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7 Day Highlights

Enjoy some of the top highlights along the North Coast 500!

As you may have heard the North Coast 500 boasts some of the most staggeringly beautiful and diverse scenery in the world with jutting mountains, serene lochs, large sea caves, deep glens and Caribbean-style beaches and some of the oldest rocks on the planet! With this, The North Coast 500 offers an array of opportunities and experiences that make the most of our varied landscapes.


Travel back in time as you discover scattered Iron Age brochs, cairns, standing stones, fairy tale castles and haunting ruins. Experience a wide range of outdoor activities in some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the NC500. From fishing, white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking to rock climbing and mountain biking. Uncover the wildlife, sea life and bird life along the NC500 – there are limitless opportunities. Take a look at some of our suggestions here.

With this in mind, the 7 day highlight itinerary will provide an insight into the most popular places to visit, including a variety of the above experiences, but there are endless opportunities around the route! Find out more in our what to see and do area of our website.


7 Day Highlights - Day 1

Inverness - Evanton (approx.17 miles)

AM Explore the capital

Spend the start of your NC500 adventure exploring the capital of the Highlands – Inverness!

The most northerly city in the UK is becoming increasingly popular among visitors.  Saunter down to Ness Islands and enjoy the walk along the tree lined river to the group of small islands in the middle of the river connected by Victorian suspension bridges. Follow this by a visit to Inverness Cathedral or the Victorian Market and explore the unique range of shops within the Victorian Market.

Lunch 

Discover the city’s flourishing culinary scene – there are plenty restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from.

  • Savour the tastes of the season at the stunning Torrish restaurant within Ness Walk. Spearheaded by the creative and artistic talent of Executive Chef Craig Douglas, Torrish offers a menu with innovation at its core.

PM Spot the Dolphins!

You have no doubt heard about the famous bottle nose dolphins that reside in the Moray Firth. Why not take to the seas and spot them for yourself with Dolphin Spirit.

Dolphin Spirit offer boat trips out on the Moray Firth in search of a variety of wildlife and our very own domestic population of Bottlenose Dolphins.  They have a choice of boat trips on offer for all the family to enjoy.

Evening Accommodation & Evening Meal

We have a few recommendations for you:

Continue on to Evanton – a picturesque village a mile off the main route of the North Coast 500.

      • Kiltearn House – This Victorian former Manse is set in a beautiful countryside location directly on the coast with magnificent sea views across the Cromarty Firth.
      • Assynt House – This 5 Star Exclusive Use Venue offers guests a home from home experience within the luxury of a Georgian Manor House.

Continue along the east coast to:

      • Quality accommodation and a warm welcome awaits you at Cuillich Mill, choose from either their bed and breakfast rooms, or the self contained (pet friendly) comfy shepherd’s hut complete with relaxing hot tub
      • White Rose Tower is a modern take on the traditional Scottish tower house. Nestled amongst the tranquil woodlands of Ross-Shire it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

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Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more.

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more.

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We go that extra 500 miles to help...

Vehicle Hire

Looking to Hire a Vehicle?

Whether you need a compact car, an off-roader or something to keep the whole family comfortable, Arnold Clark in Inverness offer an unrivalled range of vehicles to take on every terrain.

Alternatively you could use our Interactive Map to search for classic car, 4×4, motorcycle or motorhome and campervan hire.

Road Safety

When you are on this wonderful touring route, you will be sharing it with the people whose lives and livelihoods depend on the roads in and around the NC500, as well as your fellow travellers from all over the world, so make sure you know how to drive and ride responsibly, safely and respectfully, and remember to leave the countryside as you would all wish to find it – leave no trace of your visit!

Please read our Road Safety advice and visit our Top Tips section for other useful advice to help you plan your trip.

Travelling to the Highlands

With Caledonian Sleeper, you get to say goodnight to queuing in traffic, and wake up to something different while you travel to Scotland. Allow yourself to unwind from the stress of everyday life as you snooze your way through the night. After a comfortable night’s sleep wake up in the very heart of the Highlands feeling refreshed and ready to make the very most of your adventure.

Itineraries Info

All our itineraries are based on suggestions alone. If you would like a more comprehensive option please head to our interactive map. Itineraries are based on main seasonality opening times from March to September – remember to pre book meals/activities/tours.

Set up base

While many NC500 travellers spend one night in a handful of different locations as they travel the route, a large proportion of visitors opt to set up base in a number of locations around the route – spending a few nights in each place and getting to know the different regions that make up the route.

Guided tours

Explore the North Coast 500 with bespoke guided tours from North Coast Explorer

Additional Itineraries

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NC500 Champions

Our Corporate Partners

Singleton Clynelish Dunnet Bay Distillers Arnold Clark Park's Motor Group Morham + Brotchie Partnership Gras
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