16 North Coast 500 Journey Tricks to KNOW (Scottish 500)

In case you are contemplating a highway journey on the epic North Coast 500 in Scotland, you might be in for an enormous deal with. The North Coast 500 within the Scottish Highlands has been dubbed “Scotland’s Route 66” and named “one of many best highway journeys on the planet.” After we first realized of its existence whereas within the Tanzanian bush, we knew we needed to drive the epic Scottish 500.

The journey that adopted was breathtaking and left us wanting extra. It’s a place that can all the time require “extra time” as a result of it’s doubtless you’ll by no means have sufficient.

The North Coast 500 is epic, and few highway journeys around the globe even compete for its magnificence.

We’re right here to share with you some essential North Coast 500 tricks to know earlier than you go! Let’s dig in.

To learn our final NC500 information see right here!

Our North Coast 500 (Scotland) Itinerary

We began our North Coast 500 journey in Inverness and resulted in Applecross earlier than happening to the Isle of Skye. Since we rented our automobile in Edinburgh and had some spare time on our fingers and had been dying to see Skye, we determined to not cross again over to Inverness from Applecross (making the entire route “full”).

The entire route beneath took us eight full days, however we may have simply spent three weeks. For an prolonged NC500 itinerary, see this submit!

What’s the North Coast 500?

It’s okay in case you’re nonetheless questioning what the North Coast 500 really is – even some Scots we talked to didn’t know, and all I’ve to say is it’s among the finest locations to go in Europe!

That’s as a result of the North Coast 500 route is a comparatively new one. Though the roads, websites, and wonder have all the time existed within the Scottish Highlands, it wasn’t till it was given a reputation that the route exploded in reputation.

The Nationwide Highland Initiative  coined the NC500 in 2015 to spice up financial exercise and tourism within the many pockets of the highlands that weren’t presently benefitting from a lot of the Scottish tourism. The route runs for greater than 500 miles to and from Inverness, the capital of the highlands, and from there, you possibly can both journey up the east coast or head to the west and journey up. The North Coast route has considerably elevated revenue and tourism within the Highlands space, including about 29,000 visits within the first 12 months of its launch.

Necessary North Coast 500 Suggestions To Know

1. Don’t Over Plan

With solely eight days and a gazillion issues to see we knew we’d by no means get to every thing…however we tried. We packed in rather a lot in simply over every week. By the tip of all of it, we wished to cuddle up on a well-recognized sofa and binge-watch Netflix.

We moved guesthouses day-after-day, which meant we packed each morning and unpacked each evening. Then on prime of that, we had an itinerary of locations to go to, eating places to eat at, and check-in occasions to handle with our guesthouse homeowners.

We had been always late as a result of all we wished to do was cease to benefit from the surroundings, take images, and soak within the environment. Beating time is a shedding battle on the North Coast 500 and if I may offer you just one piece of recommendation for this route it might be to not over plan your journey.

So how lengthy does it take to drive the North Coast 500?

There isn’t a proper reply to that as it’s actually as much as you! Earlier than we left for the North Coast 500, we had a full eight-day agenda of all of the issues we simply needed to see on the North Coast 500.  We thought eight days could be a super period of time to see every thing, however there are such a lot of issues that we missed attending to in the long run.

In a super world, I feel that two weeks could be the proper period of time to expertise many of the North Coast 500. If in case you have something lower than 5 days, I’d recommend ready till you’ve got extra time to make the total 516-mile Scottish highway journey as it’s possible you’ll be too rushed to take pleasure in it.

2. Consider Stops for Photographs

Simply because the GPS says it is going to take you an hour to get from Lochinver to Ullapool doesn’t imply it really will. The drive on the North Coast 500 is simply so mesmerizing you’ll be loopy to not get out, take images, and benefit from the surroundings exterior of your automobile.

In case you like taking images and movies like us then it might be advisable to contemplate your stops when planning your drive. We could or could not have stopped for about an hour to have an impromptu photograph shoot with among the well-known highland coos…

3. Pack Accordingly

“Effectively, you don’t come to Scotland for the climate,” we had been advised by many locals. Climate in Scotland and the Highlands is unpredictable, to say the least.  It may very well be sunshine in November and hail in Could. Sadly for us, we acquired all of the rain and thunderstorms in September with little or no solar or heat. It was okay as a result of we got here ready for every type of climate.

That is what we suggest you do whereas on the North Coast 500. Pack for rain, solar, and every thing in between to make sure you’re all the time comfy. Some must-have objects when touring the North Coast 500 are a superb rain jacket, waterproof climbing pants, an amazing down jacket, climbing footwear, and a cute heat sweater for when it’s a wee bit chilly out. Psst – Learn our full packing information to Scotland right here! 

And keep in mind to throw an adaptor in your bag! Scotland makes use of the usual British three-prong pin. You’ll need to be sure to have an adaptor earlier than you set out on this journey so you possibly can all the time have your cameras and cell telephones charged or it’s possible you’ll be paying a premium for one on the airport. I’ve this common adaptor and it has actually traveled with me around the globe.

4. Ebook Forward

The North Coast 500 route has gained reputation, and at a speedy tempo. After we first drove the NC500 years in the past only a few individuals had heard of it, after we revisited in 2022 not a single particular person we spoke to hadn’t heard of it.

The NC500 is so widespread that many occasions the provision simply merely can not meet the demand, and individuals are caught with no lodging if they don’t plan upfront.

This isn’t one of many locations you possibly can present up and guide lodging the day earlier than. I do know I mentioned to not over plan, and also you shouldn’t, aside from lodging. I’d suggest that you simply begin to have a look at your lodging choices and guide upfront proper after you understand the place you’re going.

The North Coast 500 can get very busy between June and October, so it’s possible you’ll have to guide your lodges and guesthouses not less than a number of months out, otherwise you get caught paying a premium or (even worse) have nowhere to remain. Take a look at the place we slept!

5. Don’t Depend on the Web on the North Coast 500

Earlier than we left Inverness, we picked up a Sim card with the telecom supplier “three.” We advised the staff our plan to drive the North Coast 500, and so they instantly advised us to not anticipate the info to work a lot within the Scottish Highlands.

We discovered that we couldn’t get an amazing sign in most locations north of Inverness. More often than not, we had no service in any respect, whereas often we may make a cellphone name, and solely after we had been in bigger cities would we may get 3G.

Nevertheless, lots of the lodges and lodges located on the NC500 have WiFi, simply don’t anticipate it to be the best. It is going to most definitely be sufficient to verify your emails and do some fundamental shopping.

We met one couple that advised us they had been nonetheless utilizing dial-up as a result of the place they lived was so distant. With this a lot magnificence if you journey Scotland, you shouldn’t want a lot web. It’s the proper place to come back to calm down and disconnect for some time.

6. Get Energetic on the NC500

Don’t suppose that since you are doing among the finest highway journeys in the world that you’ll have to sit cooped up in a automobile all day. Really, it’s the alternative! Most of Scotland’s finest actions are outdoor.

Fancy a canoe paddle or fly fishing? Effectively, there are numerous lochs round! Mountain biking can also be at its most interesting right here in addition to Seascape excursions, climbing trails, fortress exploring, waterfall chasing, and even caving.

All the highlights of our journey concerned some type of out of doors exercise. We beloved mountain biking alongside the heather in Invershin with Heaven Bikes, cave exploring in Smoo Caves, after which, after all, we will always remember our epic time interacting with among the many Scottish stags in Reraig Forest.

7. You Can Stroll (Nearly) Wherever on the NC500

I ought to in all probability point out you can stroll nearly anyplace in Scotland – Sure, anyplace! We had been shocked when locals advised us this Scotland reality, that we may freely roam round any mountains, moorland, woods, forests, grassland, fields, rivers and lochs, coastal areas with no fear of trespassing.

Trespassing in Scotland is “not a factor.” Coming from america the place “No Trespassing” indicators may very well be met with prosecution and even worse – a gun nut, we expect that is an incredible legislation.

The “freedom to roam” is most of the people’s proper to entry sure public or privately owned land for recreation. This doesn’t embrace homes, gardens, or navy bases. The precise to roam legislation permits individuals to benefit from the land and inland water for their very own well-being. The one stipulation is that you could accomplish that responsibly and safely. So, thoughts the sheep and shut the gate!

Extra data on Scotland's Out of doors Entry Code will be discovered right here. 

8. You Can Drink!

You’ve definitely heard of Scotch Whisky. The world-famous spirit is distilled throughout Scotland, and it shouldn’t be a shock that there are a number of distilleries alongside the North Coast 500 route.

We personally had time to go to a number of: Clynelish, Balblair and Glen Ord, which ran whisky excursions across the distillery, full with a tasting on the finish.

Nevertheless, we had been a bit shocked after we discovered that many Scots don’t really drink whisky. Today Gin is the recent commodity and inside a number of years Gin distilleries have popped up throughout Scotland. We had been fortunate sufficient to go to one of many first gin distilleries in Scotland on the route, the Dunnet Bay Distillery.

The gin distillery is positioned in Dunnet, not removed from the favored cease of John O Groats.  They make all natural Gin and have native elements from the heather, a type of being rock rose, which offers the title for his or her signature Rock Rose Gin. It’s fantastic and we extremely suggest it!

If exhausting spirits aren’t your factor, then head to a brewery! Sure, Scotland has these too. The Black Isle Brewery is a superb one to go to and pattern some natural craft beers. The brewery is open to visits and if they’ve the time they’ll take you within the again and present you round. In addition they brew an NC500 IPA that’s significantly scrumptious and ideal for consuming on the North Coast 500.

A few of the Finest Distilleries on the North Coast 500:

1. Glenmorangie Distillery: positioned in Tain, this distillery is understood for producing among the most interesting single malt Scotch whisky on the planet.
2. Outdated Pulteney Distillery: primarily based in Wick, this distillery produces a variety of single malt whiskies which might be recognized for his or her maritime character.
3. Clynelish Distillery: located within the city of Brora, this distillery produces a variety of single malt whiskies which might be extremely prized by collectors.
4. Balblair Distillery: positioned within the village of Edderton, this distillery is understood for its vary of single malt whiskies which might be aged in quite a lot of totally different casks.
5. The Singleton Distillery: primarily based in Muir of Ord, this distillery produces a variety of single malt whiskies which might be recognized for his or her wealthy, full-bodied taste.

The Finest Breweries on the North Coast 500

• Black Isle Brewery: primarily based within the village of Munlochy, this brewery produces a variety of natural ales and lagers utilizing regionally grown elements.
• Cromarty Brewing Firm: primarily based within the city of Cromarty, this brewery produces a variety of ales and lagers utilizing regionally grown elements.
• Windswept Brewery: positioned within the village of Lossiemouth, this brewery produces a variety of ales and lagers utilizing regionally grown elements.
• Swannay Brewery: primarily based within the village of Orkney, this brewery produces a variety of ales and lagers utilizing regionally sourced elements.

9. Don’t Drink and Drive

On the subject of alcohol, I suppose I ought to point out that the alcohol restrict for drivers in Scotland is 50 milligrams of alcohol in each 100 milliliters of blood – or in different phrases – nearly nothing. Sure, only one cocktail, beer, or glass of wine can put you over the authorized restrict to function a car.

 In case you are entering into for a mid-day whisky tasting however nonetheless must do some driving in Scotland afterward, ask the employees to wrap up your whisky so that you can take pleasure in later. They’re all conscious of the consuming and driving legal guidelines and have good take house bottles to present you as part of your tasting. They fully perceive and would reasonably you be protected than sorry.

10. The North Coast 500 is the Most Stunning Drive on Earth!

And we’ve been to a variety of locations – 85 international locations and counting to be actual. We’ve seen the tides roll in on the empty seashores of Mozambique, watched the dawn over the worlds tallest sand dunes in Namibia, and have seen the place the hobbits reside in New Zealand.

Sure, all these locations are insanely lovely, however the Scottish Highlands are surreal. Rolling hills, dramatic cliff faces, creeping heather, deep blue lochs, and alpine forests? It’s rather a lot to take care of!

The North Coast 500 route packs in among the prettiest locations on the planet. I even began to get only a wee bit aggravated with Cameron as a result of he wouldn’t cease saying “WOW” each time we drove round a bend. I suppose what I’m attempting to say is deliver a digicam and put together to your jaw to hit the ground.

11. The NC500 is NOT 500 miles

Technically the North Coast 500 is 516 miles, however let’s be trustworthy – 500 sounds approach higher. You don’t must journey your complete route to soak up the sweetness although. We met loads of guests who got here simply to journey only for a number of days touring up from town and both began their journey on the east or west coast.

12. Brush Up on Your Driving Expertise

Driving in Scotland is not any joke and it’s important to appreciate that earlier than renting a car. For starters, the Scots drive on the left facet of the highway, with the steering wheel on the fitting. Now, we’re used to this after intensive driving throughout Africa, however many foreigners will not be.

Second, as an alternative of stoplights and indicators to idle at many of the roads in Scotland run easily due to roundabouts. Sure, roundabouts. These are the circle streets it’s possible you’ll get a wee bit nervous about driving on in case you’re not used to them.

Effectively, there are tons of them in Scotland which is one thing we got here to appreciate about 5 minutes after we picked up our rental automobile on the airport. Be sure you know the principles of the highway and how one can navigate these earlier than you drive right here.

Third and most essential – the roads on the North Coast 500 are sometimes small single-track roads match for only one car at a time. Each 400 meters or so, there are passing factors to let oncoming site visitors get by. The automobile closest to a passing level needs to be the one to yield.

That doesn’t imply crossing the trail of one other car into the passing level. If the passing place is in your facet of the highway you progress over, whether it is on their facet you anticipate them to strategy you. At all times be certain there may be sufficient room on the highway to go.

These aren’t motorways or highways and there are many sheep and cattle on the facet of the highway so drive sensibly. To drive the North Coast 500, you should be affected person and conscious of your environment.

Don’t drive too quick, don’t take images whereas driving (sure we noticed that many occasions), and don’t litter – the locals don’t respect these behaviors. In case you don’t really feel comfy driving your self you possibly can all the time take a tour round Scotland!

13. There may be No “Proper Time” To Drive Scotland’s North Coast 500

Like most locations, {the summertime} would be the excellent time to journey the North Coast 500 by way of climate. Scotland isn’t recognized for having climate just like the Mediterranean, so to extend your possibilities of sunshine, a visit to the Highlands is finest completed between Could and August. Nevertheless, everybody needs to go throughout this time of 12 months so you’ll doubtless discover extra individuals, greater costs, and low lodging availability.

That being mentioned, the North Coast 500 could have unimaginable surroundings any time of the 12 months; the climate could change a bit. You actually by no means know what the Scottish Gods will hand you in your journey.

We determined to take our journey in the course of September in hopes of chasing the proper fall, however as an alternative, we skilled rain and gray skies our total journey. Good factor we packed raincoats and like enhancing “moody” images. See the underside of this submit for the very best time to go to Scotland.

Replace: We additionally returned to drive the NC500 in July and acquired all types of climate - warmth waves, wet days, and every thing in between. Really plan for something!

14. An NC500 Journey Can Get Costly

The UK just isn’t recognized for being an inexpensive place, and the Scottish Highlands are not any exception. A mixture of transport, actions, meals and lodging can simply set you again not less than £200+ a day per particular person.

Clearly, the extra lavish you go, the dearer – and there are many lavish locations to eat and keep on the North Coast 500. Heck, you possibly can even hire a Lamborghini to do the drive if you wish to go all out!

After all, there are extra reasonably priced methods to sort out the North Coast 500. Touring with a bunch of pals is bound to deliver down your car rent charges, and in case you are a pair then splitting a resort room will assist your price range.

There are lots of hostels alongside the way in which, and every important city could have not less than one grocery store so that you can decide up groceries at as an alternative of consuming out. In case you’re actually up for an inexpensive journey, it’s potential to cycle the North Coast 500, hitchhike, wild camp, and cook dinner all of your meals.

The silver lining for foreigners is that since Brexit the British pound has taken successful, so your house foreign money is bound to go additional than in earlier years.

Learn Extra: How A lot Does a Journey to Scotland Price?

15. Automotive, Camper, Bike, or Stroll

You may have a number of totally different choices for journey type on the route. Most individuals will rent a automobile or a campervan, however you too can discover among the lively bunch strolling or biking the route. We personally selected to hire a automobile and drive ourselves round to take advantage of out of our time. Nevertheless, if I had been to redo it, I’d like to cycle the North Coast 500 in the future.

Do comparisons on-line earlier than you arrive in Scotland to get the very best charges on automobile leases. We picked the automobile proper up from Edinburgh Airport after we landed in Scotland.

If you wish to strive your hand at strolling the route you may get assist at World Walkers to search out others who’ve completed it too.  In case you are a assured cycler and wish some route planning to take a look at the North Coast 500 web site. 

We love that anybody can do that route no matter price range. It doesn’t matter what the gorgeous views within the Scottish Highlands are for everybody to take pleasure in.

16. The place to Go on the North Coast 500

There are tons of of locations to cease on the North Coast 500. A couple of of the highlights are:

• Inverness: This metropolis is the place to begin of the North Coast 500 and is understood for its wealthy historical past, beautiful fortress, and delightful surrounding countryside.
• Ullapool: This charming port city is a superb place to cease for a chew to eat and to soak up the breathtaking views of the encompassing mountains and sea.
• Torridon: This space is house to among the most beautiful landscapes within the Highlands, with towering mountains, glistening lochs, and historical forests.
• Durness: This small village is positioned on the far northwest coast of Scotland and is understood for its lovely seashores and breathtaking views.
• John O’Groats: That is the northeasternmost level of mainland Scotland and a preferred cease on the North Coast 500. It’s an amazing place to soak up the rugged shoreline and spot wildlife reminiscent of seals, dolphins, and whales.
• Inverewe Backyard: This lovely backyard is positioned on the shores of Loch Ewe and is house to all kinds of crops and flowers from around the globe.
• Dunrobin Citadel: This beautiful fortress is positioned close to the village of Golspie and is understood for its lovely gardens and wealthy historical past.
• Nairn: This city is understood for its lovely seashores and is a superb place to calm down and take within the beautiful views of the encompassing countryside.
• Fort George: Simply off the route, this historic fort was constructed within the 18th century and is now a preferred vacationer attraction, providing guided excursions and beautiful views of the encompassing space.

15 BEST Stops on the North Coast 500 Route (Scotland)

Transport Round Scotland

Most journeys to Scotland will begin and finish at Edinburgh Airport. The easiest way to journey round Scotland is with a rental automobile, particularly in case you’re touring with a bunch. Driving in Scotland is not any joke and it’s essential to appreciate that earlier than you hire a car. For starters, the Scots drive on the left facet of the highway, with the steering wheel on the fitting.

Second, as an alternative of cease lights and indicators to idle at many of the roads in Scotland run easily due to roundabouts.

Third and most essential – the roads on the North Coast 500 are sometimes small single monitor roads match for only one car at a time. There are passing factors each 400 meters or so to let oncoming site visitors get by. The automobile closest to a passing level needs to be the one to yield. 

We traveled round Scotland for 2 weeks and paid about $300 for a automobile rental in Scotland, which was a fairly first rate deal in my view! I usually prefer to verify comparability websites so I can get the very best costs.

My favorites to have a look at are:

Learn Extra on Driving in Scotland

Web in Scotland

If you wish to keep linked whereas in Scotland, I like to recommend choosing up a Sim card and buying information if you arrive. We personally bought 12 GB of information for £20 with Three. 

Their protection prolonged into patches of the highlands and allowed us to on the very least verify our emails, Instagram, and Fb every day. Different comparable telecom corporations within the UK embrace O2 and Vodafone.

When is the Finest Season to Journey Scotland?

Excessive season (July-September)

Like most locations in Europe, Scotland’s excessive season runs from July to mid-September. That is when you will discover the very best climate as famous above, but in addition crowds. Days are longer, the climate is hotter, and resort and automobile rental costs are at their highest.

Shoulder Season (Could-June and Late September-November)

We’ve traveled to Scotland in the course of the shoulder season and beloved it. The climate is cool, the leaves are orange and yellow, and the vibe within the air is fantastic. That is additionally after we’ve discovered nice offers on automobile leases and guesthouses. Nevertheless, widespread locations like Glasgow and Skye had been very busy. We noticed sunny days, but in addition had a variety of these wet Scotland overcast days.

Low Season (Late November-April)

The temperatures are cooler in the course of the off-season in Scotland and also you stand a really robust likelihood of getting caught in a rain (or snow) storm. In case you plan to journey to Scotland throughout this time you completely want a packable rain jacket, journey umbrella, and waterproof boots. The upside is you’ll discover low costs and low numbers of vacationers. In case you are in Scotland over the vacations be certain to participate within the festivals across the cities!

The place to Keep on the North Coast 500?

Kingsmills Lodge – Inverness

Just about each North Coast 500 highway journey begins or ends within the highland capital of Inverness. Lodging is restricted for the demand, however these fortunate sufficient to guide upfront can rating rooms on the Kingsmills Lodge. Kingsmill is without doubt one of the finest locations to remain within the metropolis. The resort presents fantastic service primarily based out of a seventeenth Century residence.

Pure Retreats – John O’ Groats

That is in all probability one of many coolest locations to remain relating to lodging in Scotland. These glass-faced self-catering flats are positioned in essentially the most Northernly city in Scotland, John O’ Groats, on the British Isle.

Outdated Drynie Home – Black Isle

This was really the primary “true” mattress and breakfast we have now stayed at collectively (even after 60 international locations!). It was a splendid expertise and the character of a properly run Scottish mattress and breakfast makes it a should for anybody touring the North Coast 500.

Royal Marine Lodge – Brora

Upon arrival on the Royal Marine Lodge, you’ll be handled to traditional Highland hospitality earlier than being led to your pretty and cozy house away from house. Unwind in your well-equipped visitor room or enterprise exterior to discover the grounds or the gorgeous seashore that’s only some minutes away. 

What to Pack for the NC500

Questioning what to put on in Scotland? The nation’s climate is fairly infamous so it’s solely pure that the query of what to pack for Scotland comes up rather a lot. With that in thoughts, you ought to be ready as you’ll find yourself spending a lot of your time in Scotland exterior having fun with its lovely cities and breathtaking landscapes.

Scotland is brimming with previous strolling paths, historical mountains, deep lakes, winding roads, rocky coastlines, castles, tens of millions of sheep, barrels of whisky, and charming cities it’s the proper place to lose your self. It needs to be no shock that Scotland is one among our favourite international locations on the planet. It’s roughly the massive brother to Eire with grander landscapes, prettier cities, extra historical past, and one hell of a tradition — kilts and bagpipes are superior.