & Supplies
The North of Highlands is known for its wilderness, so finding supplies every mile is impossible. Be responsible and refuel your vehicle whenever you pass a petrol station, regardless of how much remains in the tank. Similarly, stock up your snacks, water, and cash for a hassle-free ride. You’d be thankful for the quick snack during a rain spell. Many remote cafes and craft stalls are cash-only, so a small stack of cash is necessary.
Best Touring Season of Scotland Highland
The best season for the tour is late May and June, it brings you summer’s brightness with endless twilight evenings, but also crowds, long lanes and booked out commodities. September exchanges long days with autumn colours and a bit of chill and calm. Winter is for adventurers. It offers stark beauty and solitude, but many services close due to the low season, and driving also becomes a serious task on snowy days.
The Final Mile
The North Coast 500 is more than just a route. It is a journey that trades hurry for depth, and the chaos of routine life with a moment of relaxation. It rewards you with the serenic beauty of wilderness, the wonders of history and the calmness of the seashore. So, pack your bag for an awaiting adventure and drive through the wonders of the Scottish Highlands.
Emma is a solo traveler and freelance travel writer from New Zealand who spent three weeks exploring the Scottish Highlands. With a deep appreciation for history and landscapes, she booked a series of day tours and a private chauffeur journey with Scotland Highland Trip. From Loch Ness to the Cairngorms, she documented her experience through vivid blog posts and drone footage.
