North Coast 500: 29 Things to Know Before You Go

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The 516-mile loop called the North Coast 500 has quickly become one of Scotland’s top things to do. Thousands of national and international visitors are heading to the Highlands to drive from Inverness to John o’Groats and back down again.

When planning your North Coast 500 trip, there are a few things you need to consider driving in Scotland and the NC500 itself. Here are my tips, as a Scot and travel lover, so that you can get the best out of the Highlands tour.

Warning: The following is very important information that was told with some banter.

Don’t miss our NC500 itinerary!

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Planning Your North Coast 500 Trip

1. North Coast 500 is Popular, Like Rome Popular

One of the most visited cities in Europe is Rome. One of the most popular experiences in Scotland is the NC500.

Be prepared to share the road with other cars, bikes and motorhomes.

Book your accommodation as soon as you know your route, or consider camping.

2. It Rains

As they say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.

Pack sensibly. Get a decent waterproof coat.

Invest in waterproof hiking shoes or boots.

Rain can make you feel colder too, lots of layers are key. 

We got very lucky most days… 

3. It Gets Dark

Regardless of your stamina for the NC500, the sun will dictate how long you can stay on the road.

As darkness falls, you are best to get to your base for the night, whether that be a town or a tent.

Look up, see the stars.  

4. Midges are not Myths Like Nessie

Midges are small insects with wings that nip the skin and leave a mark.

These bites can be itchy; some people swell up in reaction.

5. How do I Avoid Midges?

Travel during the low season, November to February, to avoid midges.

No one wants to travel in the Highlands during that time, so alternative arrangements are:

• Avoid dusk.
• Stay away from stagnant water.
• Go to windy areas of the NC500.
• Pack midge veils/hats.
• Use Avon Skin So Soft US / UK. 

Oh wait, you think Nessie is real? Wrong!

But haggis is a wee animal that roams the fields.

Keep your eyes open and camera ready.

6. There’s Limited 45 Never Mind 5G

We are mainly accustomed to 4 and 5G coverage in Central Scotland, but the further north you go, the patchier coverage gets.

You must pack a map and note your accommodation, tour details and breakdown information before you leave.

You can download maps before you leave your accommodation, don’t go off the route or you’ll lose the data.

Download your music playlists too. Add these Scottish bands to a playlist for an authentic Scotland road trip:

• Aberfeldy
• Admiral FallowArab Strap
• Aztec Camera
• Bay City Rollers (rocked tartan trews before me),
• Belle and Sebastian
• Biffy Clyro
• Big Country
• The BlueBells
• Camera Obscura
• Lewis Capaldi (follow him on social media, very funny)
• Edwyn Collins
• Darius Danesh
• Deacon Blue
• Franz Ferdinand
• The Fratellis
• Glasvegas
• Calvin Harris
• Nina NesbittPaolo Nutini (hero fae Paisley)
• The Phantom Band
• The Proclaimers (of course)
• Snow Patrol
• Texas
• Travis
• KT Tunstall
• The Twilight Sad
• Siobhan Wilson

Invest in a battery pack.

7. There are ATMs in Bigger Towns.

When I first went to Ullapool, I asked my friend if her hometown had cash machines (ATMs).

THREE, she replied.

Questions like that annoy Highlanders!

Jokes aside, bring ample cash for the smaller shops that don’t accept cards.

We accept Scottish and English notes, hint hint, London.

We also use chip and pin and contactless for debit and credit card payments.

American Express is the least accepted card in Scotland.

Always best to carry a backup.

North Coast 500 Roads

8. We Drive on the Left

Unlike many European countries, we drive on the left in the UK to make those single-track roads even more challenging for international guests.

This means you must also navigate the gear stick and handbrake on the left-hand side.

Remember to pack your registration, ownership documents, licence and insurance if you bring your car.

You must be 18 to drive in Scotland, usually 21 to hire a car. You also need insurance.

As an ex-Avis agent, I recommend getting additional insurance to cover the excess.

If you hit a deer, it leaves a mess, a customer did this when I worked at Avis, he was distraught for the deer and the bill.

Friends from the USA, we don’t have to ‘turn right on red’ to Craig’s annoyance.

Remember always to wear a seatbelt. It’s the law.

9. Animals Drive on Either Side

While rush hour isn’t an issue on the NC500, animals can be!

Be patient with cows, sheep, birds and deer on the NC500 roads.

10. The Speed Limit is 60 MPH for Cars

Unless stated otherwise.

Single-track roads dominate the Scottish Highlands and have a speed limit of 60 miles per hour (MPH) for cars.

For motorhomes, it is 50 MPH.

However, it is unlikely that you will be going at this pace often during your trip.

In built-up areas, the speed limit is 30 or 20 MPH.

Signposts will tell you which speed is the law.  

Around the rest of Scotland, motorways/dual carriageways are set at 70 MPH for cars, 60 MPH for bigger vehicles.

Local police have toyed with a “pan-Highland road safety plan” to teach visitors how to drive carefully on our roads.

11. Zebra Crossings Mean Stop

Zebra crossings are black and white stripes on the road.

If someone is at a zebra crossing, we let them walk over. It’s as simple as that.

12. Our Roads are Single-Track

Forget 70MPH motorways, the Highlands is home to the single-track road. That means the road has one lane!

You need a bit of patience and the ability to move over on the NC500.

Passing places are dotted around the roads; use these to pull in if you see a vehicle coming.

Give the oncoming driver a wee wave or flash of the lights if they let you pass.  

Remember, these roads are for locals, too.

They need to get to work or the local shop so be considerate.

Here’s an image of the infamous Bealach na Bà; more on it below. 

13. The Roads Get Dark

Naturally, in rural areas we don’t want our roads polluted by lights, we need to be able to see the stars!

If you are caught driving to your destination in the dark, only use your full beam when no other vehicles are on the road.

If at a passing place on a single track road, dim the headlights to just sidelights to avoid blinding the car who is passing.

14. We’re Roundabout Daft

We love roundabouts in Scotland.

Our news towns are jam-packed with them.

In Glenrothes, if Fife, there are more roundabouts than people.

Roundabouts are circles we drive around.

They tend to have three to five options for leaving.

Always approach the roundabout on the left and signal if you are going left or right around.

15. Bealach na Bà is Not a Sound You Make When You Sneeze

Crazy road! Crazy views!

It all starts with a red and blue sign.

Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle) is a winding road that peaks at 2053ft (625.7 metres), offering views of Wester Ross, Skye, the Islands of Rum and the Outer Hebrides.

Larger caravans and motorhomes must use an alternative route.

If your van is bigger than a VW T5 conversion, respect the rules.

16. The North Coast 500 isn’t Wasn’t Signposted

There are now brown tourist NC500 signs around the 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.

17. You Don’t Have to Drive!

Hire a tour guide to do it for you. NC500 tours start at one to four-day trips so you can decide which best suits your needs. 

Read about the North Coast 500 tours.

18. Zero Tolerance for Drink Driving

In Scotland, there is zero tolerance for drinking and then driving. This includes during a p*ss up and the following day.

Plan to partake in the water of life? Invest in a breathalyser to check the next morning’s fumes before setting off.  

19. You Can’t Use Your Phone While Driving

That means no calls, texts or changing tunes.

Best to have a portable phone holder.

Read next: our road trip packing list

20. People Sh*t on the NC500 and That’s Not Cool

Hang back at your accommodation for an hour if you know your coffee induces your morning dump.

I was disgusted to hear from a local ranger that visitors on the NC50 were doing their business by the side of the road.

In Scotland you get fined for not picking up your dog’s poop, I am guessing the same goes for human faeces? Be a decent person and use a loo.

Most gas/petrol stations have public toilets, as do leisure centres and tourist visitor offices.

21. Petrol Gets Expensive

You won’t be surprised to hear this but gas/petrol is expensive in the Highlands so ensure you fill up in Inverness.

Using a petrol/gas station whenever you are half full is best to avoid any awkward breakdowns.

Food is more expensive than in the central belt, but we encourage you to buy local and support the locals living in the Highlands.

Unlike in our cities, petrol stations are not open 24/7.

22. Petrol or Diesel?

Double, triple-check which type of fuel your hire car or motorhome takes.

Using the wrong fuel will cost you a bomb and your NC500 trip will be delayed for a good while.

23. There’s No Right Way Round

This is the most popular question about the NC500 – which way do I drive it?

It doesn’t matter whether you go clockwise or counterclockwise. Some think that east to west is best because they prefer the west coast scenery, but that’s a personal choice.

If you are doing a side trip to Orkney (east) or Isle of Lewis and Skye (west), you should arrive with plenty of daylight to factor that into your decision.

North Coast 500 Accommodation

24. Accommodation Sells Out

The curse of such an easy muse for social media shares is that the NC500 is freaking popular. 

With popularity comes booked-out accommodation.

Book up as soon as you know your route, or bring a tent if you can’t get anything. 

Here’s our NC500 accommodation guide.

25. Bed and Breakfasts are Just Lovely!

I know it might seem a strange way of holidaying but staying in a local’s house and having a breakfast chit chat in the morning is lovely. 

Traditional bed and breakfast owners have been in the industry for years and have the best stories about the area!

Go on, ditch the hotel for one night and try a Scottish B&B. 

26. Wild Camping Isn’t Really Hot Right Now

Unzipping your tent to the wilderness each morning sounds delightful, but there is a Scottish Outdoor Access Code when it comes to wild camping in Scotland.

The rules state you can’t camp near your vehicle, which becomes problematic for those doing the NC500 with a car.

Wild camping is noising some locals, so read the code carefully and commit. 

General NC500 Tips

27. The Beaches are White, and the Water is Turquoise

No sarcastic tone or hidden joke here. The North Coast 500 beaches are impeccable.

You just have to hope you get the weather.

The Universe is too cruel!

Thinking of camping or taking a motorhome? Here’s our list of campsites.

28. There Are Lots of Hikes

Pack your hiking boots and hit the hills. The NC500 has lots of lovely hikes, including Stac Pollaidh at Ullapool.

What a great way to stretch your legs after a morning on the road.

29. Dogs Can NC500 Too!

There is lots of dog-friendly accommodation on the NC500 so our fur babies don’t have to miss out of the fresh air and long walks.

30. Langoustine is Awesome

Try it at the Applecross Inn. I saw a tourist ask how to eat them, so I asked, too.

The staff were happy to explain.

There’s lots of delicious food to try on the NC500. Support local.

31. Drones are Often Restricted

Check the signs; locals are growing tired of bad drone behaviour.

Droney no dae that. 

Final Words

So that’s the North Coast 500 in a nutshell! I hope you found our tips helpful while you plan the trip of a lifetime (or the year anyway). 

This road trip loop really is an excellent way to see some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. 

Did we miss anything?
Tell us in the comments below.