North Coast 500 Anticlockwise Loop
Drive the NC500 anticlockwise from Inverness, taking in Bealach na Bà, Assynt, the north coast, and east coast castles.
Covering approximately 830 km, seven days is widely considered the most comfortable duration for this route. This itinerary tackles the west coast first, where the dramatic mountain and coastal scenery is most concentrated, before heading along the north coast to the northeastern tip of the mainland, and returning via the east coast. The northwestern section features many single-track roads with limited accommodation and supplies. It is best suited for return visitors with experience driving on narrow roads; large motorhomes must avoid Bealach na Bà.
Best from late May to June, and September; Bealach na Bà may be closed due to snow in winter.
Day by day
Day 1 · Over Bealach na Bà to Applecross
Inverness & Loch Ness（Rogie Falls） → Isle of Skye（Plockton） → Inverness & Loch Ness（Bealach na Bà）
Drive approx. 150 km (3.5 hours) via Dingwall, Achnasheen, and Lochcarron, before climbing the 626-meter pass.
In low cloud, fog, or snowy conditions, take the A896 coastal route instead. Large vehicles must not attempt the pass.
Stay: Applecross
Day 2 · Torridon Hills to Gairloch
Glen Torridon → Ullapool & Assynt（Loch Maree）
Drive approx. 105 km (2.5 hours) along the coast to Shieldaig, through Glen Torridon, and along the northern shore of Loch Maree.
Stay: Gairloch
Day 3 · Inverewe Garden to Ullapool
Ullapool & Assynt（Inverewe Garden、Gruinard Bay、Corrieshalloch Gorge、Ullapool Harbour & Village）
Drive approx. 90 km (2.5 hours) via Poolewe and Gruinard Bay, turning onto the A835 at the southern end of Loch Broom.
Stay: Ullapool Town
Day 4 · Assynt Peaks and White Sand Beaches
Ullapool & Assynt（Stac Pollaidh、Knockan Crag、Ardvreck Castle、Lochinver、Achmelvich Beach、Clachtoll Beach & Broch）
Drive approx. 100 km (2.5 hours) heading north on the A835, then take the A837 to Lochinver, followed by the coastal minor roads.
Stay: Lochinver
Day 5 · Kylesku to Durness
Ullapool & Assynt（Kylesku Bridge） → Inverness & Loch Ness（Smoo Cave）
Take the B869 coastal single-track road to Kylesku, then head north on the A894 and A838, approx. 130 km (3 hours).
The B869 has steep, sharp bends and is unsuitable for large motorhomes; take the A837 instead.
Stay: Durness
Day 6 · North Coast to John o' Groats
Dunnet Head
Drive east along the A836 for approx. 165 km (3.5 hours), skirting Loch Eriboll and passing through Tongue, Bettyhill, and Thurso.
Petrol stations are very scarce east of Durness; fill up before setting off.
Stay: John o' Groats
Day 7 · East Coast Castles back to Inverness
Inverness & Loch Ness（Dunrobin Castle、Glenmorangie Distillery）
Drive south along the A99 and A9 for approx. 195 km (3.5 hours), starting the morning with the Duncansby Stacks, then passing Wick and Dornoch.
Dunrobin Castle is only open from spring to autumn; check dates before visiting.