NC500 Itinerary: Your 3, 5 and 7-Day North Coast 500 Route Planner
The North Coast 500 covers 516 miles of northern Scotland. It starts and ends in Inverness, taking you up the east coast, across the dramatic north, and back down the west. How long you take shapes everything about the experience. A 3-day NC500 itinerary is a focused northern loop, for example, while five days gives you breathing room. Seven days, on the other hand, lets you stop more and take more in.
Below, we’ve mapped out all three options so you can plan your Scotland trip itinerary properly before you leave. And we’re well-positioned to offer NC500 advice, because here at the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk, Caithness, we sit right in the middle of the NC500’s northern section. So, we know a thing or two about the route and know how to make the most of it.
How long does it take to drive the North Coast 500? NC500 Itinerary
The NC500 route is 516 miles in total, and technically, you could drive it in two days. However, if you ask anybody who’s taken the drip, they’ll tell you that you really should spend more time. This is largely because the roads are single-track in many places, and the scenery demands regular stops. There’s also so much to see, that you’d be better of planning in more time than you might first thing.
As a result, most travellers allow five to seven days. Ten days is also possible if you want to explore even more deeply, but the core experiences are comfortably covered in seven.
The best time to drive the NC500 is May to September. Why? Because days are long, most attractions are open, and the weather is at its most cooperative. And as you might expect, July and August are the busiest months.
NC500 3-day itinerary: the northern highlights loop
Three days on the NC500 works best as a focused northern loop rather than an attempt at the full route. This covers the most dramatic stretch of the journey without feeling rushed.
Day 1: Inverness to Caithness
Drive north from Inverness up the east coast. Key stops include Dunrobin Castle near Golspie, the clifftop ruins at Dunbeath, and the remarkable Whaligoe Steps near Ulbster, where 365 steps descend to a natural harbour. Allow around three hours of driving with stops, and arrive in Caithness in the afternoon.
Day 2: Caithness exploration day
Use the Ulbster Arms Hotel as your base and spend the day covering the northern highlights. Dunnet Head is the most northerly point on the British mainland, for example, while John O’Groats and Duncansby Head are a short drive east. What’s more, the Duncansby Stacks offer some of the best coastal scenery on the entire route.
Next, Castle of Mey, the late Queen Mother’s private residence, is open May to September. Wick Harbour is also worth an hour in the afternoon. Finally, you can return to Ulbster Arms for the night before tackling day three of your NC500 itinerary.
Day 3: Caithness to Durness
After waking up and having your fill of a beautiful Scottish breakfast, head west along the north coast. This stretch passes through Thurso, Melvich, Bettyhill, and Tongue, and the Kyle of Tongue causeway offers one of the most photographed views on the NC500 west coast section.
Finally, end the day at Durness, where Smoo Cave sits dramatically at the base of limestone cliffs. From here, most travellers either loop back to Inverness via the A838 and A9 or continue south down the northwest coast.
NC500 5-day itinerary: room to breathe
Five days on the NC500 is the most popular choice for most travellers. Why? Because it covers the full route comfortably and gives you more time to enjoy more of this beautiful country.
Day 1: Inverness to Dornoch or Golspie
An easier first day starts at Inverness Cathedral and the Victorian Market, which are worth an hour before you leave. Then, drive north to Dornoch or Golspie, stopping at Dunrobin Castle. The East Coast here is gentler and more accessible than what comes later. It’s therefore a good way to ease into the NC500 route.
Day 2: Golspie to Caithness
On your second day, head north through Helmsdale and Dunbeath. And be sure to stop at Whaligoe Steps. Arrive in Caithness by early afternoon, leaving time to explore Wick before dinner.
Day 3: Caithness exploration day
Day 3 of your NC500 itinerary is best spent covering the northern highlights: Dunnet Head, John O’Groats, Duncansby Head, and the Castle of Mey.
With five days, you also have time to visit one of the local distilleries or catch the ferry from Scrabster to Orkney for a few hours. Of course, it’s recommended that you spend these two nights at the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Caithness.
Day 4: Caithness to Durness or Tongue
Wake up and head west along the NC500 north coast. Stop at Thurso, drive through Bettyhill, and take time at the Kyle of Tongue. With this extra day, you can slow this stretch right down. Smoo Cave at Durness is a highlight, and we’d recommend an overnight stay in Durness or Tongue.
Day 5: Durness to Inverness via Ullapool
The northwest coast section runs south from Durness through some of the most remote scenery in Scotland. Handa Island, Assynt, and Loch Assynt are all on this stretch. And Ullapool makes a natural lunch stop. From there, the drive back to Inverness takes around an hour and a half.
NC500 7-day itinerary: the full experience
Seven days is the NC500 route at its best. You have time to stop when something catches your eye, take longer walks, and genuinely explore rather than tick off landmarks. This is the version most people remember for the rest of their lives, and it’s what we’d recommend at the Ulbster Arms Hotel.
Day 1: Inverness
Spend the first day of your NC500 7-day itinerary in Inverness. From here, Inverness Castle, the Victorian Market, and a visit to Loch Ness to the south are all worth your time. A relaxed start makes the days that follow feel less rushed.
Day 2: Inverness to Dornoch
Drive north to Dornoch, one of the most underrated towns in Scotland. The medieval cathedral, the championship golf links, and the beaches here deserve more than a passing stop. Overnight in Dornoch.
Day 3: Dornoch to Caithness
North through Golspie, stopping at Dunrobin Castle, then continue through Helmsdale and Dunbeath. Stop at Whaligoe Steps. Arrive in Caithness in the afternoon and overnight at Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk.
Day 4: Caithness exploration day
A full day in Caithness includes Dunnet Head, John O’Groats, Duncansby Head, Castle of Mey, and Wick. And in seven days, you can move slowly and take the coastal walks properly. Consider an evening at one of the local distilleries, too, and spend a second night at Ulbster Arms for true Highland hospitality.
We also have three of the fastest EV chargers in the Highlands, and offer dog-friendly accommodation for your four-legged friends.
Day 5: Caithness to Durness
On day five, head west along the north coast. Take the Kyle of Tongue causeway slowly, and stop at Smoo Cave before spending a night in Durness or Tongue. This is one of the most remote days on the route, so plan fuel stops in Thurso before you leave.
Day 6: Durness to Ullapool via Assynt
The northwest coast on a good day is extraordinary. Handa Island, Loch Assynt, Ardvreck Castle, and Inverpolly are all on this stretch, and Ullapool is a natural overnight stop with good restaurants and harbour town atmosphere.
Day 7: Ullapool to Inverness
The final leg runs south through Garve and back into Inverness. This is the shortest driving day of the trip, so take it slowly. Stop at Corrieshalloch Gorge near Braemore Junction, one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Highlands, and arrive back in Inverness in the afternoon.
NC500 itinerary tips: what to know before you go
A few practical points that make a real difference on the road. First, drive clockwise from Inverness when considering your NC500 route. This puts the scenic East Coast on your left in the morning light and saves the dramatic West Coast for later in the trip. As a result, most experienced NC500 travellers recommend it.
Second, book accommodation on the NC500 as early as possible. The northern section in particular fills up fast, which is why you’ll need the right place to stay.
Third, plan your fuel stops carefully. There are long stretches with no petrol stations, especially on the northwest coast. Fill up in Thurso before heading west.
Finally, download offline maps before you leave. Signal drops out on large sections of the route.
For everything you need to know about where to stay in Caithness, including room options, EV charging, dog-friendly accommodation, and local highlights, visit our full NC500 accommodation guide.
Road safety and driving resources
Driving the NC500 requires careful attention due to winding roads and variable conditions. Here are a few important points to note:
- Always drive on the left side of the road.
- Be mindful of single-track roads and use passing places to pass other drivers safely.
- Slow down when approaching bends or hill crests.
- Watch for sheep, deer and other animals in the road, especially at dawn or dusk.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles at all times.
- Avoid stopping in the road for photographs, and look for safe places to pull over.
- Plan fuel stops in advance, as petrol stations can be far apart.
- Keep headlights on during poor visibility.
- Drive cautiously in wet or icy conditions.
- Respect speed limits and road signs.
- Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before starting your trip.
- Stay alert and drive responsibly throughout your journey.
- Mobile signal may be weak in some areas, so carry a paper map and compass as a backup.
- Have an emergency kit in your car, just in case.
- Check weather forecasts before setting out each day.
Take a look at these guides and resources for further details:
- North Coast 500 – Find route maps, itineraries, attractions and more.
- Traffic Scotland – For live updates on traffic and road conditions.
- Met Office – To check the local weather forecast before travelling.
- The Highway Code – For speed limits, road safety and driving laws in the UK
Stay at Ulbster Arms Hotel on your NC500 itinerary
Ulbster Arms Hotel sits in Halkirk, Caithness, right in the heart of the NC500’s northern section. We are therefore the natural overnight stop between the east coast drive and the north coast run west.
Base yourself at the Ulbster Arms Hotel near Thurso, where we offer free parking for all guests
And whether you are following a 3-day, 5-day, or 7-day North Coast 500 itinerary, Caithness deserves at least two nights. Check our current offers and book your stay today. You can also call us on 01847 831 641 or contact us online with any questions.