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Planning a road trip around the North Coast 500 and looking for the best self-catering accommodation? This guide to North Coast Airbnbs, VRBOs and self-contained apartments details where to stay in the Scottish Highlands for those on a budget or travellers looking to cook at home, avoiding public spaces.
So let’s take a look at the best Airbnbs on the NC500, and other apartments, to help you book the right apartment for your trip, whether that be a long weekend with friends or an extended break.
We’ll look at the location, rental amenities, suitability and prices. All of the below properties are self-contained with no shared areas.
This road trip is really busy and accommodation books up very quickly.
If you see something you like, I recommend that you book it ASAP to avoid disappointment. Already some NC500 properties are reserved for the full year!
Read first: Everything you need to know about the NC500
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Self-Catering Airbnbs on the North Coast 500, and Other Apartments
Inverness
Cute 1-Bedroom Apartment in Inverness
This 1-bed flat (apartment) is a compact space in the gateway to the Highlands.
Perfect located, on the banks of River Ness and near Inverness’s restaurants.
Free parking is ideal for those setting off for the NC500 from Inverness.
About Inverness
Inverness is a popular city in Scotland referred to as The Gateway to The Highlands.
This is where the River Ness and Moray Firth meet and you can enjoy boat tours on the water in the city.
Inverness is packed with history from the Cathedral to the Castle and the old Victorian Market.
Live music can be found at Hootananny’s.
Shieldaig
Oldest House in Shieldaig
Minch View is a 3-bedroom self-catering apartment in Shieldaig.
Decor is homely and guests love the views over to Shieldaig Island.
There are three bedrooms and one bathroom which can house up to five guests.
Kitchen is fully equipped and there is cable/satellite TV.
Free WiFI is available throughout the house and private parking is onsite.
The Minch is named after the strait which separates the north-west Highlands and the northern Inner Hebrides from Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
Shieldaig is a small fishing village on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands.
Beinn Shieldaig majestically sits over the village.
The main street includes a pub that serves pizza on a sunny balcony.
The nearest town is Gairloch.
Gairloch
Little Haven
Modern ground-floor apartment, self-contained kitchen and comfortable sitting room, what else could a North Coast 500 road tripper want after a day of travelling and a boat tour at Gairloch?
‘Little Haven’ is a 2-bed apartment on the Gairloch Peninsula, just a short walk from the local beach.
WiFi may be a little slower since you are very rural in Gairloch. That’s the charm though, right?
Parking is available at the property.
About Gairloch
Gairloch is a village on the shores of Loch Gairloch in Wester Ross. Visitors enjoy boat rides and wildlife trips from this popular summer spot.
Ullapool
Hotel rooms in Ullapool are not hard to come by, but there are no ‘entire place’ Airbnbs available in the town. Accommodation books up fast in high season so book ahead. You can read more about hotels in Ullapool in our NC500 accommodation guide.
Luxury Lochside Cabin
If you are planning something a little different during your stay on the NC500, consider Harbour House.
On the shores of Loch Broom, you will find these luxury lochside cabins, which are owned by the family who run the B&B by the same name.
Each cabin has floor-to-ceiling glass windows so guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the loch.
Cabins also have private terraces with outdoor seating.
There is a super king sized bed, sofa and en-suite shower room.
A full Highland breakfast is available in the main house if you would like to join the other guests.
About Ullapool
Ullapool is a lively town on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands. Here you will have great food and live music every night of the week in high season.
Hikers should check out Stac Pollaidh.
This is one of my favourite towns in the whole of Scotland.
Lochinver
This 2-bed holiday home in Lochinver on the coast in the Assynt district of Sutherland offers an open plan living room, dining room and kitchen.
One bedroom has a double bed and the other has two singles.
Guests love the location and the price!
It is recommended that you reserve a table for Peet’s Restaurant or you might miss out.
Durness
Looking for a simple yet nicely decorated accommodation on the North Coast 500 with a garden and private parking?
This 3-bed apartment offers two bathrooms, one fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a washing machine.
For relaxing, there is a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and WiFi.
About Durness
Durness is a popular stop on the NC500. Home to Smoo Cave, where you can enjoy a boat ride into a freshwater cave, and Chocolate Mountain. There is a small convenience store in the town as well as a couple of cafes and a hotel for food.
Bettyhill
Historic Cottage
This cottage in Bettyhill has views over the River Naver and pictures don’t do it justice!
It offers three bedrooms, one double bedroom and single beds in the other two.
There is also a living room, kitchen and free parking.
About Bettyhill
Bettyhill is a favourite for many NC500 fans who love the Strathnaver Museum and The Store Cafe for food and hot drinks.
John O’ Groats
Wow! This 1-bed self-catering apartment is unique!
Originally built in 1875, the round room has been carefully restored and is now ready for guests.
The bedroom has a standalone roll-top bath, image getting into that at the end of a long day of sightseeing?
About John O’ Groats
John O’ Groats is where you will find the iconic white sign and ferry rides to Orkney at Gill’s Bay.
The village is close to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain.
Wick
Riverside Apartments
Private apartments located in the heart of Wick.
Double and single bed rooms available as well as apartment with balconies.
Parking is free.
About Wick
Popular attractions include Caithness Heritage Museum, boat tours and Old Pulteney Distillery.
If you are looking for something pretty special you can stay in a castle hotel near Wick.
Lybster
NC500 Pods With Style
If you fancy camping without putting a peg in the ground, consider these tiny house glamping pods in Caithness.
These beautifully decorated glamping huts include a bed, sitting area, small kitchen, shower and underfloor heating.
Enjoy views across the Moray Coast from this luxury pod.
There is free parking but no WiFi. Time to get off the grid, in style!
- 4 guests/1 bedroom
The Black Isle
Bright Bungalow
Another welcoming property on the NC500 is this bright bungalow in North Kessock.
This charming 1-bed includes a large double bedroom, sitting room, bathroom, kitchen and sunny garden.
- 2 guests/1 bedroom
About The Black Isle
Found in Ross and Cromarty in the Scottish Highlands, The Black Isle includes the villages of Culbokie, Jemimaville, Rosemarkie, Avoch, Munlochy, Tore, North Kessock and Muir of Ord.
The Black Isle is a great spot for seeing dolphins at Chanonry Point.
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North Coast 500 Guides
We’ve written a lot about the NC500. Please check out the following free guides to help further with your planning:
- North Coast 500 itinerary + tips
- North Coast 500 camping and motorhomes
- North Coast 500 accommodation
- North Coast 500 castle hotels
- North Coast 500 hostels with dorms
- North Coast 500 packing list
- North Coast 500 – know before you go
- North Coast 500 – FAQs
- North Coast 500 highlights (voted by NC500 fans)
- North Coast 500 tours of the Scottish Highlands