Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500)

Britain's ultimate road trip — 7 days around the far north

The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile loop from Inverness around the wild top of Scotland — single-track roads, empty white beaches, sea lochs and Highland passes. It's a long haul from South Wales, so take the van 10 to 14 days and budget for extra miles. Scotland is part of the UK, so no ferry or European cover is needed.

Day 1: Get to Inverness

Drive north, overnighting on the way (the Lake District or Glasgow make good stops), and arrive in Inverness — the NC500's start and finish. Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle are a short detour south.

Don't miss: Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

Start at Inverness, the NC500's start and finish, then detour south to Loch Ness, where ruined Urquhart Castle keeps watch over Britain's most famous deep water.

Where to stay

Ardtower Caravan Park — Inverness
Kessock Caravan Park — Inverness
Culloden Moor Caravan and Motorhome Club Site — Inverness

Day 2: The east coast to Dornoch

Head up the gentler east coast: Chanonry Point for dolphins, whisky at Glenmorangie near Tain, and the cathedral town of Dornoch with its beach.

Don't miss: Dunrobin Castle

The gentler east coast — Chanonry Point for dolphins, whisky at Glenmorangie, and this fairytale French-style castle near Dornoch's cathedral and beach.

Where to stay

Davochfin Farm Certificated Location — Dornoch
Grannie's Heilan' Hame Holiday Park — Dornoch
Camping at Golspie — Golspie

Day 3: The far north

Push to the top: Dunnet Head, mainland Britain's most northerly point, the Duncansby stacks near John o' Groats, then west to Durness for Smoo Cave and Ceannabeinne Beach.

Don't miss: Duncansby Head & John o' Groats

The top of Britain — Dunnet Head, the Duncansby sea stacks beside John o' Groats, then west to Durness for Smoo Cave and Ceannabeinne beach.

Where to stay

Wick River Campsite — Wick
Hillside Auckengill Campsite — Wick
John O'Groats Campsite — John o' Groats

Day 4: The wild west

The scenic heart — the peak of Suilven, the beach at Achmelvich and Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt. Single-track roads, so take it slow and use the passing places.

Don't miss: Assynt & Ardvreck Castle

The scenic heart of the route — the sugarloaf peak of Suilven, the white sands of Achmelvich, and this romantic ruin on the shore of Loch Assynt.

Where to stay

NC 500 Pods - Achmelvich — Achmelvich, Lochinver
West Horizon — Lochinver
Port A Bhaigh Campsite — Altandhu, Ullapool

Day 5: Applecross & Bealach na Bà

The famous Bealach na Bà pass to Applecross — one of Britain's greatest driving roads (check your van's size and go early) — with Torridon's mountains next door.

Don't miss: Bealach na Bà

One of Britain's greatest driving roads — the hairpin ascent to Applecross (check your van's size and go early) — with Torridon's giant mountains next door.

Where to stay

Reraig Caravan and Camping — Kyle of Lochalsh
Applecross Cabins — Applecross
Duirinish Pods — Duirinish, Kyle of Lochalsh

Day 6: Loch Ness & home

Loop back to Inverness via Rogie Falls, then begin the journey south. Book Highland sites ahead in summer, and use your Campsite+ membership for member rates.