North Coast 500

The NC500 circles the north Highlands from Inverness, over the Bealach na Bà to Applecross, up the west coast to Durness, across the top to John o' Groats and back down the east coast. Much of it is single-track with passing places, so it takes longer than the miles suggest. It suits people who want scenery and quiet over speed, and it works best over a week.

The stops

1. Start

   Inverness

2. Viewpoint

   Bealach na Bà

   Summit around 630 m on a road built in 1822; allow time for the hairpins

3. Town

   Applecross

   Village on the far side of the pass with a well-known inn

4. Town

   Gairloch

   Beaches and boat trips for wildlife

5. Town

   Ullapool

   Harbour town and the main supply stop on the west

6. Town

   Durness

   Far north-west corner; Smoo Cave and Balnakeil beach nearby

7. Worth a look

   Castle of Mey

   Castle and gardens near the northern coast

8. Viewpoint

   John o' Groats

   North-east tip of mainland Britain

9. Worth a look

   Dunrobin Castle

   Castle and gardens on the east coast on the way back

10. Back to the start

    Inverness

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Applecross

  Applecross Campsite · village inns

• Night 2

  Ullapool

  Broomfield Holiday Park

• Night 3

  Durness

  Sango Sands Oasis Caravan and Camping Site

• Night 4

  Thurso

  Thurso Caravan and Camping Park

When to go

May–Sep for long daylight and fewer midges in May; some roads icy Nov–Mar

On the road

Single-track with passing places; Bealach na Bà is steep and unsuitable for large vehicles; book camping and fuel ahead in the north-west