Scotland's North Coast 500 is a 516-mile loop around the wild Highlands and one of the world's great road trips. A motorhome is the perfect way to do it — your bed, kitchen and hot shower travel with you. Here's how to plan it from the Midlands.
What is the NC500?
The NC500 starts and ends at Inverness and loops around the far north of Scotland — taking in white-sand beaches, single-track mountain passes, castles, distilleries and some of the most dramatic coastline in Europe. It's roughly 516 miles, and while you can rush it in three or four days, it rewards a slower pace.
Getting there from Warwickshire
It's a long but scenic drive north to Inverness (around 8–9 hours non-stop). Don't do it in one go — break the journey and make it part of the adventure:
- Night 1: the Lake District or Northumberland
- Night 2: the Cairngorms or Loch Lomond
- Day 3: arrive in Inverness fresh and ready to start the loop
How long to allow
We'd suggest 7 to 10 nights for the loop itself to actually enjoy it rather than just drive it. That's comfortably within your 150 miles a night allowance — and if you're planning the longer northern legs, just ask us about adding extra mileage before you go.
A suggested itinerary
Going clockwise from Inverness:
- Inverness → Applecross via the legendary Bealach na Bà mountain pass (steep hairpins — go steady; there's an easier coast road if you'd rather).
- Applecross → Torridon → Gairloch: mountains meeting the sea, with stunning Loch Maree.
- Ullapool: a lovely harbour town and a great overnight stop.
- Lochinver & Achmelvich: turquoise beaches and the surreal peak of Suilven.
- Durness & Smoo Cave: the wild north-west tip.
- Thurso & John o'Groats: the top of the mainland.
- Dunrobin Castle → back to Inverness down the gentler east coast.
Driving tips for the single-track roads
- Large stretches are single-track with passing places. Pull into (or opposite) a passing place to let oncoming traffic and faster vehicles past — it's the law and the etiquette.
- Never park in a passing place.
- Take the Bealach na Bà only if you're confident — otherwise the coastal route to Applecross is beautiful and far easier in a motorhome.
- Watch for sheep and deer, especially at dawn and dusk.
💡 Tip: Fuel stations are sparse in the far north-west and some close early. Fill up whenever you're below half a tank.
Where to stay
There are excellent campsites all around the route — many with hook-up, showers and stunning views. In peak summer (Jul–Aug) book ahead; the NC500 is popular. Use official campsites and aires rather than parking up anywhere, and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code — leave no trace, and don't block passing places or private land.
When to go
May–September is best for weather and long daylight (it barely gets dark in June). Midges appear from late spring through summer, especially on still, damp evenings near water — pack repellent and a head net. May and September are a sweet spot: fewer crowds, fewer midges.
Motorhome essentials for the NC500
- Carry plenty of fresh water and empty waste whenever you can.
- A full gas bottle for the cooler northern nights.
- Layers, waterproofs and walking boots — Highland weather changes fast.
- Offline maps; phone signal is patchy in the north-west.
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