The North Coast 500: A quick guide

The route follows 516 glorious miles of the North Highlands’ coastline, covering six stunning regions where visitors can drink in dramatic coastal fronts and explore fairy-tale castles.

Most people opt for a five to seven-day trip. This guide looks at some highlights of the route and, if you don’t fancy wild camping, the best places to stay, starting with car hire in Inverness.

0 miles: Inverness

Our route starts at Inverness Castle, overlooking the River Ness, where you’ll be treated to stunning 360-degree views of the capital of the Highlands.

Inverness not only has its own stunning attractions – such as the cathedral and the Clava Cairns, a bronze age cemetery – but it’s also the perfect base to explore nearby Loch Ness.

If you’re looking to stay over, head two miles out of the city to Bunchrew House Hotel, a 17th-century mansion.

105 miles: Wick

Just over two hours north from Inverness lies the heritage town of Wick. Steeped in history, Wick has been a royal borough since the 16th century. During your stay here be sure to visit the 12th-century ruins of Wick Castle, perched on the edge of a clifftop.

110 miles: Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

Just 15 minutes away, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe has been uninhabited since 1690, but – thanks to a long project by the World Monuments Fund – is now accessible and open to the public.

Embrace the brisk sea air as you tour the ruins and finish your day with a visit to Sinclair’s Bay, where you will be greeted with over five miles of beautiful white sand beach.

128 miles: Dunnet Head

Dunnet Head is the most northernly point in Britain. Head to the lighthouse, built in 1831 on the 90-metre cliff, to take in the expansive coastline. Have your binoculars handy to spot birds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills.

140 miles: Thurso

Follow the coast west to Thurso, the UK’s northernmost town. It’s the perfect place for watersports fans, having hosted two international surfing and kayaking championships.

171 miles: Bettyhill

Rest your head at the family-run Bettyhill Hotel. It’s more than 200 years old and offers stunning views of Torrisdale Bay, a mile-long, golden beach. Head to nearby Farr Bay for a chance to see golden eagles.

211 miles: Smoo Cave

Smoo Cave is thought to have been first occupied more than 5,000 years ago. There are three chambers, the first of which hosts a roaring 20-metre waterfall.

267 miles: Achmelvich Bay

The remote Achmelvich Bay is a small slice of paradise, with crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. Mount Sulivan looms nearby and keen walkers can climb all 731 meters –almost 2,400 feet – of it.

371 miles: Torridon

The final stop before heading inland back to Inverness, Torridon in Wester Ross is a great base for explore an area famed for its natural beauty. The mountains and Munros around Beinn Alligin, Liathach and Beinn Eighe are ripe for walking, especially the 1,000-metre tall peak of Beinn Eighe.

Ensure you take in everything this gorgeous route has to offer with car hire in Inverness.