North West Highlands road trip
Durness to Ullapool itinerary
The most direct drive from Durness to Ullapool is about 68 miles and takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes, staying on the main A838 and A894 over the Kylesku Bridge. Take the scenic NC500 routing instead — looping the Assynt coast through Lochinver and the white-sand beaches — and it stretches to about 95 miles, but plan a full day either way, because the single-track roads and viewpoints are the whole point. It is one of the most spectacular legs of the North Coast 500, threading the empty Assynt coast past sea lochs, sandy bays and some of Scotland's most distinctive mountains.
- Duration
- 1–2 days
- Distance
- 95 miles
- Start and finish
- Durness to Ullapool
- Best time
- May, June and September give the best balance of long daylight and lighter traffic on the single-track roads. Carry midge protection in high summer.
See the ready-made plan
The full Durness to Ullapool itinerary is already plotted in the planner, day by day. Open it to see the route on the map, then drag stops, add your own and keep notes as you go.
Why drive the Durness to Ullapool?
A drive guide for the Durness to Ullapool leg of the NC500 — the wild Assynt coast via Kylesku, Lochinver and Ardvreck Castle.
- The sweeping Kylesku Bridge over Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin
- Achmelvich and Clachtoll white-sand beaches
- Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt
- The peaks of Suilven, Quinag and Stac Pollaidh
1–2 days Durness to Ullapool itinerary
Morning
Durness to Kylesku
Leave Durness past Smoo Cave and follow the coast south through Scourie, crossing the iconic Kylesku Bridge with a stop for the Eas a' Chùal Aluinn waterfall viewpoint.
Midday
The Assynt coast loop
Detour onto the B869 coastal road for Drumbeg, Clachtoll and Achmelvich beaches, then rejoin the main route at Lochinver for lunch and a famous pie.
Afternoon
Loch Assynt to Ullapool
Pass Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt and the lone peak of Stac Pollaidh before following Loch Lurgainn and the coast down to Ullapool.
Planning tips
Allow far longer than the mileage suggests
Ninety-five miles of single-track road with passing places, slow traffic and constant photo stops easily fills a whole day. Don't plan to rush it.
Fuel up before you set off
Filling stations are sparse on this stretch. Top up in Durness or Lochinver rather than assuming you will find fuel along the way.
Use passing places correctly
Single-track etiquette matters here: pull in to let faster traffic pass and never park in a passing place to take photos.
Durness to Ullapool FAQ
How far is Durness to Ullapool?
The direct route is about 68 miles (110 km) on the main A-roads. Following the scenic Assynt coast on the NC500 — via Lochinver and the beaches — it is closer to 95 miles (150 km); allow a full day for that.
How long does the Durness to Ullapool drive take?
The direct route takes about 2 hours 15 minutes without stops. The scenic Assynt coast loop is nearer two and a half to three hours of driving, and most people take a whole day once they add the beaches and viewpoints.
What are the best stops between Durness and Ullapool?
Highlights include Smoo Cave, the Kylesku Bridge, Drumbeg and Achmelvich beaches, Lochinver, Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt and the peak of Stac Pollaidh.
Is the Durness to Ullapool road single track?
Much of it is single-track with passing places, especially the Assynt coast detour. Drive carefully, use passing places properly and allow extra time.
Related road trips
North Coast 500
Scotland's signature road trip — beaches, single-track passes and NC500 campsites from Inverness round the north.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Distance
- 516 miles
North East 250
Scotland's quieter cousin to the NC500 — Cairngorms, whisky country and the Moray coast.
- Duration
- 6 days
- Distance
- 250 miles