The North Coast 500: Road Trip through the Scottish Highlands - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Inverness, Drive to Poolewe

Welcome to Scotland! Upon arrival in the Highland capital of Inverness, you'll pick up your rental car and prepare to set out on one of the world's most scenic drives: the North Coast 500. Your first day of driving takes you northwest of Inverness, where you'll pass through a spectacular tableau of rugged mountains and hidden lochs to reach Poolewe, a small, picturesque village on the sheltered shores of Loch Ewe and your destination for the night. 

In the afternoon you'll reach your base for the night in Lochinver, a picturesque fishing village on the shores of Loch Inver. 

Day 3: Drive to Durness via Kylesku 

Continue traveling north today to reach windswept Durness, the most northwesterly village in Scotland. You have the option of two routes: if you are an experienced driver and enjoy a challenge, take the very remote and extremely narrow B869. Along the way, you'll encounter 22 miles (35 km) of single-track roads, steep hills, and unexpected hairpin bends as you experience some of the west coast's most spectacular white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. If you prefer a more laidback, less challenging route, follow the A894.

If you feel like seeing the coast from a different vantage point, stop en route at the idyllic fishing hamlet of Kylesku (approx. 50 minutes from Durness). Here you can join a guided coastal boat tour to the coastline's uninhabited islands, see native wildlife and seabirds, and take in dramatic natural landmarks like the Old Man of Storr. 

Day 4: Drive to John O'Groats via Dunnet Head 

Today's drive takes you past the amazing scenery of Ben Loyal, Ben Hope, and Loch Eriboll. Make sure to keep a sharp eye out while driving, as you'll often share the road with friendly sheep and Highland cows.

Pass the dramatic and untamed landscape of Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain, where impressive sea cliffs and coastal grasslands are home to a rich variety of birdlife, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, and kittiwakes. Between April and August, you can join a seasonal guided walk every Thursday to search for puffins and other birds nesting in these seabird colonies. Historically Dunnet Head also has significant World War II importance, and you're likely to spot the remains of old military buildings.

Take your pick from a dazzling array of beaches to explore en route, such as Melvich Beach, Strathy Bay, Armadale, and Torrisdale Bay, and stop for a walk along the remote golden sands. After you've explored the coastline to your heart's desire, continue to your destination for the night—the famous village of John O'Groats, situated on Scotland's northeastern tip.

Day 5: Drive to Inverness & Depart

Before you start today's drive down the east coast, take some time to explore a local hidden gem. Situated close to the North Sea, Dunbeath Castle Gardens is home to over 1,600 plant varieties, and tours of the grounds and walled gardens are booked in advance. Driving south, stop to visit historic Dornoch, and continue to the small fishing village of Portmahomack—home to a unique microclimate and one of the driest places in Scotland. Unearth the east coast’s ancient Pictish past with a walk on the Pictish Trail, and pop into Tarbat Discovery Center to discover Scotland's only Pictish monastic site and the local heritage museum.

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Scotland? Check out these other Scotland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, castle visits, and best-of tours to hit the highlights or explore different ways to spend 5 days in Scotland.