The North Coast 500 is the trip that turns first-time campervanners into lifelong road-trippers. This is our complete guide to driving it well: when to go, how long to take, which way round to drive, and the stops that make the journey unforgettable.
What is the NC500?
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile loop that starts and finishes in Inverness, tracing the wild northern coastline of the Scottish Highlands. Often called Scotland's answer to Route 66, it links single-track passes, white-sand beaches, ancient castles and some of the most remote scenery in the UK.
Best Time to Drive
Summer (June to August) brings the longest days and warmest weather, but also the busiest roads and the midges. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are our recommended seasons: fewer crowds, lower prices, and beautiful light. Winter (November to March) is for the adventurous, with short days but dramatic, empty landscapes.
How Long Does It Take?
You can drive the loop in three days, but you would miss the point. We recommend 5 to 7 days to enjoy it properly. Build in time for:
- Viewpoints and photography
- Hidden beaches and hiking
- Cultural attractions and castles
- Rest and relaxation
- Single-track roads, which are slower than they look
If you have 10 to 14 days, even better. The slower you go, the more the NC500 rewards you.
Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise?
We recommend driving anti-clockwise. You get the best coastal views on the driver's side, easier navigation, you save the most dramatic west-coast scenery for last, and the light tends to work in your favour through the day.
Top Tip
Download offline maps before you start! Mobile signal is patchy throughout the Highlands. Apps like Maps.me or Google Maps offline mode are essential.
Must-See Stops
Applecross Pass (Bealach na Bà)
One of Britain's most spectacular mountain roads, climbing through hairpin bends to breathtaking views. Not for nervous drivers, but unforgettable.
Achmelvich Beach
Turquoise water and white sand that would not look out of place in the Caribbean. A perfect overnight spot.
Smoo Cave, Durness
A huge sea cave carved into the cliffs, with a free outer chamber and seasonal boat trips into the inner cave.
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
A dramatic ruined castle perched on the cliffs near Wick, with sweeping views over the sea.
Dunrobin Castle
A fairytale castle with formal gardens and falconry displays, one of the grandest stops on the route.
Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path
- Sandwood Bay, a remote beach reached by a four-mile walk
- Clashnessie Falls, a short stroll from the bay
- Gairloch Beach, with excellent facilities nearby
- Corrieshalloch Gorge, a dramatic 46m chasm with a Victorian suspension bridge
Practical Tips
Fuel Stations
Plan ahead. Fuel stops are sparse in the far north, so fill up whenever you drop below half a tank.
Waste Disposal
Elsan points can be found at Gairloch, Durness (Sango Sands), Lochinver and Ullapool. Always empty waste responsibly.
Wild Camping Etiquette
- Leave no trace
- Respect privacy
- Move on regularly
- Use chemical toilets
- Respect private property
Single-Track Roads
- Use passing places correctly
- Let faster traffic overtake
- Give way to uphill traffic
- Be patient
- Take regular stops
What to Pack
Absolute Essentials
- Waterproof jacket and layers
- Walking boots
- Midge repellent (Avon Skin So Soft or Smidge)
- Offline maps
- Power bank
Nice to Have
- Binoculars
- Camera with spare batteries
- Swimming gear
- Local whisky guide
- Portable BBQ
Estimated Costs
A rough budget for a week on the NC500 for two people:
- Fuel: £150-200
- Campervan hire (Holly or Ivy): £700-1,000
- Food and groceries: £200-300
- Attractions: £50-100
- Restaurants and pubs: £100-200
- Total: £1,200-1,800