northern scotland travel guide

• Visit 100 Countries
• Visit 500 UNESCO Sites
• Landmarks of the World

Filled with more natural and historical mystique than people, the region is a nature lover’s paradise for those that are willing to travel through its mist, mountains, rocks, and heather. Here you’ll find chambered cairns that are a testament to the skills of prehistoric builders and crag top castles with broken walls that tell the history of the Highlands’ turbulent past. Or you could explore the bigger cities, like Aberdeen, which was fuelled by the riches of North Sea oil and the dozens of whisky distilleries that dot the region.

Adding to the stunning scenery is a warm culture with friendly and engaging people. It is no wonder the northern Scotland region rarely fails to charm its visitors.

Visitors to the region will be welcomed with an array of activities and sights to see from woodland strolls, beachcombing, birdwatching, or sea kayaking – all finished off with an evening of relaxing by the crackling fire of a Highland pub at the end of the day. This region is sure to give you the best look at traditional Scotland and fulfil your dreams of this enchanting land.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a week, or longer, here are eight great places to visit in northern Scotland to experience the best this region has to offer  as recommended by fellow travel bloggers.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our   full disclosure policy here .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

8 great places to visit in northern scotland.

• Isle of Skye
• Drumnadrochit

Places to Visit in Northern Scotland Map

Ullapool is a small picturesque village on the northwest coast of Scotland. It sits in the shores of Loch Broom, surrounded by some of Scotland’s most iconic mountains. The current layout of the original part of the village was designed by Thomas Telford in 1788 at a time when fishing was expanding as the main industry.

Today Ullapool is a popular tourist stop, although it is still renowned for its locally caught seafood. While many use it as a holiday base for exploring the Highlands, others only stop briefly as they make their way around the famous NC500 road route. The village is also home to the ferry port that connects the Scottish Mainland with the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.

Its growth as a tourist destination has led to the creation of many independent galleries, shops and cafes. However, it still retains its historical charm.

MUST DO IN ULLAPOOL:

• Ullapool Museum :  Situated within an old church, the museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the village. For a small admission charge, you can view a number of exhibitions which include social history and the local industries of fishing and agriculture.
• Summer Isles Cruise : Take a boat trip from Ullapool harbour to the nearby Summer Isles. The archipelago consists of around 20 islands, rocks and skerries. The cruise takes you around the main islands and up close to geological features like ‘Cathedral Cave’. It is also possible to spot marine wildlife.
• Ullapool Hill : Starting at Broom Park in the village, this walk takes you up to the summit of Meal Mor. From the height of 270m, you can enjoy panoramic views over Ullapool, Loch Broom and out to the Summer Isles.

Contribution and Photo from Susanne of Adventures Around Scotland

Reviews of Ullapool Museum   |  Reviews of Summer Isles Cruise   |  Reviews of Ullapool Hill

Aberdeen is a city found in the northeast of Scotland and is often referred to as ‘The Granite City’ because of  the grey stone was used to build many of Aberdeen’s historic buildings. 

Aberdeen is a great base for those who like street art, craft beer and coastal views and there are many things to do in Aberdeen .  This walkable city boasts of parks, bars, shops, theatres and museums but the best museum, in my opinion, is on the city walls for all to see.  Look up at the towering murals by Smug, Zacharevic (pictured) and Helen Bur which are all part of the Aberdeen Nuart festival.

Speaking of festivals, Aberdeen has something happening each month from comedy to dance, tech to boats, there’s plenty of reasons to visit throughout the year.  If craft beer is your calling, Aberdeen is home to the flagship Brewdog beer hall, as well as 6 Degrees North and Fierce taprooms.  Dust the cobwebs away with an Aberdeenshire road trip to Slains Castle and Bullers of Buchan.

MUST DO IN ABERDEEN:

• Take a street art tour in the summer :  This is the best way to see the street art murals around the city as you hear the stories behind the spray.
• Visit the Tollbooth Museum : Step back in time to see how prisoners were treated and the types of convictions they served time for. You may be surprised! 
• Old Aberdeen : Wander the cobbled roads and walk among the university buildings and gardens. Contrast the old with the new at Sir Duncan Rice Library.

Contribution and Photo from Gemma of Two Scots Abroad

Reviews of Tollbooth Museum   |  Reviews of Old Aberdeen

Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, a small archipelago located eight miles north of the Scottish mainland. It was first settled about 1000 years ago by Norse adventurers (the Vikings) who named it ‘Kirkjuvagar’ now Kirkwall meaning ‘Church on the bay’.

In the 12th century, the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral was built which is still dominant over the town with its rich stone design. In 1486 the town became a Royal Burgh, but in more recent times Kirkwall and nearby Scapa Flow was a strategic position during World War I and World War II with access to both the North Sea and the North Atlantic.

Today the town is home to about 9,000 people with the influences of the past still strong amongst the traditions of the islands. It has been named the best place to live in Scotland for the last eight years and has Scotland’s ‘Most Beautiful High Street’.

MUST DO IN KIRKWALL:

• St Magnus Cathedral : The cathedral is located in the centre of town and is known as the ‘Light in the North’. It was founded in 1137 by Earl Rognvald a Viking who started it in honour of his uncle, St Magnus, who was martyred in Orkney.
• Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces : The Bishop’s Palace was built at the same time as St Magnus Cathedral and in the 1600’s Patrick Stewart the Earl of Orkney had the new, ornate Earl’s Palace built. Both are now in ruins.
• Orkney Museum : Orkney Museum is tucked away behind a huge wooden door and archway just across from St Magnus Cathedral. It is a treasure trove of everything Orkney from Neolithic finds to Orkney chairs and everything in between.

Contribution and Photo from Suzanne of Meandering Wild

Reviews of St. Magnus Cathedral   |  Reviews of Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces   |  Reviews of Orkney Museum

READ MORE:  Looking for more great places to visit in Scotland? Check out these 8 great places to visit in Southeast Scotland !

ISLE OF SKYE

The Isle of Skye is absolutely breathtaking and should be included in any Scotland itinerary . Located off the west coast of Scotland , the Isle of Skye has some of the most impressive scenery in Scotland just waiting to be explored.  Measuring 50 miles in length, the Isle of Skye is the largest of the Hebrides islands and arguably the most impressive.

You can reach the Isle of Skye from the mainland of Scotland either by car via the Skye Bridge or by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale or Glenelg to Kylerhea. Whether you’re looking for rugged landscapes, picturesque villages, cascading waterfalls or medieval castles , the Isle of Skye has it all.

MUST DO IN ISLE OF SKYE:

• Old Man of Storr :   The ‘Old Man of Storr’ is one of the most photographed places in Scotland, if not the world, and for good reason. Part of the Trotternish Ridge, this spectacular rock formation requires a 45-minute (mostly uphill) hike to reach it but it’s entirely worth it. Walking through these rock pinnacles feels like you’ve been transported to another world. For a truly magical experience, hike up for sunrise where you’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful location for sunrise and experience the Old Man of Storr prior to the hordes of tourists.
• Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls: Kilt Rock is so named due to the basalt columns that give it the pleated appearance of a kilt. At the same viewpoint for Kilt Rock, you will also find Mealt Falls. At approximately 55m in height, this impressive waterfall plunges from the sea cliffs directly onto the beach below, with Kilt Rock as its backdrop.
• Quiraing:  Further north from Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing is another spectacular Scottish icon. A walk through Quiraing leads you amongst some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland and is a photographer’s dream.

Contribution and Photo from Sophie of We Dream of Travel

Reviews of Old Man of Storr   |  Reviews of Kilt Rock |  Reviews of Quiraing

The largest city in the Moray Speyside region, Elgin is home to only 23,000 inhabitants. Dating back to 1190 AD, Elgin is a former “royal burgh” (autonomous municipality). Today, Elgin is one of the jumping-off points to explore the Speyside whiskey region.

Located to the south of the River Lossie, Elgin is a quaint Scottish village that features local shops, narrow streets and is home to one of the oldest museums in the UK, the Elgin Museum. The area is known for some of the most traditional Scottish food including the famous Cullen skink.

MUST DO IN ELGIN:

• Gordon & MacPhail : Producers of Benromach and Gordon & MacPhail whiskies, as well as Red Door Gin, Gordon & MacPhail, have been calling Elgin home since 1895. Guests can tour the Benromach to learn the art of distilling whiskey. But the real must-visit is the Gordon & MacPhail shop. Located in Elgin, the shop is a high-quality delicatessen featuring locally produced meats and cheese as well as other edibles. The highlight of the shop is its Whisky Room, which contains over 1000 different single malt whiskies.
• Avva Scottish Gin and El:Gin : In recent years there has been an increase in gin producers across the Moray Speyside region. In Eglin, two producers, Avva Scottish Gin and El:Gin are worth seeking out either at their distilleries for a quick tour and taste or in one of the pubs and restaurants around the region.
• Johnstons of Elgin : Producers of high-quality cashmere since 1797, Johnstons of Elgin is a must-visit during any trip to Elgin. Visitors can take a free tour of Johnston’s to learn how they transform raw wool into fine cashmere. Afterwards, explore their two-story shop that features a variety of cashmere clothes to purchase.

Contribution and Photo from Amber of Food and Drink Destinations

Reviews of Gordon & MacPhail   |  Reviews of Johnstons of Elgin

DRUMNADROCHIT

Drumnadrochit, or Drum as the locals call it, gets its name from the Gaelic Druim na Drochaid  which means ‘Ridge of the Bridge’. The bridge crosses the river and was the reason why it became a settlement in the 17th century.

It is most famously known as the ‘Capital of Loch Ness’ as it lies on the west bank of this famous stretch of water. It sits on the A82 that links Inverness (25-minute drive) in the east with Fort Augustus in the west.

MUST DO IN DRUMNADROCHIT:

• Nessieland :   Drumnadrochit is a tourist honey pot, especially in the summer, with cafes and souvenir shops selling ‘Nessie’ memorabilia. Nessieland is a fabulous stop if you have young children as they can learn about the famous monster and also use up energy in the Nessie playground!  
• Loch Ness Centre and Experience :   Yes, most things in Drumnadrochit concern the Loch Ness Monster and to learn more, visit the Loch Ness Centre and Experience where, during a walking tour you learn everything about Loch Ness – how it was formed, its geology, sedimentation, and all of the scientific explorations since 1930 that have tried to prove/disprove Nessie’s existence. If the weather is good, you should combine this visit with a boat ride on the Loch.
• Urquhart Castle :   This was one of Scotland’s biggest castles, with a very busy history as it switched between English and Scottish control. Built in the 13th century on the grounds of a medieval fortification, it played an important role during the Wars of Scottish Independence. In 1692 it was partially destroyed to prevent the Jacobites from inhabiting it. Today, it is an Instagrammer’s dream on a sunny day … castle ruins with the expanse of the Great Glen and Loch Ness behind it. You can take guided tours, and children can opt to do one of four Discover Missions while they explore the ruins.

Contribution and Photo from Tracey of Pack The PJs

Reviews of Nessieland   |  Reviews of Loch Ness Centre and Experience   |  Reviews of Urquhart Castle

READ MORE: Looking for more great places to visit in Scotland? Check out these 8 great places to visit in Southwest Scotland ! 

Known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’, the charming city of Inverness is one of the best places to visit in Scotland. Not only is it one of the best stops to make when driving from Edinburgh to the highlands, but it is also situated within a stone’s throw of some of Scotland’s most iconic natural sites and attractions including Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and the Culloden battlefield.

Though many visitors use Inverness as a jumping-off point to explore the surrounding area, the city has a fair amount to offer in and of itself, as well. Often overlooked, Inverness offers a lovely slice of what life is like in a Scottish highland city and is very much worth exploring in its own right.

MUST DO IN INVERNESS:

• Inverness Castle : Though it isn’t as impressive as some of the other castles in Scotland , make sure to take in the Inverness castle, which now functions as the city’s courthouse.
• Ness Islands : You also must make sure to take a stroll along the tranquil River Ness until you reach the Ness Islands, a city park made up of some islands in the river, all connected by footbridges. It is a welcome bit of greenery in the city.
• Hootananny Pub : If you are looking for something fun to occupy yourself in the evening, then head over to the Hootananny Pub, an award-winning establishment known for the nightly traditional Scottish music and it also hosts a weekly ceilidh!

Contribution and Photo from Maggie of The World Was Here First

Reviews of Inverness Castle   |  Reviews of Ness Islands   |  Reviews of Hootananny Pub

Lerwick is the largest town and seaport in the Shetland Islands and also functions as its capital. The Shetland Islands are a small group of islands in the North Sea halfway between Norway and Scotland.

The Shetland Islands have been settled for at least 3,000 years, and there is evidence of habitation in the Lerwick area for that long as well.  Lerwick was founded as a formal settlement in the 17th-century as a seaport providing support to fishermen from the Nordic countries.

The city centre boasts many historic buildings from the 18th-century including the picturesque “Lodberries”, 18th-century warehouses with their foundations in the sea. Lerwick is the commercial centre of the Shetland Islands and is home to approximately 7,000 of the total population of 22,000 living in the Shetland Islands.

MUST DO IN LERWICK:

• Shetland Museum and Archives : With 85,000 visitors a year, the Museum & Archives in Lerwick are a must-see. Learn about the fascinating history of the Shetland Islands with informative displays and interactive exhibits, see how a traditional boat was made, and discover interesting Viking stories.
• “Shetland” TV Series Locations:  Discover the top Shetland location featured in the “Shetland” TV series. Great for fans of the popular TV crime drama, you’ll be able to see some of the best-known locations featured in the series including Jimmy Perez’ home, Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, and Hay’s Dock Café.
• Up Helly Aa :   The most spectacular annual event in Lerwick, this fire festival held in mid-winter is a celebration of Shetland’s Viking history. Likened to a northern version of Mardi Gras and lasting just one day (and all night), this event features squads of heavily disguised men, with the lead squad wearing Viking dress. The evening culminates in the torching of a full-size Viking longship.

Contribution and Photo from Lesley of Freedom 56 Travel

Reviews of Shetland Museum and Archives   

Looking for more information to plan your visit to Scotland? You may find these articles helpful.

8 Great Places to Visit in Southeast Scotland

Weekend guide to edinburgh.

• Beautiful and Historic Castles to Visit in Scotland
• 17 Weekend Breaks in Scotland

MAP OF PLACES TO VISIT IN NORTHERN SCOTLAND

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SCOTLAND

To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites. 

• Want to visit castles in Scotland? Check out   The Complete Illustrated Guide to Castles, Palaces, and Stately House of Britain and Ireland   and you’re sure to find plenty to explore!
• The Most Amazing Royal Places in Britain   brings British heritage to life with hundreds of ideas for days out to discover castles, grand estates, and the secret hideaways of kings and queens.
• For all things Scotland, you can’t go wrong with Rick Steves! Check out his   Scotland travel guide , full episodes of his   TV show , or download his app for excellent   audio tours .

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our   full disclosure policy here . 

RELATED POSTS

Weekend breaks in scotland, 8 great places to visit in southwest scotland, guide to visiting edinburgh castle.

Amazing Islands

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Scotland's Airports

Places to Visit

One Week in Scotland

Best Beaches

Scenic Road Trips

Top Castles to Visit

Glasgow Guide

Dundee Guide

Aberdeen Guide

Fort William Guide

Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands: The Complete Guide

Chris Gorman/Getty Images

The Scottish Highlands belong on every traveler's bucket list, but, in particular, the beautiful region of Scotland is coveted by nature lovers and outdoorsy adventurers. Located in the western and northern areas of Scotland, the Highlands feature unparalleled scenery, from towering mountain ranges to sweeping, green countryside to sparkling lochs. It's the sort of place that feels otherworldly, especially when you leave the beaten path and get into the more remote areas of the Highlands. It can be difficult to decide what to include on a Highlands itinerary, but you really can't go wrong, especially if you give yourself plenty of time to explore.

The Top Destinations in the Scottish Highlands

The Highlands represent a massive area of northern Scotland, including numerous towns, national parks, and wilderness areas. Deciding what to see can be intimating at first, especially when looking at a map, so it's best to narrow your visit down to a few solid destinations. While there are many places to go around the Scottish Highlands, some of the best and most memorable include Cairngorms National Park, Loch Lomond and Glencoe.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is one of the most famous areas in the Highlands, boasting magnificent views you won't forget. The vast area is the largest national park in the U.K. and welcomes both day-trippers and those who hope to spend a few days (or even a week) exploring its lakes, mountains, and natural formations. Camping is particularly popular in Cairngorms and there are numerous campsites, for both tents and camper vans, throughout the park.

Cairngorms National Park isn't just for hiking and camping, either. The park features numerous museums, historic sites, and even castles, all of which should be part of your itinerary. Look for Balmoral Castle, Ballindalloch Castle, and the Highland Folk Museum , which showcases living history.

Scotch lovers shouldn't miss the Glenlivet Distillery , where the distillery showcases whiskey-making and even includes a tasting on its tours (which should be booked in advance).

Isle of Skye

Located off the west coast of Scotland, Isle of Skye is famous for its rugged yet picturesque landscapes and its beautiful coastline. There are numerous villages throughout the island, including Portree and Dunvegan. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye to spot its varied wildlife and enjoy its iconic hikes. Isle of Skye is best visited during the warmer months, when you can better enjoy the hiking trails and beaches.

There's a lot to see and experience on Skye, so it's best to stay at least a few days, whether it's in a holiday home rental or a campsite. Check out the Talisker distillery and Dunvegan Castle and Gardens , which has been the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod for 800 years. Many visitors also opt to take a boat tour around the island, if you'd like to join one look for tours leaving from Elgol or Portree. If you don't have a car or a rental, stay in one of the main areas, like Portree, but the more remote destinations on the island are recommended for a quiet, nature-focused getaway.

Inverness and Loch Ness

The city of Inverness, located in the far north of Scotland, has a sizable airport and a bustling downtown with nice restaurants and shopping areas. The city is also the gateway to Loch Ness, a beautiful destination that has far more to offer than just its mythic monster. Hiking, fishing, cycling, and skiing are all popular activities in the scenic areas around Inverness, but there's also plenty of history, from Inverness Cathedral to Fort George.

To best explore Loch Ness, book a boat cruise. After the cruise pay a visit to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition . Families will also enjoy Nessieland, a small theme park with play areas and attractions based on Nessie herself. Adventurous travelers should rent a bike and ride the Loch Ness 360° Trail , which circles the entirety of Loch Ness.

Fort William and Ben Nevis

Found in the western part of the Scottish Highlands, Fort William is a town best known as the gateway to Ben Nevis, the U.K.’s tallest peak that was once an active volcano, and the Glen Nevis valley. While many visitors will want to come during the summer for hiking and outdoor activities, the mountains also boasts great skiing at Nevis Range during the colder months. There area has numerous hikes, in varying degrees of difficulty, and many people attempt the steep trek to the top of Ben Nevis via one of its two faces.

Fort William itself is a small town with nice bed and breakfasts and holiday cottages, and there are also several surrounding villages to explore. There are also great pubs and seafood restaurants in the area, including the Ben Nevis Inn, located at the base of the mountain's footpath.

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan is a small island in the western highlands where Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh meet, and standing atop the island is the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. It's a place you'll recognize from a lot of movies, including the "The World Is Not Enough" and "Highlander." The historic castle, which dates back to the 13th century, welcomes visitors year-round (although opening hours vary by season). Visitors can also book into the castle's vacation cottages. The castle is located near the village of Dornie, another scenic spot to visit during your journey.

Glencoe, found in the Glencoe valley, is best known for its walking trails and the Glencoe Folk Museum , which showcases 18th-century heritage as well as the history of the Glencoe massacre of 1692. The winter brings skiing and sledding at Glencoe Mountain, while spring and summer invite visitors to bike, go sea kayaking and dip into Lochaber Geopark .

Don't miss Glencoe Lochan, a forested wilderness area north of Glencoe's village, and nearby Loch Leven, where you can follow the Loch Leven Heritage Trail around the lake. Hop a boat or kayak to the uninhabited island of Eilean Munde, the burial place of Glencoe's Macdonald clan, in Loch Leven.

Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond

The famed Loch Lomond can be found in the Trossachs National Park , a vast park known for its amazing views and water sports. Camping is popular in the Trossachs, with wild camping permitted if you want to go more remote. There are also lots of trails for hiking and cycling, and there are six long-distance trails that make their way through the park (each is about 25 miles long and takes several days to complete). Golfing is also popular, with numerous courses available for visitors, including the Buchanan Castle Golf Club and the Aberfoyle Golf Club. At Loch Lomond, look for the Luss Heritage Path, which traverses the countryside as well as the ancient village of Luss.

There are many towns in the Trossachs, many of which lay alongside one of the lochs. Look for St. Fillans, on Loch Earn, and Callander to get a taste of small-town Scottish life. While there is some public transportation around the park, it's best to rent a car or camper van when exploring Trossachs National Park.

Things To Do in the Scottish Highlands

There's a lot to see and do in the Highlands, some of which is dependent on what time of year you visit. Most travelers prefer to tour around the Highlands during the spring, summer, or early fall to take advantage of the nice weather and long hours of daylight. Whether you prefer to explore national parks, uncover historical sites or hang out in the town pub, there's something to do for every type of visitor, including families with kids.

• Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Highlands, particularly in the national parks and around Glencoe. Be sure to look for advice from the local visitor's center on the best trails for your ability level and be mindful of any weather conditions. Scotland also features numerous long-distance walking trails, in case you want to make a several-day trek through the wilderness.
• Camping is another highlight of the area, especially since Scotland allows wild camping (which means you can camp anywhere, as long as you follow the rules of the particular area). Many travelers opt to camp for a few nights or even their entire trip, so make sure you have the right gear and you get any necessary permits ahead of time.
• Golf courses are a dime a dozen in the Highlands and many boast impressive views. Look for famous courses like the Castle Stuart Golf Links and the Dragons Tooth Golf Course.
• Outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, cycling, and rock climbing can be found throughout the Highlands, and many towns have shops offering boat and bike rentals, as well as fishing gear rentals.
• Scotland's history dates back hundreds of years, which is evident in the numerous historical sites and castles around the Highlands. You could make an entire itinerary of just castles, which can be found all over the area, often in remote locations. Do some research in advance to ensure the sites are open during your visit as many involve long drives to access them.
• The Highlands are also known for their whiskey distilleries. Most of the 47 local distilleries welcome visitors, including the area's oldest, Glenturret at Crieff and Balblair at Tain. Those interested in malt whiskey should embark on the Malt Whisky Trail, which features eight distilleries around Speyside.

How To Get There

The Highlands are relatively remote and quite vast, so the best way to visit is via rental car. International travelers can fly into Glasgow or Edinburgh, and rent a car there before traveling north. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Inverness, a smaller airport in the north of Scotland, and then drive to their chosen destination. You can also opt for a camper van to help simplify your travel as wild camping is legal in Scotland.

Those looking for a more scenic route should book a train journey from Glasgow or Edinburgh, both of which are three to five hours away from various Highlands destinations, including Fort William and Aviemore (which offers access to Cairngorms). The journey from Edinburgh to Fort William includes the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and picturesque scenery included in the "Harry Potter" movies as the Hogwarts Express makes its way from London to the wizards' school. Use the Trainline website to find the best route when booking a train. Buses are also available from Glasgow to Fort William or Glencoe.

Weather in Scotland: Climate, Seasons and Average Monthly Temperature

One Week in Scotland: The Perfect Itinerary

The 12 Best Road Trips in Scotland

Top 20 Most Popular UK Cities for International Visitors

The Top 15 Places to Visit in Scotland

Top 8 Things to Do in Fort William, Scotland

The 10 Best Day Trips From Glasgow

Top 10 Great Scenic Drives in Britain

The 16 Most Beautiful Natural Features in the UK

15 Most Amazing Scottish Islands to Visit

Glencoe: Planning Your Trip

The Best Hikes in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park: The Complete Guide

A Guide to Airports in Scotland

Fairy Pools in Scotland: The Complete Guide

The Best Time to Visit Scotland

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Scotland travel update | New tours of the UK!

• Search Suggested Results View All Results
• EUR (€)
• GBP (£)
• Self-Drive i
• Guided Small Groups i
• Privately Guided i
• Multi-Day i
• Scotland & Ireland i
• Scotland, England & Wales i
• Honeymoon i
• Highlands i
• Solo Travel i
• All types & themes
• All Scotland Tours
• Best Sellers
• Special Offers
• Book With Confidence i
• Scotland Travel Update i
• Why book with us i
• Travel Update
• Booking Terms i
• Sustainability Policy i
• Scotland at a Glance i
• Useful Information i
• Scotland Attractions i
• Scotland Blog i
• Scandinavia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Manage Booking
• Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

Northern Highlands

This is the most remote, sparsely populated part of the Scottish mainland, characterised by single-track roads and a starkly beautiful coastline. Here you can drive the renowned North Coast 500 route with its twists and turns, mountainous vistas, haunting ruins and secluded beaches.

Attractions in the Northern Highlands of Scotland

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is perhaps one of the most iconic sites of Scotland. Located on...

Situated just east of Durness, the dramatic and spectacular Smoo Cave can be found...

Dunrobin Castle

With 189 rooms, Dunrobin Castle is the largest in the Northern Highlands. It’s also the...

Nestled on the shores of Loch Broom between rugged mountains, the small fishing village...

North Coast 500

The North Coast 500, or NC500, is one of the most scenic drives in Scotland. In fact,...

Durness is a small village located in the northern Highlands. It is best known for being...

Durness Beach

Visit the charming little town of Durness in the northern Highlands of Scotland and you...

Ardvreck Castle

If you feel a chill here, it might not be from the cold. The ruins of the 15th-century...

Torridon Hills

The Torridon Hills are a mountain range north of Glen Torridon and are considered the...

Rogie Falls

Rogie Falls are a series of waterfalls along the River Blackwater in the Scottish...

Inverewe Garden

Located in Poolewe, this botanical garden was established in 1862 by Osgood Mackenzie....

Corrieshalloch Gorge

The Corrieshalloch Gorge is a 200-foot deep (61 m) gorge created by glacial meltwaters...

Bealach Na Bà

Bealach Na Bà, Scottish Gaelic for “pass of the cattle”, is a scenic route in the...

The small village of Applecross is nestled between the mountains of the northern...

Other regions

Explore other parts of Scotland

Scottish Isles

North eastern scotland, central & southern scotland, inverness & central highlands, northern england.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

We've refreshed our website design so things may look a little different if you've been here before. We'll be making more improvements soon so watch this space.

The Northern Lights viewed from Oban

© VisitScotland / Oban and Lorn Tourism Alliance / Sheila McIntyre

The Ultimate Scotland Itinerary

Venture across Scotland, exploring some of the most popular attractions and locations in this 14 day Ultimate Scotland Itinerary.

From the well-known scenic landscapes, famed attractions, iconic monuments, and breathtaking locations that have made cameo appearances in TV and Films - Scotland is a must-visit destination. Come and uncover the best of Scotland, which will leave you in awe and itching to come back to explore everything else on the map.

• Distance 548 Miles 877 km
• Transport Bus
• Main theme Sightseeing

Day 1 Edinburgh

Where better to start off your journey than in the Scottish capital?  Edinburgh  is one of Scotland's much loved cities and is home to world-renowned summer festivals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as bags of  history  to uncover.

Explore historic monuments, lovely green spaces, top-class dining experiences, fantastic shopping locations and much more in all the nooks and crannies across the city.

Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh - City Centre

Edinburgh Castle in the sunshine

Time your visit just right so you're there to witness the firing of the famous One o'Clock Gun. 

Just walking up the esplanade on approach, you know you're about to step into one of Scotland's most special historic buildings. Take in the views across the city and learn about the dramatic events which have played out between these ancient walls as you explore great halls, royal chambers, monuments and dungeons. To avoid disappointment, make sure to book your tickets far in advance for guaranteed entry.

• On Public Transport Route
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Level Access
• Cafe or Restaurant

Arthur's Seat Edinburgh - City Centre

Salisbury Crags by Arthur's Seat

Why not take a picnic to enjoy whilst you soak up the views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat?

Probably not many city getaways involve climbing an extinct volcano, but we think the more adventurous of you are going to love it, especially on a clear day! Head to Holyrood Park, located near the bottom of the Royal Mile, and take in the best views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat. You'll get incredible panoramas over Edinburgh and beyond, across the Firth of Forth to the majestic Kingdom of Fife.

Calton Hill Edinburgh

Scottish National Monument.

© Kenny Lam, VisitScotland. All rights reserved.

The short walk up Calton Hill is a great place to begin and get your bearings. The whole city can be admired in all directions from the top of this hill, including key landmarks - Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle and the Three Bridges. There are views across the Firth of Forth in one direction and the Pentland Hills in the other. The good news is, it's a really quick wander, so you can have the rest of the day to explore the city.

Day 2 Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway

Journey southwards from Edinburgh to the glorious  Scottish Borders  and picturesque  Dumfries & Galloway . From the rolling hills and moorlands that inspired Sir Walter Scott, to the friendly towns and glorious green countryside of Dumfries & Galloway - there are miles upon miles of  landscapes  in  southern Scotland  to explore.

Melrose Abbey Melrose

Melrose Abbey

We're very lucky to share with you wonderful stories of Scotland's historic past, and Melrose Abbey is no exception. Originally founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, the abbey is believed to be the final resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Although largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385, you can take an audio tour around the site and see its striking architectural details up close. A few significant features to spot include hobgoblins, cooks with ladles and even a bagpipe playing pig. The question is, can you find them all?

Why visit one Borders abbey when you can visit another three, you're on holiday after all! Discover the magnificent ruined abbeys of Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Kelso along  The Borders Abbeys Way . This 103 km walk takes you on a colourful journey through history dating back to the 12th century. Admire the picturesque scenery as you stop off to explore the pretty towns and villages or if you're looking to catch a bite, head to the River Tweed and River Teviot for a bit of morning fishing.

Caerlaverock Castle Glencaple

Caerlaverock Castle

Surrounded by its own moat and built in an unusual triangular shape, kids and adults alike will have a blast exploring the ruins of Caerlaverock Castle. There are multiple levels within the castle to explore as well as a short nature walk through the woods to the site of the old castle.

Day 3 Glasgow

The day starts bright and early as you travel north west to the cultural hub of  Glasgow . Here you can explore a whole host of attractions and gems that capture the true personality of the city.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum Glasgow West End

Exterior of the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Glasgow's trendy West End is home to Kelvingrove, a free museum packed with over 8,000 intriguing objects and artefacts. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of art, from the Dutch Old Masters and the French Impressionists, to perhaps its most famous piece, Christ of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dali.

• Hearing Loop
• Accessible toilets

Riverside Museum and Tall Ship Glasgow City Centre

Riverside Museum

The Riverside Museum is a visual feast - the building itself is one of the most striking modern buildings in Scotland. Inside, the museum houses all kinds of exhibits related to transport. Vehicles, bikes, and locomotives dating from different periods can be found. In addition, you can also explore the Clyde-built Tall Ship, which is berthed alongside the museum.

Day 4 Falkirk

Up next is  Falkirk . Head north east from Glasgow to experience outstanding attractions, modern wonders, and historical treasures, as well as great shopping centres, award-winning boutiques,  restaurants  and more. Nearby, don't miss The Kelpies , the largest pair of equine sculptures in the world.

The Falkirk Wheel Falkirk

The Falkirk Wheel

The Forth & Clyde and Union canals are linked together by The Falkirk Wheel, an impressive piece of engineering, which opened in 2002. Learn about and ride a canal boat on the world’s only rotating boat lift and enjoy activities by the canal, such as cycling, walking, canoeing, segway rides and playing in the water park. You can hire canoes, bikes and electric boats, so there’s no excuse for not taking to the water! Here you’ll also find a walk to see the remains of the Antonine Wall, which was created from earthen mounds in Roman times.

• Pets Welcome

Stirling Castle Stirling

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. Meticulously restored, today you can meet costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who will bring the world of Scotland's 16th century court to life.

Day 5 Stirling

Stay in the area a while longer and explore the gems of  Stirling . It's a wee city with a big history, fascinating attractions and spectacular scenery to enjoy. Don't forget to explore the many places to shop, eat and drink as well as experience lively events throughout the year.

National Wallace Monument Stirling

The National Wallace Monument

An outstanding landmark and one of Stirling’s most striking visits - commemorating the life of Sir William Wallace.

Bannockburn Stirling

Robert the Bruce Statue at the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre

The Battle of Bannockburn changed Scotland's history forever in 1314. Scotland's great warrior king, Robert the Bruce, led Scotland to victory against King Edward II and the English army. The visitor experience puts you at the heart of the action with cutting-edge 3D technology.

Day 6 Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

This extraordinary national park is home to wild scenery, thrilling history and superb local  food and drink .  Loch Lomond  is one of our most beautiful and iconic locations that has inspired love songs, as well as tales and stories throughout the years. At the heart of the park you can find Loch Lomond itself.

Did you know, the park is home to 21 Munros, 19 Corbetts and 22 large lochs?

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Loch Katrine

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is a hiker's paradise, with stunning vistas in every direction. Lace up your boots and explore the  Luss Heritage Trail , a lovely short walk around a quaint loch-side village. Or, why not spend another day here and challenge yourself to something a little more strenuous? The most southerly Munro  Ben Lomond ,  Ben A'an , and  The Cobbler  are all rewarding climbs nearby.

Inveraray Castle Inveraray

A view of the Castle from the South-West.

Feel like you're in a fairytale and visit one of Scotland's most romantic castles. Visitors will be able to view historic pieces of armoury, a fine collection of china, silver, tapestries and much more. If you fancy staying longer, the expansive estate offers first-class holiday accommodation to help you get a good night's rest.

Day 7 Fort William

Start your day bright and early with a scenic journey northwards to  Fort William . Here you can conquer  Munros , taste some of the finest Scotch  whisky , enjoy loch-side wanders, take a trip aboard the steam train that took Harry Potter to Hogwarts and much more.

Ben Nevis Fort William

The River Lochy with Ben Nevis

You’ve arrived at Fort William, part of the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, so it’s time to get active! Keen hillwalkers will relish the challenge of scaling Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland, which stands at 4,406 ft (1,343 m). Make sure to visit  Walk Highlands  for detailed maps, difficulty levels and walking advice before you climb.

Day 8 Glenfinnan

From Fort William, make your way along to  Glenfinnan  at the head of Loch Shiel to see stunning scenery and experience the magical atmosphere for yourself. Here you can see the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct up close, which also transports the famous  Jacobite Steam Train  from Fort William to Mallaig. Glenfinnan has also been the scenic backdrop for many scenes in the famous  Harry Potter  films and you can even hop aboard the real Hogwarts Express that was used in the films for an atmospheric journey across the viaduct.

Glenfinnan Monument Glenfinnan

Glenfinnan Monument & Visitor Centre

While you’re here, make sure to snap some pictures of the nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct – it’s a famous filming location from the  Harry Potter  movies.

Stretch your legs and breathe in fresh Highland air as you visit the Glenfinnan Monument on the banks of Loch Shiel. Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite flag here in August 1745 (beginning the final Jacobite Rising), after arriving on the mainland from the  Outer Hebrides .

Climb the monument for views out across Loch Shiel and pop into the visitor centre to learn more about the 1745 Rising.

Day 9 Loch Ness

Shrouded in mystery, myths and legends,  Loch Ness  is home to the famed creature that is the Loch Ness Monster. The loch is the UK's largest body of water and is around 700 ft. deep, so finding Nessie herself may take a while. Loch Ness is the perfect place for quiet, scenic walks, afternoon picnics and taking in the natural beauty around you.

Urquhart Castle Loch Ness

Urquhart Castle viewed from Loch Ness

St Columba is said to have worked miracles here in the sixth century.

The magnificent Urquhart Castle is located on the banks of the famous Loch Ness. Stand and soak in a thousand years of history - it has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in Scotland's past where clan rivalries saw bloody raids carried out in the 15th and 16th centuries. You might even witness a historic event yourself, should you spot the elusive Nessie, Loch Ness's most famous resident.

The Loch Ness Centre Drumnadrochit

View of Loch Ness from Urquhart Castle

In Drumnadrochit, find out more about the legends of Nessie, all the sightings - real or not - and find out where the stories and tales stemmed from all those years ago, at the Loch Ness Centre.

Stay in one of the local cottages, B&Bs or hostels and complete your stay by enjoying some delicious local food, and even try a dram or pint of some traditional Scottish drinks.

Day 10 Sutherland

It's an early start as you set off to Sutherland, near Lairg, for spectacular, sweeping landscapes, fantastic attractions, stunning  gardens , scenic views, and traditional Scottish  wildlife  in every corner. 

Dunrobin Castle Golspie

Dunrobin Castle

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, and was home to the Earls and, later, the Dukes of Sutherland. 

The magnificent Dunrobin Castle is the largest house in the Highlands. Crowned with a myriad of fairytale towers and turrets, Dunrobin is unique for resembling a vast French château rather than the baronial stronghold typical of the Highlands. It has a whopping 189 rooms, making it one of the biggest homes in the country. In fact, it's one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, and was home to the Earls and, later, the Dukes of Sutherland. 

Its lavishly furnished interior, sprawling formal gardens, and grounds which stretch as far as the sea, are nothing short of breathtaking. It's even said to have a ghost...

Aviemore Aviemore

Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel

© Hostelling Scotland

Spend time in the picturesque town of Aviemore set in the north west corner of the park. Surrounded by spellbinding scenery, it makes an excellent base for exploring the park and offers easy access to an incredible range of outdoor activities. Nearby is the  Highland Wildlife Park  where you can get tantalisingly close to Scotland’s rarest indigenous species including the Scottish wildcat and elusive capercaillie. 

Day 11 Cairngorms National Park

The  Cairngorms National Park  is a haven for wildlife, dense woodland, picturesque lochs and miles upon miles of forest trails to explore. Twice the size of the Lake District, this national park has more mountains, forest paths, rivers, lochs, wildlife hotspots, friendly villages, and distilleries than you can possibly imagine.

Did you know that the Cairngorms is where the majority of Scotland's wildcats call home? So make sure you keep your eyes peeled!

Day 12 Aberdeen

Aberdeen  is shrouded in fascinating history, boasts streets lined with astounding architecture, all while featuring a picturesque coastline and harbour. Explore rolling hills, open farmland and towering mountains in the splendour of  Aberdeenshire .

Balmoral Castle Ballater

Balmoral Castle

You'll recognise this iconic castle which featured in the Oscar-winning film  The Queen , a 2006 portrayal of HM The Queen, Elizabeth II.

Royal Deeside is home to the famous Balmoral Castle, a firm favourite with the Royal Family. The estate has been in the family since 1848, after it was purchased by Queen Victoria. Enjoy a stroll around castle gardens, visit the ballroom and special exhibitions or relax with a drink in the coffee and gift shop.

Day 13 Perth

Head south to the wonderful city of  Perth . Here you can explore fabulous city gems, glorious parks and green spaces, historically-significant attractions and much more, all with bustling markets and quirky shops to browse too.

Scone Palace Perth

Scone Palace, Scottish Visitor Attraction, Historic House, Palace, Castle

© Scone Palace

Scone Palace was the crowning place of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were once crowned.

Scone breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland. It is the family home of the Earls of Mansfield and the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings on the stone of Scone. See where the Stone of Scone, known as the Stone of Destiny, once stood at Moot Hill. It now resides at the new Perth Museum .

Day 14 Dundee & Fife

The east of Scotland is a gem in itself, featuring picturesque coastline trails, world-renowned city hotspots, scenic hills and glens to explore and much more. Get ready to uncover the unique city of  Dundee  and the glorious region of  Fife  in the final stop of your tour.

RRS Discovery Dundee City

Purple sunset over Discovery Point and RRS Discovery in Dundee. Reflection of RRS Discovery on the water.

Hop on board the ship which has travelled to the ends of the earth and back! Captain Scott and his hardy crew reached the then undiscovered polar region of Antarctica in the early 1900s in one of the most significant expeditions to have ever been undertaken. Wander through the ship, see objects that belonged to Scott and his men, and discover their brave tales of seafaring and difficulties in the Antarctic. At this family attraction, there's plenty of engaging things to see and do that kids will really enjoy.

St Andrews Cathedral St Andrews

St Andrews Cathedral

A ‘must-see’ for any visitor, explore the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, which was once the largest church in Scotland. The cathedral’s museum houses an outstanding collection of medieval sculptures and relics which were found on the site. Make sure to climb St Rule’s Tower, which dates from the 12th century, to see amazing views across St Andrews and Fife.

Find experiences

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Other things you might like

Scotland trip itineraries

Whisky and the West Coast: 7 Day Sailing Itinerary

Off The Beaten Track In Scotland

The Best Tours of Scotland - Luxury & Scenic Tours

Golf breaks in Scotland

Places to Go

Holiday Ideas for Scotland

Top tourist attractions & places to visit in Scotland

9 of Scotland's Most Inspiring Spots  

Scottish Islands & Island Hopping

Matador Original Series

The spots you actually need to see in the scottish northern highlands.

T he well-trodden western coast of the northern Scottish Highlands is a common road trip destination for visitors to the United Kingdom . But to escape the crowds flocking to the Isle of Skye , head to the east and north, where far fewer visitors venture and you can actually enjoy a bit of peace and quiet at the top of Britain. These five spots along the North Coast 500 route will make for an unforgettable road trip, that can be easily extended even further west should you want to continue the journey. You may even have the winding roads to yourself along the way, except for the occasional flock of sheep crossing the road.

The fairytale castle of Dunrobin

Photo: Dunrobin Castle

The 189 rooms of Dunrobin Castle make it the largest in the Northern Highlands. The oldest parts of the buildings date back to the 13th century, and in its history, the castle has served multiple purposes, including its original role as a summer home for William, Earl of Sutherland, and more modern purposes that include as a boys’ school and a naval hospital during World War I. The tall and narrow spires, built in the style of the French châteaus, will make you feel like you’re visiting a place of childhood fairytales. This is furthered as you walk through the lavishly decorated rooms and into the castle gardens that were inspired by the ones in Versailles. The entire setting is historic, but its most significant wares are housed in the on-site Victorian Museum, including its collection of Pictish symbol stones and mounted animals. The room is set in the style of the early 1900s, so not only will you learn about Scottish history, you’ll actually feel it. Admission is 12 British pounds, and the castle is open from April through October.

Where: Golspie KW10 6SF, Golspie, UK

Spooky ruins by the sea

Photo: Benny Marty /Shutterstock

After Dunrobin Castle, it’s time to spend some time outdoors. Drive up north for a different kind of castle visit, the ruins of Sinclair Girnigoe . Although there’s no shortage of castle ruins in the Highlands, Sinclair Girnigoe is significant for its remote location on a cliff’s edge. Leave your car in the nearby field and walk the narrow path to the coast, where you can admire the rugged rocks and majestic waves as you wander through the remains. Far less is known about the history of this castle than of Dunrobin other than that two castles have occupied the area and they were attacked by cannon fire around the year 1680, so read the plaques posted around the site and add in a bit of personal speculation. This is a free attraction, though you’ll have to walk about half a mile from the car park. Sinclair Girnigoe doesn’t have the museum or the tea room of Dunrobin, though, so bring your own water bottle and anything else you’ll need for the walk in a backpack. The ruins are open to visitors from May through September.

Where: Wick KW1 4QT, UK

Seabirds and flat whites in John O’ Groats

Photo: travellight /Shutterstock

Most travelers going to the Northern Highlands stop in John O’ Groats, as it’s popular for being the northernmost point of the mainland. In truth, you can get further north about 11 miles to the west in Dunnet Head. Nevertheless, John O’ Groats is worth a visit, as it is the departing point for ferries to the Orkney Islands as well as shorter tours, including a popular wildlife cruise . In about an hour and a half, you’ll see seabirds and, with a bit of luck, maybe even dolphins and whales. In the port, you’ll also find what may be the only joint serving flat whites and buddha bowls in the Northern Highlands, as Scottish food tends to be quite heavy. Stacks Coffee House and Bistro claims to be the northernmost mainland restaurant in the UK and could be your only shot at locally sourced vegetarian dishes anywhere in the area. Even if you don’t want to eat, its coffee is a solid way to warm up for your ferry ride.

Where: Unit 3, Craft Centre, John O Groats, Wick, Highland, UK

The northernmost point of the Scottish mainland

Photo: rphstock /Shutterstock

Admiring the views from the cliffs of Dunnet Head will make you feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world. The views are especially impressive in the evening, just as the sun starts to set. Catch the last rays of the setting sun on Dunnet Beach, just a 15-minute drive away. A narrow path through the sand dunes will lead you to a beautiful secluded beach, and unlike more well-known sunrise spots like Bali’s Mount Batur , you’ll be able to enjoy the setting in quiet solitude. While you’re there, check out the iconic white lighthouse and take a photo looking back toward the south — Edinburgh and Glasgow are way down there, nearly six hours away.

Mountain views in Tongue

Photo: Tomas Wolfschlager /Shutterstock

A version of this article was previously published on July 15, 2019, and was updated on March 2, 2022.

More like this

Discover matador, adventure travel, train travel, national parks, beaches and islands, ski and snow.

We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners.

For more information read our privacy policy .

Matador's Newsletter

Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more!

You've been signed up!

Follow us on social media.

Savvy Travel Advice

Comprehensive North Coast 500 Road Trip Planning Guide

Last updated: May 29, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 179 Comments

The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile scenic route along Scotland’s northern coast that begins and ends in the city of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. We’ve put together this comprehensive North Coast 500 guide to help you plan the perfect North Coast 500 road trip in Scotland.

The NC500 route offers visitors the opportunity to see rugged landscapes, frolic on sandy beaches, spot wildlife, visit museums and heritage sites, stay in castles, sip whisky, sample the local produce, and get to know the people who live there. The route was designed to encourage more visitors to visit this sparsely populated region of Scotland and it has been very successful.

Laurence and I have driven the full route several times and we have put together this guide to help others who are planning their own North Coast 500 road trip. We’ll explain the North Coast 500 route, what you can expect to see, the best time of year to plan a road trip, how many days you need to drive the NC500, suggestions on where to stay and eat along the route, what to pack, and tons of other tips and advice on driving the North Coast 500.

Table of Contents:

North Coast 500 Road Trip Planning Guide

Planning a North Coast 500 road trip can be a bit overwhelming as it is a relatively new route and there isn’t as much information available online or in guidebooks compared to other top road trips around the world. But not to worry, we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to plan your NC500 road trip.

In this first section we’ll try to answer the most common questions such as: what is the route, how many days do you need to drive the North Coast 500, when is the best time of year to drive the route, where should I stay along the NC500, how far ahead to starting booking, and other common questions.

Then the second section will explain how to find and stay on the North Coast 500, provide driving safety tips, list local car and campervan rental agencies , and discuss guided tour options. The last section provides packing tips and a list of supplies you may need for your NC500 road trip. So let’s get started!

What is the North Coast 500 Route?

The North Coast 500 (NC500) was created in 2014 by the North Highland Initiative , which is a non-profit organization that was established by Prince Charles in 2005 in an effort to develop economic growth across the North Highlands. Following its creation, private investment was raised and the route is promoted by a for-profit corporation called North Coast 500 Ltd. The company provides a number of resources for both visitors and local businesses.

The NC500 is not an actual single road or highway like Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway , but is a series of existing roads that form a loop around the northern Highlands.

The route is just over 500 miles and mainly hugs the northern coast of Scotland, hence the name. It was designed to showcase the natural beauty and local businesses in this part of Scotland which has previously received a relatively low level of tourism. It has become a major tourism success in Scotland with tens of thousands of people having already driven the route.

The North Coast 500 route runs 516 miles to and from Inverness, forming a loop around the northern Highlands. So if you drive the full route, you’ll end up where you started which can be very convenient if you are flying in and out of Inverness or renting a car.

However, you can of course start and end your drive wherever you please. The route runs through a number of loosely defined areas or historical counties in northern Scotland including Inverness-shire , the Black Isle , Wester Ross , Easter Ross , Sutherland , and Caithness .

What Will I See Along the North Coast 500 route?

The North Coast 500 route follows the main roads across the coastal edges of the North Highlands. The largest city (by far) is Inverness with a population of close to 50,000 people and the next biggest places are towns and villages like Ullapool, Durness, Dornoch, Wick, Thurso, and Lochinver which each have a population of under 2,000 people! So expect to spend time in lots of small villages and rural areas.

The highlights of the route for many people are the scenic views along the coast and the feeling of “being away” from it all for a while. Scenery includes rugged coastline, beaches, rural farmland, marshland, rivers, forest, lochs, and munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 ft high). You’ll also have the opportunity to see local wildlife such as deer, squirrels, pine martens, birds of prey, seabirds, and sea mammals such as dolphins, whales and seals.

Of course there are also loads of sheep and the iconic Highland coos which you’ll spot in the fields. In addition to nature and wildlife, there are loads of things to see and do along the route which include hiking, golfing, castles, heritage sites, prehistoric sites, a geological park, museums, beaches, whisky distilleries , and much more.

You can also sample the local food of the Scottish Highlands and stay in unique lodging from simple B&B’s and inns to grand family country homes to luxurious castles. If you want to know more about specific places to see and visit, you can check out Laurence’s post about some of the highlights of the North Coast 500 and our detailed North Coast 500 itinerary .

Is the North Coast 500 similar to Route 66?

The North Coast 500 is often called “Scotland’s version of Route 66”, especially by mainstream media. In some ways they are similar in that they are great routes for a road trip and both offer some great scenery and attractions along the way.

We have driven Route 66 , and we can say that there are a lot of differences between a historic route that spans over 2,400 miles and crosses 8 U.S. states and the North Coast 500. The NC500 is a mainly coastal route that goes through small villages and rural areas in a sparsely populated area of northern Scotland.

If you’ve driven Route 66, don’t expect the vastly varied landscapes, the range of small towns to big cities, quirky roadside attractions, or historic diners of Route 66. It is probably more similar to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way but every route has its own unique personality and charm!

Drive Route 66 for American roadside culture and drive NC500 for Scottish Highlands culture, historical sites, and scenic coastal views.

When is the Best Time of Year to Travel the North Coast 500?

The best time to drive the North Coast 500 for most people is between May and October as during this period you’ll find most attractions and restaurants open, the greatest variety of lodging, and the best chances for warmer weather. However, this also corresponds with the busiest time along the North Coast 500 which is from early May to late September.

If you are looking to drive the route during a quieter time of year, I’d consider April, early May, late September, or October, avoiding holidays, festivals, special events, and school breaks.

Winter can be a nice time for photography and solitude, although the weather can be bad and certain minor roads (e.g. the Bealach Na Ba) may be closed due to bad weather. If you plan to drive the NC500 out of season (e.g., October to March) just note that many businesses (including hotels, restaurants, tourist information offices, and attractions) in the Scottish Highlands are seasonal or have reduced winter hours.

Obviously, the best time to drive the North Coast 500 is the time you have available, and if you need to set out at a less than opportune time of the year, just be prepared and be flexible.

If you are trying to plan your trip around Scottish weather, weather conditions are fickle in Scotland and we experience rain, clouds, and chilly weather year round (that is what keeps Scotland green!). However, we also get these bursts of sunshine and warm weather than can occur any time of the year with probably May and September being two of the better months in our experience thus far.

Our first time along the NC500 we were lucky in August with a few days of sunny warm weather. Out of an 8 day NC500 trip in May, we had 2 particularly rainy bad weather days, 3 mixed days (rain part of day, sunny part of day), and 3 nice weather days.

During our 12 day winter trip in February most days were mixed (rain/light snow/clouds/some sun) and it rained at least a little on almost every day of the trip. During that time we had 2 bad days (snowed all day, roads uncleared, stayed inside) and 1 especially nice and sunny day.

Just come prepared for the weather and don’t let it stop you from enjoying your trip!

How Many Days Does it Take to Drive the North Coast 500?

This really depends on how much you want to see, how much you want to drive each day, and how many detours you plan to make. You could speed along the entire 500 miles in less than 24 hours if you don’t mind not sleeping or seeing anything along the way!

But the North Coast 500 is designed for touring, sightseeing, and taking things slowly. The minimum number of days we’d recommend to drive the North Coast 500 is 5 days, but 7 to 10 days would be ideal. If you plan to speed around, you could do it with 3 full days and night, but we’d recommend more time.

If you really want to explore the route slowly, relax, and maybe take some detours (e.g., visits to Loch Ness, Orkney Islands, Summer Isles, Isle of Skye), I’d recommend 2 weeks. For those with more time, you could easily fill up a few weeks and not run out of things to do, especially if you love hiking, nature, and historical sites.

I Don’t Have Time for the Full Route, What Section Should I Drive?

If you only have a 2 or 3 days, you can still get a taste of some of the things that the North Coast 500 has to offer without speeding along the entire route. I would focus on either a section of the route or focus on a special interest or theme (e.g., castles, historical sites, beaches, distilleries). For more reasons to drive the NC500 and themes read this article .

Below is but a short list of suggestions:

Castles:  There are a number of castles along the route, ranging from crumbled ruins to the former home of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother to picturesque Disney-like castles.

Some that you might want to consider visiting along or near the route (all open to the public, although some have seasonal hours) are Cawdor Castle , Dunrobin Castle , Castle Sinclair Girnigoe ruins, and the Castle of Mey which all lay along the eastern part of the route between Inverness and the small village of Mey.

You can enhance your stay by staying at a castle hotel such as Kincraig Castle Hotel , Tulloch Castle Hotel , or Dornoch Castle Hotel which are all also along the eastern part of the route.

For more on castle hotels along the route, you can see our North Coast 500 accommodation guide which has over 25 recommended places to stay along the route, from castle hotels to B&B’s and guesthouses.

Distilleries and Breweries. Scotland is well-known for its whisky and just about every visitor to Scotland wants to try at least a dram or two of whisky during his or her trip. But Scotland also has a growing craft beer industry and gin scene and you’ll find a bit of everything along the North Coast 500.

Whisky distilleries are more prevalent along the eastern part of the route between Inverness and Dunnet and include Glen Ord Distillery , Glenmorangie Distillery , Clynelish Distillery , Dalmore Distillery , and Old Pulteney Distillery . For non-whisky stops, consider Black Isle Brewery and Dunnet Bay Distillery (best known for its gin and vodkas). Most distilleries give public tours and tastings, but some you’ll need to book in advance. We expect more will continue to pop up as the tourism increases in this area.

For more on whisky, see our comprehensive guide to whisky distilleries in Scotland , which has everything you need to know. We also have a guide to whisky distilleries on the North Coast 500 specifically.

Wildlife:  Those interested in Scottish wildlife should be able to find some spots of interest. For those interested in sea mammals or seabirds I’d recommend the section between Inverness and Thurso. Chanonry Point (one of the most popular spots), North Kessock, Fort George, and Spey Bay are popular places near Inverness to spot bottlenose dolphins as well as potentially seals, porpoises, and whales. The Scottish Dolphin Center  at Spey Bay is a great place to stop for more information on dolphins and other area wildlife.

For whale watching, we were told that Duncansby Head, Dunnet Bay, and Strathy Point are popular spots for whale watchers as well as for dolphins, porpoises, and other sea animals. There are wildlife boat tours you can do in the Caithness area for a better chance to see the wildlife. The Orkney Islands (can be reached by ferry from John O’ Groats) is also a great place for wildlife, including sea mammals, voles, and sea birds.

For birdlovers, I’d highly recommend checking out the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) website for information, and I’d also consider contacting them before your trip or visiting one of their centers for local information to find the best spots depending on the kind of birds you are most interested in (e.g., birds of prey, seabirds, waders).

The RSPB has several reserves around or near the NC500 that help protect the local wildlife. For seabird lovers, there are several spots along the route but I’d highly recommend the Dunnet Head Nature Reserve which is home to a number of species, depending on the season, including cormorants, puffins, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars.

Deer lovers can spot red deer throughout the Scottish Highlands and the best time to see them is early in the morning in the fields away from villages. We saw loads of them, especially along the western and southern parts of the route. If you want to get really upclose to a large herd of deer, we can recommend a guided tour with gamekeeper Colin at Reraig Forest near Lochcarron.

Laurence personally favors the western side for landscape photography, but we found great photography spot throughout the route. Here is a guide to some of the photography highlights of the North Coast 500 .

Heritage Sites, History, Geology, Culture, & Museums:  Pictish stones, local history and heritage museums, cairns, crofts abandoned during the Highland Clearances, important geological and archaeological sites, churches, castles, old battlefields, and more can be discovered along the North Coast 500. If you have an interest in one (or all!) of these areas, I’d do a little research on sites of interest and plan your itinerary accordingly.

You’ll find interesting cultural and historical sites throughout the route, although you’ll find a higher concentration along the eastern coast between Inverness and Thurso as it is (and probably always has been) a more populated area than the north and west coasts.

There are a lot of great sites, depending on your interests, in and around Inverness such as Inverness Museum & Art Gallery ,  Fort George , Clava Cairns , Cawdor Castle , Culloden Battlefield , and Urquhart Castle . Heading north from Inverness, there are places like Beauly Priory , Hugh Miller’s birthplace , Groam House Museum , Tarbat Discovery Centre , Dunrobin Castle , Timespan Heritage & Art Centre , North Coast Visitor Centre (formerly Caithness Horizons Museum & Art Gallery), and tons of small relatively unknown sites like the Bronze Age stones at Hill o’ Many Stanes .

If your interests lie in historical sites (churches, museums, prehistoric sites, old homes), I’d highly recommend checking out the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland websites, as both manage many of Scotland’s historical sites.

To save money, I’d also take a look at the  Historic Scotland Explorer Pass  (includes entry into over 70 sites such as Urquhart Castle, Fort George & Edinburgh Castle) and/or the Scottish Heritage Pass (valid April to October, includes over 120 sites including Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Brodie Castle, Hugh Miller’s Birthplace, and Edinburgh Castle). These passes may save you money if you are planning to visit a lot of historical properties during your trip.

For those interested in geology, I’d recommend heading to the North West Highlands GeoPark which covers a large section of the northwestern part of the route and includes sites such as Smoo Cave, Knockan Crag, and The Bone Caves near Inchnadamph. This is an internationally significant geological site that has been recognized by UNESCO, so is a must-see for any rock hound (and recommended for anyone driving the NC500!).

Coastline & Beaches:  The route has coastline (and several beaches) along its western, northern, and eastern sections. Our favorite coastline in terms of views is probably the rugged western and northern sections. Our favorite beaches are around the northwest between Melvich and Sandwood Bay in the northwest, and then around Achmelvich Bay.

Melvich Beach, Durness Beach, Balnakeil Beach, Sandwood Beach, and Achmelvich Beach are a few of our favorites in the northwest. Closer to Inverness, you can also find some nice little local beach spots around Nairn, the Black Isle, Potmahomack, Dornoch, and Embo. There are lots of seldom visited sandy spots along the route, and you can discover your own spots by just asking a local villager.

Just note that the water is always cold, even in the summer so bring a drysuit or wetsuit if you want to spend some time in the water! Many Scottish beaches have limited or no facilities so be sure to bring anything you may need.

Golfing.  Scotland is the home of golf and attracts golfers from around the world who want to play some of Scotland’s best known courses. For golfers, I’d recommend driving the route between Inverness and Dornoch, and also detouring a bit from the NC500 to the Nairn area.

There are over 10 golf courses in this area but a few golf courses to consider are the Inverness Golf Club in Inverness, The Nairn Golf Club  in Nairn, Nairn Dunbar Golf Club in Nairn, Castle Stuart Golf Links near Nairn, Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club  in Fortrose,  Invergordon Golf Club in Invergordon, and the  Royal Links Championship Course & Struie Course in Dornoch.

Least Crowded Areas. I’d probably head to the northwest section for the most wild and least crowded area. I’d also consider going to spots just off the route, such as Nairn and the Black Isle, spots along the minor roads of the interior like Lairg, a visit to the Summer Isles, and harder to reach spots that require some hiking such as Sandwood Bay or one of the munros.

The most crowded sections are probably around Inverness, the Inverness to Thurso section, around Ullapool, and the Bealach Na Ba road near Applecross. Of course, if you drive the route between November and March, you’ll find few visitors along the entire route except for during holidays and special events.

Best Stops for Families with Children along the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500 can be a fun trip for families. We’ve had several readers ask us if the North Coast 500 is appropriate for younger children and what stops we’d recommend for kids.

We haven’t traveled the route with kids, but we definitely think it doable and can make for a nice holiday for children of any age. I think you just need to do a bit more planning to make sure you allow more time for breaks and plan visits to places the kids will enjoy.

For those with younger kids, you might consider camping as a family (lots of campsites along the route for tent camping and motorhomes), planning picnics, or staying in self-catering accommodation. Not only can this save you money, but they are also great ways to accommodate picky eaters or early dinner times.

Crime rates in this region are low, so the main dangers to kids are cars and natural ones. Many of the scenic sites along the North Coast 500 don’t have any fences or safeguards and most beaches have no lifeguards, so always keep little ones in sight.

Here is our list of some children-friendly places that you might want to include in your list:

• Beaches & Pools – There are dozens of beaches along the North Coast 500 and they are great places to stop and let the kids explore and let out some energy. The water is often too cold for much swimming, so I’d consider bringing wetsuits or drysuits if the kids want to spend a lot of time in the water. Remember there are no lifeguards at most beaches. There are also a number of public swimming pools along the route as well if the kids prefer indoor swimming.
• Playgrounds – Many of the towns along the NC500 have community playgrounds and if you are camping, some of the campsites also have playground areas. There are also woodland playgrounds such as the ones in Evanton Woods (about a 10 minute walk from the free town parking area in Evanton) and Ben Wyvis Natural Playground near Garve.
• Guided Activities – There are many opportunities to book some fun activities and tours along the route. Examples include wildlife boat trips with EcoVentures , Caithness Sea Coast , or Hebridean Whale Cruises , ziplining with Golden Eagle Zip Line , geology walks (kids 10+ only) with Deep Time , fishing with Assynt Fly Fishing , loch canoeing or kayaking with Kayak Summer Isles , pony trekking with the Gairloch Pony Trekking Centre , and deer spotting and ATV trip at Reraig Forest . Note many of the above activities have age limits and most require advanced booking.
• Camping – Camping can be a fun family activity and allows you to prepare some of your own meals along the route. There are a number of campsites along the NC500 and most are very family-friendly.
• Short hikes – There are hiking trails all over the North Coast 500 and you’ll likely find many suitable for your kids. If you have babies or infants that need to be pushed in strollers, look for all-ability paths which are suitable for wheelchairs as they also work for prams.
• Robertson’s Farm Shop – In addition to being a farm shop, in the summer kids can go visit the farm animals and pet some of them (small fee). There are Highland coos, goats, sheep, etc. You can also pick up goodies from the farm shop to have a picnic later in the day.
• Dunrobin Castle – This might be a bit expensive for taking really young kids if they are not that interested in the interior, but there is also a beautiful garden here and the falconry display (usually once or twice a day in summer, check times in advance) is also often appealing to kids.
• There are many archaeological sites that are not far from a parking area and are easy to visit. For example, Càrn Liath (an Iron Age broch) is a short walk from the parking area. It is just a short drive past Dunrobin Castle. Free to visit.
• Loch Fleet – This national reserve is a nice spot and there are plenty of walking trails, many flat and easy. Good chance for spotting birds. The Skelbo Forest Walk is an easy and mostly shaded option and there are some woodcarved animals along the walk.
• Castle of Mey – Former home of the Queen Mother (Queen Elizabeth) and it has a farm animal petting/viewing area that might appeal to kids even if the castle doesn’t.
• Smoo Cave – An impressive cave. It is free to see the exterior. You can also join a seasonal tour to visit more of the inside of the cave that includes a geological tour on foot and a raft ride to reach the inner chambers. Tour requires appropriate footwear.
• Cocoa Mountain – Located in Dornoch, this is a popular stop for hot cocoa for both kids and adults.
• Rock Stop (has a small interactive indoor exhibition plus cafe) at Unapool and Knockan Crag stop (outdoors) are both good places to teach the kids a bit about the North West Highlands Geo Park and the amazing local geology.
• Achmelvich Beach – This is a really pretty beach and fairly protected by the bay so a good beach for families.
• Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve –  At this nature reserve, kids have the chance to walk across a “scary” suspension bridge and there is also hiking trails. Just be careful to keep hold of young children.
• Interewe Gardens – Large gardens run by the National Trust for Scotland that include tropical plants, California redwoods, native plants, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Lots of walking paths and a cafe. There is a special family entrance price.

The above are just some suggestions, and there are many more places your kids are sure to love. With a bit of imagination, we think just about any stop, whether it be a historical site, museum, beach, or archaeological site, can be fun for kids.

You can see more about these places and a list of all the main sites around the North Coast 500 when reading our day-by-day NC500 itinerary .

Is the North Coast 500 Dog Friendly?

Many travelers, especially those who live in the UK, want to do the North Coast 500 with a dog. It is definitely a place that you can bring your dog, but a dog will limit some of the places you can visit or stay. Here are some tips for traveling the North Coast 500 with pets and how to find dog-friendly lodging.

If you are traveling from outside the UK you will need to make sure you check the laws and guidelines (papers, vaccinations, quarantine) for bringing a dog into the UK as it differs depending on the country of origin. You can find out more about that here .

When dogs are in a vehicle in the UK they need to be properly restrained for safety. Specifically, Highway Code, Rules 57 states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage, or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

The main thing to know when bringing dogs to this area is that they will need to be kept on a lead (leash) in most places because of livestock and wildlife. April and May is lambing season in Scotland so lots of baby lambs will be around all spring and summer and you’ll want to keep dogs away from the sheep. Dogs can scare and cause harm to the baby lambs and other livestock.

Spring and summer is also bird nesting season and dogs can disturb ground nesting birds so good to be aware of if doing walks/hikes. Some of the bird and wildlife reserve areas do not allow dogs for obvious reasons.

Many of the indoor and paid attractions (museums, castles, guided tours, gardens) along the route do not allow pets. If you are traveling with a partner or group, you may want to take turns spending time with your dog and one going inside.

Although most restaurants don’t allow dogs inside, several have outdoor areas that allow dogs and some bars allow well-behaved dogs. There are also takeaway places in many of the towns. If you are staying at a dog-friendly hotel or campsite, someone there can probably give you recs for the best places to eat or get a drink with your dog.

Most parks, hiking areas, beaches, and wild places allow dogs, but not all of course so do check signs before setting out. Most ask that dogs be kept on a lead at all time.

Of course, it is required that dog waste be picked up by dog owners and then properly disposed of. At some places, there are places to dispose of it, but not in all places so be prepared to pack it out and dispose of it properly later.

For dog-friendly accommodation along the North Coast 500, you can see our North Coast 500 hotels guide  and  NC500 B&Bs guide as both note if each recommended hotel or B&B is dog-friendly or not at last check. Always be sure to double check pet policies before booking.

Most campsites along the North Coast 500 allow pets so camping is a pretty popular for pet owners who want to drive the NC500. You can see individual campsites mentioned throughout our suggested 1 week NC500 itinerary and you can also see our NC500 campsite guide for more information on camping along the route.

Many holiday home rentals and glamping sites also accept pets and are especially great for those wanting to base in one place for longer than a night or two.

If you are looking for dog-friendly accommodation in a certain town or area and can’t find anything, feel free to ask and we’ll let you know if know of any. From our readers who have traveled with dogs, we have a good list of dog-friendly places along much of the route.

How to Avoid the Crowds along the North Coast 500?

The busiest months are going to be the summer from June to August with some crowds in May and September. Festivals, special events (e.g., music concerts, bike races, car rallies), and holidays (e.g., Christmas, Hogmanay) also bring more people to the area. So avoiding these times of year can help but since they are also when there are the most daylight hours, most open attractions and lodging, and perhaps best chance of warm weather, chances are this is also when you plan to drive the route.

Even if you are planning to visit at the busiest time of year (say July or August), you can still avoid some of the crowds and find some peaceful spots along the route if you make an effort to do so. First, go out when fewer people are going to be around. Get up early or stay out late as most people don’t get onto the road until after 8:30am and stop for lodging around dinner time. Early risers will be rewarded by local wildlife sightings, especially the local deer and birds.

But even right along the route, few people get out of their cars to hike around lochs, hills, beaches, or fields so if you get out into nature you’ll probably find yourself relatively alone. Relatively few people even stop to visit the local museums and we’ve often had them to ourselves. You might also consider heading out on a boat to see the coastline from another angle.

To get even further away, head to towns and areas located just off the official route, such as Nairn, Borgie, Altnaharra, Portmahomack, Cape Wrath, Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve, or Bonar Bridge. Follow themed trails like the Strathnaver Trail, Pictish Trail, or Pebble Routes to learn about some specific subjects and get off the beaten path.

Head into spots that require some hiking such as Sandwood Bay or climb up one of the munros. The mountains are a great way to get away from the crowds.

If you plan to hike, just be prepared by bringing along good hiking shoes, rain gear, midge repellent (May to September), and hiking supplies so you are prepared to go off and find the peaceful spots along the route.

How Much Should I Plan Ahead?

This really depends on your style of travel, some people plan little in advance and others plan in great detail what they are going to see each day. I’d recommend that you at least make a loose itinerary of places you definitely want to stop before you leave so you have an idea of how much time you want to spend in each area so you can plan your accommodation.

Have at least a tentative itinerary can also help you identify and fit in places you really want to see that have limited opening times (e.g., a museum or attraction only open 3 days a week or a restaurant only open on weekends for dinner).

In terms of making reservations, very few attractions take reservations or pre-sell tickets, but I’d strongly recommend booking your lodging in advance and also any special dinners. You’ll also want to book most activities such as guided hikes, kayaking, boat rides, fishing trips, wildlife tours, surfing lessons, etc. in advance as many require prior reservations.

For the North Coast 500, we would recommend that you start researching lodging options as soon as you know your dates. I would book at least 3 months in advance if possible. Staff at several of the busiest properties recommended to us that travelers should try to book 6 months in advance to guarantee a room as they had some dates fully booked 6 to 9 months in advance.

Now, six months is a pretty long time in advance so don’t worry if you just decided to drive the NC500 and it is 2 months away, you’ll still find plenty of places with availability, but start booking now. Just note that the most in-demand properties and the best value ones often get booked up well in advance. See our prior article for more information on where to stay along the NC500 which covers some of our favorite hotels and B&Bs along the route.

If you are someone who hates planning ahead and wants to be able to stop and spend as much time in a place as you wish, I’d consider doing a camping or campervan trip along the NC500 . That way you won’t need to search for last-minute lodging each night which can be difficult on sections of the route. This way all you need to worry about in advance is your transportation and camping gear and you will have the flexibility of either traditional lodging or camping each night.

Dining along the NC500?

In terms of food, I’d expect fresh, rustic, and homestyle meals that rely on the local produce at most eateries along the NC500. However, whereas there are fewer options than you’d have in a large city like Edinburgh or Glasgow, there is still a wide variety of food stops that range from budget-friendly cafes serving simple salads and sandwiches to Michelin-starred restaurants serving four-course menus.

Lunch and coffee stops are generally easy to find along the route, but dinner options can be more limited (often at hotel restaurants) and some may require 24 to 48 hour pre-booking. Note that some cafes and restaurants, especially in the smaller towns and villages, are seasonal so be sure to check opening dates and hours in advance, especially if traveling outside of the main season (May to September).

Most towns have a small grocery store (not usually open late in the evenings so stop during the day) where you can pick up picnic supplies, snacks, and food to cook your own meals. There are also a couple of specialty food spots along the route such as Robertsons The Larder farm shop.

It is wise to think ahead each day about where you’ll be for meals as some hotels or campsites may be a 30 minute to 1 hour drive from a restaurant. It is also a good idea to also have some snacks and maybe a couple cups of pot noodles in your car just in case you arrive later than expected and there is no place to eat for dinner.

Some places we’d recommend checking out for sit down lunches or dinners include the Chez Roux restaurant at the Rocpool Reserve Hotel in Inverness, Mustard Seed in Inverness, Boath House hotel restaurant near Nairn (Michelin-starred),  Dornoch Castle Hotel restaurant in Dornoch,  Y-Not Bar and Grill in Thurso,  Kylesku Hotel restaurant (known for its fresh local seafood), The Ceilidh Place in Ullapool, The Arch Inn in Ullapool, and  The Torridon hotel restaurant in Annat.

If you follow our 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary , we provide a list of restaurants for dinner for each day along the route.

No matter where you dine, I’d highly recommend trying dishes using the local produce and products such as local seafood (e.g., salmon, crabs, scallops), lamb, game, Stornoway black pudding (from the Isle of Lewis), and fresh in-season vegetables. You can also find local whiskies, beers, and other beverages made in the Scottish Highlands offered on most menus.

If this is your first time in Scotland, you’ll probably want to try some traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, black pudding, Scottish salmon, cullen skink (smoked haddock, potato, & onion soup), stovies (potato dish), and a full Scottish breakfast.

Where to Stay on the North Coast 500?

Along the North Coast 500, you have a range of lodging options from hostels and campsites to inns and seaside cottages to historic castles and country homes. Lodging options cover just about every budget and lodging type, but don’t expect to find hotel chains or massive resort-style properties.

Staying in cozy bed-and-breakfasts, historical properties, and luxury castles was part of the experience we wanted on our North Coast 500 journey, and our lodging choices definitely added to the experience.

In terms of budgeting for lodging, it will depend a lot on your accommodation type and time of year. I would say average hotel costs on the NC500 for a basic double room at a hotel with private bathroom are around £75-£110  per night.

But you can spend less if you stay in simple B&Bs (£40-£80 per night for 2 people), hostels (£17-£25/person), or campsites (£5-£30). The least expensive B&B rooms usually have shared bathrooms. If you are looking for more luxury oriented properties, expect prices in the £160 to £350 range.

As noted earlier (worth repeating!), we’d recommended trying to book your lodging 3 months in advance (especially if you are thinking hotels, B&B’s or self-catering options) as the amount of lodging in some areas is currently not sufficient for the demand at the busiest times of the year.

Hotels & B&B’s

Hotels and B&B’s represent the most popular lodging option along the North Coast 500. Hotels range from simple budget options to luxury castles. We’ve written an article on lodging tips (what to expect, when to book) and created a list of over 25 North Coast 500 hotels  we recommend checking out.

Also check out this guide to bed-and-breakfasts along the North Coast 500 .

Self-Catering Options

Self-catering options are generally less expensive than hotels, allow for more privacy, and most allow you the opportunity to cook your own food. There are a lot of options in this category, from log cabins to beach villas to entire apartments and houses.

One option is of course  vacation rental sites like Vrbo , where you can book rooms, apartments, and houses. These types of property along the North Coast 500 are not as plentiful as they are in other parts of the UK since most of this stretch is through small towns and countryside but you will find them scattered along the route.

We suggest trying out Snaptrip which searches many of the major holiday cottage booking sites in the UK for the best deals, and often has good last minute availability and deals.

You can also check out our list of  Airbnb alternatives for other websites to check, as well as our guide to h oliday cottage booking websites in the UK . Another local booking website that specializes in holiday properties in Scotland is Cottages & Castles , and it offers hundreds of self-catering holiday homes and cottages in Scotland, including a number along the NC500.

Some self-catering properties in the area may not be on any of the aggregate booking websites, and the best way to track some of them down is to search for things like “cottage near Thurso” or “house rental near Inverness” online or check the local tourism office listings.

There are at least a dozen hostels located along the North Coast 500, and you can easily do an entire NC500 road trip only staying in hostels. Ideal for budget backpacker types of any age who don’t want to spend a lot of money on accommodation and like to meet other travelers.

To get started, I would check out the Scottish Youth Hostels Association , which operate over 60 hostels in Scotland. Their website also lists some affiliate hostels along the NC500.

Camping and RVing

If you are planning to camp, you have a lot of options and should be able to find facilities throughout the route from April to September. Since many campsites are seasonal, I’d be careful to check ahead if you are planning to go outside those months.

You can stay at campsites with a tent or campervan, do wild camping if you don’t need any facilities, or rent out camping huts, static caravans, or cabins if you want to travel with limited camping gear.

We haven’t stayed at most of these campsites so we can’t personally recommend them but this list should help you get started in your research if you are planning to stay at campsites along the North Coast 500.

Most of the campsites have facilities for tents, campervans, and RVs, and many also have structures such as camping huts, set up tents, static caravans, wigwams, or cabins you can rent if you want to “camp” but want to bring limited camping gear. Many also rent bedding and camping gear for the night.

Note that many of the campsites along the North Coast 500 are seasonal and close during the winter months. If you are traveling off-season you’ll want to really check ahead.

Some campsites (in order as they are located counterclockwise along the route) include  Bught Park Camping and Caravan Site in Inverness,  Bunchrew Caravan Park near Inverness,  Camping and Caravan Club Sites (multiple locations including Rosemarkie, Nairn, and Dingwall),  Fortrose Bay Campsite in Fortrose,  Black Rock Caravan Park near Dingwall,  Inver Caravan Park near Dunbeath, Caravan and Motorhome Club Sites (multiple locations including Inverness, Dunnet Bay, and Kinlochewe),  Sango Sands Oasis in Durness,  Clachtoll Beach Campsite in Lochinver,  Shore Caravan Site in Achmelvich Bay,  Sands Caravan and Camping Park in Gairloch, and  Applecross Campsite in Appelecross.

If you are planning to camp, you’ll want to check out this 1 Week North Coast 500 camping itinerary , which provides a 7 day itinerary geared towards campers, camping campsite recs, and camping related stops and resources along the route. We also have a comprehensive guide to campsites on the NC500 .

if you want to rent a campervan for the drive, we recommend using Motorhome Republic, They compare prices across the major rental firms in the UK to find the best price for you. You can book your RV for the UK through them here .

If you’d like a more robust camper vehicle, check out the four wheel drive camper trucks from Wild Camper Trucks. See their Scotland options here .

Guide to Driving the North Coast 500

In this section, we’ll assume you have decided to drive the North Coast 500, and we’ll discuss how to find the route, how to stay on the route, safe driving tips and laws you should know, and where you can rent a car, motorcycle, or RV for your North Coast 500 road trip.

We’ll also provide information about North Coast 500 tours you can book if you want to experience the NC500 without driving.

Where Specifically Does the Route Start and End?

The NC500 route officially begins and ends in the city of Inverness at Inverness Castle, forming a loop. However, you can begin and end the route anywhere you choose although Inverness, as the largest city along the route, is a convenient place to start and stop.

How Do I Find and Stay on the North Coast 500 route?

Since the NC500 is not a single road or highway like Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway , you won’t find it on a regular map and your GPS probably won’t know the route. So just to be clear, there is no actual road named North Coast 500 but it is a designated tourist route.

However, in recent years, they have added North Coast 500 brown tourist signs along the route to help people stay on the route. So it is much easier to follow the route now.

The official North Coast 500 map is no longer being printed (we believe printing ended in 2020) and the organization said it will not be printing any further printed maps (although a digital one is available on their app). This is a shame as it was a great map and very popular and was given out for free at the Visit Scotland Tourism Information Centres along the NC500.

However, if you want a physical North Coast 500 map, there are two main other options. There is the Collins NC500 Pocket Map and the 500 Route around the Northern Highlands road map by Yellow Publications. Both are sold at the Visit Scotland Tourism Information Centre in Inverness, as well as in other places along the route. If you want a physical copy of a North Coast 500 map before you leave for your trip, you can sometimes also find them on eBay .

Since there are few main roads in the area, once you leave Inverness, you shouldn’t have any problems using the map to stay on the route. It is hard to accidentally stray too far from the route. If you are using your phone or GPS to help you navigate, I’d try to download any needed maps beforehand as you’ll likely lose satellite and Internet connections during parts of the road trip.

Note that many businesses don’t have street numbers in the Scottish Highlands but since the towns are so small, just keep an eye out once you are near and you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding them. Once you are in a town, any local person should be able to point you in the right direction if you do get lost.

Of course, getting a little lost is just part of the journey!

Which Direction Should I Drive the North Coast 500?

Since the NC500 route forms a loop, you have the option of driving it either clockwise or counterclockwise. Some of the official NC500 materials discuss the route as going counterclockwise and others clockwise, so there appears to be no “official” direction. The direction makes little difference and we’ve driven it from both directions with no difference in our trip experience.

There are small advantages to driving the NC500 in each direction though. One advantage of driving it clockwise (heading towards Garve and doing the west coast first) is that since the Scottish drive on the left side of the road, you’ll be driving directly alongside the coast during the coastal portions of the route. However, this is only a small advantage as you often need to park and walk a little to see the coastline along the route.

There are two main advantages of driving it counterclockwise (heading towards Invergordon and seeing the east coast first). The first is that if you are not used to single track roads, driving the route counterclockwise helps ease you into them better than driving it clockwise. So we recommend this direction for those tackling single track roads for the first time.

The other advantage of driving the route in the counterclockwise direction is that the most dramatic portions (to us anyway) are along the north and west coasts so you save those towards the end of the trip. So the ruggedness continues to increase along the drive which is nice.

However there is no right way to drive the route so head in the direction that makes the most sense for you! Lodging reservations is often an important factor in people’s route.

Planning a North Coast 500 itinerary?

If you are trying to plan your route and what attractions you might want to stop at along the route, we recommend that you take a look at our detailed 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary .

Our NC500 itinerary covers route advice for each day, a list of the main attractions along each section of the route, dining recommendations, and lodging recommendations for each day. For those with less time, you can also check out our less detailed 5 day NC500 itinerary .

If you are thinking about doing the route and tent camping or traveling by campervan or motorhome, we recommend checking out our North Coast 500 camping itinerary .

Can I drive the North Coast 500 with an electric or hybrid car?

Yes, as of 2016, there are now enough electrical charging points around the route for those with fully electric cars to drive the route safely. There are electrical charging points throughout the route, including rapid charge points.

You can find charging points using this interactive map  (list only free and public ones) and this website/app  (lists any kind of charging point, free, fee, and customer use only ones).

Can I do the NC500 without driving?

The most popular way to experience the North Coast 500 is by car, but it is also a popular route for motorcyclists and cyclists. If you have a lot of time, you can also traverse it by foot. Just note that some sections can be dangerous for bikers, horse riders, and pedestrians (e.g., blind turns, no bike lanes, one-track roads) so be sure to take proper safety measures and I would not recommend this route for inexperienced cyclists.

If you prefer not to be at the wheel or handles at all, you also have the option of booking a guided tour or hiring a private driver guide. See section on tours below.

You might also be wondering if you can do the North Coast 500 by train. The simple answer is no, there is no train route that approximates the route and an entire portion of the northwest of Scotland has no train connections.

However, if you really want to travel via train you can do a portion of the route by train and stop at several of the towns in the area. You can take the Inverness to Thurso train route (it also branches to Wick as well) train route and then head back to Inverness and take the train line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. Check the ScotRail website for the route details and to buy tickets.

Are NC500 Guided Group Tours or Private Tours Available?

Yes, if you prefer not to drive yourself you do have some options to book a guided North Coast 500 group or private tour. For those who don’t want to drive the route, this is your best option as public transit is spotty around the route.

Currently, the best guided tour along the NC500 is this 3-day tour from Inverness from Rabbie’s Travel. It is a fast-paced tour but allows you to see all the best scenery and highlights along the route while the driver guide keeps you safe on the single-track roads!

Rabbie’s also offers this 5-day Northern Scotland and Orkney Island tour from Edinburgh that both include 2 full days on exploring Orkney and a drive around most of the North Coast 500 so you see many of the highlights and scenery.

We haven’t done these tours but have done several tours with Rabbie’s and can definitely recommend the company. They also offer a 5-day Highlands and Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh (this one we have done).

If you only have a day or two, you might consider doing a day tour from Inverness that explore some of the NC500 highlights, such as this day tour up north to John O’Groats , or this one which visits Torridon and Applecross.

For those wanting a private tour, you can arrange a private NC500 tour from  Rabbie’s or other local tour companies. Most Scotland-based tour companies should be able to arrange a guided NC500 private tour to suit your needs although you will pay a lot more than you would if you did a group tour or a self-drive trip. Inverness is probably the most convenient place to start a NC500 tour, but tours can also be arranged to depart and return from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness.

Currently few companies are offering NC500 tours, especially group tours, but the options will likely increase as the popularity of the route increases. We’ll try to keep this list updated but if you know of any other group tours, please let us know!

Where Can I Rent a Car, Campervan, Motorcycle, etc.?

If you are not bringing along your own vehicle, you can easily rent one in Scotland. You can also rent motorcycles, bikes, cycling gear, campervans, and camping gear once you arrive. Depending on where you arrive and plan to leave in Scotland, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, and Aberdeen are the four largest cities and best places for rentals.

Along the NC500, Inverness has the largest selection and I’d highly recommend picking up your rental and any gear before you leave the city as there is much less opportunity to do so elsewhere on the route.

Rental Cars for NC500

It is easy to rent a car from Inverness Airport or downtown Inverness. Main rental car companies include   Avis ,  Budget , Thrifty, Arnold Clark, Europcar , Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car , and Focus Vehicle Rental. I’d recommend getting the smallest size vehicle you need and to be sure your rental is fully insured. A GPS unit can also be helpful for navigation. Enterprise are usually our favourite for car hire.

Each rental car agency has its own rental policies. But generally, to rent a car in Scotland (or elsewhere in the UK), you must be at least 21 to 30 years old (many have 23 as an age limit) depending on the vehicle category and car rental agency, have held a valid driving license for at least a year (some require up to 3 years), and the driver’s license must be in English or using the Latin alphabet. Surcharges may apply to drivers under age 25.

If the license is not in English or Latin alphabet, then you will need to get a validated English translation or have an International Driving Permit . If you need an International Driving Permit, you will need to apply for this in your home country prior to your trip.

NOTE . If you plan to rent a car in another country, please check your rental agreement as bringing a car to Scotland may be against your car’s rental terms (particularly any ferry crossings). For instance, even cars rented in Ireland can sometimes not be brought by ferry over to Scotland.

Renting a Motorcycle for the NC500

There are a couple of places you can rent motorcycles along the North Coast 500.  You can check out the North Coast 500 Moto Experience in Inverness and the Highland Motorcycle Hire in Muir of Ord (20 km west of Inverness).

If you are arriving elsewhere in Scotland or the UK, you’ll have additional options such as  Rent a Motorcycle in Edinburgh.

Renting a Campervan and Camping Gear

There are several places to rent campervans around Inverness, including GoBoony , Highland Campervans , Loch Ness Motorhomes , Outdoorsy , and Rover Rentals .

If you are arriving elsewhere in Scotland or the UK, you’ll also find plenty of options around Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, London, etc.

We suggest taking a look at Motorhome Republic as a good starting point for comparing prices on campervan rental in the UK. They have listings for many of the major campervan rental firms in the UK. You can see their UK listings here .

If you are starting in Edinburgh or London, Spaceship Rentals  is another place to check for campervans and motorhomes.

We would recommend renting the smallest size campervan or RV that you need as the narrow roads of the Highlands are not designed for large vehicles and RVs are prohibited on some roads.

For camping, hiking, biking, and outdoor gear, we can recommend the following outdoors gear stores which are all located in Inverness: Go Outdoors, Blacks, Tiso, and Trespass.

Renting Bikes and Biking Gear for NC500

There are several places to rent bikes along the NC500. To get starated, you can check out Ticket to Ride and  Inverness Bike Hire in Inverness and West Coast Biking in Kinlochewe. Most bike companies also rent bike gear and accessories and some also can arrange for guided day or multi-day tours.

Driving Safety Tips for the North Coast 500?

If you have never driven in Scotland before, you’ll want to review some of the driving laws and road safety tips before your North Coast 500 road trip. This is particularly true if you are planning to drive a rental car, caravan, or motorhome.

Some things that may be new for you are driving on the left side of the road, driving on single-track roads, and driving in areas where livestock is unfenced. Increased tourism in the Highlands has led to more traffic accidents and complaints. We have a post full of tips for driving in the UK that you should check out.

The infrastructure of the Highlands in some areas is not fully ready to handle mass tourism, but most traffic incidents can be avoided by following the driving laws, knowing how to safely drive your vehicle, and being prepared.

To get started I’d advise first reading these general Scotland driving tips and laws and then these tips for  road safety along the NC500 . I’ll highlight some of the bigger issues below:

Single Track Roads

A large amount of the North Coast 500 involves narrow single track roads, so you’ll need to use designated passing places. Here’s a brief introduction to passing on single-track roads if you have never driven on one before.

If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind you wants to pass, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right until the car goes past you. Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. You may need to reverse to get into the nearest passing space which is why it is important to know how to safely reverse your vehicle which can be a problem for those in caravans or with rental vehicles.

Here is a guide to driving on singe-track roads in Scotland  with a relevant infographic explaining how to use passing places.

Stopping & Parking

We noticed a lot of people who were stopping on the road, to the side of the road, or in passing places during our trip. This is unsafe and also illegal in some cases.

Do not use passing places for parking, these are needed for traffic to properly pass on single-track lanes. Stopping in the middle of the road to take in a view or photo is holding up traffic and may result in an accident.

If you want to stop, find a safe place to pull off in a designated parking space or lot. Pulling over onto the side of the road or into a field can be unsafe, lead to damage to the fragile environment, cause erosion, and mar someone’s private property.

Bealach Na Ba & RVs

The Bealach Na Ba is a narrow windy stretch of road near Applecross, and the most difficult and steepest stretch of the official NC500 route. This route often gets blocked by inexperienced drivers and also shut down by bad weather conditions, and you should not drive this route unless you know how to drive single-track roads, use passing places, and reverse your vehicle safely. Here is what the official NC500 website has to say about the Bealach Na Ba as well as the B869:

“The ‘Bealach Na Ba’ stretch however is not suitable for large motorhomes, caravans and inexperienced drivers due to its sharp bends and steep gradients so we would advise taking the slip road up at the A896 instead which will be much safer for you and your passengers. We would also recommend avoiding the B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku as this can be a tricky route to follow for large vehicles. If you take the A837 back from Lochinver on the main road you will be fine. As always, please take due caution on the roads and use passing places where possible.”

Slow Drivers

You want to drive at a speed that feels safe and you are likely going to be driving slower if you are new to single-track roads or are driving a motorhome or caravan. However, you are likely going to be causing frustration to those behind you wanting to drive at a normal speed, especially those not on vacation. So be mindful and pull over into a passing place or parking area every so often to let faster traffic pass you. They will be very grateful!

Livestock & Deer

Large sections of the Scottish Highlands have unfenced livestock which include cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. It is not uncommon to see animals, especially sheep, on or right next to the road. Drive slowly around turns, follow the speed limits, and keep vigilant for livestock.

They will rarely run out onto the road in front of you, but it can be easy to miss a little lamb lying on the road until it is too late. Lambs are most vulnerable in the Spring and early summer.

Wild animals, particularly deer, may also be on the road and are much more likely to run out in front of you. Be extra mindful for deer in the early morning and evening hours when they are most active.

The North Coast 500 is not a route for those who want to drive fast. The speed limits are often low and single-track roads mean a lot of slowing down and stopping. If you are trying to get somewhere in a hurry, you’ll be frustrated and you’ll frustrate other drivers. Even if you are an experienced driver and know the route, you can be sure that you are sharing it with less experienced drivers and speeding could cause you to hit them or they hit you.

Be safe, follow the speed limits, and don’t drive this route if you are in a rush!

This one is easy, don’t litter! Bring along bags or containers you can keep in your car to store your trash and wait until you get to a proper place to dispose of it responsibly. One common issue is that tourists are throwing garbage into proper trash receptacles but the receptacles are already overflowing so the garbage ends up on the ground or in the water anyway.

Campers should follow the leave “no trace” policy and should pack out all garbage and waste with them.

Alcohol Limits

The drink drive laws in Scotland were changed in 2014 and are now very strict with low limits to discourage drinking and driving. The legal drinking limit is now lower than in any other part of the UK. You could still be charged even if you are riding a bike.

If you are planning on drinking, even one drink could put you over the legal limit, so plan to stay in after drinking, have a designated driver, or call a taxi.

Note that if you are visiting a distillery or brewery, most will be happy to give samples in “takeaway cups” so that the driver can still enjoy a dram back at the hotel!

How to Be a Responsible Traveler of the NC500?

The popularity of the North Coast 500 has brought both benefits and negative consequences to this part of Scotland. Some of the negative side effects of increased tourism have been increased littering, overwhelmed local services during the summer, and more traffic accidents and complaints.

Common tourist complaints by locals in the area include improper driving on one-track roads, parking in passing places or in places that are not designated parking spaces, putting garbage into overflowing trash cans, not picking up after dogs, dogs chasing or harming livestock, leaving garbage and human waste at campsites (yuck!), speeding, hitting lambs and other livestock on the road, getting large vehicles stuck in narrow places such as the Bealach Na Ba road, trespassing on private property, and causing damage to the environment.

All of the above issues are easy to avoid by following road safety guidelines and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code . I strongly recommend checking out the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website which covers information, tips, and guidelines relevant to campers, cyclists, hill walkers, dog owners, horse riders, farmers, beach goers, park visitors, and more!

Be a good traveler and respect this beautiful area of Scotland, which has been relatively unspoiled by mass tourism. Remember that it is just not a tourist destination but also a place where people live and many have moved to this area to “get away”. Locals don’t want to be stuck behind people who stop in the middle of the road to take a photo, see dead lambs alongside the road hit by careless drivers, or have to pick up someone else’s litter from their garden.

Do your part to leave “no trace” on this area and encourage others to do the same.

Things to Pack for a NC500 Road Trip

What you need and want to pack is going to depend a lot on you (what do you normally pack for trips?) and the type of NC500 road trip you plan to have (e.g. family RV trip staying at campsites or romantic couples getaway staying at luxury hotels).

But we’ll cover recommended general road trip supplies, special items you may need for the Scottish Highlands, and gear you’ll want to have with you in the car. Then you can use this to create your own personalized North Coast 500 Packing List.

General Road Trip Supplies

Everyone will have a different set of general packing items they bring on any trip and things they enjoy having on a road trip. Be sure to check the weather before you go and pack for Scotland’s notoriously fickle and damp weather (e.g., rain gear, layers, warm coat). Here are some general road trip supplies to help you get started:

• Clothing that can be layered
• Camera (if you need a new camera, see our list of the best travel cameras for all budgets)
• Camera accessories (e.g., batteries, film, charger, lenses)
• Hat and/or sunglasses
• Umbrella or poncho
• Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, etc.
• Sunscreen (remember sun damage can happen any time of the year!)
• Travel journal
• Reading materials (e.g, books, magazine, Kindle)
• Cards or games
• Extra storage bags to store garbage, wet clothes, etc.
• Picnic supplies
• Duct tape (because it is good for so many things!)
• Hiking, climbing, or cycling gear (as needed)
• Camping supplies (as needed)

Special NC500 Road Trip Supplies

For the most part, you’ll want to bring the same things you’d bring on any road trip, but there are a few things you may want to consider for a Scottish road trip. First, you may want to invest in a guidebook for the North Coast 500 or if your travels are taking you elsewhere in Scotland, a Scotland guidebook.

If you are going to visit Scotland from May to September it is midge season and if you plan to spend time outside, you’ll likely want to invest in some midge repellent and/or a head net to keep away these annoying tiny mosquito-like creatures (they swarm together in clouds and bite you!). Ticks can also be a problem in these same months, especially if you plan to hike.

The rain in Scotland can be frustrating but if you come prepared, it doesn’t have to restrict you. We’d recommend bringing a rainproof jacket, rain cover (e.g., umbrella or poncho), and waterproof hiking shoes. You may also want to bring waterproof bags to keep wet clothing, supplies, and camera gear.

If you plan to hike, you may want to invest in a good set of hiking maps, especially for those planning to do longer distance hillwalking, climbing, or hiking. Ordnance Survey maps are the ones we recommend (see below).

If you plan to go swimming or spend time in the water doing water sports, you’ll also want to bring along a wetsuit or drysuit, towel, and a pair of water shoes.

• Guide book such as Charles Tait’s guidebook or Rough Guides book
• Scotland general travel guidebook, such as Rick Steves Scotland or Fodor’s Scotland
• Midge repellent ( Smidge  [most recommended] or Avon So Soft )
• Midge head/face net, such as this Trespass head net for midges & mosquitos
• Insect repellent for ticks (recommend a repellent with DEET for best protection)
• Rainproof jacket with hood (we both wear Scotland-based Trespass waterproof jackets )
• Waterproof hiking shoes (we wear  Scarpa brand waterproof hiking shoes )
• Waterproof dry bags or zipper pouch bags to keep valuables dry and store wet things
• Ordnance Survey maps for hikers. There are OS 1: 50,000 scale Landranger maps (good for those planning to stick to established hikes and paths) as well as the OS 1:25,000 scale Explorer Maps for those wanting to get off the paths. You’ll need to choose the maps specific to the area(s) you plan to do the most hiking. For example, this is the Landranger Map  for Assynt & Lochinver and this is the Explorer Map for that same area. Some of the maps are also available on Amazon .
• Wetsuit or drysuit, towels, and water shoes (if you plan to spend time in the water)

Supplies for the Car

If you are bringing your own car or renting, most of the things you need should already be in it, but it is important to check before you go. If you have a rental car or RV, make sure you know how everything works (e.g., headlights, turning signals, heater) before you go and ask who you should contact in cases of a flat tire, accident, or mechanical failures. Some things to consider:

• Car manual, insurance information, emergency/accident contact info
• Spare tire and tools to change it
• Road safety kit (e.g., safety vest, flares, extra headlight bulbs)
• First Aid Kit (loads of options under $20 )
• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
• North Coast 500 map (download the digital map and then considering buying a physical map at the Inverness Visitor Center)
• Scotland road map or atlas
• Road Trip music (in a format that works with your vehicle!)
• Needed attachments or gear for RV or campervan (e.g., hoses, leveling blocks)
• Bike rack (if planning to take or rent bikes)

We hope you have found this North Coast 500 guide helpful! If have additional questions about the NC500, just write us a comment below and we’ll be happy to answer them. Is a North Coast 500  road trip on your bucketlist?

If you’ve driven any part of NC500, feel free to share any tips or advice you have from your own trip! As always, all questions and comments are welcome.

Planning a North Coast 500 road trip, PIN this article to Pinterest to read again later:

**Disclosure: We partnered with North Coast 500 who helped us plan the logistics of our trip and also arranged many of our meals and accommodation in order for us to share our experiences as travel writers. We had input into every place we stayed, ate, and visited, and we covered our own transport costs and additional expenses. You can read more in our  Ethics Code  about how we accept work.**

Share this Post!

There are 179 comments on this post.

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Ross Post author

June 21, 2024 at 5:01 am

Hi there, I really enjoyed reading your blog and want to plan my trip with an old friend arriving over from New Zealand. I’m taking my Ford Mustang to make the trip even more fun! Was thinking of staying around Lochness as opposed to Inverness on the first night and because my friend is older, we won’t be doing lots of walking, just happy to experience the trip over 5/6 days, doing perhaps 3-4 hours driving max per day. Would you suggest from Loch Ness to Wick is a good first day and then on from there? He likes to stay at fairly plush hotels if possible so something that has a nice restaurant/bar, friendly and upscale like a grand manor house or castle. I want him to experience the trip in style. Any suggestions would be really welcome. Thank you so much!

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

June 24, 2024 at 11:02 pm

Sounds like you are planning a fun trip for you and your friend. Happy to try to help answer your questions and give you some suggestions for planning your trip and choosing hotels along the North Coast 500 route.

So going from Inverness or Loch Ness to Wick in one day would be a lot if you were planning to stop and do some activities and visit some attractions. But if you are mainly doing it just for the drive, you can do this in 3 hours or less (depending on where you start and traffic of course). So Wick could be a good place to overnight if you are starting out from Loch Ness or Wick. Just note that there are more luxury hotels in Dornoch than in Wick.

If you like nicer historic hotels and country houses, then I’d recommend perhaps staying north of Loch Ness and just oustide Inverness at Bunchrew Hosue Hotel. Its a lovely hotel and also has a restaurant, bar and serves afternoon teas. If you explore Loch Ness in the morning, you could then stay here for a nice break before starting your North Coast 500 road trip. Or also a nice place to end one.

Here are a list of some hotels that come to mind based on what you are looking for and where you want to start (most of the real castle hotels are closer to Inverness or are private):

-Starting hotel north of Loch Ness and near Inverness: Bunchrew House Hotel -If you want to overnight in Wick: Mackays -near Thurso: Forss House -Unapool/Kylesku: Newton Lodge -Lochinver: Inver Lodge -near Gairloch: Shieldaig Lodge -Torridon: The Torridon -Contin: Coul House Hotel

We’ve stayed at all the above hotels (about dozens more along the route) so if you have any questions, happy to answer them. Just note that most of these are nice 4 star historic country hotels and not 5-star modern luxury hotels you might find in a place like London or Edinburgh. Supplies are harder to get and staff are hard to keep in more isolated areas of the Highlands such as this so just keep this in mind once you get away from Inverness.

Also note that many of these hotels book up well in advance, so if you are going in the next 3-6 months, I’d start booking once you have an itinerary in mind, especially if you are particular about the type of hotel and have specific dates.

Just a sample itinerary based on wanting to drive 3-4 hours or less each day over 5 days/nights and staying first night in Wick:

Day 1; Inverness to Wick Day 2: Wick to Tongue ( Tongue Hotel ) Day 3: Tongue to either Newton or Lochinver Day 4: Newton/Lochinver to Torridon Day 5: Torridon to Contin Day 6: Head back to Inverness

Of course, I would consider what you want to see/do, timings, and hotels as well since those are important to you when planning your stopovers.

Hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful trip!

Best, Jessica

Vernon Post author

February 14, 2024 at 5:34 am

Hello Jessica & Laurence, Your NC500 is very very helpful to me. My family will probably only be in Scotland for 5 full days/nights and we want to see the highlights of the NC500. We are thinking of flying into and out off Edinburgh and wodnering what you think would be best course of action? We have seen Edinburgh before so can cover what we want to do there in short time. We are thinking of doing the recommended 3 day guided small group tour so we can avoid renting a car and focusing on sightseeing rather than logistics. Spring nice time to do this? Looking forward to your thoughts as we plan our North Coast 500 experience.

February 15, 2024 at 2:48 pm

So that sounds like a fun trip. And since you do have limited time, I would say a guided tour is a great way to try to see a lot without working about driving and logistics.

I am assuming you are specifically interested in this 3 day tour by Rabbies? So if so, you will need to make your way to Inverness if you are planning to fly into Edinburgh. The tour leaves early in the morning so I would recommend coming up the day before and spending the night in central Inverness (a B&B or hotel within walking distance is a good idea). Also this tour departs about twice a week (mostly on Mondays and Thursdays in 2024), so you will need to ensure your flights and travel arrangements are in line with the departure and return dates for this tour. I’d recommend letting Rabbies book your lodging for you as part of the tour for ease (although you can book it yourself, just ensure it is within Rabbies pickup distance for each location). I would just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to make sure you are not rushed to make the tour departure or your flights, but 5 full days/nights should allow for this with good planning.

If flying into/out of Edinburgh you might plan something like this:

Day 1 – Arrive into Edinburgh, take train (or bus or flight) up to Inverness, overnight Inverness near departure point Day 2 – Tour (overnight on NC500) Day 3 – Tour (Overnight on NC500) Day 4 – Tour, overnight in Inverness near departure point (same place as on Day 1) Day 5 – Return to Edinburgh, overnight in Edinburgh Day 6 – Fly home

Now, if you haven’t already booked your flights and have already visited Edinburgh, I would recommend flying in and out of Inverness instead of Edinburgh. Inverness is the starting and ending point for the North Coast 500 and will save you from having to get between Edinburgh and Inverness. This will save you a lot of transit time (6-8 hours) and allow you more time to explore Inverness before or after your tour. It would also potentially give you time, depending on your flight times, to do an additional day tour (such as this one to Loch Ness which a nice tour.

Day 1 – Arrive into Inverness, explore Inverness, overnight Inverness Day 2 – Tour (overnight on NC500) Day 3 – Tour (Overnight on NC500) Day 4 – Tour, overnight in Inverness Day 5 – Explore Inverness, consider a day tour such as to Loch Ness, overnight Inverness Day 6 – Fly home

And yes, I think Spring is a very nice time to go along the North Coast 500. You never really know about the weather but it can be really nice (it can also be rainy and chilly) but fewer crowds than summer and no midges.

Anyway, hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Scotland!

Emma Post author

January 23, 2024 at 4:49 am

Are you able to help, Im feeling a bit over whelmed with how long we should go for and where we should stop. This will be my first time to Scotland and I really don’t want to miss anything.

We have 7 days in Scotland, we would like to start in Inverness and we will be heading south on the west coast after the trip. Can you recommend any towns, places that should be on the must stop list, Im so worried I will plan something and it wont incorporate what we really want or I don’t allow ourselves enough time to explore the beaches, walks to find the views. The beautiful beaches, waterfalls, lochs really are a must.

Any guidance really would be appreciated.

January 23, 2024 at 12:52 pm

Happy to try to help. First, can you tell me a bit more about your travel plans as that will help me give more specific advice? What time of year are you thinking to visit? Who all are you traveling with? Do you have 7 days total in Scotland (or just 7 days total to explore the North Coast 500 route?) and if so where else are you planning to go? Have you been to Scotland before? Do you prefer to drive yourself or join a tour of some kind?

It sounds like you are more interested in natural attractions than town/city attractions? Are you also wanting to do activities like hiking/boating/golfing or mainly just sightseeing and walks?

January 23, 2024 at 2:10 pm

Hi Jessica, It wouid just be myself & husband, we wouid like to travel independently. We would drive upto scotland & have 7 days for the NC500. We’re thinking mid-late April.

Although we would like to enjoy the beaches, loch & natural sites, if we have time we would like to see some of the cities. No golf, but we would enjoy walking & a few boat trips if it’s not to rough 🤪

Many thanks

January 24, 2024 at 3:27 pm

So since you have 7 days and are self driving, I think our suggested 7 day itinerary should work very nicely for you as a base for your planning. That will give you a very good sense of how to divide up the drive into 6-7 days and what you can see each day along the route. You can’t of course do everything so you can adjust and prioritize based on your preferences for more walking, beaches, scenery, etc.

So in April, most, if not all, of the seasonal businesses will be open as most of those open around Easter or early April. The main things we’d recommend that you should book in advance are lodging, rental car (if needed), and any specific tours you want to do (for instance if you want to do a private kayaking trip on a certain date) as most of the tour operators are very small businesses with one or two guides.

The only real city here is Inverness which is worth stopping to see and visit some of the attractions in and around the city before your NC500 road trip begins. You can see our guide to things to do in Inverness for lots of ideas.

Since you are particularly interested in the lochs, I would recommend a trip to Loch Ness (not too far from Inverness), the most famous of Scotland’s lakes. But honestly, the area around Loch Ness is more beautiful than the loch itself in our opions as we’ve been lucky to spend some time in that area. You can read our guide to visiting Loch Ness for lots of details – for a day trip I’d recommend going to the loch, doing the boat ride, a visit to castle, perhaps the Loch Ness Centre, and maybe visiting one of the waterfalls in the area. The Rabbies complete day tour here is a good option if you want to do it as a day tour, it includes the option to do the boat tour and such, but also includes the surrounding area.

Inverness is the only city but there are a number of small towns and villages alogn or near the route like Dornoch, Wick, Thurso, Ullapool, and Strathpeffer which all tend to have at least one museum or attraction worth visiting if you have the time. We always try to stop and support as many of the local attractions as we can as many are run by volunteers (some have entrance fees, some rely on donations). Many also have little heritage town walking paths you can follow as well. We try to note these all in our day to day itinerary so you can pick and choose the cultural attractions that are most interesting to you, we’ve visited about all of them so if you have any questions or are looking for a one that covers something specific, happy to try to advise.

Loads of beaches worth stopping to see and to be honest for the most part you’ll just see these as you go by and most are not going to be busy at that time of year. Some of the dozens of beaches along the route include Rosemarkie Beach, Nigg Beach, Embo Beach, Dunnet Bay Beach, Farr Beach, Sandwood Bay (this one requires a long hike to reach so you need to set aside a lot of time to do this), Balnakeil Bay, Clachtoll Beach, Mellon Udrigle Beach, and Achmelvich Beach. We mention most of these in our day to day itinerary but generally since you are driving along the coast, you’ll have at least a couple sandy or stone beaches along the route you can stop at each day. Just note that the majority offer few, if any services (we are almost always alone on the smaller little beaches). Two more developed and busy ones to note are Rosemarkie Beach on the Black Isle (east part of route) where you have the chance to see dolphins (at Chanonry Point) and Achmelvich Beach in the west which is considered on the most beautiful easily accessible beaches along the route. Both are near popular camping sites and both offer more services.

Like beaches, possible walks are all along the route. We note many of them again in our itinerary and asking at your hotel or B&B is also a great way to find local walks.

I think the tours and guided activities have been some of our favorite memories of the many times we’ve visited. The local guides are often great and you learn a lot. There is a bit of everything from boat trips, fishing, geology walks, caving, clay pigeon shooting, kayaking, hiking, etc. So if you have time and interest, taking half a day to a full day to indulge in something like that can be a highlight.

In terms of some outdoor activities that you may enjoy and we’ve personally done are the wildlife boat tour with Ecoventures from Cromarty, fly fishing (from river, shore, or boat) with Stewart of Assynt Fly Fishing, canoeing (or sea kayaking or guided mountaineering!) with Tim from Hamlet Mountaineering (he can tailor a day of hiking/kayaking etc for your abilities), and a guided tour to see deer with gamekeeper Colin at Reraig Forest near Lochcarron. We mention more options within the itinerary as well.

Since you are interested in nature and wildlife, you might enjoy a detour over to Handa Island. It normally starts allowing people to visit in March, but I’d check beforehand on opening dates and sea bird nesting status. Again this is described in our itinerary but it includes taking a little boat (this can be a bit rough) over and then spending a few hours walking around the edges of an island nature preserve where you have a chance to see a number of birds, flowers, and other wildlife. This is very weather dependent. You’ll need to allot at least 4 hours for this.

Small ruined castles, brochs, standing stones, cairns, old churches and cemeteries, etc. are all over the place. We list many of them but you’ll also probably naturally run across them during your drives and walks as well. Dunrobin Castle is probably the most visited paid bigger attraction along the route and is worth visiting if you have the time and interest.

If you have even a small interest in geology, I’d stop at the Rock Stop at Unapool (a little interpretive center for the North West Highland GeoPark and small cafe) and do the interpretive walk at Knockan Crag. The northwestern area is very interesting in terms of geology and it was here that geologist made a couple of important discoveries.

Anyway, hope that helps give you some ideas and help – I think using our itinerary as a base should really help and then you can adjust it and pick out the things you really want to do from each day and make it your own.

Just let us know if you have further questions as you get further into your NC500 trip planning!

NEIL Franklin Post author

January 1, 2024 at 12:32 pm

Hi just wondering how common are petrol stations on the route , or if there is a section where they are limited so best to fill up before a certain area .

January 1, 2024 at 3:56 pm

Yes, there are plenty of petrol stations along the NC500 (although generally just one option per town or village once you get away from Inverness). More stations along the east and south sections of the route and less along the west and northwest, so if driving counterclockwise, you’ll want to be more aware once you leave Durness. I think you are usually always within about an hour’s drive of a station.

If you pick up one of the official NC500 maps in Inverness before you start the trip, it lists where most of the fuel stations are. Many are open 24 hours, some are not. So I would just recommend filling up during mornings or afternoons as needed and to not let your fuel get down past the 1/4 tank or near empty. So just plan accordingly and you should be fine.

Wishing you a great road trip and just let us know if you have any further questions!

Maximilian Post author

September 11, 2023 at 11:41 am

Well, just wanted to say thanks for the blog, it’s just very interesting and helpful!

September 11, 2023 at 3:53 pm

Hi Maximillian,

Glad you enjoyed our North Coast 500 guide, and just let us know if you have any questions if you are planning your own NC500 road trip in Scotland.

Happy travels, Jessica

Lesley Coyne Post author

April 3, 2023 at 11:42 am

Hi! Somewhere in your blog I saw a phone number for a breakdown service but I can’t find it now. Since you mentioned that it is the only one available for the north of Scotland I think it would be advisable to keep it handy. Thank you for your blog – I found it very inspirational.

Laurence Post author

April 5, 2023 at 11:59 am

So glad that you are finding our information about the North Coast 500 helpful!

I am not sure which phone number you are referring to but we recommend that people have a phone number on hand that they can call in case of breakdown, whether this is coverage you have paid for via a service like the AA or through your hire car or campervan rental service. I would just make sure your coverage is good for Scotland.

There are also obviously local garages along the route, you’ll find one in most of the bigger towns and in the cities but may not always be close by or open if you need service so can be good to have a 24-hour number you can call that can help you if you need roadside assistance or need connected to a local mechanic, etc.

Best, Laurence & Jessica

BEA LLEVAT Post author

February 26, 2023 at 5:09 am

Jessica and Laurence, Thanks for all the work that has gone into this brilliant guide to the NC500. Much better that the guides I have been reading! I have just started planning my trip for end of may and I will definitily foloow all your suggestions! thanks a lot! Do you also have some information about the ORKNEY Islands? We would like to stop there for 2/3 days. Regards from Barcelona

February 26, 2023 at 6:31 am

So glad that you are enjoying our NC500 guide and I am sure you will have a great road trip!

So we have been to Orkney but I don’t think we have any posts about it. But the local Orkney tourism website is great for planning information, so I’d recommend checking that out which you can see it here .

You can easily get a ferry from along the North Coast 500 to the main island, normally to Kirkwall or Stromness. Ferries are from John O’Groats, Gills Bay, or Scrabster – the ferry schedules depend on the time of year and some take foot passengers only so be sure to check with your dates. All this info should be on the Orkney website about the specific ferry companies and links to their schedules.

If you have 1-2 days I’d probably stick to the main island which is the largest island and it has the majority of the visitor attractions and museums as well as the most options for lodging and dining. There is plenty to keep you busy here for 2 days, from the manu archaeological sites like the famous Skara Brae, museums, historical places, craft stores, beaches, walks, distilleries, etc. Many people come here for the history and there are places you can visit that date from the Neolithic period to the World Wars – The Orkney Museum is a good place to start a visit and get a good understanding of the history here.

Just note that a few of the most popular ticketed attractions on Orkney either recommend or require you to pre-book to guarantee a visit, especially Maeshowe Chambered Cairn which has a limited number of daily spots.

If you have 3 days, then I’d recommend taking the ferry to explore another island or two – such as Hoy (home to some World War history, Scarpa Flow Museum, and some interesting rock formations) and/or Westeray (good for seabirds in summer).

Some of the islands are really small and you can easily explore on foot whereas others you would probably want a car or to book a driving tour with a local.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your visit!

NATALIA PAEZ RAMIREZ Post author

December 17, 2022 at 9:19 pm

Hi Jessica and Laurence Congratulations, your site is inspiring and very helpful. Clear text with impressive photos provides an exceptional resource. We are planning the North Coast 500 for September, Rent a car with a roof top. for 5 days with a large group of friends from Colombia. We also want to combine it with a luxury hotel. We have seen the 5-day itinerary to guide us.

December 19, 2022 at 3:48 am

Hi Natalia,

Glad you are finding our North Coast 500 guides and itineraries helpful. Yes we have a suggested 7-day itinerary on this site and then a 5-day one on our other travel blog Finding the Universe. If you only have 5 days, then that one would be most helpful but if you do have a bit of extra time, highly recommend doing the full 7 days/nights. Most people wish they had spent more time on the route than planned.

If you have more than 4 people, I would definitely recommend considering renting 2 cars for your trip so you are not crowded in your car and everyone can see and you have room for luggage. This is especially important if you are thinking about a convertible or sports car or some sort. Or you might consider a larger vehicle like a minivan or van if you have more than 4 people.

I was not sure what you meant by “rent a car with a roof top” but thinking you maybe meant to rent a convertible car with a removable roof (or maybe you just meant you wanted to rent a luggage rack?)? To be honest, given the extra price of convertibles and the Scottish weather, we would generally recommend just renting regular cars for your trip and save your the money to use on food, lodging, and activities instead. If it is cool/rainy/windy during your trip, you may not have many opportunities to take the top down anyway.

Anyway, hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to Scotland for next September!

pat ong Post author

October 30, 2022 at 2:47 am

Hey! thank you for such an amazingly informative blog. Hailing from a South east asian city, we were so bowled over by Skye and Glencoe when we visited in aug 2018. that’s when we heard about Applecross from our B&B host. So emerging from 3 years of lockdown, we felt no inclination to go anywhere but scotland and applecross. We have 13 nights early may 2023 and my plan is, after picking our rental car at Inverness airport, Dornoch-thurso-durness (if we can find accomodation)-lochinver-sheldiag (2)-skye (3)-Glencoe(3)-Lochness. (3 nights each in skye and glencoe to do the things we missed in 2018 like the Quiraing.) Castles and long hikes are not on our itnerary but we love unplanned stops at secluded beaches, wooded paths along the way. The only planned activity i would like to do is the full day sea kayaking near Ullapool i read about above. My concern is do my stops on the west coast give us sufficient time to do that? we do intend to take the scenic route to Lochinver. Many thanks again for all the wonderful information and links and in advance for whtever advice you may have for us. cheers pat

October 31, 2022 at 10:47 am

Happy to try to help and glad you are finding our articles useful. So it sound like you already have a good plan drafted for your time in Scotland. May is a usually great time to visit.

I think based on what you said you are looking at a Scotland itinerary that looks something like this, and if so, it seems pretty reasonable to me:

Day 1 – Arrive into Inverness, overnight in Dornoch Day 2 – Overnight in Thurso Day 3 – Overnight in Durness Day 4 – Overnight in Lochinver Day 5-6 – Overnight in Sheldaig, Strathcarron (I assume you mean the one near Torridon/Applecross, there is also a place of same name a little further north near Gairloch so just be sure to check where you are booking on the map when it comes to lodging) Day 7-9 – Overnight in Skye Day 10-12 – Overnight in Glencoe Day 13 – Overnight near Loch Ness Day 14 – return to Inverness airport to fly home

The above would give you about 6 days for the NC500 and you wouldn’t do the southern section. So it will be a bit fast, but you will still have time to see a lot. So planning in advance your stops is a good idea so you don’t waste time planning too much during your trip.

So yes, if you want to do the sea kayaking trip, I would contact Tim, the owner at Kayak Summer Isles, once you have your flights books and know your dates. You will want a full day available on your itinerary as you go out in the morning and get back in the early evening. It depends on the specific trip, but he normally starts most trips in or near Achiltibuie. So staying in Achiltibuie the night before your trip would be recommended (or Ullapool which is about a 40-45 minute drive away). So I would suggest perhaps modifying your stay on Day 4 to be in Achiltibuie or Ullapool. You might also want to stay a second night here so you don’t need to rush this part of the route. You could take 1 of the days away from one of the places you have already been such as Glencoe (or Skye).

So an itinerary taking that into account might look like this:

Day 1 – Arrive into Inverness, overnight in Dornoch Day 2 – Overnight in Thurso Day 3 – Overnight in or near Durness Day 4 & 5 – Overnight in Achiltibuie, book Summer Isles sea kayaking for Day 5 Day 6 & 7 – Overnight in Sheldaig, Strathcarron (I assume you mean the one nearest Torridon/Applecross, there is also a place of same name a little further north near Gairloch so just be sure to check where you are booking on the map when it comes to lodging) Day 8-10 – Overnight on Isle of Skye Day 11 & 12 – Overnight in Glencoe Day 13 – Overnight near Loch Ness Day 14 – return to Inverness airport to fly home

Once you have your flights and dates set, I would then recommend booking your sea kayaking trip as Tim can often only do one activitiy per day since it is mainly him leading all the tours so he is often booked out in advance. Then I’d sort out your rental car and accommodation once you have those in place.

Anyway, hope the above helps and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Scotland. Wishing you a wonderful trip along the NC500 and return to Skye and Glen Coe!

Juliet Shannon Post author

October 24, 2022 at 5:23 am

What a fantastic source of information for the NC500 Both myself and my partner are planning to do the NC500 1st week October 2023. We are staying in Balintore so will only have 4/5 days in which to complete. Your guide is very informative and we will be following and using lots of your tips and recommendations. Thank you for taking the time to produce this item. It is extremely helpful and reading it has made us more determined than ever that this is what we want to do next year and hopefully the following year too.

October 24, 2022 at 6:03 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad that our North Coast 500 guides are helpful. Hope you have a great trip around the NC500, and you can certainly still see a lot if you have 5 days but you do need to be a bit more selective. I hope it encourages you to return the next year with more time to do the trip and can spend more time in the area! If you have any questions as you plan your trip, just let us know!

Rowshan Ara Post author

May 31, 2022 at 2:12 am

This looks amazing! your site is the most informative, accessible and inspiring of those that we have looked at. Thanks so much and you get a chance to do a NC500 road trip in Scotland some day.

May 31, 2022 at 5:02 am

Hi Rowshan,

So glad you enjoyed our NC500 road trip guide – we have done that drive so many times now. It is always a bit different. Hope you get a chance to visit northern Scotland soon. If you plan a trip, just let us know if you have any questions.

Roy Taylor Post author

March 5, 2022 at 9:57 am

Hi, Back in June 1979 we toured Scotland on our honeymoon starting at Annan and tried to follow the coast all the way around to Edinburgh so did much of the now NC 500 before it existed in our 1967 Riley Elf. We are going back in August this year for our sons wedding in Tongue so are planning to spend time retracing some of our steps in our Motorhome, before and after, covering Inverness to Ullapool then down to Glencoe before heading home to East Yorkshire. Thanks for your guide, we will use the 5 day tour in particular to help us along the way 😊

March 6, 2022 at 8:55 am

Yes, the NC500 isn’t really a road so the actual route that has been marketed as the North Coast 500 has existed for about as long as there have been coastal roads along the northern part of Scotland. I am so glad you enjoyed your time around Scotland back in 1979 during your honeymoon. Lots of new attractions/restaurants, etc. although the lovely scenery has probably not changed a great deal since your first visit. Just be prepared for a lot more people and cars on the road as July/August can be very busy up there. I hope you make many new and wonderful memories this summer!

The section from Inverness to Ullapool is a great section to have the chance to drive. If you have time, I’d definitely start in the east from Inverness and go counter-clockwise to get to Tongue, then you can see most of the rest in the west afterwards as you make your way west back around to Glencoe. Glen Coe is also such a beautiful place and a great place to get out and do some walking/hiking if you have the time.

We’ve spent several days in Tongue, and there are lots of hikes you can do in that area and plenty of attractions within about a 1 hour drive. The hike up to ruined Castle Varrich or Caisteal Bharraich (hike starts near the Ben Loyal hotel) is a great short hike for anyone looking for something to do outside for a couple of hours in Tongue. Suitable for anyone without mobility issues. A few years ago they added a viewing area within the castle ruins. Some other attractions not too far away are the Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill (as well as Strathnaver Trail which takes you to lots of local historical sites in the area) and Smoo Cave near Durness. There are also lovely beaches in the area like Coldbackie Beach.

Wishing you a great trip and hope you have a great time at your son’s wedding in Tongue! If you have any questions as you plan your trip, feel free to ask.

June 26, 2022 at 10:22 am

Thank you for this reply Jessica, much appreciated with the additional information Regards Roy

Emily Post author

May 25, 2021 at 6:57 pm

Hi, Myself and my boyfriend are planning to do this trip in the summer and are supper excited!! We are 20years old and are planning to do the trip in a small car with a tent and 7 days your planning guide so far has been incredibly useful so thank you very much! I was just wondering if you could possibly tell me your list of MUST SEE’s from the route and any advise you may have regarding the trip Many thanks in advance Emily

May 27, 2021 at 12:23 pm

That sounds very exciting and glad our NC500 guide and 7-day itinerary has been helpful!

It is going to be a very busy summer along the route this year, so I would definitely recommend booking your campsites ahead of time. Many are already fully booked for those who need hookups but many still have tent pitches left. I’d also recommend booking any bigger attractions or tours that does pre-booking such as guided walks, boat tours, castle visits, etc.

In terms of must-sees, it would be hard for me to choose as we have visited so many great places and spent so much time in that area. I think it really depends on what you and your boyfriend are most interested in? Hiking, geology, castles, beaches, history, water activities, crafts, whisky, etc.?

Yes, so our 7 day itinerary lists way more than you can do in 7 days so you will need to pick and choose what is most interesting to you. If you are not sure, I would check out these two posts, North Coast 500 highlights and reason to drive the North Coast 500 . Those should help give you a good idea of many of the things you can do and lists many of the highlights. Then you can help build your own personal 7 day itinerary!

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any questions.

Tom De Blende Post author

May 24, 2021 at 6:37 am

A few years ago I bought the Lonely Planet book “Epic Drives of the World”. One of the drives was a trip from Applecross to Portree. We made a road trip out of it (Edinburgh-Inverness-Applecross-Portree-Bunarkaig-Glasgow-Edinburgh) and had an amazing time during our first stay in Scotland. The Quiraing Walk being our absolute highlight. It was during this trip we learned about the NC 500 and were sold on the idea.

We had everything booked for July 2020, but something small came up. So, we postponed the whole trip to July 2021. If covid permits, it’ll be Dornoch-Wick-Tongue-Lochinver-Ullapool-Applecross(2)-Inverness(2). As you can tell from where we are staying, your guide has been a tremendous help. Thanks a lot for that! We are now planning things to do.

I did want to provide some advise for people not used to driving in the highlands. We rented a car at Edinburgh airport at Celtic Legend. Halfway between Lochcarron and Bealach na Ba, I took a hard hit in a pothole at the end of a passing place, resulting in a flat tyre. We had to wait for over an hour to get towed away back to Lochcarron, get the tyre replaced and get back to Bealach na Ba and in the end Applecross. I think it cost us 3-4 hours and of course the price of the intervention and tyre.

So what advise I have: 1) Try to rent a car with a spare tyre so you don’t lose time getting towed. 2) Be very careful of potholes, certainly at the beginning and the end of passing places. They can be brutal. 3) Get extra insurance. Our excess waiver this year (covering tyres) will cost us GBP 70. The tyre incident last time cost us GBP 128.

The guy that towed was a jolly fellow. He did find the whole situation amusing. In summer, he said, 50% of their business comes from flat tyres. 50%!

May 24, 2021 at 10:40 am

Hope you are able to do your postponed North Coast 500 trip in July. It is already busy up there right now and most things are now open. Glad you already have your accommodation booked, as many places are almost booked full through August now. I hope you get some nice weather for your trip and don’t have any flat tyres!

Thanks for leaving some of your rental car advice as I am sure it might help future drivers who are not used to driving in the Highlands or rural areas 😉 The single track roads (appropriately using passing places), potholes, farm animals, etc. all add a bit of color to the driving experience so definitely a road to take slowly and to enjoy the scenery. Having a spare and having insurance is definitely a good idea.

Wishing you a wonderful NC500 road trip! Jessica

Frances Anne Cox Post author

March 13, 2021 at 11:11 am

What a fantastic site full of amazing information. You have certainly saved us a ton of preliminary work. Once lockdown lifts we’ll be off!! Thanks, Frances

March 14, 2021 at 8:33 am

Hi Frances,

Glad you found our North Coast 500 road trip planning guide helpful! Yes, hopefully things will be open and somewhat back to normal this summer.

If you have any questions as you plan your trip, just let us know 😉

Deb Post author

March 8, 2021 at 6:13 am

What a fantastic guide, thank you. My son and I are doing the nc500 early October this year. I have done it briefly once before but it was quite rushed and I wanted to plan a little better. I have picked up some amazing tips on where to stay, where to eat and where to look forward to visiting. I’m so happy I found you guys, thank you. Deb 😊

March 10, 2021 at 7:52 am

Yes, as you said, it is not good to rush a North Coast 500 trip as you’ll miss out on seeing and doing a lot in the area. It is much more enjoyable if you can drive it at a relaxing pace. We’d recommend at least a week if you have the time.

I am glad our blog posts have been helpful and I wish you and your son a wonderful trip in October around the NC500! We are hoping to get back up there in September ourselves if travel restrictions allow. If you have any questions as you plan your trip, just let us know. Happy to try to help or give advice based on our experiences.

peter johnson Post author

February 4, 2021 at 2:34 pm

Hi im interested in visiting this summer and wondered if you could identify the official map you recommend as the link is to ebay and the listing has finished so I don’t know which map it is. Thanks Pete

February 8, 2021 at 6:31 am

It is the official map put out by the NC500 organization. Yes, if it is not currently available online, you should be able to pick it up at the visitor centers along the route. Some of the local businesses along the route, particularly the hotels and B&Bs, may also sometimes have extra copies. We generally pick one up at the Inverness visitor center. They generally update the map each year and print new maps (since one of its functions is to advertise the businesses who pay to be advertised on the map), so the latest one may not yet be printed since obvioulsy no one is traveling now and the general travel season doesn’t begin until Spring 😉

But really the for the route, it is the same route as mapped in our article which you can see by clicking on the Google Maps link. The route is pretty simple. The physical map though is nice to have though and it points out things like recommended attractions and fuel stations, so I would recommend picking up a copy if you can.

Stravaig Post author

January 31, 2021 at 6:34 am

Thanks I will be passing on your tips to our customers at Stravaig Motorhome Rental, a new family business offering brand new luxury motorhomes just 30 mins north of Edinburgh Airport – check us out Best Wishes Stravaig

January 31, 2021 at 7:11 am

Hi Stravaig,

Glad you enjoyed our North Coast 500 guide and thanks for sharing it with your future customers 😉 If you have any questions, just let us know and good luck with your new business.

Michelle Post author

January 24, 2021 at 2:19 pm

Hi, love this guide, however for people like me it leaves out 3 vital details: cliff edges, heights & bridges!! I love Scotland and go there about 8 time’s a year, and always drive the A82 up to Loch Ness (often drinking in to Glen Etive) A85 and I’ll be honest I don’t love driving along the lochs !! I really want to do this route but I’m just so worried about cliff edges and bridges that I haven’t done it. Could you please advise if this really isn’t for me or if it would be ok. Please be honest as I’d have a melt down if I suddenly come across a bridge or cliff edge. Thank you. Michelle x

January 26, 2021 at 4:20 am

Hi Michelle,

Glad you enjoyed our North Coast 500 guide and are thinking about planning another trip to Scotland. So you would of course need to cross some bridges, drive near the coast, and along lochs. You’ll also need to drive on single track roads for part of the route and be able to successfully reverse your car into parking spaces. I wouldn’t say that you are ever that close to a cliff edge or that any of the bridges are that particularly scary. But you know what your limits are.

Two of the longest bridges over water on the NC 500 route (that come to mind anyway) are the Kessock Bridge (leaving Inverness) and the Kylesku Bridge (in Kylesku) – you can google those bridges to see photos and a description of them. So I’d check that out. If you can handle those ones, I think you can handle the bridges on the route. But if those two are too much, this may not be the route for you.

The NC500 route goes near lochs of course (its hard to drive anywhere in the Highlands without this being the case!) but if you can do the drives around Loch Ness and other lochs I think you’d be OK. I’d maybe do a bit of Google Maps research and see what you think so as you look at images of the views from the road – you are closest to the coastline in the northern part of the route.

If you decide to go, I’d recommend sticking to the main route only and avoiding detours as they often take you onto narrower roads and are more likely to go closer to cliff edges and be a bit less maintained. I’d also avoid the Bealach Na Ba (probably don’t need to even say that!) as its the highest and steepest road on the route. I’d also skip the Applecross coastal route as that goes close to the water and so I’d just maybe skip the Applecross area entirely.

Hope that helps, and let me know what you decide to do!! Jessica

Karlo Post author

January 9, 2021 at 6:09 am

Absolutely stunning! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!

January 9, 2021 at 6:41 am

Glad you enjoyed our guide and photos of the North Coast 500. Just let me know if you have any questions if you are planning a trip to Scotland.

Jay Man Post author

November 19, 2020 at 6:30 am

I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for such a well informed article of the North Coast 500. The whole article has been well thought of and easy lay out with valuable sections of different travel options, tips about accommodation, etc.

I have not done the NC500 yet, but after reading your articles, I have now bought a NC500 guide book and subscribed to your newsletter.

Keep up the brilliant work.

Kind regards, Jay

November 19, 2020 at 8:34 am

So happy to hear you found our North Coast 500 so informative and helpful. I hope that you are able to do the NC500 road trip next year once everything is opened back up.

Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip!

Steve and Lynda Post author

October 1, 2020 at 1:08 pm

Just want to say thank you for all the information you put in your blog in relation to doing the North Coast 500 my wife and i started planning the trip about 4 weeks before leaving on 20th September probably to short a time as many B&Bs booked up however we found your blog and have stuck to it using all your advice. We followed your trip having a couple of nights in Inverness and enjoying the city there is plenty to see. We then took six days in an MR2 hood down all the way we were so lucky with the weather, doing the route and followed all that interested us in your blog, it is so informative without it we would of missed so much, the detail and advice of places to visit how to break days up is superb every day was a new experience. We stayed in a mixture of B&Bs and hotels the hotels are not a patch on the B&Bs we were looked after so well. We would both like to thank you for such an informative and enjoyable blog we had one of the best trips we have ever taken i the UK.

October 2, 2020 at 4:13 am

Hi Steve and Lynda,

So happy to hear that you had such a wonderful road trip on the North Coast 500! You are very welcome, and we are happy that our planning guides and itineraries were helpful in planning your time and stays for the trip. Also happy that you were lucky with the weather (it is currently pouring down rain outside as I write this) as good weather is wonderful but far from guaranteed in the UK!

Yes, generally many of the B&Bs and hotels we recommend are booked up more than a month in advance so it definitely a good idea for those planning the drive to try to book as far in advance as you can. But it sounds like you still had some great stays on the NC500 and were well looked after by the hosts and staff along the route.

Thanks for taking the time to write about your experience as I am sure it will be useful for future readers and we of course enjoy hearing back from readers!

Best, Jessica & Laurence

Veer Post author

September 29, 2020 at 7:27 am

Thanks for this amazing article, really helpful. I have been looking forward to a roadtrip since 2014 and have driven to highlands from the South East of England many times but nothing north of Inverness. I now have the next week cleared up and want to take up drive up. Is it too short of a timeframe to plan the trip. I will be driving and will be solo for the whole trip, would that be a concern? I’m happy to take up travel buddies and have advertised on some travel apps/sites, but no takers yet. Would you have any recommendation for travel buddies please?

Many thanks in advance for your reply.

October 1, 2020 at 4:35 am

It sounds like if you are driving from southeastern England and have 1 week to travel, that you will likely have about 5 days for the North Coast 500 if you spend 1 day driving up and one drive returning. That is a lot of driving but doable. Just note that if you are planning to travel in October that some of the seasonal businesses will be closing this month and some are reservation-only so best to check ahead for any place you really want to visit. I’d probably book your accommodation in advance if you know where you want to stop so you are sure to have a place to stay and not have to drive further that you want looking for a place to stay.

I doubt you will likely find a travel companion a week before such a trip, so I’d plan to do the trip on your own, but there are message boards out there that you might want to try. I’d try local ones in your particular area to see if anyone is interested and maybe some specific to the NC500. Unfortunately, the best travel companion board that I know of (Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Travel Companion message board) closed down last year. There are also general Facebook communities you can join as well and I’d do a search for “travel companions”.

Dirk van den Muijsenberg Post author

September 18, 2020 at 5:32 am

So I’ve been to Schotland a couple of times now. However I’ve never crossed (yes I’m from NL) with my 2 kids (2 and 4). I am planning to do so next year if the covid allows.

Because I’ve seen a couple of spots already I’m doing some research on the NC500 with kids, maybe in combination with 1 or 2 islands. Is there any specific information to tell for a 2-3 week trip on and around the NC500?

Unfortunately we’re bound to the school holidays which will be july 24th – september 5th in our case.

September 21, 2020 at 1:42 am

I would recommend starting with our 1 week North Coast 500 itinerary which will help you plan your days around the NC500, I’d recommend spending 7 to 10 days on that route but you can certainly spend more. If you do more than 7, you can just add additional nights to some of your stops so you have more time in some areas. This is especially a good idea if traveling with young kids.

Then I’d add a week or so for time on the islands. Larger Scottish islands within easy reach of the NC500 are Orkney, Lewis & Harris (the two “islands” are joined together), and the Isle of Skye (also Raasay). You could also consider Shetland (a group of islands very far north so takes a bit of time to get there). I’d allow at least 3 days for any island you choose to have enough time to explore the highlights. So if you have a week, I’d recommend choosing two islands to explore and add to your NC500 itinerary.

July is a busy time for both the NC500 and most of the Scottish islands, so just be prepared for crowds and to take things slow. But the weather is typically warmer and all the seasonal businesses and ferry routes should be open. It also depends, of course, on the coronavirus, but hopefully things will be much better next summer!

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any further questions! Jessica

September 21, 2020 at 2:21 am

Thanks for the very helpfull info. Unfortunately we don’t have an other option that go within the Dutch holliday weeks because of school. After reading your reply I think we might go for around 10 days for the NC500, a week for the islands en some days for edinburg / inverness etc. which make a total of around 3 weeks.

I’ve plenty of time to find local things to do with (youngh) children. Next to that with the kids we might to make sure that we’re not in the middle of a midge peak.

September 23, 2020 at 3:08 am

That sounds like a good plan if you have about 3 weeks for your holiday. If your kids like outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty of things to do and see around the North Coast 500 and on the islands.

For the midges, you will likely encounter them since you will be there in July. They often start biting around the end of June. Some years they are bad, some years not so much. I’d just bring a bottle or two of insect repellent with you for that. Smidge is definitely the most recommended and the one we use. I’d also bring something that is effective for deterring ticks.

Wishing you a wonderful trip next year, and feel free to reach out if you have other questions as you plan your trip.

Jazz Virk Post author

September 14, 2020 at 12:28 pm

I found your page very useful. I am going there in 2 weeks and wanted to know if we should spend 2 nights in Inverness or Torridon? Where is there more to do?

September 15, 2020 at 2:02 am

You can easily spend 2 days exploring either, but there is definitely more things to do near Inverness. The city offers attractions and there are several things you can do within an hour’s drive for day trips from Inverness , such as the Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness, and Cawdor Castle.

But if you just prefer hiking, scenic drives, and time outdoors than you might prefer spending the extra night near Torridon instead. But if you are looking for places to go and things to do, I’d spend the extra night in Inverness.

Hope that helps and hope you have a great trip! Jessica

rekha vadgama Post author

July 25, 2020 at 11:45 am

I’m so glad i came across your website – it’s simply a superb piece of information for those who haven’t travelled the NC500. We are thinking of going in September and have used your article to refer to as it provides such in-depth information and has been extremely helpful to plan our journey. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We’re really looking forward to the trip, especially as my son has recently started experimenting with his new camera and can’t wait to capture the scenery ! Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

July 25, 2020 at 4:23 pm

Thanks for taking the time to let us know that you are finding our travel website helpful, always good to hear 😉 Wishing you and your family a wonder NC500 trip in September. Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your Scotland trip.

BTW, if your son is interested in learning more about photography, Laurence runs an online travel photography course as well.

bernard campbell Post author

July 7, 2020 at 7:08 am

many thanks for writing your guide and very helpful it is , I was planning on doing this route this year but now looks like it is going to be delayed until next year with a bit of luck ….

July 7, 2020 at 7:14 am

Hi Bernard,

Glad to hear that you have found our North Coast 500 guide helpful in planning your trip. Sorry to hear that your trip has been delayed, but that may be for the best. It is expected to be very busy once things reopen and since some hotel/restaurants/attractions are not planning to open up this season, so it may further crowd people into certain areas and attractions. Also many of the lodging providers we recommend have already told us they are mostly booked or fully booked for 2020 so planning your trip for 2021 or going during the off-season may be a good idea 😉

Wishing you safe and happy travels, Jessica

david johnston Post author

June 23, 2020 at 11:22 am

We are planning to drive this route this Sept. if virus allows. Could we purchase your guide please. Would appreciate any help. We are travelling from N.Ireland Thanks David.

June 24, 2020 at 4:03 am

It is expected that Scotland will allow most tourism places to reopen starting July 15th (including restaurants, hotels, campsites, pubs, museums, etc.) although it has not been made official quite yet. So I think you should hopefully OK for a September North Coast 500 road trip. There should be no travel restrictions for UK or Irish travelers once things open up. But of course, do keep checking the latest advisories.

We have gotten a lot of messages and emails about people planning to drive the North Coast 500 in August/September/October so I would definitely book your accommodation in advance as well as any guided activities. I think a lot of people in the UK will be heading north at the end of summer so we expect the route to be busy.

We don’t offer any NC500 guides for sale, but you can use our articles for free online. Or you can print or download articles as a clickable PDF file – this is a free option for our newsletter subscribers. If you are not a subscriber, it is free and easy to join and you can learn more and sign up here .

The printable versions of the articles have the images, photos, and ads removed and are formatted for printing. You can also use this function to save them as clickable PDF files as well if you’d rather not print them. The PDF files allow you to still use the links.

Once you are a newsletter subscriber, to print (or save as PDF), all you need to do is go to the article you want to print and click on the Printer icon button. This will be on the left hand side of the article (for those on desktop) or at the very end of the article (for desktop and mobile users). Once you click the icon a box will pop up that will be asked to enter your first name and email address. Please use the email address that you use to receive our newsletter.

If you have any further questions as you plan your NC500 trip, just ask!

June 26, 2020 at 10:52 am

I also wanted to say that there are several people who are part of our Facebook group who are planning to drive the North Coast 500 at the end of summer or in September. You are welcome to join in on the discussion and get advice there as well: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

Andrey Post author

March 3, 2020 at 2:20 pm

Hi! This is amazing article, thanks so much. I’m from Russia. I can’t find so much useful information for a long time in russian search sites. But I need a recommendations still. Can you help? I have only 4 days for the trip and not so much money to stay at hotels. I need to find couchsurfers for all rout in a most big cities. Where I can stay? I need to stay for 3 or 4 nights. ( I must get back rental car in the early morning at Edinburgh/ or evening). What can you recommend me? Thank you so much!

March 3, 2020 at 4:39 pm

Unfortunately, I am not sure how easy it will be to find couchsufing along the route as many are small towns and rural areas, as there are no big cities along the North Coast 500. But you can check the Couchsurfing website and inquire from those who are hosting, but there are not too many hosts listed in Scotland.

Also if you only have 3 nights from Edinburgh, that is not really enough time as the route as it is not near Edinburgh so that would probably not leave you much time, especially if you are on a budget. There are some hostels in Inverness and in a couple of the towns. Probably the least expensive way to stay would be to buy a tent and get some camping gear and camp at campsites along the route as there are a number of campsites along the route.

If you are looking for places to travel in Scotland where there are lots of hostels and cheaper places to stay I’d recommend looking at the larger cities in Scotland as these are well connected by public transit (both train and bus, which will save you money so you don’t need a rental car) and offer hostels – your chances of couchsurfing there would also be much higher. So cities you might look at are Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Stirling, and Inverness.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Catherine Sorsby Mrs Post author

February 28, 2020 at 9:13 am

Your guide is excellent, and very much appreciated as my daughter tells me she is planning to cycle the route, alone, later this year. She has the experience and skills to do this kind of thing, but I would like her to phone me every evening as a ‘safety check’. Please could you tell me if she is likely to have any problems getting a phone signal when she’s in the more rural areas? Thankyou very much, Cath

February 28, 2020 at 11:15 am

Hi Catherine,

There are places along the route where it is hard to get a phone signal or there isn’t Wifi access. It also does depend of course on her phone and network so I would make sure it is supported, especially if she is traveling from outside the UK as she may need to unlock her phone and/or get a local SIM. If she needs a SIM, you can check out this post about calling and getting online while traveling .

But generally, I think she should have no problem checking in each day as long as there is no set time she needs to call. If she is staying at a B&B, hotel, or campsite each night, she should have no problems in most places using her phone to call or text you each night. Also, I am sure the hotel/hosts would be happy to help if she is not having signal to allow her to use their computer to send an email or their phone if necessary.

Hope that helps, and wishing your daughter a wonderful trip!

Jackie Murgatroyd Post author

February 24, 2020 at 1:14 pm

Hi, I’m planning to do the NC500 over about 10-12 days this May in my camper van.I have solar power for lights and recharging phone, torch and e-bike but my cooker and fridge run off autogas. Is there anywhere on route where I can top up my gas tank? Thanks, Jackie

February 25, 2020 at 9:28 am

I am guessing you are specifically referring specifically to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)?

I would check out this site to see places where you can likely find LPG https://www.mylpg.eu/stations/united-kingdom/#map , which has several garages listed along or near the North Coast 500 route, including ones in Inverness, near Wick, and in Ullapool. I’d recommend calling the specific garages and stations in advance to make sure they have what you need. Then you can plan accordingly if you know that you are going to have to fill up along the trip.

The Fill LPG website is another one to check.

This probably doesn’t apply to you, but just note that if you plan to take any ferries or cross any borders on your trip (e.g., to France or Ireland) there may be a restriction on flammable gases. For example, vehicles that use flammable gas (e.g., LPG, BiFuel, Autogas, Hydrogen, CNG or CGH2 ) cannot be transported by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle because of safety reasons. Any flammable gas containers (e.g. for use in a campervan) and their size is regulated and these must be declared for inspection. So just something to keep in mind 😉

Hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful trip! Jessica

Stuart McAlpine Post author

February 2, 2020 at 11:11 am

You have provided a great deal of information on the North Coast 500 and I appreciate that. After your comments I have a question for you. We are planning to arrive in Ullapool from Stornoway late on June 24 and we need to be in Inverness by the evening of June 26 to attend the pipe band European Championship the next day. I had hoped, perhaps naively, to be able to drive along the north coast from Ullapool to Thurso, then south to Inverness in those two days. From your description and others I have read, the summer crowding may make this difficult. So my question: Is this at all doable or do I need to plan something else? I understand that what I’m contemplating does not include many stops along the way. That’s OK; I just want to see the north coast region. (BTW I’m a west coast American and have driven Scotland’s single lane roads before, but my British son-in-law will be driving on this trip, so we’ll be less of a menace!) Thanks. Stuart McAlpine.

February 3, 2020 at 6:42 am

Yes, as I am sure you expected, we would not recommend this. As you have read on our blogs as well as it sounds like from other people online who have done the trip, we’d not recommend that route for you. Basically you’ll have 1.5 days or a little more since you arrive late on 24th and need to be in Inverness by the evening of 26th.

Could you, yes, but you’ll just be driving most of the time and won’t really have time to enjoy much along the route. We’d recommend at least 3 days for the time between Ullapool and Inverness.

I think if there is one general piece of advice that people who live and work along the NC500 route would give tourists is to slow down, stop rushing, and spend more time helping support the region. We’ve probably heard some version of this hundreds of times and totally agree with it.

Summer does indeed mean more crowds and the section between Ullapool and Thurso has a lot of single track and windy bits and people often go slower because of this (often the first section those going counterclockwise will encounter), stopping in passing places eats up time, and people are really bad about just slowing down on the road for scenery and such. This is fine when you have a relaxed and flexible day, but not ideal when you need to cover a lot of ground in one day.

I would recommend taking the route from Ullapool south to Inverness and stopping at the many scenic and interesting places along that part of the route. There is lots of lovely scenery, gardens, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities in that area and also a couple of whisky distilleries you could visit. Plenty to keep you busy for 1.5 to 2 days and you can follow the final two days of our recommended 1 week NC500 route itinerary . Perhaps also consider extending your trip if you can to do the rest of the route after the pipe band championship or planning a second trip where you’ll fully be able to enjoy the scenery and attractions that make this a wonderful area to visit.

Wishing you a great visit and time at the pipe band championship. Are you competing or just going to watch?

February 3, 2020 at 7:06 am

Thanks for the advice. I could have predicted what you would say but I thought I’d ask anyway. I’ll have to rethink our route. As you say, there are plenty of other places to occupy our attention. BTW I’m going to watch the pipe band championship although I am a piper. Keep up the good work.

Slainte, Stuart

February 3, 2020 at 7:15 am

You’re very welcome. One advantage of going south and across to Inverness is that you have the chance to drive probably the most famous stretch which is the Bealach Na Ba. There are few areas of Scotland where you could not easily spend a couple of days and this part of the route is certainly no different 😉 If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

Sharon Watson Post author

January 31, 2020 at 3:56 pm

Hi there, me and my husband are planning to drive the NC500 towards the end of April/beginning of May. We’d like to take 2 weeks doing the drive. We enjoy road cycling and walking/hiking (12 miles walking maximum) so would like to stop a little longer in some areas so we can do this. Can you recommend any places in particular that would be good to do this? Would it be worth visiting some of the islands as we have more time? Any help would be great, thanks! Sharon

February 3, 2020 at 5:05 am

That is great that you have more time for your North Coast 500 trip and you could easily make all of the overnights from 1 night to 2 nights if you wanted. I’d definitely recommend spending a bit of time exploring the area around Inverness as there is a lot to see if you haven’t been before (e.g., Loch Ness, Fort George, Cawdor Castle, Culloden, etc.).

For hiking/walking – you have lots of options along most of the route really so you can find hiking opportunities located near probably any section of the route. We list many suggested hikes within our 7-day North Coast 500 itinerary so I’d start there as I list hikes on just about every day and many have links to trail descriptions.

But just to point out a few:

– Along the eastern part, many of the hikes we recommend are shorter and can be done in 4 hours or less such as the Black Rock Gorge, Big Burn, Loch Fleet nature reserve hikes, Yarrow trail, Keiss coastal path, etc. – For a longer coastal walk you might consider the Dunnet Bay coastal hike within the Dunnet Bay Nature Reserve which is a little over 10 miles. For this hike, anywhere between John o’Groats and Thurso would be a convenient place to overnight nearby. – Durness may be a good corner for some more remote hiking opportunities. Among the longer hikes here, the Sandwood Bay hike would be within your distance, it is about 8 miles (4 miles each way) and it considered one of the nicest and most remote beaches in Scotland – you could hike in during the morning, enjoy a picnic lunch and time on beach in afternoon, and then hike back out for a nice day out. A day on Cape Wrath might also be something to consider (best if weather is good) as lots of remote hiking there, reachable by ferry, and you can even stay overnight at Cape Wrath. A trip over to Handa Island might be nice as well, particularly if you like birds/wildlife, you get a foot ferry over and then follow a designated path that is about 4 miles. -The area of Lochinver offers lots of hikes, and is a popular area for the longer hikes and several munros. Many of the munros (mountains) may be a bit too much and long, but you may want to consider maybe one challenging hill walk such as Suilven. Its an iconic hill here and attracts a lot of hikers and climbers in the warmer months. Its about 12.5 miles round trip and a full day hike for most people. I’d read about it first and see if it is a good fit. If you do this, I’d recommend staying at the Glencanisp Lodge the night before and after as you can walk right from this lodge to the starting path for the hike – super convenient for this hike and most of the people who were staying here when we did were specifically here for this hike. -If you are thinking about taking on something that feels a bit challenging, we can recommend a local guide, Tim Hamlet of Hamlet Mountaineering as a guide. He can do day hikes or longer overnight or even multi day trips. We’ve done kayaking and canoeing trips and Laurence and my brother just booked a trip in May to do a overnight hiking/camping/kayaking trip with him.

For road cycling, again, there are options along most parts of this route and I’d probably ask local advice and check out Ordnance Survey maps for finding the best routes in a particular place. I’d recommend looking for roads/routes just off the main route as they’ll be less busy as there aren’t any bike lanes in most places along the route. For example, the Black Isle community has lots of suggested Black Isle cycling routes for example and you can even do a bicycling trip around the Black Isle and then catch the Nigg ferry (be sure to check the schedule as its seasonal) and continue onto Portmahomack and back. There is also of course the National 1 cycle route that runs through this area and you could do sections of that.

Yes, you would definitely have time for one of the islands if you think you have more time than you need for the North Coast 500. I’d recommend heading over to either the main island of Orkney (get the ferry from John O’Groats or nearby) or to the Isles of Lewis and Harris (ferry from Ullapool). I’d recommend at least 2 full day and nights on either to have time to see the main highlights. Off the route, is also the possibility of going south a bit to the Isle of Skye. Both Orkney and Lewis have good cycling routes as well if you want to take your bikes.

February 3, 2020 at 9:16 am

Many thanks for all this information Jessica, lots of planning to do now! Sharon

D Hopkins Post author

January 20, 2020 at 1:14 pm

Thank you for all of the wonderful information!! We are hoping to bicycle the route this spring. While we are experienced cyclists, and I can fix most basic repairs, I would love to have a backup plan if something went horribly wrong and we were unable to continue the ride. I am having trouble finding such information. Are there places that I can call for a shuttle? Or if I walked to the nearest village, are there certain places where we can transport to other places? I’m just trying to make sure that I have emergencies covered. I do have access to a satellite phone if i needed it. Thank you!

January 21, 2020 at 3:11 am

That is a good question. I think that obviously you want to be prepared as you could be cycling a fair distance to the nearest village in some places so good to always have the basics on you of course (repair kit, first aid kit, food/water, safety gear, emergency numbers) and I think the phone could come in handy as reception is not great in certain places with a regular cell phone.

For emergencies, the emergency number in Scotland (for police, ambulance, fire) is 999, where for non-emergencies (but need to contact police) is 101. So for any medical or criminal emergency, I’d definitely start there. And if you are stranded somewhere but not hurt, the 101 number might help you if you don’t know where else to call.

If you were able to walk to the nearest village, the folks at the local store/service station/police/visitor center should be able to help you find a local shuttle or taxi company that could take you to say Inverness or where you needed to go with your bikes. There are a lot of small operations in the Highlands and I think depending on where and when you needed transport, would depend on which might be best. There is also lodging at just about every village.

There is also public transportation, depending on where you are. So along the east, there is a train line so you could use that to return to Inverness. There are also local buses mostly run by Stagecoach that connect many of the villages along the route.

There is also a cycling company called Ticket to Ride Highlands that has a number of transport vehicles that you can book for cycling holidays and they provide shuttle service. So I think the service is something you normally book in advance, but I am sure that if it was not an emergency and you could get to a village, that could be an option as well is to book a shuttle transfer with them back to Inverness or wherever. They service the entire region including the North Coast 500. You might want to give them a call and ask if they provide transport in such situations.

January 21, 2020 at 6:33 am

Yes Jessica this is great, thank you! Just having an idea of what options there could be if something happened, helps a lot!

Trevor Post author

January 12, 2020 at 7:41 am

Hi guys my wife and I have been thinking of seeing Scotland for a while , came across your information about the north coast 500, sounds great,we have 7 to 10 days in September 2020 and that co insides with our wedding anniversary, would like to do b&b going anti-clockwise,hire a car from Inverness airport and do a relaxing trip ,recommendation as to b&b’s would be great and best car hire ,thanks ,gr8 blog by the way

January 12, 2020 at 8:56 am

Hello Trevor,

For rental cars, you can see our recommendations above in the article. We’d recommend flying into Inverness Airport or getting the train there (easy to do from most parts of the UK) and then just renting a car there. There are many rental car companies. We often use Enterprise ourselves.

This really detailed 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary should help with what to see and do for 7 or more days along the route. It also lists overnight suggestions for each night, including B&B’s but you can also check out this list of our recommended bed-and-breakfasts along the North Coast 500 . Most of these we’ve stayed at ourselves.

If you have more than 7 nights, I’d suggest adding a night to some of your overnight stops. Makes the trip much more relaxing and allows you to see and do more in that particular area.

If you are looking for a special place to stay to celebrate your wedding anniversary, I’d also check out this list of hotels on the North Coast 500 as it includes some special places like castle hotels, historic homes, country estates, and really nice B&Bs. But happy to suggest a specific place if you have a budget in mind.

Hope that helps and let us know if you have further questions as you continue your planning.

A.M. Fernau Post author

January 2, 2020 at 2:37 pm

Unfortunately we only have a few days to venture onto the NC500 from Inverness. If we will later be visiting Skye, would it make sense then to just do a portion of the East Coast of the NC500, rather than the West Coast? If so, where would you recommend stopping and what alternate route could we use to return to either Inverness or make our way towards Skye?

We’re experienced drivers of both left side driving and rural one lane highways.

Many thanks!

January 3, 2020 at 8:40 am

If you have 3 full days and are starting from Inverness, I’d probably recommend 2 day exploring one section of the coast and 1 day on the other, so you get a bit of a taste of both. The east has more towns and cultural stuff, but the west is more dramatic and scenic. I’d take a look at our suggested North Coast 500 itinerary for what you can do in each area and town to help you decide if east or west is better, as either would work fine for heading over to Skye afterward.

Suggestion #1 (more time on East): On the first day leave Inverness and head northeast along the route towards Dingwall, explore Black Isle, and then head up to Dornoch for the night. The second day, head north to visit Dunrobin Castle and explore more of the east coast up to Wick (or perhaps John O’Groats depending on your timing) and then head back to overnight a second night in Dornoch. This is essentially Days 1 and 2 of our suggested 7 day NC500 itinerary. Then the third day drive back south from Dornoch towards Inverness, following along the southern part of the NC500 route, perhaps stopping at places like Rogie Falls on the way, to Kinlochewe and then head north up to Ullapool. Spend night in Ullapool. Then from Ullapool you can follow the route around to Torridon and Applecross if you wish on your way to the Isle of Skye or you can just go more directly to Skye via the faster route. It is about a 2 hour drive to reach the Skye Bridge from Ullapool following the quickest route via A835 and A890, but will take much longer if you go the scenic route.

Suggestion #2 (more time on West): On the first day leave Inverness and head northeast along the route towards Dingwall, explore Black Isle, and then head up to Dornoch for the night. Visit Dunrobin Castle in the morning, then head back south towards Inverness and around to Ullapool. Then the second day keep heading north along the NC500 to Achiltibuie and Lochinver, and then return in the evening to Ullapool. The next day head south towards Isle of Skye and again you can consider if you have time to drive the scenic route via Torridon and Applecross or take the quicker route to reach the Skye Bridge.

Note that if you are planning the drive in the winter or off-season, that many attractions close in winter (including Dunrobin Castle, most museums, and outdoor activity providers) so be sure to check ahead as that might sway your opinion on which way to go. Also the Bealach na Bà section of the route is sometimes closed or unssafe to drive in the winter months if there is snow etc.

Hope that helps give you some ideas, and do let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip in Scotland!

Kris Post author

November 19, 2019 at 7:04 am

myself and my husband are homing to do the 500 next April with our dogs I would really apprecaite any advise and guidance you have to help us in the planning please.

November 21, 2019 at 9:27 am

Yes, we should definitely add a section to our North Coast 500 guide about traveling with dogs, as I just received a very similar question from a reader looking for dog-friendly hotels along the NC500 🙂

I am guessing you are traveling from the UK, but if you are traveling from outside the UK you will need to make sure you check the laws and guidelines (papers, vaccinations, quarantine) for bringing a dog into the UK as it differs depending on the country of origin. You can find out more about that here .

The main thing with dogs in this area is that they will need to be kept on a lead (leash) in most places because of livestock and wildlife. April and May is lambing season in Scotland so lots of baby lambs will be around and you’ll want to keep dogs away from the sheep as they can scare and hurt the lambs. Sheep are just about everywhere in the area! This is also part of bird nesting season and dogs can disturb ground nesting birds so good to be aware of if doing walks/hikes.

Most hiking areas and wild places allow dogs (but not all of course so do check signs before setting out), but most ask that dogs be kept on a lead at all time and of course that all waste is picked up and properly disposed of. Most indoor attractions along the route do not allow dogs so if there are any that you want to visit, you may want to take turns with your husband staying with the dogs.

Most campgrounds accept dogs along the NC500. While most lodging doesn’t accept dogs, there are a number of hotels and B&B that do so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a place to stay. I would definitely recommend booking before your trip to make sure you have suitable places to stay with your dogs during yoru trip since you’ll have fewer options. Here is a partial list of places where we’ve stayed or visited, across a range of budgets and styles, that I believe allow dogs (in at least certain rooms):

– Kingsmill House in Inverness – dogs are allowed here – Aberfeldy Guesthouse in Inverness – dog-friendly B&B – Mansfield Castle Hotel in Tain – dog-friendly castle hotel – Royal Marine Hotel in Bora – dog-friendly hotel that caters a lot to golfers – Thrumster House near Wick – very dog friendly, owners have their own dogs, large garden for them to run around in – Forss House outside of Thurso – country house hotel that allows dogs in certain rooms – Inver Lodge in Lochinver – dogs are allowed here in some rooms I believe – Glencanisp Lodge outside Lochinver – dog-friendly hotel run by local community members, great location for hikers – Green Cruachan B&B – in Stoer dog-friendly B&B with nice hosts who serve vegetarian breakfasts – Summer Isles Hotel in Achiltibuie – I think they allow dogs in many of the rooms plus in the bar area (but not the restaurant) – Coul House Hotel in Contin – dog-friendly country house hotel, large area for dogs to run/walk

That is just a short list of some of the hotels that accept dogs along the North Coast 500, but hopefully it will give you a good place to start. Just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip.

Kari Post author

October 30, 2019 at 2:03 pm

Hi there! My Dad and I are planning a trip May 2020! We were thinking we would set up a few home bases, and stay 3 nights each. Is this doable? if so, can you recommend 3 locations to set up base to get the most out of our travels? What kind of weather can we expect towards the end of May? Or maybe there is a better time to travel. We are open with the timing and the length of our stay. Thank you in advance for any advice.

October 30, 2019 at 3:16 pm

Sounds like a great trip to plan with your dad!

I’d probably recommend 4 locations for 2-3 days each along the route to avoid having to keep driving the same part of the route too much. It depends of course on your main interests along the route but I’d say maybe in or around 1) Inverness 2) Thurso 3) Lochinver and 4) Gairloch (or Kinlochewe). But I’d look at our detailed day by day NC500 itinerary for help in where might be the best bases for you, depending on your interests and what you really want to do. It also depends if you prefer towns or plan to camp or stay in more rural locations.

May is a good time of year to travel in Scotland, it tends to be one of the better weather months. As noted, the weather is pretty unpredictable year round and I’d come prepared for some cool weather and rain. The midges shouldn’t be out yet. Most things along the route will be open as the tourism season in the Highlands normally begins in April around Easter.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have more questions as you continue planning your trip!

October 31, 2019 at 12:23 pm

Thank you so much for taking the time out to reply! I have dove even deeper into your wonderfully informative blog and am feeling as though coming up with an itinerary will be less daunting now especially having been given the towns to set up base. My Dad (82), has never been out of the states and has left me in charge of this trip (no pressure) It will truly be memorable for the both of us. Now I’m just trying to make it count! We would enjoy short walks/hikes and historical ruins and places to get out of the car and explore. I did see through one of your links regarding Rabbie’s tour over to the Isle of Skye. Definitely think we would want to do that, and I can take a break from driving. We won’t be camping or staying in Hostels so I will look into Booking.com as you suggested. Thanks again for your reply and all the information you have shared.

October 31, 2019 at 12:53 pm

You’re very welcome, and happy to look over an itinerary or answer more questions as you get further along in your planning. There are lots of historical attractions along the route as well as places where you can do short walks and hikes. We note many of these in our detailed itinerary.

I’d probably set your dates and flights first, and then you can think about hotels and any tours. Most attractions along the route don’t require any pre-booking or reservations, but if you want to do a specific activity (e.g., fly fishing, guided hike, kayaking, wildlife tour, etc.) that you would want to book in advance. But you have plenty of time 😉

For lodging, we have places listed on our itinerary for each recommended night, but since you are planning on basing in different places for multiple nights, you might also want to check out our B&B guide and our hotel guide which give some more recommendations along the route.

If you decide to do part of your trip with a tour company, we can definitely recommend Rabbie’s. We’ve done many of their tours and happy to answer any questions about those if you have any.

Sue n Rob Walsh Post author

October 6, 2019 at 7:54 am

Thanks for all the useful information. Having travelled up to Scotland from Yorkshire for an Autumn break for the last 4 years, we have talked about the North coast 500 more than once. Finally going to get it sorted for early summer next year and your advice is a great starting point for our planning. Can’t wait, will be spending our evenings in a lodge at loch Lomond the next couple of weeks planning our trip and gazing across the loch with glass in hand! Bliss!!

October 6, 2019 at 11:33 am

Hi Sue & Rob,

Sounds like a wonderful plan to drive the North Coast 500 next summer. Just let us know if you have any questions as you start your planning, and have a lovely time at Loch Lomond!

Stephen Lake Post author

September 14, 2019 at 10:46 am

Hi, An excellent article. What do you term a large RV? My motorhome is 7 metres long by 2.3 meteres wide (inc mirrors) It is under 3.5 tonnes so I do not regard as large. However, it sounds as if it may be a bit large for this route. I also drive coaches so I am quite used to manouvering large vehicles in tigh spaces.

September 14, 2019 at 11:38 am

Hi Stephen,

So I think a motorhome or RV of that size would be OK in general along the NC500 but I would not take it along the more steep and narrow sections. But luckily, there are alternative routes for the most narrow sections.

As noted, the two stretches of the road that are usually noted as unsuitable for larger caravans and motorhomes are:

-The stretch along B869 from Kylesku to Lochinver, which is on the western part of the route. You can take the faster and wide A894 route instead to reach Lochinver. – The Bealach Na Ba stretch as it is steep, narrow, and has a number of sharp bends. This is on the southwestern part of the route over by Applecross. It is easy to avoid as you can take the slip road up to the A896 instead.

It is recommended by the NC500 to not drive anything over 18 feet (about 5.5 meters) on these. Partly because of the narrow stretches and also because you need to be able to safely pull into and reverse the vehicle into passing places which are not always that long.

There are also some detours you’ll probably want to avoid, but these are not part of the official route.

So I think with just planning your route in advance and staying off the side roads, you should be fine with the motorhome you have. The route is definitely best explored with the smallest vehicle you have, but I think you can do it with the one you have with some good route planning.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any additional questions! Jessica

Doug Wilson Post author

September 12, 2019 at 4:03 am

What a brilliant resource and fabulous guide. Thank you so much!

Jessica Post author

September 13, 2019 at 1:12 am

Hi Doug, Glad you are enjoying our North Coast 500 guide! Just let us know if you have any questions if you are planning a trip. Jessica

Martin Woodhead Post author

September 11, 2019 at 3:51 am

Hi sorry if this has been asked before, are there Plenty of petrol stops on the way? I will be going on my motorcycle and want to do It in three days, my bikes tank will do about 140 miles per tank, thanks for the great article Very informative, Martin.

September 11, 2019 at 10:24 am

Yes, there are plenty of fuel stops along the NC500. As noted, if you pick up one of the official NC500 maps in Inverness before you start the trip, it lists where most of the fuel stations are. Some are open 24 hours, some are not.

Just note that 3 days is not very much time and you’ll be very limited in what you will be able to see or how long you can stop. If you have more time, we’d recommend at least 5 days to complete the route.

Jess Post author

August 18, 2019 at 6:24 am

What a great write up, thank you…. We are looking to do this next July/August is it something the children (ages 7 & 10) would enjoy?

August 19, 2019 at 5:50 am

Hi Jess, Yes, I definitely think that a drive along the North Coast 500 can be a great trip for families. I think you just want to take it at a slow pace, have plenty of breaks from sightseeing, and plan things you know the kids will enjoy.

Because we have been asked this question a few times, we have added a section above in the article called “Best Stops for Families with Children along the North Coast 500”. There we suggest some tips for families and a list of recommended sites and attractions, from beaches to castles to boat trips, that kids might enjoy. Take a look and then if you have any further questions, just let us know!

You can see more about all the suggested attractions and where they fit on the route by taking a look at our North Coast 500 itinerary .

Karen Post author

August 6, 2019 at 5:42 am

This article has been invaluable, thank you! Me and my boyfriend are doing this for our joint 50th birthdays next year (2020) and we cannot wait!

August 7, 2019 at 4:57 am

Hi Karen, So glad to hear that and what a great birthday trip for next year! If you have any questions as you make more plans for your NC500 road trip, just let us know. Best, Jessica

Will Post author

July 22, 2019 at 6:14 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence Your newsletter is fabulous for us first timers.We are hiring a motorhome on Saturday form Inverness and return it the following Friday – can you recommend a route plus any restaurants/pubs.Many thanks Will

July 25, 2019 at 2:12 pm

Glad you are enjoying our monthly newsletter and articles. If you have read our planning guide already, we’d also recommend taking a look at our 7 day North Coast 500 and our camping itinerary . Between those, you should probably have everything you need in terms of route and dining suggestions, but let us know if you have additional questions.

Wishing you a wonderful road trip! Jessica

Alex Post author

July 15, 2019 at 8:06 am

Please, please, please familiarise yourself with how to drive on a single-track road in Scotland. I am a (relative) local along the route and have witnessed the most appalling driver behaviour in and around Applecross (coast road, and Bealach na Ba) since the route became popular. Aside from giving way at passing places, please also drive as through you are anticipating the worst possible scenario over the crest of the blind summit in front of you! Driving single-track is all about anticipating hazards EARLY – these hazards include animals, cyclists, giant wobbly box campervans, bin lorries, people who don’t know how to or are not willing to reverse, localised flooding, and snow and ice in the winter. It take a lot of concentration to drive safely on these roads, and the local roads should not be a race track, or treated as a leisure drive for you or your vehicle of choice. The Bealach Na Ba was closed for 5 hours on Sunday due to an extremely serious accident. Tourists and locals die on these roads a lot, so it pays to do a bit of google map research so you know what you’re in for. Please also utilise local campsites and accomodation, local shops and petrol stations, and cafes/pubs, as the people who fill up in Inverness on fuel and food then don’t spend money in local villages really damage the fragile local economy.

To sum up, you will have an amazing time if your are careful and prepared, as well as open to a bit of flexibility.

July 17, 2019 at 11:59 am

Hi Alex, Thanks for taking the time to comment and adding additional warnings for those planning to make this drive along the North Coast 500. We have also also seen the poor driving of many visitors, especially those in campervans and motorhomes, those driving on single track roads for the first time, and those driving in convoy (don’t do this!). As well as littering (this includes placing rubbish in overflowing trash cans), illegal overnighting, and stopping on the side of the road (or in the middle!) for photos. Being able to reverse into passing places is a necessary thing to be able to do to drive this route safely, but we often encounter people who refuse to reverse despite being near a passing place.

The Bealach Na Ba as you noted is a particularly dangerous part of the route and is not for all drivers or vehicles (not recommended for large vehicles, heed warnings) — that is awful to hear about the car accident on Sunday. Those driving this route should consider whether they should drive this section of the route or not, and if decide to do so, be sure to be careful. We recommend driving the route anti-clockwise so that once you get to this section, you have some experience driving on single track roads. Ice and snow often close this route during the winter months.

We definitely agree with encouraging people to stop and spend money at the local campgrounds, hotels, museums, restaurants, shops, visitor centers, etc. It is the best way to support the local economy, meet people, and get the most of the route. The slower you go, the more you’ll see and the more you are likely to enjoy your trip!

As you said, those who are careful, respectful, and prepared will have a wonderful road trip!!

Loli Carballo Post author

July 8, 2019 at 12:59 pm

Dear Jessica and Laurence,

Thank you so much for such a wonderful site! We will be travelling the route on Saturday 12th of July with my husband, myself and our two children ( 6 and 5 years old). We are experienced campers so we will be camping along the route for 2 weeks approx ( we are flexible with dates). But we will be staying at the Nairn Lochloy holiday park for a couple of nights and then, we have decided to start the route anticlockwise. I wanted to ask you for ideas in regards of best places to take the kids to along the NC500 route; I have already noted Wyvis play park, Inverwere gardens, beaches, boat tours and some local indoors swimming pools for the rainy days. I would appreciate any other suggestions on specific places to take them to that we might have missed. Thanks! Loli

July 11, 2019 at 1:41 pm

Sounds like you already have a great plan and I would also check out Laurence’s camping itinerary as that might be helpful as well.

You already have some great ideas for places to visit with young kids (gardens, beaches, boat tours). There are many that might be a good fit, but here are some more ideas of places you might consider:

– Robertson’s Farm Shop – In addition to being a farm shop, in the summer kids can go visit the farm animals and pet some of them (small fee). There are Highland coos, goats, sheep, etc. -Evanton Woods – There is a very nice woodland playground here developed by the local community in Evanton. It is about a 10 minute walk from the parking area across from the free parking area across from the pub in Evanton. – Dunrobin Castle – This might be a bit expensive for taking the kids if they are not that interested in the interior, but there is also a beautiful garden here and a falconry display (usually once or twice a day, I’d check times in advance) is also often appealing to kids. – If you are looking for an easy archaeological site to visit, Càrn Liath (an Iron Age broch) is a short walk from the parking area. It is just a short drive past Dunrobin Castle. Free to visit. – Loch Fleet – This national reserve is a nice spot and there are plenty of walking trails, many flat and easy. Good chance for spotting birds. The Skelbo Forest Walk is an easy and mostly shaded option and there are some woodcarved animals along the walk. – Castle of Mey has a farm animal petting/viewing area that might appeal. -I would make the walk down to Smoo Cave – it is free to see the exterior. You can also do a tour here but that might be a bit too much for the kids. – At the Balnakeil Craft Village, they might enjoy a cocoa from the popular Cocoa Mountain 😉 – Rock Stop (has a small interactive indoor exhibition plus cafe) at Unapool and the Knockan Crag stop (outdoors) are both good places to teach the kids a bit about the North West Highlands Geo Park and the amazing local geology. – Achmelvich Beach is a really pretty beach and fairly protected by the bay. – Loch canoeing is possible with Tim Hamlet of Kayak Summer Isles , we can highly recommend him as a local guide. Families are definitely welcome, but may want to check if it would be good for kids that age. Be sure to reserve if interested. – Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve lets kids walk across a “scary” suspension bridge -Pony trekking is possible at Red Point at the  Gairloch Pony Trekking Centre . Need to book in advance.

Sorry for the delayed response but hope this is helpful as you being your North Coast 500 road trip tomorrow. Wishing you a wonderful trip!

Also, if you want to let us know how your trip goes, we’d love to hear what you and the kids found the best places to visit which can help other families traveling with young kids.

Julie Post author

July 4, 2019 at 3:17 am

We are doing a road trip in an RV this August and I was a bit concerned about what we needed to know before we went… this has covered EVERYTHING!!! I don’t need to look for information anywhere else.. Thank you!!????… I’m going to print off the information and highlight the bits relevant to us… and the NC500 rout map app is genius!!! I can see us going time and time again..

July 4, 2019 at 9:42 am

Hi Julie, So glad that you found our North Coast 500 guide so helpful 😉 I am sure you will have a great time. We will have a 7 day NC 500 itinerary out later this month before your trip if you want to come back and check that out. But just let us know if you have any questions.

Enjoy! Jessica

Leonie Post author

June 17, 2019 at 4:18 pm

We are three couples from Australia who are planning a trip next June. Sadly we only have a week in Scotland, starting in Edinburgh but would love to do a section of the NC 500 for 2-3 days. We will be driving and hope to head north from Edinburgh then across to the West coast before heading south to Wales. Do you have any suggestions for any particular sections?

June 19, 2019 at 8:36 pm

Um, if you only have 1 week in Scotland and have never been before, it may not be the best choice for a first time trip. But if you have 2 full days you could definitely explore a portion, perhaps drive the west part from Inverness to either Ullapool or Lochinver or do the east part from Inverness to Wick or John o’ Groats?

If you really want to do the NC500 in 3 days, I’d consider driving or taking the train to Inverness and then consider joining this tour with Rabbies as they will take care of the planning, ensure you see all the main highlights, and keep you safe on the road. It’s a whirlwind tour of 3 days/2 nights, but it would get you around the north quickly and safely without worrying about driving.

Satta King Post author

June 16, 2019 at 12:57 am

Such a good post this is – most helpful info out there on driving the NC500!

June 16, 2019 at 5:00 am

Hi Satta, Glad you enjoyed it. Just let us know if you have any questions about the North Coast 500, and wishing you a great road trip. Best, Jessica

Sadie Rhodes Post author

June 13, 2019 at 11:55 am

Hi, Your guide is great, easy to read and not “dry”! we have sorted out our accommodation, but wonder if there is a guide or similar detailing pertol stations on, or a bit off route? Thanks

June 13, 2019 at 2:04 pm

Glad you are finding our North Coast 500 guide helpful in planning your upcoming road trip! For petrol stations, we recommend picking up the official North Coast 500 map (you should be able to get it at the Inverness Visitor Centre or others centres along the route) as it includes an updated list of fuel stations along and near the route. You can see the 2017 edition of the map here for a good idea as I expect there have been few, if any, changes.

You’ll find that petrol stations are located in most of the larger villages and towns along the route. I would just recommend never letting your car get near empty and to fill up during the day as not all pumps are open overnight. We’ve driven the route several times and never had an issue finding fuel (regular or diesel).

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any other questions.

Sridhar Post author

May 8, 2019 at 2:01 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence,

Thank you for the very inspiring and comprehensive insights to NC500 route. I stumbled upon your incredible website a few weeks ago and brilliant photos and enormous information that you posted has drawn me into planning a holiday to highlands this summer. I am planning a 6 day trip starting from Glasgow and ending at Inverness with my wife and 2 teen kids stopping at Fort Augustus, Dunnet, Scourie and Dingwall. We have found some cottages that offer great views and am about to start booking them. However, we are a wee bit allergic (read scared) to reptiles (snakes, etc.). Just wanted to know if these creatures are commonly sighted in highlands in summer months. Would greatly appreciate if you could share your thoughts please. Thanks in advance.

May 8, 2019 at 9:02 am

Hi Sridhar,

Glad you are finding our content on the NC500 and Scottish Highlands helpful in planning your trip 😉

First, the cold weather in Scotland is strong deterrent to most reptiles (and amphibians), so you are extremely unlikely to encounter any reptiles even if you go out looking for them. I believe there is only one snake species that is native to mainland Scotland and we’ve never seen a snake in Scotland 😉 The creatures that are the biggest nuisance in the Scottish Highlands in summer are midges, mosquitoes, and ticks – so these are the ones I’d be prepared for as you’ll like encounter them if visiting between June and August, especially if hiking or spending much time outdoors.

Note that the North Coast 500 route is a route that has a lot of single-track roads and it is best to drive it slowly so we would recommend a minimum of 5 days to do the full route without being too rushed which might be hard with only 6 nights total in Scotland. Something to think about when planning your route and time in the Scottish Highlands.

Here is a suggested 5 day itinerary that may be helpful in planning your time along the route.

Anthony Post author

May 7, 2019 at 5:10 am

Great article, taking a motor home on the NC500 in August, taking a lot of your tips with us

all the best

Amanda & Anthony.

May 7, 2019 at 10:32 am

Hi Amanda & Anthony, So glad you are finding our NC500 article helpful, we have several NC500 related articles across our two travel blogs that may be useful for your trip. Do let us know if you have any questions – we are actually currently traveling along the NC500 again ourselves 😉 Best, Jessica

Nothard Kassburg Post author

April 21, 2019 at 7:05 am

Hello Jessica and Laurence Congratulations, your website is awesome. My wife and I plan to travel to Scotland by car and caravan for 4 weeks in June. Does it make sense to drive the North Coast 500 clockwise at this time because of the Midges encountered in the west or does not need to change the route ?? Best regards from the Emsland. Nothard and Gitti

April 21, 2019 at 9:27 am

Hi Northard & Gitti, So glad that you are finding our Scotland articles helpful in planning your trip! The midges normally start emerging around mid May and are usually in full swing by early June. How bad they are varies each year (2018 was a bad year) and throughout the summer. I don’t think it will likely matter too much as you can find them throughout the Highlands in summer, although from our experience they do tend to be worse along the west side of the North Coast 500 route.

I would still do it counterclockwise as that way you start with the better roads and more towns, and gradually come upon the single track roads and more dramatic landscapes. The best way to protect against the midges is an insect spray (we recommend a couple above, can be purchase once in Scotland if not available where you live). If you are planning to spend time camping outside (and standing/sitting in one place for awhile) or are particularly sensitive to insect bites, you may consider a midge net. They are not too bad if you keep moving, but can drive you crazy when you stand still. Generally worse around dawn, dusk, and on cloudy days.

For camping / caravaning, see our suggested NC500 camping itinerary for suggestions.

Shaun Post author

April 10, 2019 at 2:36 pm

Jessica and Laurence, Thanks for all the work that has gone into this brilliant guide to the NC500. I have just started planning my trip for late summer/autumn and this is a huge help. Happy travelling to you both. Shaun

April 11, 2019 at 5:45 am

Hi Shaun, Thanks for taking the time to comment. So glad you are finding our NC500 road trip guide useful, just let us know if you have any questions. Best, Jessica

Mel Scrivin Post author

March 26, 2019 at 11:46 pm

Hi guys thanks for all the great info. Help! We’ll be doing the NC in May in our motorhome (and by bike… one driving, with the dogs, and one riding!) We know we can’t take the van over Bealach n’a ba but we do plan to (try to!) each cycle it. Do you know if we’d manage the coast road there and back in the van as we want to meet at Applecross for lunch. She’s not enormous – 3 tonne laden and about 21ft long (Luton van rather than Transit- if that makes any sense in the US!) Thanks in advance Mel

March 27, 2019 at 8:42 am

Hi Mel, Sounds like you have a fun road trip coming up. I don’t think you should have any issue getting a van of that size to Applecross along the coastal route (barring any bad weather or road closures of course). Best of luck on your trip and on your cycle trip up the Bealach na Bà 😉 Best, Jessica

April 1, 2019 at 11:36 pm

Fabulous thank you so much Jessica!

Martin Post author

March 19, 2019 at 4:25 pm

Hi planing this trip soon. Just wondering what’s the laws about pulling up in a safe place and having a bbq? Thanks

March 20, 2019 at 4:21 am

Hi Martin, Your question is complicated of course as it involves both legal parking and having a BBQ. But if you are parked somewhere you are allowed to legally park and it is in a safe place that does not prohibit BBQs (some beaches, parks, etc. do not allow them, and some places prohibit certain types of BBQ) then you can if done responsibly. Most campsites along the NC500 allow all kinds of BBQ (electric, gas, charcoal) but not all of them so something to double check if you are planning to camp.

But here are a couple of resources from the Outdoor Code page and Fire Scotland page that may be helpful.

Kathleen McCollum Post author

March 16, 2019 at 2:05 pm

My husband, mother and I have driven parts of the route on other trips, but will taking in the northern section in September. We would prefer to have a rental that comes with a spare (just in case…), but these are harder and harder to find. Any recommendations?

Great information!!!

Thanks – Kathleen

March 18, 2019 at 5:36 am

Hi Kathleen, Yes, unfortunately, cars are not legally required to carry a spare tyre in the UK so many of the rental cars do not come with a spare. The other issue, of course, is that it is rarely listed in the information when booking online, so I think the only way to guarantee this would be to call an agency directly and request to book a car specifically with a spare although I am not sure all agencies would be able to guarantee this. If it is more of a preference than a requirement for you, you can find the best rate online and book and then when picking up the car, request one with a spare tyre (and means to replace one) if at all possible.

If you are not able to get such a car, I’d be sure to rent with an agency that has a 24-hour number and you know what to do if there are any car issues or flat tires.

Sorry I can’t offer any better advice on this, but wishing you and your family a wonderful NC500 road trip. The northern part of the route is lovely 😉

March 18, 2019 at 11:44 am

Thanks, Jessica! I called the rental agency and added the request to my reservation this morning. No guarantees, but at least they have the request. We will hope not to need it, but I also know we will be somewhat removed from AA and would prefer to fix it ourselves if needed!

Michael McCabe Post author

January 19, 2019 at 4:47 am

Hi, what a superbly detailed guide you have produced here. A big thank you for the help it is giving us to plan our route. We are taking two weeks to drive the NC500 at the end of March. Would you advise carrying with us fuel for the car (in a legal container) or are there sufficient petrol stations along the route for this not to be an issue?

Best wishes

January 19, 2019 at 8:14 am

Hi Michael,

I don’t think you will need to take fuel in a container as there are a number of fuel stations along the North Coast 500 route. There is at least one fuel station in most of the towns of any size along the route (e.g., Inverness, Wick, Thurso, Tongue, Durness, Lochinver, Ullapool, Contin, Dingwall), although I am not sure if they are all open 24/7 so just be sure to stop during business hours to be safe. I would just be sure to not let your tank get near empty and you should be fine if you stop when you have the chance before getting too low.

Glad you enjoyed our NC500 road trip guide and wishing you a great road trip in March! We should have more content on the NC500 out before your trip.

Martha Swain Post author

December 29, 2018 at 5:06 am

Hi. I’m planning a trip for late in the season 2019 500 Mile trip. Is there any issue with a female traveling alone?

December 29, 2018 at 6:11 am

Hi Martha, That sounds like a wonderful trip. We have found the North Coast 500 in Scotland to be a very safe driving route and most of the route is through small towns and rural areas with very low crime rates and few people. Crime happens everywhere of course, but you should be fine taking normal precautions (keeping money/valuables hidden away, locking doors, telling someone your travel plans, etc.).

Of course if you’d like some company or prefer not to drive yourself, you might check out this a 3-day tour from Inverness from Rabbie’s Travel and this 4 Day tour from Edinburgh by Highland Experience Tours. We’ve done several trips with Rabbie’s and there are usually at least a couple of solo travelers on their trips.

We’ve driven the NC500 route several times now, so just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip. Best, Jessica

Greg MacKinnon Post author

December 24, 2018 at 12:25 pm

Hi Jessica and Laurence, We are walking the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way ending our walk in Inverness at the Ardross Glencairn Guest house on May 24th. From there, we want to rent a car and take 7 days to drive from Inverness to Glasgow and leave back to Canada on June 1st so would arrive in Glasgow on May 31st. Do you have a 7 day B & B route that you would suggest for us for the NC500?

Thanks so much!

December 26, 2018 at 5:03 am

Laurence is actually putting together a NC500 B&B post which should be out on Finding the Universe in the next 2 months. We’ll also have more NC500 content. You can keep checking back or sign up for our monthly newsletter to get updates (it covers both of our travel blogs).

But here are some suggestions if you are wanting to book now for 7 nights doing the full loop:

-Day 1: Dornoch: Strathview Lodge B&B or The Steading -Day 2: Wick: Thrumpster House or The Clachan B&B -Day 3: Tongue to Durness: Tigh Nan Ubhal (Tongue) or Hillside B&B (Durness). There is also Salmon Landings – it is a bit before Tongue but a fantastic B&B. -Day 4: Lochinver: Davar Guest House -Day 5: Ullapool area: Braemore Square County House , Riverside Guest House , or Westlea House B&B -Day 6: Torridon to Lochcarron area: Pathend Bed & Breakfast -Day 7: Return to Inverness and spend another night in your first B&B, or consider ending your trip with a good value castle stay. Kincraig Castle or Tulloch Castle are two options.

Hope this helps get you started at least for accommodation. We’ve stayed at all but one of the above properties so do let us know if you have any questions about any of them. Several of these are reviewed in our North Coast 500 Accommodation Guide . But keep any eye out for new posts over the next couple of months.

MITCHELL DIACO Post author

November 17, 2018 at 6:50 pm

Hello, there!

Wow! What a terrific source of inspiration! Thank you SO much for taking the time and put it together!

We have spent a lot time looking around for suggestions regarding our upcoming, once-in-a-lifetime event (out 40th Anniversary), and when we have come across your wonderful guide, we knew we have reached our goal!

Having the round-trip flight and car bookings done, we are now in the process of establishing our self-driving route, and we are trying to figure out how to reach as many points of interest as possible, but without over-doing it… Both, my wife and I, are in love with castles, so we would definitely like to sleep a few nights in several of the famous Castle Hotels, however, we would REALLY love to include the NC500 route in our schedule… I know it’s a tough task, but being such an important event for us, we would REALLY love to get the most of our trip, especially because we live in a place where castles are nowhere to be found (Chicago, US)… Having said that, it would be great if you could provide us with some advice, considering the following:

1. We would land in Edinburgh on Friday, September 6th, 2019, and stay 4 days, exploring the city and surroundings; 2. We would like to hit the road on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, going North toward Inverness; 3. We would like to make the most of the NC500, and eventually spend 2~3 nights at your recommended Castle Hotels that might be in our way; 4. We would definitely like to include the Isle of Skye; 5. We would REALLY like to see Fort William and eventually stay over night there; 6. My wife, Nicole, is in love with trains, and taking the famous steam train ride with the Jacobite is a MUST!

I know it’s a lot to ask, but I hope you would be able to advice us in advance… our departure date from Edinburgh back to US is on Saturday, September 28, 2019.

Once again, thank you SO much, and, as a small token of appreciation, please rest assured that we would make all our purchases through your suggested links!

Hope to hear from you soon,

Nicole & Mitch

November 19, 2018 at 3:16 am

Hi Mitch & Nicole,

Happy to hear about your upcoming Scotland trip to celebrate your 40th anniversary!!

Here are some ideas and resources to help you plan your trip:

1. Edinburgh for 4 nights will give you plenty of time to explore. You can check out our guide to the top things to do in Edinburgh , lesser known Edinburgh attractions , and Edinburgh photography guide for idea to put together an itinerary there. You might also want to consider either getting the Royal Edinburgh Ticket or pre-purchasing a fast entry/ skip-the-line ticket for Edinburgh Castle (it is usually the most busy attraction in the city).

2. On the way up to Inverness, I’d consider stopping for a photo stop at the Forth Bridges driving through the Cairngorms National Park and a stop at Loch Ness. You can do a boat tour on Loch Ness if the weather is nice – if the weather is bad it is probably not worth doing. I’d recommend a night or 2 in Inverness as there are plenty of things to see in and around the city (e.g., art museum, Fort George, Black Isle, Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Culloden battlefield, Inverness Castle). Here are some Inverness day trip ideas .

3. I’d recommend at least 3 nights to do the NC500 – 5 days is ideal. We have a NC500 hotel guide that has all the main castle hotels listed. Let us know if you have a specific question about any of them. We only have a camping itinerary up so far, but will have more NC500 itineraries up before your trip in Sept., if you want to sign up for our monthly newsletter to be alerted with our new articles.

4. I’d recommend 2 nights on the Isle of Skye after you finish the NC500 drive. That will give you more time to explore there. Here is some ideas for the Isle of Skye and also a Skye & Scottish Highlands itinerary that might be helpful.

5. The city center of Fort William is easy to explore on foot. There are a couple of good museums there and the remains of a fort. If you enjoy castle hotels, you might consider a night at Inverlochy Castle before you head home. It has been one of our favorite castle hotels and is one of the nicest; however, it is more pricey than those around the NC500. But one to check out, not too far from Fort William and Glen Coe.

6. The Jacobite steam train leaves from Fort William so that is easy enough to arrange. The train doesn’t operate every day so I’d check the schedule and be sure to book in advance of your trip for that as it is popular.

Hope this helps, and feel free to reach out with additional questions as you plan your trip!

Lois Clark Post author

November 6, 2018 at 4:40 am

Thank you so much for putting this brilliant NC 500 guide together. Really useful 🙂

November 9, 2018 at 1:06 am

Thanks Lois, glad you enjoyed our guide and hope you have a wonderful North Coast 500 road trip. Do let us know if you have any questions. Best, Jessica

Subhajyoti C Post author

September 30, 2018 at 3:25 pm

Hi Jessica & Lawrence,

Congratulations on putting together a gem of a travelogue up there on Scotland and a fantastic website. We are planning for a 5 day trip to the Scottish highlands and Isle of Skye starting from Inverness. We will reach Inverness from London on 13th evening and have booked a self drive car to drive around the highlands for the next 5 days 😀

Below is what we would like to know:

1. We will be travelling with our 8 month old baby boy, considering winter is setting on and having read that Scottish weather can get fickle. Would the weather be too harsh?

2. Your tales got us all excited for the NC500 and We plan on taking the route from Inverness. Could you please recommend a route? considering the actual driving days will be 5 (Fully aware that is no way enough but would still like to make the most of these days). I would like to place Isle of Skye in this route somewhere.

4. Our preferred itinerary if NC500 doesnt cut will be (This is again a copybook of your 5 Day itinerary only difference is we will be driving self)

Day 0 Arrive at Inverness, overnight stay at Broomlea (Ardersier)

Day 1 See around Inverness and reach Ullapool

Day 2 Ullapool to Ardvreck Castle (including short stops enroute)

Day 3 Ullapool to Isle of Skye (Stay overnight at Portee)

Day 4 Explore Isle of Skye

Day 5 Portree to Iverness for our evening flight to London

Is this going to be too aggressive considering we will be travelling with a kid?

5. What could be our accomodation options enroute (Your recommended B&Bs if any)?

Is there another itinierary that you would like to suggest for the above days between 14th and 18th October.

Appreciate any suggestions.

Best, Subh and Shree

October 3, 2018 at 8:25 pm

Hi Subh & Shree,

Sounds like you have a great trip to Scotland coming up.

Yes, the weather is definitely fickle in Scotland. In terms of the weather, the further north, the colder it is likely to be. We like traveling NC500 in winter but it does snow up there and last winter we did have to stop for a day because of the road conditions. So it may not be ideal for such a short trip with a baby and wanting to see a lot. Winter is better for more flexible itineraries and some of the attractions along NC500 are closed in winter.

So in terms of your itinerary, it is only about a 40 minute drive from Ullapool to Ardvreck Castle, so you can do more on that day if you wish. I’d definitely spend 2 full days on the Isle of Skye if you really want to explore that area, especially with a baby.

I think your itinerary is certainly doable with a baby, I’d just check the driving distances each day and see what you want to do/see along the way so you can better plan your driving distances.

Here is our suggested 5 day Scottish Highlands itinerary that may help a bit for things to do/see. Although with a baby, you won’t be able to see as much and will need to move at a slower pace each day. We also started this one from Edinburgh but it should hopefully give you some ideas.

Ellie Post author

August 15, 2018 at 8:28 am

Great blog, thank you. A lot of useful info. We are doing the trip, starting the 4th October for 10 nights and haven’t planned any stops yet along the way. We have 2 dogs and will we stopping in our T5 and various campsites. Hoping to go to Skye for a night or 2 and maybe isle of Harris and Mull depending on time. Is everywhere mainly dog friendly? many thanks ellie

August 15, 2018 at 12:27 pm

A lot of people in Scotland travel with their dogs and you should find plenty to do. Indoor attractions often don’t allow dogs (as you probably expect) but you can always take turns watching the dogs when you want to visit these places.

Most outdoor spaces and campsites do allow dogs although in many places they need to be on a lease to not disturb livestock and/or wildlife. Luckily most nesting birds will be gone by October and lambs will be larger, which are 2 of the biggest issues with dogs in this area. Most beaches allow dogs and allow them to be off leash if supervised and cleaned up after. Most places have dog waste disposal bins.

We’d recommend 7 night along the NC500 to see all the highlights and have time to relax and enjoy it and go walking/hiking etc with your dogs. There are also a lot of attractions in and around Inverness worth seeing (Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, etc.). You can see our suggested NC500 camping itinerary for ideas of where to stay along the route.

With 10 nights, I’d probably choose between Isle of Skye or Lewis & Harris (or Mull but it is much further south) so you have enough time to explore them. You can easily spend 2-3 days on any of the islands. I think all of the ferries allow pets, but have different restrictions in terms of where they can be within the ferry so I’d check ahead.

Hope that helps and wishing you a great trip!

June Matthews Post author

July 30, 2018 at 5:23 am

Hi Jessica We are planning to do the NC500 in September. We will be in an Elddis Autoquest 200 motor home which is approx 19 feet in length and 7 feet wide. Are there any parts of the trip that you would advise us to avoid with a van of this size. We really hope there’s not too much but better safe than sorry we think. Many thanks for any help you can give us and congratulations on such a wonderfully friendly and indepth site Regards June

July 30, 2018 at 3:46 pm

That sounds like a fun trip, and very happy you are finding our blog helpful in planning your North Coast 500 road trip! Much of the road along the NC500 (especially in the north and west) are narrow single-track roads that were not designed for a lot of traffic or larger vehicles. But as long as you are patient and know how to drive safely on single-track roads and use passing places you should be fine in a motorhome of that size for the majority of the route.

Here is a good guide to driving on single track roads , if you don’t have much experience driving them.

The two stretches of the road that are usually noted as unsuitable for larger caravans and motorhomes are:

– The Bealach Na Ba stretch as it is steep, narrow, and has a number of sharp bends. This is on the southwestern part of the route over by Applecross. It is easy to avoid as you can take the slip road up to the A896 instead. -The stretch along B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku, which is on the western part of the route.

So I would just avoid those 2 stretches and you should be fine. There is always the chance of temporary road closures and such so I would check the road conditions during your trip, but you’ll probably find plenty of people to chat about the roads going in both directions at the campsites along the route.

You might find this suggested 7 day camping itinerary useful as it provides a suggested NC500 itinerary and tips for those planning to camp or stay in motorhomes along the route.

Hope this helps, and if you have further questions as you plan your trip feel free to reach out. We’ve driven this route several times now and happy to try to help!

July 30, 2018 at 4:37 pm

Many thanks for the advice Jessica. We will be sure to bear this in mind when we undertake the trip Regards June

Chris Marper Post author

July 24, 2018 at 11:53 pm

Great article guide on the North Coast 500. Planning on taking the new Overland vehicle on its first official adventure in early September with our 2 dogs, so came across your guide. Very well written and a great starting point for planning. Hopefully will be doing a lot of rough camping.

July 25, 2018 at 4:23 am

Hi Chris, Wishing you the best of luck on your upcoming North Coast 500 road trip! Glad the guide has been helpful in planning your road trip. If you are planning on camping, you can check out this 1 week NC500 camping itinerary . If you want to do real wild camping, I’d recommend spending more time in the western part as there is more wild camping opportunities on that part of the drive as the Inverness area and eastern part are more developed. Enjoy your time in northern Scotland! Best, Jessica

June 26, 2018 at 9:53 am

Awesome article! There is so much interesting and helpful information in this North Coast 500 guide, thanks a lot for providing it!

June 27, 2018 at 2:08 am

Hi Julie, So happy your enjoyed our NC500 guide, and do let us know if you have any questions as you plan your NC500 road trip! Best, Jessica

Carrie patterson Post author

May 29, 2018 at 5:08 am

Excellent article. Even more excited to get going now!! We are planning on doing a trip in August/September time. We would either be camping or borrowing a pop-up trailer from a friends. Would we be ok waiting booking into camp sites at the time? I usually have a fairly flexible style to travel but a little worried about a lack of facilities in the busy season would mean no availability.

May 29, 2018 at 6:38 am

Hi Carrie! Glad you enjoyed our NC500 travel guide 😉 August is a definitely a busy time along the NC500, especially in the campsites as they are particularly popular with families (as well as university students) and there are a lot of them traveling over the summer. September will get calmer once schools are back in session. So it will depend a little on your dates and it is hard to predict the numbers but summer is a very busy time.

I think a lot of people who camp have a more flexible travel style so you should be OK to wait to book until a bit closer to your trip. But I would not wait too long if you have an idea of where you want to stay as the facilities are limited and there are only so many campsite along the NC500. Currently the need is exceeding the demand at different points in the summer. If you don’t need services (e.g., water, electricity) you can wait longer.

In general, I would recommend booking at least 1 month in advance if you need facilities (e.g., electricity & water hook ups). But if you just need a campsite with just basic amenities (access to toilets, shower block, waste disposal station, drinking water), then you have much more flexibility.

If you want to drive along without a set itinerary and are flexible about where you stay, I’d try to book at least a night or two in advance just so you know that you have a place to stay each evening. But in some areas, like Applecross, there is only one campsite so for places like this it is good to book a bit in advance if you can.

Hope this helps as it is difficult to know how busy it will be at any one time along the route, but booking at least a little in advance can definitely give you some piece of mind in knowing you’ll have a good place to stay. You can check out this NC500 camping itinerary for some ideas for campsites along the North Coast 500 and camping tips.

Paul Wright Post author

May 12, 2018 at 8:40 am

Done that been there several times up down across and back in our camper and up apple cross. we love Scotland and lived there several years until our children wanted us back in Dorset Paul

May 14, 2018 at 7:30 am

Hi Paul, Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Yes, it is certainly a beautiful area of Scotland, very popular with people from England who love the mountains and more rugged terrain! Hope you have many more chances to return and visit the northern Highlands of Scotland! Best, Jessica

May Post author

March 26, 2018 at 2:07 am

I enjoyed reading the information about the NC500. However, you made no mention of how someone with restricted mobility would cope with such a trip. I have a blue badge for my car and walk using a rollator with a seat. Obviously I would not be doing any hiking and getting onto a beach is difficult but I would like to think that there is enough that is accessible to make the trip worthwhile.

March 26, 2018 at 6:37 am

Glad you enjoyed our North Coast 500 guides. Yes, since many of the attractions are outdoors and natural, some may not be an option for someone with restricted mobility. However, many of the scenic viewpoint stops are viewable from the parking area or a very short walk from it and even some of the longer paths have been designed for those with restricted mobility in mind such as this one in Assynt. But for the most part, the hiking trails and beaches are difficult in terms of accessibility.

The area can be challenging as even some of the top attractions like Dunrobin Castle have a number of stairs that need to be navigated to tour the castle although wheelchair access can be arranged to visit the gardens. But I think the best thing to do would be to make a list of attractions you really want to visit and then check their websites or call them about accessibility. Then you can decide if there appears to be enough things available that you want to do to visit.

I know as tourism has increased along the North Coast 500 there has been growing awareness of this as a concern for businesses. Several hotel & B&B owners are in the process or have recently renovated to be able to offer more accessible rooms that can accommodated those in wheelchairs and others with restricted mobility. I know that many of the museums and visitor centers are wheelchair accessible and therefore accessible with a rollator.

Hope this helps, it is not an easy answer. But do let us know if you have further questions and we will try to help!

Anda Post author

October 31, 2017 at 6:47 pm

Indeed, over 500 miles of gorgeous scenery. Like always, your guides are so detailed. You don’t leave anything out, addressing almost every issue that may cross your reader’s mind. I would so love to take this road trip sometimes.

November 1, 2017 at 1:47 am

Hi Anda, Thanks so much and you get a chance to do a NC500 road trip some day 😉 Best, Jessica

Rob+Ann Post author

October 31, 2017 at 7:12 am

First off, it was great meeting you guys at TBex! Always nice to connect “in real life. 🙂

This looks like a fantastic drive! We got a good bit of single track (and drive on the left!) experience in some more remote areas of Ireland. For Americans who aren’t used to either, we can say that it really isn’t so bad. You mention hiring a driver or doing a tour. This is a really good idea – not because it’s so difficult, but because you miss a lot when you’re behind the wheel. Hopefully, you’re paying attention to the road, which means you’ll miss much of the passing scenery. 🙁 Definitely want to experience the NC500 when we make it to Scotland!

October 31, 2017 at 10:51 am

Hi Rob & Ann, Fantastic meeting you as well! Ah, glad you got some experience driving in Ireland, that will definitely come in handy for Scotland. I think Scotland has a lot more single-track roads and they are pretty essential as some are the only ways to get to many smaller towns and villages in the Scottish Highlands and islands. Although I do think some of the roads will be likely be widened and improved in time, especially if traffic continues to increase in the area. Yes, I think for those worried to drive themselves (or can’t due to rental restrictions), a guided bus tour or private driver guide of the North Coast 500 route can be helpful and definitely takes the worry out of driving and allows you to enjoy the scenery. Best, Jessica

phil Post author

October 29, 2017 at 10:44 am

hello, great right up already made my mind to do nc 500 next year june or september not sure yet, not been to scotland before so me and the wife are looking forward to it going to do it in a open top car 2 seater so will be a little cramped and looking to do it over 6 days best start planing now 🙂

October 29, 2017 at 12:32 pm

Hi Phil, So great to hear that you and your wife are planning to do a North Coast 500 road trip this coming summer 😉 I would probably start planning early next year, especially in terms of flights (if needed) and lodging. The rest you can plan much closer to the time, but lodging is best to plan 3 months or more in advance if you have specific places you want to stay. A 2 seater car can be great (just pack light!), and small cars are great for the narrow roads. The NC500 is a popular route for car clubs so you are likely to see some groups of very expensive and vintage cars out on the road. Feel free to ask us any questions about the route as you start planning your trip! We live in Scotland and are happy to try to help. Best, Jessica

October 28, 2017 at 6:50 pm

Thanks for this great, comprehensive guide as usual! Your earlier post on the NC500 already had me wanting to visit, so this practical guide was a great help! Have pinned it for future reference 🙂 I’ve only been to the Scottish Highlands once, but I absolutely loved it, and can’t wait to go back. In terms of driving, the thing that shocked me most was the amount of roadkill we saw! 🙁 It was honestly a little traumatic. But that was many years ago – hopefully drivers are better accustomed to avoiding wildlife now. Definitely not an area to go speeding along, like you say!

October 29, 2017 at 12:57 am

Hi Michelle, Yes, I think if you enjoyed your prior trip to the Scottish Highlands, you would really enjoy the North Coast 500. It is just another area of similar landscapes and beauty as the rest of the Highlands, but one many people are less familiar with and the new tourist route has really brought more people and business into that area. Yes, road safety is definitely a concern and we have almost been hit a few times driving around the Highlands with crazy tourists (and locals) speeding along. We have thankfully not seen a lot of wildlife on the road, but deer are definitely a big concern (particularly the red and roe deer) and of course the smaller animals are harder for people to see, particularly at night. Hope you get a chance to return to Scotland. Best, Jessica

Nancy Post author

October 27, 2017 at 8:11 pm

This is such a great comprehensive post on the North Coast 500! There is so much to see and do. I’ve yet to travel to Scotland, but would love to visit one day. Your North Coast 500 route tips and packing list are very helpful!

October 29, 2017 at 1:29 am

Thanks Nancy, glad you enjoyed the post and do us know if you have any questions if you decide to plan your own North Coast 500 road trip! Best, Jessica

Lolo Post author

October 27, 2017 at 1:17 pm

Once again, you’ve left me in awe! To be honest, your posts on Scotland have me thinking maybe we should consider moving to Scotland as we’re looking to move somewhere new! I love everything about this post, from the history to the castles and the whiskey! Pinned!!! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!

October 29, 2017 at 1:19 am

Hi Lolo, Yes, you should come visit Scotland and a North Coast 500 road trip is a great way to see part of it 😉 If you are seriously thinking of moving to Scotland, get in touch and happy to chat. Best, Jessica

Anisa Post author

October 27, 2017 at 12:27 pm

This looks amazing! So neat that it was only established in 2014. Since I loved my road trip to Isle of Skye I think I would really enjoy this one as well. Maybe I can fit it in next summer.

October 29, 2017 at 1:12 am

Hi Anisa, Yes, the NC500 has been a very successful tourist initiative and has garnered a lot of media coverage similar to the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland although this one is much shorter! The route runs just a bit north of where you would have been when visiting the Isle of Skye, the Isle is a common detour for people driving the route. If you come in summer for a North Coast 500 road trip, just remember to bring something to ward off the pesky midges, especially if you plan to be outside in the evenings! ~ Jessica

Lisa Post author

October 27, 2017 at 12:10 pm

Your pictures are stunning!!! Also very Great tips for the North Coast 500! Definitely saving this for when I make it to Scotland one day. Hopefully sooner than later. 🙂

October 29, 2017 at 1:08 am

Hi Lisa, Thanks, glad you enjoyed the photos, they are a good way to entice people to Scotland 😉 I hope you get a chance to travel to Scotland soon! Best, Jessica

Janis Post author

October 27, 2017 at 2:24 am

Another great post and really informative, you’ve managed to cover so much.

We’re hoping to make the North Coast 500 trip one day, so we’ll certainly be referring back to this.

Loved the photos as well.

Happy Travels Janis & Gary

October 29, 2017 at 1:07 am

Hi Janis, Thanks! The North Coast 500 is a great road trip if you enjoy road trips, and I hope you get a chance to see it yourself. Best, Jessica

Mick Meadows Post author

March 1, 2018 at 10:48 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence Congratulations, your site is the most informative, accessible and inspiring of those that we have looked at. Clear descriptive text supported by stunning photographs provide an outstanding resource. We are planning the North Coast 500 in mid September in our AM Vantage and your site is so helpful, thank you! Mick & Liz Meadows

March 1, 2018 at 10:54 am

Hi Mick & Liz, Thank you so much for kind comments, and we are so happy that you found our North Coast 500 planning guide helpful! We have driven the NC500 again since we wrote that guide (in winter) and will be back up there in May, so be on the lookout for new NC500 posts. We are planning to write a North Coast 500 itinerary or two, and more related content out over the next few months on both of our blogs. But feel free to shout if you have any questions as you plan your NC500 road trip. September is a great month to do it as it starts to get quieter then as kids go back to school and the weather cools a bit, but most business are still open and September tends to bring decent weather 😉 Best, Jessica & Laurence

paul cameron Post author

April 8, 2018 at 3:57 pm

hi, my wife and i are also travelling the route in May. Your tips will be used. Cheers. Paul.

April 13, 2018 at 8:42 am

Hi Paul, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, and wishing you a wonderful trip along the NC500! Best, Jessica

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of replies to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store the data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

How to Plan the Perfect Scotland Vacation

From fairy-tale castles to charming small towns, the Scottish countryside is every bit as spectacular as you've heard.

Best Times to Go to Scotland

Best things to do in scotland.

• Getting to the Scottish Highlands

Where to Stay in Scotland

With its stately castles , glass-like lochs, and voluptuous glens, Scotland has always been a showstopper. The country's magic extends from its quaint small towns to the snow-capped peaks of its romantic, rugged Highlands to its dynamic modern cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. It's home to some of the best national parks in the U.K. and more than 900 offshore islands with extraordinary wildlife like regal red stags, majestic golden eagles, humpback whales, and massive salmon (not to mention the fabled inhabitant of Loch Ness, too).

The raw, poetic beauty of this ancient land — formerly known as Caledonia — is difficult to overstate. If you're hoping to head to the U.K.'s ravishing northern nation, read on for our guide to planning the perfect Scotland vacation.

The bad news is that, like the rest of the U.K., Scotland's weather is far from reliable, even at the height of summer. But as long as you're prepared to accept that and pack a raincoat for the odd shower or two, then you'll be fine from May to September. The smart money is on visiting in June and the first two weeks of July, when Scotland basks in seemingly endless summer evenings (the sun doesn't set until 11 p.m. in some parts of the Highlands) and the British school holidays have not yet begun, so prices remain low.

For winter travelers, Scotland has the U.K.'s best ski resort at Cairngorm Mountain , while the capital, Edinburgh, hosts one of the world's biggest New Year's Eve parties, Hogmanay .

If you like the great outdoors, you'll love Scotland. It's an ideal place for hiking, biking, and generally embracing the wildly beautiful landscape. You can summit magnificent Ben Nevis in a day (the tallest mountain in the U.K., at 4,413 feet), take a ferry out to explore the Hebrides archipelago and its stunning white-sand beaches, tour scores of castles, including the Queen's favorite holiday home, Balmoral (open to the public every April through July), and dive into a quirky food scene encompassing dishes like haggis (an offal and oatmeal combo, which tastes significantly better than it sounds), deep-fried mars bars, and juicy scallops, langoustines, and mussels.

Scotland is also a mecca for both golfers ( St. Andrews Old Course is the headline act) and whisky lovers , with some of the world's best distilleries available to tour, including Johnnie Walker on Edinburgh's lively Princes Street, Glenlivet near pretty Ballindalloch, and the legendary Macallan on a sprawling country estate in nearby Aberlour.

If you enjoy driving, you'll find some of the U.K.'s emptiest, most dramatic roads here, too, (as driven by James Bond in "Skyfall"), including the latest official addition, the North Coast 500 , an action-packed 500-mile route (516 to be exact) featuring mind-boggling coastal scenery, jaw-dropping beaches, rolling hillside, quaint fishing villages, and multiple hidden gems.

And if you prefer your challenges on foot, check out the magnificent West Highland Way , the country's best-loved long-distance walking route. Snaking its way from Milngavie to Fort William, it covers some of Scotland's finest scenery over 96 miles and is normally completed from south to north.

Meanwhile, history buffs will also be agog on any visit to Scotland, thanks to its 3,000-plus castles ( Castle Sween in Argyll is the oldest, dating back to the 1100s), as well as plenty to check out in the winding wynds (narrow lanes) and twisted staircases of Edinburgh's enchanting Old Town. ( Edinburgh Castle , towering over the city, is arguably the grandest in the country, too.)

If you can, make time to visit Perth, the former Scottish capital where kings were crowned on the Stone of Destiny and infamous Glen Coe, a beautiful valley full of waterfalls and deer, also known for the brutal clan massacre of 1692 (which inspired the Red Wedding in George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones ).

Where are the Scottish Highlands — and what is the best way to get there?

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

The clue is in its name: the Highlands are the mountainous upper half of Scotland, covering 10,000 square miles of picturesque scenery. The region's lively capital is Inverness , which sits centrally and is a superb base from which to explore, while other highlights include mysterious, misty Loch Ness, majestic Cairngorms National Park , and idyllic Isle of Skye , which has been connected to the mainland via a road bridge since 1995.

The easiest way to reach the Highlands is to fly into Inverness Airport from London or elsewhere in the U.K., or rent a car and drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh. However, the way to arrive in style is on the Caledonian Sleeper train from London Euston, a chugging time machine where you can fall asleep to the sounds of black cabs and bustle of the British capital and wake up among the red deer and magical glens of the Highlands. Regularly nominated as one of the world's best train journeys , the scenery gets truly spectacular after Fort William, as the route skirts a dramatic chain of lochs before descending into lush glens and crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films. For the ultimate Hogwarts experience, steam locomotives work this route during the summer months, so check in advance for these special departures.

The major cities have an abundance of hotels for every budget, headlined by Glasgow's Kimpton Blythswood Square , a boutique property in the former headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, and The Dunstane Houses in Edinburgh, a pair of beautifully renovated 19th-century townhouses.

Scotland arguably does traditional country house hotels and rustic lodges better than anywhere else in the world, with Fife Arms in Braemar and Gleneagles in Perthshire being particular treats (the latter, nicknamed the "Glorious Playground" boasts three championship golf courses, its own dedicated train station, and the only restaurant in the country with two Michelin stars).

Scotland is, of course, peppered with castles, and many have been converted into hotels and B&Bs in recent years, with some of the better fortified accommodation options including Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Inverlochy Castle in Fort William, Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry, and Stonefield Castle Hotel on Loch Fyne.

Wherever you stay, you'll get a warm welcome — not to mention a hot bowl of Scottish porridge or a plate of bacon, eggs, and haggis to start the day in a spectacularly scenic country.

Related Articles

• Cook Island
• Easter Island
• French Polynesia
• New Zealand
• Balearic Islands

Travel Guide To Northern Scotland

Grand escapades’ travel guide to northern scotland.

We traveled two weeks in the middle of August 2019 in Northern Scotland and covered the “North Coast 500”: this road follows the northernmost coast of Scotland, starting from Inverness in the East and reaching Fort William in the West, including (or not) the Isle of Skye, then back to Inverness - Read More

Grand Escapades’ Budget Guide To Northern Scotland

Traveling to Northern Scotland means being on a Road Trip. Do not be mistaken nonetheless, this is not an Odyssey that you plan as you drive, following your inspiration, at least not in the summer (July & August): you should book accommodation well in advance. The far north of Scotland (North Coast 500) comparatively sees few visitors), but also offers less options while on the road - Read More

Northern Scotland – Photo Gallery

A selection of our best pictures for Northern Scotland - See More

Share with:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Fort William

• Love To Visit Ireland
• Privacy Policy

• Places to Visit

The Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide

Sharing is caring!

• Facebook 49
• Pinterest 11

Scroll to the bottom of the page for your Free PDF Download of The Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide

Welcome to the Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide, your comprehensive resource for exploring the captivating wonders of Scotland. Whether you’re drawn to the misty landscapes of the Highlands, the vibrant cities steeped in history or the enchanting islands scattered along the coast, this guide is designed to provide you with everything you need to make the most of your Scottish adventure. From ancient castles to picturesque lochs, from lively festivals to tranquil hiking trails, Scotland offers a diverse array of experiences that will leave you awe-inspired. So, grab your tartan, prepare to delve into fascinating folklore and let us be your trusted companion as we embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage of Scotland.

Scotland Travel Guide

What you need to know before your visit to scotland.

Travel Documents 

Travel Insurance 

Money/Currency 

Facts about Scotland 

Scottish Customs 

Planning your trip 

When to visit 

What to pack .

Places to visit

Where to stay 

Airports in Scotland 

Getting there

Getting around in Scotland

Taxis 

Trains 

Buses 

Other 

Food and Drink 

Useful links and information 

Travel documents 

Passports .

To be safe, check with your travel agent or airline before travelling. 

Scotland is part of the United Kingdom and to enter the United Kingdom, foreign visitors need a passport. Irish citizens may continue to use their national ID card after 1 October 2021. 

Visas 

Some visitors to Scotland might need a visa to enter but this will depend on your Citizenship. If you’re a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) member state (27 countries of the European Union, together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) and many other countries including the USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, you don’t need a visa to visit the United Kingdom or Scotland. 

You can check here if you need a UK Visa: https:// www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa 

You could also contact your local Scottish embassy/ consulate before you travel to find out your visa requirements. 

What goods can I bring into Scotland?

Most everyday items will be allowed but there are some such as firearms that would not be allowed. There are also restricted items with limits on the amount you can bring such as alcohol and tobacco. The rules are different depending on where you are travelling from. You can find out more from the UK Government’s advice on bringing in goods. https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods .

Your airline is always a good source of information in this regard. 

What about medicine?  

Personal medicine can be brought but you do need to declare it to UK Customs. Medicine should be carried in a labelled container as provided by your pharmacist and a letter from your doctor confirming the need for medication is a good idea. 

There might be restrictions on any medicine you bring, so before you travel, seek advice about the requirements from HM Customs and Exercise. https://www.gov.uk/travellingcontrolled-drugs

Currency in Scotland

Money in scotland .

Scotland’s official currency is the pound sterling, known as the pound (£, GBP) like in the rest of the United Kingdom. 

Banknotes and coins 

The most common banknotes are £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100. It is also possible to find £1 notes, although these are extremely rare. The coins in circulation are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 and £2. 

In Scotland you use both Sterling banknotes issued both by the Bank of England and Scottish banknotes. Scottish banknotes will always be accepted in Scotland, but in some parts of the UK they are not as easily accepted, so we recommend to use your Scottish banknotes as much as possible while in Scotland and reserve the Bank of England pounds if you’re planning to visit the rest of Britain. 

It is well advisable to change some currency in your home country where you can go to your local bank and get good exchange rates, well in advance of your visit.

Getting cash when travelling is as easy as going to your local ATM (automated teller machine), these machines are plentiful in most cities and work with most banks. Check your withdrawal limits with your bank before you leave your country and make sure that you remember your PIN. 

You should also be aware of the fees that might be levied for cash withdrawals. Another safe way to carry money is payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, travel cards etc. 

You should be able to pay at most restaurants and shops with your card. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Scotland.. American Express and Diners Club are accepted by most major hotels, but are less commonly accepted elsewhere. 

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. You’ll probably have to change the checks at a bank and pay a fee for the privilege, so this is not an option that we would recommend. 

Travel Insurance is a necessity for any overseas trip and the amount you require is related to the amount of risk that you are willing to take on. What Does Travel Insurance cover and what are the costs? 

A packaged policy solution could cost from 4-8% of your trip cost and would include coverage for delays or cancellation of trips, medical costs when on your trip, baggage claims etc. You could also add additional coverage like pandemic coverage, medical evacuations and more. The more options you add, the higher the cost of your policy. 

There is good news though, a lot of you might already have some coverage. If you are using a credit card for travel or have homeowners or renters insurance, travel insurance might be already included. 

Talk to your insurance company and credit card provider to find out what might already be covered. We recommend purchasing travel insurance for a vacation package.

If you ever purchase a vacation package or use a tour operator then you should definitely make sure that you have travel insurance. An unexpected closure of any travel company leaves many travelers high and dry. 

Where to buy Travel Insurance? 

Trip operators, airlines, cruise companies, even travel agents, offer travel insurance plans, however most of these policies have a mark-up, or the coverage isn’t as good as a third-party insurer. Compare policies before purchasing any insurance and make sure that you have read the contract including the fine print. 

When to buy Travel Insurance? 

You can buy travel insurance any time before you depart on your trip but it is best to buy travel insurance just after securing the flights, accommodation or other details of your trip. The reason being that if something happens to the airline or tour company making them go out of business most travel insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions.

Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain,[mainland Scotland has a 96-mile (154 km) border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, the North Sea to the northeast and the Irish Sea to the south. 

The country also contains more than 790 islands, principally in the archipelagos of the Hebrides and the Northern Isles. Most of the population, including the capital Edinburgh , is concentrated in the Central Belt – the plain between the Scottish Highlands and the Southern Uplands – in the Scottish Lowlands. Scotland is divided into 32 administrative subdivisions or local authorities, known as council areas. 

Glasgow City is the largest council area in terms of population, with Highland being the largest in terms of area. Limited self-governing power, covering matters such as education, social services and roads and transportation, is devolved from the Scottish Government to each subdivision. Scotland is the second largest country in the United Kingdom, and accounted for 8.3% of the population in 2012. 

• The official animal of Scotland is the Unicorn.

 • Scottish men wear kilts . The kilt is the traditional dress of Gaelic men and boys in the Scottish Highlands.

 • The bagpipe is Scotland’s national instrument. First traces of the bagpipe can be detected back to around 1400. 

• Scotland has approximately 790 islands, more than 600 are uninhabited. 

• Scotland is home to the oldest tree in Europe. It is a twisted yew, and it has been around for 3,000 years. 

• Scotland is home to the tallest waterfall in Britain, named Eas a’ Chual Aluinn . It is 658 feet, which is 3 times the height of Niagara Falls. 

• There are over 600 square miles of freshwater lakes or lochs in Scotland.

• The Edinburgh International Festival is one of the largest performing arts festivals in the world. The festival attracts over 400,000 people annually.

 • Edinburgh was the first city in the world to have its own fire brigade. 

• St. Andrew’s Links is known as the “home of golf.” Golf was invented by the Scots.

• Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, not the capital, Edinburgh . 

• Charles Macintosh, who was born in Glasgow invented the raincoat, 

• You can take the shortest commercial flight in the world in Scotland. 

• The journey from Westray to Papa Westray in Orkney takes just 47 seconds. 

• The first-ever international association football game was played between Scotland and England in 1872 and was played at the West of Scotland Cricket ground in Partick. The match was watched by 4,000 spectators and ended as a 0–0 draw. 

• The Encyclopedia Britannica originated in Scotland. 

• It can be said that the Scots invented the modern world. Scotsman Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in February 1876 whereas, Scottish engineer John Logie Baird created the world’s first TV picture on October 2, 1925. 

• The world’s first colour photograph was taken in Scotland. The picture in question is a Tartan Ribbon. 

• There are as many people with Scottish heritage living in the US as there are in Scotland.

Scottish customs 

Tartan and Kilts

Scottish kilts are known as ‘The National Dress of Scotland’ and have deep cultural and historical roots. Kilts are a sacred symbol of patriotism and honour for a true Scotsman. Kilts are made of tartan, worn around the waist and accompanied by a sporran, which is a small bag worn over the kilt, a kilt pin which holds the two pieces of tartan together at the front, and a sgian dubh, a small dagger which sits in the sock. 

The kilt originated in the 16th century and the first kilts were thick, woollen full-length garments whose upper halves could be worn over the head as a hood, or as a cloak draped over the shoulder. It wasn’t until the late 17th or early 18th century that the knee-length kilt was developed and was worn throughout the Highlands and northern Lowlands.

The unique design of the kilt allowed for freedom of movement which is essential in the Highlands of Scotland where the weather can become very damp. Not only did the wool protect against the rain and skin but it could easily be removed and used as a blanket at night. 

When the Highland regiments of the British Army adopted the design it skyrocketed in popularity and over the centuries has developed to include pleats and brightly coloured tartan patterns, unique to the clan to which the wearer belongs. 

During the 19th century, Scottish kilts often used family tartan and were worn as a form of ceremonial dress at occasions such as weddings, sporting events and the Highland Games. Nowadays, the kilt is recognised the world over and is worn by many for both formal and informal occasions. 

To learn more about tartan and kilts 

Visit: 

• The Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre in Inverness,  

• The Tartan Weaving Mill in Edinburgh  

• The Lochcarron Visitor Centre in Selkirk

Bagpipes 

There is no mistaking the iconic sound of traditional Scottish music , and of course, Scotland’s national instrument, the bagpipe when on a visit to Scotland. Although the instrument has its origins in the Middle East, it has travelled and evolved in Europe, and the Scottish people have long-since made the Great Highland Bagpipe an outstanding part of their culture. 

It is an unmistaken part of Scotland’s musical tradition. The unique, constant sound of the bag, usually made out of sheepskin, creates and stirs exhilarating emotions and can be heard from far away. More information and history: National Piping Centre in Glasgow. 

Hogmanay 

Hogmanay is an important part of the Scottish calendar being part of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Many of the old Hogmanay traditions have been carried through the generations and remain part of the celebrations today and are celebrated all over Scotland. 

The strike of midnight: As in many parts of the world, the main event of New Year is when the clock strikes midnight and thus the main custom of Hogmanay is partying with friends and family as soon as the clock strikes midnight; bells are rung, many towns and villages have street parties and fireworks are set off. 

Immediately after midnight, it is traditional for everyone to stand in a circle, cross over their arms and hold hands with people on either side singing Robert Burns’

  ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? 

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne 

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, 

We’ll take a cup o kindness yet, for auld lang syne.” 

First footing 

It is tradition and a bit of superstition that after midnight, to ensure good luck for a household, the ‘first foot’ over the threshold should be a dark male, taking with him symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and a wee dram of whisky. 

Gifts like these will ensure that the household will be safe, warm and have enough food for the year. People take his custom very seriously and blondes and redheads are considered to be bad luck. The dark-haired male bit is believed to be a throwback to the Viking days, when a big blonde stranger arriving on your door step with a big axe meant big trouble, and probably not a very happy New Year! 

Redding the house 

It was considered bad luck to go into the New Year with a dirty house and Redding the House is a New Year’s Eve spring clean. In particular all fireplaces needed to be cleaned. 

Burning the Clavie 

EACH YEAR ON JANUARY 11TH in the small village of Burghead on the coast of Scotland an ancient pagan ceremony, known as The Burning of the Clavie, roars through the streets to celebrate the date of a New Year’s Day that was erased by the Gregorian calendar. The tradition of fire festivals dates back to ancient pagan rituals that were practiced in many places across Scotland. 

While The Burning of the Clavie has its roots in these rituals, it celebrates a much more recent occurrence. A law was passed that outlawed the practice, calling it “superstitious, idolatrous and sinfule, an abominable heathenish practice,” but some villages still held the festival anyway. Whilst the rest of the UK rioted and demanded back their 11 days, the town of Burghead decided to celebrate New Year’s on both the 1st and the 11th of January, getting the best of both worlds. 

The Clavie is a half-barrel filled with wood shavings and tar, nailed onto a carrying post with, importantly, the same huge nail each year. This barrel is then lit and carried on the shoulders of a local through the village, a prized position handed down through the family, followed by a large crowd stopping at the houses of residents to present them with a smouldering ember from the barrel to bring the household good luck for the year ahead. 

The unique, constant sound of the bag, usually made out of sheepskin, creates and stirs exhilarating emotions and can be heard from far away. 

More information and history: National Piping Centre in Glasgow.   

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a unique and memorable celebration of music, dance and military pageantry which is held against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle , 

The Tattoo dates back to 1950 and has become a showcase of military talent of the British forces and their counterparts from around the world, attracting audiences of about 220,000 at the event and around 100 million on television.

Loch Ness monster 

The legend of the Loch Ness monster has been bringing people to the dark expanse of Loch Ness in the Highlands for centuries. There are over 1,000 documented eye witness accounts dating back to AD 565, and with a wealth of unexplained evidence, the famous mystery of Nessie lives on to this day. 

Scientists believe the monster to be a myth but really what do they know? This enormous creature is said to have a long, thin body, with one or more humps protruding from the water, and a snake-like head. 

She is shy though, so you need to be quick to snap a picture before she swiftly disappears into the depths of the loch.

Highland Games 

One of Scotland’s greatest sporting traditions is the Highland Games. Between May and September, watch this quintessentially Scottish custom across the country at over 80 different events and see competitors put their muscles to the test wearing their national dress, the Scottish kilt. 

Scotland’s Highland games are usually one-day events taking place in outdoor spaces across the country. Built around traditional Highland sports such as the caber toss , tug o’ war and the hammer throw, a Highland games event also includes Highland dancing and music, and lots of family fun such as food and craft stalls and games. 

Many events will also involve livestock events , parades and even best-dressed pet competitions. Some Highland games continue into the night with more music gigs, ceilidhs and discos. 

Amongst the games there are masses of bands, with pipers and drummers marching in unison, solo piping competitions and Highland dancers giving dazzling displays including the famous Highland fling.

Highland Fling 

The Highland Fling is a solo Highland dance that gained popularity in the early 19th century. The word ‘Fling’ means literally a movement in dancing. In John Jamieson’s Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language, 1808, the Highland Fling was defined as ‘one species of movement’ in dancing, not as one particular movement. 

This dance is now performed at dance competitions and events around the world. One goal of dancers today is to stay in the same spot throughout the dance. The Highland Fling is danced at almost all competition levels, from primary to premier. 

It is also performed for Highland and theory examinations. Dancers wear the standard kilt outfit to perform this dance.

Planning your trip to Scotland

The best time to visit Scotland is during spring (late March to May) and autumn (September to November). Temperatures are warmer by spring, with averages of 6°C-15°C, although there will still be snow in the mountains of the Highlands and the Cairngorms . 

The summer months (June through August) are the warmest of the year, with extensive daylight hours in July and August the further north you go. Summer is a very busy time but the crowds begin to disperse from the last two weeks in October. Autumn is a great time to see the spectacular seasonal foliage. 

Parts of Scotland have snow conditions in winter and this can make travel a bit more tricky but the winter scenery and atmosphere with roaring log fires is something to experience. 

• January : Pack for average highs of 5°C (41° F) and lows of 1°C (34°F). January averages 70 mm (2.75 inches) of rain throughout the month, with 24 days of rain. 

• February: Pack for average highs of 6°C (43°F) and lows of 1°C (34°F). February averages 50 mm (1.97 inches) of rain throughout the month, with 20 days of rain. 

• March : Pack for average highs of 9°C (48°F) and lows of 2°C (36°F). March averages 70 mm (2.75 inches) of rain throughout the month, with 22 days of rain.

• April: Pack for average highs of 11°C (52°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F). April averages 44 mm (1.57 inches) of rain throughout the month, with 22 days of rain. 

• May: Pack for average highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F). May averages 50 mm (1.97 inches) of rain throughout the month, with 21 days of rain. 

• June : Pack for average highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F). June averages 60 mm (2.36 inches) of rain throughout the month, with 20 days of rain. 

• July: Pack for average highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). July averages 70mm (2.75 inches) of rain throughout the month, with 20 days of rain.

 • August: Pack for average highs of 19°C (66° F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). August averages 50 mm (1.97 inches) of rain throughout the month, with 21 days of rain. 

• September: Pack for average highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F). September averages 70 mm (2.75 inches) of rain throughout the month, with 19 days of rain. 

• October: Pack for average highs of 13°C (55°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F). October averages 80 mm (3.15 inches) of rain throughout the month, with 23 days of rain. 

• November: Pack for average highs of 9°C (48°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F). November averages 70 mm (2.75 inches) of rain throughout the month, with 21 days of rain. 

• December: Pack for average highs of 7°C (45°F) and lows of 2°C (36°F). December averages 70 mm (2.75 inches) of rain throughout the month, with 21 days of rain. 

Layers are a good idea. In Scotland the weather could change every five minutes, so it’s best to be prepared for any eventuality. The best way to be prepared for all types of weather conditions is to layer. 

Pack an outer, waterproof shell jacket, a thick and warm inner layer, and a thinner inner layer. There Will Be Rain and Wind. 

In Scotland you know that at some stage, you will get wet. We suggest a pair of high-quality gumboots/rubber rain boots .

It is no coincidence that a Glasgow man invented the raincoat, so make sure you have one. When you’re packing for Scotland and looking at temperatures, you might be tricked into thinking Scotland has a temperate climate in the winter. Temperatures of 5 or 6˚C / 41 to 43˚F aren’t that uncommon through the winter. Temperature wise, you’re right that Scotland is relatively temperate. 

However, when you factor in the wind, everything feels that much colder. Plan to include wind-proof and wind-blocking items in your Scotland packing list.

Scotland Packing List

Travel coat and comfortable shoes.

What kind of coat you pack for Scotland depends on two things: when you plan to visit Scotland (the season), and what you plan on doing while you’re there.

If you’re planning a trip where you’ll spend most of your time in cities and towns, you’ll probably care a bit more about finding a travel coat that nails that difficult balance between stylish and functional . If you’re planning to be out of the cities more, exploring Scotland’s boundless nature and beautiful islands, style may take a backseat to function. 

You will need rubber boots, walking shoes and a pair of shoes should you wish to dress up in the evening.

What to Pack for Scotland in Winter

• Rain Jacket 

• Thin Base Layer – A relatively warm long sleeve shirt would work. 

• Socks – Make sure you have good wool socks 

• Insulated Rain Boots – 

• Walking Shoes 

• Hiking/rain pants 

• A thick scarf, gloves, and hat.  

• A couple of sweaters  

• A few shirts 

• Jeans , and warm leggings for the ladies. 

• Long underwear – This is really only necessary if you plan to do some outdoor activities, like hiking. If you’re mostly in the cities, skip this to save space. 

• Toiletries 

Packing List for Scotland in Summer

• Rain Jacket – Yes! 

• Thin Base Layer – Cotton T-shirts, or long sleeve shirts 

• Socks 

• Rain Boots 

• A light sweater or two. 

• Jeans , and leggings for the ladies. 

All Season Scotland Packing List 

Now that we’ve hopefully helped you to figure out what to wear in Scotland, it’s worth considering what else you may need. 

• An electrical adaptor (and possibly, converter). You will need an electrical adapter for the 230v three pronged outlets used in the UK.This will be the same for England, Ireland, and Northern Ireland, but different to the rest of Europe. 

• A travel umbrella. 

• Camera – be prepared to take lots of photos. 

• A travel hair dryer

Scotland’s biggest city has many excellent museums, art galleries, and festivals that attract tourists year-round. 

Situated on the River Clyde on Scotland’s west coast, the city of Glasgow has, in the last few decades, reimagined itself as a major European cultural center. 

On foot Glasgow is a joy to explore thanks to its many lovely parks and pedestrian-friendly streets, especially if you also take in Glasgow cathedral and the famous Glasgow School of Art . 

Be sure to explore the Riverside Museum, this superb modern facility focuses on the history of transportation in the city through its large collections of vintage steam engines, trams, buses, carriages, cars, and seafaring vessels. There’s even an authentic reproduction of 1930s shops and homes.

Glasgow has the reputation as the cultural capital of Scotland and any visitor should not miss a play at the King’s Theatre, partake in a little opera at the home of the Scottish Opera in the Theatre Royal, or a classical concert at the Royal Scottish Orchestra at the Concert Hall. 

Also visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum , notable for its displays of local art, and the wonderful Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style Gallery with its diverse collection that includes works by Van Gogh and Salvador Dali. 

Scottish Ballet is the national ballet company of Scotland and one of the five leading ballet companies of the United Kingdom, alongside the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Northern Ballet. 

Founded in 1969,the company is based in Glasgow, the resident ballet company at the Glasgow Theatre Royal and from 2009 in their purpose-built ballet centre in Tramway Arts Centre, Glasgow. 

Scottish Highlands 

The Highlands have managed to capture the imagination of not only travellers but also those watching movies and TV shows, the most well known of these would be the popular Outlander series. 

The Highlands is an area of outstanding natural beauty stretching from Inverness in the east to John O’Groats in the north.

Your trip to the Highlands should start in Inverness and Loch Ness where you might spot the famous monster. 

The nearby ruins of Urquhart Castle should also not be missed. Loch Ness is part if GlenMore and the Caledonian Canal, a feat of modern engineering. 

The coastal town of Dornoch should not be missed and Aviemore is a popular winter ski destination. In warmer weather, the region is popular for the hiking and biking adventures available in the Cairngorms National Park. 

This sparsely populated area is also great for other outdoor experiences, including sea kayaking, white-water rafting, gorge walking, and fishing. A road trip along the North Coast 500 , a coastal route popular with tourists is a great idea.

St. Andrews

 Any golf lover knows that St. Andrews is the home of golf and an essential pilgrimage for the lover of the game.. 

Golfers from around the globe make the pilgrimage to St. Andrews’ seven classic links courses, drawn by the prestige of playing the world’s oldest golf course.

The nearby British Golf Museum is a modern facility and something of a shrine to the greats who’ve played the St. Andrews’ courses, as well as detailing the history of the sport over the centuries. 

St. Andrews is not only the home of golf but also a famous university town. The old buildings associated with the University of St. Andrews are worth exploring. The ruins of St. Andrews Castle and the town’s old cathedral are also worth exploring.

Loch Ness and Inverness 

There are so many things to enjoy in Inverness and surely you have heard of the Loch Ness Monster. Exploring Inverness should start at the grounds of Inverness Castle and you can then follow the river Ness towards Ness Islands. 

There are beautiful park areas to enjoy. Attractions in Inverness include St, Andrew’s Cathedral as well as the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery . Other sights include the Botanic Gardens, finishing up at Victorian Market for a spot of shopping. Loch Ness remains shrouded in myth and legend, 

No credible evidence has ever been found regarding the Loch Ness monster but hope for a sighting remains.

But even without a monster sighting, you won’t be disappointed. Thanks to its starring role in movies and on TV – most recently in the hit series, Outlander – places like Urquhart Castle are enough to make the journey to this Highland attraction worthwhile. Built in the 1100s, the castle now lies in ruins after being devastated by fire some 500 years ago. 

Loch Lomond 

Easy to get to from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, Loch Lomond is a great base from which to explore Scotland, Loch Lomond is the largest body of freshwater in the UK and the scenery is breathtaking . Boat tours are very popular and so is visiting the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre or SEA LIFE Aquarium. 

Stirling 

One of the best places to explore the Scottish countryside as it is situated almost half way between Glasgow and Edinburgh. 

Stirling Castle is famous for once being a royal palace where Mary Queen of Scots spent her childhood here. The Bannockburn Heritage centre commemorates the historic Battle of Bannockburn. It was here that Scottish king Robert the Bruce defeated the English army. 

You can also visit the nearby Wallace monument and learn a bit more about the legendary William Wallace.

A port city on the North Sea, Aberdeen should definitely be on your list. It is a great city to explore on foot, has fantastic architecture as well as many delightful parks and gardens. 

St. Machar’s Cathedral is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture construction in Scotland. It was built in the 1300’s and well worth a visit. Many of the old homes and merchant buildings made from the unique local granite that seems to sparkle in sunlight, gives Aberdeen its affectionate Silver City nickname. 

Aberdeen is also called “The Flower of Scotland.” because of all the lovely green spaces in the city, most notably the David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park. Here, you can wander one of the biggest indoor gardens in all of Europe, Aberdeen also has more than two miles of beaches worth exploring. 

Isle of Arran 

The island is a tourist hotspot with many great restaurants, hotels and resorts. Located just off the mainland from Glasgow and reached via a scenic one-hour ferry ride, this 429-square-kilometer island is therefore perfect either for a day trip from Glasgow, a weekend break, or an extended vacation. 

You can tour the island by car, bike or use local bus services. There are many things to explore including historic castles, sand beaches and fishing villages. 

You can also climb the local 873-meter Goat Fell Mountain. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with magnificent views over Arran and the Firth of Clyde toward Glasgow, as well as northward toward Mull of Kintyre . Brodick Castle is another popular tourist attraction. 

Also spend time exploring Brodick Castle, a popular tourist attraction for its displays of period furniture and its grounds, which house an authentic iron age dwelling. There are also plenty of great restaurants on the island, as well as good hotels and resorts.

If you are looking to explore Ben Nevis , Scotland’s highest mountain and the unspoiled highlands then Fort William is the perfect starting point. 

Fort William is best known for the Glenfinnan Viaduct , often recognized from numerous Harry Potter movies (among other films) as the route the Hogwart Express took when whisking young wizards to school. Why not join one of the steam excursions?

Isle of Skye 

Skye is one of the top locations in Scotland to visit . It is famous for its scenery and landscapes that will take your breath away. 

The Island of Skye is 50 miles long and the largest of the Inner Hebrides. The capital is Portree. The Island has a rich History covering many topics, such as: Dinosaur Fossils, Clan Warfare, Highland Clearances and the infamous ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ and the Jacobite Rebellion. 

Both Clan MacDonald and Clan MacLeod have their Clan Castles on the Island and should be on your list of places to visit. Wildlife is plentiful on The Isle of Skye with the White Tailed Sea Eagle at the top of bird watchers lists. You can also see otters, seals, whales, dolphins and red deer amongst other things,

Skye is a world class destination for walkers and climbers. ‘The Cuillin Range’ and ‘The Trotternish Ridge’ offer challenging climbs and interesting scrambles. Man-made attractions include the attractive Armadale Castle. 

Located near the ferry port of Mallaig, this early 19th-century edifice is set in the heart of a huge country estate and features excellent displays and artifacts related to one of the most powerful of Scotland’s historic clans, the Donalds. 

Also worth a visit is Dunvegan Castle . Once the seat of the MacLeod clan, it’s located in the village of the same name and is a great place to embark on a boat tour or fishing excursion.

The Speyside Region – An introduction to Scottish Whisky

Over half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries can be found in Speyside , the northeast corner of the Scottish highlands. The lush, fertile valley of the River Spey is undoubtedly the heart of single malt whisky distilling in Scotland. 

In order for it to be classed as Scotch Whisky there are certain requirements. That’s why Speyside is known as a ‘protected region’ for Scotch Whisky distilling under UK Government legislation. King George IV was a fan of Scotch Whisky from Speyside and the royal association continued with Queen Victoria who gave a standing order that all royal coaches should carry a bottle of whisky under the coachman’s seat in case of an ‘emergency.’ 

For such a small sub-region of the Scottish Highlands, Speyside offers a wide range of stunning whiskies. The location is well suited for it attracting tourists from across the world to see for themselves where their favourite whiskies are made. 

William Grant & Sons is the most recognised brand yet they not only produce Scotch Whisky but also a few more brands we think you’ll know and love. The abundance and quality of its water is the principal reason why whisky distilleries have flocked to the Speyside region. 

The Speyside distilleries are often sorted by specifying the river they are near (Spey, Bogie, Deveron, Findhorn, etc.), or by the whisky-producing district where they are located: Bogie, Livet, Deveron, Dufftown, Fiddich, Findhorn Valley, Inverness, Isla, Lossie, Rothes, and Strathisla. A trip to Scotland would be incomplete without a visit to the Speyside. 

Getting to Scotland

Scotland is serviced by several international airports with connections to most major destinations around the world. Direct flights from North America will give you a choice:

 • If you are flying to Scotland from North America you will have a choice between Edinburgh airport and Glasgow airport , but you could first fly to London, Manchester or Dublin and purchase a connecting flight to Scotland. 

• If you are flying from the East coast of America expect a flight time between six to seven hours, from the west coast of America expect a flying time of nine to eleven hours flying time. 

From Asia or New Zealand / Australia the best is to get a connecting flight in the Middle East and connect to London, Glasgow or Edinburgh, Regular services run out of major business hubs like London and Frankfurt. 

With London only an hour away and Frankfurt only 90 minutes, Flying is also a great option if you are short on time, or heading to islands such as the Outer Hebrides, Orkney or Shetland .

Getting to Scotland by Train from London 

The cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are both served by frequent direct train services from London and other cities in England. Virgin Trains East Coast depart from London King’s Cross station and run up the east coast via Peterborough, York and Newcastle to Edinburgh. 

The travel time from London varies from 4.5 to 7 hours. There are a number of other services to various cities in Scotland. More information: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/

Getting around in Scotland 

Driving .

Renting a car and driving is a great way to see Scotland and the country has an extensive road network that makes it easy to get around. 

Please be aware that in Scotland, as in the rest of the UK, driving is on the left side of the road.

Train 

Scotland is home to some of the most scenic railway lines in the world and a train journey can be a great experience. The country is home to an extensive and well-developed rail network that not only serves cross-country links throughout Scotland but also regular connections to the rest of the UK as well. Most trains are also equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you stay connected when travelling, 

More information: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/ 

Bus and Coach 

Scotland has an extensive network of coach and bus routes all over the country and it is a great way to travel around. More information: https://www.transport.gov.scot/ Ferry 

There really is nothing quite like seeing your destination on the horizon, and approaching the spectacular island or tucked-away peninsula by ferry. 

Both passenger and car ferries operate in Scotland, and larger islands are often served by a number of routes.

What is the speed limit in Scotland? 

Speed limits are often signposted – look out for a circular sign, with a red border and number (in miles per hour). If there’s no signpost, national speed limits apply. 

These are: 

Motorways: • 70 mph (112 km/h) for cars. • 60 mph (96 km/h) for cars towing caravans or trailers. 

Dual Carriageways: • 70 mph (112 km/h) for cars. • 60 mph (96 km/h) for cars towing caravans or trailers.

 Built-up areas: • 30 mph (48 km/h) • Be aware though, it’s quite common around residential areas and particularly near schools, for a clearly signposted 20 mph (32 km/h) maximum speed limit. 

Outside built-up areas: • 60 mph (96 km/h) for cars • 50 mph (80 km/h) for cars towing caravans or trailers. 

What licence do I need to drive in Scotland? If you’re coming from a European Union country – as long as you have a valid licence, you can drive any type of vehicle listed on your license in Scotland.

 If you’re coming from outside the EU – as long as you have a valid licence from your own country, you can drive any small vehicle (eg car or motorcycle) in the UK for up to 12 months.

Scotland has numerous options for visitors with great quality hotels, resorts, bed and breakfast as well as self catering accommodation and camping options, 

What is the best area to stay in Scotland?  

• Edinburgh – best for short breaks. … 

• Loch Lomond – best for couples. … 

• Ullapool – best for explorers. … 

• Aberdeen – best for night owls. … 

• Dornoch – best for golfers. … 

• Inverness – best for history buffs. … 

• Cowal Peninsula – best for wildlife watching. … 

• Rannoch Moor – best for walkers. 

All major booking sites are operational in Scotland and the best option is to book online, We suggest Tripadvisor as a preferred option. 

Scotland has as well developed food culture more than just a night out, Scottish food and drink is the very lifeblood of Scotland’s culture and economy. 

With rolling, rural hillsides, clear coastal waters and lush, fertile lands, Scotland produces some of the best, and most sought after, natural produce in the world. 

From mouth-watering Aberdeen Angus steaks, to world-renowned seafood such as wild trout, salmon, oysters and langoustines, not to mention our water of life – whisky – the ‘Made in Scotland’ stamp has become synonymous with taste and quality. 

PRODUCE 

Traditional food & drink .

Hand-dived scallops, Aberdeen Angus beef, Ayrshire potatoes and the soft fruits of Fife are just some of the ingredients that Scottish chefs have to work with. Scotland has an abundance of local butchers and fishmongers, as well as farm shops, food festivals and farmers markets all of which are great places to go to pick up tasty treats so you can cook up your own dishes. 

The national dish of Scotland is haggis , a savoury meat pudding, and it’s traditionally accompanied by mashed potatoes, turnips (known as ‘neeps’) and a whisky sauce. 

The national drink of Scotland is whisky which is produced in more than 100 distilleries. The Scottish love then sweets and nothing can be more traditional than shortbread or a Scottish tablet . Savoury dishes include Scotch broth and black pudding.

Places to eat 

There are plenty of options when it comes to eating out in Scotland. All manner of restaurants, traditional pubs, cosy cafés, elegant tearooms and down-to-earth takeaways can be found across the country. 

From Michelin-star restaurants to a foodie walking tour in Edinburgh or Glasgow or fresh seafood dishes in Scotland’s seaside towns, Scotland has it all. 

Interesting Food and Drink Facts 

• 40 bottles of Scotch Whisky are shipped overseas each second (yes, that’s right!) 

• More Scotch Whisky is sold in one month in France than cognac in a year 

• Over two thirds of the world’s langoustines are sourced in Scotland 

• Scottish Salmon was the first foreign product to gain France’s prestigious ‘Label Rouge’ quality mark 

• Scottish lobsters are on the menu in over 20 Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo alone

Edinburgh Travel Guide 

The ultimate guide for your visit to edinburgh.

About Edinburgh 

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and one of its 32 council areas. Edinburgh is Scotland’s second-most populous city and the seventh-most populous city in the United Kingdom. 

Recognised as the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century, Edinburgh is the seat of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Parliament and the highest courts in Scotland. The city’s Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. The city has long been a centre of education, particularly in the fields of medicine, Scots law, literature, philosophy, the sciences and engineering. 

It is the second-largest financial centre in the United Kingdom, and the city’s historical and cultural attractions have made it the UK’s second-most visited tourist destination attracting 4.9 million visits, including 2.4 million from overseas in 2018. 

Edinburgh’s official population estimates are 488,050 (mid-2016) for the Edinburgh locality,518,500 (mid-2019) for the City of Edinburgh council area, and 1,339,380 (2014) for the wider city region – Wikipedia

In this guide we will explore some of the best things that Edinburgh has to offer for the tourist.. 

When is the best time to go to Edinburgh?

SUMMER The best time to visit Edinburgh is the summer months, June through August when the weather is best. This is also the city’s busiest time for tourism, especially in August when festivals fill up the calendar.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

SUMMER EVENTS 

• Edinburgh International Science Festival 

• Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival 

• Edinburgh Art Festival 

• Edinburgh Festival Fringe 

• Edinburgh International Festival 

• Edinburgh International Book Festival 

• Edinburgh International Film Festival

 • Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August) 

WINTER 

In winter the crowds are less and accommodation is less expensive except during the city’s New Year’s celebration, 

Hogmanay. 

WINTER EVENTS 

• Edinburgh Christmas Market 

• Cocktails at Twenty Twenty 

• Waverley Festival Village The Dome Cocktails (George Street) 

• Christmas Lights Switch On 

• Ice Skating at George Street 

• Edinburgh Botanical Gardens Light Trail 

• Edinburgh Castle at Christmas 

• Edinburgh Castle at Christmas. 

• Hogmanay 

• Burns Night 

 SPRING / AUTUMN I

In Spring and early Autumn the weather is also fairly mild and you can still find some good hotel and travel deals. If you are in Edinburgh during autumn be sure to check out the International Storytelling Festival which is an autumnal celebration of storytelling – both traditional and contemporary. 

Autumn also means Bonfire Night on the 5th November, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, this is marked with fiery celebrations as hosted by Edinburgh Meadowbank Sports Centre. Spring is a great time to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. It is also a good time to visit with children as the Edinburgh Science Festival and Edinburgh Children’s Festival are on.

Things to know 

Language; The main language is English 

Electricity: The voltage in Britain is 220/240 AC, 50 Hz. Electrical plugs have three rectangular pins and take fuses of 3, 5 and 13 amps. Visitors from abroad will need an adaptor for appliances that have been brought from home, such as laptops, hairdryers and phone chargers. 

Most hotels will have twopronged European-style sockets for shavers only. 

Currency: The official currency of Scotland is the British Pound so you will need to exchange currency before your trip or at a local currency exchange. 

Most international bank cards will work everywhere in Edinburgh 

Travel Insurance. Make sure that you have the relevant travel insurance before travelling, check with your local travel agent what you will need. 

Note: Pack an umbrella! 

Getting to Edinburgh

Most international visitors will arrive in Edinburgh via Aeroplane 

ARRIVALS FROM AUSTRALIA 

Several Australian cities offer connecting flights to Edinburgh. One of the most popular airlines from Sydney (Sydney Kingsford Smith) to Edinburgh is British Airways. 

Other airlines include Etihad Airways, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Delta Airlines, Virgin Australia and American Airlines. 

ARRIVALS FROM NORTH AMERICA 

Visitors from the United States will find direct flights to Edinburgh from the following North American cities: New York – Delta Airlines provides direct flights between Edinburgh and New York JFK. United Airlines and Air Canada both offer direct flights from Edinburgh to Newark Airport Chicago – United Airlines provides direct flights between Edinburgh and Chicago O’Hare. Toronto (Toronto Pearson International Airport) to Edinburgh with Air Canada rouge. 

EUROPE 

There is a large range of low-cost airlines that fly from numerous destinations including Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Belgium and many more countries. The most popular low-cost carriers include Easyjet, Jet2, Ryanair, FlyBe and Norwegian. 

TRAVELLING WITHIN BRITAIN

 A range of British cities offer direct flights to Edinburgh’s main airport including British Airways, EasyJet, Flybe and Ryanair. Travellers should search online booking platforms for the best airline deals. 

How to get around in Edinburgh 

Edinburgh is a compact city which is easy to find your way around although we would advise against driving yourself. 

Here are the best options for getting around Edinburgh: 

Walking or cycling .

Edinburgh is a fantastic city to discover on foot. You can cover most of the city with a 20 to 30 minute walk, The most important item to remember when walking is good umbrella as the weather can change very quickly, Edinburgh has good cycle routes and most major roads have marked bike lanes and traffic lights often have stopping boxes to allow cyclists to stop and start more safely. 

Edinburgh has extensive bus routes covering the entire city and its outskirts, Most festival venues are either on or nearby at least one main bus route, and the Night Bus services will help you get to your accommodation even in the wee small hours. Make sure that you have the right change when buying a ticket on the bus as buses don’t give change.

Edinburgh’s tram runs from Edinburgh Airport to its terminus at York Place in the east end of the city centre. There are regular stops on the line, The tram offers regular stops on its route including on Princes Street and at Haymarket Train Station in the West End. Tickets are available at ticket vending machines on all tram platforms as well as via the Transport for Edinburgh mobile app. 

Black cabs and other taxi services are available throughout the city. The traditional taxi (usually black, but not always) can be picked up at one of the ranks or flagged down in the street. Ride services like UBER are also available in Edinburgh. 

By Car 

If travelling in your own car, you’ll need to be aware of parking restrictions throughout the city. There are some pay and display car parks, as well as a number of short-term on-street ticketed parking areas.

Places to stay 

There are a huge variety of accommodation options in Edinburgh. Hotels of all varieties and quality, Bed and Breakfast as well as a range of self catering apartments. Your best option is to start planning well in advance via a good booking site such as Tripadvisor 

Whether you base yourself in the heart of the city, or go for a pad outside the centre, Edinburgh offers great transport links that will make it easy for you to get around the city or visit further afield.

Where to eat 

Scotland has a great food culture and a variety of unique dishes only made in Scotland. 

Some of its cooking is influenced by foreign cuisine, especially French cuisine. 

Scottish breakfast 

What constitutes a Full Scottish Breakfast is a little arguable. 

There is a standard list of items you can expect to find when you order your Scottish breakfast. 

• Eggs 

• Tattie Scones 

• Lorne/Square Sausage 

• Bacon 

• Link Sausage 

• Sliced Haggis 

• Toast 

• Grilled/Fried tomatoes 

• Baked Beans 

• Black Pudding 

• Mushrooms 

• Polony 

• Fried Slice 

• Fruit Pudding 

Definitely something you should try before starting your day exploring Edinburgh!

Traditional Scottish food you should try

Haggis .

Haggis is probably the most famous Scottish dish and the national dish of Scotland, Haggis is a kind of savoury pudding made of sheep’s heart and lungs mixed with onions and oatmeal. This is spices and then encased in the sheep’s stomach and cooked for several hours.

Neeps and Tatties 

Tatties are mashed potato and neeps are diced or mashed swede. This is normally served with Haggis. 

Haddock and Kippers

Both of these could be smoked or Haddock could be battered as in Fish and Chips. 

Scotch Broth

This meaty vegetable soup is perfect for a cold night in winter. Ingredients are lamb, carrots and swedes. 

Partan bree 

A crab based seafood soup.

Grouse 

This bird is very similar to partridge Desserts Shortbread: A buttery biscuit baked at a low temperature. 

Dundee Cake:

A rich flavoured fruit cake. Cranachan: A traditional Scottish dessert made from whipped cream, whisky and raspberries. 

When to have lunch and dinner in Edinburgh?

 In Edinburgh, the opening times of restaurants and fast-food places are very similar to other North European countries. 

Lunch is normally served between 12 noon and 2 pm and dinner begins at 6 pm and finishes at 8:30 – 9 pm. It can prove difficult to find a restaurant with an open kitchen after 9 pm. 

Best areas to eat in Edinburgh 

The most interesting areas to find restaurants or places to eat would be Princess Street and the Royal Mile as well as Rose Street.

Things to see and Do 

Edinburgh castle.

At One O’Clock every day, except Sundays you can set your watch when you hear the firing of the Gun from Edinburgh Castle 

Edinburgh Castle was recently voted the top UK Heritage attraction in the British Travel Awards and should be right at the top of your list of places to visit in Edinburgh, Perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city, Edinburgh Castle houses important Scottish artefacts, such as the Honours of Scotland, which are the oldest crown jewels in the UK, and The Stone of Destiny; an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy. For more information or to buy online tickets: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/ 

Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park 

Holyrood Park is a short walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile in the heart of the city. It is a 640 acre Royal Park adjacent to Holyrood Palace and is open all year round, 

Within the park you can visit St Anthony’s Chapel – a 15th century medieval chapel, Salisbury Crags – a series of 150 foot cliff faces dominating Edinburgh’s skyline as well as Duddingston Loch – a freshwater loch rich in birdlife. 

The highlight of your visit would be Arthur’s Seat , an ancient volcano, and sits 251m above sea level giving an excellent view of the city;. This is one of four hill forts dating from around 2000 years ago. With its diverse range of flora and geology it is also a site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also the site of a large and well preserved fort. Visit the official website for more details: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-aplace/places/holyrood-park/

Scott Monument 

Standing proudly in Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is one of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks, a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. Dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, it is one of the largest monuments to a writer anywhere in the world. The tower is 200 feet 6 inches (61.11 m) high and has viewing platforms reached by a series of spiral staircases giving panoramic views of central Edinburgh and its surroundings. 

The highest platform is reached by a total of 287 steps. It is built from Binny sandstone quarried near Ecclesmachan in West Lothian. It is placed on axis with South St. David Street, the main street leading off St. Andrew Square to Princes Street, and is a focal point within that vista, its scale being large enough to screen the Old Town behind. Its location appears more random when seen from the south side and Princes Street Gardens, but it dominates the eastern section of the gardens through its scale and elevated position.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art 

Hosted in one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings, visit and come face to face with the people who shaped Scotland’s past, present and future, from Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, to contemporary figures such as Karen Gillan and Alan Cumming. 

Explore the outstanding National Collection in its bespoke 19th century home, from the suite of grand, top-lit galleries to smaller, intimate rooms, and discover the Photography Gallery and the atmospheric Victorian Library. 

The Gallery has new and featured exhibitions all the time and their website is the best source of information on what is currently on. 

Visit the Café Portrait for lunch or even just a coffee break, this family-friendly venue is one of the best cafés in Edinburgh. 

Admission is free  but tickets must be booked in advance. Official website: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/

Johnnie Walker Princess Street 

The flagship Johnnie Walker Princes Street is a must-visit destination on your city break to Edinburgh. The venue is spread over eight floors and has become a local hotspot with dining experiences, bars and a whisky retail area. 

You can also book a personalised whisky experience. Enjoy world-class cocktails and incredible views of the Edinburgh skyline at the 1820 rooftop bar. 

Official Website: https:// www.johnniewalker.com/en-gb/visit-us-princesstreet/

National Museum Scotland 

Visit the National Museum of Scotland, one of the best indoor attractions in Edinburgh. And, best of all, entry is free. With over 20,000 unique artefacts to see, there’s something for everyone, and fun for all the family. 

Spend the day learning about the catacombs of Egypt, the wonders of nature and even modern-day technology. 

The National Museum of Scotland, is rated one of the UK’s top 10 visitor attractions. Official Website: https://www.nms.ac.uk/scotland

Edinburgh Dungeon 

The Edinburgh Dungeon is an award-winning, 70- minute interactive and immersive, underground walk-through experience which brings 1000’s of years of Scottish history to life! 

Why not come and experience the ultimate underground journey where you can see, hear and smell Edinburgh’s murky past! From the dark shadows of the Black plague to Sawney Bean the cannibal. 

Come face the notorious characters from days gone by. Recommended for ages 8 and up, the Dungeon is located in the heart of Edinburgh minutes from Waverley Station. 

Official website: https://www.thedungeons.com/ edinburgh/

Festival Theatre 

The Festival Theatre is located centrally and stands on the site of the old Empire Theatre and opened in 1994, boasting the largest stage of any presenting house in Britain at the time. 

Today, at just over 2,500 square feet it is the largest performance area in Scotland, second only to the Royal Opera House in the UK, and is established as one of the country’s most prestigious venues. 

It is the home for Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera, and at the heart of the Edinburgh International Festival. Official website: www.capitaltheatres.com Scotch Whisky Experience Take a sensational journey through a replica distillery, before your expert guide imparts the secrets of the Whisky regions. 

Finally, you’ll choose your perfect ‘dram’, and taste it in The World’s Largest Whisky Collection. This is a great way to get a Scotch Whisky Experience if you do not have the time to visit the Speyside distilleries themselves. 

Official Website: https:// www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/

Useful websites and links 

When traveling to Scotland, there are several useful websites and links that can provide valuable information and assistance. Here are some recommendations:

• VisitScotland ( https://www.visitscotland.com/ ): The official website of Scotland’s national tourist board offers comprehensive information on destinations, attractions, accommodations, events, and travel tips.
• Historic Environment Scotland ( https://www.historicenvironment.scot/ ): This website provides information about Scotland’s historic sites, castles, and cultural heritage. You can find details about opening hours, admission fees, and special events.
• National Rail Enquiries ( https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ ): If you plan to explore Scotland by train, this website provides timetables, ticket information, and journey planning tools for trains across the country.
• CalMac Ferries ( https://www.calmac.co.uk/ ): If you’re considering traveling to the Scottish islands, CalMac Ferries operates services to various destinations. Their website offers route information, schedules, and booking options.
• Traffic Scotland ( https://trafficscotland.org/ ): For up-to-date information on road conditions, traffic updates, and planned roadworks, Traffic Scotland is an essential resource. It helps you plan your journeys and avoid potential delays.
• The Met Office ( https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ ): To check the weather forecast in Scotland, the Met Office provides detailed and reliable information, including temperature, rainfall, wind conditions, and severe weather warnings.
• Walkhighlands ( https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ ): If you’re interested in hiking and outdoor activities, Walkhighlands offers a wealth of information on walking routes, trail descriptions, maps, and tips for exploring Scotland’s stunning landscapes.
• The Official Guide to the National Cycle Network ( https://www.sustrans.org.uk/national-cycle-network/ ): If you prefer cycling, this website by Sustrans provides maps, route suggestions, and practical advice for cycling adventures in Scotland.
• Traveline Scotland ( https://www.travelinescotland.com/ ): This website offers comprehensive public transportation information, including bus and coach timetables, routes, and journey planning tools to help you navigate Scotland’s transport network.
• ScotRail ( https://www.scotrail.co.uk/ ): If you’re specifically traveling by train within Scotland, ScotRail’s website provides train timetables, ticket information, and service updates.

Remember to consult official government websites or local authorities for the latest travel advisories, entry requirements, and safety guidelines specific to Scotland.

For more information on Scotland and your Scotland trip visit www.lovetovisitscotland.com

Download your Ulitmate Scotland Travel Guide b y Clicking Here – or on the image below

Enjoy more of the beauty of Scotland by following us on Facebook

***************************************************

DISCLAIMER Last updated May 29, 2023

WEBSITE DISCLAIMER

The information provided by Love to Visit LLC ('we', 'us', or 'our') on https:/ loveotvisitscotland.com (the 'Site') is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL WE HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SITE OR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE. YOUR USE OF THE SITE AND YOUR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION ON THE SITE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

EXTERNAL LINKS DISCLAIMER

The Site may contain (or you may be sent through the Site ) links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness by us.

WE DO NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THE SITE OR ANY WEBSITE OR FEATURE LINKED IN ANY BANNER OR OTHER ADVERTISING. WE WILL NOT BE A PARTY TO OR IN ANY WAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN YOU AND THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.

AFFILIATES DISCLAIMER The Site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Our affiliates include the following:

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.

Related Articles

Why is Edinburgh so famous?

What is Dunfermline Scotland Famous For?

What is the mystery of Rosslyn Chapel?

One comment.

Awesome information!

Comments are closed.

Sending login info,please wait...

Sending info,please wait...

Sending register info,please wait...

• Eat & Drink
• Places to Stay
• Tourist Attraction
• Tourism Services

© Ibraheem5/Shutterstock

Scotland has many treasures crammed into its compact territory: big skies, ancient architecture, spectacular wildlife, superb seafood and hospitable, down-to-earth people.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, attractions, must-see attractions.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence – King Malcolm Canmore (r 1058–93) and Queen Margaret first made…

Predating Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza, extraordinary Skara Brae is one of the world's most evocative prehistoric sites, and northern Europe’s best…

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral has a rare timelessness. The dark, imposing interior conjures up medieval might and can send a shiver down the spine. It's a shining…

Rosslyn Chapel

Many years may have passed since Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code and the subsequent film came out, but floods of visitors still descend on Scotland's…

Stirling Castle

Hold Stirling and you control Scotland. This maxim has ensured that a fortress of some kind has existed here since prehistoric times. You cannot help…

Constructed about 5000 years ago, Maeshowe is an extraordinary place, a Stone Age tomb built from enormous sandstone blocks, some of which weighed many…

Culzean Castle & Country Park

Southern Scotland

The Scottish National Trust's flagship property, magnificent Culzean (kull-ane) is one of the most impressive of Scotland's stately homes. On approach the…

Scone Palace

'So thanks to all at once and to each one, whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.' This line from Macbeth indicates the importance of Scone …

Top picks from our travel experts

The 11 best things to do in scotland from festivals to puffins and peaks.

Three Chimneys

Halfway between Dunvegan and Waterstein, the Three Chimneys is a superb romantic retreat combining a gourmet restaurant in a candlelit crofter’s cottage…

Discovery Point

The three masts of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's famous polar expedition vessel the RRS Discovery provide a historic counterpoint to the modern…

Scottish Parliament Building

Holyrood & Arthur’s Seat

The Scottish Parliament Building, on the site of a former brewery and designed by Catalan architect Enric Miralles (1955–2000), was opened by the Queen in…

Speyside Cooperage

Here you can watch the fascinating art of barrel-making during a 45-minute guided tour. It’s a mile south of Craigellachie on the Dufftown road.

National Museum of Scotland

Elegant Chambers St is dominated by the long facade of the National Museum of Scotland. Its extensive collections are spread between two buildings: one…

Scotland's most famous house club is still going strong several decades on. Saturday at the Sub Club is one of Glasgow's legendary nights, offering…

V&A Dundee

The centrepiece of Dundee's revitalised waterfront is this stunning building designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Opened in late 2018, it houses an…

Oban, Mull & Tiree

Iona's ancient but heavily reconstructed abbey is the spiritual heart of the island. The spectacular nave, dominated by Romanesque and early Gothic vaults…

Verdant Works

One of the fi­nest industrial museums in Europe, the Verdant Works explores the history of Dundee's jute industry. Housed in a restored jute mill,…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

To explore Scotland away from the crowds, travel south to the Borders and start with these eight spectacular stops.

Things to Know

If you’re looking to get the lowdown before visiting Scotland, start with these insider local tips.

Transportation

Scotland isn't big but the scale of its mountains, valleys and lochs mean small distances equate to long journeys. Read our top tips for getting around.

Money and Costs

Maximize your budget while traveling around Scotland with these insider tips and travel hacks to make your money last that bit longer.

Traveling with Kids

Here's what you need to know about traveling with children in Scotland, and the best things to do for the perfect family day out.

Best Road Trips

Scotland's cities may be full of history but it's the countryside in between that captures the hearts of visitors. Here are Scotland's top road trips.

Plan with a local

Experience the real Scotland

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Scotland

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Public Transport

Mar 6, 2024 • 7 min read

Dec 5, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 19, 2023 • 10 min read

Aug 3, 2023 • 4 min read

Jun 13, 2023 • 8 min read

Jun 3, 2023 • 4 min read

Jun 2, 2023 • 7 min read

May 27, 2023 • 10 min read

May 26, 2023 • 5 min read

May 25, 2023 • 11 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Scotland

Scotland and beyond.