Road trip on the North Coast 500. Scotland’s Route 66

Last Updated on 17 December, 2020 by Veronica

The North Coast 500 is a very scenic route that is known as “The Route 66 in Scotland”. The NC500 runs all over the Norther Highlands along the coast.

Road trip Itinerary on the North Coast 500

What is the North Coast 500?

It’s a circular route that starts at Inverness and it can be done clockwise, as we’ve done or you can do it the other way around.

The NC500 is 500 miles, roughly 800 kilometers, long and it allows you to visit the most remote places of Scotland and of the Highlands.

You will enjoy beautiful landscapes, see animals in their natural habitats, take hundreds of photos, drive by non-beginner roads, and make many, many stops.

We advise to travel the North Coast 500 in 5 or 7 days so that you can enjoy it with peace of mind and appreciate the taste of the Northern Highlands.

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Below, we propose 5 stages, which can be adapted to your preference, in order to get the most out of the North Coast 500!

North Coast 500 Itinerary

Stage 1 Inverness – Applecross – Torridon

We begin this stage having visited Inverness the day before. We left this day only for the visit to “House of Fraser the Scottish Kiltmakers”. This is the place where kilts are made in the traditional way.

First, they show you a video of famous moments in which a kilt has been used and then you can see the exhibition that they have. You can also see a live demonstration of how they make the kilts.

It’s an interesting visit where you can learn a little more about the Highland culture.

Beauly Priory

We’re on our way to Beauly. A very nice and charming village where we take a walk and visit Beauly Priory. The priory is in ruins and you can see the tombs inside and outside of the church. The visit is free of charge.

Strathpeffer, Castle Leod

We continue on our way and this time we stop in Strathpeffer, it is another charming village, surrounded by nature. Here we visit castle Leod, its name comes from the Vikings, from the name of Liotr.

Here we made a mid-morning stop at The Coffee Shop. A simple place, where we were treated very well and that also had great cakes to accompany the coffee. Best of all was the price, 2 Latte and two pieces of cake, delicious both, for only 8.60 euros.

Rogie Falls

We continue on our way to Rogie Falls where some well-known waterfalls are located, which allow you to see the salmons fighting against the current. There are also several hiking trails; we chose the “Salmon Trail”because it was a short and easy to hike trail. Although there were some slopes, we have already experienced so many slopes that we have become experts!

Carron Restaurant

From the Rogie Falls we made our way to Carron Restaurant. A restaurant that has been open for 35 years and that is next to Lake Carron. We chose a table by the window so we could enjoy the views.

We asked each other to eat two sirloins with potatoes and a salad. For dessert I ordered some cake crumbs with apples and with a ball of ice cream and Fer asked for a pudding coated with hot toffee, also with a ball of ice cream. They were both really delicious, but if you have to choose, Fer’s option was great! We’d like to come back just for that dessert. In addition to the amazing food, John and Clare will make you feel like you’re at home.

Attadale Gardens

Then we went to visit Attadale Gardens, which are some beautiful gardens a couple of miles from the restaurant. Here, we met Joanna, who captivated our attention. She was like a free spirit with a strength and a life that I don’t see in many people anymore. She was one of those people who when you meet them, they leave you amazed.

These gardens are the result of a family business that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is not only a place where there are beautiful plants, it is a place where gardeners and volunteers come to take care of it and learn, and surely to take a break from the rest of the world. In fact, not long ago Prince Charles was in the gardens to know a little more about them!

Detour to the Isle of Skye

Here, we made a stop on the way and strayed towards the Isle of Skye. But if you want to continue on the North Coast 500, what you have to do is set course for Applecross.

Detour to Eilean Donan Castle

Another detour you have to make after eating at Carron Restaurant and visiting the Attadale Gardens is visiting the Eilean Donan Castle.

It was spectacular! The entrance fee was 7-pounds, but if you don’t want to enter, nothing happens, enjoy relaxing on its magnificent environment, plus it seems that there are always gray clouds around threatening a storm, which adds to the particular atmosphere of the castle and of its environment.

Road to Applecross by Bealach Na Ba

To go to Applecross, I recommend (if you are an experienced driver) that you go to Bealach Na Ba, which is the expression in Gaelic for cattle passage. It is a mountain port type road, with curves, climbs and descents that are quite steep. With the peculiarity that it has only one lane and “passing places”, to be able to let you pass the car that comes in front of you or let you pass, \ The first one that finds the passing place on his left is the one that has to let pass.

This road is the third highest in Scotland, and you honestly cannot miss it as they will make you want to stop to contemplate the views and take thousands of photos. Please be careful where you leave the car! And get ready because there exists a wind of a thousand demons!

Torridon

Then continue the path to Torridon. You’ll make a lot of stops because everything you’re going to see is going to please you. Enjoy!

This stretch is about 116 miles (200 kilometers approx.). If you think there are many of them, stay at Applecross and enjoy Highland hospitality. However, watch out for the calculations that you make, because at the speed limit allowed and with the stops that you will make, we calculate that the roughly 200 km stretch will take you at least 8 hours to complete.

Where to eat

Carron restaurant. We ate great and the treatment was very welcoming.

Where to sleep in Torridon

Here you will have several options; try wild camping, go to a campsite, sleep in a B&B or in a hotel.

Some examples:

• The Torridon is the most expensive but in an impressive location.
• Torridon SYHA is a hostel more than 900 meters high.

Stage 2. Torridon – Ullapool – Stoer

From Torridon we continued to Kinlochewe because we wanted to see the monoliths of Lake Maree. We stopped at the information point and were told that the “Ben Eighe Mountain Trail” is a pretty hard route and that you have to go well equipped with mountain boots and stuff, plus time, since it is about 6.5km long. We ended up just stopping for lunch on the shore of Loch Maree.

Red Point

We traveled all the way to the red point and Badachro detour. Badachro is a village with a picturesque harbor with very nice views. Red Point is a pink sandy beach, which gives it that peculiar look.

We then continued on our way to Gairloch, it is a small village with good views. Here are a few services, such as ATM, pharmacy, etc. So if you need something that can’t wait until Ullapool, take advantage!

Ullapool

We arrived in Ullapool a little before 5 pm, the first thing we did was go for a coffee and a nice cake. We took advantage of the fact that it was before 5pm because that is the time when the cafes close.

Ullapool is the largest village in the area called Wester Ross, and is located on the banks of Loch Broom and has a ferry that takes you to the Outer Hebrides and the other islands in the area.

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It is a very interesting town with a lot of activities. It is recommended to stay here and enjoy a bit of this Highland place.

However, we had to hit the road because we couldn’t find accommodation, the closest we found was in Stoer, about 40 miles from Ullapool. Our original idea was to go wild camping, but when we left the cafeteria it started raining a lot and we quickly changed our plan.

On the way to the B&B we visited the ruins of Ardvrek Castle that belonged to the MacLeods of Assynt and an abandoned house called “Calda House” from the Mackenzie.

Along the way we also found some very small islands in the middle of the lake with very curious trees but we couldn’t stop because we had to get to our B&B before 9pm and with so many stops we ran the hour!!!

Where to sleep In Ullapool

Hostel SYHA

Where to sleep in Stoer

Hill Cottage. It is a B&B that is run by a couple of very charming retirees. The room and bathroom were renovated, the bathroom was really nice, I would like one for my house! It’s a very cozy place.

It cost us 70 € per booking with breakfast included. Breakfast is typical Scottish, with toast and homemade jam. It was all very tasty! One of the best accommodations we have been in. In addition to the accommodations, we saw some beautiful deer.

Stage 3. Stoer – Durness

This stretch is shorter because there are so many things to see and visit here that can only be reached by walking and because it is occasionally useful to take it easy.

If you have decided to stay in Ullapool, the stretch to Durness will be longer. You will pass by Achiltibuie & Summer Isles where there is a place to stop and where they will explain that the whole area was a glacier 25,000 years ago.

You can also stop at Knockan Crag (closes at 6 pm). It is a nature reserve where you can discover more of Scotland’s beautiful landscape and culture. We couldn’t visit it because we were running out of time, but it’s a place that we’ve left for another visit.

Drumbeg Viewpoint

On the way to Durness we stopped at Drumbeg’s viewpoint where we there were beautiful panoramic views. Also in the small village of Kylesku, which seems to have only one street, we found out that it had tours to go to see seals, puffins and eagles if you are interested.

See Puffins in Durness

Our idea was to see Puffins at Durness on Faraid Head Beach, but we first passed by the information point, the Visitor Center in Durness, and they told us that “they gone two months ago,” super sad… Apparently in mid-July, they migrated, so we were left wanting to…

Have a hot chocolate

We were enjoying a little bit of the white sandy beaches, the turquoise water, and the sun. We strolled a little and went to Cocoa Mountain. They say it’s the best chocolatier in Scotland. I couldn’t tell you if it’s true or not, since we only had chocolate here, but the truth is that it was very yummy.

Reaching Cape Wrath

In this section you can also go to Cabo Wrath, which we did not visit due to time restraints. In Cape Wrath there is a lighthouse and the highest cliffs in Britain.

To get here you have two options. The first is to go by boat, it takes about 40 minutes and there are always a lot of people waiting, especially if you arrive on the weekend. The other option is to travel the almost 18 kilometers by walking or cycling.

Smoo Cave

Next we set course for the Smoo Cave. It is a cave with a huge main chamber, where sometimes there are volunteers who explain the history of the cave and tell you that it was inhabited about 6000 years ago. If you keep moving on you reach a smaller cave where you can see a pretty nice waterfall.

You can go deeper into the cave with a boat tour, but those who do these tours are volunteers, who are usually students, and are not permanent, so you may be left wanting to enter the cave.

Now, it’s better for you to stay in the area and enjoy the North Highlands.

Stage 4. Durness – John O’Groats

We continued our visit and went to Talmine Bay where there is a skeleton of a boat stranded on the beach. Here we were able to see how people in the area go to the beach to bathe, but with neoprene, the water is very cold!!!

It’s a great place for a picnic.

Castle Varrick

Then we went to Castle Varrick walking. There are the ruins of the castle, that belonged to Clan MacKay. The views from the castle are spectacular.

We turned around and went for a warm coffee at Weavers Café. In addition to serving you coffee, they sell lots of traditional items, it’s a fantastic place to stop by.

Betty Hill

We then set course for Betty Hill. At the entrance of the village you can see another campsite to spend the night and public toilets (like those on airplanes) that were not very clean, but our goal was only to visit the Museum.

The museum tries to keep alive the culture of Gaelic and Norse ancestors from the appearance of the MacKay Clan to the tragedy of the Highland Clearances.

Elliot attended us. He’s a museum volunteer and he’s there because he likes it. The museum is fine, but with Elliot it is much better, you can see he lives it, he jumps from one concept to another without realizing it, as if it were obvious.

He has a strong Scottish accent, but you can tell he speaks to make you understand him (we’re not native English, so the Scottish accent is very difficult for us to understand).

He explains what the houses and techniques of the ancient inhabitants were like to survive in such a hostile environment.

Dunnet, the northernmost point of Britain

From Betty Hill, we’re going to Dunnet, the northernmost point in Britain. From there you can see the Orkney Islands.

We saw May Castle, stopped at Thurso and took a tour of the village and then we arrived at John O’Groats. We saw the sunset in the colorful cottages facing the sea. This made our day, even though it was pretty cold so far north.

We slept in a campsite and had dinner there.

Where to sleep in John O’Groats

We camped in John O’Groats at a super cheap campsite. 6 pounds per person, including shower, light, and car. But if you want to stay at a B&B or a hotel you can take a look here.

Where to eat

We had lunch and dinner at the campsite, although on the way we stopped for coffee at Weavers Café.

Stage 5. John O’Groats – Inverness

This is the last stage of the North Coast 500 route. For us it was on a Sunday, and we found that many places opened only from Monday to Friday. For example, the first place we went to was the Broch Center, which is located a few miles from John O’Groats, and it was closed; open Monday through Friday from September.

Wick

We stopped at Wick, a town that is quite close to John O’Groats, we were looking for a place to have breakfast, a good Highland Scottish breakfast, which comes great after sleeping at 5 degrees in a tent.

We asked a sweeper who was working and he recommended a pub that is next to the river called Alexander Bain. We had breakfast for the two of us for 8.80 pounds in total, two full Scottish breakfasts! The best recommendation ever!

Already with the renewed energies we went to Sinclair Castle. The ruins of this castle are located on the edge of a cliff. To get to it, you have to walk at most 5 minutes. There is also a small lighthouse, but it has restricted access.

Hill O’Many Stane

We continue to Hill O’Many Stanes. Which is a hill with lots of small Neolithic menhirs.

And since there are a few Neolithic things around this area, our next stop was Camster Cairns, at first glance they look like piles of stacked stones anyway, but they built them, believed, as temples and to be in contact with the ancestors. You can get into them if you want to crawl, we didn’t. We left without seeing the menhirs of Achavanich and set course to Brora.

In Brora we visit the Heritage Center, where they explain the history of Brora and its relationship with coal and it was also free. We took a walk in the village and went to eat an amazing meal at Sutherland Inn.

“Broch” Carn Liath and Dunrobin Castle

Then we visited the “broch” Carn Liath from where you can also see the castle of Dunrobin.

So we visited what was left of the broch. A broch was a kind of tower that had different rooms and housed whole families many years ago. We set off for Dunrobin’s castle, which belonged to the Count of Sutherland. The ticket is worth 11 pounds and I think it’s worth a visit.

Then we stopped in a town called Dornoch, we called it the recycled village. You see it and it looks like you’ve gone back 200 years in time, but then you see the castle, it has now been turned into a hotel, the old jail is now a decorating shop, which doesn’t look cheap, and there were a couple of golf cadis turned into pots. I loved it, it totally deserves a visit!

Our last visit before arriving in Inverness was to the village of Tain. We strolled through this beautiful and picturesque village. We were going with the idea of visiting Tain through Time, but it was closed.

We arrived in Inverness and looked for a B&B to sleep in. Then went for a walk in the Highland Capital and dined at The Auctioneers, another pub where we ate cheaply, 11 pounds both.

Where to sleep in Inverness

We slept in Inverness at a super well located B&B a few steps from the suspension bridge. We found it with the car and saw that it had “vacancies.” We asked and we kept it. It’s called No. 29 and it’s on Greig St.

If you want to go with a booked accommodation check out here.

Where to eat

Sutherland Inn in Brora. We ate very well. Fer ordered fish and chips and I ordered a cheeseburger, the dishes are huge and come with salads or fries on the side.

The Auctioneer. A pub where we could both had dinner for only 11 pounds.

Recommendations for driving on the North Coast 500

Needless to say, you have to drive wisely, respecting speed limits and pay attention to what the roads do.

Passing places

A good part of the route has “passing places” which are a kind of secluded by the road.

When two cars cross enter the only lane there, they use the passing place to leave the road free in order to let the one that comes in front pass.

There are some rules to use that we have learned from “trial and error”. The first and most obvious is that if the passing place is on your left, it is you who gets into the passing place and if it is on your right it is the other driver who enters the passing place. In addition to this rule: “The first one that arrives is the one that stops”.

That is, if you arrive first and the passing place is on your left, you get into it and you stop, if the other car arrives first, it stops on the road and does not enter the passing place (because it is on its right) and lets you in the passing place to pass him. What a mess!!! Uh?

And all these rules are overridden if he gives you a main beam flash when he sees you from afar, because that means he lets you through and he waits for you to pass. Something you will also do with others for simple education!

Recommendations with accommodation and wild camping

My recommendation with the accommodation is that you book in time, especially if you go in high season, but you will be seeing “no vacancies” signs and when you find one with available rooms it will not be very cheap, I say from experience.

When we left Skye, to follow the second stage of the North Coast 500, (the idea was to do wild camping) we thought that if we found something for a good price we would sleep in a bed. However, the only room we found was 100 pounds and the rest were all occupied and it was only September!!!

Wild camping

With regard to wild camping, in Scotland you can do wild camping, that is, you can camp almost anywhere. Obviously with common sense, you are not going to camp in anyone’s garden or with a forbidden sign to camp here or spend the night…

Going back to the theme, the wild camping is very cool, setting up your tent in front of a spectacular castle, it’s amazing. But you have to be ready to assemble and disassemble your tent every day.

We are in Scotland, and the time here is a variable, you can sleep with a great night and wake up not seeing a meter away. So you have to be prepared to set up your tent in bad weather. If it makes a great night and does not blow any air, error for sure.

Use sleeping bags that are adequate for the temperature in Scotland.

There are many great places to do wild camping. You can find them by chance during the day, although ideally you should have it prepared before you arrive and before it is night. A nice app is park4night. Because if you don’t have a place to sleep, you’re not going to see anything and you’ll end up sleeping in the car and I’ll tell you from experience, it’s not very comfortable.

The North Coast 500 or Route 500, is a very nice route with spectacular views. We were lucky to have good weather throughout our trip. If you are a fan of cycling, nor do you hesitate, this route is for you too. Although we saw a lot of people do it by bike, there were also people on motorcycles, in campers, AC, cars, and some people walking with backpacks!!!

Enjoy the route!

Prepare your trip to Scotland

• Road trip to Scotland in 15 days
• 1 day at Highland games
• 1 day on the Isle of Skye
• Scotland’s most beautiful castles
• 1 day in Aberdeen
• 1 day in Loch Ness and around Inverness.
• 50 ideas for your trip to Edinburgh
• Best Travel Insurance for your trips

We are not native English speakers but we have decided to translate our post to English so we can share it with the whole world. If you see any spelling mistake or something, please let us know, it is so important to us. If you do so, we can improve our post and also our English knowledge! Thanks in advance!!!