Tel: 07970222221

NC500 DUB Camper Hire Campervan guide

North Coast 500 Campervan Adventure: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Scottish Road Trip

Welcome to the DUB Camper Hire NC500 Guide, your ultimate resource for exploring Scotland’s most iconic road trip: the North Coast 500. Known as the “Route 66 of Scotland,” the NC500 is a 516-mile scenic loop around the rugged northern coast, offering jaw-dropping landscapes, historic sites, and unforgettable adventures. Traveling by campervan allows you to experience the route at your own pace, with the flexibility to stop wherever inspiration strikes—from quiet beaches and charming fishing villages to towering cliffs and ancient castles.

If you’re planning a road trip in Scotland and can only do one, the North Coast 500 (NC500) is a must.. It’s an unforgettable journey through Scotland’s natural beauty.

This guide outlines a detailed 7-9 day NC500 campervan itinerary, highlights top attractions, and provides essential travel tips to help you make the most of your adventure.

How Long Does the NC500 Take?

The NC500 is a circular route starting and ending in Inverness, spanning approximately 516 miles. However, the journey offers countless stops and diversions worth exploring.

To fully enjoy the experience, it’s best to allow at least a week. This timeframe lets you appreciate the sights and attractions at a relaxed pace. While it’s possible to complete the route in a few days, rushing through means missing many of the highlights that make this trip extraordinary.

Is the NC500 Suitable for Campervans?

Absolutely! The route is well-equipped for campervans, with numerous scenic campsites and parking facilities along the way. The roads are navigable for motorhomes so campervans are able to easily navigate the roads; trucks servicing remote communities traverse these routes daily. However, be mindful of narrow single-track roads and ensure your driver is confident with such terrain.

Traveling by camper allows flexibility, eliminating the rush to meet hotel reservations. You can wake up to the serene beauty of Scotland’s landscapes right outside your door.

Suggested NC500 Campervan Itinerary

Day 1:  Head to Aviemore

  • Pick up your campervan from DUB Camper Hire.
  • Drive about six hours to Aviemore, a charming village in the Cairngorms National Park.
  • Stay at High Range campsite and enjoy a nearby Italian restaurant or other local dining options.
  • Explore family-friendly activities such as forest adventure parks or white-water rafting.
  • Get a good night’s sleep

Day 2: Aviemore to Inverness and Beyond

  • Begin your journey toward Inverness, the NC500’s unofficial starting point.
  • Visit Inverness Castle for panoramic city views.
  • Stop at the Black Isle for dolphin spotting at Chanonry Point (timed for low tide), a hike to Fairy Glen, or a visit to the Black Isle Brewery.
  • End the day at Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park, located near award-winning beaches.

Day 3: Explore Dornoch to John O’Groats

  • Start with a peaceful morning stroll along Dornoch Firth.
  • Visit Dunrobin Castle for a tour, falconry display, or a bite at its tea room.
  • Head to John O’Groats for a photo at the iconic signpost, then enjoy the dramatic scenery of Duncansby Stacks.
  • Stay overnight at Dunnet Bay Caravan Club.

Day 4: Dunnet Bay to Durness

  • Enjoy a quiet walk at Farr Beach near Bettyhill. If swimming in the ocean isn’t appealing, visit the nearby North Coast Leisure Pool.
  • Explore the coastal village of Tongue, including Castle Varrich, Coldbackie Beach, and local cafes.
  • Camp at Sango Sands Oasis in Durness, perched atop scenic cliffs.

Day 5: Outdoor Adventures in Durness

  • Visit Smoo Cave, one of Britain’s largest sea caves.
  • For thrill-seekers, try the Golden Eagle Zipline with ocean views.
  • Alternatively, enjoy wildlife spotting at Cape Wrath or explore local beaches.
  • Spend a second night at Sango Sands Oasis to fully experience the area.

Day 6: Durness to Gairloch

  • Cross the Kylesku Bridge, stopping for photos of its spectacular views.
  • Hike to the stunning Wailing Widow Falls near Loch na Gainmhich.
  • Stop in Ullapool for lunch before heading to Sands Caravan and Camping Site in Gairloch.

Day 7: Gairloch to Plockton

  • Drive along the scenic coastal route to Applecross (avoid Bealach Na Ba if in a large motorhome).
  • Visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle before finishing the day at Loch Ness Shores Camping & Caravanning Club Site.

Day 8: Head back home

  • Drive south and head back home

Adjusting the Itinerary

  • Short on time? Skip a night in Durness to complete the trip in 7 days.
  • Prefer a slower pace? Add an extra night in Gairloch or Shieldaig to explore more.

Planning Your NC500 Campervn Trip

For a luxurious and hassle-free experience, check out the range of campervans available at DUB Camper Hire. 

Visit the website to book your campervan today and start planning your ultimate Scottish road trip!