What is the NC500?

The North Coast 500, commonly shortened to the NC500, is one of Scotland’s most epic road trips. Starting and finishing in Inverness, this 516-mile scenic route will take you through some of Scotland’s most dramatic and untamed scenery.

Famous for its pristine beaches and rugged mountains, the area is remote by nature, and travellers should be prepared to encounter windy single-track roads and long stretches with no shops. Make sure you’re stocked up on food, fuel and essentials.

Travellers often choose to complete the NC500 in a campervan or motorhome, camping along the route to encounter the full experience of shifting landscapes – from crofts and beaches in the east to mountains and more beaches in the west. And of course, many people bring their dogs along for the journey. Why? Because dogs deserve holidays too!

Planning Your Adventure

When to travel

There’s no guarantee of good weather in Scotland, but spring and summer offer the best chance of sunny days. They do, however, also come with that pesky Scottish menace: the Highland midge.

Midges can be a real blight on days spent outside, but the worst of the season runs from late May to the end of August – so travelling outside of these months is advised. We’d suggest April, May and mid to late September as the perfect sweet spot balancing midges and weather.

💡 Emma’s Pro-Tip: When travelling to a location with opening hours (like a café, restaurant or museum), remember to check ahead. Many businesses along the NC500 are small businesses who close one or two days a week, or sometimes shut down altogether during the off-season.

What to pack

Scotland is well known for its reliably unpredictable weather, so whenever you decide to travel, you’ll want clothing for any weather.

• For you: A good quality waterproof is essential (you’ll almost certainly get at least one or two intense rain showers) and sturdy walking boots are a must for the trails.

• For the dogs: Pack the usual essentials like their bed and a first aid kit, plus extras like a towel to dry off after those beach zoomies and a tick hook to deal with any unwanted passengers.

• For campers: Pack a head torch for those nighttime toilet trips!

NC500 At a Glance (Dog Friendly Edition)

• Route length: 516 miles

• Suggested duration: 10–14 days

• Best for: Beaches, wildlife, and scenic drives

• Dog friendliness: Excellent

• Ideal vehicle: Campervan, motorhome or car plus dog friendly accommodation

Dog Friendly NC500: 12-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Inverness to Dornoch

Morning: Chanonry Point Leave the historic buildings of Inverness behind as you make your way north. Scotland’s seas are well known for their ecological richness, with whales and dolphins frequently sighted off the coast. At Chanonry Point, you don’t even need to get in a boat. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, it’s one of the best places in Scotland to spot dolphins.

• Top Tip: Your best chance is when the tide is coming in (from around one hour after low tide): if you’re lucky, you’ll only be metres away.

Lunch: IV10, 18 High Street, Fortrose, IV10 8SX. Dogs welcome in the garden and heated bothies.

Afternoon: Struie Hill Survey what’s yet to come with a climb up Struie Hill. After all, even though you’re on holiday, the dog still needs a walk. 285 metres of ascent rewards you with spectacular views of the Dornoch Firth.

Bonus Activity: Dornoch Beach The golden sands stretch for miles, and dogs will love a final paddle. You might even spot the locals on the beach – seals, that is, not people. Dornoch Beach has been awarded coveted Blue Flag status making it a great stop for families, too.

• Dog friendly campsites: Dornoch Camping and Caravan Park, Dornoch Croft Holidays*, Davochfin Farm* (*Camping and caravan club members only).

Day 2 – Dornoch to Gills Bay

Morning: Ben Bhraggie or Big Burn Travellers tend to miss out on Golspie, but it has two excellent walks. You can climb Ben Bhraggie to visit ‘the Wee Mannie’, the larger than life (and controversial) statue of the Duke of Sutherland, or take a gentler stroll to the waterfall of Big Burn – a better choice on a rainy day.

• Don’t Miss: Stop at Cocoa Mountain for a dog friendly hot chocolate.

Lunch: Tasty Toes Shellfish To Go seafood shack (outdoor seating only), The Harbour, Dunbeath KW6 6EF.

Afternoon: Whaligoe Steps and ferry to Orkney Descend the 330 stone steps to the tiny harbour at Whaligoe Haven. If you don’t fancy the climb, take a stroll back in time with a visit to the Cairn o’Get, a 5,000-year-old chambered cairn. From Gills Bay, the Pentland Ferries crossing to Orkney takes an hour; dogs can stay in the car or join you on deck.

Bonus Activity: John O’Groats Did you even complete the NC500 if you didn’t get a photo at the iconic signpost? Unlike its counterpart at Land’s End, the sign at John O’Groats is free to visit. Escape the crowds by taking a walk along the coast to Duncansby Stacks, some of the finest sea stacks in Scotland.

• Dog friendly campsites: Pool Farmhouse (Camping and caravan club members only), Ferry View Campsite, John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site

Day 3 – Orkney Mainland

Morning: The Heart of Neolithic Orkney A bucket list destination for history lovers; three of the four sites are dog friendly. While dogs need to wait in the car for the Maes Howe tomb, they are welcome on leads at the ancient henges of Brodgar and Stenness, as well as the outdoor areas of Skara Brae, the best preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe.

• Emma’s History Note: Look for photos of the stone circle at Brodgar being used for tank manoeuvre training during the Second World War.

Lunch: Real Food Café, Judith Glue, 25 Broad Street, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1DH.

Afternoon: Kirkwall and Waulkmill Bay Spend the afternoon wandering the historic streets of Kirkwall, then head to the golden sands of Waulkmill Bay. At high tide it’s a well-kept secret, but visit at low tide for a vast stretch of immaculate sand. Keep your eyes on the sea for Orcas.

Bonus activity: The Broch of Gurness If you have time, it’s worth squeezing one more historic stop off into your day. Not quite as old as the monuments which make up the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, the Broch of Gurness still dates back to the Iron Age. Quieter than the more famous sites, dogs on leads are welcome to join you as you explore both outside and in the small exhibition and gift shop.

• Dog friendly campsites: Orkney Caravan Park at the Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall Bay Touring Park

Day 4 – St Margaret’s Hope to Tongue

Morning: Dunnet Head Catch an early ferry to re-join the main NC500 route. Take a short detour to Dunnet Head, the true northernmost point of mainland Britain. The real draw here is the local wildlife, particularly the very cute puffins who nest here between May and August.

Lunch: Olive, 1-3 Brabster Street, Thurso KW14 7AP.

Afternoon: Castle Varrich Finish your day with a short walk up to Castle Varrich. This ruin, of unknown origin, is speculated as being either a Viking stronghold or a seat of Medieval bishops. A viewing platform allows you to climb the tower for views over the Kyle of Tongue and across to Ben Loyal.

Bonus Activity: Farr Beach Stop en-route to Tongue to stretch your legs at Farr Beach. This beautiful sandy beach sweeps along the coast near Bettyhill and is the perfect place for pups to burn off some energy.

• Dog friendly campsites: Kyle of Tongue Hostel and Holiday Park, Bayview Campsite

Day 5 – Tongue to Scourie

Morning: Smoo Cave and Durness Beach Stepping into Smoo Cave feels a bit like the Earth is swallowing you whole. Dogs are permitted in the first chamber, which is more than enough to feel the somewhat eerie sense of the cave. Then, a quick drive down the coast brings you to Durness Beach: an award-winning sandy bay.

Lunch: Cheese ‘N’ Toasted, Smoo, Durness IV27 4QA (seasonal).

Afternoon: Sandwood Bay Take a hike down to Sandwood Bay near Blairmore. It’s more of a walk to get to than other beaches, but your reward is a magnificent sandy beach which you’ll probably have (mostly) to yourselves.

Bonus Activity: Oldshoremore Bay If two beaches aren’t enough, Oldshoremore is a stunning place to watch the sunset. Why not pick up takeaway fish and chips from the Old School Restaurant to enjoy while you watch the sun go down?

• Dog friendly campsites: Scourie Caravan and Campsite

Day 6 – Scourie to Lochinver

Morning: Kylesku Bridge and Loch Glendhu Opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1984, the bridge is an NC500 icon. Most visitors miss the best views found by taking a walk along the track running alongside Loch Glendhu. You probably won’t see many other humans, but keep your eyes peeled for seals and red deer.

Lunch: The Kylesku Hotel, Kylesku, Sutherland, IV27 4HW.

Afternoon: Clachtoll Beach Achmelvich might be popular, but Clachtoll Beach is our favourite. It has azure waters and a spectacular mountain backdrop. Plus, Clachtoll isn’t subject to the same seasonal dog restrictions as Achmelvich.

Bonus activity: Wailing Widow Falls There’s no lack of beautiful waterfalls in the Highlands, but Wailing Widow Falls is surely one of the most impressive. Accessed via a rocky, uneven walk of around 15 minutes from a lay-by, the falls are quite a sight. Local legend has it that the name comes from a young hunter who met an early death by the falls, and the cries of his mother gave the falls their name.

• Dog friendly campsites: Clachtoll Beach Campsite (2-night minimum stay in peak season)

Day 7 – Lochinver to Ullapool

Morning: The Falls of Kirkaig The longer walk to get here hugely increases your chance of having the falls to yourself. In summer, keep your eyes open for salmon jumping up the falls – it seems unbelievable that they could make the 20-metre jump.

Lunch: The Lochinver Larder, Main Street, Lochinver, IV27 4JY. (Dogs not allowed inside but takeaway pies are legendary).

Afternoon: The Bone Caves Every step down the valley is like taking a step back in time. These caves were once home to reindeer, lynx and even a polar bear – the only evidence found of polar bears in Scotland. Today, the antechambers can be explored for a great photo opportunity.

Bonus activity: Knockan Crag For great views and minimal effort, head to Knockan Crag NNR. As well as panoramic views across a landscape of lochans and mountains, the reserve has three walking trails to choose from, and several information boards explaining the geology of this part of the Highlands. This is, after all, the North West Highlands Geopark for a reason.

• Dog friendly campsites: Port A Bhaigh Campsite, Ardmair Point Campsite, Broomfield Holiday Park

Day 8 – Ullapool to Gairloch

Morning: Mellon Udrigle The sparkling white sands are stunning on any day, but on a clear day, the incredible view across the sea to the mountains of Assynt and Coigach elevates this beach to a whole new level. Stroll on the beach while your dog enjoys a swim, or why not brave the water yourself for a bracing dip? The beach is popular with water sports enthusiasts, too, so it’s a great place to get out your SUP or kayak.

Lunch: Crumbs, Gairloch IV21 2BZ.

Afternoon: Inverewe Gardens Who’d have thought you could find a garden bursting with rare plants on this coast? It’s a great place to spot Scotland’s ‘Big Five’: red squirrels, red deer, otters, seals and golden eagles.

• Note: National Trust members visit for free, one dog per person allowed.

Bonus activity: The Minch Boat Trips Fancy something a little different? For a new perspective on the NC500, hop on board with Seascape Expeditions to voyage across the Minch in search of sea birds, whales and dolphins. Dogs are welcome to join you on selected expeditions.

• Dog friendly campsites: Sands Caravan and Camping (note dogs not permitted in static caravans), Gairloch Holiday Park

Day 9 – Gairloch to Applecross

Morning: Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve Torridon is full of dramatic mountains best left to experienced hikers. Beinn Eighe NNR is the chance to get your mountain fix without the 9-hour trek. Choose between two walking trails: the low level woodland trail, exploring the 8,000 year old forest, or the tougher mountain trail (sturdy boots required), offering exceptional views of Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a fantastic morning.

Lunch: Shieldaig Bar & Coastal Kitchen, Tigh An Eilean Hotel, Shieldaig. Dogs permitted in the bar and outside only.

Afternoon: Shieldaig Peninsula If you don’t spot sea eagles during lunch, take a stroll around the peninsula. Seals, otters and dolphins are all regularly seen here. Afterward, stop at the Torridon Smokehouse to stock up on local smoked salmon.

Bonus Activity: Bealach na Bà This mountain pass features hairpin bends and steep gradients. This is a challenging drive and should not be attempted in large vehicles over 18ft in length.

• Dog friendly campsites: Shieldaig Camping and Cabins, Visit Applecross

Day 10 – Applecross to Portree (Skye)

Morning: The Plock of Kyle The Skye Bridge is one of the most exciting crossings in the world – or maybe that’s just us. Driving over the sea to Skye is an indescribable feeling: a tingly mix of anticipation, excitement and impatience.

Before you cross over, take an hour or two to climb the Plock of Kyle. Kyle of Lochalsh is one of the main routes into Skye, but few travellers pause to soak up the scenery on this side of the bridge. This is easily rectified with a 1.5 mile jaunt up the Plock of Kyle.

This is the perfect start to the Skye leg of your NC500 road trip: not only are there lovely views of the West Coast, but you can admire the Skye bridge in all of its glory from the summit of the hill – a much better view than you get driving across it. It’s not all about architecture though: keep your eyes peeled for otters, who are plentiful in this area.

Lunch: Fisherman’s Kitchen takeaway, Old Ferry Slip, Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8AF.

Afternoon: Sligachan Even if you’ve never heard the name Sligachan, we bet you’ve seen a photo of the view here. The jagged peaks of the Cuillins rise dramatically above the old stone bridge of Sligachan, and it’s said that if you submerge your face in the water here for seven seconds, the fairies will grant you eternal beauty. We’re not promising anything though: all complaints to the Skye fairies, please.

While you’re here, you can also visit the Collie and Mackenzie statue. This unlikely duo, a chemist and a crofter, were pioneers in mapping the Cuillin range and made many of the first ascents of the mountains in the range.

Bonus activity: Kylerhea Otter Hide Skye is full to bursting with iconic sites which draw crowds of visitors, and deservedly so. But, if you know where to look, you can find some beautiful quiet spots. Kylerhea Otter Hide is the perfect place to sit with a flask of tea, a packet of chocolate digestives (other biscuits are available) and a pair of binoculars while you look out for otters and other wildlife.

• Dog friendly campsites: Portree Campsite, Camping Skye

Day 11 – Isle of Skye

Morning: The Old Man of Storr There aren’t many places that live up to the Instagram hype, but the Old Man of Storr is definitely one of them. Perhaps the single most recognisable landmark on Skye, the Old Man of Storr is so called as the main pinnacle is said to be the thumb of a giant (the old man) sticking up out of the ground. In reality it’s the result of the landslip which formed the Trotternish Ridge, but we like the giant story better.

The Old Man of Storr does get very busy, especially in peak season, so it’s worth getting there early if you don’t like crowds. It’s a short walk up to the main viewpoint, but if you’re in the mood for a more strenuous hike you can carry on up to the trig point of the Storr. Expect epic views and minimal people at the top.

Lunch: The Hungry Gull, Staffin Community Hall, Isle of Skye, IV51 9JS.

Afternoon: The Quiraing A collection of outlandish rock formations with names like the Needle and the Prison. Choose a short walk to the main viewpoint, or a longer, tougher walk where you’ll lose the crowds once you’re past the normal turning point. If you choose to do the longer walk, make sure you’re suitably prepared with sturdy footwear, waterproofs and everything you’d need for a fell hike in the Lake District – don’t let it fool you into thinking it’s an easy stroll.

Bonus activity: An Corran Beach Little legs might find the longer hikes at the Old Man and the Quiraing a bit too tough, but they’ll be delighted with the opportunity to hunt for dinosaur footprints at An Corran Beach near Staffin. Often submerged at high tide, time your visit to be between mid and low tide for the best chance of finding them.

• • Dog friendly campsites: Uig Bay Campsite, Staffin Caravan and Camping Site

Day 12 – Isle of Skye to Inverness

Morning: The Fairy Pools These crystal clear waters and stunning mountain backdrops feel more like a scene from the Alps than from Scotland. A short walk of around 2.5km will take you to the pools.

• Top Tip: The road here is single track and can get very busy. Be prepared to reverse back into passing places.

Lunch: Redburn Café and Giftshop, Dundreggan Inverness-shire, IV63 7YJ.

Afternoon: Drumnadrochit Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie with a final stop in Drumnadrochit. Our favourite route is to climb up through the woods to summit the small hill of Craigmonie. A walk of around an hour rewards you with a beautiful view over Loch Ness and a chance to soak up a final bit of Scotland from the top of an ancient hillfort. Craigmonie is so-called after a Viking prince, who is said to have retreated here after a battle. Little evidence can be seen of this today, but it certainly makes a fine vantage point.

Bonus Activity: Rogie Falls If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to the NC500 (and let’s face it, who ever is?), take a detour to Rogie Falls, a little outside of Inverness. This pretty waterfall is reached via a short woodland walk and has a bridge spanning the river below the falls to offer the best view. Look out for salmon leaping up the falls from late summer into autumn.

And now, all that’s left to do is decide which spots you want to visit and start booking. Whether you follow this 12-day itinerary exactly or simply use it as inspiration, the NC500 is the kind of trip you’ll be planning again before you’ve even made it home.