NC500 Itineraries

Inverness → Dornoch

Cross the Kessock Bridge and follow the Cromarty Firth east. Stop at Cromarty for a walk, then continue north to Dornoch — a quiet cathedral town on the Dornoch Firth. Overnight in Dornoch.

Dornoch → Thurso

Drive north through Golspie and Brora, stopping at Dunrobin Castle. Continue through Helmsdale and up the wild Caithness coast to Thurso, Scotland's most northerly mainland town. Explore Dunnet Head — the true most northerly point.

Thurso → Durness

Head west along the dramatic north coast. Stop at Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, then push through to John O'Groats for the obligatory photo. Continue to Tongue, crossing the Kyle of Tongue causeway, before reaching Durness and the spectacular Smoo Cave.

Durness → Ullapool

The wildest stretch. Drive south through Scourie and Kylesku — stop on the Kylesku Bridge for views of Loch Glencoul. Continue to Lochinver for fresh langoustines, then wind down the spectacular single-track roads to Ullapool.

Ullapool → Torridon

Head south through Corrieshalloch Gorge and on to Gairloch. Turn south towards Torridon, one of Scotland's most dramatic mountain landscapes. Walk among the ancient Torridonian sandstone peaks.

Torridon → Applecross → Inverness

The most exhilarating driving day. Cross the Bealach na Bà — the highest mountain pass in the UK, with hairpin bends and views to the Isle of Skye. Descend to the Applecross Inn for lunch, then follow the coast road back towards Inverness via Strathcarron and Beauly.

Inverness & surrounds

A slower final day to explore Inverness city — the castle, the Victorian Market, the River Ness. Or take a day trip to Culloden Moor and Clava Cairns. Depart refreshed.

Inverness → Thurso

Blast up the east coast via Dornoch and Wick. Stop briefly at Dunrobin Castle and take the 10-minute walk at Duncansby Stacks — the sea stacks just east of John O'Groats are arguably more impressive than the signpost. Overnight in Thurso.

Thurso → Durness → Ullapool

Drive the entire north coast in a day. It's long but spectacular — Tongue, Bettyhill, Smoo Cave in Durness, then south to Kylesku and Ullapool. This is the wildest day.

Ullapool → Gairloch → Torridon

Follow the coast south through Inverewe Garden (worth 30 minutes) and down to Torridon. Evening walk in the mountains if energy allows.

Torridon → Applecross → South

Cross the Bealach na Bà first thing when the roads are quiet. Lunch at Applecross. Continue south towards Inverness via Strathcarron.

Return to Inverness

Relaxed final drive along the south shore of Loch Ness. Stop at Urquhart Castle or Fort Augustus before returning to Inverness.

Inverness & the Black Isle

Explore Inverness and the Black Isle peninsula — Fortrose Cathedral, the Chanonry Point dolphin-watching spot, and Cromarty village.

Dornoch → Caithness

Slow east coast drive via Dunrobin Castle, Wick, and the Caithness flagstone coast. Explore John O'Groats and Duncansby Head properly.

North Coast: Thurso → Durness

Drive the north coast leisurely. A full day around Durness — Smoo Cave, Cape Wrath (ferry and minibus permitting), and Balnakeil beach.

Assynt & Ullapool

Spend two nights in the Assynt area. Visit Ardvreck Castle, climb Suilven or Stac Pollaidh, take the boat trip to Handa Island from Tarbet. Ullapool for dinner and live folk music.

Wester Ross & Applecross

Gairloch, Inverewe Gardens, Torridon, and the Bealach na Bà. Two nights means a proper hike and leisurely exploration of the Applecross peninsula before heading home.

Inverness → Ullapool

Drive west through Garve and the Dirrie More Pass. Arrive in Ullapool early enough for the evening light on Loch Broom. Seafood dinner is mandatory.

Ullapool → Lochinver → Assynt

North to the Assynt peninsula via the 'Wee Mad Road' from Drumrunie — one of Scotland's most spectacular drives. Ardvreck Castle, Lochinver, and the sandstone peaks of Cùl Mòr and Suilven.

Gairloch → Torridon

South via Inverewe Garden and the coast road to Gairloch. Afternoon in Torridon — walk, kayak, or simply stare at the mountains.

Applecross → Inverness

The Bealach na Bà at dawn for the best light. Breakfast or early lunch at the Applecross Inn. Return to Inverness via Strathcarron and Loch Carron.

Dornoch Firth or Embo Beach

Easy first night. Flat ground, sea views, accessible from the A9.

Caithness coast

The cliffs near Duncansby Head or Whaligoe Steps area — dramatic and little-visited. Get there before dark to find your pitch.

North coast — near Tongue or Bettyhill

The Kyle of Tongue peninsula has outstanding spots looking across to Ben Loyal. Or continue to the remote beach at Torrisdale Bay.

Sandwood Bay area, Sutherland

Britain's most remote beach requires a 4-mile walk. Worth every step. Camp in the dunes legally — no facilities, carry everything out.

Achiltibuie or Loch Lurgainn

The Summer Isles vista at sunset from the Coigach peninsula. Or a hidden spot above Loch Lurgainn with Stac Pollaidh reflected in the water.

Torridon — beside Loch Torridon

Wild camping beside the loch with the Torridonian peaks towering above. The National Trust for Scotland encourages responsible wild camping here.

Applecross peninsula

A final night on the Applecross shore before the drive home. Watch for otters at low tide.

Inverness

Start with Inverness Castle (under renovation but still photogenic) and the Victorian Market. Loch Ness cruise from the city or via Fort Augustus — Nessie-spotting is guaranteed to engage even reluctant teenagers.

Inverness → Dornoch

Beach day at Dornoch — the wide, safe sandy beach is perfect for families. Explore the small cathedral town. Ice cream at the Dornoch Fudge House.

Dornoch → Wick

Dunrobin Castle is the highlight — children love the falconry display and the fairy-tale exterior. Continue to Wick.

Wick → Thurso → Tongue

John O'Groats for the famous signpost photo. North to Dunnet Head (mainland Britain's most northerly point). Continue west to Tongue for the night.

Tongue → Durness

Smoo Cave is a guaranteed hit with kids — a vast coastal cave with a waterfall inside. Balnakeil beach for a long afternoon play. Craft village in Durness.

Durness → Ullapool

Ferry from Ullapool to the Summer Isles (seasonal) — look for dolphins on the crossing. Or take the more direct route via Kylesku and Lochinver for fresh fish and chips.

Ullapool → Inverness

Corrieshalloch Gorge (dramatic footbridge walk — short but memorable) and the Falls of Measach. Return to Inverness via the A835. Consider Loch Ness-side drive for a finale.