The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a stunning 516-mile scenic route around the northern coast of Scotland. Here’s a guide for a10-day itinerary for your campervan road trip . This could be done in less time but ideally i wouldn’t do it any less than a week or you just won’t get chance to see everything . top tip – start on the east coast first as the west just gets better & better as you go !
Day 1: Inverness to Dornoch
– Start your journey in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
– Visit the historic Inverness Castle and take a stroll along the River Ness.
– Drive to Dornoch, a charming town with a beautiful beach and the famous Dornoch Cathedral.
Day 2: Dornoch to Wick
– Head north to Wick, stopping at Dunrobin Castle along the way.
– Explore the castle’s gardens and museum.
– Continue to Wick and visit the Old Pulteney Distillery for a whisky tour.
Day 3: Wick to John O’Groats
– Drive to John O’Groats, the northernmost point of mainland Britain.
– Take a ferry to the Orkney Islands for a day trip if you have time.
– Enjoy the stunning coastal views and take a photo at the famous signpost.
Day 4: John O’Groats to Thurso
– Head west to Thurso, stopping at Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Britain.
– Visit the Castle of Mey, the former home of the Queen Mother.
– Explore Thurso and its beautiful beaches.
Day 5: Thurso to Durness
– Continue west to Durness, stopping at Smoo Cave along the way.
– Explore the cave and its underground waterfall.
– Visit Balnakeil Beach and the nearby craft village.
Day 6: Durness to Lochinver
– Drive south to Lochinver, stopping at the stunning beaches of Achmelvich and Clachtoll.
– Explore the picturesque fishing village of Lochinver.
– Visit the Highland Stoneware pottery and the Assynt Visitor Centre.
Day 7: Lochinver to Ullapool
– Continue south to Ullapool, a charming harbour town.
– Visit the Ullapool Museum and take a boat trip to the Summer Isles.
– Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.
Day 8: Ullapool to Gairloch
– Drive to Gairloch, stopping at the Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Inverewe Garden.
– Explore the beautiful beaches and the Gairloch Heritage Museum.
– Take a boat trip to see marine wildlife, such as dolphins and seals.
Day 9: Gairloch to Applecross
– Head to Applecross via the Bealach na Bà, one of the highest roads in the UK.
– Enjoy the breathtaking views and the winding mountain pass.
– Explore the Applecross Peninsula and visit the Applecross Inn for a delicious meal.
Day 10: Applecross to Inverness
– Drive back to Inverness, stopping at the picturesque village of Plockton.
– Visit the Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic castles.
– Return to Inverness and celebrate the completion of your NC500 adventure.
For campervan rentals, you can check out [Luna Motorhome Hire](https://lunamotorhomehire.co.uk/nc500-motorhome-hire/) or [Quirky Campers](https://www.quirkycampers.com/uk/campervans/nc500/). They offer a variety of campervans suitable for the NC500 route.
Enjoy your trip and make unforgettable memories!
