NC500 Scotland's Route66
North Coast 500 Scotland tourist route information
Welcome to our guide to Scotland’s North Coast 500 tourist route. This guide will show you the best landmarks to visit, places to eat & stay, campsites, pubs,
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a scenic driving route that loops around the northernmost part of Scotland. It covers a distance of around 516 miles (830 km) and takes in some of Scotland's most stunning scenery, including rugged coastlines, mountain ranges, and historic castles.
The route starts and ends in the city of Inverness and takes in places such as the Black Isle, Caithness, Sutherland, and Wester Ross. The North Coast 500 tourist route is popular with visitors who want to experience the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Scotland, as well as its food, drink, and hospitality.
The tourist route typically takes around 5-7 days to complete, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring each area. Along the way, you'll find plenty of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs, as well as plenty of places to eat and drink, from traditional Scottish pubs to fine dining restaurants.
The North Coast 500 tourist route is a great way to experience the best of Scotland's wild and rugged landscapes, as well as its warm and welcoming people. Whether you're driving the route yourself or joining a guided tour, it's sure to be an unforgettable journey.

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The NC 500 North Coast coastal route around the Northern Highlands of Scotland is fast becoming more popular than the world-famous Route 66, which spans coast to coast across the United States of America. This makes the North Coast 500 in Scotland the ultimate road trip for not only drivers but everyone.
Read more: NC 500 Ultimate Road Trip Around the Scottish Highlands

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Looking for the perfect road trip along Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500)? Look no further! We offer a wide range of car hire and motorhome rental options that will make your journey across the stunning Scottish Highlands a breeze. As a local business directory, we have partnered with numerous car hire companies, including renowned brands like Focus, Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty, and many more.
Read more: Car Hire And Motor Home Rental on the North Coast 500

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Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Scottish Highlands? Look no further than sports car rentals on the North Coast 500. With a luxury sports car at your disposal, you can explore the breathtaking landscapes and charming villages of this iconic route in style. Local car hire firms in Inverness and nearby areas offer a wide range of sports cars, giving you the freedom to embark on a road trip filled with excitement and exhilaration.

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Planning a road trip along the North Coast 500 route in the Scottish Highlands? One of the most important aspects to consider is finding the perfect accommodation. Whether you prefer camping under the stars, staying in a luxurious hotel, or experiencing the warmth of a cozy B&B, this guide has got you covered.
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The Highland Midgie On The North Coast 500
The highland midgie is a species of small flying insect that is found mainly along the west of the North Coast 500, they are usually more prevalent around late spring to late summer.
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The drive from Inverness to Ullapool is one of the most scenic routes in Scotland and a popular day trip for tourists and locals alike. This route covers approximately 57 miles and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete, but it is highly recommended to take your time and make stops along the way to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes.
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The North Coast 500 is a breathtakingly beautiful route that winds its way through the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. However, like any travel route, it can present some dangers to visitors. Here are a few potential hazards that visitors should be aware of to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Read more: Exploring the North Coast 500: Potential Hazards and Safety Tips

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The North Coast 500 is a stunning route that winds its way around the north coast of Scotland, offering visitors an abundance of natural beauty, history, and culture. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking adventure, the North Coast 500 has something for everyone.
Read more: Things You can Do On the North Coast 500 Roadtrip
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The Highland Games are a beloved Scottish tradition and take place throughout the Scottish Highlands during the summer months. These games are a celebration of Scottish culture and heritage, and feature a range of traditional athletic events, music, and dance. Attending a Highland Games is a great way to experience Scottish culture and traditions firsthand and is a must-do activity if you're visiting the area during the summer months.
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The North Coast 500 is a fantastic opportunity to explore some of Scotland's most historic and impressive castles. From ancient fortresses to royal residences, these castles offer a glimpse into Scotland's rich history and culture. Here are some of the castles that visitors can see along the route.
Read more: Exploring Historic Castles Along the North Coast 500
North Coast 500 Driving Tips
Tips For Driving The Noth Coast 500 Scotlands Route 66
Drive too many hours at once and you will be in danger of missing the sights along the way and only make yourself tired. Try to aim at driving not more than 5 hours a day. always allow for the time you will be stopping to fuel up, eat and just have of coffee. Remember that the North Coast 500 is not a motorway, so you will go slower. It's not a race.
Follow our simple tips to help you along the way as you travel around this amazing coastal route around the Scottish highland's
Motorhomes & campervan Links
NC 500 Motorhomes & campervan Links
Discover things like where you can and can't park up for the night, waste disposal locations, and designated campervan and motorhome parks along the nc500 route.
Hidden Gems On The NC500
Hidden Gems On The NC500 Tourist Route Around The Scottish Highlands
The North Coast 500 route is full of stunning scenery, charming villages, and interesting attractions. While some of these locations are well-known and popular with tourists, there are also many hidden gems along the route that are worth exploring. Here are some of the North Coast 500 hidden gems:
- Stoer Lighthouse - This working lighthouse is located on a rocky headland on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, and offers stunning views of the coastline and the sea.
- Sandwood Bay - This remote beach is accessible only by foot, but is well worth the effort. The beach is surrounded by towering sand dunes and dramatic cliffs, and is one of the most unspoiled beaches in Scotland.
- Smoo Cave - This sea cave is located near Durness and features a large, impressive entrance chamber that can be explored by boat or on foot.
- Achmelvich Beach - This beautiful sandy beach is located on the west coast of Scotland, and features crystal-clear water and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Applecross Pass - This winding road is one of the most scenic drives in Scotland, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
- Falls of Shin - These waterfalls are located near Lairg and are home to a popular salmon leap, where visitors can watch salmon leap up the falls during the summer months.
These are just a few of the hidden gems along the North Coast 500 route. Exploring these lesser-known locations can be a great way to experience the beauty and charm of the Scottish Highlands, and to create lasting memories of your NC500 road trip.
North Coast 500 News
North Coast 500 Local News
North Coast 500 Fanny Bay
North Coast 500 Fanny bay
This is the place on the North Coast 500 you don't want to be at.
North Coast 500 Maps
North Coast 500 Route Maps and information to help you plan your journey if you are visiting the Scottish highland, You don't need to be doing the NC500 to have a great time on scotlands roads.
The North Coast 500 is Scotland's answer to Route 66 and although the suggested route is around 516 miles long, you don't have to complete the route in one go, we have listed several trips which are quite easily completed in a day using The Highland's capital city of Inverness as your base.