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Looking for an inspiring and adventurous 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary for 2026? Keep reading. In this article we will take you through a detailed itinerary with accommodation, activities and recommendations.
This awe-inspiring road trip will transport you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. With its winding coastal roads, ancient castles, and picturesque villages, this journey offers the adventure of a lifetime. To help you make the most of your time, we have crafted the ultimate 7-day itinerary of the North Coast 500’s most captivating sights and hidden treasures.
Over the course of a week, you will embark on an enchanting voyage through rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. You’ll witness the raw beauty of Scotland’s natural wonders and delve into its rich history and culture. From historic castles perched on misty hilltops to charming fishing villages nestled along the coast, each day of this itinerary brings something new.
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OFFICIAL ROUTE – 7 day North Coast 500
Summary – 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary
Here is a summary of our 7 day north coast 500 itinerary. Please read on for an in depth day by day guide.
| Day | Summary | Rough distance | Rough time |
| Day 1: Inverness to Golspie | Eco Ventures and the Glenmorangie distillery. Golspie is a seaside town on the east coast. Climb Ben Bhraggie and visit Dunrobin Castle. | 80km | 1 hour |
| Day 2: Golspie to John O’ Groats | Check out the Grey Cairnes of Camster and Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. Explore John O Groats. Walk along the cliffs to see the Duncansby Sea Stacks. Don’t miss Dunnet’s head and beach. | 110km | 1.5 hours |
| Day 3: John O’ Groats to Sangobeg | There’s a lot to do in the area: Strathnaver Museum (£5 entry). Golden Eagle Zip Line. Ceannabeinne Beach, Balnakeil Beach, Ard Neakie Lime Kilns. Cocoa Mountain chocolate cafe and the Balnakeil Craft Village. Don’t miss Smoo Cave. | 140km | 2 hours |
| Day 4: Sangobeg to Achmelvich | Check out the Old Man of Stoer and the stunning Loch Assynt. Achmelvich beach is very beautiful. Visit Eas a’ Chual Aluinn: Britain’s highest waterfall. | 100km | 1.5 hours |
| Day 5: Achmelvich to Ullapool | If you’re lucky you can see dolphins around Ullapool. Corrieshalloch Gorge: A Stunning gorge and waterfall. | 60km | 1 hour |
| Day 6: Ullapool to Torridon | Along the way you can also stop at the stunning Inverewe Viewpoint and the beautiful Gairloch Beach. Also don’t miss Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.Check out the impressive Beinn Alligin. There is an impressive and challenging round walk up this steep mountain. | 140km | 2 hours |
| Day 7: Torridon to Inverness | Take a scenic drive back to Inverness. The route back to Inverness passes Loch a’ Chroisg and Loch Luichart. | 95km | 1.5 hours |
What is the North Coast 500?
The North Coast 500 (also known as NC500) is a phenomenally beautiful route around the north coast of Scotland. This route is a rich journey through history, culture and stunning scenery unique to the United Kingdom. As the name would suggest it is around 500 miles (830km). The official North Coast 500 Itinerary is a loop that starts and stops at Inverness castle (which actually makes it a 516 mile round trip).
Don’t miss our full guide to the best things to do in Inverness
It was introduced as a “thing to do” in 2015 as an initiative to bring tourism into the very north of Scotland. It is worth knowing that there is not just one single road that goes by the name ‘ North Coast 500’, rather it is a route that joins many individual roads into a beautiful loop. This makes it both more adventurous and more personalisable. If anything there is too much choice which can make planning this Scotland road trip actually quite tricky.
Don’t miss our full guide to the BEST castle hotels in Scotland
Why do the North Coast 500?
The North Coast 500 is an epic road trip that offers a truly unique and unforgettable adventure through the stunning Scottish Highlands. It’s all about immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality of Scotland. So, why do the North Coast 500? Well, let me give you a few reasons why you should definitely hit the road on this incredible journey.
First and foremost, the North Coast 500 showcases some of the most jaw-dropping scenery you’ll ever lay your eyes upon. It’s no surprise that this part of the world is often compared to New Zealand! Picture yourself driving along winding coastal roads, with rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and turquoise waters stretching out before you. It’s a feast for the eyes and a photographer’s dream come true. Every twist and turn reveals a new postcard-worthy vista that will leave you awe-struck.
But it’s not just about the landscapes; the North Coast 500 is a gateway to Scotland’s vibrant history and culture. You’ll encounter charming villages steeped in tradition, ancient castles that whisper tales of old, and friendly locals who are eager to share their stories and customs. Don’t forget to savor traditional Scottish cuisine, from hearty haggis to mouthwatering seafood fresh from the local waters.
The North Coast 500 offers a sense of freedom and adventure. You’ll have the opportunity to explore hidden gems, hike scenic trails, and take detours to off-the-beaten-path locations. You can see waterfalls, viewpoints and wildlife. We have even included an epic exhilarating zipline in this 7 day north coast 500 itinerary.
The north coast 500 itinerary includes Sutherland and Caithness. So we have produces some amazing guides to help you find the best things to do. Don’t miss our guides on THE BEST things to do in Sutherland and THE BEST things to do in Caithness
Why do a 7 day north coast 500 itinerary?
In our opinion 7 days is the perfect pace for the North Coast 500 road trip. One week strikes that sweet spot between experiencing the highlights of the route and allowing yourself enough time to truly soak in the beauty and charm of the Scottish Highlands. If you take 7 days for the whole road trip, you will need to drive an average of around 115km per day (roughly 2.5 hours of driving including stops)
With a week-long adventure, you’ll have ample time to explore the stunning landscapes, visit iconic attractions, and discover hidden gems along the way. You won’t feel rushed or pressured to cram everything into a tight schedule. Instead, you can take your time, pause at breathtaking viewpoints, and wander off the beaten path to uncover the true essence of the region.
One week is the ideal duration to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions, as well. You can engage with friendly locals, sample traditional Scottish food, and even catch some lively events or festivals that might be happening during your visit.
The North Coast 500 can technically be done in as little as 3 days and there are itineraries out there for this, but we think this is just a bit too short to really take anything in. On the other hand, if you’re pressed for time a 5 day north coast 500 itinerary is a nice pace. If you want to enjoy a longer road trip and make it into more of a holiday you could easily spend 14 days on this route. In this article we have focussed on a 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary as we think this is the optimum amount of time for this route.
Where does the North Coast 500 Start and Finish?
Inverness is the short answer. Of course you can join in and finish at any point, but if you want to have officially completed the North Coast 500 route, it starts and stops at Inverness castle. The 3 North Coast 500 Itineraries we have designed for all start and stop here. It is a great place to prepare, pick up supplies and if needed rent cars, campervans and motorhomes.
Inverness is also beautiful in its own right and worth exploring. Every full North Coast 500 Itinerary does have to start and stop here if you want to say you have completed it as a route, but of course, how you do your Scotland road trip is totally up to you! Pretty much any direction you drive in is beautiful!
In Depth – 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary
Day 1: Inverness to Golspie (80km)
The first day of this 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary starts with a short drive up the east coast from Inverness to Golspie. On your way out of Inverness you may be interested in visiting Eco Ventures in Cromarty. This is an eco adventure company offering boat trips and wildlife watching trips. There is also a Scottish Distillery en route: Don’t miss the Glenmorangie distillery just outside of Tain. Why not try seal spotting on the south shore of loch fleet.
Golspie is the perfect first stop for a North Coast 500 Itinerary for many reasons. It’s beautiful from the ocean all the way up the local Ben. Ben Bhraggie has great views, walks and an epic mountain biking trail! Golspie also has lots of great heritage, local waterfalls and of course the beautiful Dunrobin castle and gardens. Ooo and if you like fish dishes, definitely try out the Cullen skink here.
Places to stay around Golspie: There is plenty of accommodation a few kilometers up the road in Brora. Check out the Brora Pods (on Agoda and on booking.com), the North Coast 500 pods (on Agoda and on booking.com) and the Royal Marine Hotel (on Agoda and on booking.com)
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on things to do in Golspie
Day 2: Golspie to John O’ Groats (approximately 110km)
Don’t miss our FULL guide to John O Groats
The second day of this 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary follows a beautiful section of coastline from Golspie to the north tip mainland Great Britain. On this beautiful drive don’t miss the epic Laidhay tea room and Croft Museum located in Dunbeath. They serve an amazing selection of local food including Cullen Skink (smokey fish soup) and also haggis on baked potatoes. Mmmm.
On this beautiful drive you can stop at seaside towns & villages and also see historical relics such as the Grey Cairnes of Camster. This is an ancient neolithic burial mound (this strange stone dome is as creepy as it sounds!) Also Castle Sinclair Girnigoe – a very beautiful castle ruin on the coast before you reach John O’Groats.
John O Groats is a beautiful village, famous for being the longest distance point from Land’s end. The town has cafes, pubs and a few shops. We also highly recommend a walk along the cliffs to see the Duncansby Sea Stacks.
There are normally many puffins nesting in the panoramic cliffs. Near John O’ Groats, Dunnet’s head is actually the northernmost tip of mainland Britain. And don’t miss the stunning Dunnet beach.
Places to stay around John O’ Groats: Horseshoecroft (on Agoda and on booking.com), Aurora Bed and Breakfast (on Agoda and on booking.com) and Braeside Retreats (on Agoda and on booking.com)
Day 3: John O’ Groats to Sangobeg (approximately 140km)
The third day of this 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary is a scenic drive along the north coast. Expect this section to take around 2 – 3 hours. Along the way don’t miss the Bettyhill Viewpoint. This is a great spot to stop for a cup of tea and enjoy views over rugged moorland. A little further you can visit the Strathnaver Museum (£5 entry). This small museum packs a lot of local history.
This day finishes at Sangobeg, a beautiful north coast town. If you’re feeling brave don’t miss the terrifying Golden Eagle Zip Line (in Durness). This impressive zipline is located at Ceannabeinne Beach and reaches speeds of up to 45mph. It costs £15 per person. It is not possible to pre-book, just show up and see if they’re running. The zipline can be closed in periods of bad weather.
Also make sure you visit Ceannabeinne Beach itself. This is a very beautiful beach. Balnakeil Beach is also very impressive. If you’re interested in history check out the Ard Neakie Lime Kilns. This is an abandoned Lime Kiln located on a chilly Peninsula. You may also be interested in the Cocoa Mountain chocolate cafe in Balnakeil and the Balnakeil Craft Village. Make sure you don’t miss out on their hot chocolates! Just beyond Sangobeg village don’t miss Smoo Cave. This beautiful cave can only be explored by boat and it costs £10 per person for entry, cash only. Be aware that this cave is not accessible for anyone with mobility issues.
Places to stay around Sangobeg: Check out the Northern Lights (on Agoda and on booking.com) and the Tor Druim in Drumbeg (on Agoda and on booking.com)
Day 4: Sangobeg to Achmelvich (approximately 100km)
This day of the itinerary involves a very beautiful drive down the north west coast of Scotland. The West Coast of Scotland is genuinely very remote so make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks for the road. Also make sure your car is topped up (or fully charged!).
If you have time for a short detour you may be interested in visiting the Old Man of Stoer. This is a unique and spectacular cliff stack surrounded by very beautiful cliffs and clear water. Whilst you’re in the area make sure you check out the stunning Loch Assynt. And also leave some time for the beach. Achmelvich is truly one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.
If you have time and you’re up for a more challenging trek you can visit Eas a’ Chual Aluinn: Britain’s highest waterfall – It’s a big trek to get there but so worth it! We recommend allowing a full day and only attempt this hike in good conditions. Consider food, drinks, clothing and navigation. Be careful there are some steep drops near the waterfall. The trek to the top of the waterfall is around 5.5km each way.
Don’t miss our full guide to Achmelvich bay
Places to stay around Achmelvich: Check out the North Coast 500 pods in Achmelvich (on Agoda and on booking.com) or the Suilven View near Lochinver (on Agoda and on booking.com)
Day 5: Achmelvich to Ullapool (approximately 60km)
Don’t miss the spectacular Suilven – a stunning mountain south of Lochinver. You can climb this amazing mountain BUT it is worth being aware that this will take around 1 day for the full round trip hike. Be aware that there are some steep cliffs on Suilven. Only climb in good weather conditions. The trek is around 10km each way. We have included a route map in our article on things to do in Sutherland.
Day 5 is a shorter journey. Take time to stop and enjoy the beautiful surroundings around Achmelvich and along this journey. Ullapool is a larger town with shops, restaurants, pubs and even a supermarket. This is a great location to stock up and prepare for your last section of the journey.
There are many sightings of wild dolphins around Ullapool and if you’re happy to brave the cold, you can even try swimming with them! Also don’t miss the spectacular Corrieshalloch Gorge: A Stunning gorge and waterfall with an Iconic suspension bridge with serious Indiana Jones vibes!
Places to stay around Ullapool: Lochbroom (on Agoda or on booking.com) and Lochview Guest House (on Agoda or on booking.com)
Day 6: Ullapool to Torridon (approximately 140km)
This day of the North Coast 500 takes from Ullapool to Torridon. This journey follows a meandering route along the coast and past several beautiful lochs. As you drive along you pass Loch Broom, Little Loch Broom, Loch Ewe and Loch Maree. Along the way you can also stop at the stunning Inverewe Viewpoint and the beautiful Gairloch Beach. Also don’t miss Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve: Hike and explore one of the many stunning national nature reserve trails.
This journey finishes at Torridon (a lovely town by loch Torridon). From here you can get stunning views over the loch with a backdrop of steep panoramic mountains. Don’t miss the impressive Beinn Alligin. There is an impressive and challenging round walk up this steep mountain.
Places to stay around Torridon: Torridon Youth Hostel (on Agoda and on booking.com) and Beinn Shieldaig Yurt (on Agoda and on booking.com)
Day 7: Torridon to Inverness (approximately 95km)
For the final day of this 7 day north coast 500 itinerary take a scenic drive back to Inverness. We recommend taking a slow start to the day and enjoying Torridon before completing your epic journey. The route back to Inverness passes Loch a’ Chroisg and Loch Luichart.
Places to stay in Inverness: Chieftain Hotel (on Agoda and on booking.com), Alba B&B (on Agoda and on booking.com) and Ness Walk (on Agoda and on booking.com)
Top tips for the North Coast 500
Here are a few top tips to help you make the most of your 7 day north coast 500 itinerary:
- Be Prepared for Weather Changes: Scottish weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers of clothing, including waterproof and windproof gear. Be prepared for both sunny and rainy days, and consider packing a good pair of walking boots.
- Book Accommodation in Advance: The North Coast 500 has gained popularity, so it’s recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Fuel Up and Stock Up: Fuel stations can be sparse in some remote areas, so fill up your vehicle’s tank whenever you have the chance. Additionally, stock up on food, water, and other essentials at larger towns along the route.
- Drive with Caution: The North Coast 500 includes narrow, winding roads, and some sections can be challenging to navigate. Take your time, drive cautiously, and be prepared to encounter larger vehicles, cyclists, and wildlife on the road. Some of the roads are very narrow and can be steep in places.
- Take Breaks and Enjoy the Scenery: The North Coast 500 offers breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages, and historic sites. Take breaks along the way to soak in the beauty, snap photos, and explore the hidden gems.
- Use offline maps: We highly recommend using an offline map (such as maps.me) service or sat nav for navigation. Mobile data can be quite limited along some sections of the North Coast 500.
- Leave No Trace: As you explore the North Coast 500, remember to practice responsible tourism. Leave no trace of your visit, respect wildlife and nature, dispose of waste properly.
Packing list for the North Coast 500
Here’s a packing list for the North Coast 500 road trip in Scotland. This is not a comprehensive packing list. Rather, this is just a starting point to help you begin planning some things you might need:
- Warm and waterproof jacket
- Layered clothing for variable weather conditions
- T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
- Sweaters or fleeces
- Waterproof pants or hiking trousers
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Hat and gloves (especially if traveling in colder months)
- Valid driver’s license
- Vehicle documents and insurance papers
- GPS or navigation device & offline maps (check out maps.me)
- Mobile phone and charger (a car phone charger could be very handy!)
- Cash and credit/debit cards
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Books or entertainment for the road
- First aid kit
- Water bottle
- Plenty of snacks (and meals if you’re staying in self-catered accommodation)
- Plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes
- Daypack or backpack for day trips
Remember to pack according to the time of year you’re visiting and the activities you plan to engage in. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip and make adjustments to your packing list accordingly. Also, plan your food carefully. Some sections of the north and west coast are very remote and you wont find many shops.
What is the best time of year to do the North Coast 500
The best time of year to do the North Coast 500 road trip in Scotland is generally during the late spring to early autumn months, specifically from May to September. Here are a few reasons why:
- Weather: During these months, the weather in Scotland is relatively milder and more favorable for outdoor activities. While it can still be changeable, you can expect longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and a lower chance of rain compared to the colder months.
- Scenic Beauty: The late spring and summer months offer lush green landscapes, blooming wildflowers, and vibrant colors throughout the North Coast 500 route. The scenery is at its most picturesque during this time, providing stunning backdrops for your journey.
- Accessibility: The North Coast 500 encompasses some remote areas, and some attractions, accommodations, and facilities may have limited availability or even be closed during the winter months. Traveling during the peak season ensures that you’ll have a wider range of options for accommodations, dining, and activities along the route.
- Longer Days: May to September offers longer daylight hours, allowing you to make the most of your road trip and explore the attractions and landscapes at a more leisurely pace. It provides ample time to take breaks, go for hikes, and fully enjoy the breathtaking views.
- Festivals and Events: Scotland hosts various festivals and events during the summer months, such as Highland Games, music festivals, and cultural celebrations. Incorporating these events into your North Coast 500 trip can add an extra layer of cultural immersion and entertainment.
Other epic Scottish road trips
When planning the ultimate Scotland road trip this summer there are so many epic options! It makes it hard to choose. Below is a list if the 10 best and most famous of all the Scotland road trips you could possibly take in summer 2021 and there really is something for everyone! Whether travelling as a family, a couple, with friends or going solo, road tripping in Scotland has something epic for everyone. Our absolute favourite for so many reasons that will become very apparent as you work your way through this guide has to be, the North Coast 500! It is quickly earning its reputation as one of the best road trips in the world! This is why we have put together a North Coast 500 Itinerary for 5, 7 and 10 days!
- North Coast 500
- The Whiskey Route
- Harry Potter Spotter
- South West Coastal 300
- Scotland Historical loop
- Argyll Coastal Route
- Fife Costal Route
- Highland Tourist route
- North East 250
- Galloway Tourist Route
