A 5 Day itinerary for the NC500

The most iconic Scottish road trip

The NC500 is one of the most popular and iconic Scottish Road trips. It’s renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse scenery, and unique attractions. There is no right or wrong way to drive this route. There is also no blanket rule as to how long you should take to do this journey. But at 516 miles, we recommend you take a minimum of 5 days. You will see plenty but not feel too rushed.

The best way, in our opinion, is that you set aside a couple of extra days to allow for longer stops in places that will take your breath away. Have a list of things you absolutely want to see but also, don’t be too rigid with your plans and allow some fluidity. This will give you a bit longer to go off-track. You can’t go wrong with getting lost in this road trip (sometimes literally), and discovering some places you didn’t even know were there. 

We have put together an itinerary based on a 5-day road trip, starting and ending in Inverness and some tips below. 

Day 1: Inverness to Ullapool

Morning

• Depart Inverness: Start your journey from Inverness, heading north towards the Black Isle.

• Black Isle: Explore the Black Isle, including the picturesque villages of Cromarty and Fortrose, and visit Chanonry Point to spot dolphins.

Afternoon

• Applecross: Drive along the scenic Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) to Applecross, enjoying breathtaking views of the Highlands and the Isle of Skye.

Evening

• Ullapool: Arrive in Ullapool and check into your accommodation. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and explore the village.

Day 2: Ullapool to Durness

Morning

• Corrieshalloch Gorge: Visit Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach, one of Scotland’s most impressive waterfalls.

• Inverewe Garden: Explore the stunning Inverewe Garden, known for its exotic plants and beautiful landscapes.

Afternoon

• Gairloch: Stop in Gairloch for lunch and enjoy the coastal views and sandy beaches.

• Loch Ewe: Visit the historic village of Poolewe and the WWII memorials and museum at Loch Ewe.

Evening

• Durness: Arrive in Durness and check into your accommodation. Visit Smoo Cave and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Durness to Thurso

Morning

• Cape Wrath: Take a ferry and minibus to Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point of mainland Britain, and explore the dramatic landscapes and lighthouse.

Afternoon

• Tongue: Stop in Tongue for lunch and explore the historic village and stunning views of the Kyle of Tongue.

• Castle of Mey: Visit the Castle of Mey, the former residence of the Queen Mother, and explore the gardens and grounds.

Evening

• Thurso: Arrive in Thurso and check into your accommodation. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and explore the town.

Day 4: Thurso to John O’Groats and Wick

Morning

• John O’Groats: Visit John O’Groats, the most northerly point of mainland Britain, and take a photo at the iconic signpost.

Afternoon

• Duncansby Head: Explore Duncansby Head and its impressive sea stacks, a short drive from John O’Groats.

• Wick: Stop in Wick for lunch and visit the Wick Heritage Museum to learn about the town’s history and heritage.

Evening

• Thurso: Return to Thurso and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or pub.

Day 5: Thurso to Inverness

Morning

• Dunnet Head: Visit Dunnet Head, the true northernmost point of mainland Britain, and enjoy the panoramic views.

• Castle and Gardens: Visit one of the historic castles and gardens in the area, such as Castle Sinclair Girnigoe or Castle of Mey.

Afternoon

• Dornoch: Stop in Dornoch for lunch and explore the historic town, including Dornoch Cathedral and the Royal Dornoch Golf Club.

• Glenmorangie Distillery: Visit the Glenmorangie Distillery for a tour and whisky tasting experience.

Evening

• Return to Inverness: Drive back to Inverness to complete your NC500 journey. Enjoy a farewell dinner in Inverness and explore the city.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of scenic drives, historic sites, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences, allowing you to experience the best of the North Coast 500 in 5 days. Adjust the itinerary based on your interests and pace to make the most of your NC500 road trip!

Tips for your NC500 trip

Plan your route

• Map Out Your Itinerary: Research and plan your route in advance, including stops at key attractions, accommodations, and dining options. 

Timing

• Seasonal Considerations: Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to avoid crowds and enjoy more comfortable driving conditions.

Accommodation

• Book in Advance: Due to the route’s popularity, book your accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season.

• Variety of Options: Choose from a range of accommodations including hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and wild camping spots.

Vehicle preparation

• Suitable Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is suitable for driving on both highways and narrow, winding roads. A reliable and fuel-efficient car or camper van is ideal.

• Carry a spare tire, basic toolkit, and emergency supplies. Consider purchasing a roadside assistance plan for added security. We highly recommend that you are prepared as you will be driving in the most remote parts. 

Supplies and essentials

• Stock Up: Pack essential supplies including food, water, and a first-aid kit, as well as camping gear if you plan to camp.

• Cash: Some areas may have limited ATM access, so carry enough cash for fuel and other expenses.

Driving etiquette

• Single-Track Roads: Be prepared for single-track roads with passing places. Follow the etiquette of giving way to oncoming vehicles.

• Speed Limits: Observe speed limits and be mindful of wildlife crossing the roads, especially during dawn and dusk.

Photography and wildlife

• Capture the Scenery: The NC500 offers stunning photo opportunities, so don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone for capturing memories.

• Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for wildlife such as red deer, otters, and birds of prey, but always observe from a safe distance and do not feed the animals.

Local attractions and activities

• Explore Attractions: Visit historic sites, castles, distilleries, and scenic viewpoints along the route.

• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports in the beautiful Highland landscapes.

Dining and cuisine

• Local Cuisine: Try the local Scottish cuisine, including seafood, haggis, and whisky, at restaurants, cafes, and pubs along the route.

• Picnic Spots: Pack a picnic and enjoy meals at scenic viewpoints and beaches.

Respect the environment and communities

• Leave No Trace: We cannot emphasise this enough. Practice responsible tourism by disposing of litter properly and respecting the natural environment.

• Respect Local Communities: Be courteous and respectful to local residents, and observe any local rules and regulations.

By following these tips, you can have an enjoyable and memorable road trip on the North Coast 500, experiencing the best of Scotland’s stunning landscapes, culture, and heritage.