Are you dreaming of driving the iconic North Coast 500 but feeling overwhelmed by all the options? You’re not alone!
We’ve been there too – spending hours researching endless blogs, guides, and forums to plan the perfect trip. With so much to see, do, and explore, it can be hard to know where to start, or how to ensure you don’t miss the best parts of this incredible journey.
After endless research, completing the epic adventure with our own family (yes, even while pregnant!), and gathering insights from fellow travelers in NC500 groups, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to save you time and stress.
We’ll help you plan your trip step by step, with all the insights you need to enjoy a smooth, memorable adventure, whether you’re travelling with kids, as a couple, or solo.
This North Coast 500 guide covers everything, from the best places to stay and family-friendly tips to the top sights and hidden gems. Every recommendation comes from firsthand experience – our own, as well as fellow travellers’ – so you’ll be fully prepared for your own unforgettable journey.
We hope this helps take the stress out of planning and makes your trip the adventure of a lifetime!
Quick Links: Plan Your NC500 Adventure
Get straight to what you need – click below to explore our full North Coast 500 collection:
What Is the North Coast 500?
The Scottish North Coast 500 (also shortened to NC500), officially starts and ends in Inverness, circling the far north of Scotland through coastlines, castles, mountains, and ancient villages.
It’s often described as Scotland’s Route 66, and offers a mix of raw wilderness, charming local culture, and plenty of space to breathe (and spot loads of wildlife).
Depending on where you are travelling from, you can adjust your route. We drove up from the Midlands, so whilst we started from Inverness on the East, we chose to finish on the West to make our way back home.
If this is your first time exploring this epic route, our North Coast 500 guide will walk you through what to expect and how to plan it best.
North Coast 500 Map
Route Highlights
- Inverness Castle – great views.
- Ness Islands – river walks.
- Chanonry Point – dolphin spotting (one of the best in the UK!).
- Dunrobin Castle – fairytale castle and gardens.
- Whaligoe Steps – dramatic sea cliffs and historic harbour.
- John O’Groats – iconic photo stop.
- Duncansby Stacks – dramatic sea stacks and puffin spotting.
- Smoo Cave (Durness) – impressive sea cave.
- Iconic Beaches (Balnakeil, Strathy, Achmelvic) – stunning white sand, crystal clear waters.
- Cocoa Mountain – famous hot chocolate.
- Lochinver – try the famous Lochinver Larder pies.
- Ullapool – lively harbour town with ferries, shops, and family-friendly pubs.
- Ardvreck Castle – atmospheric ruins on Loch Assynt.
- Corrieshalloch Gorge – suspension bridge and waterfalls.
- Torridon – hiking and mountain views.
- Applecross Pass (Bealach na Bà) – thrilling mountain drive.
- Shieldaig – peaceful lochside village.
Clockwise or Anticlockwise: Which Way Should You Drive the North Coast 500?
One of the first things to decide when planning your North Coast 500 trip is whether to drive the route clockwise or anticlockwise.
There’s no right or wrong way and it all depends on the experiences you want at the beginning versus end of your trip.
Our choice was anticlockwise because we wanted to get used to driving our motorhome on the easier roads first.
Plus, we wanted to experience the more rugged scenery first, visiting the charming towns and exploring the many castles, before relaxing on the stunning beaches on the West side.
Driving clockwise on the other hand, throws you straight into the utterly breathtaking scenery and iconic beaches that you won’t want to leave.
Bear in mind though, that the roads are narrower and twistier, so be prepared, particularly if travelling in a motorhome or large campervan.
Why the North Coast 500 is Great for Families
Doing the North Coast 500 with kids is an unforgettable family adventure.
The Scottish Highlands are packed with variety, from tropical-looking beaches with soft white sand to ruined castles, lochs, and waterfalls to explore.
Our kids loved spotting Highland cows, deer, and even puffins and dolphins – real wow moments for little ones.
And with plenty of space to hike, play and roam free, it’s the perfect mix of outdoor fun and jaw-dropping scenery.
When’s the Best Time to Drive the NC500?
Scotland is beautiful all year-round and there’s no ‘best’ time as such. However, some seasons may offer better driving conditions, or you may be restricted to school holidays.
We know friends who’ve tackled the route in winter, and while it can be wonderfully quiet and peaceful, the weather is a real gamble. Some roads – especially the Bealach na Bà (Applecross Pass) – may be closed or completely impassable.
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| May–June | Long daylight, fewer midges | Still chilly at night |
| July–Aug | Warmest, lots open | Busiest, lots of midges |
| Sept | Mild, fewer tourists | Shorter days begin |
| Oct–Mar | Wild beauty, empty roads | Snow, closures, very short days |
💡 Top Tip: Avoid midges in late June – August with repellent and netting, particularly if camping!
Suggested Route: How Long Do You Need?
While it can be rushed in 5 days, most people need 7–14 days to make the most of it, especially with children or slower travel styles.
We took 10 days and whilst we could have managed it in 7 nights, we’d have missed out on lots.
We recommend 7 nights as a minimum but with kids, longer is better.
Check out our full route with stop suggestions:
Where to Stay on the NC500
From historic hotels to quirky pods, or immersing yourself in nature amongst the many campsites, there’s certainly a great choice when it comes to accommodation.
Whatever style you go for though, accommodation and campsites fill up fast, especially in summer.
Family-Friendly Hotels, B&Bs & Unique Stays on the NC500
We’re currently working on a dedicated NC500 accommodation hub to make your trip planning easier.
It’s based on our own family experiences, in-depth research, and insider tips from fellow travellers and NC500 community groups, so we can handpick the best places to stay – from family-friendly hotels and B&Bs to quirky and unforgettable spots.
We want to save you hours of scrolling and help you book with confidence.
Campsites, Motorhomes & Wild Camping
Many choose to travel the NC500 with a tent, campervan or like us, in a motorhome.
There are some fantastic family-friendly campsites along the route including scenic beachfront pitches to peaceful woodland spots.
We’ve done the research so you don’t have to, using our own travel experience and sourcing trusted recommendations from fellow NC500 travellers and online communities.
While the Scottish Outdoor Access Code allows non-motorised wild camping (basically tents only) in many areas, it doesn’t apply to motorhomes or campervans, and this often causes confusion.
There are still options for overnight stops where friendly landowners permit it, so it’s possible to stay off-site respectfully and legally in some areas.
We’ll help you navigate the rules, find the best campsites and stopovers, and travel responsibly along this epic route.
Top Beaches Along the NC500
Think soft, golden sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and no crowds fighting over the best spot.
The NC500 beaches offer just that, making them perfect for little feet to run wild and big adventures to be had.
If it wasn’t for the chilly Scotland breeze, so many times, I could have easily thought I was somewhere tropical.
The beaches are far from any hustle and bustle, so you can actually relax while the kids dig holes and play in the sand for hours.
Packing Tips & Car Journey Survival
Scotland’s weather changes fast – one minute it’s sunny, the next it’s raining. So, pack layers, waterproofs, and enough snacks to feed an army (or at least keep the kids from asking “Are we there yet?” every five minutes).
And don’t forget a plan to keep the kids entertained on the long drives. We have a full list of our very own tried and tested tips to keep your sanity intact.
Final Thoughts
The North Coast 500 isn’t just a road trip — it’s a family adventure through one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland, filled with wild scenery, unforgettable experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.
I really hope this North Coast 500 guide and all our dedicated NC500 posts help take the stress out of planning.
I know exactly how overwhelming it can feel when you’re trying to figure it all out, especially with little ones in tow.
That’s why we’ve pulled everything together in one place, from the detailed itinerary, to campsites and accommodation, to beaches and top tips, based on our own family experience and lots of brilliant tips from other travellers too.
Got a question, a hidden gem we should include, or a genius hack for road trips with kids? Send us a message. I’d love to hear from you.
Families Can Travel provides free family travel inspiration, tips and advice. If you enjoyed reading this post, you can show your support by buying me a coffee. Thank you so much!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Whilst clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they help us keep this site up and running! Thank you for supporting our family travel blog!
