Coastal routes

North Coast 500

A circular touring route of just over 500 miles round the north Highlands, starting and ending in Inverness. Much of it is on single-track roads, so it needs more time and care than the mileage suggests.

Facts checked 2 November 2026 against the sources listed at the end. Britlens is independent: see our editorial policy.

Eilean Donan Castle on its island where three sea lochs meet
Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The route

The North Coast 500 follows the main roads along the coastal edge of the north Highlands, through Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Inverness-shire, beginning and ending in Inverness. [1] It was launched in 2015. [3]

Driven clockwise, it runs from Inverness via Applecross (over the Bealach na Bà pass), Gairloch, Ullapool, Scourie, Durness, Thurso, John o' Groats, Wick and Dunrobin Castle, then back south through Dingwall. [3]

Inverness Castle is no longer the official start point while the castle is redeveloped; do not enter the grounds. [1] Eilean Donan Castle, pictured, is not on the route itself; it is covered in our Highlands guide.

Inverness Castle, a red sandstone building above the River Ness
Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How long to allow

The route's own advice is to spend at least five to seven days on it. [2] Accommodation in the small villages can book up early and some places close for part of the year, so book ahead; some big attractions also close over winter. [2]

Midges are most common from May to September, especially early in the morning and on warm evenings. [2]

Single-track roads and motorhomes

  • The Bealach na Bà is not suitable for large motorhomes, caravans or inexperienced drivers because of its sharp bends and steep gradients; the route suggests the A896 instead. [2]
  • It also advises avoiding the B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku in a large vehicle, and taking alternative roads if your motorhome is bigger than a standard van conversion. [2]
  • On single-track roads, use passing places to let others by, including traffic behind you. The route's popularity has led to complaints about drivers who do not. [3]
  • Wild camping in Scotland does not extend to motor vehicles: campervans and motorhomes need a proper pitch. [2]

See our driving in Britain guide for rules of the road and car hire and EV charging.

Chanonry Point lighthouse on the Black Isle, a spot for watching dolphins in the Moray Firth
Photo: Shirehorse at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Inverness and the Black Isle

Inverness is the natural place to start, rest and return. Our Inverness guide and Black Isle guide cover the first and last stretches; the Highlands guide covers the wider area, including Skye.

Glenmorangie distillery buildings beside the Dornoch Firth near Tain
Photo: Braveheart, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Quick answers

How many days do I need for the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500 recommends at least five to seven days. [2]

Can I drive the North Coast 500 in a motorhome?

Many people do, but the route advises large motorhomes and caravans to avoid the Bealach na Bà and the B869 Lochinver to Kylesku road. [2]

Related guides

Sources

Read on the dates shown. Rules, dates and services change: check the source before you rely on it. Pages marked “not read” refused automated access, so we state nothing from them.

  1. About NC500 (opens in new tab), North Coast 500, read 2 November 2026
  2. FAQ (opens in new tab), North Coast 500, read 2 November 2026
  3. North Coast 500 (opens in new tab), Wikipedia, read 2 November 2026