North Coast 500

A coastal loop of roughly 830 km (516 miles) around the north of the Scottish Highlands, starting and ending in Inverness.

The North Coast 500 is a Scottish Highlands self-drive loop launched in 2015. It starts and ends in Inverness and runs around the western, northern and eastern coasts of the Highlands, covering about 516 miles (830 km). Driving anticlockwise, you head west from Inverness through Beauly. You cross the Bealach na Bà ('Pass of the Cattle') at Applecross, one of the steepest roads in Britain, which reaches 626 m. The route continues through Torridon, Gairloch, Ullapool and Lochinver into the remote region of Sutherland. On the north coast are the Smoo Cave at Durness, white-sand beaches and Tongue. The road then passes Thurso and reaches the sea stacks at John o' Groats and Duncansby Head, at the northeast corner of the mainland. Heading down the east coast on the A9, the route passes Wick, Dunrobin Castle and the Glenmorangie Distillery before returning to Inverness. Five to seven days is recommended, or ten days if you want to take your time hiking and enjoying the beaches. Much of the west and north is single-track road, so use the passing places to let oncoming traffic through, and do not stop in passing places to take photos. The Bealach na Bà has gradients of up to 20%, so it is not suitable for motorhomes or inexperienced drivers. Petrol stations and supermarkets are scarce along the route, and accommodation is in short supply in summer, so book ahead.

North Coast 500

Along the route