The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s ultimate road trip, winding through over 500 miles of breathtaking coastal scenery and rugged highlands.
Known as the Highlands’ answer to Route 66, this circular route starts and ends in Inverness, offering travelers a chance to explore some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK.
From towering mountains to turquoise beaches, the journey is packed with unforgettable sights and experiences.
Covering just 30 miles can take a whole day thanks to the many hidden gems and scenic detours along the way.
Whether you’re drawn to historic sites, delicious local eateries, or outdoor adventures, the North Coast 500 has something for every kind of traveler.
1. Bealach na Bà
Experience the thrilling ascent and descent of Bealach na Bà, one of Scotland’s oldest and most dramatic mountain passes.
This winding single-track road climbs up to 2,053 feet, offering panoramic views of the Applecross Peninsula and the surrounding Highlands.
Drivers should prepare for steep gradients and tight hairpin bends, making this a must-visit highlight on the North Coast 500.
2. Applecross
Applecross offers stunning coastal views and a charming village atmosphere. Visitors can explore sandy beaches, local craft shops, and traditional seafood eateries.
Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy trails along the peninsula, with opportunities to spot wildlife like red deer and sea eagles. The nearby Bealach na Bà pass adds dramatic mountain scenery to this scenic stop.
3. Langoustine
Savor fresh langoustine, a prized seafood delicacy found along the North Coast 500. Fishermen harvest these sweet, tender crustaceans in coastal villages like Ullapool and Gairloch.
Visitors can enjoy them grilled, boiled, or in local seafood dishes, showcasing Scotland’s rich marine flavors and supporting small-scale, sustainable fisheries.
4. Shieldaig
Visitors should not bypass Shieldaig by sticking to the A896; this charming village is a North Coast 500 highlight. They can explore its quaint harbor, scenic coastal walks, and local art galleries.
Travelers often enjoy stops here to experience authentic Highland village life, sample fresh seafood, and appreciate untouched natural beauty away from crowded routes.
5. Gairloch
Discover Gairloch’s stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters ideal for coastal walks and wildlife spotting.
Visit the local heritage museum to explore Highland history or enjoy fresh seafood at harbor-side eateries. Outdoor lovers can hike nearby hills, kayak sea lochs, or tour local whisky distilleries offering authentic tastings.
6. Mellon Udrigle Beach
Mellon Udrigle Beach offers a stunning stretch of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for scenic walks and peaceful picnics.
Visitors often spot seals and seabirds while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, making it a serene and photogenic highlight on the North Coast 500.
7. Gruinard Bay
Gruinard Bay captivates with its wide sandy beach overlooking crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs. Visitors enjoy tranquil walks along the shore and stunning views of the Summer Isles.
The bay’s remote location offers excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife, including seals and seabirds, enhancing its status as a memorable North Coast 500 highlight.
8. Ullapool
Discover Ullapool, a fishing village known for its fresh langoustine and stunning coastal scenery. Explore local seafood restaurants, browse artisan shops, and enjoy boat tours to spot dolphins and seals.
Hikers can tackle nearby trails offering panoramic views of Loch Broom and the surrounding mountains.
9. Ferry to the Isle of Lewis
Catch the ferry from Ullapool to the Isle of Lewis, a 2.5-hour scenic crossing into the Outer Hebrides. Explore Lewis’s rich Gaelic culture, ancient standing stones like the Callanish Stones, and rugged coastlines.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot for this unforgettable Highland extension.
10. Stac Pollaidh
Stac Pollaidh offers a rewarding hike under 3 miles long, taking about 3 to 3.5 hours to complete. Visitors tackle steep yet well-marked paths circling the peak.
The climb provides panoramic views of Assynt’s rugged landscape, making it a must for North Coast 500 hikers seeking a short yet scenic adventure.
11. Ardvreck Castle
Visitors discover Ardvreck Castle, a striking 16th-century ruin perched on Loch Assynt’s edge. They explore its dramatic history as Clan MacLeod’s former seat and enjoy scenic views across the water.
The site’s remote location enhances its mysterious allure, making it a must-see stop on the North Coast 500.
12. Lochinver
Lochinver serves as a charming fishing village and gateway to the rugged Assynt region. Visitors enjoy fresh seafood at local eateries, explore artisan shops, and hike nearby trails like Suilven and Canisp.
The village offers stunning coastal views, peaceful beaches, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as seals and sea birds.
13. Lochinver to Melvich
Travelers heading from Lochinver to Melvich will experience stunning coastal cliffs, vast sandy beaches, and tranquil villages.
Key stops include the remote fishing hamlet of Scourie and the breathtaking Sandwood Bay hike, known for its untouched dunes and wild landscapes.
Wildlife sightings often include seals, seabirds, and red deer along this dramatic stretch of the North Coast 500.
14. B869
Travelers along the North Coast 500 should take the B869, a scenic single-track road linking Lochinver to Durness. It offers stunning coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The route passes through remote villages like Scourie, perfect for wildlife spotting, including seals and seabirds.
15. Achmelvich Beach
Enjoy Achmelvich Beach, a stunning white-sand stretch framed by turquoise waters and rugged hills.
Visitors can swim, kayak, or relax on this tranquil shore. Its clear waters attract snorkelers, while nearby trails offer scenic coastal hikes with frequent seal and seabird sightings.
16. Clachtoll Beach
Clachtoll Beach dazzles with pristine white sands and striking turquoise waters framed by dramatic cliffs.
Visitors can stroll along its vast shoreline, spot seals basking on rocks, or explore the nearby Clachtoll Broch, an ancient Iron Age fort. This peaceful, scenic stop offers both natural beauty and historical intrigue on the North Coast 500.
17. Kylesku Bridge
Crossing the stunning Loch a’ Chàirn Bhàin, Kylesku Bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
Travelers can stop at nearby viewpoints for photos or explore coastal trails that reveal wildlife like seals and otters. Its striking modern design perfectly contrasts the rugged Highland scenery along the North Coast 500.
18. Durness Beaches
Explore Durness’s stunning beaches, including Sango Sands with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and kayaking.
Nearby Balnakiel Bay offers dramatic cliffs and peaceful walks. Beachcombing and wildlife spotting, especially seals and seabirds, are popular activities here, enriching the North Coast 500 experience.
19. Smoo Cave
Visit Smoo Cave near Durness, one of the largest sea caves in the UK. Explore its 20-meter waterfall that cascades inside through a sinkhole and flows out to the sea.
Take a guided boat tour to see stunning geological formations. Access is free with a short walk from the car park.
20. Hot Chocolate
Savor the richest hot chocolate at Cocoa Mountain, a must-visit on the North Coast 500. Founded in 2006, they craft velvet-smooth, decadent drinks.
Visit their locations in Durness or Dornoch to warm up with an unforgettable treat after exploring the Highlands. Cocoa Mountain promises an indulgent pause on your journey.
21. Bettyhill
Bettyhill offers scenic coastal views and a peaceful village atmosphere. Visitors can explore the nearby Strathnaver Museum for local history and walk along the deserted beaches.
Wildlife enthusiasts might spot seals and seabirds along the shore, adding a serene stop to the North Coast 500 journey.
22. Thurso
Thurso, the northernmost town on the NC500, serves as a hub for exploring Caithness’s rugged coastline. Visitors can enjoy surfing at Thurso East, visit the historic Old St.
Peter’s Church, and explore the nearby Castle of Mey, once home to the Queen Mother. Thurso’s charming streets offer local shops and eateries, making it an essential stop on the route.
23. Dunnet Head
Dunnet Head is the northernmost point of mainland Britain, offering breathtaking views of cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors can explore rugged walking trails, spot seabirds like puffins and gannets, and enjoy peaceful moments at this remote, windswept headland—a perfect highlight on the North Coast 500.
24. Duncansby Head
Explore Duncansby Head, the northeastern tip of mainland Scotland. Walk the coastal paths to view towering sea stacks sculpted by Atlantic waves.
Spot puffins and other seabirds nesting in the cliffs. Capture panoramic views of the Pentland Firth and, on clear days, the Orkney Islands.
25. John o’ Groats
John o’ Groats marks the symbolic northeastern tip of the NC500, famed as the “end of the road.”
Visitors can snap iconic photos by the signpost, explore the coastal walks with stunning sea views, and take boat tours to spot wildlife like seals and seabirds. It’s also the gateway to ferry trips to Orkney, making it a must-visit highlight.
26. Dunrobin Castle, Golspie
Discover Dunrobin Castle, a stunning 19th-century chateau inspired by French architecture. Explore its beautifully manicured gardens, ornate interiors, and a fascinating falconry display.
Located near Golspie, this iconic landmark offers panoramic views of the Moray Firth, making it a must-see on the North Coast 500.
27. Distilleries on the East Coast
Discover renowned whisky distilleries between Inverness and Dunnet like Glen Ord, Glenmorangie, Clynelish, Dalmore, and Old Pulteney.
Visitors can tour and taste, but booking ahead is recommended. Explore local gin and vodka at Dunnet Bay Distillery and craft beers at Black Isle Brewery for diverse spirits sampling on the North Coast 500.
Alicia Richards