Highlights include:
- The epic Bealach na Bà mountain pass
- Remote beaches like Balnakeil and Achmelvich
- Dunrobin Castle and Inverewe Gardens
- The dramatic Smoo Cave and Kylesku Bridge
- Charming coastal villages and Highland hospitality
Driving
7 days
ModerateScotland
May, June, July, Aug, Sept£799 pp
Back to searchThe 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.
Route Length: Approx. 516 miles / 830km
Start/End: Inverness, Scottish Highlands
Recommended Duration: 7 days (minimum)
Driving Time: Approx. 4-5 hours per day with stops
Best Time to Go: May – September
Accommodation: Mix of hotels and B&Bs
Must-Try Food: Cullen skink, Highland venison and local whisky
Please select from Optional Extras at checkout.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Arrive at your accommodation in Inverness
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
Highlights:
– Drive through the wild beauty of Torridon and Loch Maree
– Hike to Victoria Falls (near Kinlochewe)
– Optional detour: Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve for wildlife and hiking
Distance: ~70 miles / 113 km
Highlights:
– Stop at Gruinard Bay and Corrieshalloch Gorge (suspension bridge and waterfall)
– Explore the colourful fishing port of Ullapool
– Live music and local ales at The Ceilidh Place
Distance: ~65 miles / 105 km
Highlights:
– Visit Ardvreck Castle ruins on Loch Assynt.
– Stop at Kylesku Bridge for panoramic photos.
– Explore Smoo Cave, a dramatic sea cave near Durness.
– Relax on Balnakeil Beach or Sango Bay.
Distance: ~90 miles / 145 km
Highlights:
– Drive along the remote north coast, passing white-sand beaches like Ceannabeinne and Melvich
– Optional detour to Cape Wrath (UK’s northwestern tip)
– Visit Strathy Point Lighthouse for coastal views
Distance: ~75 miles / 120 km
Highlights:
– Stop at Dunnet Head (the actual northernmost point of mainland Britain)
– Tour John O’Groats, then follow the east coast south
– Visit Dunrobin Castle, a fairy-tale stately home
Distance: ~100 miles / 160 km
Highlights:
– Visit Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain
– Stop at Chanonry Point (chance to spot dolphins)
– Return to Inverness, explore the castle and River Ness
Distance: ~45 miles / 72 km
This is where your trip with us will end unless you have booked an extra night of accommodation
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.
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:
