The North Coast 500 (NC500) is one of the world’s most breathtaking road trips, winding 516 miles (830 km) around Scotland’s rugged northern coastline. Whether you’re a seasoned road-trippers or a first-time adventurer, this iconic route promises dramatic landscapes, charming villages, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s your ultimate guide to planning the perfect NC500 adventure.
What is the NC500?
The NC500 was launched by the North Highlands Initiative to showcase the stunning beauty of Scotland’s northern coast. Starting and ending in Inverness, the route takes you through some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery, from towering cliffs and golden beaches to ancient castles and picturesque fishing villages. Since its debut in 2017, the NC500 has become a bucket-list journey for travelers worldwide, attracting an estimated global audience of 11.2 billion.
Best Time to Drive the NC500
- Summer (June–August): Warmer weather and longer days, but expect more tourists and higher accommodation prices.
- Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November): Fewer crowds, vibrant colors, and ideal conditions for exploring. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers fiery foliage and dramatic skies.
Pro Tip: Plan ahead. Book accommodation early, especially in peak season.
Choosing Your Vehicle for the NC500
A campervan or motorhome is the ultimate way to experience the NC500, offering both transport and accommodation in one. Here’s why:
- Freedom & Flexibility: Wake up to a new view every day, with no need to rush.
- Comfort & Convenience: Stay warm and dry, even in Scotland’s unpredictable weather.
- Budget-Friendly: Save on hotels and eat on the go with a built-in kitchen.
Best Campervan Options for the NC500
- Compact Campervans: Easy to drive and park, perfect for solo travellers or couples.
- 4-Berth Campervans: Ideal for families or groups, with extra space and amenities.
- Luxury Motorhomes: For those seeking comfort, with heating, showers, and full kitchens.
Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise? Which Route to Choose?
The NC500 can be driven in either direction, each offering unique highlights:
Clockwise (West Coast First): Stunning coastal views from the passenger side, with early stops at Applecross and Bealach na Bà.
Anti-Clockwise (East Coast First): Builds anticipation with dramatic scenery along the west coast, including the Isle of Skye.
Pro Tip: If you’re driving a right-hand-drive vehicle, the clockwise route gives the passenger the best coastal views.
Must-See NC500 Highlights
A big part of making it the best way to see the NC500 is to make sure you see all the best bits. Not so easy, as the route is constantly breathtaking and rewarding with dramatic scenery, rugged coastline and beautiful beaches, making it difficult to pick out highlights. Here are a few of our favourites.
1. Dunrobin Castle
If you’re heading anti-clockwise this will be one of your first NC500 must-see stops. This magnificent 189 room stately home with its beautiful gardens overlooks the Morray Firth and is situated just north of Dornoch and Golspie. It has been home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century.
2. John O’Groats & Dunnet Head
You must get that iconic photo at the famous John O’Groats signpost, the “unofficial” northern most point of the British mainland. It gets its name from a Dutchman, Jan de Groot, who was granted a charter by King James IV to run a ferry to The Orkneys in 1496.
The spectacular Duncansby Stacks are also worth a detour. Just a few miles east of John O’Groats is a breathtaking coastal walk with amazing views of the 6,000 year old sandstone pyramids.
The actual most northerly point of the UK mainland is Dunnet Head, 11 miles away in Caithness, and 2.5 miles north of John O’Groats. Dunnet Head is also worth a visit if you are a “twitcher” (bird watcher) as it is an RSPB Nature Reserve. You can see puffins, razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes on the cliffs, as well as the famous Dunnet Head lighthouse, a 66 feet tall 19th century lighthouse on the top of the 300 foot cliffs at Easter Head.
3. Durness & Smoo Cave
The most north westerly village on the British mainland boasts several stunning beaches, including the unmissable Balnakiel Beach on the furiously named Cape Wrath. With clear waters, white sands and grassy dunes, it also faces west giving you an uninterrupted view of the spectacular sunsets.
Smoo Cave is a combined sea and freshwater cave. The main cavern gives onto a second smaller chamber with its famous waterfall. You can book a Smoo Cave boat trip or cave tour to fully appreciate the natural wonder of the cave and waterfall.
4. Ullapool & Wester Ross
Ullapool is a picturesque town on the shores of Loch Broom. It’s a great stop for pubs and cafes as well as to take a ferry to Stornaway in the Western Isles. It’s also the starting point of the Hebridean whale trail, giving you the chance to see whales, dolphins, porpoises and maybe even orcas on your NC500 trip.
From Ullapool, take in the Corrieshalloch Gorge with its suspension bridge over the Falls of Measach, a cascade of water crashing down 46m into the gorge below.
The Wester Ross National Scenic Area covers 1635 square kilometres of coastline and country down the north west Highlands, from Ullapool in the north to Applecross and Strathcarran in the south.
5. Applecross & Bealach na Bà
Applecross is one of the oldest settlements in Scotland at over 1300 years old. There are only two ways in: the winding coast road from Shieldaig, or the famous Bealach na Ba. This translates as “the pass of cattle” and with its hairpin bends, rising to an altitude of over 2,000 feet, it is a spectacular mountain drive down into Applecross.
Once there, call in or stay at the Applecross Inn for some traditional Highland food or hospitality.
More tips to get the most from your NC500 trip
Here are a few more general tips on how to get the most from your NC500 road trip, as well as some advice on respecting the local environment and community and the benefits of taking it easy…
Be prepared
The old Boy Scout motto, but super relevant here. The Highlands of Scotland on the NC500 route are remote with slower, and sometimes narrow and winding roads, so it may be some time before you find a place to top up your supplies.
The Scottish weather could probably best be described as “changeable” – at any time of year. As the comedian Billy Conolly remarked: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing, so get yourself a sexy raincoat and live a little.”
You should definitely take some extra layers for warmth, and wet weather gear – although there is not much that’s sexy about wet weather trousers, walking boots, a rain coat and a hat!
Make sure you’ve got something to drink (water will help you to stay hydrated) and some food or snacks to sustain you. Other useful items would be a torch or head torch and a day pack for trips off the route. A packet of plasters and thick socks would be useful if you are hiking. Mobile data coverage can be patchy, so a sat nav or old school map would be useful.
A basic first aid kit would be useful on any trip, and is provided in every Spaceships campervan and motorhome.
Respect and support local communities
Always remember that you are visiting the beautiful places along the NC500 route, but local people live and work there too. It’s your holiday, but it’s their home. They need to get to work, get the kids to school and vans and emergency vehicles need to get through. Let traffic pass if you are travelling more slowly, and don’t block gateways.
Try to put a little bit back into this wonderful area. Support local shops, cafes, pubs and campsites. Taste the world class local produce and cuisine, and of course enjoy a wee dram at the end of the day’s driving.
Also, please be considerate where you park. Respect other road users and never park in passing places, but use them to let other vehicles pass on single track roads, or to allow traffic to pass you if you have a long tailback behind you. Read more about how to drive the NC500 here.
Finally, take your time
The NC500 is a magnificent route through a spectacular landscape. It’s not a circuit and it is certainly not a race track. Take your time. Stop frequently to discover the natural beauty and drama of the landscape. It will help you to enjoy this incredible route and see more on your trip.
The NC500 is more than a road trip
It’s an adventure through some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying the open road, this journey will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your NC500 adventure today!
