Planning a highway journey to the North Coast 500 in Scotland? Questioning the place to remain or learn how to plan your route? This itinerary is the one one it is advisable discover the very best locations to go to and work out how far to drive every day.
Don’t overlook to seize your FREE North Coast 500 itinerary information under
*We work arduous to make this the very best motorhome journey weblog and highway journey web site attainable, stuffed with useful content material for you. The web site is supported by our readers, so in case you purchase by way of hyperlinks on this web site we might earn a commission- at no additional value to you. All opinions stay our personal.
When you discover this publish helpful, you may additionally deal with us to a espresso – we promise to get pleasure from it whereas creating extra helpful content material like this- we would even bask in a biscuit (or two!)
North Coast 500 Itinerary and route planner
Planning any highway journey to a spot you’ve not been earlier than will be daunting, however planning a route and itinerary for the North Coast 500 (NC500) in Scotland usually appears extra overwhelming than most.
There’s a lot to see and do and it’s troublesome to know the way lengthy to allocate to every part. Some folks drive the NC500 in 3 or 4 days, whereas others can take a number of weeks!
North Coast 500 7 day Itinerary
I’ve simply returned from the NC500 and did the western route in about 7 days. That is what I’m sharing with you on this publish.
I’ve already executed the east part (which incorporates John o’Groats) in an earlier journey (you may see this Scotland highway journey right here)
Nonetheless, there are many different locations to go to on or close to the NC500, such because the Isle of Skye or Orkney. I extremely advocate you go to each in case you can- I’ll share extra particulars about them under.
I did the route in a motorhome. When you’d love to do the journey in a motorhome or campervan too, you may see your entire route (plus locations to cease) in our North Coast 500 motorhome information.
North Coast 500 Itinerary- Learn how to plan your highway journey
As you may see within the map under, the North Coast 500 is a round route. In some methods, this makes issues simpler, however in some ways it makes it more durable to plan.
In any case, folks drive at completely different speeds, or wish to have a couple of days exploring earlier than shifting on.
Within the urged NC500 7 day itinerary under, I’ve break up the ‘days’ into elements. Every half will be pushed in a day, however you may simply spend 2,3 or much more days in every space in case you want to discover.
Additionally, I’m assuming a begin an finish level from close to Edinburgh. Clearly, if you need to drive from the south-coast of England (like me!) you’ll want so as to add a couple of days both facet of your NC500 highway journey to get your self up there are again.
Which course do you have to drive the NC500?
You possibly can drive the North Coast 500 both clockwise or anti-clockwise. I did it clockwise and suppose that’s an incredible route, however you do whichever is smart for you.
North Coast 500 Route Planner Map
Right here’s a map of the NC500 route in its entirety.
When you’d like an interactive model of the locations I visited on my final journey, you will discover it right here.
Day One- Kelpies to Eilean Donan
Driving Distance: 193 miles
Approx Driving Time: 4 hours
Highlights: Kelpies, Highlands, Eilean Donan Fort
I extremely HIGHLY advocate you go to the Kelpies in Falkirk. These horse statues are so spectacular. Ideally, you need to spend the night time right here as a result of at night time they’re lit up and look superb.
From right here, you’ve bought a fairly large day of driving forward of you. If it’s too lengthy, be at liberty to interrupt it up into two days.
There are a few route choices to get from the Kelpies to Eilean Donan. I took the M9 to Stirling, then the A84 to Crianlarich, then the A82/ A85 to Glencoe and Fort William and the A87 to Eilean Donan.
Eilean Donan is an unbelievable fort set in a loch. You possibly can go to inside it- in case you’d like to do that you’ll in all probability want so as to add a day so you have got time.
The place to remain
When you’re in a motorhome or campervan, it value £15 for an evening within the Kelpies automobile park. You pay the guard on the sales space on the high automobile park (closest to the Kelpies) however the in a single day parking is simply down the highway.
Close to Eilean Donan, I wild camped in my motorhome a couple of 10 minute drive away, at a Keep the Night time scheme at Loch Carron Viewpoint. This was free, however there are additionally campsites across the space you should use in case you choose.
Day Two- Bealach na Ba (The Applecross Street)
Driving Distance (approx): 92 miles
Driving Time (approx): 3h 30
Highlights: Bealach na Ba move
Bealach na Ba (or the highway to Applecross) is commonly thought to be one of many most scenic drives in Scotland. It’s additionally extensively thought to be some of the harmful!
I made a decision to drive it, alone, in a rain storm and thick fog. As a result of I’m, apparently, insane.
I drove it in a 6.7m motorhome and had little or no bother. In case you have a bigger motorhome or campervan, you would possibly battle with a number of the bends and I don’t advocate it in any respect for caravanners.
When you’re driving the NC500 in a automobile, you’ll be completely high quality.
It took me about 90 minutes to rise up to the highest, the place I then stayed for a couple of hours while ready for the fog to clear. The route from the highest all the way down to Applecross is way simpler.
From right here, I drove across the coast from Applecross to Sheildaig, which took about 3 hours in case you embody all of the stops for images and for highland cows!
The place to remain
I carried on round to Gairloch, and I used to be exhausted after I bought there. If I hadn’t already booked the campsite I’d in all probability have stopped close to Sheildaig. There have been an incredible wanting campsites close to there.
Because it occurred, I stayed at Gairloch Vacation Park and it was a stunning web site, with nice sea views. There’s additionally a stunning chip store simply down the way in which (they fry every part in beef dripping, which sounds terrible however is scrumptious!)
Half Three- Scotland’s south West Coast
From Gairloch, you may select how far you need to drive and the way a lot time you need to spend on the west coast.
For reference, I drove from Gairloch to Ardmair Level simply north of Ullapool in sooner or later. This was about 90 minutes and 60 miles.
I loved wanting round Ullapool and stayed two nights on this web site. Ullapool is the final massive city earlier than you head North, so you’ll want to top off on the grocery store, replenish with gas and refill your gasoline tanks if in case you have them.
If you wish to maintain going, you may push on to Clachtoll Seaside campsite, which is one other hour and an additional 40 miles, so simply doable in sooner or later.
The place to remain
Each campsites I used on this part have been fantastic. Ardmair Level has unbelievable views throughout the bay, however may be very uncovered if the winds are sturdy (which they have been after I visited.)
Clachtoll Seaside is probably my favorite campsite alongside the NC500 for motorhomes and campers. It has unbelievable amenities, together with a canine bathe, laundry, a microwave & toaster (yep, I used to be excited!) and probably the most golden sandy seaside I’ve ever seen.
It’s not low cost, nevertheless it was price each penny and I’d keep there once more in a heartbeat. I stayed there two nights and will simply have spent a 3rd simply lazying and having fun with the surroundings.
Issues to not miss
Positively go to Clashnessie Falls (it’s muddy, however price it!) and Clashnessie Seaside. There’s additionally an incredible chip van close to the campsite on sure days- properly price testing out.
Half 4- Scotland’s north west coast
Driving Distance (approx): 60 miles
Driving Time (approx): 1h 50
Highlights: Kylesku Bridge, Wailing Widow Falls
From Clachtoll, I continued up the A894, previous Scourie and all the way in which to Durness. I took the slower route through Drumbeg. It was driveable in a motorhome however some passing spots have been very tight.
Keep in mind in case you do that route, you’ll miss the Wailing Widow Falls except you double again barely. Because it occurred, the climate was AWFUL that day so I made a decision to not hassle, however apparently the falls are properly price visiting if it’s not blowing a gale!
The highway from Scourie to Durness is fairly sufficient however not jaw-dropping (or maybe I simply turned immune!) so it’s not price spending too lengthy on this part.
Having mentioned that, if in case you have time and don’t thoughts driving down small lanes, there are LOADS of pristine white sand seashores to get pleasure from which most individuals don’t go to.
Sandwood Bay is the one you’ll see on postcards everywhere in the place- it appears unbelievable however in case you solely have 7 days to do the North Coast 500, you’ll in all probability should miss it on this event.
The place to Keep
Sango Sands Oasis is one other unbelievable campsite, set proper on the clifftop. Sadly, my expertise there was marred by very unfriendly employees, however I’d in all probability nonetheless keep there once more, because the seashores and views have been unbelievable.
Issues to see and do
They make an enormous deal in regards to the ‘finest sizzling chocolate’ on the Balnakeil craft village, which is a couple of 20 minute stroll from the campsite. To be sincere, I discovered it too sickly, and I wasn’t an enormous fan of the craft village both.
BUT- whilst you’re there you need to journey the Golden Eagle zipline at Sango Sands. It’s £15 for a go and it’s a lot enjoyable. I additionally cherished visiting Smoo Cave. Sadly, the boat tour wasn’t working as a result of heavy rains, nevertheless it was unbelievable to go to contained in the cave anyway.
Half 5- North or center?
The following a part of the North Coast 500 is a alternative. When you solely have a 7 day itinerary, you’ll want to decide on what you do subsequent.
Personally, in case you’ve by no means visited John o’Groats earlier than, I really feel it’s best to go there. Sure, it’s touristy, however sure, you want that photograph by the publish.
The highway alongside the highest of Scotland is fairly however nothing unbelievable. It’s about 90 miles and can take you round 3 hours.
When you simply need to drive it, cease for a fast photograph at John o’Groats after which keep on to Shin (see under), it’s going to take you about 5 hours (190 miles). You’ll additionally move Brora Seaside (which is spectacular) and Dunrobin Fort, which is unquestionably price a go to if in case you have time.
When you’d love to do these stopoffs, I’d undoubtedly advocate a minimum of two days for this part so you may see all of it correctly.
The place to remain on the north coast
When you’re in a motorhome, cease at Dunnet Bay campsite- it’s fantastic and the seaside there may be additionally unbelievable. Don’t miss the Duncansby Stacks- they make nice images.
Additionally, if in case you have time, I extremely advocate a day journey to Orkney– it’s an enchanting place.
The Various route south
When you’ve already been to John o’Groats, you’ve seen one of many main highlights on the NC500 route.
When you’re restricted on time, you may ignore the North East nook and reduce down the center, which is a way more dramatic route with unbelievable surroundings.
I drove from Durness to Tongue, after which down previous Loch Loyal, heading for the Falls of Shin.
The Falls of Shin close to Lairg are well-known for the salmon ‘leaping’ as they swim upriver to spawn. I’d been there just a few minutes after I noticed one, and I noticed a number of over the subsequent half an hour or so.
The place to remain
The automobile park on the Falls of Shin was incredible, degree and FREE in case you didn’t want facilities. Alternatively, there are locations round Lairg to remain.
Planning a visit to Scotland?
We’ve executed the arduous give you the results you want!
Seize our full Scotland journey planner and get:
- 80+ concepts for locations to go to
- Maps and itinerary recommendations
- Routes and issues to see alongside the way in which
- Ideas, customs and far far more!
Half Six- Loch Ness or The Cairngorms
The North Coast 500 technically goes Inverness to Inverness, however my opinion is it’s best to add on a few additional stops (and days, in case you can!)
First of those is the Cairngorms. These mountains are dwelling to Aviemore (the UK’s main ski centre) and in addition dwelling to Balmoral.
I stayed in a single day at Balmoral, nevertheless it was shortly after the Queen’s demise so the fort wasn’t open. Nonetheless, the stroll as much as King Albert’s Pyramid (yep, an precise pyramid!) was open and that was a incredible expertise (though it was VERY steep!)
In earlier journeys, we’ve visited Aviemore, taken cable automobiles up the mountain and loved most of the different unbelievable issues to do across the Cairngorms. You could possibly simply spend a couple of days to every week right here in case you can.
Loch Ness
Nonetheless, in case you’ve by no means seen Loch Ness and in case you can solely do one or the opposite, the drive down Loch Ness is properly price it, if solely as a result of it’s so well-known and everybody ought to search for Nessie a minimum of as soon as of their life.
I’ve by no means been into Inverness Metropolis, however I hear it’s lovely and price a day in case you can spare it.
When you drove previous Loch Ness, you’ll find yourself in Fort William once more, which technically closes the loop and now you can proudly show your North Coast 500 highway journey sticker in your automobile.
Half Seven- Loch Lomond
When you nonetheless have time, I extremely advocate visiting Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nationwide Park.
The entire space is gorgeous, however Loch Lomond must be one in all my favourites. Each nook of it has unbelievable views.
The place to Keep
I parked up at Firkin Level, the place motorhome parking is allowed. In excessive season (March- finish September) you want a allow (purchased on-line), however I used to be there first week in October and was in a position to keep without cost.
There was a incredible little seaside and in addition an incredible pedestrian-only walkway which went for about 3 miles and have Mac and I a flat and protected house to run.
I hope you discovered this 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary useful. It’s quite a bit to cowl in 7 days, so ideally if in case you have 10-14 you’ll discover it far more enjoyable and can be capable of see and do extra.
You may additionally discover these posts helpful:
