A 7-day North Coast 500 itinerary is the sweet spot for this 516-mile route. Shorter and you miss too much; longer and the pace stretches your visits along the way too thin. This is my day-by-day plan for driving the NC500 anti-clockwise from Inverness, with specific stops, where to stay each night, and where to eat along the way.
I’ve driven sections of the NC500 many times. This itinerary covers the full route over 7 days: two days for the east coast, two for the wild north coast, two for Lochinver and Assynt, and a final day through Torridon and over the Bealach na Bà to finish back at Inverness. If you have less time or more, I’ve included notes on where to trim or expand.
Before you start, read my complete guide to the North Coast 500 for an overview of the route, map, and essential info.
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Open the map in Google MapsPlanning your 7 day NC500 itinerary
Starting in the highland capital of Inverness, the NC500 takes you over 500 miles around the far north coast of Scotland. Along the way, you will visit Inverness, Easter Ross and the Black Isle, Caithness, Sutherland, Assynt and Wester Ross over a fabulous 7 day road trip. Here is how to plan your 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary:
- Days 1-2 – Inverness & Easter Ross: Starting from the Highland capital, Inverness, spend your first two days on Scotland’s east coast.
- Days 3-4 – Caithness and Sutherland: Spend days 3 and 4 exploring Scotland’s wild north coast including Cape Wrath and Durness.
- Day 5-6 – Lochinver and Assynt: Drive the beautiful west coast to Gairloch and visit some of Scotland’s best beaches.
- Day 7 – Wester Ross: Explore the Torridon mountains, visit the Applecross peninsula and then drive the incredible Bealach Na Ba to finish your North Coast 500.
Before you start: read my complete guide to the North Coast 500
Day 1 on your 7 day North Coast 500 Itinerary
The official NC500 route starts at Inverness Castle but you truly start your 1 week NC500 itinerary by leaving Inverness by crossing the Kessock Bridge across the Moray Firth – your destination for the night is Dornoch.
However, don’t just drive north as fast as you can as you will miss out. To the east side of the NC500 route is the beautiful Black Isle – a great place for detour.
So make your first stop on your 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary Chanonry Point to go dolphin watching – around 130 bottlenose dolphins live in the waters off the NC500. The best time to see the dolphins is on an incoming tide – around 1 hour after low tide.
Read my complete guide to wildlife watching on the North Coast 500.
After your dolphin adventure it is time to head back to the NC500. On your way, visit the Black Isle Brewery for a tour of this organic brewery and to pick up a couple of beers and lagers to take away.
Driving north, you will cross a series of ‘firths’ or river mouths – first up is the Cromarty Firth which you drive over using the Cromarty Bridge. Next stop on your route should be the Storehouse of Foulis cafe, farm shop and food hall to pick up locally sourced Scottish supplies for your NC500 journey.
If you like whisky, don’t miss a tour of the world famous Glenmorangie Distillery – remember no drinking for the designated driver! If you are looking for lunch, Platform 1864 is located at the Tain railway station and serves breakfast, lunches and dinners – don’t miss picking up some Tain cheese!
In the afternoon, explore the east coast of the North Coast 500 with getting out of the car and going for a walk. Two of my favourite walks near the Dornoch Firth include climbing up to the Fyrish Monument – one of the NC500’s hidden gems, the view from the top is well worth the 3-hour round trip walk.
If you are a Harry Potter fan, take a short walk up the Black Rock Gorge north of Dingwall. This ‘box gorge’ appeared in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Your stop for the night is Dornoch. Day 1 – done.
Where to stay in Dornoch on Day 1 of your NC500 itinerary
The town of Dornoch is your destination for the night on your first day of your 7 day NC 500 itinerary. Dornoch has lovely independent shops, the Royal Dornoch Golf Club and a lovely beach. Here is where to stay in Dornoch:
- In a motorhome? Stop at Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park
- Go glamping at Evelix Pods Dornoch
- Looking for self catering? Try the lovely Dun Brae Cottage or Red Squirrel Cabin.
- Looking for a luxury hotel? Stay at the classic Royal Golf Hotel, Dornoch or the stunning Dornoch Station.
- Book into the beautiful Balloan House or stay at Albatross B&B Dornoch.
For dinner head for the Dornoch Castle Whisky Bar and bistro, for Italian food book into Luigi, or try Greens Restaurant, or Highland Larder, the street food cart at Dornoch Beach or for fine dining, Mara Restaurant at Links House.
An alternative stopping point on Day 1 of your 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary is the self catering Birdwatcher’s Cabin near Golspie. It is worth staying at the cabin for a couple of nights.
Day 2 on your 7 day North Coast 500 Itinerary
Leaving Dornoch, it is time to rejoin the North Coast 500 route and head north to Golspie to visit Dunrobin Castle – a gorgeous stately home with lovely gardens copied from Versailles. Dunrobin Castle is a popular spot for Instagrammers – the castle looks like it just fell out of a fairy tale! There are also daily Birds of Prey demonstrations.
At Golspie, don’t miss a walk up to the beautiful waterfalls at the Big Burn and then make a visit to the Jonnie Walker Clynelish distillery which has a great modern restaurant on site.
Your next destination is Caithness and Sutherland – wild, remote and full of lots of fantastic hidden historical gems including Whaligoe Harbour where you climb down 250 metres by 365 steps to a tiny harbour. Further north is the Hill o Many Stanes. Why were 200 wee stones placed in rows here up to 4000 years ago? No one knows.
If you like castles, the east coast of the NC500 has loads of them. Visit The Castle of Old Wick perched on dramatic cliffs – one of Scotland’s oldest castles. Bucholie Castle is accessed across a walkway with sheer 100m drops on each side – don’t try to visit in bad weather! Castle Sinclair Girnigoe near Wick is a spectacular ruin.
For lunch stop for a takeaway at Thyme and Plaice in Helmsdale or wood fired pizzas and burgers at The Bay Dunbeath or shellfish to go at Tasty Toes (seasonal).
The most northerly tip of the UK is Dunnet Head and Lighthouse where there is an RSPB reserve – the Dunnet Bay Nature Reserve which is worth a short walk. You might even spot puffins! At Dunnet there is also the Dunnet Bay Distillery who make gin and whisky.
Finally you will reach Duncansby Head Lighthouse and stacks – where you can take a walk to Duncansby’s huge sea stacks before visiting John O’Groats – take the photo of the sign – it is a must!
Where to stay on Day 2 of your NC500 itinerary
- In a camper van? Stop for the night at Dunnet Bay Campsite with its amazing beach. Camping is also available at Windhaven Cafe*. Thurso is nearby for supplies and bars and restaurants.
- Looking for self catering? Try this stunning John o Groats cottage, families will love Achnabat cottage, and Smithy Cottage at Tongue is a personal favourite.
- Forss House, Thurso is a stunning luxury property.
- Braeside Retreats are modern glamping pods or try Dunnet B&B Escapes – modern cabin style B&B near Dunnet Head and John O’Groats.
- The Strathy Inn offers basic Inn accommodation in Caithness with good meals.
- Natural Retreats – quirky accommodation at John O’Groats.
Day 3 on your 7 day North Coast 500 Itinerary
Day 3 is your north-coast driving day. Leaving Thurso or Dunnet, the NC500 winds west through some of Scotland’s wildest landscape — a coast road with beaches, sea stacks and Highland history.
Your first stop is Scrabster Harbour, where you can walk to Holburn Head to see the blowholes with views to Orkney. From there, drive west along the A836 towards Melvich Beach — one of the north coast’s most stunning beaches, just a short walk from the road.
If you’re feeling energetic and well-prepared, Ben Loyal or Ben Hope are both realistic half-day hill walks. Ben Loyal (the “Queen of Scottish Mountains”) is a Corbett with four dramatic peaks, and Ben Hope is the most northerly Munro in Scotland. Read my guide to hill walking in Scotland before attempting either.
Continuing west, the road takes you past the Kyle of Tongue causeway with its dramatic bridge. Stop at Ceannabeinne for a short walk along a highland clearance site with beautiful sea views. Above the beach is the Golden Eagle Zip Line, the most northerly zip line in the UK (weather dependent).
Don’t miss Smoo Cave near Durness. Floodlit inside, the cave was formed by both the river inside and the sea outside. The guided tour by boat costs £15 for adults, £5 for kids (no under-threes or dogs).
Your destination for the night is Durness — two beaches (Sango Sands and Balnakeil), shops, a cafe and a petrol station. Don’t miss the Balnakeil Craft Village and the hot chocolate at Cocoa Mountain. You won’t regret it.
Where to stay on Day 3 of your NC500 itinerary
- The best hotels along the north coast include the Melvich Hotel, the Farr Bay Inn, the Bettyhill Hotel, the Borgie Lodge Hotel, the Tongue Hotel and Mackay’s Rooms.
- In Durness, budget options include the Durness Youth Hostel.
- Camping: Sango Sands (very popular, book ahead), Bayview Caravan Site, Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Campsite.
Day 4 on your 7 day North Coast 500 Itinerary
Day 4 is your “big detour” day. You’re based in Durness or nearby, and you have two main options for how to spend it. I’d pick one, trying to do both in a single day means doing neither justice.
Option 1: Cape Wrath by ferry
The north-west point of Scotland, Cape Wrath is only accessible by the Cape Wrath Ferry from the Keoldale slipway (or a very long hike over moorland). The round trip takes around 3 hours – ferry across, minibus to the lighthouse, time at the lighthouse, then back. Check ferry times before you arrive, as services are weather-dependent and sometimes limited by MoD firing exercises.
Option 2: Sandwood Bay
An 8-mile round-trip walk to Sandwood Bay, often called Scotland’s most beautiful beach. At the beach’s northern end stands Am Buachaille, the famous sea stack. Allow 4-5 hours for the walk, plus time at the beach. Park at the Sandwood Bay car park at Blairmore.
Afternoon: Heading south to Kylesku
After your Cape Wrath trip or Sandwood Bay walk, start heading south in preparation for Day 5. The drive from Durness to Kylesku takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery in Scotland — Loch Eriboll, the Moine peninsula, and then over the famous Kylesku Bridge. Consider staying at Kylesku or Scourie for the night to position yourself for Day 5.
Where to stay on Day 4 of your NC500 itinerary
- Kylesku Hotel — famous for its seafood and position right by the bridge.
- Kylesku B&B — gorgeous views near the Kylesku Bridge.
- For a luxury stop: book well ahead for the Torridon Hotel — but it’s positioned for Day 6 rather than Day 4 unless you’re prepared to drive further south.
- Alternatively, stay a second night at your Day 3 accommodation in Durness/Tongue if you prefer less driving.
Day 5 on your 7 day North Coast 500 Itinerary
It is now time to turn south to visit Scotland’s famous north west coast, travelling through the otherworldly mountain landscapes of Lochinver and Assynt and then drive along a coastline pepper-potted with incredible white sand beaches with turquoise blue seas.
Your first stop should be one of my favourite beaches is Oldshoremore Beach – a pristine expanse of golden sands backed by rolling dunes. It is worth strolling over the dunes to Pollin beach.
It is also well worth taking a detour to Handa Island – one of Scotland’s most beautiful islands and a nationally important wildlife reserve. Handa Island is home to Puffins, rare Bonxies, stunning views of the Assynt mountains. A visit to the island is by boat (£15 cash only) and takes a full morning or afternoon to visit – 10 mins on the ferry, and to walk around the island.
Next on your NC500 route you will drive over the famous Kylesku Bridge, stop for a photo and stop for lunch at the famous Kylesku Hotel Restaurant or Surf and Turf, a takeaway hut beside the bridge (seasonal).
If you are brave enough (or not in a huge campervan) it is worth driving the Drumbeg Loop (otherwise known as the mad wee road) a single track road with blind hair pin bends to visit the beaches, including Clashnessie Beach with its waterfall beside the beach. Next up aretwo of my favourite Scottish beaches – Achmelvich and Clachtoll.
After visiting the beaches head to Lochinver for one of the pies sold at Lochinver Larder on the village’s main street. Lochinver Larder also has an outdoor cafe serving lunches and drinks.
Your next stop is Ardvreck Castle, which sits on the banks of Loch Assynt the 15th-century stronghold of Clan MacLeod, longtime owners of the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Lewis and Harris.
You will now head into Assynt, famed for its mountains – you could spend the afternoon climbing Stac Pollaidh which is one of Scotland’s best hill walks, with a well-made path to the summit, easy and fun scrambling over its pinnacles and ridges and incredible views over the Assynt mountains.
If you don’t fancy hillwalking, then visit The Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, a walking trail with incredible views or visit Corrieshalloch Gorge through which the River Droma falls through a series of waterfalls, including the huge 45 m Falls of Measach. Don’t be scared!
Your destination for the night is Ullapool. One of the best places to visit in northern Scotland, Ullapool is a great stopping point on the NC500 and a excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area including the beautiful Wester Ross coast, the remote Coigach Peninsula and mountainous Assynt and from which to catch the ferry to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides.
Where to stay on Day 5 of your NC500 itinerary
- For Ullapool glamping and camping- try the Highland Bothies, or stay at Ullapool Campsite. There is also a hostel in Ullapool.
- Luxury accommodation in Ullapool – check out the amazing Stone Houses.
- For self catering – Fisherman’s Cottage, Ullapool a cute 3 bed self-catering cottage or Harbour House.
- For B&B – Westea Ullapool – fabulous, quirky, luxury B&B in Ullapool.
- For Hotels – the Arch Inn is on the waterfront, or stay at The Ceilidh Place or The Ferry Boat Inn.
- Fisherman’s Cottage, Ullapool -cute 3 bed self-catering cottage.
For dinner, The Arch Inn is a traditional pub serving seafood and other Scottish dishes. If you’re a fan of seafood, then the Seafood Shack in Ullapool is a must-visit serving up fish and chips, langoustines, crab claws, scallops, and more. The Ceilidh Place is a combination of a hotel, bookshop, and has a great restaurant. The West Coast Deli is a great place to grab all your local produce for your journey on the NC500.
Day 6 on your 7 day North Coast 500 Itinerary
Leaving Ullapool behind it is time to head to Torridon and Wester Ross. Following the NC500 south, make a detour to Mellon Udrigle Beach. Backed by dunes, this is one of the NC500’s best beaches and definitely worth the detour off the main route.
Heading deeper into Wester Ross, the Inverewe Garden and Estate at Poolewe, one of Scotland’s most beautiful gardens, should be your next stop. Inverewe House has recently been opened to the public for the first time in its history and gives visitors a snapshot of 1930s life in a Scottish estate.
Next stop is the village of Gairloch sits on the spectacular Loch Gairloch, where the beaches stretch for miles.Head to Red Point, for beautiful red sands and Big Sands for views across to Raasay and Skye. I would highly recommend taking a Hebridean Whale Cruise to spot otters, seabirds and even dolphins and sharks in the waters off Gairloch.
After leaving Gairloch visit Glen Docherty (along the A832) for stunning views to Loch Maree before heading to the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. Beinn Eighe is a Unesco Biosphere, covering 500,000ha of protected landscape.
Then explore the village of Torridon along one of three low-level walksand visit the Torridon Countryside Centre to find out more about this beautiful region.
Where to stay on Day 6 of your NC500 itinerary
- Sands at Gairloch is a spectacular campsite, right on the beach. With a well-stocked shop and great facilities, it makes popping the tent into the car a real treat.
- The Torridon Hotel is famous throughout Scotland for luxury rooms, warm hospitality, and amazing food. The building is something rather special too. The Torridon Inn provides comfortable rooms, great bar food, and real ale, perfect for relaxing after a busy or strenuous day!
- An Cois Na Mara Bed & Breakfast is a lovely B&B.
- Charleston House, Gairloch – book into this B&B in beachy Gairloch.
- Torridon Youth Hostel – popular youth hostel in Torridon.
Day 7 on your 7 day North Coast 500 Itinerary
It is your final day on the North Coast 500 – and you’ve still some of the best places on your NC500 itinerary to visit. Heading south, you will first visit the small village of Shieldaig before arriving on the Applecross Peninsula.
Sands Beach is one of my favourite places in Scotland the view across the Inner Sound to Raasay and Skye is mesmerising. The Applecross Inn is a famous stopping point for lunch – make sure you book.
To leave the Applecross Peninsula you have to drive the famous Bealach na Ba – meaning pass of the cattle. The road is utterly incredible, and definitely not for the faint of heart.
Once you have crossed the pass don’t miss a stop at Attadale Gardens – where, in the late 19th century a plant collector started a garden on the Attadale Estate, importing rhododendrons from all over the world.
Your final destination before returning to Inverness is Plockton – where the mild, warm and wet climate allows palm trees to prosper on the waterfront, and home to two great pubs to celebrate your NC500!
Ready to plan your trip?
Frequently asked questions
Can I do the North Coast 500 in less than 7 days?
Yes — a 5-day itinerary is doable if you prioritise. Skip the Black Isle detour on Day 1, combine Day 3 and Day 4 into one faster north-coast day, and cut one of the Assynt hill walks. You’ll miss out on the quieter corners but still see the main route. Under 5 days isn’t realistic without feeling rushed.
Is 7 days enough for the North Coast 500?
Seven days is the sweet spot for most people. You’ll see the main route properly without rushing, have time for a couple of walks or hill climbs, and manage one proper rest day. If you want to visit Handa Island, climb a Munro, or detour to the Outer Hebrides, add days 8–10.
What should I skip if I only have 6 days on the NC500?
The easiest day to compress is Day 4 — the Cape Wrath or Sandwood Bay detour. If you skip both and drive straight from Durness to Kylesku, you save roughly half a day. Everything else on the route rewards time spent.
Should I drive the NC500 clockwise or anti-clockwise?
Anti-clockwise. You build up to the dramatic scenery rather than seeing it all on Day 1, and you drive DOWN the Bealach na Bà rather than up it, which is easier for nervous drivers and campervans.
When should I book accommodation for a 7-day NC500 trip?
For July and August, book 6–12 months ahead — the main stops (Applecross Inn, Kylesku Hotel, Durness hotels) fill up fast. For spring or autumn, 2–3 months is usually enough. Campsites are easier but the popular ones (Sango Sands, Dunnet Bay) still book up in summer.
Read more: My guide to the North Coast 500
Love from Scotland x
