With its long, meandering roads flanked by breathtaking coastal views, the North Coast 500 (NC500) route has become one of the world’s most iconic driving loops.
From rugged landscapes and sandy beaches to dramatic waterfalls and stunning wildlife, the North Coast 500 is renowned for its incredible beauty and the exciting opportunities you’ll find along its 516-mile route.
If you’re keen to explore the Scottish Highlands while you breathe in some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, we’ve put together a comprehensive North Coast 500 route guide packed with helpful tips and advice. Let’s go!
What is the North Coast 500 Route?
The North Coast 500 route is a 516-mile (830km) loop that mostly hugs the dramatic, unspoilt coastline of the north Scottish Highlands. Unlike the famous Route 66 or Pacific Coast Highway, it isn’t a single road or highway, but a series of interlocking existing roads that form a complete circuit.
North Coast 500 winds its way along the staggering beauty of the Scottish coast and through rugged and mountainous countryside while incorporating towns, villages, and various tourist attractions. Launched in 2015, the route starts and ends at Inverness Castle and was originally designed to entice more visitors to this wondrously wild and sparsely populated region of the British Isles.
Lined with staggering beauty wherever you look, you’ll find an array of memorable features and exciting adventures and experiences in this single touring route. You can take on the North Coast 500 by car, motorbike, or motorhome, making several overnight stops along the way. However, some prefer to go by bicycle or even foot, spreading their trip over several weeks.
What Can I Discover Along the North Coast 500 Route?
If you tackle every mile of the North Coast 500 route or even just part of it, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do and places to see. These include:
- Rugged landscapes and snow-capped mountains
- Beautiful sandy beaches, caves, and stunning seascapes
- Wildlife and nature including dolphins and wild Highland cattle
- Museums and heritage sites
- Castles and historical ruins
- Fresh, local produce and seafood
- Whisky distillery tours
- Hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor activities
- Island boat trips
And much more…
How to Plan the North Coast 500 Route
One of the main attractions of the North Coast 500 route is that it contains something for everyone. Whether your interest is in hiking, castles, outdoor sports, or just exploring the dreamy Scottish coastline, there’s plenty to do for visitors of all ages and skill levels.
If you’re looking for a road trip packed with adventure and opportunity, we’ve made a list of sights to see, places to visit, and exciting activities based on the experiences of those lucky enough to have tackled North Coast 500.
1. Stunning Coastlines
Wherever you look, the North Coast 500 is awash with majestic views of the beautiful Scottish coastline and rugged terrain.
You’ll find glorious vistas incorporating mountainous landscapes, roaming wildlife, sandy beaches, and deep blue seas. You won’t be disappointed, as you can see from these posts.
2. Beautiful Beaches
The Scottish Highlands is home to a plethora of beautiful beaches – and some of the best examples fall on the North Coast 500 route.
If you’re planning a road trip, you’ll never be far away from a beach with their breathtaking views. Whether it’s a dip in the crystal-clear waters or a long walk with the dog, the beaches and surrounding scenery will live with you forever.
Some of the most incredible beaches to look out for along the North Coast 500 route include:
| Rosemarkie Beach | Achmelvich Beach |
| Portmahomack Beach | Big Sand Beach |
| Dornoch Beach | Red Point Beach |
| Golspie Beach | Sandwood Bay |
| Torrisdale Bay | Strathy Bay |
| Melvich Beach | Sinclair’s Bay |
3. Lighthouses and Landmarks
There are over 200 lighthouses dotted around the coast of Scotland, with many located along the North Coast 500 loop.
From Caithness to Dunnet Head, and from Cape Wrath to Lochinver, there’s a vast range of these incredible, weather-beaten structures to choose from.
Whether you’re a lighthouse enthusiast or a casual visitor, you’ll be blown away by these beautiful coastal landmarks designed to steer sailors away from dangerous rocks.
4. Wondrous Waterfalls
Given the beauty of the Scottish landscape, it’s no surprise that you’ll discover a host of enchanting waterfalls along North Coast 500.
While you’re never far away from the coastline, the route weaves through some incredible hills and mountains, providing the perfect setting for waterfalls and cascades, the likes of which you’ve never seen before.
5. Historic Castles
Scotland is awash with historic castles and ruins – more than 1,500 of them – that draw in visitors from all over the world. While many are located close to the English border, a chunk of them are scattered across the Scottish Highlands in close proximity to the North Coast 500 route.
From Ardvreck to Dunrobin and from Caithness to Inverness, you don’t have to be a castle lover or history buff to enjoy these ancient buildings and become immersed in the stories behind them.
6. Enchanting Caves
The Scottish Highlands boast some of the most dramatic cave systems you’ll ever see. A selection of them lie close to the North Coast 500 route, including the stunning Smoo Cave in Durness, Sutherland. Legend has it the devil himself hid away in the cave before a fateful meeting with the Wizard of Reay.
Many of Scotland’s caves are open to the public, but not all are easily accessible, and it is advised to check local authority websites before setting off.
7. Amazing Wildlife
With miles of unspoilt countryside, rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and clear-blue waters, it’s no wonder the Scottish Highlands are teaming with amazing wildlife.
You could indulge in a day of dolphin watching from the coastal village of North Kessock. Maybe take a short detour from North Coast 500 to spot puffins in their natural habitat.
With stags and sheep roaming wild, the route is a nature lover’s dream. Just watch out for the famous Highland Cattle that often wander along the roadside.
8. Activities and Adventures
The North Highlands are crammed with outdoor activities and adventures to entertain the whole family.
From surfing at Thurso East to kayaking in Gairloch and taking the zipwire at Durness, there’s plenty of opportunity to try something new.
Whether you make activities part of your North Coast 500 tour, or decide to park up in the spur of the moment, you’ll find an array of options to suit all fitness and risk levels.
9. Food and Drink
Scotland produces some of the finest food you’ll find anywhere in the world. Feast on succulent beef, fresh oysters, and of course two of its most famous culinary exports – haggis and whisky!
There are nearly 150 active whisky distilleries spread across Scotland including the likes of Glenlivet and Glenmorangie which are situated alongside the North Coast 500 route and welcome all visitors.
So, pull over on your trip and sample a bowl of the freshest mussels, a delicious whole lobster, or a perfect cut of steak – washed down with a wee dram or two!
Are You Looking for Vehicle Insurance for the North Coast 500 Route?
Whether you’re going by car, motorbike, motorhome or campervan, Keith Michaels will find the right insurance for you. Relax and make your Scottish Highlands adventure hassle-free. Contact one of our professional advisors today.