This is a 7-day route for the NC500 that takes in all the popular highlights on this iconic road trip!
IMPORTANT - Top tips for using this itinerary!
This itinerary packs a lot in and is designed for you to custom it to your exact requirements! You will definitely want to adjust it if your travel style is a bit slower and remove some of the activities!
The drive times for this itinerary can be found in the travel tips section. Please note they are only estimates as it very often takes much longer to drive these roads due to them often being narrow, single track lanes. Be sure to allow more time when driving from A to B.
The itinerary is designed for travel in a car and staying at hotels/ Airbnbs. If travelling in a campervan/ motorhome or towing a caravan, please note that some roads are not suitable for such vehicles and you will need to double check the route you wish to take - particularly on the west coast, (eg. The Bealach na Ba Pass).
Be prepared to be flexible with your plans. Always check tide times for certain activities, especially along the coast and for wildlife. If travelling in the high season, parking can become very difficult! The weather can also impact plans. It's important to do some research before you go and have some flexibility in your plans.
If you want to do any tours/ activities along the NC500 route, then pre-book where possible and be sure to check beforehand that they are open during the season you are travelling, as some don't operate during winter months.
Always check the weather before hiking and ensure you are fully equipped and prepared. Weather can change quickly in Scotland.
We have chosen some popular accommodation options and restaurant options for a variety of budgets. There are lots of options to choose from in the interactive map to suit a variety of budgets!
In Scotland, it's very common for places to close on a Sunday or operate during shorter hours. Be sure to plan for this depending on which days of the week you are in each location!
