The North Coast 500 is Scotland's most famous driving route: roughly 500 miles of coastline, glens and single-track roads looping through the Scottish Highlands. Doing it with a private chauffeur means you can take in the scenery, listen to the stories and stop wherever you like, without worrying about navigation or the demands of single-track driving. This guide covers the route, our recommended itineraries, the best time to travel and what to expect from a private NC500 tour.
The route at a glance
The NC500 loops from Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, up the east coast to Caithness and John O'Groats. It then follows the north coast westward through Durness and Sutherland before turning south through Wester Ross and back to Inverness. The route takes in some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in Europe: towering sea cliffs, white-sand beaches, ancient castles and vast open moorland. Most private NC500 tours run it over three to five days so there is time for stops, short walks and detours.
Must-see stops
Highlights include Dunrobin Castle on the east coast, the eerie Smoo Cave near Durness, the white beaches of the north coast, the dramatic Bealach na Bà pass into Applecross, and the wild landscapes of Torridon and Assynt. We tailor the exact stops to your interests and the number of days you have. Browse our sample itineraries such as the 3-day NC500 from Inverness for a sense of what is possible.
3-day NC500 itinerary
A three-day tour covers the full loop with time for the main highlights. This is the most popular option for guests who want the complete experience without spending a full week.
Day 1: Inverness to Caithness (east coast). We depart Inverness and head north along the east coast. The first major stop is Dunrobin Castle, a fairytale turreted estate overlooking the sea. From there we continue through Brora and Helmsdale, following the coast past the gold rush village at Baile an Òr and on towards the Caithness towns of Wick and Thurso. The east coast is often quieter than the west and rewards with dramatic cliff scenery and rich local history.
Day 2: North coast (John O'Groats to Durness). The second day takes in the full sweep of the north coast. We visit John O'Groats (a quick photo stop rather than a long stay), then Dunnet Head, the true most northerly point of mainland Britain. The route continues west through Tongue and past Loch Eriboll to Smoo Cave near Durness, a vast limestone sea cave that is one of the route's most memorable stops. The beaches along this stretch, particularly Balnakeil and Ceannabeinne, are stunning.
Day 3: West coast and return to Inverness. The final day covers the west coast. We pass through the Assynt landscape of Lochinver and Suilven, then south through Torridon and either over the Bealach na Bà into Applecross or along the coast road. The Bealach na Bà is one of Britain's highest and most exhilarating roads, with hairpin bends and views across to Skye and the Outer Hebrides. From Applecross we continue south through Wester Ross and back to Inverness. For more NC500 driving tips, see our dedicated guide.
5-day NC500 itinerary
A five-day tour follows the same route but at a more relaxed pace, with time for experiences that a shorter trip cannot accommodate. The extra days allow for longer walks, visits to whisky distilleries and optional detours.
With five days you can add an Orkney day trip from the north coast. The ferry crossing from Scrabster to Stromness takes around 90 minutes and gives access to Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Italian Chapel. It is a remarkable addition to any NC500 tour.
The slower pace also allows time for whisky stops. Clynelish near Brora, Old Pulteney in Wick and Balblair near Tain are all along or close to the route. We can arrange tastings and tours at each.
Other additions on a five-day itinerary include coastal walks at Sandwood Bay (one of Scotland's most remote and beautiful beaches), time at Loch Eriboll with its clear turquoise waters, and a visit to the Knockan Crag geological trail in Assynt. Each day is unhurried, with generous time at every stop.
When to drive the NC500
The NC500 is a year-round route, but each season brings a different experience. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right time for your trip. Our guide to the best time to visit the Highlands covers this in more detail.
Summer (June to August) offers the longest days, with daylight lasting until 10pm or later. The weather is generally warmest, though rain is always possible. Summer is the busiest period on the NC500, and popular stops can be crowded, particularly at midday. A private chauffeur helps here because we know the quieter times and alternative approaches.
Shoulder season (May, September, October) is often the best time to travel. The roads are quieter, the light is beautiful and the landscapes take on rich colour, from the rhododendrons of May to the golden bracken of October. Accommodation is easier to book and the overall experience feels more peaceful.
Winter (November to March) brings dramatic skies, snow-capped mountains and the possibility of the Northern Lights. Roads can be challenging, with ice, snow and limited daylight. Travelling with a chauffeur from Inverness removes the stress of winter driving and lets you focus on the stark beauty of the Highlands in their quietest season.
Where to stay on the NC500
Accommodation along the NC500 ranges from Highland lodges and estate houses to coastal bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels. The route passes through small communities where options are limited but characterful. We recommend booking well in advance, particularly for summer travel, as the best places fill quickly.
On a private tour we handle the route planning and can advise on accommodation that suits your style and budget. Whether you prefer a country house with log fires and estate grounds or a modern coastal B&B with sea views, there are excellent options at each overnight stop. We are happy to suggest places once your dates and itinerary are confirmed.
Why a chauffeur on the NC500
Single-track roads, passing places and long days make the NC500 demanding to drive, especially if you are unfamiliar with Highland roads. A chauffeur handles the route, the timing and the logistics. You focus on the scenery, the conversations and the optional walks or distillery visits.
We use luxury Mercedes vehicles and plan overnight stops so each day is comfortable, not exhausting. Your driver-guide knows the route intimately and can adjust the plan on the day, whether that means lingering at a viewpoint, adding an unplanned stop or avoiding a busy stretch of road. It is a fundamentally different experience from self-driving.
What's included with a private NC500 tour
Every private NC500 tour with Venture Highland includes a professional driver-guide, a luxury Mercedes V-Class vehicle, all fuel and parking, and door-to-door collection and return from your Inverness accommodation. We plan the route, suggest stops and handle the driving so you can simply enjoy the journey.
Entry fees to castles and attractions, meals, accommodation and any ferry crossings are separate. This gives you flexibility to choose where you eat, which attractions you visit and the standard of accommodation that suits you. We are always happy to advise. Request a quote for a bespoke NC500 itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the NC500 take with a private driver?
We recommend three to five days. Three days covers the full loop at a comfortable pace with time for key stops. Five days allows for deeper exploration, optional detours such as an Orkney day trip, whisky distillery visits and longer coastal walks.
Can you do the NC500 in 2 days?
It is possible but rushed. Two days means long stretches in the vehicle and limited time at stops. Three days or more gives you a much richer experience and the chance to appreciate the landscapes, castles and villages properly.
Is the NC500 safe to drive in winter?
Winter roads in the Highlands can be challenging. Snow, ice, short daylight hours and single-track sections require confidence and experience. Travelling with a chauffeur who knows the roads removes that stress entirely and lets you enjoy the dramatic winter scenery safely.
Can you include whisky distilleries on the NC500?
Yes. Several distilleries sit along or near the route, including Clynelish near Brora, Old Pulteney in Wick and Balblair near Tain. We can build distillery visits into any itinerary, with flexible timing so you never feel hurried.
Do you pick up from Inverness hotels?
Yes. All our NC500 tours include door-to-door collection from any Inverness hotel, guest house or Airbnb. We also collect from Inverness Airport and Inverness railway station.
