A Motorhomer’s Guide to Scotland’s NC500

Spinney customers don’t just look to us for advice or assistance on purchasing their campervans, caravans or motorhomes. They often also ask us for recommendations of great routes they can tackle in their new leisure vehicle. One of the very best is the NC500…

What is the NC500?

The North Coast 500 is a spectacular 500-mile scenic touring route looping around the northern coast of Scotland. The route (more commonly known as the NC500) showcases some of the many attractions available north of the border. It starts and ends in Inverness, taking travellers on a journey through breathtaking landscapes including rugged mountains, picturesque coastlines, historic sites and charming villages. You can use the internet to research campsites, park-ups or caravan sites along the way. In this edition of our blog, we’re focusing on some of the key points of interest, the best activities and the finest places to visit.

Key stops along the NC500

1. Inverness: As your NC500 starting point, Inverness is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’. Before setting off (or as your final stop when you finish), take some time to explore this historic city. Inverness Castle overlooks the River Ness and, for those especially interested in history, the Culloden Battlefield – site of the infamous Battle of Culloden in 1746 – is a must-see. To the south of the city lies the infamous Loch Ness – and your opportunity to spot a prehistoric monster! Urquhart Castle is a famous focal point at the Loch. Inverness itself is also a hub for outdoor activities, with opportunities to take a river cruise on the Caledonian Canal, go fishing in the nearby rivers, or hike or cycle along the Great Glen Way. There’s also plenty of traditional Scottish cuisine available at the city’s many restaurants and pubs.
2. Black Isle: North of Inverness is the Black Isle, a peninsula known for stunning coastline and diverse wildlife. Marine life lovers will be able to spot dolphins playing in the Moray Firth, near the Chanonry Point lighthouse, and nature lovers looking for a peaceful woodland walk can try Fairy Glen in Rosemarkie. The Black Isle Brewery offers tours and tastings for ale enthusiasts, while the Black Isle Farmers’ Market features a variety of local producers offering everything from artisan cheeses and freshly baked bread to organic vegetables and homemade preserves.
3. Applecross: Heading westward, the NC500 journeys through some of the most remote and scenic areas of the Scottish Highlands. The Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle) showcases dramatic views as it routes over the mountains towards the village of Applecross. For adrenaline junkies, Applecross offers plenty of outdoor activities – mountain biking, sea kayaking along the coastline and wild swimming in the crystal-clear Loch Torridon. Once those exertions have been made, travellers can unwind with a soak in the Applecross Hot Tub, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. A walk along the beach will offer stunning vistas of the Isle of Skye, and you can top it all off with fresh food at the Applecross Inn.
4. Torridon: Further along the northwest coast is Torridon, renowned for its mountains and tranquil lochs. The challenging trails of Liathach and Beinn Eighe may appeal to hikers, while those seeking a more leisurely experience could opt for a scenic boat cruise on Loch Maree. Torridon is something of a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot red deer, golden eagles, otters, and seals in their natural habitats.
5. Gairloch and Ullapool: The coastal villages of Gairloch and Ullapool offer a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. The pristine beaches of Gairloch have spectacular views, and travellers can enjoy sea kayaking or wildlife spotting on boat tours. Meanwhile, Ullapool is a cultural hub, hosting a variety of events and festivals throughout the year including a book festival, guitar festival and music festival.
6. Durness: Further north, Durness is home to some of the most stunning beaches on the NC500. Smoo Cave, a dramatic sea cave formed by thousands of years of erosion, is a real must-see attraction, and travellers can take a guided tour to learn about its geological significance and folklore. Cape Wrath, which is the northwesternmost point of mainland Britain, is accessible by ferry from Durness and offers breathtaking ocean views across the Atlantic. The Smoo Cave Hostel hosts regular live music nights, often featuring traditional Scottish folk music and ceilidh dancing – the perfect place to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Highlands.
7. John O’Groats and Wick: The NC500 reaches its most northerly point at John O’Groats. This is a famous landmark for long-distance cyclists and hikers, with an Instagram-worthy spot offered by the iconic signpost. Royalists may find Castle Mey interesting, with guided tours of the historic rooms and gardens available at this former summer residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Heading south, the town of Wick’s maritime history can be explored at the Wick Heritage Museum, with the Pulteney Distillery also worth a visit! One of the northernmost distilleries on the Scottish mainland, it’s a great spot to learn about the whisky-making process and sample a dram of their award-winning single malt.
8. Caithness and Sutherland: The NC500’s final stretch ventures through the rugged landscapes of Caithness and Sutherland. Here, you can explore the ruins and formal gardens of the fairytale-like Dunrobin Castle, which overlooks the North Sea, and explore the nearby formal gardens and falconry display. Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill provides insight into the region’s Highland Clearances (a period in Scottish history when the forced evictions of an enormous number of tenants from land in the Highlands and Islands took place). Caithness and Sutherland are also rich in archaeological sites, including the prehistoric village of Skara Brae and the legendary standing stones of Callanish (which featured in the promotional video for One Small Day by dark-pop band Ultravox, and in the BBC documentary The Modern Antiquarian by Julian Cope), as well as the ancient brochs of Dun Carloway and Mousa.
9. East Coast: Looping back towards Inverness, a detour along the east coast will offer up the picturesque village of Cromarty, with its charming Georgian architecture and dolphin-watching opportunities. The Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain offers guided tours and tastings, while the historic town of Dornoch boasts a stunning cathedral and championship golf course. Cromarty is also home to the Hugh Miller Museum and Birthplace Cottage, which celebrate the life and work of the renowned Scottish geologist and writer. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing his contributions to science and literature. Travelling around this area you may also encounter Geordie songwriter Martin Stephenson, who often mentions these places in his songs.
10. Cairngorms National Park: Having now almost completed the NC500, a final worthy stop before Inverness is the Cairngorms National Park. Travellers can take the funicular railway to the summit of Cairn Gorm for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Wildlife Park, near Kingussie, is home to native wildlife including red deer, wildcats and capercaillie (grouse). The Mountain Café in Aviemore offers a unique dining experience, with incredible views of the Cairngorms your backdrop to dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including soups, sandwiches, and indulgent cakes and pastries.

How long does the NC500 take?

The NC500 is a truly unforgettable road trip for anyone travelling in their campervan, caravan or motorhome, and it showcases some of the very best of Scotland’s natural beauty, history and culture. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, an interested historian or just a traveller looking for scenic vistas and some cultural immersion, this iconic route has everything to offer and many wonderful stops along the way. As such, it’s almost impossible to say how long travelling the route will take, as you may decide to hang about inn certain spots. The beauty of what you encounter will mean time doesn’t matter anyway. Forget Route 66 – the NC500 is Scotland’s modest but astounding adventure of a lifetime.