The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 516-mile (830 km) scenic road trip route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending in Inverness. Launched in 2015, it’s known for its stunning coastal scenery, rugged mountains, and remote fishing villages. The route takes visitors through the regions of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle, and Inverness-Shire.
Key Features:
- Distance: Approximately 516 miles (830 km).
- Starting Point: Inverness Castle.
- Scenic Highlights: Coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, and remote fishing villages.
- Regions: Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle, and Inverness-Shire.
The North Coast 500 route can be done in 5 to 10 days. Seven days or longer is ideal. Try and take a day to see Handa Island Wildlife Reserve, a 10-minute ferry trip from Tarbet on the west coast.
The NC500 route is suitable for campervans and motorhomes, but the Bealach na Bà stretch – just north of Ardarroch to Applecross on the west coast – is not passable in a larger vehicle because of the sharp bends and steep gradients. It’s best to travel on the A896 instead. The B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku is also less accessible for motorhomes, so follow the A837 back from Lochinver on the main road to Skiag Bridge instead.
Along the North Coast 500 (NC500) route are some campsites to consider: Clachtoll Beach Campsite, Fortrose Bay Campsite, Sands Caravan and Camping Park, and Badrallach Campsite.
The Land Reform Act 2003 – Scotland’s access legislation – lets you wild camp on most open land in the country. Just make sure to respect the Scottish Outdoor Access Code by:
- Staying away from enclosed fields full of crops or farm animals
- Leaving no trace by taking all possessions and litter away with you
- Being considerate by not pitching up near buildings and houses
There are also plenty of official campsites along the North Coast 500:
- Clachtoll Beach Campsite: A family-friendly campsite situated directly on the NC500 route, near Lochinver.
- Fortrose Bay Campsite: Located on the shores of the Moray Firth, offering views of the Moray Firth and close to Inverness and Loch Ness.
- Sands Caravan and Camping Park: A family-friendly park near the NC500 route, beaches, and fishing lochs, located in Gairloch.
- Badrallach Campsite, Bothy and Holiday Cottage: A fantastic hardstanding touring site on the NC500 route, shadowed by Ben Bhraggie.
- Other Campsites:
- Bunchrew Caravan Park
- Barrow Campsite Nairn
- Riverside Chalet and Caravan Park
- Camping at Golspie
- Shieldaig Camping and Cabins
- Port a Bhaigh Campsite
- Dornoch Firth Caravan Park
- Portmahomack Caravan Site
- John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site
- Applecross Campsite
- Inver Caravan Park
- Broomfield Holiday Park
- Ardtower Caravan Park
- Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park
- The Halladale and North Coast Touring Park
- Beauly Holiday Park
- Inver Caravan Park
- Gruinard Bay Campsite
- Dornoch Beach Campsite
- Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Campsite
- Sango Sands Oasis Durness
- Torvean Caravan Park
- Sinclair Bay Camper & Caravan Park