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516 miles of wild landscape, stunning beaches and tasty food! The North Coast 500 (NC500) is one of the UK’s most popular road trips, and rightly so.
I (Gemma) have gathered the most frequently asked questions about the NC500 to help you plan. You might also want to check our North Coast 500 itinerary (free) and tips on what to know before you go.
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NC500 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the North Coast 500?
The North Coast 500 is a popular road trip in the Scottish Highlands.
The route is just over 500 miles, hence the name, 516 to be exact!
Visitors to Scotland’s answer to Route 66 in cars, supercars, motorhomes and bikes.
Where is the North Coast 500?
You’ve seen the lush photos of waterfalls, edgy cliffs and majestic deer but you are not quite sure where it is?
The North Coast 500 is a relatively new marketing strategy for an area of Scotland that has always been there and has always been loved. It’s the Scottish Highlands!
It takes in all the small villages, including Applecross, Shieldaig, Gairloch and bigger towns like Ullapool.
It also passes the castles and distilleries in the east.
Where is the North Coast 500 Start and Finish?
Where does the North Coast 500 start? This is one of the most common questions people ask when planning their NC500 trip.
The official starting point is the gateway to the Highlands, Inverness, and this is where the road trip ends, too.
So where does the North Coast 500 go? Starting at Inverness, the route goes to John o’Groats and back down again.
North Coast 500: Which Way Round?
This is the most popular question, and there is no correct answer.
Some readers have alluded that the west coast was their highlight so if you think that is going to be the case maybe leave it until last?
If you are gasping for a dram, you’ll want to head east first to hit up the many Highland distilleries.
How Long Does it Take to do the North Coast 500?
The minimum time to drive the route is two days. However, you will not stop often to take in the views or experience the towns.
Some tours do it in three-four days with lots of stops.
Other holiday-makers take up to seven days at a slower pace.
Tell us in the comments how long you plan to do it.
Where to Stay on the North Coast 500?
There are two essential things to remember when planning your accommodation for the North Coast 500.
Firstly, there is a variety of types of NC500 accommodation!
This is great because it suits every budget. You can expect the following during your stay:
- Planned and wild camping.
- Pitched up motorhome spots.
- Hotel dorms and private rooms.
- Bed and breakfasts (B&Bs, very typical for Scotland).
- Every type of star hotel.
- Castles! Yes! You can stay in a castle on the NC500.
Secondly, due to its popularity, accommodation books are up really fast. A
void leaving it to last minute or you’ll be disappointed.
Is the North Coast 500 Suitable for Motorhomes/Caravans/RVs?
It is but you do have to remember that the roads are single-track roads which means single track and the Bealach na Bà is not for the fainthearted.
There is an alternative road for larger campervans. Don’t try it. If you fail or breakdown you are limiting the local’s lifeline.
Doing it by van? Here’s our camping and motorhome NC500 guide.
Is the North Coast 500 Signposted?
There are brown tourist NC500 signs around the Scottish Highlands.
You will see lots of Highlands attractions with brown signs t00.
The local towns and villages will be signposted, so look out for where you are going next.
What to See on the North Coast 500
There are many attractions on the NC500! Here are a few:
- Bealach na Bà – the winding road.
- Applecross – food with a view.
- Shieldaig – sunsets.
- Gairloch – water tours.
- Mellon Udrigle Beach – turquoise waters.
- Gruinard Bay – red-toned sand,
- Ullapool – a dram and singsong (also the ferry to the Isle of Lewis),
- Ardvreck Castle – ruins.
- Lochinver – expensive pies.
- B869 – crazily beautiful road.
- Kylesku Bridge – iconic bridge.
- Balnakeil Beach – cows on the beach.
- Smoo Cave – wee boat tour.
- Thurso – surf’s up.
- Dunnet Head – the most northerly point of mainland Britain.
- John o’ Groats – snap the sign.
- Duncansby Head + Stacks – the real northern tip.
- Dunrobin Castle – 189 rooms.
- The Black Isle – is beautiful.
- + many distilleries on the east coast.
Read the full North Coast 500 highlights – contributions by NC500 fans.
Can I use my Drone?
Using your drone in Scotland is becoming harder.
Many areas are becoming drone-free to protect the buildings, wildlife and landscape.
Respect the signs; the shame is not worth it.
Frequently Made Mistakes
- Overplanned
- I didn’t make enough time
- Didn’t pack enough warm and waterproof clothing
- Relied on 4G/5G
- Forgot maps
- Forgot tripod
Final Words
As long as you book your accommodation in advance (unless camping), fill your tank up and remember the map you are in for one of the best rides of your life!
Tell us in the comments if you have any more questions.
Doing the NC500?
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Any questions?
Ask below.
Is it possible to do the majority of the route in a caravan.
Hi Amanda, thanks for your question.
There are caravan parks all around the NC500 which you can read about here, so in theory it can be done but it would really depend on how confident you are driving on hairpin bends and A rounds.
You can read all of our NC500 guides here too.
Looking to do this trip this year. How dog friendly is it please?
Hi Lauren, you’ll find lots of nice walks and some pubs/hotels that allow dogs. Since there is a lot of farmland, your dog will need to be on the lead.
It is a really long drive if you are driving to the Highlands from elsewhere in Scotland which is worth considering. Have a great trip!
What is the availabiligy of toilets?
Before the pandemic, you would find toilets at tourist attractions and cafes/restaurants. There isn’t much in the way of public loos.
When we went up to the east coast last summer, we used the toilets at our campsites in Inverness and Thurso, where we ate, and at Dunrobin Castle.
How easy is it to tent camp along the way, making last minute arrivals in august? And are camping areas available near any towns or villages?
Hi Jessica, great question. You can find the answers in our camping NC500 guide.
A very useful site- thank you. Just one question, I am planning on cycling the NC 500 late May Into June 2020 and wondered if the traffic volume was high at that point and whether you advise going earlier in May.
Thank you
Hi Anne, I haven’t cycled the NC500 in May but the weather does tend to be good around that time so you may see more activity on the roads at the weekends.
The Easter school holidays end in April and summer starts in June so you will miss that. There are May holidays though on the 8th and 25th. Come back and let me know how you get on?
I am hoping to get up myself around about the last fortnight so if I see a bike, I’ll toot from our camper!
~ Gemma
Trip planned for 25 Mar to 22 Apr 2020 to and from Inverness Airport. Car already rented and accommodations reserved to travel the North Coast 500 counter-clockwise. Most concerned about finding my way around. Know that I need a good (ie simple to read) map. Can you recommend one? Have google maps on my iphone 11 but assume that will be spotty to use. My address is Illinois, USA
Greetings from Scotland, Jane! You can pick up this map at gas stations when you arrive or purchase this Rough Guides book which says it comes with coloured maps that are easy to follow. I’ve not used it myself. Have a lovely time! Gemma