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Scotland

North Coast 500 (NC500) – 5 Nights – Scotland Driving

May, June, July, Aug, Sept, £599 pp

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SUMMARY

North Coast 500 (NC500) – 5 Nights – Scotland Driving

No. of People: 1

PAYMENT

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TOTAL £999

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The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 516-mile (830 km) circular route starting and ending in Inverness, taking you through some of the UK’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes — rugged cliffs, white-sand beaches, Highland castles, and remote fishing villages.

Quick Facts

Total Distance: Approx. 516 miles / 830km
Start/End: Inverness, Scottish Highlands
Duration: 5 days
Top Highlights: Bealach na Ba Pass, Applecross, Torridon, Ullapool, Achmelvich Beach, Smoo Cave, Durness, Dunnet Head, John O’Groats
Best Time to Go: May – September
Road Type: Mix of single-track and A-roads
Top Tip: Carry fuel / snacks for remote stretches

About & Details

Embark on Scotland’s ultimate road trip — the North Coast 500 (NC500) — a spectacular 516-mile (830 km) circular route that showcases the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Starting and ending in Inverness, this legendary drive winds through dramatic mountain passes, ancient castles, white-sand beaches, and remote fishing villages. From the hair-raising Bealach na Bà to the turquoise waters of Achmelvich Beach and the windswept cliffs of Dunnet Head, every turn offers a postcard-perfect view. Whether you’re chasing coastal sunsets, Highland hospitality, or wild adventure, the NC500 delivers an unforgettable taste of Scotland’s untamed north.

Inclusions

  • 5 nights’ accommodation in good quality B&Bs or hotels with ensuite or private bathroom and breakfast
  • Expert local knowledge and 24 hour emergency assistance during your trip
  • Professional event organisation
Exclusions
  • Transport
  • Lunches and evening meals
  • Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)

Optional extras

  • Single room supplement £65 per person per night (subject to availability)
  • Solo traveller supplement £65 per person per night
  • Odd number group supplement £65 per group per night may apply if a single room is required
  • Extra night prior to the start (single room) £170 per person
  • Extra night prior to the start (twin room, needs 2 people) £90 per person
  • Extra night at the end of the event (single room) £170 per person
  • Extra night at the end of the event (twin room, needs 2 people) £90 per person

Please select from Optional Extras at checkout.

Getting there and back

By road: Inverness is situated approx. 158 miles north of Edinburgh, just off the A9.

By public transport: There are regular trains to Inverness from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Check traveline.info for the latest public transport information.

By air: There are flights from Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports to Inverness Airport.

If you chose to hire a car you can collect/drop off at the airport.

Evening meals and lunches

You can purchase evening meals either at the accommodation or nearby. When our adventure travel planners send you the schedule with your itinerary you could prearrange directly with the accommodation or during the walk.

For lunches we would suggest bringing some of your own favourite snack bars and then asking the accommodation for a packed lunch for the following day and also supplementing that at stops en-route.

Accommodation

Accommodation is generally at B&B, guest houses and small hotels. Once booked in, your adventure travel planner will send you a list of your booked accommodation. It is possible to adjust according to preference at this stage so please mention it if you wish to change.

Dog friendly

If you would like to bring your four legged friend, then we will do our best to source dog friendly accommodation. It is usually possible but if it were not, then we would suggest a change of date to enable it. There may be a small surcharge for the overnight stays. Therefore, once booked in, please alert your adventure travel planner that you would like to bring your dog and we can proceed from there.

Dates and prices

For available dates please click on the ‘book now’ option on the left hand side on desktops or at the bottom on mobiles. You can reserve your space via this route.

After you book

After placing your booking with us, you will in the first instance receive an automated email from our system confirming receipt of your reservation. If you don’t receive it, it is worth checking your spam/clutter folder.

In the process of placing your booking, you will generally set up an access password to our online gateway where you can review the details of the booking.

Your personal adventure travel planner will then be in touch with you to start to confirm the details. This contact will usually be taken up in the working day after receipt of your booking, but may, in busy times, take a little longer. The adventure travel planner will then liaise with you regarding the details of the course. If you have any specific requirements, please do mention it at this stage.

At the end of your trip

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end at some point and when you arrive at your final destination, some people like to treat themselves to a night’s stay at the end. And why not? You’ve earned it. You can arrange this as an optional extra with your adventure travel planner.

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Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Arrive in Inverness

    Arrive at your accommodation in Inverness

  • Day 2 – Inverness to Applecross

    Highlights:
    – Cross the Bealach na Bà Pass, one of the UK’s most scenic (and challenging) mountain roads.
    – Stop at Shieldaig for lochside views.
    – Explore Applecross Bay and dine at the Applecross Inn overlooking the sea.

    Distance: ~80 miles / 130 km

  • Day 3 - Applecross to Ullapool

    Highlights:
    Drive through Torridon, Kinlochewe, and Loch Maree
    Visit Inverewe Gardens (lush botanical gardens)
    – Enjoy evening in Ullapool — live music, seafood, and harbor views

    Distance: ~110 miles / 177 km

  • Day 4 - Ullapool to Durness

    Highlights:
    – Stop at Ardvreck Castle
    Swim or relax at Achmelvich Beach
    Continue through Drumbeg and Lochinver
    Explore Smoo Cave in Durness

    Distance: ~110 miles / 177 km

  • Day 5 – Durness to Wick / John O'Groats

    Highlights:
    Drive via Tongue, Bettyhill, and Strathy Point
    Visit Balnakeil Craft Village and Balnakeil Beach
    Stop at Dunnet Head and John o’ Groats

    Distance: ~120 miles / 193 km

  • Day 6 – Wick to Inverness

    Highlights:
    – Visit Whaligoe Steps (cliffside steps to an old harbour)
    – Stop in Dornoch (charming village, great lunch spots)
    – Return to Inverness, explore Culloden Battlefield if time allows

    Distance: ~110 miles / 177 km

    This is where your trip with us will end unless you have booked an extra night of accommodation

Notes:

Timings and mileages are approximate. 

We will always endeavour to accommodate you in the locations detailed in the above itinerary. Due to very high demand, some accommodation providers may occasionally have limited availability and so we may need to accommodate you in an alternative location, nearby. 

 

The Route

Why book with us

We know you have a choice of companies providing trips for your next adventures. Here are some of the reasons you should choose to travel with Maximum Adventure:

  • We are an established adventure travel business
  • We have been trading since 2002
  • We are financially protected in accordance with the 1992 travel regulation
  • Knowledgeable and available office staff
  • Qualified leaders and guides with ascents ranging from Ben Nevis to Mount Everest
  • All activities are risk assessed
  • We will provide you with the best service available
  • We are aware this is your holiday/your challenge and will do our best to make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience
  • We have many repeat clients stretching back over a number of years
20+ years adventure organisation experience
Full liability & financial protection
Leading provider of high quality adventure challenges
Great team of staff to support you