This year marks the 10th anniversary since the North Coast 500 first launched—it only feels right we do a post about it. It’s arguably one of Scotland’s biggest tourism success stories, boosting business by up to 20% in the first two years and creating an increase in tourism of 26%. For local businesses nestled away, it was amazing.
And if you’re considering following the route, you’re about to make the best road trip decision of your life. You can’t even call this a road trip; it’s the adventure of a lifetime. In our possibly biased opinion, it’s a road trip made even better with one of our luxury motorhome hire options…just saying!
Below, we’ll give you a little history of the North Coast 500 and the best stop-off points on the route.
The History of the North Coast 500
Many people don’t actually know this, but The North Coast 500 is actually The North Coast 500 Ltd., a marketing company that launched the idea in 2015 under the control of Wild Ventures Ltd. Wild Ventures Ltd is a firm owned by the billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, who owns ASOS (although we won’t talk about how ASOS is doing).
The goal was simple: constructing a parody of Route 66 and putting it in Scotland to bring in more tourism. Guess what? It worked.
The North Coast 500 increased in popularity rapidly as tourists and locals wanted to explore the best that Scotland has to offer. 500 miles of the stunning Scottish countryside covered with lovely villages, incredible mountains, and an epic coastline is jaw-dropping—and if you ask us, it beats Route 66.
Applecross Peninsula: A View Worth the Detour
The Applecross Peninsula is well worth the detour. Top tip: make sure to grab seafood. Trust us, this is about savouring and taking time; don’t rush through the beach. Pour yourself a glass of wine, sip it slowly, and gaze at the stunning views around you.
It’s the type of place you go to take the day in!
Ullapool: A Fishing Village with a Soul
Ullapool is more than a stop-off; it is a multi-experiential destination. Its arts scene is lively, which, alongside its whitewashed cottages and waterfront pubs, hints at the town’s rich culture.
Take a stroll along the shoreline and see local fishing boats unloading their day’s catch. Boat tours are also available for those wishing to see seals and dolphins. If you have evening plans, try your luck at one of the local pubs. The one thing that’s guaranteed is Ullapool does know how to put on a show!
We’d say this is one of the more non-touristy places in Scotland, but still 100% worth a visit.
Durness: Where Beaches Meet Cliffs
Scotland’s coastline meets its soft sides in Durness. The turquoise waters and white sands of Balnakeil Beach can spin the fantasy of a tropical getaway. And just like any other Scottish beach, never expect it to be anything but cold unless it’s one of those random unicorn summer days.
Don’t miss Smoo Cave at the bend; it’s a window into Scotland’s ancient beauty. The cave is part sea cave and part freshwater cavern, making it all the more fascinating and ethereal.
John O’Groats: More Than a Signpost
While the signpost may be the most famed aspect of John O’Groats, the northernmost village within Scotland’s Highland region proves to be more than just a setting for a picture. If you have some spare time, consider taking a ferry to the Orkney Islands or walking along the cliffs to see the puffins!
The local shops and cafes are a warm reminder that there’s much more to explore at the map’s edge and beyond. And, technically, it’s not the northernmost point. You have to go a little further to Dunnet Head.
Dunrobin Castle: A Fairytale in Stone
Without a visit to Dunrobin Castle, no journey across the NC500 is complete. It is undoubtedly stunning with its gothic-looking turrets and spires—the castle looks as if it belongs within a fairytale.
You can explore the majestic interiors and formally manicured gardens and see the daily falconry display. The Dunrobin Castle, residing in Northern Scotland, is now over 700 years old, yet remarkably refurbished on the interior, providing a captivating experience to visitors. It astonishingly captures the imagination. And could we have done a post about Scotland without telling you to see a castle? Absolutely not!
The North Coast 500 is not about beauty—that’s simply the name. The North Coast 500 is about specific moments. It’s about getting the most out of Scotland. So if you plan to take a trip, pack your bags, set off on an adventure, and let Scotland touch your soul.
