How long is the North Coast 500: Scotland's Highland Loop route?

This route takes 7 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Inverness to Inverness in Scottish Highlands, Scotland.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to September.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Coastal, Nature, Classic road trip, Adventure.

North Coast 500: Scotland's Highland Loop

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The route · 7 stops

6 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

Inverness

1 night

The Highland capital and the official start/finish of the loop. Stock up, pick up the hire car, and walk the River Ness islands before heading west. A good place to spend the first night and beat any jet lag before the driving begins.The Highland capital and the official start/finish of the loop. Stock up, pick up the hire car, and walk the River Ness islands before heading west. A good place to spend the first night and beat any jet lag before the driving begins.

Recommendations

2h 17m · 128 km drive to Applecross

Applecross

1 night

Reached over the Bealach na Bà, Britain's most dramatic mountain pass — a single-track switchback climbing to 626 m. The tiny coastal township looks across to Skye and is famous for fresh seafood at the Applecross Inn. Treat this as a one-night base for the drive itself rather than a big destination.Reached over the Bealach na Bà, Britain's most dramatic mountain pass — a single-track switchback climbing to 626 m. The tiny coastal township looks across to Skye and is famous for fresh seafood at the Applecross Inn. Treat this as a one-night base for the drive itself rather than a big destination.

Recommendations

2h 18m · 137 km drive to Ullapool

Ullapool

2 nights

The liveliest village on the west coast and the natural mid-route hub. Whitewashed houses line a working ferry harbour on Loch Broom. Use it as a two-night base to slow down: boat trips to the Summer Isles, the nearby Corrieshalloch Gorge, and some of the best dining on the route.The liveliest village on the west coast and the natural mid-route hub. Whitewashed houses line a working ferry harbour on Loch Broom. Use it as a two-night base to slow down: boat trips to the Summer Isles, the nearby Corrieshalloch Gorge, and some of the best dining on the route.

Recommendations

1h 52m · 109 km drive to Durness

Durness

1 night

The remote north-west corner, where the road rounds the top of the mainland. Highlights are Smoo Cave, the white sands of Sango Bay, and the Cocoa Mountain chocolatier at Balnakeil. A one-night stop sets you up for the north coast.The remote north-west corner, where the road rounds the top of the mainland. Highlights are Smoo Cave, the white sands of Sango Bay, and the Cocoa Mountain chocolatier at Balnakeil. A one-night stop sets you up for the north coast.

Recommendations

2h 16m · 115 km drive to Thurso

Thurso

1 night

The largest town on the north coast and a practical overnight before turning south. Nearby Dunnet Head is mainland Britain's most northerly point, and John o' Groats is a short detour for the classic signpost photo. Surfers know Thurso East for its reef break.The largest town on the north coast and a practical overnight before turning south. Nearby Dunnet Head is mainland Britain's most northerly point, and John o' Groats is a short detour for the classic signpost photo. Surfers know Thurso East for its reef break.

Recommendations

1h 39m · 111 km drive to Dornoch

Dornoch

1 night

A genteel cathedral town of sandstone and a famous championship links golf course, on the gentler east coast. It's the wind-down before the short final run back to Inverness — and a chance to detour to Dunrobin Castle just up the road.A genteel cathedral town of sandstone and a famous championship links golf course, on the gentler east coast. It's the wind-down before the short final run back to Inverness — and a chance to detour to Dunrobin Castle just up the road.

Recommendations

On the way

Inverness
1h 1m · 70 km
Close the loop back in the Highland capital. The short final drive south from Dornoch returns you to where you started — drop the car, or spend a last night before onward travel.Close the loop back in the Highland capital. The short final drive south from Dornoch returns you to where you started — drop the car, or spend a last night before onward travel.
Recommendations

North Coast 500: Scotland's Highland Loop