Is it better to do NC500 clockwise or anticlockwise?

Many choose anticlockwise (east first, west finale). Clockwise works too — pick based on weather and comfort with mountain passes.

Where should I stay on the North Coast 500?

Book small-town stays along the loop and plan a pre/post night in Inverness to rest and re-supply.

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North Coast 500 Route Map & 7-Day Itinerary (2025 Edition)

Scotland’s legendary coastal circuit — 516 miles of beaches, cliffs, castles and empty roads. Start and finish in Inverness, take it slow, and use this local-style guide for the clearest route overview, a practical 7-day plan, smart detours, and answers to “People Also Ask” questions.

What Is the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a circular driving route created in 2015 by the North Highland Initiative and often called “Scotland’s Route 66.” It begins and ends in Inverness, weaving through Easter Ross, Caithness, Sutherland, Assynt and Wester Ross — a world of white-sand bays, sea stacks, mountain passes and small Highland communities.

In 2025 (the route’s 10-year milestone), roads and visitor facilities are better than ever. Plan a relaxed circuit with time for detours and you’ll see why it’s regularly ranked among the world’s great coastal drives.

Inverness at night — start and end of the nc500

When to Go (and How Long You Really Need)

Best months: May–June and September for long days and fewer crowds (peak is July–August).
How long: 5 days is a rush. 7–10 days is ideal. 14+ days if you love hikes, wildlife and detours.
Direction: Many travellers prefer anticlockwise (east coast first, west coast finale). Clockwise is fine too — it can put the Bealach na Bà later in your trip.

Sample 7-Day NC500 Itinerary (Anticlockwise from Inverness)

Day	Route	Key Stops & Ideas
1	Inverness → Helmsdale	Explore Inverness, then head up the east: Fortrose, Dornoch, Dunrobin Castle, Brora.
2	Helmsdale → Durness / Melvich	John O’Groats, Duncansby Stacks, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe near Wick, big skies of Caithness.
3	Durness / Melvich → Lochinver	Smoo Cave, Balnakeil Beach, Kylesku Bridge, Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt.
4	Lochinver → Ullapool	Assynt beaches: Achmelvich, Clachtoll; walk Corrieshalloch Gorge.
5	Ullapool → Gairloch	Wester Ross coast; Loch Maree viewpoints; Inverewe Garden (Poolewe).
6	Gairloch → Applecross	Bealach na Bà mountain pass (if conditions allow); explore the Applecross Peninsula & Shieldaig.
7	Applecross → Inverness	Return via Lochcarron & Strathcarron; pause for final viewpoints and cafés before ending in Inverness.

Tip: If you only have 5 days, focus on the west and north coasts (Ullapool ⇄ Durness ⇄ Applecross) and save the east for next time.

Local Detours Worth Every Mile

Cairngorms Loop

From Inverness go via Aviemore, Speyside distilleries and Caledonian pine forests, rejoining near Dornoch. Mountain drama and whisky heritage.

Glen Affric & Plodda Falls

30–45 minutes west of Loch Ness. Ancient forest, mirror lochs and a spectacular 46 m waterfall. Allow half a day.

Drumbeg & Achiltibuie Coast

Single-track scenic alternative between Lochinver and Ullapool, with Summer Isles views and hidden beaches.

8 Hidden Gems Along (and Just Off) the NC500

These are the detours that feel like you’ve slipped off the main route — cliff harbours, secret tea gardens, seabird islands and turquoise beaches. If you’re short on time, aim for 2–3 gems per day rather than rushing all eight.

1) Whaligoe Steps (Caithness)

Descend the 365-ish stone steps to an improbable cliff harbour near Wick — built for the herring boom. See Atlas Obscura’s overview and the official NC500 listing. Go carefully in rain or high winds — the steps can be slick.

2) Wailing Widow Falls (Assynt)

A dramatic waterfall near Kylesku, best after rain. Use Travel Made Me Do It’s guide for directions and lore, and note the conditions warning from Chris & Wren’s World — the path can get very muddy and slippery.

3) Handa Island (Sutherland)

A boat-only seabird city — and a brilliant chance to see puffins (May–July). Check practical visiting info on VisitScotland’s Handa Island page. Allow 3–4 hours for the loop walk and viewpoints.

4) Rhue Lighthouse (Ullapool)

A peaceful sunset vantage over Loch Broom and the Summer Isles. Read Elite Travel Blog’s guide or Roam With Ross for the short-walk details. Ideal after dinner in Ullapool.

5) The Secret Tea Garden, Drumbeg (Assynt)

Cakes, candles and a colourful canopy hideaway on the B869. Visit the Assynt Aromas site for official details, and see the vibe via this Roam With Ross write-up. First come, first served.

6) Dunnet Head (Caithness)

Stand at mainland Britain’s most northerly point for sea cliffs and Orkney views. The NorthLink overview covers what you’ll see, while the lighthouse history gives background.

7) Mellon Udrigle Beach (Wester Ross)

White sand, turquoise water, and mountain silhouettes — properly postcard stuff. See VisitScotland’s Mellon Udrigle page. Best in good light (late afternoon is magic).

8) The Bone Caves (Inchnadamph)

A superb limestone valley walk to caves known for Ice Age finds. Use Trandy Escapes’ guide for timing (typically 1.5–2.5 hours).

Easy way to fit these into your loop

Go anticlockwise: Whaligoe early on the east coast, Dunnet Head on your Caithness day, Handa as a north-coast morning, Wailing Widow as a short hike break near Kylesku, Drumbeg Tea Garden if you take the B869, Bone Caves before Ullapool, Rhue at sunset, then Mellon Udrigle on a sunny Wester Ross day.

Food Stops Locals Rate

Lochinver Larder – famous pies with loch views.
Cocoa Mountain (Durness/Dornoch) – decadent hot chocolate and handmade truffles.
All The Goodness Bakeshop (Dornie) – superb coffee, cookies and buns near Eilean Donan.
The Crask Inn – remote, rustic welcome since 1815; book dinners ahead.

Travel Smart: Apps, Fuel & Etiquette

Offline navigation: download Google Maps for the whole route; mobile signal varies.
Useful apps: Park4Night (overnights), What3Words (exact location), Drone Assist (airspace).
Fuel & food: never let the tank drop below half; small shops close early and Sundays.
Single-track roads: use passing places, don’t block junctions, wave thanks — it’s tradition.

Highland culture moments on an nc500 journey

EV drivers: Inverness and major towns now have multiple fast/rapid options. Always check live status and consider a short top-up rather than deep charging at busy sites.

Start & Finish Well in Inverness

Use Inverness as your launch pad (and recovery day). Walk the River Ness, enjoy the city’s restaurants, then treat yourself to a swim, sauna or massage before or after the loop.

Spa Offers Treatment Menu Book a Spa Day

NC500 FAQs

How long should you take to do the North Coast 500?

A relaxed trip is 7–10 days. You can drive it faster, but you’ll miss beaches, hikes and detours.

What is the best month to do the NC500?

May–June and September balance weather, daylight and lighter traffic. July–August is busiest.

Where is the best place to start the North Coast 500?

Inverness — the official start/end with supplies, parking, EV charging and accommodation.

How expensive is it to do the NC500?

Budgets vary. Expect fuel, food, and stays to be higher in remote areas. Booking ahead helps. Wild camping can reduce costs (follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code).

What is the most beautiful place on the NC500?

Impossible to choose — favourites include Assynt’s peaks and beaches, Bealach na Bà, Mellon Udrigle and Duncansby Stacks.

Is it better to do the NC500 clockwise or anticlockwise?

Many prefer anticlockwise (east first, west finale). Clockwise works too — choose based on weather and confidence with mountain passes.

What type of car is best for the NC500?

Any reliable car works. Smaller vehicles are easier on single-track roads. Check tyres, brakes and spares; EVs should plan rapid stops ahead.

Does sat nav work on the NC500?

Yes, but signal is patchy. Download offline maps and carry a paper backup if hiking.

How difficult is the drive on the NC500?

Mostly straightforward. Expect single-track sections with passing places and one infamous mountain pass (Bealach na Bà). Drive defensively and never block passing places.

Where should I stay on the NC500?

Book ahead in summer. Mix seaside villages (Durness, Lochinver, Ullapool, Gairloch, Applecross) with a pre/post stay in Inverness to rest and re-supply.

Are midges bad on the NC500?

They can be, especially June–August on still, damp evenings. Pack repellent, long sleeves and a head net for campsites.

Take your time, leave no trace, and let the Highlands work their quiet magic. The NC500 isn’t just a drive — it’s a week of sea air, mountain light and small moments you’ll remember for years.

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