Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500)

The ultimate driving road past Munros, white beaches, and remote lochs

Road Trip Itinerary Overview

Widely regarded as one of the best coastal drives in the world, the NC500 loops around the rugged north coast of Scotland. You will tackle the switchback bends of the Bealach na Bà pass, drive through the ancient wilderness of Assynt, and cruise past dramatic beaches like Achmelvich and Durness.

Scotland's ultimate driving route. Wind past towering Munros, white sand beaches, and remote castle ruins.

Key Waypoints & Scenic Stops Along the Route

1. Bealach na Bà Pass & Applecross
2. Gairloch Beach
3. Ullapool Harbour
4. Ardvreck Castle Ruins
5. Kylesku Bridge
6. Smoo Cave, Durness
7. Dunnet Head Lighthouse
8. John o' Groats signpost
9. Dunrobin Castle

Recommended Places to Stay & Overnight Stops

• 🏨 The Torridon Hotel (Accommodation):
• 🏨 Kylesku Hotel (Accommodation):
• 🏨 Smoo Cave Hotel, Durness (Accommodation):
• 🏨 Mackays Hotel, Wick (Accommodation):
• 🏨 Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness (Accommodation):

EV Charging Stations & Rapid Hubs

• ⚡ ChargePlace Scotland Dingwall:
• ⚡ ChargePlace Scotland Gairloch:
• ⚡ ChargePlace Scotland Scourie:
• ⚡ ChargePlace Scotland Thurso:
• ⚡ ChargePlace Scotland Inverness:

Fuel, Petrol Stations & Rest Services

• ⛽ Dingwall Service Area (A9):
• ⛽ Ullapool Fuel Station:
• ⛽ Scourie Filling Station:
• ⛽ Wick Tesco Fuel Plaza:
• ⛽ Inverness Retail Park Services:

Essential Driving Tips & Seasonal Advice

• Many roads on the NC500 are single-track. Always use passing places correctly: keep left, do not park in them, and let faster cars pass.
• Midges are highly active in the Highlands from June to September; carry strong midge repellent (like Avon Skin So Soft).
• Fuel stations can be sparse in the north-west. Top up your tank whenever you pass a station.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500) road trip and what are the main stops?

Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500) covers 516 miles (830 km) over 5 Days, rated Challenging. It starts at Inverness and finishes at Inverness (Loop), passing through Bealach na Bà Pass & Applecross, Gairloch Beach, Ullapool Harbour, Ardvreck Castle Ruins, Kylesku Bridge, Smoo Cave, Durness, Dunnet Head Lighthouse, John o' Groats signpost, Dunrobin Castle.

Where are the EV charging stations on Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500)?

ChargePlace Scotland Dingwall: Fast EV charging available. ChargePlace Scotland Gairloch: Fast EV charging available. ChargePlace Scotland Scourie: Fast EV charging available. ChargePlace Scotland Thurso: Fast EV charging available. ChargePlace Scotland Inverness: Fast EV charging available.

Where are the best places to stay along Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500)?

The Torridon Hotel (Stay): Kylesku Hotel (Stay): Smoo Cave Hotel, Durness (Stay): Mackays Hotel, Wick (Stay): Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness (Stay):