The North Coast 500 - Scotland's best road trip

Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500) is a popular scenic driving route that loops around the northern coast of Scotland. It covers approximately 500 miles (800 kilometers) and takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. The route starts and ends in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands.

Here are some key highlights and information about the Scotland NC500:

1) Route: The NC500 follows a circular route that takes you through diverse landscapes, including rugged coastlines, stunning beaches, charming villages, majestic mountains, and serene lochs. The route is well-marked, and you can choose to drive it clockwise or counterclockwise.

2) Duration: The duration of the NC500 trip can vary depending on your pace and the time you have available. Many people complete the route in about 5-7 days to fully enjoy the experience, but it's possible to do it in a shorter or longer time frame.

3) Points of Interest: Along the NC500, you'll encounter several noteworthy attractions and landmarks, such as:
* Dunrobin Castle: A fairytale-like castle located near Golspie, with beautiful gardens and falconry displays.
* The Black Isle: A peninsula known for its picturesque villages, wildlife, and the Chanonry Point dolphin-watching spot.
* Applecross Peninsula: A remote and scenic area with the famous Bealach na Bà mountain pass offering stunning views.
* Isle of Skye: A renowned destination with dramatic landscapes, including the iconic Fairy Pools and the Old Man of Storr.
* Assynt and Inverpolly: An area characterized by its distinctive mountains, including Suilven and Stac Pollaidh.
* John o' Groats: A small village often considered the northernmost point of mainland Britain.

4) Accommodation: There are various accommodation options along the NC500, ranging from campsites and B&Bs to luxury hotels and self-catering cottages. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.

5) Outdoor Activities: The NC500 offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go hiking, wildlife spotting, fishing, kayaking, cycling, and even take boat tours to explore the coastal areas.

6) Season: The best time to embark on the NC500 depends on your preferences. The summer months (June to August) generally have milder weather, longer daylight hours, and a more vibrant atmosphere. However, the route can be busy during this period. Spring and autumn can offer quieter roads and beautiful landscapes, but the weather can be more unpredictable. Winter is less popular due to shorter days and potentially challenging weather conditions.

7) Services and Facilities: While the NC500 route passes through some remote areas, you'll find various towns and villages along the way where you can refuel your vehicle, find accommodations, and access basic amenities.

Remember to plan your trip well, check for road closures or diversions, and respect the local environment and communities as you enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Scotland NC500.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
00:59 - 1.1) Balintorre - Mermaid of the north
01:38 - 1.2) Dornoch Firth Bridge
01:45 - 1.3) Dunrobin Castle
02:19 - 1.4) Brora
03:20 - 1.5) John o' Groats
03:43 - 1.6) Van Tour
06:21 - 2.1) Ceannebeinne Beach (zip wire)
08:18 - 2.2) Smoo cave
08:55 - 2.3) Cocoa Mountain
10:02 - 2.4) Assynt Viewpoint
11:27 - 2.5) Clashnessie Beach
12:05 - 2.6) Lochinver - Assynt Leisure center
12:38 - 3.1) Ardvreck Castle
12:53 - 3.2) Corrieshalloch Gorge
13:10 - 3.3) Gairloch Beach
13:51 - 3.4) Torrridon Viewpoint
14:21 - 3.5) Shieldaig
14:49 - 4.1) Applecross (deer on the beach)
16:14 - 4.1) Applecross Pass
16:14 - 4.1) Applecross Pass
19:34 - 5.0) Tips based on our experience

[ashleysanjuni]

Wow what a drive! NC500 is defo on our bucket list. Scotland is stunning 😍

[junehall]

FYI from NC500 Ltd.

Overnight Parking
‘Wild Camping’ under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 is only allowed when camping by foot, bike or other non-motorised transport. It DOES NOT apply to motorised vehicles such as campervans or motorhomes.

We would recommend that you make use of the wonderful camping and caravan sites along the route. Not only will you enjoy rural locations with all the facilities you will need to make your trip more enjoyable, you will also be helping to support the local communities.

Access Rights
Scottish access rights and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code do not apply to motor vehicles.
The Road Traffic Act 1988 states that you can drive a vehicle up to 15 yards off a public road for the purpose of parking, but this does not confer any right to park the vehicle. Most un-metalled roads, unfenced land and beaches are private property, and you don’t have a right to park unless it’s authorised by the landowner by verbal agreement or signage.