Scottish Highlands road trip
North Coast 500 itinerary
The North Coast 500 is Scotland's headline road trip: a 516-mile loop from Inverness around the northern Highlands. A week gives you enough time to enjoy the west coast scenery, the far north beaches and the quieter east coast without turning every day into a mileage target.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Distance
- 516 miles
- Start and finish
- Inverness to Inverness
- Best time
- May, June and September are the easiest months to balance daylight, open attractions and lighter traffic. July and August work well if you book campsites and accommodation early.
Why drive the North Coast 500?
Plan the North Coast 500 with a realistic 7-day itinerary from Inverness through Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness and the Black Isle.
- Bealach na Ba and the Applecross coast
- Torridon, Gairloch and the Assynt mountains
- Smoo Cave, Durness and the north coast beaches
- Dunnet Head, John o'Groats and the Black Isle
7 days North Coast 500 itinerary
Day 1
Inverness to Applecross
Collect supplies in Inverness, head west through Lochcarron and decide whether conditions suit the Bealach na Ba. Overnight around Applecross or Shieldaig.
Day 2
Applecross to Gairloch
Follow the coast through Shieldaig and Torridon, leaving time for viewpoints, short walks and seafood stops before reaching Gairloch.
Day 3
Gairloch to Ullapool
Use this day for beaches, Corrieshalloch Gorge and the slower roads around Wester Ross. Ullapool is the best overnight base before Assynt.
Day 4
Ullapool to Durness
Drive through Assynt past Stac Pollaidh, Ardvreck Castle and Lochinver, then continue to Durness for Smoo Cave and the north-west coast.
Day 5
Durness to John o'Groats
Cross the far north via Tongue, Bettyhill, Strathy and Dunnet Head. Keep this day flexible for weather and exposed coastal viewpoints.
Day 6
John o'Groats to Dornoch
Work down the east coast through Wick, Whaligoe Steps, Lybster, Dunbeath and Golspie, ending around Dornoch or Embo.
Day 7
Dornoch to Inverness
Return via the Black Isle, Chanonry Point and Cromarty before finishing the loop in Inverness.
Planning tips
Book the west coast first
Applecross, Torridon, Gairloch, Ullapool and Durness have limited beds and pitches. Secure those nights before filling the east coast.
Do not rush single-track roads
The west and north sections need patience, passing-place etiquette and extra time for slow traffic, livestock and weather.
Check closures and conditions
The Bealach na Ba and exposed north-coast roads can be difficult in poor weather. Have a lower-level alternative ready.
North Coast 500 FAQ
How many days do you need for the North Coast 500?
Five days is possible, but seven days is a better minimum for most road trippers. Ten days gives more room for walks, boat trips and weather changes.
Where does the NC500 start and finish?
The route starts and finishes in Inverness, looping around the north Highlands via Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness and Easter Ross.
Can you drive the NC500 in a campervan?
Yes, but book campsites early, use passing places properly and avoid unsuitable minor roads if your vehicle is large.