The North Coast 500 is the road trip of a life-time. And what's more it's pretty much right on our doorstep. It's a 516-mile expedition taking in the wild and glorious scenery of the Highlands of Northern Scotland - rugged mountains, moorland, blue seas and white sand beaches. You can keep Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway, for our money the North Coast 500 is even more breath-taking.
The North Coast 500 starts and ends in the city of Inverness and follows the road around the rim of the north eastern Highlands, taking in the coasts of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Inverness-Shire over its 516 mile course.
The route can be driven in about a week, but it isn’t a race. The North Coast 500 is a journey that deserves to be taken slowly, with time to pause and drink in the incredible views, taste the mountain air and watch the sunsets over the Western Isles.
You can make your own itinerary – explore castles and ancient ruins; spot seals, eagles and dolphins; sample some of Scotland’s finest seafood and whisky; climb a munro; kayak across a loch. You can drive, take a camper van, cycle or even walk it.
However you choose to do it, the iconic North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most spectacular road trips and an incredible adventure.
The route can be driven in about a week, but it isn’t a race. The North Coast 500 is a journey that deserves to be taken slowly, with time to pause and drink in the incredible views, taste the mountain air and watch the sunsets over the Western Isles.
Where should you go?
There’s so much to see and do along this 516-mile route - here is just a small selection of highlights...
Inverness
Inverness is your gateway to the North Coast 500, but it's well worth spending a day or two here before you set off. Stroll along the banks of the beautiful River Ness, visit Inverness Castle, the museum and art gallery, and pick up some supplies for your journey.
Dolphin spotting, the Black Isle
Slightly off the North Coast route, it's worth taking a detour to this world famous dolphin spotting location. Eilean Dubh, the Black Isle, isn’t actually an island but a peninsula.
Colonies of Bottlenose dolphins live in the brisk and chilly waters of the Moray Firth. North Kessock and Chanonry Point are two prime places to get a look at these amazing creatures, especially during spring and summer. Chanonry Point is probably the most well known and has its own dedicated dolphin shuttle bus service running from Inverness. The best place to see them is from the strip of shingle beach beside the lighthouse and the best time is when the tide's coming in and they start surfing the incoming waves on the hunt for food.
Less crowded than Chanonry Point is the village of North Kessock, where you can settle on one of the waterfront benches and spot dolphins and maybe other local wildlife like orca, pilots whales, otters and seals.
Smoo Cave, Sutherland
One of the largest sea caves in Europe, Smoo, near Durness, on the northern coast, is a huge 50ft high space carved out of the limestone rock by both the sea and freshwater. Inside you’ll find a magical waterfall, created when the Smoo burn overflows and pours from above down into the caves. The best time to see the waterfall is after periods of heavy rain when the burn above is in full spate.
Keiss Castle, Caithness
Built in the 16th century, Old Keiss Castle has been a dramatic ruin since the 18th century, when the Earls of Caithness abandoned it for a newly built mansion house a safer distance from the clifftops. Perched on the very edge of a sheer cliff face, overlooking Sinclair’s Bay, Keiss looks permanently on the verge of slipping into the sea. Needless to say it's much too risky to go inside and is best enjoyed from a panoramic distance. Also keep a look out for seals bobbing in the waters below this beautiful site.
Dunrobin Castle
Stopping off to visit Dunrobin Castle is a highlight of any journey through the Northern Highlands. Overlooking the Moray Firth, just north of Golspie and Dornoch, this striking French-style château boasts 189 rooms, making it the largest house in the region. Dunrobin Castle has been home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 1300s, making it one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited residences. Its architecture reflects the influence of Sir Charles Barry and Sir Robert Lorimer. Once a naval hospital and later a boys’ school, the castle’s rich history and fairytale spires make it a must-see stop.
Duncansby Head
For those in the know, Duncansby Head is the real treasure of Scotland’s far northeast. Just a short detour from the tourist bustle of John o’ Groats, this windswept headland offers a wild, untamed beauty that’s pure drama. Park by the lighthouse and breathe in views stretching across the Orkney Isles and back toward Dunnet Head. But don’t stop there. You can follow the coastal path south and be rewarded with jaw-dropping vistas of Thirle Door and the towering Stacks of Duncansby. It’s raw, elemental and unforgettable.
Visit some amazing distilleries
A journey along Scotland’s legendary North Coast 500 isn’t complete without sampling its world-class whisky. Dotted along the route are some superb distilleries, each offering a warm Highland welcome and a taste of tradition. In Tain, Glenmorangie awaits with its elegant, complex single malts crafted beside the Dornoch Firth. Further north in Brora, the historic Clynelish Distillery delivers a distinctive coastal character with subtle maritime notes. Many distilleries offer tours, tastings and behind-the-scenes glimpses into centuries-old methods.
Sandwood Bay, Sutherland
On the north western tip of Scotland, the remote Sandwood Bay beach bears the full brunt of the wild Atlantic. You'll be glad you made the four mile moorland hike from the car park to find it, because Sandwood is reputedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Britain. It has a mile and a half of almost pink sand, flanked by dunes and the spectacular Am Buachaille sea-stack rising out of the sparkling turquoise waters. Its hidden location and lack of road access means it's never crowded and sometimes if you're lucky you can have this stunning place all to yourself.
Where should you stay?
Here's our pick of some truly gorgeous places to stay on or near the North Coast 500 route - from chic Scandi-inspired hideaways, to snug wooden cabins, beach houses to spectacular loch-side hotels. However you decide to travel the North Coast 500, make sure you treat yourself to at least a couple of nights in one of these breathtaking properties.
