The ultimate road trip driving Scotland’s North Coast 500 in a Motorhome and explore some of the most amazing and spectacular scenery in the world.
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is one of the most breathtaking road trips in the world — a 500-mile loop around the northern tip of Scotland, packed with dramatic coastlines, mountains, lochs and white-sand beaches. Although the NC500 has gained huge popularity in recent years thanks to its strong (and at times controversial) marketing push, the route itself is nothing new. The landscapes have been there forever — it’s simply that the world has finally caught on. Today, thousands of travellers journey to the far north of the UK to experience what many call Scotland’s answer to Route 66.
WHAT IS THE NC500?
Starting and finishing in Inverness, the route takes you up the east coast to John O’Groats, across the wild north coast to Durness, and then down the stunning west coast through mountains, lochs and beaches before returning to Inverness via the famous Bealach na Bà.
The official route is just over 500 miles, although most travellers naturally cover more with detours and stops along the way. You can drive the NC500 in either direction, but many recommend going anti-clockwise so you drive into the best of the dramatic scenery, rather than finishing with it behind you.
Why choose a motorhome to explore the NC500
Exploring the NC500 by motorhome gives you freedom that’s hard to beat:
No need to book hotels months in advance.
No rigid itinerary.
Stop wherever you find a view that takes your breath away.
Lunch with a coastline in front of you — just boil the kettle and relax.
More time at the places you fall in love with.
No packing and unpacking at every stop.
With NC500 accommodation often heavily booked, a motorhome offers flexibility, comfort and the ability to travel entirely at your own pace.
Respectful & Responsible Touring
- Using the fantastic campsite and caravan parks along the route — these support local communities and give you everything you need.
- Parking only in permitted areas or designated overnight spots.
- Avoiding fragile ground, beaches, dunes or soft verges.
- Keeping distance from homes when parking overnight.
- Speaking to locals — they often suggest great places to stop.
- Using biodegradable detergents
- Emptying grey water and chemical toilets only at proper disposal points.
- Leaving every place cleaner than you found it.
- Supporting local shops, cafés and fuel stations along the route.
- Car parks with “No Overnight Parking” signs.
- Passing places (illegal and unsafe).
- Burial ground car parks.
- Blocking access to farms or estates.
- Lighting fires or BBQs unless permitted.
- Disposing of waste anywhere except designated facilities.
- There are numerous waste disposal points around the route at campsites and stopovers, some open to non-residents for a small fee.
When is the best time to drive the NC500?
- April, May and September are the most favourable months.
- June and August can be wetter.
- July is very busy due to UK school holidays.
- Many attractions close from October to Easter, although their grounds often remain open.
- Inland areas can see snow in winter.
Whenever you drive the route, Scotland’s NC500 will take you on an incredible road trip around Scotland you won’t ever forget…
