📷 Photo by Devon Janse van Rensburg on UnsplashThe North Coast 500 from Inverness
Empty beaches, sea caves and single-track roads around the top of Scotland.
- Distance
- 499 km (310 mi)
- Driving
- 6 h 54 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- United Kingdom
- Updated
- June 22, 2026
At a glance: 5-day round trip of about 499 km (310 mi) with 7 stops, starting and ending in Inverness. About 6 h 54 min of driving in total.
More road trips in United Kingdom · More road trips from Inverness
Route description
The North Coast 500 starts in Inverness and heads west on the A835 across the Highlands to Ullapool, a white-painted fishing port on Loch Broom. North of Ullapool the land turns wilder, with the isolated peaks of Assynt rising out of moorland and lochs.
The road narrows as it continues north to the coast, where Smoo Cave, a huge sea cave with a waterfall inside, lies just east of Durness. Durness itself has sandy beaches, and there are more empty beaches in the coves nearby.
The A838 and A836 run east along the north coast past sea lochs, Tongue and Thurso to John o’ Groats. A short drive further, Duncansby Stacks rise from the sea at Britain’s northeastern tip, a short cliff walk from the Duncansby Head lighthouse. The return to Inverness follows the A99 and A9 down the east coast.
Much of the north and west is single-track road with passing places: pull in to let faster traffic by and never park in a passing place. Fuel stations and shops are sparse, so fill up when you can. Late spring and early autumn are quieter than midsummer, when midges can be fierce on still evenings.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Inverness
United Kingdom - 291 km
Ullapool
United Kingdom - 398 km
Smoo Cave
NatureDurness, United KingdomA huge sea cave with a waterfall inside, on the North Coast 500.
- 42 km
Durness
United Kingdom - 5122 km
John o' Groats
United Kingdom - 63 km
Duncansby Stacks
ViewsJohn o' Groats, United KingdomSea stacks at Britain’s northeastern tip, a short cliff walk from the lighthouse.
- 7184 km
Inverness
United Kingdom
Suggested stages and overnight stops
5 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Inverness → Ullapool · 91 km · 1 h 15 minOvernight nearby, for example: Broomfield Holiday Park (< 1 km); Ardmair Point Touring Park (5 km).
- Day 2: Ullapool → Durness · 100 km · 1 h 23 minOn the way: Smoo Cave.Overnight nearby, for example: Sango Sands (< 1 km); Bayview campsite (19 km).
- Day 3: Durness → John o' Groats · 122 km · 1 h 41 minOvernight nearby, for example: John O'Groats Caravan and Camping Site (< 1 km); Ferry View Campsite (6 km).
- Day 4: John o' Groats → Duncansby Stacks · 3 km · 0 h 02 minOvernight nearby, for example: John O'Groats Caravan and Camping Site (2 km); Ferry View Campsite (8 km).
- Day 5: Duncansby Stacks → Inverness · 184 km · 2 h 33 minOvernight nearby, for example: Kessock Caravan Park (4 km); Ardtower Caravan Park (5 km).
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is The North Coast 500 from Inverness?
5-day round trip of about 499 km (310 mi) with 7 stops, starting and ending in Inverness. About 6 h 54 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for The North Coast 500 from Inverness?
We suggest 5 days: about 6 h 54 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does The North Coast 500 from Inverness start and end?
It is a round trip that starts and ends in Inverness.
Which countries does The North Coast 500 from Inverness pass through?
United Kingdom.
Where can you camp along The North Coast 500 from Inverness?
OpenStreetMap lists 33 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Kessock Caravan Park, Ardtower Caravan Park and Bunchrew Caravan Park.
When is the best time for The North Coast 500 from Inverness?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
