North Coast 500 is a scenic driving route that stretches 516 miles (830 kilometers) along the northern coast of Scotland. Officially launched in 2015, the route has quickly gained popularity as “Scotland’s Route 66” and is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. The circular route starts and ends in the city of Inverness, passing through the regions of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, and Easter Ross.
The journey along the North Coast 500 takes travelers through a diverse range of landscapes, including rugged coastlines, picturesque lochs, towering mountains, and vast moorlands. Along the way, visitors can explore historical sites, such as the ruins of Ardvreck Castle and the prehistoric standing stones at the Achavanich Beaker Burial Project.
The route also passes through charming towns and villages, offering opportunities to experience local culture, cuisine, and hospitality. Highlights include the bustling town of Ullapool, the remote village of Durness, and the historic town of Wick.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the North Coast 500 offers a wealth of activities, including hiking, cycling, wildlife watching, and watersports. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and varied attractions, the North Coast 500 has quickly become one of Scotland’s most iconic and unforgettable driving experiences.
Official tourism website:
https://www.northcoast500.com
North Coast 500 Highlights
Some of the most notable highlights along the route include:
Inverness: The Highland capital and starting point of the route, with attractions such as Inverness Castle, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, and Culloden Battlefield.
Black Isle: Known for its charming villages, fertile farmlands, and opportunities to spot dolphins at Chanonry Point.
Bealach na Bà: A steep and winding mountain pass offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Applecross: A picturesque village in Wester Ross, with beautiful coastal scenery and a rich history.
Torridon: A region boasting dramatic mountain landscapes and outdoor activities, including hiking and wildlife watching.
Ullapool: A lively coastal town offering a range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and boat tours.
Assynt: Home to the striking mountains of Suilven, Quinag, and Stac Pollaidh, as well as the historic ruins of Ardvreck Castle.
Dun Dornaigil Broch: An impressive and well-preserved Iron Age structure in Sutherland.
Durness and Balnakeil: Beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and white sands.
Smoo Cave: A large coastal cave with a fascinating history and guided tours available.
Cape Wrath: The most northwesterly point of the British mainland, offering dramatic coastal scenery and a sense of remoteness.
John o’ Groats: A famous village marking the northeastern tip of the Scottish mainland, often used as a start or endpoint for long-distance journeys.
Dunnet Head: The most northerly point on the British mainland, offering panoramic views and a historic lighthouse.
Dunrobin Castle: A fairytale-like castle with stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and a museum.
Whaligoe Steps: A series of historic stone steps carved into the cliffs, leading down to a small harbor.
North Coast 500 Suggest 7-day Itinerary
Here is a suggested 7-day itinerary for driving the North Coast 500 route in Scotland:
Day 1: Inverness to Applecross (approx. 80 miles)
- Start in Inverness, visit Inverness Castle and St. Andrew’s Cathedral
- Drive across the Black Isle, stop at Chanonry Point to spot dolphins
- Continue to the Bealach na Bà mountain pass, enjoy the scenic views
- Arrive in Applecross, explore the village and overnight
Day 2: Applecross to Gairloch (approx. 80 miles)
- Drive through the Torridon region, admire the dramatic landscapes
- Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or wildlife watching
- Arrive in Gairloch, a picturesque coastal village, and overnight
Day 3: Gairloch to Ullapool (approx. 80 miles)
- Drive along the coast, stopping at viewpoints and beaches
- Visit the Corrieshalloch Gorge and its suspension bridge
- Arrive in Ullapool, explore the town, dine at local restaurants, and overnight
Day 4: Ullapool to Durness (approx. 95 miles)
- Drive through the Assynt region, admire the mountains of Suilven, Quinag, and Stac Pollaidh
- Stop at Ardvreck Castle ruins for a photo opportunity
- Arrive in Durness, visit the beautiful beaches of Durness and Balnakeil, and overnight
Day 5: Durness to John o’ Groats (approx. 105 miles)
- Explore Smoo Cave and its fascinating history
- Drive to Cape Wrath, the most northwesterly point of the British mainland
- Continue along the north coast, stopping at scenic viewpoints
- Arrive in John o’ Groats, explore the village, and overnight
Day 6: John o’ Groats to Wick (approx. 40 miles)
- Visit Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on the British mainland
- Drive to Dunrobin Castle, explore the castle and its gardens
- Continue to Wick, a historic fishing town, and overnight
Day 7: Wick to Inverness (approx. 100 miles)
- Visit the Whaligoe Steps and the small harbor below
- Drive along the east coast, stopping at beaches and viewpoints
- Return to Inverness, marking the end of the North Coast 500 loop
This itinerary provides an example of how to spend a week driving the North Coast 500 route, but it can be adapted to suit individual preferences and timeframes. Be sure to make accommodations and activity bookings in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.