Looking for your next adventure? Why not try the North Coast 500 (NC500), a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland? It starts and ends at Inverness Castle, offering breathtaking coastal scenery the entire way. It is ranked as one of the best and most beautiful road trips in the world and will no doubt become a memorable experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
There’s so much to discover along the NC500, from canoeing and hiking to creel fishing and pottery making. However, how much time do you need to take to complete this journey and enjoy it at the same time? We have all the answers for you below.
There’s no set answer for how long it takes to drive the NC500, but we can help give you an estimate. As we already know, the whole route is 516 miles. So, if you drive it at an average of 60 mph, the whole trip would take you around eight and a half hours. However, if you take into account traffic and the fact not everyone on the road in front of you will be driving at the same speed, you’ll realistically be able to finish the trip in 13 hours. But this is with no stops!
If you’re going down the NC500, you’re going to want to make the most out of your time there, having a few stops along the way and really taking in the scenery and experiences. How long you want to spend along the coastline is up to you, and you can easily get some views and activities within two or three days. However, we recommend allowing around a week to have a complete experience.
If you want to travel the NC500, you can always hit the open road and see what happens. However, it’s always best to have a plan in place as it allows you to make the most out of your time on the route, especially if you have a limited timeline.
Here are our top tips for planning your NC500 trip:
Hiring a campervan or motorhome for your NC500 journey can make it the experience of a lifetime. And it’s made ten times better when you hire it from a trusted supplier like Compass Campers. We offer fully-kitted camper vans that allow you to see the country like never before in complete comfort and style.
Each of our vans is custom-built and high-spec that provides luxury accommodation while you’re on the go. To ensure you get the most out of your NC500 journey with the right vehicle, you can talk to one of our experts about your needs. Contact us today to find out more.