7 Days & 6 Nights

4.8

North Coast 500

Hidden coves, turquoise seas and the white sand beaches of Achmelvich and Sango
Enjoy full access to the Macs app, offering daily recommended walks with GPS navigation, must-see stop-off points, and top dining suggestions.
Complete the North Coast 500 - Scotland's most iconic road trip
Dramatic mountainscapes and coastlines dotted with ancient fortresses and stately castles
Visit the northern whisky distilleries of Glen Ord, Glenmorangie and Old Pulteney

The NC500 road trip explores one of Europe’s last wild places, the northern Highlands of Scotland. Immerse yourself in a landscape where the soaring golden eagle is king; deserted white-sand beaches, turquoise seas, towering peaks, and vast moors peppered with castles. Experience a landscape interwoven with tales of clan struggles. With plenty to see and do en route relax in the knowledge that our Macs app, brimming with local expertise, has distilled the highlights, and recommends off-the-beaten-path detours along with not to be missed local eateries. Discover the region's vibrant larder as you sip craft gins and single-malts, and savour locally fished crab and lobster. Stroll along beaches washed by crystal clear surf and gaze out across the North Sea relishing that edge-of-the-world feeling. This is our standard 7-day NC500 itinerary. If time allows, we highly recommend adding extra nights to your itinerary, especially along the west coast during the first half of the trip. This will allow you more time to explore, reduce the amount of driving, and give you the opportunity to enjoy more walking. To add extra nights, speak to one of our Adventure Specialists.

From £755.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Inverness, capital of the Highlands and overnight

Begin your Scottish road trip in the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, Scotland's most northerly city. Complete with a variety of eateries serving everything from mouth-watering cakes to hearty Highland fayre and locally-sourced cuisine it's the perfect place to begin and end your North Coast 500 journey. After meeting your knowledgeable hosts and settling into your accommodation why not round off the day with a dram in the Castle Tavern overlooking the castle and River Ness?

If you have arrived with plenty of time to explore then history buffs shouldn't miss a visit to Culloden Battlefield - site of the final battle of the Jacobite Rebellion. Alternatively, Chanonry Point is a great place for spotting wild dolphins playing and feeding in the turbulent tidal waters of the channel.

Overnight Inverness

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ballifeary Guest House | Guest House

Ballifeary Guest House is an impressive Victorian Villa with many original features. It is ideally located only a matter of yards from Eden Court Theatre and a short walk from the River Ness where you can find many restaurants, Inverness Castle and the cathedral. Rooms have been refurbished to a high standard offering every comfort you would expect.

Ardross Glencairn Guest House | Guest House

Glencairn and Ardross Guest House is a family run guesthouse. The building is an elegant detached listed Victorian building situated in a quiet street close to the scenic River Ness. Room are comfortable and tastefully furnished and have all the amenities you require.

Ardmeanach House | Guest House

The house that this accommodation is located in was built in the mid-19th century by a local shipping merchant. It is full of character and still has the original fireplace. It is an approximate 8-minute walk from the city centre and a large choice of restaurants and pubs. The rooms are warm and cosy.

Day 2 Inverness to Loch Torridon/Applecross Via Bealach na Ba

We recommend beginning your Scottish road trip with a visit to Glen Ord Distillery for a whisky tour and tasting. Can there be a better way of getting your adventure off to a great start? Drive west through remote glens and along the shores of misty sea lochs. Detour to the ancient ruins of 14th century Strome Castle, and stop in at the Kishorn Seafood Bar for some of the freshest seafood you've ever had, before reaching the iconic Bealach na Ba roadside viewpoint. Pause to take in the view and trace the coastline of Applecross to reach the tiny seaside communities of Torridon. The villages of Shieldaig and Torridon are bound to the north by the craggy summits of Liatach, Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe.

Take an evening stroll along the shoreline from your accommodation on Loch Torridon/Applecross, looking out for frolicking otters, or take a short drive to the fishing village of Lower Diabeg. This remote village at the end of the road is a hidden gem, boasting views of Skye from a sheltered bay.

Accommodation is limited in this remote area so you may be booked into accommodation in the surrounding area. We have excellent partners in and around Applecross, as well as in the Shieldaig/Torridon area. If we’re unable to accommodate you locally, you will be booked into accommodation in Gairloch further along the North Coast 500.

Drive time: 2hr 15 min - 3 hr 30 min

Optional Walk:

Torridon Village Walk: 6 km (3.5 miles); Ascent: 31m (102ft) / Descent: 40m (131ft)

Overnight Torridon

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Tigh an Eilean | Hotel

Tigh an Eilean is situated in Shieldaig village on the shores of Loch Torridon. It is a small family run hotel owned by Chris and Cathryn who will provide a warm welcome. The hotel has an award-winning AA restaurant, cosy lounge, and residents bars with views out onto the loch, perfect for watching those spectacular west coast sunsets.

Applecross Inn | Inn

Applecross Inn is a warm and welcoming haven for those exploring this spectacular corner of the Scottish Highlands. After an action-packed day of exploring, guests can relax by the fire, enjoy a well-earned dram, and savour locally sourced seafood and Highland produce in the inn’s renowned restaurant. With its friendly atmosphere, comfortable rooms, and breathtaking views across Applecross Bay to the Isle of Skye, the Applecross Inn is the perfect place to rest, refuel, and soak up the unique character of the Highlands.

Easan Beag B&B

This B&B overlooks Loch Gairloch with stunning views of the Isle of Skye.

Easan Beag (Gaelic for little waterfall) is situated on the outskirts of the village of Gairloch and is an ideal base to explore the surrounding countryside.

Day 3 Loch Torridon to Ullapool visiting Inverewe Gardens & Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve

Leave the coastal mountains behind for the sandy beaches of the west coast. En route stretch your legs on a short forest walk in Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve on the shores of Loch Maree overlooking the impressive peak of Slioch.

As you pass through charming seaside villages why not stop for a seashore foraging experience in Shieldaig? Alternatively, head to Badachro Gin & Whisky Distillery to sample their craft bottles. Make sure to spend time in charming Poolewe with its white-washed cottages. From here you can visit Inverewe Gardens, home to giant California Redwoods, or take a wildlife boat trip on seas concealing rare coral reefs as you look out for illusive sea eagles soaring overhead.

Finally, make your way to the harbour town of Ullapool via Gruinard Beach and the towering flanks of An Teallach mountain. For dinner choose multiple options, including a local seafood shack serving fresh crab and lobster, a delightful harbour-front bistro, or simply enjoy fresh fish and chips on a sunny evening looking out over Loch Broom.

Drive time: 2 hr 10 min

Optional Walks:

Loch Coulin and Loch Clair: 10 km (6 miles); Ascent: 17m (56ft) / Descent: 29m (95ft)

Fairy Lochs: 5 km (3.5 miles); Ascent: 183m (600ft) / Descent: 183m (600ft)

Gairloch Beach & Pier: 3.5 km (2 miles); Ascent: 79m (259ft) / Descent: 50m (164ft)

Gruinard Bay & the Eas Dubh Falls: 3 km (2 miles); Ascent: 98m (322ft) / Descent: 99m (325ft)

Overnight Ullapool

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Harbour House | Hotel

Harbour House is a family-run bed and breakfast situated on the shores of Loch Broom just a short stroll from the village of Ullapool. The comfortable and pleasantly furnished en-suite bedrooms have modern amenities and look out to either the loch or the rugged mountains. The spacious lounge with its panoramic view of the harbour, loch and hills, provides a place to relax and unwind.

The Arch Inn | Inn

The Arch Inn in Ullapool offers comfortable ensuite rooms with views over Loch Broom and the Fannich Mountains in the distance. It is also known as a great place for live music and the restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced products such as local scallops, langoustines, lobster and oysters. Meet the locals in the Drink Inn Bar before enjoying a night of restful sleep.

Royal Hotel | Hotel

The Royal Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Ullapool and occupies a prestigious location. They have 54 beautifully-renovated, stylish and contemporary bedrooms, many with panoramic views over Loch Broom and beautiful mountains. All rooms are equipped with en-suite facilities (with a bath or shower) and offer hospitality trays with tea and coffee; flat screen colour TV and free wifi. They have a choice of bars and restaurants available offering fresh market produce or some of the finest seafood available prepare to perfection by their dedicated chefs.

Day 4 Ullapool to Durness visiting Knockan Crag Nature Reserve & Achmelvich's white sand beach

As you set out from Ullapool to reach Durness on Scotland's northern coastline little will prepare you for the immense beauty of Assynt and Sutherland. Pause to explore and learn about the 3 billion-year-old landscape on a 2 km walk in the Knockan Crag Nature Reserve and Geopark. Drive between the oddly shaped summits of Suilven and Stac Pollaidh (pronounced "Polly") as you head for the coastline. If you can't resist another walk then a 4 km circuit around the base of Stac Pollaidh is ideal and affords excellent views over the surrounding lochs and mountains.

Arrive in Lochinver, another small fishing town on the coastline, and home to arguably the best sweet and savoury pies in the Scottish Highlands. Eat-in or takeaway for a picnic lunch with a view you won't soon forget. Fuelled and ready to continue, visits to the beaches of Achmelvich and Clachtoll are a must before continuing north to Durness through ever-more remote and wild scenery.

Although not the most northerly point on the mainland the village of Durness, with its little houses scattered across the landscape, certainly has an edge-of-the-world feel to it. As you stand on the viewpoint over Sango Bay gaze out over the ocean - the only landmasses separating you from Arctic Greenland are the far-flung Faroe Islands and Iceland!

Drive time: 3 hr 10 min

Optional Walks:

Faraid Head: 7 km (4.5 miles); Ascent: 90m (295ft) / Descent: 90m (295ft)

Scourie Headland: 3 km (2 miles); Ascent: 22m (72ft) / Descent: 2m (7ft)

Knockan Crag Trail: 2 km (1 miles); Ascent: 98m (322ft) / Descent: 96m (315ft)

Overnight Durness

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Wild Orchid Guest House | Guest House

You will be guaranteed a warm welcome when you check into this accommodation. This small guest house is a modern property and the guest rooms have all the amenities you require for a comfortable overnight stay.

Smoo Cave Hotel | Hotel

This small family-run hotel is situated in the east of Durness the most north-westerly village in Mainland Britain and was named after the famous Smoo Cave. Set in a tastefully extended traditional crofting house the hotel has developed with character and in keeping with its surroundings.

Smoo Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Situated by the sea and close to the famous Smoo Cave, the former sporting lodge dates from 1790 and is one of the most iconic period properties in Durness. Set in nearly two acres of private grounds from which you can enjoy stunning views of the sea to the north, the mouth of Loch Eriboll, Whiten Head and the nearby hills of the Dionard valley to the east & south and westwards to Cape Wrath.

Day 5 Durness to Thurso via John O' Groats & Dunnet Head

Today follow scenic roads tracing Scotland's northernmost coastline to arrive in the town of Thurso. We recommend stopping off in the village of Bettyhill on the way, a couple of small cafes serve delicious home baking, and there's the nearby Strathnaver Museum (a must for those of MacKay ancestry) and the turquoise waters of Farr Beach.

From Thurso it's around a 1-hour return trip to John O'Groats - a much-visited spot that marks the end of the journey between the two most distant point in the UK (with Land's End in England being the most southwesterly). Although it is commonly referred to as the most northerly point on the UK mainland, this is in fact the nearby peninsula of Dunnet Head. John O' Groats though is still worth visiting, if not just for checking it off your list, then certainly for seeing Duncansby Head's spectacular 60-metre sea stacks and cliffs teeming with sea birds.

On your return to Thurso from John O'Groats there's plenty to see; including the Castle & Gardens of Mey, the Rock Rose Gin Distillery, and for the birding enthusiast, the RSPB Nature Reserve at Dunnet Head.

Drive time: 1 hr 50 min - 3 hr

Optional Walk:

Smoo Cave & Bhlar Duibhe: 7 km (4.5 miles); Ascent: 133m (436ft) / Descent: 133m (436ft)

Overnight Thurso

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Bed & Breakfast at 4 | Bed and breakfast

Bed and Breakfast at 4 is a stylish townhouse centrally located in Thurso, Scotland's most northerly town. It is located within easy walking distance of shops, pubs, and restaurants. The rooms are all well-appointed with ensuite facilities and breakfast is served in a spacious conservatory.

Mey Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

The hotel retains much of its character with the thistles above each of the dormer windows and a cockerel above the main entrance. The restaurant uses locally sourced seasonal produce and has a warm and relaxed atmosphere, there is also a well-stocked bar area for you to relax in after a day’s sightseeing.

Northern Sands Hotel

The beautifully refurbished hotel is situated in the idyllic village of Dunnet, situated 4 miles from the mainland’s most northerly point Dunnet Head. Blessed with an enchanted forest, nostalgic Dwarwick pier and a sweeping white sandy beach stretching for over 2 miles it's on the NC500 and the perfect base to see it all. After an active day you can sit back and relax in Logan’s Bar or the Pentland’s Lounge and enjoy a wonderful dinner in the restaurant. Before you leave the next morning you can visit the mainland’s most northerly Gin Distillery, Dunnet Bay Distillers.

Day 6 Depart Thurso visiting Glenmorangie Distillery & Dunrobin Castle en route to Inverness

Begin your journey south to Inverness along the sea cliffs of the east coast. Near Wick stop off at the striking ruins of 16th century Castle Sinclair Girnigoe with their commanding position overlooking Sinclairs Bay. Whisky connoisseurs shouldn't miss a tour and tasting at the Old Pulteney single-malt distillery (est. 1826) or, further south, the iconic Glenmorangie Distillery.

En route south detour to the inaccessible harbour of Whaligoe, reached by a steep descent on 330 zig-zagging steps cut into the seacliffs. For those without an affinity for heights admiring his feet from the top should be enough, while the intrepid may wish to descend to the harbour following in the footsteps of fishermen. Further south Dunrobin Castle, the seat of the Earl of Sutherland, which looks more like a French chateau than a Scottish castle is well-worth a visit even if it is just to stroll around the lush sprawling gardens. Containing a staggering 189 rooms, this vast stately home has been inhabited in various forms since the 1300s. Why not enjoy afternoon tea in the castle tearoom before arriving once more in Inverness?

Drive time: 2 hr 45 min

Optional Walks:

John o’Groats & Duncansby Head: 9 km (5.5 miles); Ascent: 226m (741ft) / Descent: 226m (741ft)

Big Burn, Golspie: 3.5 km (2 miles); Ascent: 80m (263ft) / Descent: 81m (266ft)

Fairy Glen, Rosemarkie: 3 km (2 miles); Ascent: 50m (164ft) / Descent: 49m (161ft)

Overnight Inverness

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ballifeary Guest House | Guest House

Ardross Glencairn Guest House | Guest House

Ardmeanach House | Guest House

Day 7 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 16kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 16kg is equivalent to 6.5 packets of British butter. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation Information

You will overnight in hand-picked small hotels, B&B's and guesthouses, all of which have been chosen to ensure you experience warm Scottish hospitality at its best! We regularly use the below properties listed in the itinerary but may accommodate you elsewhere if these are unavailable. Please note that accommodation in the Loch Torridon/Applecross area is very limited, as many properties book well in advance and often require a minimum two-night stay. If possible, we would strongly recommend adding an extra night to give you more time to explore this area. If we are unable to secure a room here, you will be booked into Gairloch further up the NC500 route.

Single Rooms

This holiday is available to solo travellers but as all our tours are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs. If you require single rooms within your party we will, of course, try to accommodate your request subject to availability.

Meals

Breakfast is included each morning and normally consists of a continental buffet with tea and coffee, fresh fruits, yoghurt, cereals, eggs and bread with jams. Often also on the menu are cooked options like freshly made porridge, a traditional cooked Scottish breakfast and smoked fish with scrambled eggs.

We don't include lunch and dinner so you are free to choose from the available options. Your information pack includes details and recommendations of convenient lunch stops, cosy cafes and restaurants along the way. A couple of decades ago the food scene in Scotland was somewhat lacking, but now you'll find a range of high quality, varied options with everything from award-winning fish and chips to intimate Michelin-listed dining experiences, and casual restaurant menus showcasing delicious locally-sourced produce.

Additional Nights

You can add additional nights wherever you please on the route. Of course we highly recommend additional nights in the Highland city of Inverness at the start/end of your trip for cultural sight-seeing. If you plan on doing any outdoor activities on your trip, then overnights around Loch Torridon/Applecross and Ullapool are recommended.

Navigation What's Included

Included

6 Nights in 3-4* B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
6 Breakfasts
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
Our daily recommendations for places to see and visit
Our daily recommendations for top places to eat and drink
24/7 Emergency support from our UK office

Excluded

Car hire (available as an optional extra)
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Entrance to attractions/historic sights
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights at the start/end or along the route
Car hire (available as an optional extra)

When to go

When To Go

You can start this tour on any day of the week from March to October, subject to availability. The busiest times of the year are around Easter and May when accommodations fill up quickly, so book as early as possible if you are planning to travel then. If you travel before Easter, and after mid-October it is worth noting that some attractions may either be closed, have limited access (i.e. castle interiors may be closed but the gardens open), or may open later and close a little earlier in the day. We always recommend checking the links in our information pack for up-to-date opening times to avoid disappointment.

During the shoulder season - March to early April and after mid-October - the Scottish weather tends to be more unpredictable and is often colder and rainier. However, attractions and popular viewpoints will generally be quieter.

Weather and Climate

Scotland enjoys a temperate climate, meaning it's relatively mild all year, except in winter when temperatures dip below 0 degrees Celsius and it snows regularly in the Highlands. The Highlands are renowned for variable weather so you should be prepared for everything; from 'dreich' days (a Scottish word for rainy days that are a bit bleak) to days with beautiful blue skies and warmer weather. Whatever the weather it tends to be breezy so spare layers are always recommended.

From March to October average daily temperatures vary from 5-18 degrees Celsius. Monthly rainfall varies from 11-17 mm per month on averarge. Generally, the driest months are April, May and July, while June through to September are the mildest. Although the weather can be less predictable exploring later in the year in October allows you to take advantage of the spectacular autumnal scenery and you may even see or hear the roars of rutting red deer stags. To see the purple heather blooming on the hillsides the best time to travel is from late July to early September.

Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

Your trip begins in the Highland city of Inverness. If traveling in your own car from across the UK you'll find Inverness is easily accessible and well-connected. If you are driving or traveling from further afield we recommend an extra night in Glasgow or Edinburgh at the start of your trip so you can make the most of your first day of sight-seeing in Inverness.

By Road: Inverness is connected to southern Scotland via the A9. Reach Inverness from Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh in 3 hrs 15 min (M80 and A9) and 3 hrs (M90 and A9) respectively. Newcastle is approximately a 5 hrs 15 mins (A1, M90 and A9) drive from Inverness, and Manchester, Birmingham and London are 6 hrs 30 min, 7 hrs 40 min and 10 hrs respectively.

Alternatively, if arriving in Inverness by public transport and renting a car please see the excellent Traveline Scotland website for timetables and fares and more information regarding public transport in Scotland. Inverness is well-linked to southern Scotland and across the UK, Europe and beyond by flying into either Inverness Airport, or Glasgow and Edinburgh's international airports.

By Air: Located 9 miles east of Inverness, the airport is served by routes from around the UK, Ireland and Amsterdam. The Stagecoach number 11 bus service runs from the city centre to the airport. Alternatively take a taxi directly to your accommodation or collect your hire car from the sirport and drive the 15 minutes into Inverness.

By Rail: Inverness is connected to central and southern Scotland and England by good rail links. See the Scot Rail website for Scottish locations and National Rail for UK-wide locations.

By Bus: Services from UK destinations are operated by National Express. Services from Scottish destinations are operated by Scottish Citylink.

Car Rental

We don't include car rental in the cost of our discovery tours to keep things flexible as we realise many people may wish to use their own car. If you decide to arrange car rental through us, we have a partnership with Europcar and can arrange this easily for you. As standard we would book an Economy category car (suitable for up to 4 people) with included comprehensive insurance, prices are on a request basis. Please just let us know if you would like to upgrade your car. Car hire collection can be arranged from Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh or a number of other Scottish locations.

Getting from the End

Your trip also ends in Inverness so you may depart as you arrived. If you hired a car drop-off in the pre-designated location and travel on via public transport. Otherwise, continue on your onward journey by car.

Baggage Transfer

This trip does not include luggage transport, as you carry your luggage with you in the car.

Info & FAQ

General Information

On confirmation of your booking, you will receive a personalised itinerary and comprehensive information pack. This carefully curated pack, designed with our own local knowledge and expertise, will include recommended driving routes, the must-see places and attractions to stop at en route, and our suggestions for the best places to eat and drink.

Car Rental

We don't include car rental in the cost of our discovery tours to keep things flexible as we realise many people may wish to use their own car. If you decide to arrange car rental through us, we have a partnership with Europcar and can arrange this easily for you. As standard we book an Economy category car (suitable for up to 4 people) with included comprehensive insurance, prices are on a request basis. Please just let us know if you would like to upgrade your car. Car hire collection can be arranged from Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh or a number of other UK locations.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.