North Coast 500
- Complete the North Coast 500 - Scotland's most iconic road trip
- Dramatic mountains-capes and coastline dotted with ancient fortresses and stately castles
- Visit the northern whisky distilleries of Glen Ord, Glenmorangie and Old Pulteney
- Hidden coves, turquoise seas and the white sand beaches of Achmelvich and Sango
- Indulge in the freshest of local scallops and mussels fresh off the boat!
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Inverness, capital of the Highlands and overnightBegin 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.
Ballifeary Guest House is an impressive Victorian Villa with many original features. It has a large private car park for guests use and a secured shed for those with bikes. It is ideally located only a matter of yards from Eden Court theatre and a short walk from the River Ness where many restaurants, the Cathedral and Castle can be found. The rooms have been recently refurbished to a high standard offering every comfort you would expect.
All rooms are equipped with high speed free wifi, USB charging ports, Smart TV, Scottish fine soap toiletries, and coffee & tea making facilities with yummy biscuits!
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.
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. Tonight you'll stay in the villages of Shieldaig or Torridon, 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, 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.
Drive time: 2hr 15 min - 3 hr 30 min
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, and complimentary tea and scones on arrival. 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.
Louise and George look forward to you staying with them in their B&B overlooking 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.
The Stables is located close to the shores of Loch Torridon and enjoys superb views of the mountains. Stay in a cosy en suite room, and enjoy great food and a homely atmosphere in its traditional pub.
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
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 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.
A warm and friendly welcome awaits at this family-run guest house that is perfectly located on the shores of Loch Broom with views out across the water. There are seven ensuite rooms and a delicious breakfast is served in the Conservatory overlooking the garden, Loch Broom and the Beinn Dearg mountain range.
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
Fiona and Robbie will welcome you warmly to their scenic retreat with every aspect of Highland hospitality. All seven bedrooms are individually decorated with their own unique style, offering total relaxation and comfort.
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.
You will be guaranteed a warm welcome when you check into this accommodation. This guest house is a modern property and the guest rooms have all the amenities you require for a comfortable overnight stay.
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
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.
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.
The seafront Marine B&B offers 5 superior en-suite rooms with outstanding views of the bay, Orkney Islands and Pentland Firth. Rooms are simply furnished and have all the amenities you need.
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
Ballifeary Guest House is an impressive Victorian Villa with many original features. It has a large private car park for guests use and a secured shed for those with bikes. It is ideally located only a matter of yards from Eden Court theatre and a short walk from the River Ness where many restaurants, the Cathedral and Castle can be found. The rooms have been recently refurbished to a high standard offering every comfort you would expect.
All rooms are equipped with high speed free wifi, USB charging ports, Smart TV, Scottish fine soap toiletries, and coffee & tea making facilities with yummy biscuits!
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.
After breakfast your self-drive discovery tour on the North Coast 500 comes to an end. If you didn't have time on arrival we highly recommend exploring the area around Inverness before continuing on your onward journey.
If you would like to add an extra night in Inverness, or in Glasgow or Edinburgh, to help facilitate your onward travel simply speak to one of our Specialists and we will happily arrange this for you.
This trip has a carbon score of 7kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our greenest trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 7kg is equivalent to 1 single running shoe (not even a pair!). 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 about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?Experience Scotland's most iconic road-trip for yourself, escaping the rhythm of everyday life as you make for the stunning beauty of Scotland's far north. Sample the fruits of the land and sea, from fresh crab and lobster, to craft gins and iconic single-malts. Allow our local expertise to guide you on a hassle-free road-trip. Experience Scottish hospitality at it's finest, not just at your accommodations, but as you tour distilleries and meet the local historian.
Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!
Self Drive | Take the wheel and explore an area at your own pace taking in places and highlights that our travel experts recommend.
Solo Travellers
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 Torridon is a small village and accommodations are limited but we will accommodate you in the either Torridon or one of its neighbouring villages. Otherwise, The Torridon Hotel is a lovely 5* upgrade option which can be booked with a supplement.
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 in the town of Ullapool is recommended.
Your information pack will include a day-by-day itinerary, with recommended driving routes between overnight stops, as well as recommended detours and must-see sights and attractions. You can use Google maps to navigate the route on your phone, or your car's sat-nav. If you are hiring a car we recommend adding on a sat-nav as internet signal in the Highlands isn't always reliable.
- 6 Nights in 3-4* B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
- 6 Breakfasts
- Detailed information pack brimming with our local knowledge
- 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
- Car hire (available as an optional extra)
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
- Entrance to attractions/historic sights
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance (required)
- Additional nights at the start/end or along the route
- Car hire (available as an optional extra)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why Macs
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Positive Impact
At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.
This is active travel led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.
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