Scotland Travel
North Coast 500: How to Plan by Private Car
A driver-planned NC500 for people who want the scenery without the driving
Key takeaways
- Route is 516 miles from Inverness
- 5 days is the ideal pace
- Private driver removes single-track road stress
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is Scotland''s answer to Route 66 — a 516-mile loop starting and ending in Inverness that takes in the wildest coastline in the UK. Most self-drivers rush it in 3 days. A private car lets you actually enjoy it.
Recommended duration
- 3 days — Fast-paced, one or two headline stops per day
- 5 days (recommended) — Comfortable pace, time for beaches, walks and distilleries
- 7 days — Photography, hiking and multiple distillery visits
Day-by-day (5-day plan)
Day 1 — Inverness → Applecross via the Bealach na Bà pass. Stay at Applecross Inn.
Day 2 — Applecross → Ullapool via Torridon and Gairloch. Seafood dinner at The Ceilidh Place.
Day 3 — Ullapool → Durness. Stop at Achmelvich Beach, Ardvreck Castle and Smoo Cave.
Day 4 — Durness → John o'' Groats via Cape Wrath viewpoint and Dunnet Head.
Day 5 — John o'' Groats → Inverness via Dunrobin Castle and the Glenmorangie Distillery.
Why book a driver
- Single-track roads and passing places are exhausting to drive
- Weather changes hourly — you want a driver focused on the road, not distracted
- Rural fuel stops close early
- No parking stress at popular viewpoints
Vehicle choice
For 2 guests, an executive saloon or SUV with panoramic glass roof is ideal. For families or groups of 4+, a V-Class MPV offers luggage space for a week away.
Related reading
CabsLink builds fully bespoke NC500 tours including hotels, dining reservations and photography stops.
Frequently asked questions
CabsLink Team
Editorial
Editorial team at CabsLink writing about private travel, airport transfers and Scottish day tours.