Epic Journeys: Discovering Scotland's North Coast 500

Bringing together a route of 516 miles of breathtaking landscapes, rugged mountains, white sandy beaches and hidden gems, Scotland’s North Coast 500 (NC500) is quite possibly the most beautiful road trip in the UK. 

Whether you're drawn to exhilarating hikes, pristine beaches, local delicacies, unique crafts, or spotting diverse wildlife, the NC500 promises an unforgettable journey.

Why the North Coast 500?

1. Breathtaking Landscapes: The NC500 guides you through some of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring scenery. As you travel, you’ll encounter towering mountain ranges, dramatic coastlines, historic castles, ancient ruins, and pristine beaches. 
2. Outdoor Adventures: The NC500 is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Hike through the wild terrain of the many mountain ranges or tackle the hairpin bends of the Applecross Peninsula by bike. Paddleboard or kayak through the serene waters of Loch Maree, surf the powerful waves at Thurso East, or cast your line for trout in the tranquil Loch Hope. Experienced climbers will find the challenge of Suilven rewarding, with breathtaking views as their prize. And in the winter months, the Cairngorms offer the perfect setting for skiing or snowboarding.
3. Wildlife Spotting: The route offers excellent opportunities to see Scotland’s diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for the majestic golden eagle, regal stags with their impressive antlers, playful seals, breaching whales and colourful puffins. As you pass through farmland, you might also spot the iconic Highland Cow, a true symbol of Scotland. 

Top Spots on the NC500

• Bealach na Bà: This winding, mountainous road is both a challenge for drivers and a feast for the eyes, offering sweeping panoramic views of the Highlands’ rugged mountains and deep valleys.
• Dunnet Head: As the northernmost point of mainland Britain, Dunnet Head offers breathtaking views of towering cliffs and the vast ocean. It’s a haven for photographers and anyone seeking peace and solitude.
• Durness: With its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Durness feels more like a Caribbean paradise than a part of the Scottish coast. Don’t miss a visit to Smoo Cave—a natural wonder that blends beauty, mystery, and the raw power of nature.
• Eilean Donan Castle: Perched on a small island where three great lochs converge, this iconic castle is one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks, offering a truly spectacular setting.
• Torridon: Famous for its dramatic mountain landscapes and superb hiking trails, Torridon is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Best Hikes and Beaches along the NC500

A campervan is the ideal way to experience the NC500 in all its glory, allowing the flexibility to stop and embrace the wild beauty of Scotland’s landscapes. 

Best Hikes:

• Stac Pollaidh: Located near Ullapool, this hike offers stunning views over the Assynt region. The trail is relatively short but steep, leading to a summit with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and lochs.
• Sandwood Bay: Accessible via a 4-mile walk from the nearest car park, this hike leads to one of Scotland’s most beautiful and remote beaches. The route offers a chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the rugged coastal landscape.
• Ben Nevis: For those seeking a more strenuous challenge, tackling Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, is an unforgettable experience. The hike is demanding but rewards you with incredible views from the summit.

Best Beaches:

• Dornoch Beach: Known for its long, sandy stretches and clear waters, Dornoch Beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. 
• Achmelvich Beach: Near Lochinver, Achmelvich Beach features golden sands and turquoise waters, making it a picturesque location ideal for swimming.
• Balnakeil Beach: Located near Durness, Balnakeil Beach is renowned for its stunning scenery and white sand. 
• Red Sands Beach (Clyde’s Beach): Near Applecross, this secluded beach offers striking red sand and impressive views of the Applecross Peninsula. 
• Sango Bay: This beach, also near Durness, is characterised by its dramatic cliffs. It’s a fantastic spot for surfing or exploring rock pools.

Wildlife Spotting along the NC500

The NC500 is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering countless opportunities to observe a diverse array of species in their natural habitats.

• Red Deer: Often seen grazing in the forests and moorlands, especially around Torridon and the Caingorms. The huge stags are a sight to behold.
• Golden Eagles: Look up as you drive through the Highlands; these majestic birds are often spotted soaring high in the skies, their wingspans creating a striking silhouette.
• Whales & Dolphins: The coastline around Gairloch is a prime location for marine wildlife tours. From mid-May onwards, join a boat trip with Hebridean Whale Cruises or other local operators for a chance to see harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and minke whales. With luck, you might even encounter Risso’s dolphins, white-beaked dolphins, humpback whales, fin whales, killer whales, or even a basking shark.
• Seals: Coastal areas such as the Dornoch Firth and around John O’Groats are great for spotting seals lounging on the rocks or swimming gracefully in the waters.
• Seabirds: The cliffs along the route are home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, storm petrels, and arctic skuas. Lunga Island, the largest of the Treshnish Isles, boasts a puffin colony that can swell to over 5,000 birds.
• Otters: Though elusive, otters can sometimes be spotted along the rivers and lochs, particularly in the northern stretches of the route. With patience and a bit of luck, you may catch a glimpse of these playful creatures. 

Culinary Delights Along the Route

As you journey along the NC500, be sure to indulge in some of the region’s local delicacies, from handmade shortbread to haggis, neeps, and tatties, and the freshest seafood and shellfish. Here are some top spots to satisfy your taste buds:

1. Local Shops:

• Applecross Smokehouse (Torridon): Stock up on their award-winning smoked salmon, a true taste of the Highlands. 
• West Coast Delicatessen (Ullapool): Located on shores of Loch Broom, this deli is renowned for its fresh, locally sourced produce. 
• The Durness Village Shop (Durness): Proudly ‘not your average village store,’ this shop offers a plethora of artisanal and local products that are sure to make your day. 

2. Distilleries

Whisky, known in Gaelic as uisge-beatha or the "water of life," has been crafted in Scotland for centuries, and the eastern stretch of the NC500 is dotted with unique distilleries, each with its own story to tell.

• 8 Doors Distillery: Begin your whisky journey at Scotland’s most northerly mainland distillery, where you’ll uncover the enchanting tale behind its name.
• Old Pulteney Distillery: Just a bit further south, this distillery offers a rich maritime heritage that is as compelling as the whisky it produces.
• Glenmorangie Distillery: Meet the legendary Men of Tain at Glenmorangie, a distillery known for its smooth, complex whiskies.
• Balblair Distillery: Experience one of the oldest and most picturesque distilleries in the world.
• Clynelish and Glen Ord Distilleries: Complete your whisky tour by visiting these distilleries, where you can even pick up a special NC500-engraved whisky glass as a memento of your trip.

3. Independent Restaurants and Cafés:

For a taste of authentic Scottish cuisine, these restaurants and cafés along the NC500 come highly recommended: 

• The Torridon Inn (Torridon): Enjoy locally sourced ingredients with two dining options: the award-winning 3 AA Rosette 1887 restaurant, where each dish is a culinary masterpiece, or Bo & Muc Brasserie, which focuses on simplicity, seasonality, and the best of the Scottish larder.
• Scrabster Seafood Bar (Lochinver): A must-visit for seafood lovers, this spot is the little sister of Captain’s Galley Seafood Restaurant and serves sustainable Scottish fish, freshly caught by local fishermen. 
• Lochinver Larder: Famous for its homemade pies and stunning views. With over 18 pies to choose from, as well as a specials menu featuring local seafood and vegetarian and vegan delights, there’s something here for everyone.

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Local Crafts and Souvenirs: bring a piece of the NC500 home with you.

• Ceàrd (Ullapool): Discover the best of Scottish Contemporary Craft with locally made items from over 60 artists and makers who live Scotland. 90% of the work offered is made in Ullapool, Wester Ross, Inverness or Sutherland and you’ll find an impressive range of paintings, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, carved wood, foraged metal and much more.
• The Jail (Dornoch): With 5000 square feet of retail space, this 19^th century jail has been transformed into a unique shopping experience, with a superb selection of pottery, jewellery, accessories, luxurious cashmere and other Scottish gift ideas.
• Campbell’s of Beauly (Beauly): Founded in 1858, this retail emporium is a Highlands institution, with characterful fixtures and fittings dating back to the shops original opening. You’ll find a selection of the finest lambs wool and cashmere knitwear, tweed flatcaps, clothing and accessories all specially made for Campbell’s.

Wild Camping on the NC500

While Scotland is renowned for its liberal approach to wild camping, it’s important to know that this freedom comes with responsibilities. True wild camping in a campervan isn’t legally permitted, but it’s often tolerated if done discreetly and with the utmost respect for the environment. This means adhering to a “leave no trace” policy - no litter, no damage to the land, and no loud noise that might disturb wildlife or other people. The best practice is to pitch up late, leave early, and always be prepared to move on if asked.

To help manage the increasing number of motorhomes and campervans on the NC500 and their impact on the local environment and communities, the Highland Council launched the Highland Campervan and Motorhome Scheme on July 1, 2024. This innovative initiative is a game-changer for travellers seeking to enjoy Scotland’s rugged beauty without compromising it.

The scheme offers a voluntary seven-day pass for £40, inclusive of VAT, providing motorhome and campervan users access to 12 designated overnight parking locations strategically placed along the NC500 route. These locations, including scenic spots like Torvean Car Park in Inverness, Nairn Harbour, Dunnet Head Car Park, and Ullapool Latheron Car Park, are carefully chosen to offer stunning views while minimising the environmental footprint. This initiative not only enhances the camping experience by ensuring a safe and legal place to stay but also supports sustainable tourism in the Highlands, preserving these cherished landscapes for future generations.

By participating in the scheme, you’re helping to protect the environment and ensure that the NC500 remains a treasured journey for all who come after you. So, whether you choose to camp wild or take advantage of these designated spots, always remember to tread lightly and respect the natural beauty that makes this route so special.

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Best Campsites on the NC500: Authentic Spots with Stunning Views

1. Sands Caravan and Camping (Gairloch)

This expansive, family-run campsite offers a stunning location on the shores of Loch Gairloch. Covering 55 acres, you have the freedom to park wherever you wish, allowing for a more secluded and private camping experience even when the site is busy. With direct access to the beach and views out to the Hebrides, you can choose between a sheltered spot among the sand dunes or a raised pitch with unrivalled views. The site is open April-October and also features an on-site licensed café serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well as drinks and cakes. And for a little extra luxury after a day of adventure, there’s even a bath in the shower room!

2. Ardmair Point (Near Ullapool)

Just a few miles north of Ullapool, Ardmair Point in situated on a picturesque peninsula offering breathtaking views of Loch Kanaird and the Summer Isles. The campsite is right by the water’s edge, giving you a front-row seat to some of Scotland’s most stunning sunsets. This site, which is open April - October serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area or simply soaking in the peaceful, scenic landscape.

3. Clachtoll Beach Campsite (Near Lochinver)

Clachtoll Beach Campsite is a true gem on the NC500 and a favourite for many. This quiet, family-run site is perfectly situated right on the picture-perfect Clachtoll Beach, famous for its split rock formation and the frequent sightings of whales, dolphins, and sea eagles. The scenery here is absolutely spectacular, immersing you in the natural beauty of the Highlands. The site is eco-friendly, utilising renewable energy, and even provides free eco-friendly washing and cleaning products. What makes it even better? The use of kayaks, wetsuits, canoes, paddleboards, and fire pits is all included, making it an ideal spot for a swim or a day of adventure in the great outdoors. Open April-October and also a short while over New Year.

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4. Scourie Caravan and Camping Site (Scourie)

Open all year round and nestled in the heart of Assynt, this campsite offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and the nearby sea lochs. Each pitch is thoughtfully laid out to provide everyone with an elevated sea view, and there’s a path leading down to a small, secluded beach. Located within the North West Highlands UNESCO Geopark, this site is a perfect base for exploring the local area. You can even take a boat trip to nearby Handa Island to spot puffins, minke whales, dolphins, orcas, or perhaps even a basking shark!

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5. Sango Sands Oasis (Durness)

Perched dramatically on the cliffs above Sango Bay, Sango Sands Oasis is an iconic stop on the NC500 and is open March-October. The campsite offers unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean, with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches nearby, not to mention the famous Smoo Cave. Despite its remote feel, there’s an amazing village shop just down the road for all your supplies. Once a week, a local fish van stops close by, offering freshly caught local seafood. For those seeking even more adventure, take the passenger ferry and minibus to Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point of mainland Britain, where there's no land between you and the Arctic.

6. Dunnet Head Car Park, Thurso‍

Perched atop 300-foot-high cliffs at the most northerly point of mainland Britain, Dunnet Head Car Park offers a truly unique camping experience. The Highland Council has thoughtfully allowed overnight parking all year around here, providing an unparalleled opportunity to wake up to breathtaking views of the North Sea. As part of an RSPB reserve, it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, with the added charm of being next to a lighthouse built by Robert Louis Stevenson, the famed author of Kidnapped and Treasure Island. It’s the perfect spot to cozy up on a wild, stormy night and watch the waves crash against the cliffs - an experience that’s as ruggedly beautiful as Scotland itself.

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7. Fortrose Bay Campsite 

Situated right on the pebble beach with spectacular views over the Moray Firth, Fortrose Bay Campsite is the perfect spot for a beach BBQ while watching the sun set over the distant mountains. Located just 15 miles northeast of Inverness, this small site is famous for being one of the best places to spot the UK's most northern colony of bottlenose dolphins. The friendly owners go the extra mile to make your stay special—don’t hesitate to ask them for the best time of day to see the local dolphins, just a beautiful 15-minute walk away.

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Insider Tips 

1. Plan Your Timing: While summer is the most popular time to explore the NC500, it’s also the busiest. For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting between October and April. The roads are quieter, and you’ll have a better chance of capturing incredible, uncrowded shots. Plus, the snow, winter light, and, if you’re very lucky, the Northern Lights in the Highlands can make for truly magical memories.
2. Be Prepared for Weather Changes: Scottish weather is famously unpredictable, especially in the Highlands. Pack plenty of layers, a good waterproof jacket, and be ready to adapt to sudden changes - one minute you could be basking in sunshine, the next you’re facing a downpour. If you're visiting in summer, don’t forget to bring Smidge or another midge repellent to keep those pesky insects at bay.
3. Take Your Time: The NC500 isn’t a race; it’s an experience to be savoured. Give yourself the freedom to linger at your favorite spots, take spontaneous detours, and truly immerse yourself in the journey. While some people try to complete the route in five days, we recommend taking at least ten to fully appreciate everything this stunning region has to offer.
4. Get Expert Campervan advice: Before setting off on your NC500 adventure, make sure you’re well-prepared. Check out the comprehensive tips and advice on this page: North Coast 500 Motorhomes and Campervan Advice.
5. Respect the Environment: The unspoiled beauty of the NC500 is one of its greatest charms. Help keep it that way by respecting local guidelines, being mindful of wildlife, and leaving no trace behind. Simple acts like disposing of waste properly and sticking to designated paths go a long way in preserving this stunning landscape for future generations.
6. Don’t forget Binoculars: The NC500 is a wildlife lover’s dream. Pack a good pair of binoculars to fully appreciate the incredible wildlife you’ll encounter - from majestic golden eagles to dolphins leaping through the waves or seals basking on the shore. A keen eye and some patience can reward you with unforgettable sightings.
7. Support Local Businesses: Along the NC500, you’ll find an array of local shops, cafes, and artisan producers offering everything from fresh seafood to handmade crafts. Make a point to stop in small villages and support these businesses - they’re a key part of the region’s charm and can offer you some of the most authentic experiences and products.

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Conclusion

Embarking on the North Coast 500 is more than just a road trip; it’s an immersive experience that allows you to explore Scotland’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and local charm. With its dramatic landscapes, historic landmarks, thrilling hikes, serene beaches, mouthwatering local food, and unique crafts, the NC500 offers something for everyone. Plan your journey in advance to savour the stunning vistas, engage with local culture, and create lasting memories along one of Scotland’s most scenic and exhilarating routes.

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