With multiple world championships have been held here, this is a famous and well-known surf spot. 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. The NC500 route starts at Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands. 500 miles / 805 km Location Inverness – Inverness. Beautiful scenery with a hint of Royal Excellence. 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. The North Coast 500, the Route 66 of Scotland has been opened since 2015, to link the beautiful scenery of Northern Scotland. They are known to come very close to the mainland since that is where they find their meals. Hire a motorhome or campervan in Inverness. You can see the route on the North Coast 500 map above. There are people who … The North Coast 500 brings together a route of more than 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery – 516 miles, to be exact. One of Scotlands finest treasures is, of course, their Whisky. 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? 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. On the route you will find the following in this order: An Teallach, Stac Pollaidh, Suilven en Ben Hope. Park the motorhome and find one of the many distilleries, for example, the  Balblair Distillery. We found that we … Bringing together just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, the route follows the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands. 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. Some of the greatest North Coast 500 campsites are listed here, in the order that they lie along the way of this route. Sutherland makes up a large part of the North Coast 500, and will leave a lasting memory too. Scotland's answer to Route 66, the UK has few driving routes quite as epic as the NC 500 in the Scottish Highlands. Experience the beauty of the North Coast 500 everyday with a home in the Scottish Highlands. Stayed at club site BRORA which was just fab. In the most northern town of Scotland, Trumso, there’s surf all year round. © 2018 North Coast 500 | All Rights Reserved | Design by. From Trumso, we drive to the most northern point of Scotland, John o’Groats. Along the way there are too many highlights, you’ll meet enchanting castles, white beaches and fairytale-like sceneries. Behind the beautiful dunes of the north of Scotland is Balkaneil beach, a large, white beach. If you go south, starting from Inverness, you might even catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness monster. Take your time (when the traffic allows you to) and let the view sink in. The above North Coast 500 map details the main NC500 route, however, I’ve broken it down into smaller, more detailed, day to day itineraries below. We’ve put together this comprehensive North Coast 500 guide to help you plan the perfect North Coast 500 road trip in Scotland. You might find some people here who’ve travelled, You can do a self-guided tour through the castle here. 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. Not officially part of the North Coast 500 route, but we didn’t dare to not mention it. You can now do so with confidence…. To help you visualise the above, we’ve put together a map of our 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary, which you can see as an image below, and on Google Maps here. You will explore the best parts of the North Highlands via wild coastal roads, seaside villages and historic towns. Make a detour or leave Skye for what it is, and continue to Beleach na Bá towards Applecross. Need a few tips and inspiration before you go? It is important to plan ahead! You will have a bit of a busier drive, with tour buses driving from Inverness to Loch Ness every day. Onwards to ALTNAHARRA the clubs most remote site. Located on the NC500 route, by the tranquil shores of the Dornoch Firth, lies the Glenmorangie Distillery. For more ideas, check out our detailed guide to the best hotels around the North Coast 500. 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. Set on 30 acres, 7 miles away from Inverness city centre, the estate provides a perfect escape for the NC500 visitor. Boat trips are available to explore this attraction. Farther north you will find the famous Munro’s, the name for mountains over 3000 feet. 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. 22 miles from nearest shop. After the castle, it is time to take good care of ourselves. Before we share our specific route, we wanted to share a few essential things to know when it comes to planning any North Coast 500 route. Sort By . 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. 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. After a walk along the coast, we’ll drive to Dunrobin Castle, the biggest castle in the Northern Highlands. Your email address will not be published. Close to Ullapool. That can’t be right! 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. Definitely a stay with a great view. Black IsleCaithnessEaster RossInverness-ShireSutherlandWester Ross, What are you looking for? 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. 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. 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. Dunnet Bay Caravan Club Site – Close to the Northernmost point of Scotland, above some great beaches. Experience fairytale castle ruins, white beaches, outdoor attractions and adventures, quaint villages, an array of wildlife, delicious seafood and more. With ancient castles, glistening sandy beaches and spell-binding … Explore opulent castles, sample a dram of whisky or take an exhilarating wildlife safari, enjoy a truly unique touring experience. When you reach the north-west tip of the NC500 route, you might want to take a rest – and The Sango Sands Oasis site is a great place to relax. 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. Things to See & Do Along the North Coast 500. The basic answer is “it can take however long you want it to”. Up to you. Up to you. Venture off route! One of Scotlands finest treasures is, of course, their Whisky. The NC500 route starts at Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands. Located in Dornoch. Search our map to find things to see and do along the NC500, Area Farther north you will find the famous Munro’s, the name for mountains over 3000 feet. Neat campsite on the way to John o’Groats. This is one of the most common questions about the North Coast 500 when it comes to planning the road trip, however, it is one without a real answer (unfortunately). We know motor homes are the in thing but we tow a caravan. Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club Site Dingwall, Highlands . The NC500 route starts at Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands. It’s a beautiful drive which you will definitely remember. 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. It is perhaps better to dedicate a full vacation to this island, but still. Explore Sutherland. The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s iconic coastal route that covers over 500 miles of the stunning North Highlands. 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. Our North Coast 500 Route. All Note that July is a busy time for the NC500 campsites, as most people in the UK have their holidays in the summer months. 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. Therefore, we probably don’t need to spend too much time telling you how incredible this drive is. It is perhaps better to dedicate a full vacation to this island, but still. You can also take a look at the ‘official’ North Coast 500 map (also linked at the bottom of the page). Along the way, there will be some beautiful places to park your motorhome. If you’re arranging motorhome hire in Scotland for the trip, they can probably supply these, but always check first. The wardens were out of this world. You bet your bottom it is. 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. Thinking of taking a North Coast 500 road trip? This North Coast 500 motorhome route is a great adventure through Scotland. A biological brewery with many different kinds of beer. WELL HERE WE GO! We were going to take several days We are trying to catch a glimpse of dolphins in Chanonry point! We are trying to catch a glimpse of dolphins in Chanonry point! You can see the route on the North Coast 500 map above. Not long back from a tour of the NORTH COAST 500 in Scotland. Park the motorhome and find one of the many distilleries, for example, the, From culture back to nature. The site was magic on the shore of loch naver. The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 516-mile scenic drive. In Alchemic Bay you will find Hermit’s Castle, one of the smallest castles of Europe. On the North Coast you will find three beautiful beaches to enjoy the rough beach weather, or when you are lucky, the sunny summer. https://www.camptoo.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/05/cornish_cream_tea_adam_gibbard_2sq.jpg. Save money with a Clan Membership for up to 4 people. You can also drive the other way around, but you won’t drive on the seaside of the road! You can also drive the other way around, but you won’t drive on the seaside of the road! Enter your email address below and we will send you all of our latest news, events and offers straight to your inbox. Top tip: Best time to travel is in April, early May and mid-September. 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. Badrallach Campsite, Bothy and Holiday Cottage Garve, Highlands . Wick, John O’Groats, Durness, Lochinver, Applecross,…. You can see the route on the North Coast 500 map above. Although the North Coast 500 route is clearly defined, it is not a single road in isolation which will take you all around the coast back to Inverness. All A paradise for camper or motorhome travel, miles of beautiful winding roads along the coast and an indefinite amount of small roads. These campsites near the North Coast 500 make great rest stops. 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. 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 … Firstly, which season are you embarking in? Perfect for hanging out before you travel further east with your motorhome or camper. The route begins in Inverness, Capital City of the Highlands, and snakes along the rugged coastal edges of northern Scotland, taking in breath-taking castles, mesmerising mountain tops and glistening beaches. Surfboard back in the camper, we’re going to dive into the Scottish culture along the east coast. We’re going to visit Nessie; Loch Ness doesn’t feature on the NC500 route, which seems a shame. Not officially part of the North Coast 500 route, but we didn’t dare to not mention it. We hope to go June 2017 stopping at dedicated camp sites en route. Are you interested in a bit more action? Renters – Are you looking to book? 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