North Coast 500
Scotland
Scotland's answer to Route 66, the NC500 loops 500 miles through the most spectacular and least-visited landscapes in Europe: the Torridon mountains' Precambrian sandstone, the white-sand beaches of Durness above the Cape Wrath headland, the flow country's peatland wilderness, the castle-dotted Black Isle, and the Bealach na Bà (the steepest road in Britain) above Applecross's seafood bar. The most dramatic drive in Britain.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Inverness
Highland capital on the Moray Firth, start and finish of the NC500. Culloden battlefield lies 8 km east; Loch Ness begins at the city's southern edge.
- Dornoch
A 13th-century cathedral, Royal Dornoch Golf Club and a celebrated whisky distillery in a town of fewer than 1,500 people. Scotland's last witch was burned here in 1722.
- Duncansby Head
Scotland's true north-east tip, wilder than John o'Groats next door. Sea stacks rise from the Pentland Firth and puffins nest in the clifftop turf.
- Thurso
Britain's most northerly mainland town, gateway to Orkney ferries. Thurso Bay hosts one of Europe's premier big-wave surf breaks at Thurso East.
- Durness
Remote village above Balnakeil's shell-white beach at Scotland's north-west corner. Smoo Cave cuts 60m into limestone; Cape Wrath is 11 km west by ferry.
- Ullapool
Whitewashed fishing port on Loch Broom and ferry point for the Outer Hebrides. The Ceilidh Place packs a hotel, bookshop and live music into one building.
- Applecross
Reached via the Bealach na Ba, Britain's steepest road at 626m. The inn serves fresh crab and langoustines with a direct view of Skye's Cuillin ridge.
- Torridon
Precambrian sandstone peaks above sea lochs, among the oldest rock on Earth at 750 million years. Beinn Eighe was Britain's first national nature reserve.
- Inverness
The loop closes back on the Moray Firth. The Victorian Market and the Ness Islands walk offer a gentle landing before the drive south to the Cairngorms.
Where to Eat
- The Applecross InnSeafood
Renowned for its fresh seafood and stunning coastal views, this inn offers a cozy dining experience with locally sourced ingredients.
- The Kylesku HotelScottish
Overlooking Loch Glendhu, this hotel serves traditional Scottish dishes with a modern twist, emphasizing local produce and seafood.
- The OystercatcherSeafood
Situated in Lochcarron, this restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes in a relaxed setting with panoramic loch views.
- The Ceilidh PlaceScottish
A cultural hub in Ullapool, combining a restaurant, bookshop, and music venue, serving hearty Scottish fare.
- The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood RestaurantSeafood
Located in Port Appin, this restaurant is famed for its fresh seafood and picturesque views over Loch Linnhe.
Things to Do
- Dunrobin CastleHistoric Site
A fairy-tale castle near Golspie, featuring stunning architecture, gardens, and falconry displays.
- Smoo CaveNatural Attraction
A dramatic sea cave near Durness, accessible by foot, with a waterfall and boat tours into its depths.
- Bealach na BàScenic Drive
A winding mountain pass leading to Applecross, offering breathtaking views and a thrilling drive.
- Inverewe GardenBotanical Garden
A lush garden in Poolewe, showcasing exotic plants from around the world, thriving due to the Gulf Stream.
- Cape WrathScenic Viewpoint
The most north-westerly point of mainland Britain, offering rugged cliffs and panoramic ocean views.
Travel advisory
Large sections of the route run on single-track roads with passing places, requiring careful driving and patience. Fuel stations are scarce in the far northwest, so fill up in larger towns like Ullapool or Tongue. Snow and ice can close higher sections between November and March.