Discover the North Coast 500…

---

If you’re looking to travel a little further afield, are up for an adventure and spectacular scenery is your thing, the North Coast 500 comes highly recommended. Travel 500+ miles around the most northern parts of the UK and take in rural Scotland in all its glory.

The 516 miles is made up of stunning coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, remote fishing villages, and a collection of unforgettable experiences; the NC500 is definitely one of the world’s most beautiful road trips.

 

It’s the ideal route whether you’re after an action-packed trip or a relaxing meander around the jaw-dropping landscapes, and what’s more, you get to choose the pace! It’s possible to complete it comfortably in 5-7 days, but if you want to really appreciate it and spend more time in some of the locations, taking two weeks to tour round is ideal.

The route is great for motorhomes and campervans, and suitable for caravans too, as long as you’re confident towing. Being self-contained in your vehicle gives you even more freedom to explore the way you want to!

It’s a good idea to plan your route and book campsites ahead of time if you can, especially during peak times. Do plenty of research into which areas and destinations you’d like to spend time in, and what you’d like to do in each location to get an idea of how many nights you’ll need to book and where. 

There is so much to choose from and so much to see, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Check out northcoast500.com to explore the route in more detail, gather some top tips and get some ideas for planning your itinerary.

Once you’ve outlined your trip in a little more detail, you can start looking for campsites that will suit your travel line. Google campsites in the area you’re looking for and see what takes your fancy or try a site-finder such as Campsites.co.uk which lists a wide range of campsites on the NC500, allowing you to choose ones that meet your budget and have your desired facilities.
 

Six regions - six essential destinations

The NC500 is made up of six regions offering a mix of natural attractions, historic sites, charming villages, outdoor activities, and opportunities to experience the local culture and cuisine. Exploring each region allows you to discover all that makes the Scottish Highlands a truly unique and captivating destination.

Inverness-shire

Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and the starting point of the NC500. Often referred to as the "Gateway to the Highlands," it's a vibrant city located at the northeastern end of the Great Glen and offers a mix of history and culture. Inverness Castle overlooks the city and its grounds offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. The River Ness flows through the heart of the city, and you can enjoy leisurely walks along its banks. 

The charming Old Town has narrow streets, historic buildings, shops and eateries, and the Victorian Market is well worth a visit. For even more history, take the short drive to Culloden Battlefield, a significant historical site where the Jacobite Rising of 1745 came to a brutal end. 

Black Isle

Despite its name, the Black Isle is not actually an island but a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. It's known for its picturesque villages, stunning coastal views, historical sites, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Chanonry Point is one of the best places in the UK for dolphin watching; the Moray Firth is home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, and Chanonry Point offers a good chance to see these playful creatures from the shore.

There are many scenic places to visit here, both on foot and by car. Fortrose is a charming town that has a historic cathedral and is known for its scenic golf course. The cathedral's ruins are worth exploring, and you can enjoy views of the surrounding area from its tower. The fishing village of Avoch offers a picturesque harbor and a maritime heritage, while the quaint town of Cromarty is known for its Georgian architecture and historical sites. Fairy Glen, with its beautiful wooded area, waterfalls and pools is perfect for short walks and picnics.

Easter Ross

Immerse yourself in the historic towns, stunning coastal landscapes and cultural attractions that Easter Ross has to offer. Dornoch is a great place to visit with its rich history, beautiful architecture and of course, Dornoch Cathedral, a stunning medieval building. For golfers, the Royal Dornoch Golf Club is a must as it’s consistently ranked as one of the world's top golf courses.

Take a guided tour around Glenmorangie, one of Scotland's most renowned whisky distilleries to learn about the whisky-making process and sample some of their fine single malts. The historic town of Tain has a long history dating back to medieval times, with its main attraction being Tain Tolbooth, a striking old building that now houses the Tain and District Museum.

While not strictly in Easter Ross, a short drive inland will take you to the Falls of Shin, which is known for its salmon leap, where you might catch a glimpse of leaping salmon during the spawning season. Go onto explore the Seaboard Villages, a series of charming coastal communities along the northeastern coast of the Black Isle for a glimpse into traditional Scottish village life.

Sutherland

Located in the northwestern part of the Scottish Highlands, Sutherland has rugged landscapes and remote beauty in abundance. It’s an area steeped in history, including its role in the Highland Clearances, a tragic period of Scottish history. Many historical sites and landmarks in the region offer insights into this past.

The bustling village of Ullapool is a popular stop along the NC500 with its picturesque harbor, boat trips and range of dining and shopping options. Stoer Lighthouse, located near Lochinver, offers panoramic coastal views and is a great spot for a walk or hike.

Natural wonders make up many of the worthwhile places to visit in Sutherland. There’s Achmelvich Beach with its white sands and turquoise waters; Loch Assynt, a beautiful loch surrounded by mountains and home to the iconic Ardvreck Castle; Inchnadamph Bone Caves, which hold archaeological and paleontological significance; and Smoo Cave, a dramatic limestone sea cave which is accessible by guided tours and features impressive chambers and waterfalls.

Caithness

Situated in the northeastern part of the Scottish Highlands, Caithness boasts dramatic coastal landscapes, historical sites and unique geological features. It’s home to the iconic village of John O'Groats, which marks the northeastern tip of the British mainland. The famous signpost here indicates distances to various locations around the world.

Great places to visit include Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Britain, offering stunning panoramic views and a great spot for birdwatching, and the Castle of Mey, the former residence of the late Queen Mother, offers beautiful gardens, coastal views and insights into the royal history of the area.

Wester Ross

Wester Ross is a region of untamed beauty, where mountains meet sea and nature is at its most majestic. Gairloch is a great base for exploring the area; this charming coastal village boasts sandy beaches, boat trips and the Gairloch Heritage Museum for starters. 

Much of what Wester Ross has to offer involves the natural landscape. The Torridon Mountains are a haven for hikers and climbers, and Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve offers a range of walking trails for all levels. The picturesque village of Lochcarron provides great opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and kayaking if that type of thing floats your boat!

Loch Maree is the fourth largest freshwater loch in Scotland and is surrounded by woodlands, hills and islands - explore it by boat or by hiking around its shores. Applecross Peninsula, which is known for its winding roads and panoramic views, offers an unforgettable driving experience. The Bealach na Bà pass is a particular highlight!

Make it the trip of a lifetime…

Make sure you have the right vehicle for taking on the NC500! Check out our new and pre-owned caravan, motorhome and campervan ranges and keep in mind that the new 2024 ranges are launching this month too! Pop into the showroom to explore the options or give us a call on 01962 714 844 for more info.

Don’t forget our fantastic on-site and online shops for all your awning and accessory needs! Our on-site shop stocks over 5,000 products and makes browsing a pleasure. Or shop from the comfort of your sofa to get great discounts on many awnings and at least 10% off accessories!

 

 

---

‹ All press releases