When planning your NC500 routeor once you're on the road, don't look at the map and think 'we've only got 80 miles to drive today, we'll have loads of time'. Despite the increasing popularity of this route, we were blown away by the incredible scenery as we were treated to stunning viewpoints, out-of-this-world landscapes, and a wide array of beaches.

The North Coast 500 - Love, from Scotland The complete guide to The North Coast 500 - Love, from Scotland

Whether it is driving in the summer or travelling through heavy rain– the NC500 has a wide range of different conditions that you should be prepared for. Caithness: In this part of the road trip, you will pass through the iconic John o’Groats – the most northerly village of mainland Britain. Dunnet Head is the official most northern part of Britain. So, don't buy absolutely everything you need at the supermarket in Inverness and put some money into local shops. And, although you may not be able to eat out every single night or for every single lunch due to time, preference or budget limitations, please do make a point of having some coffees and meals out during your visit!Although there are a lot of itineraries floating around, we had a hard time finding information on how to do this trip on a campervan which is why we decided to write this in-depth article. There are lots of blind summits and sharp, blind corners - they are usually signposted, but it's your job to anticipate these and approach sensibly. So, don't be surprised if you are met with a blank faced look when you ask somebody for directions to Gairloch or if they know a good restaurant in Torridon - the likelihood is you're saying it all wrong. Plan | We’ve shared all the key information on how to get to Inverness, plus how to spend your time in the city before or after your North Coast 500 adventure, in this post: Our Wee Guide to Inverness.

The Rough Guide to the North Coast 500 (Compact Travel Guide)

Hailed as Scotland’s Route 66, this fantastic road trip has gained popularity over the years and is now being religiously traveled using cars, bikes, campervans, and even motorcycles. We had long dreamed of discovering the Scottish Highlands together, and the creation of the North Coast 500 offered the perfect opportunity. This means it's sensible to drive, fly, or train into Inverness and bookend your travels with a night or two there.

The NC500 is not a route for drivers looking for driving fast through the rugged landscapes of northern Scotland. The speed limits are often low with single-lanes. During our drive up the West Coast, the scenery was unreal and just really out of this world. But the closer we got to the north, we started seeing the sights that the United Kingdom is known for. For a smooth and safe drive, it is important to evenly distribute the weight of your items across the car. Lastly, it's always a very good idea to bring a thermos (we use this oneon our travels) for spontaneous cups of tea or coffees with a view along the way!