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Inverness
The capital of the Highlands and the official start and end point of the NC500. It’s worth giving yourself time to explore Inverness before you head north.
Bumble Road Trips
North Coast 500
Scotland’s spectacular coastal road trip – made for a Bumbleabout.
The Scottish Highlands
Driving the North Coast 500
The breathtaking North Coast 500 – better known as the NC500 – is one of Scotland’s most iconic road trips and a firm favourite with Bumble adventurers.
Starting and finishing in Inverness, the route winds for around 516 miles through rugged coastline, remote beaches, mountain scenery, historic landmarks and some seriously impressive Highland landscapes.
Whether you’re planning your first Scottish road trip or heading back for another adventure, travelling the NC500 by campervan gives you the freedom to take things slowly, stop when the view demands it and make the journey part of the adventure.
516 miles
of iconic Highland roads
Inverness
official start & finish
5–10 days
recommended road-trip time
Campervan
our favourite way to explore
Plan your Bumbleabout
Before you hit the road
When to go
April to October is the most popular time to explore the NC500. Spring brings quieter roads and fresh landscapes, summer offers long daylight hours, while autumn can be spectacular for colour and photography.
Which direction?
The route can be driven clockwise or anticlockwise from Inverness. Many travellers head north along the east coast first before tackling the more dramatic west coast later – but either direction makes an unforgettable trip.
Where to stay
Campsites and suitable overnight stops can be found throughout the route. During peak periods we recommend planning ahead and booking campsites in advance rather than relying on finding a space at the last minute.
Bumble Tip
Don’t rush it.
Five to seven days will give you time to enjoy the NC500, but if you can stretch the adventure to ten days or more, even better. The joy of this route is having time to pull over, explore the beaches, walk to waterfalls and change your plans when you spot somewhere you simply don’t want to drive past.
We also recommend allowing travelling time either side of your NC500 adventure to get to and from Inverness.
Add these to the route
Must-see places along the NC500
The road itself is the adventure, but there are a few places we definitely wouldn’t drive past.
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Chanonry Point
Situated on the Black Isle, Chanonry Point is known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and big coastal views. A great early stop as you begin your NC500 adventure.
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Fairy Glen Falls
An easy woodland walk from Rosemarkie leads to this lovely waterfall. It’s a brilliant little stop for stretching the legs before getting back on the road.
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Dunrobin Castle
Near Golspie in Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle is one of the most impressive landmarks on the east coast section of the route and makes an excellent break from driving.
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John O’Groats
One of Britain’s most recognisable road-trip stops. Grab the obligatory signpost photo, explore the coastline and enjoy reaching this famous corner of mainland Scotland.
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Smoo Cave
As you pass through Durness, make time for Smoo Cave. Its huge sea-cave entrance and dramatic waterfall make this one of the most memorable natural stops on the northern section.
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Sango Sands
Golden sand, turquoise water and dramatic rocky coastline make Sango Sands one of those places that hardly looks real. One of our favourite views on the entire route.
This is why we love Scotland
Views worth stopping for
Travel the Bumble way
Be a good road-trip neighbour
Much of the NC500 passes through small Highland communities and along narrow single-track roads. A little consideration goes a long way.
- Use passing places properly and let faster traffic pass.
- Don’t park overnight where camping or overnight stays are prohibited.
- Support local cafés, shops, campsites and attractions along the route.
- Leave beaches, viewpoints and overnight stops exactly as you found them.
- Take your time – these roads are part of the adventure, not a race to the next stop.
Keep planning
Find out more about the NC500
For route information, current travel advice and more detailed planning resources, visit the official North Coast 500 website.
Ready for your own Bumbleabout?
Scotland is waiting.
Load up a Bumble Camper, point it north and make the NC500 your next adventure. Whether you’re looking to hire a camper for your trip or find one of your own, we’ve got you covered.
