North Coast 500: Scotland's Ultimate Road Trip
A road trip through the Scottish Highlands had been sitting on our travel bucket list for years.
There's something about the rugged mountains, dramatic coastlines, historic castles, and endless winding roads that had always drawn us to Scotland. We had talked about doing the North Coast 500 countless times, but like many bucket-list adventures, it kept being pushed back in favour of other trips.
Before we knew it, a spontaneous plan had come together, and a few weeks later we were on our way to Scotland for an eight-day road trip through the Highlands.
In this guide, we're sharing our complete route, favourite stops, practical tips, accommodation recommendations, and everything we learned along the way to help you plan your own Scottish Highlands adventure.
Let the journey begin…
Our North Coast 500 road trip began in Edinburgh, where we flew into Scotland before making our way to Glasgow to collect our rental car.
Rather than hiring a car directly from Edinburgh Airport, we decided to take the Megabus to Glasgow first. The journey was incredibly smooth, comfortable, and took approximately 50 minutes. Tickets cost around £10 per person, making it a convenient and affordable option.
The main reason we chose this route was the significant saving on car rental costs. When comparing prices, we found that collecting our car in Glasgow was almost half the price of hiring the same vehicle from Edinburgh Airport. The short bus journey was well worth the savings and allowed us to start our road trip with a little extra room in the budget for experiences along the way.
Our Itinerary
Here’s how we split our 7 nights:
1 Night - Luss
1 Night - Morar
1 Night - Portree
1 Night - Strathy Bay
1 Night - Evanton
1 Night - Loch Ness
1 Night - Edinburgh
Our First Stop: The Devil's Pulpit
Our first stop on the North Coast 500 road trip was The Devil's Pulpit, located around 40 minutes from Glasgow and the perfect place to begin our Scottish Highlands adventure.
Hidden within a moss-covered gorge, The Devil's Pulpit is famous for its striking red stream and waterfall. Despite its dramatic appearance, the water isn't actually red. The blood-like colour comes from the red sandstone beneath the water, creating an eerie and almost magical atmosphere that feels straight out of a fantasy film.
Parking is available close to the trail entrance, making it an easy stop to add to your itinerary. From there, it's a relatively short hike down into the gorge. The trail mainly consists of steep stone steps, which can become slippery, especially after rain, so we would recommend wearing comfortable trainers or hiking shoes with good grip.
Once you reach the bottom, part of the adventure is crossing the stream using stepping stones and fallen tree trunks to reach the best viewpoints. Expect your shoes to get a little muddy, but it's well worth it.
There isn't a huge amount of walking once you're inside the gorge, but the scenery is incredible. The combination of the emerald-green moss, towering rock walls, and deep red water creates one of the most unique photo spots we've visited in Scotland and was the perfect way to kick off our North Coast 500 journey.
A Touch of Hogwarts in the Highlands
Day 2 of our Scottish road trip took us from the charming village of Luss to the coastal village of Morar, a journey that covered some of the most spectacular scenery in the Highlands and quickly became one of the standout days of the trip.
Rather than simply treating it as a transfer day, we took our time along the iconic A82, a route that winds through the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Scottish Highlands. Towering mountains, sweeping valleys, and winding roads meant we found ourselves pulling over constantly to admire the views and take photos.
Along the way, we stopped at several incredible locations, including the picturesque Falls of Falloch, the famous Hagrid's Hut filming location near Ballachulish, and the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the Jacobite Steam Train crosses the bridge made famous by the Harry Potter films.
As we continued west towards Morar, the scenery began to change once again. The rugged mountains gradually gave way to stunning coastal landscapes, with glimpses of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. This stretch of the journey perfectly captured why the North Coast 500 is so special. Every corner seemed to reveal a new viewpoint, hidden gem, or unforgettable landscape, making the drive just as memorable as the destinations themselves.
Into the Wild Beauty of Skye
The next stop on our North Coast 500 adventure was the Isle of Skye, one of Scotland's most iconic destinations. After spending the night in Morar, we made the short journey to nearby Mallaig, where we boarded the CalMac ferry to Armadale. The crossing takes just 30 minutes and offers beautiful views across the water as Skye's dramatic coastline comes into view. If you're planning to take the ferry, we recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially during the summer months.
One of the places we were most excited to visit on the Isle of Skye was the famous Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear natural pools and waterfalls set against the dramatic backdrop of the Cuillin Mountains. On the drive there, we finally spotted our first Highland cows, something we'd been hoping to see since the very beginning of our road trip. After that exciting start to the day, we arrived to the Fairy Pools, parked in the nearby paid car park, and set off on the walk.
The round-trip hike is approximately 6km and follows a well-maintained trail through some of Skye's most beautiful scenery. As you make your way along the route, you'll pass countless turquoise pools, cascading waterfalls, and stunning mountain views, making it easy to see why the Fairy Pools have become one of the island's most popular attractions.
Onwards Through the Highlands
After exploring the Fairy Pools, we continued our journey around the Isle of Skye, stopping at the dramatic Neist Point Lighthouse, one of the island's most iconic viewpoints. From there, we followed the scenic coastal roads past Dunvegan Castle before arriving in the colourful harbour town of Portree, where we spent the night.
With only one full day on Skye, we were up early the following morning to make the most of our time. Our day began with a hike up the Old Man of Storr, one of the island's most famous landmarks, followed by a stop at Kilt Rock, where towering cliffs and a waterfall plunge dramatically into the sea below.
Our final destination for the day was Strathy Bay on Scotland's north coast, but there were still plenty of memorable stops to enjoy along the way. Leaving Skye behind, we made our way to Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. By the time we arrived, it was already quite busy, so we chose to admire the castle from the surrounding grounds rather than venture inside. Spending an hour taking in the views of the historic castle was the perfect way to round off our time in this beautiful part of the Highlands before continuing north.
A Peaceful Escape to Strathy Bay
After several days of early starts, long drives, and non-stop exploring, Strathy Bay provided the perfect opportunity to slow down and recharge. Located near one of the northernmost points of mainland Scotland, this peaceful coastal retreat felt worlds away from the busier stops on our North Coast 500 adventure.
For the night, we stayed at Strathy Bay Pods, a cosy pod perched on the clifftops overlooking the coastline. From our doorstep, we were treated to sweeping views across the rugged cliffs and down to the beautiful sandy beach below. With the sound of the waves in the distance and uninterrupted coastal scenery in every direction, it was the ideal place to relax, unwind, and soak in the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Sunrise, Sea Cliffs & Fairytale Castles
Our day began bright and early with a 5am sunrise overlooking Strathy Bay. Waking up to watch the first light of the day illuminate the coastline was a magical experience and one of our favourite mornings of the entire trip. With the waves crashing below and endless views stretching across the North Sea, we couldn't have asked for a better place to start the day.
The journey ahead would be one of the longest driving days of our North Coast 500 adventure, covering around 120 miles from Strathy Bay to our evening destination of Loch Ness. But as we've learned throughout this road trip, some of the best memories are made between the destinations.
Our first stop was John O' Groats, the famous landmark often considered the northernmost point of mainland Britain. Known for its iconic signpost and dramatic coastal scenery, it's a popular stop for travellers completing the length of the UK and a great place to stretch your legs while taking in the rugged northern coastline.
From there, we continued to the Whaligoe Steps, one of the hidden gems of the Scottish Highlands. The steep staircase descends more than 300 steps down the cliffs to a secluded natural harbour below, rewarding visitors with spectacular coastal views along the way. It was easily one of the most unique stops of the trip, although it did come with a small sacrifice - unfortunately, our drone didn't survive its flight here and ended up becoming a permanent resident of the cliffs.
Our final major stop before Loch Ness was the magnificent Dunrobin Castle. Often compared to a French château and looking as though it belongs in a Disney film, the castle instantly captured our attention with its towering spires, immaculate gardens, and dramatic coastal setting. We spent several hours exploring both the lavish interior and beautifully maintained grounds, making it another standout attraction of our North Coast 500 route.
A Final Taste of the Highlands
Before returning to city life and bringing our Scottish Highlands adventure to an end, we spent one final day soaking up the landscapes that had made this road trip so memorable.
The morning began with a boat trip across the legendary Loch Ness. Lasting around an hour, the cruise offered a different perspective of the loch, with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and the chance to learn more about the area's famous history and folklore. While we didn't spot Nessie, it was still a fantastic way to experience one of Scotland's most iconic destinations.
Afterwards, we made our way into the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the UK and home to some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. Here, we were lucky enough to see a herd of reindeer, one of the park's most unique attractions, before continuing along the winding roads that cut through mountains, forests, and open Highland landscapes.
As the day drew to a close, it was time to begin the journey home. We drove back to Glasgow to return our rental car before hopping on the Megabus to Edinburgh, where we spent our final night reflecting on an unforgettable eight days exploring the Scottish Highlands, the Isle of Skye, and the incredible North Coast 500.
Final Thoughts on the North Coast 500
Looking back, the North Coast 500 was everything we hoped it would be and more, offering some of the most beautiful driving routes we've ever experienced. From dramatic coastlines and fairytale castles to quiet viewpoints and endless Highland landscapes, every part of the journey felt unforgettable. It was also the perfect chance to switch off from everyday life, spend less time on our phones, and fully enjoy the scenery around us.
If the North Coast 500 has been on your bucket list, consider this your sign to start planning - it truly is one of the most rewarding road trips you can do in Scotland, if not in the world.