Photo: Stefan Krause, Germany (FAL), via Wikimedia Commons
Planning the North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is Britain's biggest road trip: a 516-mile loop of the Highlands' far north that packs in mountain passes, white-sand beaches, sea stacks and single-track roads with passing places and sheep. Most people take five to seven days; racers do it in three and regret it.
The stages below run anti-clockwise from Inverness — west coast first, which saves the gentler east for tired final days. Under each stop you'll find places to stay nearby, because the NC500's one hard rule is: book your beds before you go, especially May to September.
The route
North Coast 500
🚦 Before you set off
Single-track roads and holiday traffic change fast — check conditions on the day.
Live incidents: Traffic Scotland ↗ Live traffic map ↗
⛽ Cheapest diesel along the route today: 197.7p — Asda, IV2 6BZ (CMA open fuel price data)
Stage by stage
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1
Inverness
The start and finish line — stock up, sleep well, and set off across the Kessock Bridge.
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2
Applecross
Over the Bealach na Bà, Britain's greatest road climb — hairpins, then a pint at the famous inn.
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3
Torridon
Sandstone mountains straight out of a saga; the roadside photography stop that ruins your schedule.
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4
Gairloch
Beaches, boat trips and sea eagles — a proper overnight base on the west side.
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5
Ullapool
The north-west's harbour capital: fish and chips on the pier, live music in the pubs.
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6
Lochinver
Detour country — Suilven's profile and the famous pie shop.
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7
Durness
The top-left corner: Smoo Cave, white beaches, and the turn east along the north coast.
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8
Tongue
The Kyle of Tongue causeway is the north coast at its emptiest and best.
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9
Thurso
Surf town of the far north; Dunnet Head — the true mainland top — is just along the coast.
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10
John o' Groats
The signpost photo, then Duncansby Stacks a mile east — better than the signpost.
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11
Wick
Herring-boom history and the shortest street in the world.
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12
Dornoch
Cathedral, golf and a honey-coloured square — an easy last night before Inverness.
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Community notes
Tips, conditions, and the things only someone who's been can tell you.
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Good to know
- How long does the North Coast 500 take?
- Around 5–7 days to do it justice — the stages on this page break the 516 miles into real days rather than a dash.
- Should I book accommodation in advance?
- Yes, especially May to September — beds along popular routes go early. Each stage lists places to stay nearby so you can book the whole trip before you set off.
- Do I book through this site?
- No — every listing links straight to the holiday operator and you book with them at their live price. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.