North Coast 500 Itinerary | Nomadic Scotland

7-Day Itinerary: North Coast 500

This North Coast 500 itinerary provides recommendations for a hotel for each night if you are on our 4×4 vehicle hire only package, and a registered campsite if you’ve added the camping package. For those seeking a more remote or adventurous experience, alternative resources have been included. You’ll also find links to helpful apps and What3words accounts, designed to assist you when out exploring.

Itinerary Overview

DAY 1 – DUNKELD, ABERFELDY, GLENCOE (DRIVE TIME: 2HR 30)
DAY 2 – FORT WILLIAM, GAIRLOCH (DRIVE TIME: 3HR 30)
DAY 3 – ULLAPOOL, DURNESS (DRIVE TIME: 3HR)
DAY 4 – SMOO CAVE, THURSO, DUNNET BAY (DRIVE TIME: 2HR 30)
DAY 5 – JOHN O’GROATS, CROMARTY (DRIVE TIME: 3HR)
DAY 6 – INVERNESS, CULLODEN, AVIEMORE (DRIVE TIME: 1HR)
DAY 7 – BACK TO NOMADIC SCOTLAND (DRIVE TIME: 1HR 30)

Suggested apps

Inside the Smoo Cave in Durness, Scotland

Day 1 - The Hermitage & Glencoe

From Perth take the A9 north to Dunkeld, where you can visit Dunkeld Cathedral. Just a wee drive further north, you can enjoy a walk at the Hermitage, known for its stunning waterfall. Continue on to Aberfeldy, stopping by the award-winning Highland Chocolatier in Grandtully along the way. In Aberfeldy there is the potential for a distillery tour at Dewar’s World of Whisky or a tasting in the bar. We’ve highlighted several distilleries throughout the trip so you can choose whichever suits best.

From Aberfeldy head to Killin, a great stop to visit the Falls of Dochart and potentially grab lunch at the pub. From here, make your way towards Glencoe, with a detour to Glen Etive, famously known as the ‘Skyfall Glen’. Once in Glencoe there’s a nice 2-3 hour walk into the Lost Valley. Just be mindful of daylight hours, proper footwear etc. After your walk there’s a great pub called the Clachaig Inn.

CAMPSITE: Red Squirrel Campsite, Glencoe
HOTEL: Ballachuilish Hotel

Day 2 - Head West

Head to the town of Fort William, where you’ll find plenty of breakfast options if you haven’t eaten yet. This is also a good spot to stock up on supplies, with a big supermarket and a few smaller ones available. A great way to start the day is with a walk to Steall Falls, which is shorter than the Lost Valley route but equally breathtaking.

After this, you’re heading for Gairloch and the Big Sands campsite. It can be broken up by exploring the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. A bit further along Loch Maree is Victoria Falls another short walk and a lovely stop. The beaches at Gairloch and Big Sands are amazing. If the weather is good you might want to get the driving done early and just spend the day on the beach.

CAMPSITE – Big Sands
HOTEL – Sheildaig Lodge

Day 3 - Heading North

Start your day by heading up the west coast towards Aultbea and over to the Corrie Shalloch Gorge. Stretch the legs and go explore this geological wonder in the north Highlands.

From here head into Ullapool and explore the town. This part of Scotland is renowned for its natural rawness. If the weather is on your side and you’re well equipped there’s an iconic Stac Pollaidh walk that we recommend you try. If you’d prefer to let someone else do the driving, consider a boat trip out to the Summer Isles. The islands have a fascinating history, and if you’re lucky you might even spot a whale!

After this, you’re heading up to Durness and there are lots of beautiful beaches, waterfalls and viewpoints to explore on your way.

CAMPSITE – Sango Sands
HOTEL – Wild Orchid Guesthouse

Day 4 - Across the top of Scotland

Why don’t you start your day by exploring the dramatic and spectacular Smoo Cave, a must-see for any trip to Durness. Afterwards, continue your journey across the top of Scotland, where you’ll be spoilt for choice with the stunning beaches lining this stretch of coast.

For the adventurous, Thurso is a world-renowned cold water surf spot and lessons can be booked at North Coast Watersports. If you’re looking to warm up after braving the waves, head to the award-winning Dunnet Bay Distillery. Don’t miss a visit to the Lighthouse at Dunnet Head, the most northly point on the UK mainland, for breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.

CAMPSITE – Little Croft Campsite
HOTEL – The Mey Hotel

Day 5 - What goes up ...

Head to the most northly town this morning – John O’ Groats, and get your pic taken with the iconic signpost. Then head over to Duncansby Head and check out the sea stacks along the coast. Look out for puffins here! As you head south there are two castles of note – Sinclair Girnigoe (the ruined one) and Dunrobbin (the fairytale one). Up to you which one to visit, or both. You’ve also got the infamous Glenmorangie Distillery en route. To finish the day head onto the Black Isle and the village of Cromarty.

CAMPSITE – Cromarty Camping
HOTEL – The Royal Hotel, Cromarty

Day 6 - Back to the Mountains

There’s a fantastic opportunity to spot dolphins along the coast of the Black Isle. You can either take a boat trip or chance your luck at Chanonry Point near Fortrose, one of the best land-based spots for dolphin-watching in Scotland.

Afterwards, make your way to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. It’s a cool city with plenty of great eateries and well worth a wander around. For history buffs, a visit to the Culloden Battlefield Centre is a must, offering insight into the Jacobite period of Scottish history. If you’re a fan of Outlander or ancient burial sites with standing stones, which pre-date the pyramids, Clava Cairns is definitely worth a stop.

From here, continue your journey towards Aviemore. This lively town is the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. There’s a popular walk nearby to the Green Loch or you can head up to the Cairngorm Ski Centre and explore the National Park in greater depth.

CAMPSITE – Glenmore Campsite
HOTEL – The Boat Country Inn, Aviemore

Day 7 - Nomadic Scotland

It’s a straightforward drive back down the A9 to us in Perth. A stop at “The Harrods of the North” aka House of Bruar is somewhat of an experience and a chance to get any last-minute gifts.

If you’re up for one final adventure, take a short walk to the Falls of Bruar – the stunning waterfalls that inspired the name of the House.

After that, it’s back on to the A9 and straight to us to drop off the car. We hope that you enjoyed your trip through Scotland’s incredible landscapes!

Route map

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Testimonials

The best way to see Scotland! We had a brilliant adventure exploring Assynt and the north west Highlands in June ’24. On our last night, having camped in an isolated glen, we unzipped the tent only to see a juvenile sea eagle fly right by us! First and only holiday I’ve ever seen three sea eagles before breakfast. Such a treat.
The car was great, the tent was comfy and all the kit and accessories were top of the range. It comes ingeniously packed with everything you need – and with plenty of thoughful extras, such as outdoor games for the kids.
Special shoutout to Sandy, who couldn’t have been more helpful in talking us through all the kit, preparing us for the trip, and going out of his way to pick us up and drop us off at our next destination. Knowing that he was on the end of the phone, in case of any issues (there weren’t any) made a massive difference – thanks again, Sandy!

Practicalities: We had an overspill tent but in the end, didn’t need it. Our dog slept in the car and there was enough room for the five of us (two adults, three kids under 10) to fit in the tent.
It’s also worth noting that you’re not allowed to overnight camp in a lot of beauty spots or on private roads, so it can also be worth booking spots at campsites, as well as “wild” camping. We did a bit of both.

We found Nomadic to be a fantastic company. The kids weren’t the only ones disappointed we couldn’t keep the Defender 🙂

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