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North Coast 500 · 7 days
Embark on the ultimate Scottish road trip through the rugged Highlands. This loop from Inverness covers dramatic coastal cliffs, white sand beaches, and misty mountain passes, showcasing the wild heart of northern Scotland.
7days
21stops
775km
Itinerary
Day 1 · Gateway to the Northern Highlands
2h 24min · 132km3 stops
Inverness Castle
Rogie Falls
Bealach na Bà ⭐
Day 2 · Wester Ross Coastal Wonders
1h 26min · 78km3 stops
Shieldaig Village
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve ⭐
Gairloch Beach
Day 3 · Dramatic Cliffs and Hidden Bays
1h 53min · 103km3 stops
Corrieshalloch Gorge
Ullapool Harbour
Stac Pollaidh ⭐
Day 4 · The Wild Northwest Edge
1h 57min · 107km3 stops
Ardvreck Castle
Oldshoremore Beach ⭐
Smoo Cave
Day 5 · Across the Top of Scotland
2h 27min · 135km3 stops
Strathy Point Lighthouse
Dunnet Head ⭐
John o' Groats
Day 6 · Castles and Coastal Spires
2h 33min · 136km3 stops
Duncansby Stacks ⭐
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
Dunrobin Castle
Day 7 · The Black Isle Return
1h 31min · 84km3 stops
Dornoch Cathedral
Chanonry Point ⭐
Inverness Old Town
Heads Up
- 1. Many sections are single-track roads; use passing places to allow overtaking.
- 2. Book accommodation and popular restaurants months in advance during peak season.
- 3. The Bealach na Bà pass is steep and narrow; avoid if driving a large motorhome.
- 4. Carry a physical map as GPS and mobile signal can be unreliable in remote glens.