The NC500 is 516 miles of the best coastal driving in Europe, and the most common mistake is rushing it in three days. Here is a five-day plan that leaves room for the reasons you came.
Out west through Achnasheen to Lochcarron, then the main event: the Bealach na Ba, Britain's greatest road climb. Twenty percent hairpins to 626m, then down into Applecross for dinner at the inn. Short mileage, huge day.
The coast road north past Shieldaig, Torridon's mountains on your right, then Kinlochewe, Gairloch and Gruinard Bay. Ullapool is the north west's capital: harbour, chippy, live music if you are lucky.
The wildest day. Assynt's mountains (detour to Stac Pollaidh if legs allow), Kylesku's beautiful bridge, and the long empty run to Durness. Stop at Smoo Cave and walk to Sango Bay. This is the emptiest corner of Britain; enjoy being small.
The top of Britain: Tongue, the Kyle causeway, then east along the north coast to John o' Groats for the photograph and Duncansby Stacks for the better one. South past Wick's ruins to Dornoch's cathedral village.
An easy run home, or stretch it: Glenmorangie at Tain, Cromarty on the Black Isle, dolphins at Chanonry Point on a rising tide. Back in Inverness for a last supper.
The complete route with stops is ready to drive: North Coast 500 on Scenic Way. Quieter alternative? Consider the Snow Roads instead.
The full NC500 is a featured route in Scenic Way: one tap for turn-by-turn with live traffic, on iPhone and CarPlay, with your own stops added in.
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