The Complete North Coast 500 Motorhome Guide
As one of the UK's most popular regions for summer road trips, the North Coast 500 has become a household name and bucket list activity any adventure-seeker. Winding along the dramatic coastline of the north-most highlands of Scotland, this road trip has a little bit of everything, from beautiful wildlife to fascinating history, and of course plenty of stunning views of the ancient Scottish landscape.
This North Coast 500 motorhome guide will help you to navigate the winding and slightly intimidating roads of northern Scotland, containing all of the information you need to know to plan a smooth and enjoyable motorhome road trip in Scotland.
Destination North Coast Map
Make sure you have all the resources you need to make the most of your trip to the North Coast of Scotland. Our Destination North Coast Map is the perfect addition to any traveller's toolkit. With detailed information on all the best spots, along the NC500, this map is your ultimate guide to exploring the rugged beauty of Scotland's north coast.
The Complete North Coast 500 Motorhome Guide
All of the information contained is also relevant for all sizes of campervans, as well as tent-campers. The list below is a brief summary of the information in this article, so read on to find out more.
- Best size of motorhome for the NC500
- How long does it take to drive the NC500 in a motorhome
- Best tips for driving a motorhome on the NC500
- Facilities for motorhomes around the route
- Best park up spots for motorhomes on the route
- North Coast 500 itineraries (5-day & 7-day)
Choosing Your Motorhome for the NC500
One of the most frequently asked questions we get asked about the NC500 road trip is "What is the best type of van for the road trip?". This is a very common concern for visitors to the northern end of the UK, due to the famously narrow and winding roads that can be found here.
The size and style of your motorhome is, therefore, a very important factor to consider before deciding on which van is the one for you.
Renting a Motorhome for the NC500
For those wanderers that are undecided on whether the vanlife is for them, or for anyone just wanting to give it a go, renting a motorhome is a hugely popular choice. There are a lot of different options to choose from when it comes to rental companies, so we have listed below a few of the most popular.
Best Size of Motorhome for the NC500
Like we said, the roads that you will find driving around the NC500, especially on the northwestern coast, can be very tricky to manoeuvre in larger vehicles. In order to make your trip as enjoyable as possible, it is important to make sure you are comfortable with the size of the van you wish to drive.
For new drivers or those not as experienced with driving larger vehicles, a small, pop-top camper might be the best choice for you. More experienced drivers will be able to handle the narrow roads with a larger vehicle without too much of an issue.
Our motorhome, Ellie, is an Elldis Autoquest 155 and is 7.2 metres long, and at no point in the trip did we ever feel that the van was too big for us to handle. There were, however, certain points of the route that were inaccessible to a vehicle this large, for example, the Bealach na Ba road towards Applecross.
How Long Does it Take to Drive the NC500 in a Motorhome?
Another common question about the North Coast 500, however, is one without a real answer (unfortunately). The basic answer is “it can take however long you want it to”.
There are people who race around the NC500 in one day, making the most of the beautiful scenery, winding roads and white-knuckle driving conditions in certain areas. There are also people who slow travel around the NC500 for months at a time, making the most of every beach and soaking up the history at every stop.
Tips for Driving a Motorhome on the NC500
Driving the North Coast 500 in a motorhome is a fantastic way to see the best sights on the NC500 road trip. In our opinion, it is the best, giving you the freedom to move around as you please and not be bound to a timescale whilst also having all your belongings with you everywhere you go, perfect for Scotland’s changing weather!
Take Your Time
Keep in mind that motorhomes are large vehicles carrying a lot of weight. The NC500 has many single track roads where you will find yourself breaking often and pulling into passing places. You will also notice a number of cattle grids around the route as you share the road with wild animals. Look out for sheep, deer and even highland cows when you are driving in Scotland.
Dispose of Your Waste Responsibly
The best way to dispose of your black and grey water is at a named facility or a campsite. There are many great campsites on the NC500 that will allow you to pay a small fee, usually £5-£8, to dispose of your waste in their tanks and fill up with fresh water. If you are wild camping around the NC500, this is the best way to do it to make sure you are camping responsibly.
Pull in to Allow Overtaking if Necessary
We don’t always want to drive at the speed limit in a motorhome, whether that’s because of the size of the vehicle or because you are soaking up the scenery on route. If you see a number of cars behind you, pull in and let them overtake as the chances are, they will try to at some point anyway. Pulling in at the next opportunity makes this safer for everyone.
Plan Ahead for Campsites
In Summer, campsites on the NC500 are extremely busy and will need to be booked far in advance. It is also worth noting, with the number of vans on the road, wild camping spots can also be few and far between come evening time as everyone is parked up. Have some back up camp spots that you can go to if you’re first one isn’t a success.
Facilities for Motorhomes Along the Route
Over the years, the North Coast 500 route has become more and more accommodating to motorhomes and campervans. The last few years has seen a huge increase in the number of facilities aimed at motorhomes all across route, such as waste disposal points, water access points, and even free overnight stays.
Listed below are all of the motorhome facility points that you can find across the route
Water Points
Inverness Old Ticket Office
Tore Service Station
Dochgarroch Lock
Morrisons Invergordon
Balintore Harbour
Asda Garage Tain
Falls of Shin
Helmsdale Harbour
Lairg Filling Station
Lybster Harbour
Bridgend Filling Station
Blairmore Public Toilets
Kinlochbervie Harbour
Scourie Filling Station
Lochinver Leisure Centre
Gairloch Harbour
Torridon Public Toilets
Shieldaig Public Toilets
Chemical Disposal Points
Beauly Holiday Park
Falls of Shin Visitor Centre
Kinlochbervie Harbour
Lochinver Leisure Centre
Gairloch Harbour
Best Motorhome Parkups on NC500
The most incredible thing about Scotland might just be the freedom that we can all enjoy to explore where we want. This is all because of a little bit of law called the Land Reform Act, which provides statutory public access to land across the country, opening up so many possibilities for exploration in the wilderness of the north.
This act does not include motor vehicles and refers more to travel and exploration by foot, including camping with a tent in remote areas. However, due to the incredible size and remoteness of the highlands of Scotland, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to motorhome wild camping spots.
In order to ensure we will be able to continue to enjoy these liberties for years to come, it is important that we follow the guidelines for wild camping set in place when it comes to enjoying the wild.
These guidelines are as below.
Only camp where it is acceptable
Do not disturb the surrounding area and respect the locals. Remember you are their guest, act as such.
When you leave the area make sure you leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but memories! This is the biggest crime you can do when wild camping and is the main reason it is becoming illegal.
Bury your waste (including the toilet paper, or carry a bag to dispose of it in). Don’t leave your business lying around.
Do not overstay your welcome. Arriving after dark and leaving before light will ensure that people can continue to use these areas without complaints.
Motorhome Parkups on the Black Isle
Munlochy Bay Viewpoint
Munlochy Clootie Well
Jemimaville Car Park
Motorhome Parkups in Easter Ross
Fyrish Monument car park
Crawl park, Alness
Alness Yacht Club
Balintore car park
Tarbat Ness Lighthouse
Black Water Falls car park
Rogie Falls car park
Motorhome Parkups in Southeast Sutherland
Falls of Shin
Ferry Road car park, Golspie
River Brora car park
Helmsdale Harbour
Motorhome Parkups in Caithness
Dunbeath Harbour
Lybster Harbour
Wick Harbour
Castle Sinclair and Girnigoe
Reiss Sands Golf Course
Keiss Town Centre
John O'Groats Visitor Centre car park
Motorhome Parkups in Northwest Sutherland
Strathy Bay viewpoint
Loch Craggie viewpoint
Tongue causeway
Ceannabeine Beach car park
Balnakeil overnight stopover
Sandwood Bay car park
Kinlochbervie Harbour
Assynt viewpoint
Kylesku Bridge car park
Lochinver town centre
Knockan Crag Nature Reserve
Ullapool town centre
Motorhome Parkups in Wester Ross
Little Loch Broom car parks
Gruinard Bay car park
Gairloch view point
Loch Badan Sgalaig car park
Victoria Falls car park
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
Glen Docherty view point
Beinn Alligin car park
Applecross Bay
North Coast 500 Motorhome Itineraries
Although it is the most exciting part of the trip preparation, planning your route can also be the most difficult. With so many amazing, beautiful, and fascinating spots to visit on the NC500, trying to squeeze it all into just a couple of weeks can seem like an impossible task.
Having spent over three months on the north coast route, we have managed to refine all of the sights and activities down into the main ones that we think you simply cannot miss.
Plan your trip in detail with our in-depth 7-day North Coast 500 itinerary.
Five Day North Coast 500 Motorhome Itinerary
With only 5 days to drive the entire 516-mile route of the NC500, the main focus is going to be on the picturesque western coast of the route. Start the day off early in Inverness, heading directly north through the Black Isle, Easter Ross, and into the wilderness of Southeast Sutherland.
Day One - Start off the day with a hot chocolate to remember at Cocoa Mountain in Dornoch, enjoyed with a relaxing walk along the beautiful stretch of golden sand that is Dornoch Beach. From here, head north to the fairytale fortress of Dunrobin Castle and enjoy either a guided tour of the inside of the castle or a simple stroll through the gardens below.
After exploring this castle, it is time to head into the northern region of Caithness, stopping off for a quick climb down the stunning Whaligoe Steps to the isolated harbour at the bottom. Continue north onto the ancient ruins of Castle Sinclair and Girnigoe to enjoy a wander through one of Scotland’s most impressive castle ruins.
To finish off the first day on the route, what better place is there than the most northeasterly point of the British mainland, John O’Groats. Here is the best place to spend the night, either on the campsite, or in one of the local hotels, enjoying the stunning view of the islands and open ocean to the north as the sun paints the sky a golden colour to the west.
Day Two - Heading over the hills to the east of the Duncansby Lighthouse, kick off the second day with an incredible view of the Duncansby Stacks (best enjoyed at sunrise). From here it is time to turn west along the northern coast, through the northern town of Thurso, and out towards Strathy Point Lighthouse. Pull into the Strathy Beach parking lot for a quick glance at the stunning beach that lies below, sheltered by the surrounding cliffs, before you continue on to the lighthouse itself.
The next stop lies far to the west, back into the northwestern reach of the region of Sutherland. As you wind your way along the narrow road towards the town of Tongue, keep your eyes peeled to the coastline below on your right for the secluded and secretive Coldbackie Beach. Take your time as you head down the hill onto the beach and enjoy the isolation that the high sand dunes provide from the road that winds around the cliff edge high above.
Cross over the Kyle of Tongue Causeway and continue west soaking up the stunning views of the mountains and lochs that are dotted along the route until you reach the town of Durness. Check into the campsite overlooking Sango Sands beach, or into a hotel in the local village, and relax after another busy day on the route.
Day Three - Turning south, it is time to move onto the most impressive section of the NC500 route. The first stop on the western coast lies far to the south at the small harbour of Tarbet, where you can catch a rib across to the beautiful refuge of Handa Island. Exploring this island will take a couple of hours and the last boat to reach the island leaves just after lunch, so make sure to leave early.
Crossing the iconic Kylesku Bridge and admiring the stunning backdrop of the region of Assynt, the journey continues southwards to the central hub of Ullapool. Stop off at the Knockan Crag Nature Reserve to learn about the fascinating geological phenomenon that this part of the world has on display, before driving to the town of Ullapool to spend the night.
Day Four - Begin the day nice and early with a stunning view of the town of Ullapool from the top of Ullapool Hill at sunrise before you make your way south along Loch Broom. Stop off at the unmissable Corrieshalloch Gorge to marvel at the tumbling cascade of the Falls of Measach and enjoy the view from the viewing platform at the end of the gorge.
As you make your way south, park up at the viewpoint overlooking Little Loch Broom, famous for its part in the movie “Shell”, with beautiful views of the loch to the east and the open ocean to the west. This region of Wester Ross mostly comprises of small and cute harbour towns, so make your way south and pay a visit to a few, Poolewe and Gairlochbeing the top recommendations.
The last two stops of the day sit on the southern coast of Loch Maree, where you can find the beautiful Victoria Fallsand the fascinating Beinn Eighe NNR Centre. At the southern end of the loch lies the small town of Kinlochewe, a fantastic place to rest your head for the night.
Day Five - The fifth and final day of the road trip continues southwest through the Torridon Pass, stopping off at the cute town of Shieldaig, before moving onto the small town of Applecross. If you are a confident driver in a small car then you can reach this via the nailbiting Bealach na Ba pass. However, if you have a larger vehicle it can be reached via the picturesque and winding coastal road along the north of the Applecross Peninsula.
Either way, the final destination at Applecross is worth the journey, sitting at the edge of the mainland and looking across the sea to Skye. Pay a visit to the Applecross Inn for a hot meal and possibly some live entertainment, before either staying the night in Applecross or beginning the journey back to Inverness to round up your NC500 road trip.
Seven Day North Coast 500 Motorhome Itinerary
Spending an entire week on the northern route allows for a slower and more relaxed pace, with a couple of days spent in locations unique to this part of the world. This is the most popular length of time to explore the North Coast 500.
Day One - The first day of the trip can be spent exploring the city centre of Inverness, soaking up the culture you begin your journey north to Dornoch. Visit the Inverness Castle and the Museum and Art Gallery, and learn about the history of the region and the different cultures it has been host to over the centuries.
Enjoy a walk along the River Ness to the secluded Ness Islands and take in the beautiful serenity of nature that can be found not far from the centre of this northern capital. If you want to learn more about the history of the city, tour buses give an excellent overview of Inverness and the surrounding area, a perfect way to get to know the history of Scotland before you begin your road trip.
Before you leave the city, be sure to spend some time exploring the high street and stocking up on souvenirs and essential supplies before you head northwards.
Spend the night here in the city itself or further north in the small town of Dornoch. Either way, be sure to explore the local area and enjoy the bars and restaurants that the area has to offer.
Day Two - Start off the day with a luxurious hot chocolate from the Cocoa Mountain Cafe in Dornoch and stretch your legs on the endless golden sands of Dornoch Beach.
Turning your attention west, head inland to witness the natural phenomenon of the leaping salmon at the Falls of Shin. Here you can see the spectacular migration of salmon making their way up the insane heights of the waterfalls, as they head inland to breed.
Continuing north, the next stop is at the beautiful Dunrobin Castle, one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland. Towering over the splendid gardens that sit at the back of the castle, it is possible to either enjoy a guided tour of the interior or simply wander through the gardens and soak up the peace and tranquility there.
The famous Brora Sands sits another 25 minutes further north of Dunrobin Castle and is well worth a stop. The beautiful, white-sand beaches stretch along the coast for miles and the town is small and quaint. Cows wander around the shoreside golf course and offer the perfect photo opp if you like cute animals.
Our next stop is one of our highlights of the trip, the Whaligoe Steps. This staircase has been built into the vertical drop of the Whaligoe slate cliffs and provides a stunning view below. The Whaligoe Steps are a series of limestone steps leading down the 250ft cliffside to a sheltered harbour area below.
Just 15 minutes on from Whaligoe, the next stop is at Castle Wick. This castle ruin sits on an outcrop of land from the surrounding cliffs, with perilous drops on either side. The Castle of Old Wick is believed to date back to the 12th century. However, all that remains today is the towering ruins of the 4-storey tower.
Further on towards the end of the world you’ll find the rather impressive remains of Castle Sinclair and Girnigoe. This is definitely the most awe-inspiring castle ruin we have ever visited. If you are a Game of Thrones fan you do NOT want to miss this!
Finish off the day at the northern point of John O’Groats and relax in the one of the bars or restaurants with a stunning view of the ocean.
Day Three - Start the day off nice and early with a sunrise view over the incredible sea columns known as the Duncansby Stacks. Sitting 60m above the unforgiving swells of the North Sea, these sea stacks are a testiment to the unbelievable power of nature in this ancient part of the world.
From here, head back into John O’Groats for a quick photo with the iconic signpost before turning west along the northern coast. Not too far away sits the beautiful stretch of sand known as Dunnet Bay, a crescent moon-shaped beach that spans some 1000m along the north coast.
Next up, visit the nearby Castle of Mey and enjoy a tour of the splendid interior of the castle that dates back to the 16th-century and was a set of the hit Netflix show, The Crown.
Further along the coast, on the border between Caithness and Sutherland, the small cove known as Puffin Cove is a slightly tricky walk from the main road. However, the final destination is worth the effort. Puffin Cove is one of the more undiscovered sights on the NC500 that is definitely worth a visit.
Rounding off the third day on the route, the sliver of land home to the Strathy Point Lighthouse is a fantastic place to marvel at the sunset on the northern coast.
Facing directly west, watch as the sun sets into the ocean before heading for your bed for the night, another long day to look forward to tomorrow.
Day Four - If seeing another sunrise is on the cards, the nearby vantage point of Strathy Beach is the place to view it. Perched high above the beach itself, the car park delivers incredible views of the bay and the surrounding cliffs.
The road trip continues to head westward towards the northern coast, along winding roads and between towering giants. As you drive along the coastal road, the sea far below to the right, keep your eyes peeled for the isolated paradise of Coldbackie Beach, hidden from view by the guarding sand dunes around it. This beach is one of the most secluded and beautiful on the route, sitting only a few hundred metres from the main road and yet undiscovered by most. The near-vertical path leading down to it puts off most visitors, however, it is actually easier than you think to get down.
Continuing on through the town of Tongue, the next stop sits on the horizon to the south, overlooking the Kyle of Tongue. Castle Varich sits high atop a hill, proud and defiant against the dramatic backdrop of mountains. The trek to this ruin is short and easy, and the views from the castle of the bay below are simply incredible.
Back onto the road and across the causeway leading away from Tongue, the next stop sits in the town of Durness and is one of the most fascinating on the trip. The ancient Smoo Cave dates back to the time of the Vikings and has been the discovery point of many artifacts suggesting their residence in this cave. Tours run through the cave system and give an incredible insight into the history of this area.
There are a few beaches in this area that are beautiful to behold, from the dramatic cliffs over Ceannabeine Beach to the golden Sango Sands and Balnakeil Beach, these beaches are all a perfect place to relax and enjoy the view. If you are looking for a place to spend the night, the Sango Sands Oasis is an award-winning campsite overlooking the beach.
Day Five - The next day the route turns southwards, leaving behind the north and introducing you to the rugged wilderness of the famous western coast. Explore the winding roads along the northern coast of Loch Inchard, towards the town of Kinlochbervie, and wander along the beautiful Oldshoremore Beach.
The next stop lies to the south on the very western coast of Sutherland at Tarbet harbour. Here you can catch a small boat across to the nature reserve of Handa Island, a crucial nesting spot for thousands of sea birds that make their way to Scotland each and every year. Explore the island for a couple of hours and make sure you don’t miss the boat back to the mainland.
Heading southwards, the award-winning Kylesku Bridge bends the road through the seemingly impenetrable horizon of towering peaks and deep lochs, eventually leading you to the beautiful banks of Loch Assynt. Here the road turns west towards one of Scotland’s most famous and beautiful beaches, Achmelvich Bay. The torquoise water and white sand here resemble that of the Caribbean, although the water temperature, unfortunately, doesn’t.
Doubling back towards Loch Assynt, the road passes by the ruins of Castle Ardvreck, which sits on a spit of land towards the middle of the loch, and winds its way southwards through the ancient and fascinating landscape where continents collide the Knockan Crag Nature Reserve.
Depending on how much daylight is left, the one-hour hike to the Allt nan Uamh (Bone Caves) is definitely an activity that cannot be missed. Visit the ancient caves where the bones of multiple ancient predators were discovered, such as polar bears and wolves.
Continue south through the nature reserve, passing the visitor centre where you can learn about the geology of this landscape, including a discovery that revolutionised the thinking of geologists across the world.
The final stop for the day is in the harbour town of Ullapool, the perfect place to end a busy day with warming pubs, delicious restaurants, and a beautiful view of Loch Broom.
Day Six - Start the day off early with a quick walk up Ullapool Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Loch Broom and the surrounding landscape. From here, look southwards towards the first stop of the day at the deep and powerful Corrieshalloch Gorge, located at the southern end of Loch Broom.
The endless cascade of the Falls of Measach carves a deep ravine into the land, falling 46m into the Corrieshalloch Gorge. The waterfall can be viewed either from the suspension bridge that leads over it or from the viewing platform at the end of the trail that looks back towards the bridge and waterfall.
From here, continue south along the A832, winding your way between the shoulders of the giants that lie dormant in this part of Scotland, and stop off to enjoy the views from some of the harbour towns that sit along the route, such as Pooleweand Gairloch.
Driving south along Loch Maree, the beautiful Victoria Falls sits just a short walk from the car park, easily accessible by a flat, dirt path. From here, continue along the banks of Loch Maree and stop off at the Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre to learn more about the fascinating and diverse wildlife and flora that can be found around the highlands of Scotland.
As the day comes to an end, make the most of the remaining daylight by visiting the viewpoint at Glen Docherty, which looks back down the A832 towards Kinlochewe and Loch Maree, and then double back towards the town. Either spend the night here or further along the route towards Torridon.
Day Seven - One the final day of the route, be sure to take your time as you make your way through the stunning scenery of Wester Ross, along the narrow and winding roads that navigate this region. Along the lower banks of Loch Torridonand past Loch Shieldaig, the road turns south towards Lochcarron and the final stretch of the road trip.
Your journey, however, is far from over, as this final day contains one of the most scenic and nailbiting drives yet. By taking either the direct route over the mountainous terrain of the Applecross Peninsula, known as the Bealach na Ba Pass or by touring the longer scenic route on the northern coast, Applecross is the final destination for this trip.
Make your way around this desolate and unforgiving part of the country and take extra care on the narrow, winding, and slightly eroded roads that lead the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the northern route, with sheep, highland cows, and even deer inhabiting the area.
Once you reach the town of Applecross, spend some time exploring the main street and the small shops that can be found along here, or head out to the Applecross Walled Garden for a coffee and cake.
Finish the trip off with a night to remember in the cosy and welcoming Applecross Inn, with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live entertainment.
So there you have it your complete North Coast 500 motorhome guide. If you have visited the NC500 recently, let us know what you thought of the sights listed above, or if you have any suggestions let us know in the comments below.
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