Is the NC500 worth it?
An honest local take. What is great about it, what is overhyped, and who it really suits.
The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to Route 66. A 516-mile loop from Inverness around the north Highlands. It has brought huge attention to the area, and the scenery is genuinely world-class.
But it has also become overhyped in places, and not every visitor has the right expectations. Some people love it. Others find it exhausting or disappointing because they rushed it.
This is an honest take from people who live and work on these roads every day. We want you to love the Highlands, whether that means doing the NC500 or not.
What is genuinely great
The scenery
The stretch from Applecross to Lochinver is some of the most dramatic coastal road in Europe. Stacks of Duncansby, Smoo Cave, Durness, Sandwood Bay. Properly spectacular.
Variety
Lush east coast farmland, bleak Caithness moors, wild west coast mountains, white sand beaches in Sutherland. It changes every 30 miles.
Remote communities
Small villages with excellent local food, craft breweries, independent shops. Ullapool, Lochinver, Durness, Tongue. Real places, not tourist constructs.
Wildlife
Sea eagles, red deer, seals, dolphins, puffins (seasonal). The north coast is one of the best wildlife corridors in Britain.
What is overhyped or misunderstood
Doing it in 2–3 days
People treat it like a road race. You need 5–7 days minimum to enjoy it properly. 2–3 days is a slog.
Motorhome traffic
The roads, especially on the west coast, are narrow single-track. Large motorhomes cause congestion and frustration. This is a real issue in summer.
Instagram spots
Some "hidden gems" from social media are now packed. The Whaligoe Steps, for example, or the Bealach na Ba viewpoint. Still worth seeing, but not the empty wilderness the photos suggest.
Infrastructure
Fuel stations are sparse. Not every village has a restaurant. Plan ahead. In peak season, accommodation books out months in advance.
It is a loop
You start and end in Inverness. Some visitors would be better doing a linear route through the Highlands instead.
Who it suits
Keen drivers
If you enjoy driving, single-track roads, and taking your time, it is brilliant.
Photographers
The light, the landscapes, the coast. Hard to beat.
People with 5+ days
You need time. Rushing it defeats the point.
Visitors who have already seen the central Highlands
If you have done Skye, Glencoe and Loch Ness, the NC500 opens up a completely different part of Scotland.
Who might prefer an alternative
First-time visitors with limited time
Glencoe, Skye and Loch Ness pack more iconic highlights into fewer days.
Visitors who do not enjoy driving
The roads are demanding. Single-track, passing places, no overtaking. A chauffeur tour takes the stress away.
Families with young children
Long drives on single-track roads with limited stops can be hard with small children.
We can design private tours that take the best sections of the NC500 without the full loop. The Applecross to Ullapool stretch, for instance, is stunning and works as a 2–3 day route.
Our suggested NC500 itinerary
Day 1
Inverness to Applecross via the Bealach na Ba (or Lochcarron if weather is poor). Stay in Applecross or Shieldaig.
Day 2
Applecross to Ullapool via Torridon and the coast. Stop at Inverewe Garden. Stay in Ullapool.
Day 3
Ullapool to Durness. Ardvreck Castle ruins, Lochinver for lunch, Sandwood Bay if time. Stay in Durness.
Day 4
Durness to Thurso. Smoo Cave, Cape Wrath (if the ferry is running), Bettyhill, Strathy Point. Stay in Thurso or Tongue.
Day 5
Thurso to Inverness via John o'Groats, Duncansby Stacks, Whaligoe Steps, Dunrobin Castle. Back to Inverness.
Minimum 5 days. 7 is better. Every day has multiple worthwhile stops.
FAQ
How long does the NC500 take?
The driving alone is about 10–12 hours. Allow 5–7 days to enjoy it. 3 days is too rushed for most people.
Is the NC500 dangerous to drive?
No, but the single-track roads need respect. Use passing places, do not rush, and be patient with other traffic. In winter, check road conditions.
Can you do the NC500 without a car?
Very difficult. Public transport is extremely limited on the north and west coasts. A private chauffeur tour is the best alternative.
Is the NC500 busy?
In July and August, yes, especially on the west coast. Shoulder season (May, June, September) is quieter and often has better weather.
Which direction should I drive the NC500?
Clockwise is more common and arguably gives better views (sea on your left). Anti-clockwise can be quieter.
Is the NC500 suitable for motorhomes?
Possible but challenging. Many sections are single-track. Large motorhomes cause bottlenecks and frustration for other drivers.
What are the best stops on the NC500?
Bealach na Ba, Applecross, Torridon, Ullapool, Lochinver, Durness, Smoo Cave, Duncansby Stacks, Dunrobin Castle.
Can I do just part of the NC500?
Yes. We often recommend the west coast section (Applecross to Ullapool or Durness) as the highlight. Works well as a 2–3 day trip.
Driving tips for the route? NC500 driving tips.
New to single-track roads? Driving single-track roads in Scotland.
When to visit? Best time to visit the Highlands.
Prefer a guided experience? Loch Ness tour from Inverness.
Do the NC500 without the stress
Private chauffeur tours of the NC500 from Inverness. We know the roads, the stops and the timing.