If you are considering a road trip on the epic North Coast 500 in Scotland, you are in for a huge treat. The North Coast 500 in the Scottish Highlands has been dubbed “Scotland’s Route 66” and named “one of the greatest road trips in the world.” When we first learned of its existence while in the Tanzanian bush, we knew we had to drive the epic Scottish 500.
The trip that followed was breathtaking and left us wanting more. It is a place that will always require “more time” because it’s likely you’ll never have enough.
The North Coast 500 is epic, and few road trips around the world even compete for its beauty.
We’re here to share with you some important North Coast 500 tips to know before you go! Let’s dig in.
To read our ultimate NC500 guide see here!
Our North Coast 500 (Scotland) Itinerary
We started our North Coast 500 trip in Inverness and ended in Applecross before going on to the Isle of Skye. Since we rented our car in Edinburgh and had some spare time on our hands and were dying to see Skye, we decided not to cross back over to Inverness from Applecross (making the whole route “complete”).
The whole route below took us eight full days, but we could have easily spent three weeks. For an extended NC500 itinerary, see this post!
What is the North Coast 500?
It’s okay if you’re still questioning what the North Coast 500 actually is – even some Scots we talked to didn’t know, and all I have to say is it’s one of the best places to go in Europe!
That’s because the North Coast 500 route is a relatively new one. Although the roads, sites, and beauty have always existed in the Scottish Highlands, it wasn’t until it was given a name that the route exploded in popularity.
The National Highland Initiative coined the NC500 in 2015 to boost economic activity and tourism in the many pockets of the highlands that weren’t currently benefitting from much of the Scottish tourism. The route runs for more than 500 miles to and from Inverness, the capital of the highlands, and from there, you can either travel up the east coast or head to the west and travel up. The North Coast route has significantly increased profit and tourism in the Highlands area, adding about 29,000 visits in the first year of its launch.
Important North Coast 500 Tips To Know
1. Don’t Over Plan
With only eight days and a gazillion things to see we knew we would never get to everything…but we tried. We packed in a lot in just over a week. By the end of it all, we wanted to cuddle up on a familiar couch and binge-watch Netflix.
We moved guesthouses every day, which meant we packed every morning and unpacked every night. Then on top of that, we had an itinerary of places to visit, restaurants to eat at, and check-in times to manage with our guesthouse owners.
We were constantly late because all we wanted to do was stop to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. Beating time is a losing fight on the North Coast 500 and if I could give you only one piece of advice for this route it would be to not over plan your trip.
So how long does it take to drive the North Coast 500?
There is no right answer to that as it is really up to you! Before we left for the North Coast 500, we had a full eight-day agenda of all the things we just had to see on the North Coast 500. We thought eight days would be an ideal amount of time to see everything, but there are so many things that we missed getting to in the end.
In an ideal world, I think that two weeks would be the perfect amount of time to experience most of the North Coast 500. If you have anything less than five days, I would suggest waiting until you have more time to make the full 516-mile Scottish road trip as you may be too rushed to enjoy it.
2. Factor in Stops for Photos
Just because the GPS says it will take you an hour to get from Lochinver to Ullapool doesn’t mean it actually will. The drive on the North Coast 500 is just so mesmerizing you would be crazy not to get out, take photos, and enjoy the scenery outside of your car.
If you like taking photos and videos like us then it would be advisable to consider your stops when planning your drive. We may or may not have stopped for about an hour to have an impromptu photo shoot with some of the famous highland coos…
3. Pack Accordingly
“Well, you don’t come to Scotland for the weather,” we were told by many locals. Weather in Scotland and the Highlands is unpredictable, to say the least. It could be sunshine in November and hail in May. Unfortunately for us, we got all the rain and thunderstorms in September with very little sun or warmth. It was okay because we came prepared for all types of weather.
This is what we recommend you do while on the North Coast 500. Pack for rain, sun, and everything in between to ensure you’re always comfortable. Some must-have items when traveling the North Coast 500 are a good rain jacket, waterproof hiking pants, a great down jacket, hiking shoes, and a cute warm sweater for when it’s a wee bit chilly out. Psst – Read our full packing guide to Scotland here!
And remember to throw an adaptor in your bag! Scotland uses the standard British three-prong pin. You’ll want to make sure you have an adaptor before you set out on this trip so you can always have your cameras and cell phones charged or you may be paying a premium for one at the airport. I have this universal adaptor and it has literally traveled with me around the world.
4. Book Ahead
The North Coast 500 route has gained popularity, and at a rapid pace. When we first drove the NC500 years ago very few people had heard of it, when we revisited in 2022 not a single person we spoke to hadn’t heard of it.
The NC500 is so popular that many times the supply just simply cannot meet the demand, and people are stuck with no accommodation if they do not plan in advance.
This isn’t one of the places you can show up and book accommodation the day before. I know I said not to over plan, and you shouldn’t, except for accommodation. I would recommend that you start to look at your accommodation options and book in advance right after you know where you are going.
The North Coast 500 can get very busy between June and October, so you may need to book your hotels and guesthouses at least a few months out, or you get stuck paying a premium or (even worse) have nowhere to stay. Check out where we slept!
5. Don’t Rely on the Internet on the North Coast 500
Before we left Inverness, we picked up a Sim card with the telecom provider “three.” We told the employees our plan to drive the North Coast 500, and they immediately told us not to expect the data to work much in the Scottish Highlands.
We found that we could not get a great signal in most places north of Inverness. Most of the time, we had no service at all, while occasionally we could make a phone call, and only when we were in larger towns would we could get 3G.
However, many of the hotels and lodges situated on the NC500 have WiFi, just don’t expect it to be the greatest. It will most likely be enough to check your emails and do some basic browsing.
We met one couple that told us they were still using dial-up because where they lived was so remote. With this much beauty when you travel Scotland, you shouldn’t need much internet. It’s the perfect place to come to relax and disconnect for a while.
6. Get Active on the NC500
Don’t think that because you are doing one of the best road trips in the world that you will have to sit cooped up in a car all day. Actually, it’s the opposite! Most of Scotland’s best activities are outdoors.
Fancy a canoe paddle or fly fishing? Well, there are countless lochs around! Mountain biking is also at its finest here as well as Seascape tours, hiking trails, castle exploring, waterfall chasing, and even caving.
All of the highlights of our trip involved some sort of outdoor activity. We loved mountain biking along the heather in Invershin with Heaven Bikes, cave exploring in Smoo Caves, and then, of course, we can never forget our epic time interacting with some of the many Scottish stags in Reraig Forest.
7. You Can Walk (Almost) Anywhere on the NC500
I should probably mention that you can walk just about anywhere in Scotland – Yes, anywhere! We were shocked when locals told us this Scotland fact, that we could freely roam around any mountains, moorland, woods, forests, grassland, fields, rivers and lochs, coastal areas with no worry of trespassing.
Trespassing in Scotland is “not a thing.” Coming from the United States where “No Trespassing” signs could be met with prosecution or even worse – a gun nut, we think this is an amazing law.
The “freedom to roam” is the general public’s right to access certain public or privately owned land for recreation. This doesn’t include houses, gardens, or military bases. The right to roam law allows people to enjoy the land and inland water for their own well-being. The only stipulation is that you must do so responsibly and safely. So, mind the sheep and close the gate!
More info on Scotland's Outdoor Access Code can be found here.
8. You Can Drink!
You’ve certainly heard of Scotch Whisky. The world-famous spirit is distilled all over Scotland, and it shouldn’t be a surprise that there are several distilleries along the North Coast 500 route.
We personally had time to visit a few: Clynelish, Balblair and Glen Ord, which ran whisky tours around the distillery, complete with a tasting at the end.
However, we were a bit shocked when we found out that many Scots don’t actually drink whisky. These days Gin is the hot commodity and within a few years Gin distilleries have popped up all around Scotland. We were lucky enough to visit one of the first gin distilleries in Scotland on the route, the Dunnet Bay Distillery.
The gin distillery is located in Dunnet, not far from the popular stop of John O Groats. They make all organic Gin and feature local ingredients from the heather, one of those being rock rose, which provides the name for their signature Rock Rose Gin. It’s wonderful and we highly recommend it!
If hard spirits aren’t your thing, then head to a brewery! Yes, Scotland has those too. The Black Isle Brewery is a great one to visit and sample some organic craft beers. The brewery is open to visits and if they have the time they’ll take you in the back and show you around. They also brew an NC500 IPA that is seriously delicious and perfect for drinking on the North Coast 500.
Some of the Best Distilleries on the North Coast 500:
- Glenmorangie Distillery: located in Tain, this distillery is known for producing some of the finest single malt Scotch whisky in the world.
- Old Pulteney Distillery: based in Wick, this distillery produces a range of single malt whiskies that are known for their maritime character.
- Clynelish Distillery: situated in the town of Brora, this distillery produces a range of single malt whiskies that are highly prized by collectors.
- Balblair Distillery: located in the village of Edderton, this distillery is known for its range of single malt whiskies that are aged in a variety of different casks.
- The Singleton Distillery: based in Muir of Ord, this distillery produces a range of single malt whiskies that are known for their rich, full-bodied flavor.
The Best Breweries on the North Coast 500
- Black Isle Brewery: based in the village of Munlochy, this brewery produces a range of organic ales and lagers using locally grown ingredients.
- Cromarty Brewing Company: based in the town of Cromarty, this brewery produces a range of ales and lagers using locally grown ingredients.
- Windswept Brewery: located in the village of Lossiemouth, this brewery produces a range of ales and lagers using locally grown ingredients.
- Swannay Brewery: based in the village of Orkney, this brewery produces a range of ales and lagers using locally sourced ingredients.
9. Don’t Drink and Drive
On the topic of alcohol, I suppose I should mention that the alcohol limit for drivers in Scotland is 50 milligrams of alcohol in every 100 milliliters of blood – or in other words – almost nothing. Yes, just one cocktail, beer, or glass of wine can put you over the legal limit to operate a vehicle.
If you are going in for a mid-day whisky tasting but still have to do some driving in Scotland afterward, ask the staff to wrap up your whisky for you to enjoy later. They are all aware of the drinking and driving laws and have nice take home bottles to give you as a part of your tasting. They completely understand and would rather you be safe than sorry.
10. The North Coast 500 is the Most Beautiful Drive on Earth!
And we’ve been to a lot of places – 85 countries and counting to be exact. We’ve seen the tides roll in on the empty beaches of Mozambique, watched the sunrise over the worlds tallest sand dunes in Namibia, and have seen where the hobbits reside in New Zealand.
Yes, all those places are insanely beautiful, but the Scottish Highlands are surreal. Rolling hills, dramatic cliff faces, creeping heather, deep blue lochs, and alpine forests? It’s a lot to contend with!
The North Coast 500 route packs in some of the prettiest places in the world. I even started to get just a wee bit annoyed with Cameron because he wouldn’t stop saying “WOW” every time we drove around a bend. I guess what I’m trying to say is bring a camera and prepare for your jaw to hit the floor.
11. The NC500 is NOT 500 miles
Technically the North Coast 500 is 516 miles, but let’s be honest – 500 sounds way better. You don’t have to travel the entire route to take in the beauty though. We met plenty of visitors who came just to travel just for a few days traveling up from the city and either started their trip on the east or west coast.
12. Brush Up on Your Driving Skills
Driving in Scotland is no joke and it’s essential to realize that before renting a vehicle. For starters, the Scots drive on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right. Now, we are used to this after extensive driving across Africa, but many foreigners are not.
Second, instead of stoplights and signs to idle at most of the roads in Scotland run smoothly because of roundabouts. Yes, roundabouts. Those are the circle streets you may get a wee bit nervous about driving on if you’re not used to them.
Well, there are tons of them in Scotland which is something we came to realize about five minutes after we picked up our rental car at the airport. Make sure you know the rules of the road and how to navigate these before you drive here.
Third and most important – the roads on the North Coast 500 are often small single-track roads fit for just one vehicle at a time. Every 400 meters or so, there are passing points to let oncoming traffic get through. The car closest to a passing point should be the one to yield.
That does not mean crossing the path of another vehicle into the passing point. If the passing place is on your side of the road you move over, if it is on their side you wait for them to approach you. Always make sure there is enough room on the road to pass.
These aren’t motorways or highways and there are plenty of sheep and cattle on the side of the road so drive sensibly. To drive the North Coast 500, you must be patient and aware of your surroundings.
Don’t drive too fast, don’t take photos while driving (yes we saw that many times), and don’t litter – the locals don’t appreciate these behaviors. If you don’t feel comfortable driving yourself you can always take a tour around Scotland!
13. There is No “Right Time” To Drive Scotland’s North Coast 500
Like most places, the summertime will be the ideal time to travel the North Coast 500 in terms of weather. Scotland isn’t known for having weather like the Mediterranean, so to increase your chances of sunshine, a trip to the Highlands is best done between May and August. However, everyone wants to go during this time of year so you will likely find more people, higher prices, and low accommodation availability.
That being said, the North Coast 500 will have incredible scenery any time of the year; the weather may change a bit. You really never know what the Scottish Gods will hand you on your trip.
We decided to take our trip in the middle of September in hopes of chasing the perfect fall, but instead, we experienced rain and grey skies our entire trip. Good thing we packed raincoats and like editing “moody” photos. See the bottom of this post for the best time to visit Scotland.
Update: We also returned to drive the NC500 in July and got all sorts of weather - heat waves, rainy days, and everything in between. Truly plan for anything!
14. An NC500 Trip Can Get Expensive
The UK is not known for being a cheap place, and the Scottish Highlands are no exception. A combination of transport, activities, food and accommodation can easily set you back at least £200+ a day per person.
Obviously, the more lavish you go, the more expensive – and there are many lavish places to eat and stay on the North Coast 500. Heck, you can even rent a Lamborghini to do the drive if you want to go all out!
Of course, there are more affordable ways to tackle the North Coast 500. Traveling with a group of friends is sure to bring down your vehicle hire fees, and if you are a couple then splitting a hotel room will help your budget.
There are many hostels along the way, and each main town will have at least one supermarket for you to pick up groceries at instead of eating out. If you’re really up for a cheap adventure, it’s possible to cycle the North Coast 500, hitchhike, wild camp, and cook all your food.
The silver lining for foreigners is that since Brexit the British pound has taken a hit, so your home currency is sure to go further than in previous years.
Read More: How Much Does a Trip to Scotland Cost?
15. Car, Camper, Bike, or Walk
You have several different options for travel style on the route. Most people will hire a car or a campervan, but you can also find some of the active bunch walking or cycling the route. We personally chose to rent a car and drive ourselves around to make the most out of our time. However, if I were to redo it, I would love to cycle the North Coast 500 one day.
Do comparisons online before you arrive in Scotland to get the best rates on car rentals. We picked the car right up from Edinburgh Airport when we landed in Scotland.
If you want to try your hand at walking the route you can get support at World Walkers to find others who have done it too. If you are a confident cycler and want some route planning to check out the North Coast 500 website.
We love that anyone can do this route regardless of budget. No matter what the beautiful views in the Scottish Highlands are for everyone to enjoy.
Search and Compare Prices for Rental Cars
- DiscoverCars.com – We personally use them to search and compare rental car prices around the globe.
- Auto Europe – Compares the best rates!
16. Where to Go on the North Coast 500
There are hundreds of places to stop on the North Coast 500. A few of the highlights are:
- Inverness: This city is the starting point of the North Coast 500 and is known for its rich history, stunning castle, and beautiful surrounding countryside.
- Ullapool: This charming port town is a great place to stop for a bite to eat and to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
- Torridon: This area is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the Highlands, with towering mountains, glistening lochs, and ancient forests.
- Durness: This small village is located on the far northwest coast of Scotland and is known for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking views.
- John O’Groats: This is the northeasternmost point of mainland Scotland and a popular stop on the North Coast 500. It’s a great place to take in the rugged coastline and spot wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and whales.
- Inverewe Garden: This beautiful garden is located on the shores of Loch Ewe and is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers from around the world.
- Dunrobin Castle: This stunning castle is located near the village of Golspie and is known for its beautiful gardens and rich history.
- Nairn: This town is known for its beautiful beaches and is a great place to relax and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Fort George: Just off the route, this historic fort was built in the 18th century and is now a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours and stunning views of the surrounding area.
15 BEST Stops on the North Coast 500 Route (Scotland)
17. Transport Around Scotland
Most trips to Scotland will start and end at Edinburgh Airport. The best way to travel around Scotland is with a rental car, especially if you’re traveling with a group. Driving in Scotland is no joke and it’s important to realize that before you rent a vehicle. For starters, the Scots drive on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right.
Second, instead of stop lights and signs to idle at most of the roads in Scotland run smoothly because of roundabouts.
Third and most important – the roads on the North Coast 500 are often small single track roads fit for just one vehicle at a time. There are passing points every 400 meters or so to let oncoming traffic get through. The car closest to a passing point should be the one to yield.
We traveled around Scotland for two weeks and paid about $300 for a car rental in Scotland, which was a pretty decent deal in my opinion! I generally like to check comparison sites so I can get the best prices.
My favorites to look at are:
- RentalCars.com: Provides comparisons for car rentals in Europe.
- AutoEurope: I can often find deals here for car rentals in Europe.
- Discover Car Hire: Searches rental car prices around the globe.
Read More on Driving in Scotland
18. Internet in Scotland
If you want to stay connected while in Scotland, I recommend picking up a Sim card and purchasing data when you arrive. We personally purchased 12 GB of data for £20 with Three.
Their coverage extended into patches of the highlands and allowed us to at the very least check our emails, Instagram, and Facebook each day. Other comparable telecom companies in the UK include O2 and Vodafone.
19. When is the Best Season to Travel Scotland?
High season (July-September)
Like most places in Europe, Scotland’s high season runs from July to mid-September. This is when you will find the best weather as noted above, but also crowds. Days are longer, the weather is warmer, and hotel and car rental prices are at their highest.
Shoulder Season (May-June and Late September-November)
We’ve traveled to Scotland during the shoulder season and loved it. The weather is cool, the leaves are orange and yellow, and the vibe in the air is wonderful. This is also when we’ve found great deals on car rentals and guesthouses. However, popular places like Glasgow and Skye were very busy. We saw sunny days, but also had a lot of those rainy Scotland overcast days.
Low Season (Late November-April)
The temperatures are cooler during the low season in Scotland and you stand a very strong chance of getting caught in a rain (or snow) storm. If you plan to travel to Scotland during this time you absolutely need a packable rain jacket, travel umbrella, and waterproof boots. The upside is you’ll find low prices and low numbers of tourists. If you are in Scotland over the holidays make sure to take part in the festivals around the cities!
20. Where to Stay on the North Coast 500?
Kingsmills Hotel – Inverness
Pretty much every North Coast 500 road trip starts or ends in the highland capital of Inverness. Accommodation is limited for the demand, but those lucky enough to book in advance can score rooms at the Kingsmills Hotel. Kingsmill is one of the best places to stay in the city. The hotel offers wonderful service based out of a 17th Century residence.
Natural Retreats – John O’ Groats
This is probably one of the coolest places to stay when it comes to accommodation in Scotland. These glass-faced self-catering apartments are located in the most Northernly town in Scotland, John O’ Groats, on the British Isle.
Old Drynie House – Black Isle
This was actually the first “true” bed and breakfast we have stayed at together (even after 60 countries!). It was a splendid experience and the character of a well run Scottish bed and breakfast makes it a must for anyone traveling the North Coast 500.
Royal Marine Hotel – Brora
Upon arrival at the Royal Marine Hotel, you’ll be treated to classic Highland hospitality before being led to your lovely and comfortable home away from home. Unwind in your well-equipped guest room or venture outside to explore the grounds or the beautiful beach that is only a few minutes away.
21. What to Pack for the NC500
Wondering what to wear in Scotland? The country’s weather is pretty notorious so it’s only natural that the question of what to pack for Scotland comes up a lot. With that in mind, you should be prepared as you’ll end up spending much of your time in Scotland outside enjoying its beautiful cities and breathtaking landscapes.
Scotland is brimming with old walking paths, ancient mountains, deep lakes, winding roads, rocky coastlines, castles, millions of sheep, barrels of whisky, and charming towns it’s the perfect place to lose yourself. It should be no surprise that Scotland is one of our favorite countries in the world. It’s more or less the big brother to Ireland with grander landscapes, prettier cities, more history, and one hell of a culture — kilts and bagpipes are awesome.
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Find Cheap Flights: Sign up for Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get notified when prices get ultra low.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always ALLBIRDS! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See why you should get a travel credit card and how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.
If you want to eat out in Ullapool, Inchnadamph or Lochinver forget it after 8 pm. Inchnadamph hotel rarely open, we spent a week in a cottage close to it and it was most unwelcoming with a private function notice up all week. May bank holiday weekend in Ullapool and campground full yet both chipshops closed or closing by 8.30 on the Saturday night. Lochinver, Peets, not serving after 8.30, Culag Hotel busy but kitchen closed.
I live in the Highlands and have to say the quality of service is pretty poor and if you want to eat late North of Perth you’ll probably struggle. Obviously making lots of money if the don’t need to stay open and provide a service. Thank goodness for hardworking people in the Chinese takeaway in Ullapool or we would have gone hungry.
There are many places to eat in Ullapool. Try the Ceilidh Place or fish and chips near the harbour.
I would suggest that given a choice you avoid the 3 mobile network. O2 or BT will give you better coverage outside Inverness.
How do I know? I live here, my husband has 3 and I use BT, I get far better and wider reception than he does.