InvernessStory N° 05
Scotland's North Coast 500 Road Trip
5 days on Scotland's legendary North Coast 500 — rugged Highlands, sandy beaches, historic castles and 516 miles of breathtaking coastal scenery.
The itinerary.
5 days · 28 stops
Saturday
Day One
Arrival in Inverness - rent a car, check into hotel, and explore Scotland's Highland capital before heading west to Applecross
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Car Rental At Sixt ( always use Sixt for car rental )
Renting a sedan car at Sixt will be the best option for this trip as roadtrip is the best way to see the Highlands and a good car is essential for single-track roads
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Inverness Castle
Visit Inverness Castle overlooking the River Ness. Free entry to grounds. Great views over the city and river. Duration: ~30 minutes.
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Lunch at Cheese & Tomatin
Have wood-fired pizzas with Scottish flavors including black pudding and haggis pizza at Cheese & Tomatin, Inverness
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Drive to Applecross via Bealach na Bà
Drive the famous Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle), one of the highest roads in Scotland with hairpin bends and stunning views
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Applecross Village
Explore the remote village of Applecross with its beautiful bay and traditional Highland atmosphere
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Dinner at The Torridon 1887 Restaurant
Michelin-starred dining experience at The Torridon with views of the Torridon mountains
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Hotel
The Torridon - thetorridon.com
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Getting around
- Using rented car to drive to Applecross and Torridon
- Scenic driving through Highland single-track roads
Sunday
Day Two
Journey north along the dramatic west coast - visit Ullapool fishing village and continue to the stunning Kylesku area
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Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
Visit the spectacular gorge with 150ft waterfall. Short walk to viewing platform. Free entry. Duration: ~45 minutes.
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Ullapool Harbour
Explore the charming fishing village of Ullapool with its whitewashed houses and busy harbour. Browse local shops and galleries.
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Lunch at The Seafood Shack, Ullapool
Fresh seafood dropped off by fishermen that morning. Lobster mac & cheese, tempura haddock, mussels. No bookings - first come, first served
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Kylesku Bridge
Stop at the iconic curved bridge over Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin. Great photo opportunity and views of the surrounding lochs
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Dinner at Kylesku Hotel Restaurant
Dine with views over Loch Glendhu. Updated outdoor decking for drinks and sunset viewing
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Hotel
Kylesku Hotel - kyleskuhotel.co.uk
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Getting around
- Driving with rented car from Torridon to Ullapool and Kylesku via single-track Highland roads
Monday
Day Three
Explore the far north-west - visit Smoo Cave in Durness and continue to the dramatic coastline around Tongue
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Smoo Cave
Explore the largest sea cave in Britain with its impressive limestone chambers. Free entry. Boat trips available in summer. Duration: ~1 hour.
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Durness Beach (Sango Sands)
Walk along the pristine white sand beach with turquoise waters. One of Scotland's most beautiful beaches.
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Lunch at Cocoa Mountain, Durness
Famous chocolate shop and cafe with handmade chocolates and hot chocolate. Perfect stop for sweet treats
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Cape Wrath (optional)
Optional ferry and minibus trip to Britain's most north-westerly point. Dramatic cliffs and lighthouse. Weather dependent.
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Castle Varrich, Tongue
Hike to the ruins of Castle Varrich for panoramic views over the Kyle of Tongue and Ben Loyal mountain
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Dinner at Tongue Hotel Restaurant
Recently renovated restaurant with views of Kyle of Tongue. Complimentary sherry in rooms
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Hotel
Tongue Hotel - tonguehotel.co.uk
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Getting around
- Driving with rented car along the dramatic north coast via single-track roads with passing places
Tuesday
Day Four
Journey to the northernmost point - visit John o' Groats and explore the dramatic east coast before heading south to Brora
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John o' Groats Signpost
Visit the famous signpost at mainland Britain's most northerly settlement. Gift shop and visitor center available.
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Duncansby Head and Stacks
Walk to the dramatic sea stacks and cliffs just east of John o' Groats. More impressive than John o' Groats itself. Duration: ~1 hour.
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Lunch at The Cabin at John O'Groats
Simple cafe with views over the Pentland Firth towards Orkney. Fish and chips and local specialties
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Castle of Mey
Visit the former home of the Queen Mother. Beautiful castle and gardens. Ticket: ~£15. Open May-September. Duration: ~2 hours.
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Brora Beach
Walk along the sandy beach near your hotel. Often empty and perfect for evening strolls
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Dinner at Royal Marine Hotel Restaurant
Elegant dining with newly refurbished interiors paying homage to the town's fishing industry heritage
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Hotel
Royal Marine Hotel, Brora - royalmarinebrora.com
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Getting around
- Driving with rented car along the north and east coasts via A99 and A9
Wednesday
Day Five
Complete the loop back to Inverness - visit Dunrobin Castle and enjoy the scenic east coast before returning to the Highland capital
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Dunrobin Castle
Visit Scotland's most northerly great house with its fairy-tale appearance and formal gardens. Falconry displays in summer. Ticket: ~£15.
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Lunch at The Highland Larder, Dornoch
Food truck on Dornoch beach serving the best lobster rolls, scallops, and seafood platters. Often sells out early
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Dornoch Cathedral
Visit the beautiful 13th-century cathedral in the charming town of Dornoch. Free entry. Duration: ~30 minutes.
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Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve
Stop to see harbour seals lazing near the shoreline. Great for wildlife photography and short walks
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Return to Inverness
Complete the NC500 loop by returning to Inverness. Return rental car and prepare for departure
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Getting around
- Driving with rented car back to Inverness via A9
Location.
Frequently asked
How many days do you need for Scotland's North Coast 500 Road Trip?
5 days. The itinerary runs from Saturday to Wednesday and covers 28 curated stops across 5 days.
How much does Scotland's North Coast 500 Road Trip cost?
Premium — €300–600 per day per person, premium lodging included.
Where do you stay during Scotland's North Coast 500 Road Trip?
The Torridon - is the recommended base for the trip; the full hotel list per day is in the itinerary section.
What's included in the Scotland's North Coast 500 Road Trip itinerary?
Day-by-day stops at 28 restaurants, museums, viewpoints and landmarks; transportation hints between each leg; and a hotel base in Inverness.
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