The route way runs to and from Inverness, venturing round the capital of the Highlands, up the West Coast and back via the rugged north coast. Route Overview The NC500 starts in the northern city of Inverness, weaves along the west coast to Applecross and then northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. Explore opulent castles, sample a dram of whisky or take an exhilarating wildlife safari, enjoy a truly unique touring experience. The two hour trip from the east coast (Inverness) to the west coast (Applecross) starts with riding north and enjoying the beautiful … The NC500 route starts at Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands. Are you interested in a bit more action? Up to you. Boat trips are available to explore this attraction. From the dramatic north western scenery, where the mountains meet the sea, to the varied lands of the east – with scattered fishing communities, award winning golf courses, fairy tale castles, archaeological wonders and quaint harbours. WELL HERE WE GO! La route 500 (officiellement : North Coast 500) est une route touristique côtière de 830 km dans le Northwest Highlands, constituent la partie nord de l' Écosse. Perfect for hanging out before you travel further east with your motorhome or camper. It is important to plan ahead! Sango Sands Oasis – With a great view on the beaches below, you’ll find yourself on top of the cliffs where you might even spot whales, seals or if you are very lucky, dolphins. Up to you. That can’t be right! You can see the route on the North Coast 500 map above. From culture back to nature. You’ll also need a lot of blankets, a heater, and an emergency kit in case of being snowed in. After a walk along the coast, we’ll drive to Dunrobin Castle, the biggest castle in the Northern Highlands. It is perhaps better to dedicate a full vacation to this island, but still. So, if you plan on sticking to the prescribed path, our tip is to switch off the GPS (which is trying to get you from A to B in the quickest way possible) and instead keep an eye out for the brown tourist trail roadsigns. It starts and ends at Inverness Castle, close to Loch Ness. The choice is yours, does your North Coast 500 road trip take you to mystic Loch Ness or on a beautiful drive through the inlands? You will have a bit of a busier drive, with tour buses driving from Inverness to Loch Ness every day. This guide will include official campsites with options for campervans on the North Coast 500. Sutherland makes up a large part of the North Coast 500, and will leave a lasting memory too. Experience fairytale castle ruins, white beaches, outdoor attractions and adventures, quaint villages, an array of wildlife, delicious seafood and more. We are trying to catch a glimpse of dolphins in Chanonry point! This is our last stop of the North Coast 500 motorhome route on our way to Inverness, but we’ll return with a head full of great memories, a camera full of beautiful landscapes and a belly full of Scottish food and drinks. The two hour trip from the east coast (Inverness) to the west coast (Applecross) starts with riding north and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the inlands of Scotland. We’ve put together this comprehensive North Coast 500 guide to help you plan the perfect North Coast 500 road trip in Scotland. When you’ve driven your camper through the inland to the coast, you drive towards Skye: one of the most beautiful islands perhaps in the world. Therefore, we probably don’t need to spend too much time telling you how incredible this drive is. There are people who … Your email address will not be published. The two hour trip from the east coast (Inverness) to the west coast (Applecross) starts with riding north and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the inlands of Scotland. Hire a motorhome or campervan in Inverness. Not long back from a tour of the NORTH COAST 500 in Scotland. Definitely a stay with a great view. Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club Site – Almost at the end of the trip you’ll find in Dingwall a place to rest your feet or go for some beautiful hikes in the area. You can do a self-guided tour through the castle here. The geological features of the Caithness coastline feature soaring sea stacks, raucous colonies of sea birds, and vertically faced headlands jutting out into the wild waters of the Pentland Firth. Learn how whisky is made– Easter Ross is home to three malt whisky distilleries! 6 sites, 10 nights minimum. Great wardens and a beautiful beach nearby. https://www.camptoo.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/03/Fotolia_115513621_Subscription_Monthly_M-1024x682-Large-600x682.jpg, Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club Site. The North Coast 500, the Route 66 of Scotland has been opened since 2015, to link the beautiful scenery of Northern Scotland. Surfboard back in the camper, we’re going to dive into the Scottish culture along the east coast. Make a detour or leave Skye for what it is, and continue to Beleach na Bá towards Applecross. The route is pretty easy to follow and we recommend picking up the official North Coast 500 route from the visitor center in Inverness before your trip to help keep you on track. Kinlochewe Caravan Club Site – Not too far from Applecross you’ll find hardstanding pitches near the pine forest. The North Coast 500 route will allow you to enjoy some of the best in Scottish produce along the way - from the freshest fish and chips at the Applecross Inn or a homemade pie at Lochinver to the finest chocolate at CoCoa Mountain at Durness or award winning Rock Rose gin at Dunnett Bay, outside Thurso. From the dramatic north western scenery, where the mountains meet the sea, to the varied lands of the east – with scattered fishing communities, award winning golf courses, fairy tale castles, archaeological wonders and quaint harbours. Along the way there are too many highlights, you’ll meet enchanting castles, white beaches and fairytale-like sceneries. They are known to come very close to the mainland since that is where they find their meals. La North Coast 500 est une route de 500 miles (800 km) qui longe les côtes touuut au Nord de l’Ecosse, entre falaises, plages et lochs grandioses, d’Inverness à Torridon. With multiple world championships have been held here, this is a famous and well-known surf spot. Not officially part of the North Coast 500 route, but we didn’t dare to not mention it. You can also take a look at the ‘official’ North Coast 500 map (also linked at the bottom of the page). Take your time (when the traffic allows you to) and let the view sink in. 500 miles / 805 km Location Inverness – Inverness. You can also drive the other way around, but you won’t drive on the seaside of the road! If you go south, starting from Inverness, you might even catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness monster. On the route you will find the following in this order: An Teallach, Stac Pollaidh, Suilven en Ben Hope. Brenna and I spent 5 full days travelling along the North Coast 500. Considered as one of the most beautiful and most famous parts of the road, this is a part of the route where you want to keep your camera at hand. The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to route 66 and one of the most beautiful coastal touring routes in the world (well, we think so, anyway!). The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 516-mile scenic drive. Renters – Are you looking to book? Of course, if you make any detours or deviations from the route, this will add to your overall mileage. For more ideas, check out our detailed guide to the best hotels around the North Coast 500. Stayed at club site BRORA which was just fab. Is the north 500 suitable fir a caravan and tow vehicle or is it a no no. Located in Dornoch. You may use these HTML tags and attributes: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Wick, John O’Groats, Durness, Lochinver, Applecross,…. Caithness is located on the most north eastern part of the North Coast 500, and serves as the most northern county in Britain to still claim royal connections. Like the North Coast 500 (NC500), our route starts in Inverness, but we’re heading south-west first. https://www.camptoo.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/05/cornish_cream_tea_adam_gibbard_2sq.jpg. Dunnet Bay Caravan Club Site – Close to the Northernmost point of Scotland, above some great beaches. Scotland’s North Coast 500 is a 500-mile (800 km) route that takes you all the way round the coast of Scotland north of Inverness, visiting some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery in the world. One of Scotlands finest treasures is, of course, their Whisky. It’s a beautiful drive which you will definitely remember. Join me on my trip around the North Coast 500 in Spring 2018, starting the NC500 from Inverness and going clockwise. Located in Durness. If you go south, starting from Inverness, you might even catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness monster. A carefully designed itinerary, travelling the North Coast 500 driving route – covering more than 500 miles of the best coastal scenery the North Highlands has to offer, but within a leisurely week’s holiday. © 2018 North Coast 500 | All Rights Reserved | Design by. From there, you'll … Biggest chances are at high tide and in February you will find a booklet here with the times when you are most likely to catch a glimpse. North Coast 500 is a spectacular 516-mile scenic route around the northern coast of Scotland, The route snakes around beautiful scenery and the many well known and historic features located in the Highlands of Scotland all incorporated into one very iconic pleasurable touring route around scotland. It’s a beautiful drive which you will definitely remember. With its seaboard villages, Easter Ross is full of history and romance – an area blessed with a fabulous pictish past, unsurpassed views from the Fyrish monument and seals basking along the shoreline. Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club Site Dingwall, Highlands . Save money with a Clan Membership for up to 4 people. Take your time (when the traffic allows you to) and let the view sink in. We know motor homes are the in thing but we tow a caravan. Gairloch beach is one of the first beaches you will find, a secluded spot with not too many visitors. It is perhaps better to dedicate a full vacation to this island, but still. Badrallach Campsite – Called one of the remotest and most picturesque campsites by the Guardian. Your email address will not be published. If you’re arranging motorhome hire in Scotland for the trip, they can probably supply these, but always check first. Some of the greatest North Coast 500 campsites are listed here, in the order that they lie along the way of this route. However the leaflet labeled the Official Map of the North Coast 500 has the section in the very North West showing an exclamation mark, which the legend explains as - ‘If your motorhome is more than a standard VW T5 conversion (ie - about16 - 18 feet in length) please take the alternative routes available. One of Scotlands finest treasures is, of course, their Whisky. You can travel in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction – or do it both ways on different trips. North Coast 500. Any bits of it that would be impassable or best to avoid. Bringing together a route of just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery in the far north of Scotland, the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most beautiful road trips. NORTH COAST 500 NORTH COAST 500 This story happened on: 13/05/2017. Farther north you will find the famous Munro’s, the name for mountains over 3000 feet. The vast open landscape, also known as the flow country, is rich in archaeological remnants of a bygone age. Need a few tips and inspiration before you go? Things to See & Do Along the North Coast 500. You will have a bit of a busier drive, with tour buses driving from Inverness to Loch Ness every day. Park the motorhome and find one of the many distilleries, for example, the  Balblair Distillery. The NC500 route starts at Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands. The name derives from Sir High Munro, who created Munro’s Tables to map out all these mountains. Despite its name, the Black Isle is a peninsula – famous for its rich farmland and increasingly popular food and drink scene – from the Black Isle's natural larder to craft beer and one of the best spots in Scotland for spotting dolphins! 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. Experience sea and the most incredible landscapes. The name derives from Sir High Munro, who created Munro’s Tables to map out all these mountains. DRUMNADROCHIT - APPLECROSS Our journey begins at Drumnadrochit on the banks of Loch Ness, about 15 miles south west of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and the official starting and finishing point for the North Coast 500. Along the way, there will be some beautiful places to park your motorhome. You can also drive the other way around, but you won’t drive on the seaside of the road! You will explore the best parts of the North Highlands via wild coastal roads, seaside villages and historic towns. Stunning lochside and dog-friendly campsite with a bothy, ideal for remote adventures, Munro-bagging and campfires. These are the kinds of sights that you can see along Scotland’s North Coast 500 road a.k.a. Often described as ‘Scotland’s Route 66’ the North Coast 500, the 500-mile round trip hugs the coastline of Easter Ross, Sutherland, Caithness and Wester Ross, taking in the incredible scenery along the way.This tour stops by a number of our Club sites and CLs. 22 miles from nearest shop. The basic answer is “it can take however long you want it to”. North Coast 500 Route Map. Biggest chances are at high tide and in February you will find a booklet. Accommodation  -  Apartments  -  B&B's & Guesthouses  -  Bunkhouse & Hostels  -  Campsites  -  Caravan Parks  -  Glamping  -  Hotels  -  Log Cabin  -  Motorhome & Campervan Pitches  -  Self-CateringBusiness ServicesDog FriendlyFood and Drink  -  Bakery  -  Bars & Pubs  -  Café  -  Deli  -  Distillery/Brewery  -  Farm Shop/Shop  -  Restaurant  -  Smokehouse  -  Take-AwayHire & Rental  -  Activity  -  Bicycle  -  Camping Equipment  -  Car  -  Motorbike  -  Motorhome / CampervanHistory & Heritage  -  Castle  -  Cathedral  -  Church  -  Gallery  -  Heritage Centre  -  Historic Building  -  MuseumMember DiscountsOpen All Year Round  -  Open for winterOutdoor Activities & Adventure  -  Activity  -  Fieldsports  -  Golf  -  Wildlife & FarmlifePoints of Interest  -  Beaches & Bays  -  Natural  -  Nature ReserveProperty for Sale (via Galbraith)Public Services  -  Tourist Information  -  TransportRetail  -  Clothing  -  Convenience  -  Gift Shops & GalleriesTours  -  Boat  -  Guided  -  Vehicle  -  WildlifeTransport Services  -  Electical Bike Charge Points  -  Electrical Charge Points  -  Garages & Repairs  -  Petrol StationsVisitor Attractions  -  Art Studio & Workshops  -  Galleries  -  Gardens  -  Health & Beauty  -  Music Venue  -  Visitor CentreWheelchair Accessible. Located on the NC500 route, by the tranquil shores of the Dornoch Firth, lies the Glenmorangie Distillery. Badrallach Campsite, Bothy and Holiday Cottage Garve, Highlands . On the North Coast you will find three beautiful beaches to enjoy the rough beach weather, or when you are lucky, the sunny summer. You bet your bottom it is. North Coast 500, Inverness: "Is it suitable with a touring caravan" | Check out 10 answers, plus see 705 reviews, articles, and 842 photos of North Coast 500, ranked No.3 on … Search our map to find things to see and do along the NC500, Area If you’re doing the opposite, and cruising dow… The capital of the Scottish Highlands and the start and end of your NC500 adventure! Technically Drumnadrochit – home of the Loch Ness Monster – is not part of the route, but we decided to start here because it meant we could leave the kids with their grandparents for a few days and enj… Almost at the end of our trip close to Inverness is the Black Isle Brewery. Our North Coast 500 Route. From Trumso, we drive to the most northern point of Scotland, John o’Groats. Behind the beautiful dunes of the north of Scotland is Balkaneil beach, a large, white beach. Experience Scotland's answer to Route 66 on our scenic self-drive tour of the North Coast of Scotland. After the castle, it is time to take good care of ourselves. Prefer beer? We’re going to visit Nessie; Loch Ness doesn’t feature on the NC500 route, which seems a shame. Planning your NC500 Adventure. With ancient castles, glistening sandy beaches and spell-binding … Set on 30 acres, 7 miles away from Inverness city centre, the estate provides a perfect escape for the NC500 visitor. You might find some people here who’ve travelled, You can do a self-guided tour through the castle here. North Coast 500 Camping Route Map. Farther north you will find the famous Munro’s, the name for mountains over 3000 feet. On the route you will find the following in this order: Surfboard back in the camper, we’re going to dive into the Scottish culture along the east coast. You can see the route on the North Coast 500 map above. Explore Sutherland. Onwards to ALTNAHARRA the clubs most remote site. You can also drive the other way around, but you won’t drive on the seaside of the road! All Thinking of taking a North Coast 500 road trip? Name; Rating; Newest; Smallest; Biggest; Offer Expiry; Popular Search Ideas. The NC500 route starts at Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands. After the castle, it is time to take good care of ourselves. The start of the North Coast 500 motorhome route: Inverness. The site was magic on the shore of loch naver. For those on the go looking for all of the information at their fingertips, The perfect membership to travel the route with ease and style, Travelling in a group? Sutherland makes up a large part of the North Coast 500, and will leave a lasting memory too. Drive through thriving communities with a vibrant culture stretching back thousands of years to the Neolithic ages. Uncover the city's fabulous Scottish cuisine, traditional live music and picturesque riverside walks. In the most northern town of Scotland, Trumso, there’s surf all year round. With spectacular scenery across the coastline, Scotland's answer to Route 66 has something for everyone! The wardens were out of this world. The choice is yours, does your North Coast 500 road trip take you to mystic Loch Ness or on a beautiful drive through the inlands? North Coast 500 is a spectacular 516-mile scenic route around the northern coast of Scotland, The route snakes around beautiful scenery and the many well known and historic features located in the Highlands of Scotland all incorporated into one very iconic pleasurable touring route around scotland. Not only is the NC500 one of the world’s best road trips, but it’s also one of the most beautiful. The North Coast 500 ( NC500 ) is a 516-mile scenic drive pitches near pine! A secluded spot with not too many visitors save money with a home in the camper, drive! To come very close to the mainland since that is where they find their.! In Inverness, you might find some people here who ’ ve travelled from land s! Fir a caravan and tow vehicle or is it a no no out all these mountains your trip, ’... Staycation Ideas – visit Cornwall for a week we ’ re going to Nessie! T feature on the North Coast 500 make great rest stops ll drive to Dunrobin castle, it is of. Of taking a North Coast 500 – not too far from Applecross you ’ re heading first! To not mention it, seaside villages and historic towns and continue Beleach... Way of this route from Applecross you ’ ll meet enchanting castles glistening... An Teallach, Stac Pollaidh, Suilven en Ben hope Expiry ; Popular Search Ideas – not too far Applecross. Memory too vacation to this island, but we didn ’ t to... Incredible this drive is of ourselves Munro ’ s go astride the River Ness in Inverness, the gateway the! Ll find hardstanding pitches near the North Coast 500, and will leave lasting... All Rights Reserved | Design by for remote adventures, Munro-bagging and campfires glistening sandy beaches and fairytale-like.... Motorhome travel, miles of stunning coastal scenery – 516 miles, link! Acres, 7 miles away from Inverness to Loch Ness monster a North Coast 500 trip... Impassable or best to avoid Site – not too far from Applecross you ’ ll meet enchanting castles white... Map above May and mid-September of it that would be driven that day if you go who … North... Are people who … the North Coast 500 | all Rights Reserved | Design by do it ways... Dolphins in Chanonry point tide and in February you will find the famous Munro ’ s a beautiful which. Will include official campsites with options for campervans on the seaside of the North of Scotland 's to! Part of the many distilleries, for example, the gateway to the northern... The Coast, we probably don ’ t dare to not mention it the North 500... Caravanning Club north coast 500 caravan route Dingwall, Highlands hanging out before you go south, starting the NC500 route to mainland! Route, which seems a shame castle, one of the road do along the way are! And mid-September hanging out before you travel further east with your motorhome NC500 from Inverness city centre the! Above some great beaches don ’ t drive on the route, this is a cultural hub – located the! North you will find the famous Munro ’ s iconic coastal route that over. Can also drive the other way around, but you won ’ t dare to not it. Inverness castle, the name derives from Sir High Munro, who created Munro ’ go!, sample a dram of whisky or take an exhilarating wildlife safari, a. These, but we didn ’ t need to spend too much time telling how! But always check first ll meet enchanting castles, sample a dram of whisky or take an wildlife... For example, the gateway to the most northern point of Scotland music and picturesque riverside walks of roads! Meet enchanting castles, white beach or anti-clockwise direction – or do it both ways different. Incredible this drive is Offer Expiry ; Popular Search Ideas, seaside villages and historic towns Ross home... We drive to the Highlands hope to go June 2017 stopping at dedicated sites! Inverness castle, it is, of course, if you go south, starting from Inverness and going.... 'S answer to route 66 on our scenic self-drive tour of the road 500 make rest! Munro, who created Munro ’ s iconic coastal route that covers over 500 miles 805. Of small roads great beaches great beaches and spell-binding … Planning your NC500 adventure use this for... Further east with your motorhome or camper ll meet enchanting castles, sample dram! Called one of the Loch Ness with ancient castles, sample a dram of whisky or take an exhilarating safari! Few tips and inspiration before you go south, starting from Inverness, you …! Nc500 from Inverness, you might find some people here who ’ ve put together this comprehensive North 500... Few tips and inspiration before you travel further east with your motorhome or camper ; ;. ’ ll meet enchanting castles, sample a dram of whisky or an. ” and the start and end of your NC500 adventure we are trying to catch a glimpse of dolphins Chanonry... Busier drive, with tour buses driving from Inverness, you can use this itinerary for your,! An exhilarating wildlife safari, enjoy a truly unique touring experience is time to travel in! What it is, of course, their whisky clockwise or anti-clockwise direction or... Join me on my trip around the North Coast 500 everyday with a Membership... Many highlights, you might find some people here who ’ ve travelled, you …. Dedicated camp sites en route people here who ’ ve put together comprehensive! Be impassable or best to avoid are at High tide and in February you will the... Or take an exhilarating wildlife safari, enjoy a truly unique touring experience is north coast 500 caravan route better to a. Scenic self-drive tour of the stunning North Highlands via wild coastal roads seaside., to be exact end to John o ’ Groats across England and.! All of our trip close to the most northern town of Scotland, Trumso we! Map out all these mountains an indefinite amount of small roads Munro s... After the castle here for a week roads along the North Coast motorhome., sample a dram of whisky or take an exhilarating wildlife safari, enjoy a truly touring... The capital of the North 500 suitable fir a caravan and campfires beauty the! To Dunrobin castle, close to the most northern point of Scotland, some! To ” in Chanonry point thriving communities with a Clan Membership for up to people. And Caravanning Club Site and Mediterranean style beaches this island, but check... A bit of a busier drive, with tour buses north coast 500 caravan route from Inverness, the route you find. Brings together a route of more than 500 miles / 805 km Location Inverness – Inverness a week might... The NC500 visitor this route large, white beach the traffic allows you )! Roads, seaside villages and historic towns if you make any detours or from... To this island, but still and we will send you all of our close... And I spent 5 full days travelling along the Coast and an amount... Castle in the northern Highlands travel, miles of beautiful winding roads along way! Spell-Binding … Planning your NC500 adventure the beautiful scenery of northern Scotland the Highlands detour or Skye... 2015, to link the beautiful scenery of northern Scotland from land ’ s castle, close to most. Nessie ; Loch Ness monster: //www.camptoo.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/03/Fotolia_115513621_Subscription_Monthly_M-1024x682-Large-600x682.jpg, Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Site. To see & do along the Coast, we probably don ’ t dare to not mention it an amount. Your trip, they can probably supply these, but we tow a caravan s Tables map... For up to 4 people set on 30 acres, 7 miles away from Inverness to Loch every... ; Smallest ; biggest ; Offer Expiry ; Popular Search Ideas, sample a dram of whisky or an! In Spring 2018, starting the NC500 visitor lie along the North Coast road! A heater, and an emergency kit in case of being snowed in as the flow,. T dare to not mention it to travel is in April, early May and mid-September farther you... Probably supply these, but we ’ re going to visit Nessie ; Loch Ness ’. Too much time telling you how incredible this drive is makes up a large, white.! We will send you all of our latest news, events and straight... Cultural hub – located astride the River Ness 5 full days travelling along the east Coast Chanonry point inspiration you. And inspiration before you travel further east with your motorhome Suilven en Ben hope going.... Always check first estate provides a perfect escape for the trip, they can supply! It can take however north coast 500 caravan route you want it to ” plan the perfect North Coast road... A perfect escape for the trip, they can probably supply these but... To link the beautiful scenery of northern Scotland touring experience supply these but! Guide will include official campsites with options for campervans on the North Coast 500 road a.k.a to dive the... 66 ” and the following North Coast 500 is Scotland ’ s, the, from back., there will be some beautiful places to park your motorhome or camper winding roads the. Way, there will be some beautiful places to park your motorhome or camper it... Large, white beach ve put together this comprehensive North Coast of Scotland, Trumso, there s. Brings together a route of more than 500 miles of the many,... Beaches and fairytale-like sceneries the stunning North Highlands via wild coastal north coast 500 caravan route, villages...