North Coast 500: Everything you need to know from places to see to how to navigate

With many Scots - and non-Scots - rediscovering everything Scotland has to offer over the past few years, it's become a must-visit destination for many.

One way of combining the unspoilt beaches, rugged coastlines, stunning scenery, wonderful food and drink and of course that famous Scottish welcome is to embark on Scotland's answer to route 66, the NC500.

The breathtaking route runs around Scotland's wild northern coast and takes in both the east and west coastlines, as well as the Highland capital of Inverness.

So should you be looking to take on this epic road trip, here is everything you need to know before you start.

How long is the North Coast 500?

The NC500 clocks in at 516 miles of glorious Highlands Scenery – and it's easy to see when you travel along why it is regularly named one of the world's most scenic road trips.

Where does the NC500 start and finish?

It's easy to see why the NC500 is considered to be so photogenic (Getty)

Beginning at Inverness Castle, the road trip route takes people north toward the Black Isle and Easter Ross before heading along towards Sutherland and onto Caithness then down the west coast through Wester Ross into the Applecross peninsula before turning back east towards Inverness.

How long does it take to do the NC500?

The North Coast 500 (NC500) route (NC500)

It really depends on what kind of trip you want to have, but ideally, you want at least 5-7 days to do it properly (by car) and up to ten days if you want to be able to enjoy the sheer variety of wonderful locations and hidden gems you'll come across.

Can you do the NC500 in a car?

As mentioned above, yes you can and it's probably more advisable than motorhome as many of the roads can be very tight and rural making them harder to navigate in bigger vehicles.

If you do go by car there are plenty of places to stay along the way meaning you'll help contribute to the local economy.

Though that doesn't mean you can't do it by campervan or motorhome, in fact, the NC500 is more than accommodating for these types of vehicle but it is important to plan ahead so you know where you'll be staying.

Some sites along the way for parking your motorhome overnight include:

• Nigg Ferry Hotel Carpark
• Balintore Harbour Carpark
• Lochinver Leisure Centre Carpark
• Falls of Shin Carpark

Is the NC500 free?

You'll meet plenty of friends such as this Highland Cow on Clachtoll beach in Lochinver. (Margaret Harrison/SWNS)

While the road trip itself is free to do, there are plenty of activities and places to see along the route that are also free but it will of course be handy to take money to enjoy the full range of activities and food and drink on offer around the route.

Those who are looking to make the most of their trip can also sign up to become a member of the official NC500 page, costing £15 a year you'll get access to maps, guides and even discounts along the way.

Things to do

Should you be planning to make the most of your trip, the NC500 website really is invaluable, offering several 7, 8 and 9-day itineraries to take the fuss out of planning, they offer advice on the different areas at each part of the route as well as a selection of ideas for different types of trips.

According to Visit Scotland, there are 48 inspiring structures to take in along the way including the idyllic Dunrobin and Urquhart Castles – meaning there are plenty of landmarks and places to stop off to get that perfect Instagram photo.

Other places you should check out include:

• Smoo cave, Durness – a stunning limestone sea cave

• The crash site of a World War II B-24 Liberator at Shieldaig

• The stunning Sandwood Bay – a hidden beach just south of Cape Wrath

• The historic Grey Cairns of Camster

• Creag Ard Charters offer a boat Charter Service for scuba diving, sea fishing and scenic day trips around Ullapool and The Summer Isles

Food and Drink

Restaurants on the route include:

• The Captain’s Galley, probably the most northerly seafood restaurant in the UK, found at Scrabster

• Kylesku Hotel in Sutherland, a beautiful former coaching Inn on the shores of Loch Glendhu

• Chez Roux in Sutherland, the legendary Albert Roux’s tenure in the kitchens at Inver Lodge

• The Torridon in Wester Ross, this multi-award winning restaurant is surrounded by stunning scenery

Whisky and Gin (Driver's packs are available at many of these distilleries – please don't drink and drive)

• Dunnet Bay Distillery, home to Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka

• The Glenmorangie, Old Pulteney, Wolfburn and Dalmore distilleries are all found along the route.

• Dornoch Castle Hotel, home to a distillery and a world-famous whisky bar.

Are there midges on the north coast of Scotland?

Midges can be a nuisance (read hellbeast), they are inconveniently prevalent over the summer (right through from May to September), but unless you intend to spend all of your time outdoors it's likely you'll avoid them.

If the day is overcast but warm with moisture in the air and you are close to waterways it's probably advised you invest in some form of repellants such as Avon Skin So Soft or Smidge – other brands are available.

Things to know before you go

• We can't control the weather so even at the height of summer pack for all occasions

• Many cyclists love the NC500 and have often praised it as a great cycling route meaning it's not just for motorists

• Make sure you’ve thoroughly planned your trip and have places to stay before you go, it may also be wise to pack a tent, in the case that your timings are off and you are unable to reach your intended hotel in time.

• While the route is suitable for campervans and motorhomes, the NC500 team say the ‘Bealach Na Ba’ stretch is not suitable for larger motorhomes, caravans and inexperienced drivers due to its sharp bends and steep gradients so instead they advise taking the slip road up at the A896.

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