North Coast 500

Scenic cliffs and rugged coastlines

The North Coast 500 route in Scotland follows a 516-mile road loop along the country’s northern coastline. This journey passes through rugged cliffs, rolling hills and small fishing villages. Drivers encounter historic castles, coastal wildlife and quiet beaches where seabirds gather. The path connects towns like Inverness at the start and Thurso near the end, passing through places such as Durness and Ullapool along the way. Weather can change quickly here, so travelers should prepare for rain or fog while exploring this scenic drive.

Add to list

Road in United Kingdom

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Safety: 7.8

General Safety:	8
Accessibility:	7

Read details

4/5

English is widely spoken and understood along the North Coast, especially near towns like Ullapool and Durness. Most locals speak fluent English, making everyday conversations smooth for tourists.

Van Travel

Highlights Description Getting there Hotels Tips Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

* We earn a commission from some links on this page.

North Coast 500 Summary

Popular for scenic Scottish road trips. Drive coastal routes past castles, beaches and Highland landscapes.

Opening hours:

Open 24/7

United Kingdom – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type G Type G: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Pound Sterling (GBP)
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in the UK, especially in cities. Contactless payments and mobile payment options are increasingly popular, with smaller businesses also accepting cards. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary in the UK, with 10-15% in restaurants. Taxi drivers generally expect a 10% tip or rounding up. Small tips for hotel staff are appreciated.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed in many parts of the UK, especially in parks, festivals, and licensed premises. However, it's banned on public transport or in certain public spaces.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited indoors in all public spaces, including bars and restaurants. There are designated outdoor smoking areas.

Christmas (December)	Christmas is widely celebrated, expect crowded markets and higher accommodation prices.
Bank Holiday (August)	Busy periods, especially in cities and along coastal areas. Many businesses close.
New Year’s Day (January)	A major public holiday with celebrations and closures in some sectors.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 999 or 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Bolt, Free Now, Ola
Other:	The UK is well-prepared for tourists, with excellent infrastructure. However, be aware of language barriers in remote areas.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for North Coast 500, United Kingdom

❄️

Jan

🌥️

Feb

🌥️

Mar

🌥️

Apr

🌥️

May

☁️

Jun

☁️

Jul

🌥️

Aug

🌥️

Sep

🌥️

Oct

🌥️

Nov

🌤️

Dec

High season:	May - Aug.
Shoulder season:	April, Sep. - Oct.

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Many hotels, cafés and attractions close October to March, main season May to September

Midge season June to August, worst on calm damp days and at dusk

Snow and ice can close high sections such as Bealach na Bà, mainly December to March

Don't miss

🏔️ Hike the scenic Old Man of Storr ridge
🌊 Explore Skye's Fairy Pools waterfalls
🚤 Stroll through picturesque Portree harbor at sunset

You've been here?

The North Coast 500 in Scotland follows a rugged road that stretches over 500 miles along the country’s northern edge. This route passes through coastal villages and rolling hills. Travelers encounter ancient castles and quiet beaches where waves meet rocky shores. The path connects places like Inverness at its start and returns there after circling the region.

Driving this area reveals diverse landscapes. Open moors stretch beside narrow roads lined with heather. Small fishing towns such as Durness provide glimpses of local life. Some sections run close to cliffs that drop toward the sea. Weather often changes quickly here. Rain or mist can appear suddenly, adding a sense of unpredictability.

History sits at the heart of many stops. Sites like Dunrobin Castle and the ruins of Ardvreck Castle show centuries of change. Walking paths lead through glens where deer graze near old stone walls. The North Sea’s presence shapes daily life for those living nearby. Fishing boats dot harbors, reflecting traditions that have lasted generations.

Visitors should prepare for variable conditions. Roads vary from smooth tarmac to narrow tracks. Public transport exists but renting a car allows flexibility. Accommodations range from simple B&Bs to larger hotels in towns. The journey rewards those who take time to notice details: weathered fences, distant mountains and quiet moments by the water.

Why travel to North Coast 500?

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Eilean Donan
2 Dunrobin Castle
3 Old Man of Storr
4 Loch Ness
5 The Isle of Skye Estate Agency
6 Castle Wilson

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Culloden Battlefield
2 Old Man of Storr
3 Loch Ness
4 The Isle of Skye Estate Agency
5 Loch Maree

🛍️Shopping

1 The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Memorial

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Check weather forecasts; rain is frequent on Scotland’s North Coast.
Plan fuel stops in small towns, as service stations are sparse beyond the A9.
Carry a spare tire and basic tools; roadside assistance can be limited in remote areas.
Explore the historic fishing villages; local lore about the 19th‑century shipwrecks adds depth to scenic drives.

How to travel to North Coast 500

The North Coast 500, Scotland’s premier scenic driving route, is accessible via a network of well-maintained roads. The journey begins in Inverness, the northern hub, with entry points along the A9 road leading west toward Ullapool. Key towns like Plockton and Durness are reachable via single-track roads requiring cautious navigation due to passing places. The route loops through iconic landscapes including the Pentland Firth and Applecross Peninsula, with designated viewpoints offering access to coastal trails. Public transport options include buses connecting major cities to Inverness, while car rentals provide flexibility for independent exploration. Cyclists may use dedicated paths along sections of the route. Weather conditions can impact road accessibility, particularly in remote areas during winter months.

Access summary

From Inverness (INV): 2‑3 hour drive via A9/A96.
From Aberdeen (ABZ): 4‑5 hour drive via A92/A90.
From Edinburgh (EDI): 5‑6 hour drive via M90/A9.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay near North Coast 500

Along the North Coast 500 you’ll find a mix of cosy bed‑and‑breakfasts, self‑contained cottages and boutique hostels that cater to both budget travellers and those seeking luxury. Prices vary from £30 – 50 per night for basic B&B rooms, £70 – 120 for well-appointed cottages with sea views, up to from £200 for high‑end lodges featuring spa facilities and gourmet dining. Many villages boast heritage inns that preserve traditional Scottish architecture while offering modern comforts. Campsites and caravan parks are plentiful, especially near the lochs, providing affordable options for those who prefer a more rustic stay. The region is renowned for its “coastal cottage” experience, where remote locations combine rugged scenery with warm hospitality.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Royal Highland Hotel

8.4

Columba Hotel by Compass Hospitality

7.9

B&B HOTEL Inverness

8.5

River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals

9.1

Travelodge Inverness Fairways

8.5

Mercure Inverness Hotel

7.9

Caledonian Hotel

8.0

Leonardo Hotel Inverness

Explore more accommodations

Packing recommendations for North Coast 500

Reusable water bottle

👛

Cash in small denominations

🛂

Visa and travel permits

🩹

Basic first aid kit

📃

Travel insurance

🧢

Woolly hat

🚗

International Driving Permit

Universal travel adaptor

💳

Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

📇

Emergency contact list

📱

Car phone holder

🚗

Driving licence

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+4 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 4% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

---

This place also uses Pound Sterling, so no money exchange necessary.

Safety information overview

General safety

The North Coast 500 road trip offers a generally safe experience for travelers, with low crime rates and well-maintained roads. Stay alert in remote stretches, keep valuables secure, avoid driving at night on isolated sections and follow local traffic rules to ensure peace of mind.

Accessibility

The North Coast 500 offers mixed accessibility: many scenic viewpoints have wheelchair‑friendly paths, but narrow country lanes and uneven surfaces can be challenging for mobility aids. Parking is limited near popular spots; plan ahead, bring a portable ramp and check local guide services.