The North Coast 500 Road Trip

Nine Day Journey, Through Scotland’s Wild Beauty

There’s something utterly magical about Scotland—the kind of magic that sneaks up on you in the form of ancient castles, haunting landscapes, misty lochs, and charming villages. We set off on the famed North Coast 500, Scotland’s answer to Route 66, craving adventure, scenery, and a proper dose of Highland hospitality. Over 9 days, we drove over 500 miles through the country’s most dramatic landscapes. Here's a detailed look at each unforgettable day.

Day 1

Embarking on a long journey to Edinburgh, starting in Birmingham.

Castles, Vaults & Witchery
Our journey began in Birmingham with a long drive to the historic city of Edinburgh, where the old world seems to whisper from every cobbled street. We wandered through the towering Edinburgh Castle, perched high atop Castle Rock, offering sweeping views of the city below. From royal regalia to tales of war and siege, its storied walls echo with centuries of rich and fascinating history.

Later in the day, we took a guided tour of the Edinburgh Vaults, an eerie labyrinth beneath the South Bridge, filled with dark tales of the city’s underbelly—ghost stories, smugglers, and all.

We finished our first day with dinner at The Witchery by the Castle, an opulent, candle-lit spot full of gothic charm and old-world elegance. The food was divine and the ambiance unmatched. It was the perfect send-off before heading onto the Highlands.

Day 2

Mysteries of Loch Ness & Highland Folk Tunes
We left Edinburgh and made our way north to Loch Ness, home of Scotland’s most elusive monster. The highlight of the day was a boat tour past Urquhart Castle, where ancient ruins stand dramatically against the dark, seemingly bottomless waters of the loch. I was surprised by just how black the water appeared, mysterious and slightly unsettling in the best way.

That night we stayed at Coo’s Guest House in Inverness, a cozy, friendly place that felt like home. For dinner, we headed to MacGregor’s Bar, where traditional Scottish folk music filled the air. Between the music, hearty food, and warm whisky, we felt completely immersed in Highland culture.

Day 3

Waterfalls, Dolphins & Fairytale Castles
Our next stop was Golspie, and the drive itself was part of the charm. We visited Fairy Glen Falls, a peaceful woodland walk that felt like stepping into a Celtic fairytale. From there, we made stops in Rosemarkie, known for dolphin sightings, and Cromarty, a lovely historic town with cobbled lanes and sea views.

The showstopper was Dunrobin Castle, often compared to a French chateau with its pointed turrets and formal gardens. We didn't view the inside, but could imagine the rooms to be lavish.

We spent the night at the Golspie Inn, one of the oldest coaching inns in the area, full of character and local charm.

Day 4

To the Edge of the World: John O'Groats & Dunnet Bay
From Golspie, we headed to the very tip of mainland Scotland—John O’Groats. The wind was fierce, the sea endless, and the iconic signpost marked the extreme northern point of our journey. It felt surreal to be standing at the "end of the road."

We continued to Dunnet Bay, where golden sands met the wild North Sea. The dramatic contrast of beach against cliffs was breathtaking.

That evening, we checked into Greenland Bed and Breakfast, a hidden gem with warm hosts and the kind of peace you can only find in the far north.

Day 5

Caves, Cliffs & Crossing the Kyle
This was a day of rugged coastline and geological wonders. Before reaching Durness, we stopped at the remote and beautiful Farr Beach and Day Bay, each offering golden sand and utter solitude.

One of the trip's highlights was crossing the Kyle of Tongue, a scenic stretch of road flanked by mountains and lochs. We looped around the massive Loch Eriboll, which looked more like a fjord than a loch.

That night we stayed at the Smoo Cave Hotel, conveniently located near the impressive Smoo Cave—a sea cave with a freshwater waterfall hidden inside.

Day 6

Sandwood Bay & Sutherland’s Wild Side
The morning hike to Sandwood Bay was unforgettable. It’s a 4-mile trek each way, but well worth it—this beach is only accessible on foot, and its wild beauty is untouched. Rolling dunes, sea stacks, and not a soul in sight. It was like discovering a secret paradise.

Afterward, we took in the views over Scourie Bay before arriving at Eddrachilles Hotel in Sutherland. The setting, nestled between lochs and hills, was serene and soul-soothing.

Day 7

Mountains, Peninsulas & Ullapool Nights
We continued our coastal adventure toward Ullapool, with a stop in Lochinver for a laid-back lunch. Then we took the detour around the Drumbeg Peninsula, often called one of the most scenic drives in Scotland. The road was narrow and winding, but every turn revealed something stunning—towering peaks, deep sea inlets, and rolling moorland.

We landed at The Arch Inn in Ullapool—a lively harbour town with great seafood and traditional music. The pub buzzed with friendly locals and travellers sharing stories.

Day 8

Cake, Coffee & Five-Star Comfort in Torridon
Wanting a bit of luxury near the end of our trip, we booked a stay at The Torridon Hotel in Wester Ross. On the way, we stopped at Mountain Coffee Company, a cozy café between Poolewe and Gairloch, for coffee and cake—an ideal break with mountain views.

The Torridon was absolutely stunning. The lochside setting, the fine dining, the luxurious rooms—it was our splurge night and totally worth it.

Day 9

The Grand Finale: Applecross, Glencoe & Glasgow
The final leg of our journey took us from the tranquil Torridon to the vibrant city of Glasgow, but not without some final showstoppers. We tackled the Applecross Pass, one of the UK’s highest roads, and enjoyed a scenic sandwich at the famous Applecross Inn.

From there, we passed through Invergarry, Fort William, and the haunting beauty of Glencoe, where mist hugged the mountains. A stop at Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest loch, was the perfect closing chapter.

We reached Jurys Inn, Glasgow tired but buzzing from everything we’d experienced. 500 miles of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable moments.

Final Thoughts

The North Coast 500 isn’t just a road trip—it’s a soul-stirring adventure, a love letter to the land and its people. Over nine days, we didn’t just see Scotland, we felt it. We stood on the edge of windswept cliffs and listened to the silence of hidden beaches. We swapped stories with locals over drinks and folk tunes. We marveled at castles that seemed pulled straight from legends, and drove roads that unraveled like a poem.

Each bend in the road brought something new, something wild, ancient, or unexpectedly moving. The beauty of the NC500 isn’t just in its iconic spots, but in the little in-between moments: the sudden view of a stag silhouetted against the hills, the lingering scent of peat smoke, the warmth of a stranger’s greeting.

If you are considering it, go ahead and take your time. Allow the slow pace and natural beauty to leave a lasting impression on you. Scotland has a unique ability to linger in your mind long after you've left. This experience taught us that often, the most meaningful journeys do more than alter your surroundings; they transform you.