North Coast 500
Embark on an Epic Road Trip with the North Coast 500 in Scotland
The North Coast 500 (or NC500 for short) is a circular road route that loops around the far north of Scotland, starting and ending in Inverness. It covers just over 500 miles and takes in some of the country’s most spectacular coastal scenery — from dramatic cliffs and remote beaches to mountain passes and tiny villages.
It was launched in 2015 to encourage visitors to explore the Highlands beyond the usual tourist spots, and it’s done just that. In less than a decade, the NC500 has become one of the most popular road trips in the UK.
In this guide, you’ll find:
How you can explore parts of it with us — either as part of a small group or a custom private tour
At Scotland’s Wild, our friendly, storytelling guides have led thousands of trips through Scotland. We share history, legends and tales to entice people to visit this incredible country!
We offer various lengths of tour to the Isle of Skye, leaving from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.
Fun Facts About the North Coast 500
It’s not an official road
The NC500 is a route, not a new road. It’s made up of existing roads — some single track, some winding and narrow — all connected into a scenic loop.
It goes through some of the most remote areas in mainland Britain
Parts of the NC500 feel like the middle of nowhere — because they are. In the far northwest, you’ll find landscapes that are wild, empty, and untouched. No mobile signal, no big shops, just space and sea.
2. You can spot the Northern Lights here
In winter, parts of the NC500 are far enough north and dark enough to see the aurora borealis. No promises, but it’s possible — especially around Caithness and Sutherland.
3. It includes one of the UK’s most scenic roads
The Bealach na Bà, a winding mountain pass on the Applecross peninsula, is one of the highest and steepest roads in the UK. It’s not for nervous drivers, but the views from the top are incredible.
4. It’s popular with cyclists and motorbikers too
Plenty of people tackle the NC500 on two wheels — though it’s not easy. The hills, the weather, and the midges can be brutal, but the sense of achievement is real.
What the North Coast 500 Is Known For
The NC500 isn’t just a scenic route — it’s a bucket list trip. People come from all over the world for it, and here’s what they actually come for:
That Road to Applecross (Bealach na Bà)
If people know one stretch of the NC500, it’s this. A steep, winding, single-track road that climbs to 626 metres with tight hairpin bends and no room for nerves. It’s often described as one of the most dramatic drives in the UK — and rightly so.
Remote, Wild Scenery
The west and north coasts in particular are known for their raw, untouched landscapes. Think mountains, moors, lochs, sea cliffs, and not much else. It’s this sense of being on the edge of the map that makes the NC500 different.
Hidden Beaches You'd Never Expect in Scotland
Beaches like Achmelvich, Balnakeil, and Sandwood Bay don’t just surprise people — they change their idea of what Scotland looks like. Soft white sand, turquoise water, and hardly anyone around.
Epic Driving Challenges
It’s a route for people who enjoy the drive as much as the destination. The roads are narrow, winding, and often shared with sheep. It’s known for being both beautiful and demanding — not your average motorway cruise.
Photogenic Stops That Go Viral
Certain spots have made the rounds on Instagram and travel blogs — like the Kylesku Bridge, Smoo Cave, or the ruins of Ardvreck Castle. They’re easy to photograph and hard to forget.
Changing the Way People See the Highlands
Before the NC500, many visitors stuck to Edinburgh, Loch Ness, and maybe Skye. Now, places like Torridon, Durness, and Tongue are getting recognised, and more travellers are seeing a side of Scotland they’d have otherwise missed.
Is the NC500 Worth It?
If you like the idea of seeing the wild side of Scotland, absolutely. But it’s not for everyone.
The NC500 is best suited to travellers who are up for an adventure — people who don’t mind winding roads, changeable weather, and being a bit off-grid. The rewards are huge: stunning landscapes, quiet beaches, and some of the best views in the country.
If you're looking for a relaxed drive with lots of visitor centres and big-name attractions, this probably isn’t it. But if you want space, nature, and a real sense of getting away from it all, the NC500 delivers.
Best time to go? May to September is ideal. Summer has the longest days, but spring and early autumn are quieter and just as beautiful.
Explore the NC500 with Us
While we don’t run a full NC500 tour (yet), many of our tours include sections of this route, especially the west coast, which is a real highlight.
You’ll travel in a small group (max 8 people) or can book a private tour tailored just for you. We handle the roads, the planning, and the stories — you just take in the views.
Interested in the NC500 or want help building a custom trip around it?
Get in touch and we’ll help you make it happen, without the stress of doing it all yourself.
