Scotland · North Coast 500: 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary

Scotland, United Kingdom

A northern Scotland loop from Inverness, with small harbours, open beaches and slow days on the west coast.

Scotland · North Coast 500 · schematic stop map

Suggested season: May–June / September

Driving estimates exclude stops, traffic and ferry waits. Pins represent town/area centres; use the daily map links for navigation.

Day 1: Inverness → Dornoch

Walk the riverfront in Inverness before driving to Dornoch. Spend a quiet afternoon around the cathedral and beach.

1–2 hours driving · Overnight: Dornoch

Google Maps

Day 2: Dornoch → Wick

Plan a Dunrobin Castle visit around its opening calendar. Finish with a harbour walk in Wick.

2–3 hours driving · Overnight: Wick

Google Maps

Day 3: Wick → Durness

Optionally detour to John o’ Groats and follow the north coast. Start early because short coastal stops add up.

3–4 hours driving · Overnight: Durness

Google Maps

Day 4: Durness

Explore the Smoo Cave area and Balnakeil beach. Cave activities depend on conditions; a coastal walk is a good alternative.

0–1 hours driving · Overnight: Durness

Google Maps

Day 5: Durness → Ullapool

Stop at designated areas for Assynt scenery. Leave time for Ullapool’s harbour and local food after arrival.

3–4 hours driving · Overnight: Ullapool

Google Maps

Day 6: Ullapool → Gairloch → Torridon

Pause on the coast at Gairloch and choose a short valley walk in Torridon. Assess mountain trails against weather and equipment.

2.5–4 hours driving · Overnight: Torridon

Google Maps

Day 7: Torridon → Inverness

Return to Inverness by the main road after a final viewpoint stop. Add a separate day if you want to explore Applecross.

2–3 hours driving · Overnight: End of itinerary

Google Maps

Before you drive

Passing places on single-track roads are not parking bays. Bealach na Bà is optional; use the main route in poor weather and refuel early.

Official destination information

Estimated budget for two

Illustrative October 2026 planning allowances, not live prices or quotes. Two adults, one rental car, a shared mid-range room and 6 nights. Flights, visas, insurance upgrades, deposits and one-way rental fees excluded. Peak season and major activities may exceed these amounts.

Room per night: 100–170 GBP
Car per day: 45–80 GBP
Food for two per day: 55–90 GBP
Fuel for the trip: 130–210 GBP
Visits, parking and toll allowance: 70–150 GBP

Total range including 10% reserve: 1650–2827 GBP

Midpoint estimate / per person: 2246 / 1123 GBP

Hours, fees and access may change; check official links before travelling.