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 Falls of Shin, located near Lairg in the Scottish Highlands, is a natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world. Nestled on the North Coast 500 route, this popular tourist attraction is famous for its mesmerizing salmon leap during the summer months. As the salmon make their way upstream, visitors have the opportunity to witness this incredible spectacle up close.
Read more: The Falls of Shin: A Natural Wonder in the Scottish Highlands
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North Coast 500 NC500 is Closed Due To COVID-19 to Tourists until further notice.!!!
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COVID-19 Recovery Phases For NC500 & The Scottish Highlands
While travelling On Scotland's North Coast 500 Always Respect The New Rules & Guidelines - Stay Safe See You Soon.
Although the North Coast 500 which is also now known Scotlands Route 66 has been closed the last few months, we have always known that this amazing coastal route around the highlands of Scotland will soon reopen with more incredible adventures for visitors and local business to return to a new normal, the mountains and lochs are still as beautiful as before if anything this will bring a more positive attitude for locals and tourists alike. You can find some information below on what will open and at what stage, So if you are planning a trip within Scotland? It has moved a step closer.
Read more: COVID-19 Recovery Phases For The Scottish Highlands
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Permitted Campervan Travel Times On The North Coast 500 This Week
Camper vana & motorhomes are now restricted from travelling on certain roads at specific times on the North coast 500, As from Monday 3rd of August the permitted travelling times for Campervans, caravenettes & motorhomes to be travelling on the NC 500 for this week beginning Monday 3rd of August. There is a one-way system in effect along the North Coast 500 therfore going round the route in an anti-clockwise direction is not advised and goes against Scottish Government guidance.
Read more: Permitted Campervan Travel Times On The North Coast 500
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When Is Scotland's Ultimate Roadtrip The North Coast 500 Going To Open For Business ?
The Scottish Highlands is the most-searched-for destination for people looking to fill a bucket list, but! The Scottish tourism industry in the Highlands will probably require support for upto a year as a result of the pandemic, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been warned.
Scotland's ultimate roadtrip the North Coast 500 is not going to be open for business untill at least July 2020 with social distancing rules still in force many of the business's that will reopen will be running at a reduced capacity.
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Experience the Thrilling Highland Escapes And Retreats On The NC500!
Nestled in the breathtaking glens of the Highlands, our country villages hold delights beyond your wildest dreams. Starting from the vibrant city of Inverness (the Gateway To The Highlands), in the very heart of Scotland's majestic landscapes, you will discover a hidden gem known as the North Coast 500
Inverness is the ultimate starting point for this extraordinary Scottish road trip. It's the perfect place for a special romantic break or a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Relax and let the enchanting environment embrace your soul, allowing you to escape from the strains and stresses of the ordinary
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North Coast 500 and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The World Health Organisation has declared a public health emergency of international concern, and in response, the four UK Chief Medical Officers changed the UK risk level from low to moderate. This does not mean that the risk to individuals has increased, and it does not mean that any additional precautions are necessary. The increase to moderate is a reflection of the need for governments and the health service to escalate our planning and preparation in case of a more widespread outbreak.
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CORONAVIRUS: PUBLIC INFORMATION
The Government in Scotland & NHS Scotland are well prepared to deal with this virus. You can help too. The best way to protect yourself and others is Wash your hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser gel, regularly throughout the day. Catch your cough or sneeze in a tissue, bin it, and wash your hands. Thisisthe best way to slow the spread of almost any germs, including Coronavirus. If you recently arrived back from specified areas followthereturning traveller advice. Check the list of areas and find out more at: nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
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Get Your Fish & Chips On Scotland's Route 66
Best Fish and chips shops on the North Coast 500 fish & chips have long been an excellent meal choice for those who just want a quick and tasty takeaway meal. On the NC500 in the Scottish Highlands, we are lucky enough to have several good quality fish and chip shops all along the highland's coastal route, also known as Scotland's Route 66. Most of them use award-winning local fish and potatoes, but it is the location that makes them taste so good. These chippies keep the customers coming back for more. We have created a directory of the best chippies on Scotland's ultimate road trip for you to try.
Read more: Get Your Fish & Chips On Scotland's Route 66 The North Coast 500
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Police have called the North Coast 500 a racetrack.
Norther Constabulary have issued a warning to driver's on the NC500 ahead of the 2020 summer rush by tourists to drive the North Coast 500. Last year 70 drivers received warnings and 40 were dealt with by way of fixed penalties at the scene or will be reported to the procurator fiscal for prosecution.
Northern Constabulary said offences included dangerous driving and speeding, other motorists were also detected on the route driving carelessly, failing to wear a seatbelt & using a mobile phone while driving. The North Coast 500 is attracting more and more tourists every year, most of these drivers are not from the local area and are not used to driving on the left or on single track roads.
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Preventing people from travelling in level four lockdown areas comes into force in Scotland on Boxing day.
The North Coast 500 in Scotland will be in level 4 of Scotland’s coronvirus alert system frommidight on Boxing day 2020.
It is against the law to travel unless there is a “reasonable excuse” – so how is that defined?
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.
