North Coast 500 | A Walk in the Clouds

The NC500 route starts in the City of Inverness, before driving up the east coast of Scotland to the very top of the UK, spotting dolphins and visiting amazing castles along the way.

The route then takes you along the far north coast of Scotland to John O’Groats and the incredible Duncansby Head Stacks, then to Scrabster and Thurso discovering white sand beaches, before exploring the huge Smoo Cave, and trying the famous hot chocolate at Cocoa Mountain at Durness.

Turning south, you will then travel through the otherworldly landscapes of Lochinver and Assynt and drive along a coastline pepper-potted with incredible white sand beaches with turquoise blue seas to Wester Ross.

Finally, you will drive through the huge Torridon mountains, past fiord-like lochs to the beautiful Applecross Peninsula where you end your trip driving the famous Bealach na Bà – completing the Scotland Route 66.

North Coast 500 road trip stop offs

Bask in the beauty of Achmelvich Bay, a stunning white sandy beach popular with hill walkers and water sports enthusiasts. Further north, spot dolphins and seals off the coast at Chanonry Point.

Top tip: Although there are several petrol stations along the route, don’t underestimate how many miles you have to drive before you can fill up.

Distance and ideal duration: 516 miles, 5-7 days.

Did you know? This area of the UK is one of the best places outside of Scandinavia to see the Northern Lights.