How to plan for your North Coast 500 Road Trip

Taking on the North Coast 500 road trip has been at the top of my ‘to-do’ travel list for some time. I am going to commit to doing it soon however so it’s time to get planning! The North Coast 500 is probably the most popular road trip in the UK yet due to it being in the stunning yet temperamental Scottish highlands there are only a few months of the year when most people are going to choose to do it. With this in mind, planning is essential! Now I am starting to put my personal plan together here is what I’ve discovered you need to consider when planning your North Coast 500 Road trip:

What is the North Coast 500?

Let’s start with the basics, what actually is this? Starting in Inverness The North Cost 500 (sometimes referred to as the NC500) is a circular road trip that takes in the highlights of the stunning Scottish Northern highlands. Taking in beautiful coastlines, rugged mountain views, gorgeous beaches and remote villages it is often regarded as one of the best road trips in the world

When to do the North Coast 500?

The Scottish weather is famously interchangeable and in Winter the route can often be difficult to navigate due to snow and the daylight hours being significantly shorter. Because of this, the Summer months are the most popular however, it is also when school holidays are for most people in Europe. Children in Scotland start back at school earlier than in England as they go back in August but during all the Summer months you can expect crowds on the route, so plan and make sure you book your campgrounds, hotels and car hire well ahead of time! Summer also has the downside of midges (small biting insects) being heavily present. May and September can often have clear but milder weather than the summer months and won’t be as busy if you want a great alternative and can be better for more active pursuits such as hiking. The Winter months between November and March can be clear and crisp if you get lucky and they aren’t too wet.

How are you going to get around the North Coast 500?

At just over 500 miles this road trip is quite the journey, and the roads are often winding and narrow. For that reason cars, motorbikes and cars are often the best way to get around. If you are taking a caravan or motorhome just bear in mind that the small roads may take some getting used to so take it slow and steady and prepare to use the passing places often. If you live far away from the start and don’t fancy a long drive to the start location or just don’t own your own vehicle there are plenty of places you can rent a car from for the journey. I’d recommend using DiscoverCars, through this site you can simply enter the start and end date of your trip and pick-up location and it will quickly compare over 500 trusted suppliers to ensure you are getting the best deals. You will have a full list of not only prices but different vehicle types so you can choose what is best for your road trip. Whether you want something small and agile or bigger and more commanding for taking on the country roads, you can quickly see a full selection of everything available on DiscoverCars. They also give you key travel facts about the area you are picking up your vehicle from including the legal alcohol limit, speed limits, average gas prices and more general tourist information about the area so it is a really useful site to check out before your trip.

A few committed people take this on by bicycle. At around 50-60 miles a day, it will take you around 10 days to complete. There are a lot of steep climbs so I wouldn’t recommend you take this on unless you have a high level of fitness and the right equipment.

How are you going to get to the North Coast 500?

So you’ve picked your start date and you have your method of transport ready, but how are you going to get to Inverness? Obviously, this depends on where you are coming from. Of course, you can drive to the start from your current location but the quickest route is often to fly. Inverness has its own airport but you may have more flight options if you fly into Glasgow or Edinborough which is just a short train ride away or around a 4-hour drive. It may also give you more options if you plan on renting a car as you can rent one directly from these cities. If you want to save money there’s also the option of getting the train to Inverness or a coach which will leave from various locations throughout the UK. You can also get the Caledonian Sleeper, an overnight train that leaves from London with beds if you want a unique experience.

Where are you going to stay on the North Coast 500?

There are a few ways of figuring out where to stay on route and most of them will come down to your budget. Motorhomes are popular because they solve the issue for you, outside of this you are left with hotels and camping. There are hotels of varying levels of luxury with price tags to match but there are also guest houses, B&Bs and pub accommodations which tend to be on the more affordable end if you don’t want to pitch a tent. Make sure you book well in advance though especially if you are planning to visit during the high season as places will get booked up very fast. On the other end, there are also country manors and converted castles if you really want to make it a magical trip.

Hostels are becoming increasingly available in the highlands if you want to travel on a budget, there are a fair few Boothies (basic shelters that are left unlocked and are open for anyone to use) around the highlands which are free but don’t offer electricity, running water or beds. You do run the risk of getting there to find them taken, however, they offer a restful break from camping, especially if the weather turns bad.

Camping is a very popular way to experience a North Coast 500 road trip. There are lots of formal campsites dotted around and some pubs allow more informal arrangements. Wild camping is legal in Scotland unlike its English neighbours, just make sure you are following the rules of leaving no trace if you decide to do this.

How long are you going to spend doing the North Coast 500?

This is the question most asked about the North Coast 500 road trip. The most common route for cars driving the North Coast 500 road trip is 7 days, however, 10 days gives you a more comfortable time to explore without feeling rushed and you can take up to 2 weeks if you want to do any add-on adventures. You may also want time to explore Inverness, Edinburgh or Glasgow at the start or end of your trip. Looking online you can find plenty of routes available or Rough Guides do a book on the North Coast 500 if you want to look into all the various options.

What do you need to take with you on the North Coast 500?

With the aforementioned changeable weather, layers are the order of the day. Waterproofs and good footwear are essential. Bug repellent is a good idea in the Summer months as well as a portable charger, especially if you are planning on camping without electricity. A sat nav that can work offline is a great choice, or make sure you download the maps to your phone ahead of time for when you reach the locations without any phone signal. The North Coast 500 app can be useful to download to find local tips and attractions.

There are so many reasons people choose to do road trips like the North Coast 500 — whether it’s for adventure, a holiday, or even a honeymoon. Whatever the occasion, packing well is key to making the most of it. If you’re travelling as a couple, taking a look at a detailed honeymoon packing list can actually be a great starting point, helping you cover not just the practical items, but a few thoughtful extras that can make the experience even more memorable.

There are all the things you need to consider when planning your North Coast 500 Road trip. I’m ready to pack my bags and head off on my trip soon! Have any tips or tricks? Let me know in the comments.