THE North Coast 500 (NC500) is described as Scotland’s “ultimate road trip,” helping to attract tourists to the country every year.
It brings together a route of more than 500 miles of coastal scenery, sandy beaches, mountains and fishing villages.
However, the NC500 has also faced a number of issues around campervans and toilet facilities, for example.
What is the NC500?
According to the official NC500 website, the route comes in at 516 miles and suits those looking for an “action-packed break” or a “chance to relax or those who simply want to see more of the Highlands' breath-taking scenery”.
The website splits the trip up into six different regions which include:
- Black Isle
- Caithness
- Easter Ross
- Inverness-Shire
- Sutherland
- Wester Ross
Each region offers something different. For example, the website points out that the Black Isle is famous for its “increasingly popular food and drink scene” while Caithness is “rich in archaeological remnants of a bygone age”.
Elsewhere, Inverness-shire allows people to explore “the capital of the Scottish Highlands” and Easter Ross is home to three malt whisky distilleries.
Sutherland is particularly nice for those looking for “dramatic north western scenery” and “award winning golf courses”.
The website also points to the “breathtaking landscapes” and “Mediterranean-style beaches” in Wester Ross.
You can find out more about each individual region HERE.
Best places to visit on NC500
There’s plenty to see and do on the NC500 but we’ve picked out a few of the best attractions you can find there.
Viewpoints and beaches
Adventures Scotland lists Dunnet Head – the northernmost point of mainland UK as one of the best sights on the route.
“It offers spectacular views of cliffs and the ocean and is a paradise for photographers and contemplatives,” the website says.
The same website also points to Durness’s “white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters” as a popular spot.
Handa Island is a nature reserve which is home to thousands of seabirds and also offers cliffs and wild beaches as well as a number of hikes for keen hillwalkers.
Castles
Elsewhere, the ruins of 15th century castle Ardvreck Castle can be found on the shores of Loch Assynt.
There’s also Eilean Donan Castle (below), which dates back to the 13th century and can be found in Kyle of Lochalsh.
It’s also worth taking a visit to Inverness Castle, which is relatively new having been built in the 1830s and 40s.
Dunrobin Castle meanwhile is located 85km north of Inverness, past the town of Dornoch and is one of the oldest castles in the UK.
Distilleries
There’s plenty for whisky lovers to enjoy on the NC500 as well, with the website listing several distilleries worth visiting.
The NC500 website points to Glenmorangie, Old Pulteney and Wolfburn as distilleries well worth your time.
There’s also the most northerly brewery on mainland UK – John O’Groats Brewery – as well as 8 Doors Distillery which was established in September 2022.
Anyone looking for something more historical can have a look at Balblair Distillery, described as one of the “most picturesque in the world” having been founded in 1790.
Water sports
Anyone looking for a bit of adventure can take part in plenty of water sports along the NC500 as well.
Have a look at North Coast Watersports for a surfing lesson or check out Liquid Footprints for gorge scrambling.
There’s also Ace Adventure & Hideaways, an outdoor activity specialist offering a range of experiences, including white water rafting.
Best spots to eat on NC500
Given the route covers more than 500 miles, it’s safe to say you won’t be short on places to eat on the route.
The National has previously written on the best spots to stop for a bite to eat, including the Puldagon Farm Shop and Restaurant outside of Wick and the Lochinver Larder, famous for its pies.
There’s also the Seafood Shack in Ullapool while the Black Pearl Creole Kitchen offers a taste of the Caribbean for those looking for something a little different.
The NC500’s website also has an extensive list of places to eat, including a recommendation for wood fired pizza at the Melvich Hotel and The Cabin at John O’Groats for fish and chips.
When to travel the NC500?
The majority of those travelling the route will do so between May and September, although this is not to say it can’t be done in the autumn and winter.
The website points out that during the latter seasons, it is possible to experience the Northern Lights while spring and summer might be better for those hoping for some opportunities to spot local wildlife.
It is possible to complete the route via a number of methods of transport whether its car, motorbike, bicycle or campervan.
However, anyone doing the route in a motorhome which is more than a standard VW T5 conversion (around 16-18 feet in length) should take an alternative route available on the NC500 map – find out more HERE.
NC500 news
Here’s a selection of the latest news on the NC500 as told by The National.
NC500 bosses in new plan to crack down on irresponsible Highland tourism
NC500: Call for partial ban on motorhomes and caravans
'Well-known' hotel on Scotland's NC500 route put up for sale
Issues on the NC500
Down the years, the NC500 has increasingly faced a number of issues, particularly as the route has become more and more popular.
This has included problems with the number of motorhomes travelling on the route, parking issues as well as toilet facilities and speeding.
We recently told how Scots living on the NC500 criticised a “tone deaf” voluntary motorhome scheme launched by Highland Council.
The local authority has introduced a new initiative which will entitle campervan owners to various benefits such as inclusive overnight parking at a network of designated car parks.
There is also a Facebook group called NC500: The Dirty Truth – a space where local residents have shared their frustrations with some of the issues facing the route.
