Why we love the North Coast 500
This is one epic road trip. Looping around the uppermost tip of mainland Scotland, the North Coast 500 – aka the NC500 – is where hefty mountains meet dazzling white beaches and tranquil lochs, where waterfalls roar and wildlife roams free. To drive this 516-mile (830km) route is to discover Scotland at its most ruggedly beautiful, a landscape that will ignite your inner adventurer.
The circular trail starts and ends in Inverness, from which you can head clockwise to the mighty peaks and dolphin-dotted waters of Wester Ross, or anticlockwise up the east coast, through Black Isle and Easter Ross. Whichever direction you choose, the north coast – Caithness and Sutherland – promises crumbling castles, tiny harbour villages, and mountains that teeter over the waves.
You’ll need at least five days to drive the NC500, but a week (or more) to really do it justice. From sea kayaking and puffin cruises, to whisky tasting and the Northern Lights: here’s what’s in store…
Featured things to do
Rock stars
Puffins galore! The sea cliffs of Dunnet Head – mainland Britain’s northernmost point – are full of these bright-beaked birds in spring, as they flock to build their nests.
Learn more about Dunnet HeadHighland fling
From hammer throwing and caber tossing to the gruelling Tug O' War, the Highland Games are a real only-in-Scotland spectacle – and they’re held throughout summer.
Learn more about the Highland GamesGo for gold
In the late 1800s, huge quantities of gold were found in Suisgill Estate, sparking a fascination that continues to this day. Feeling lucky? Try panning for gold yourself…
Learn more about gold panning at Suisgill EstateSnow business
When winter descends, the North Coast sparkles – with snow-capped peaks, frozen waterfall walks, warming whiskies and the chance to spot the Northern Lights.
Learn more about winter on the NC500Places to stay in North Coast 500
Inverness
As the start (and finish) of the NC500, Inverness is a key place to rest your head – and the city has plenty of hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses to choose from.
On tour
Want to snooze under the stars? Tour the NC500 in a caravan or motorhome, and spend your nights in the region’s beautiful campsites and farmstays.
Sutherland
The NC500 is not to be rushed, so why not stay in one place for a while? With its huge peaks and humbling sea views, Sutherland is a joy to linger in.
Explore nearby
Getting to the North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is a circular route, so technically you could join it wherever you choose – but Inverness has the best transport connections, so is widely considered to be the start/finish.
Inverness Airport (for domestic and international flights) is a 10-minute drive from the city, and there are good road, rail and coach links with the likes of Edinburgh, York and Newcastle. Caledonian Sleeper offers overnight trains between London and Inverness.
Getting around
For all its wilderness, the NC500 is surprisingly easy to access – whether you choose to drive the whole route, or visit the highlights by public transport.
However you choose to explore, the North Coast 500 app – available on the App Store and Google Play – is full of useful tips and guides. For discounts on attractions and hotels, become a member of the North Coast 500, from £15 per year.
By car
Whether it’s a car, caravan or motorbike, hiring your own vehicle will give you the greatest freedom. Going electric? Chargeplacescotland.org lists the closest charging points.
By bike
One of Britain’s top road-cycling challenges, the NC500 isn’t for the faint hearted: expect long ascents and sharp corners, but an abundance of breathtaking scenery too.
By train
Though public transport is scarce, there are trains between Inverness and the likes of Thurso, Wick, Tain and Invergordon – which are useful for shorter adventures.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
Planning a business event in North Coast 500?
Planning a business event in North Coast 500?
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