Explore the North Coast 500 – Scotland's Epic Road Trip
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile circular route that loops out from Inverness, up through the Highlands, around the rugged north coast, and back down through the west. Since it launched in 2015, it's become one of the most talked-about road trips in the world — often compared to Route 66, but with single-track roads, sea lochs, and castles instead of desert highways.
What Makes The Route So Special
Few drives pack in this much variety. You'll pass white sand beaches that could pass for the Caribbean, dramatic sea cliffs along the Caithness coast, ancient castles perched above the water, and glens that barely see another car all day. The scenery changes constantly — one hour you're driving along a sheltered loch, the next you're climbing a mountain pass with views for miles.
How Long Does It Take
Most people take 5 to 7 days to drive the full route comfortably, though some do it faster and others stretch it over two weeks. The usual approach is anticlockwise from Inverness, which puts the sun behind you on the west coast in the afternoon — a small detail that makes a big difference for photography and general visibility on narrow roads.
Best Time To Visit
Late spring through early autumn (May to September) is the most popular window, with June to August seeing the heaviest traffic and the tightest accommodation availability. If you'd rather avoid the crowds, April, May and September offer quieter roads, lower prices, and still-decent weather — though you should always be prepared for rain regardless of the month.
What You'll Need Along The Way
This directory exists to make that planning easier. Whether you're looking for a place to stay, somewhere to eat, a fuel stop before a long remote stretch, or one of the hidden gems most visitors drive straight past, you'll find it listed by category below. Many sections of the route have limited mobile signal and sparse fuel stations, so a bit of planning each morning goes a long way.
Use the categories below to start planning your journey, or head to the itinerary page for a suggested day-by-day breakdown of the route.
