North Coast 500, Scotland
Welcome to the North Coast 500, a breathtaking journey towing a caravan or driving your new motorhome through the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Travel in your motorhome or pitch up with your caravan.
Stretching over 500 miles, this route takes you through some of the most picturesque scenery in Scotland, including the Black Isle, Caithness, Easter Ross, Inverness-Shire, Sutherland, and Wester Ross. Prepare for an unforgettable caravan adventure filled with historic castles, charming villages, rugged coastlines, and majestic mountains.
Black Isle North Coast 500:
Despite its name, the Black Isle is not an island but a peninsula located just north of Inverness. Here are some highlights:
Chanonry Point:
This is one of the best places in Scotland to spot dolphins. Head to the lighthouse at Chanonry Point, particularly at low tide, to see these magnificent creatures playing in the Moray Firth.
Fortrose Cathedral:
Explore the ruins of this medieval cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century. The cathedral sits in a picturesque location overlooking the sea.
Rosemarkie Beach:
Enjoy a stroll along the sandy shores of Rosemarkie Beach, known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
Black Isle Caravan and Motorhome Campsites:
Bunchrew Caravan Park
Bunchrew, Inverness, Highlands
Waterside, family friendly park along the Beauly Firth, within 15 minutes of Inverness and Loch Ness. Dog friendly.
Fortrose Bay Campsite
Fortrose, Highlands
Touring site on the shores of the Moray Firth, close to Inverness and Loch Ness, on the lovely Black Isle.
Cromarty Camping
Black Isle, Cromarty, Highlands
Coastal touring pitches overlooking expansive seascape in the Scottish Highlands, perfect for a NC500 stopover.
Caithness North Coast 500:
Located at the northeastern tip of Scotland, Caithness is known for its dramatic cliffs, historic sites, and rugged coastline.
John O’Groats:
This iconic village is famous for being the northeasternmost point of the British mainland. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo with the iconic signpost marking the distance to Land’s End.
Castle of Mey:
Visit the former residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Explore the beautiful gardens and learn about the history of this historic castle.
Duncansby Head:
Take a hike to Duncansby Head to see the spectacular sea stacks, including the famous Duncansby Stacks, which rise dramatically from the sea.
Easter Ross North Coast 500:
Easter Ross is known for its rich history, stunning coastline, and charming villages.
Glenmorangie Distillery:
Whisky enthusiasts should visit the Glenmorangie Distillery, where they can learn about the whisky-making process and taste their renowned single malts.
Dornoch:
Explore the historic town of Dornoch, known for its beautiful sandy beach, 12th-century cathedral, and picturesque streets with charming shops and cafes.
Falls of Shin:
Head inland to the Falls of Shin, where you can watch Atlantic salmon leap upstream during summer. There are also walking trails and a visitor centre with exhibitions about the local wildlife.
Easter Ross Caravan and Motorhome Campsites:
Riverside Chalet and Caravan Park
Strathpeffer, Highlands
Touring, camping and a cosy bell tent in the centre of the Highlands, near the Munro mountains and Strathpuffer 24.
Fortrose Bay Campsite
Fortrose, Highlands
Touring site on the shores of the Moray Firth, close to Inverness and Loch Ness, on the lovely Black Isle.
Dornoch Firth Caravan Park
Tain, Highlands
A family-run park in the Highlands, by Tain and the Glenmorangie Distillery – a world of wonder north of Inverness!
Portmahomack Caravan Site
Portmahomack, Tain, Highlands
Small, church-owned caravan site facing onto the beach in small seaside village at the end of the Tarbat Peninsula.
Cromarty Camping
Black Isle, Cromarty, Highlands
Coastal touring pitches overlooking expansive seascape in the Scottish Highlands, perfect for a NC500 stopover.
Inverness-Shire:
Inverness-Shire is home to the bustling city of Inverness and some of the most scenic landscapes in Scotland.
Loch Ness:
No visit to Inverness-Shire is complete without a stop at Loch Ness, famous for its legendary monster, Nessie. Take a boat tour of the loch or hike along the shores for stunning views.
Culloden Battlefield:
Step back in time at Culloden Battlefield, the site of the infamous Battle of Culloden in 1746. Visit the visitor centre to learn about the Jacobite uprising and its impact on Scottish history.
Urquhart Castle:
Explore the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle, which sits on the shores of Loch Ness. Climb the Grant Tower for panoramic views of the loch and surrounding countryside.
Sutherland North Coast 500:
Sutherland is a sparsely populated region known for its wild and rugged landscapes.
Smoo Cave:
Discover the dramatic Smoo Cave, one of the largest sea caves in Scotland. Take a guided tour to explore the cave’s chambers and learn about its geological history.
Cape Wrath:
For the adventurous traveller, Cape Wrath offers the chance to visit the northwesternmost point of mainland Britain. Reachable only by ferry and a rugged minibus ride, Cape Wrath is a remote and wild destination.
Sandwood Bay:
Hike along the dramatic coastline to reach Sandwood Bay, a remote and unspoiled beach known for its pristine sands and towering sea stacks.
Wester Ross North Coast 500:
Wester Ross is renowned for its rugged mountains, stunning lochs, and picturesque villages.
Applecross Peninsula:
Take the scenic drive over the Bealach na Bà mountain pass to the Applecross Peninsula. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and sea, and stop for a meal at the famous Applecross Inn.
Torridon:
Explore the Torridon area, known for its dramatic mountain scenery and outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. Be sure to visit the charming village of Shieldaig and take a boat tour of Loch Torridon.
Inverewe Garden:
Discover the exotic plants and lush landscapes of Inverewe Garden, a botanical garden created in the 19th century. Wander through the diverse collection of plants worldwide and enjoy the stunning views of Loch Ewe.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or simply breathtaking scenery, the North Coast 500 has something to offer every traveller. Embark on this epic journey and create memories that will last a lifetime.