Thank you for your interest in the NC500 trip. Our amazing trip is planned to start on October 24th 2026. Due to to the success of our previous trips, we are excited to return in again in October. Traveling the North Coast 500 (NC500) in October 2026 offers a unique transition between the busy summer season and the quiet winter months. It is widely considered one of the best times for a road trip due to the balance of accessibility and solitude And no Midges so a win win really.
Due to the nature of much of the roads and tracks along the NC500 we have limited this trip to a maximum of 25 vehicles to minimize congestion etc., and be respectful to the local residents and other road users. Each day we will not be traveling in large groups as this really doesn’t work on some of the roads but people tend to do their own thing during the day and meet back up with everyone at the evening’s campsite. Often traveling in smaller groups of 3 to 4 vehicles.
Below is the route for the trip, and the daily destinations and mileage. Obviously, this trip is about the experience of driving the NC500 and getting to see as many of the local sites and beauty spots. It is not about getting from start to finish as fast as we can.
There will be the opportunity to make stops along the way each day to experience as much as you can of what this epic route and countryside has to offer. Below are the campsites we will be stopping at, all have showers and toilets, and hot food available at all but the inverness site, but there are shops and takeaways nearby
Day 1) 24th October Inverness .
We will meet at around 3pm on the 24th of October at Bunchcrew campsite this will gives us the chance to get to chat and settle in for our first nights camping as a group.. Ready for the start of our adventure the following day.
Day 2) 25th October Inverness-Gairloch 130 Miles
Departing by 9am The drive from Inverness to Gairloch via Applecross is a breathtaking 130-mile journey that follows one of the most iconic stretches of the North Coast 500. Expect it to take a full day roughly 5 to 6 hours of driving time due to the technical nature of the single-track roads.
The Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle): This is the highlight—a single-track mountain pass that rises to over 2,000 feet with Alpine-style hairpin bends and gradients up to 20%.
Pause at the Bealach na Ba viewpoint at the summit for panoramic views of the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides.
Applecross to Gairloch (The Coastal Route)After a stop in Applecross village (the Applecross Inn is a local favorite for seafood), head north along the coast toward Shieldaig.
The Applecross Peninsula: This road is less steep than the pass but is almost entirely single-track, winding along the coastline with stunning views. Torridon: You will pass through the majestic Glen Torridon , where some of Scotland’s oldest and most dramatic mountains, like Liathach and Beinn Eighe, tower over the road. Loch Maree & Victoria Falls: As you approach Gairloch, the road skirts the shores of Loch Maree. Stop at Victoria Falls for a short, accessible walk to a viewpoint overlooking the loch. Then its a short ten minutes to Sands Campsite.
Day 3) Gairloch-Scourie 100 Miles
The drive from Gairloch to Scourie is a 100-mile journey that traverses the most rugged and geologically significant portion of the North Coast 500. While the direct driving time is roughly 2 hours, you should allow a full day to explore the dramatic landscapes of Assynt. .
The “Drumbeg Loop” (Optional): After crossing the Kylesku Bridge, many drivers take the B869 coastal detour. This is a slow, highly technical single-track road with intense inclines, but it leads to the region’s most famous beaches.
Top Scenic Highlights
Inverewe Gardens: Just 15 minutes from Gairloch, these world-renowned gardens flourish with exotic plants thanks to the warm North Atlantic Drift.
Corrieshalloch Gorge: A 60-meter deep chasm featuring the Falls of Measach. You can walk across a Victorian suspension bridge for a vertigo-inducing view of the water crashing below.
Ullapool: The largest town in the area and a perfect halfway point for a seafood lunch at the harbour.
Ardvreck Castle: The haunting 16th-century ruins of the MacLeod clan, perched on a promontory on the shores of Loch Assyn. Kylesku Bridge: An award-winning curved bridge that has become one of the most photographed landmarks on the NC500. Wailing Widow Falls: A “hidden” waterfall that drops dramatically from Loch na Gainmhich.. Then we will be on towards our next stop at Scourie Campsite.
Day 4) Scourie-Thurso 150 Miles.
From Scourie we will head north on the A894, then merge onto the A838 toward Durness. This section features rugged inland moorland and dramatic coastal views. The North Coast: From Durness, the road becomes the A836, following the northern coastline through Tongue and Bettyhill before reaching Thurso. Expect a mix of two-lane roads and significant sections of single-track road with passing places. In 2026, be alert for variable weather; as of early January, snow and high wind warnings have been active for parts of the Highlands.
Essential Scenic Stops
Smoo Cave (Durness): A massive limestone sea cave with a hidden 20-meter waterfall inside. It is free to enter, though boat tours into the inner chambers are seasonal.
Durness Beaches: Sango Bay and Balnakeil Bay offer pristine white sands and turquoise waters.
Golden Eagle Zip Line: Located in Durness, this is the most northerly zip line in Western Europe, allowing you to fly 38 meters above the beach at speeds up to 45 mph.
Kyle Of Tounge Causeway: A highly scenic bridge and causeway crossing the sea loch with views of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope. Strathy Point Lighthouse: A short detour for dramatic cliff views and whale-spotting opportunities.
Strathy Beach: Often quieter than Durness, this beach features rolling dunes and clear water. We then have a final short drive to our evenings campsite at Thurso Caravan and camping site.
Day 5) Thurso-Inverness 110 Miles
The drive from Thurso to Inverness is the final leg of the North Coast 500 (if traveling clockwise), taking you down the scenic east coast of Scotland. The direct drive is approximately 110 miles and takes just over 2 hours in normal traffic, but you should allow a full day to make the most of the numerous stops and attractions along the way.
Key Highlights and Attractions
Dunnet Head A short detour from the main route, this is actually the most northerly point of mainland Britain (not John o’ Groats). It offers dramatic cliff views and is a great spot for spotting puffins in spring/summer.John O’ Groats Though very touristy, John o’ Groatsis an iconic stop for a photo at the famous signpost. Nearby, a walk from the Duncansby Head lighthouse leads to the spectacular Duncansby Stacks ancient sea stacks rising from the North Sea. Whalley Steps Over 330 hand-carved steps zigzag down a cliffside to a natural harbor. It’s a strenuous climb but offers incredible coastal views and a glimpse into the area’s fishing history. Castle Sinclair Located north of Wick, these are the dramatic ruins of a 15th-century castle perched on a rocky point jutting into Sinclair Bay. It’s free to visit and great for photos.
Dunrobin. This magnificent castle near Golspie, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland, resembles a French château with beautiful gardens inspired by Versailles. It is open to the public seasonally and often features a falconry display. Dornoch A charming historical town with a beautiful golden-sand beach and a cathedral. It is a lovely place to stop for lunch or a walk. The Glenmorangie Distillery. Located near Tain, this is a well-known distillery where you can take a tour to see Scotland’s tallest stills and enjoy a whisky tasting. Then a short drive back to the same campsite we stopped at on our first day at Bunchcrew. We will stop for our last night together before leaving the next morning and going or own separate ways.
If you would like to be part of this epic Land Rover trip the cost is just £289.00 per vehicle including max of 4 people and covers all the camping fees . We will supply you with your own NC500 guide book and daily information sheets. You will need your own tent.
This trip is really social and in the evenings we can have some camp fires and relax and talk about the days sights. being part of a group trip really gives you the opportunity to spend a week on the NC500 with like minded owners.
A deposit of £99.00 secures your place with the balance being due 8 weeks before we travel. We thinks everyone wants something to look forward to for later in the year. So please secure your place using Book Now below.
Places are already becoming limited.