The perfect 3 day North Coast 500 itinerary

If you’re dreaming of an epic Scottish road trip but don’t have time to drive the full North Coast 500, this is the guide for you. This itinerary takes on a mini version North Coast 500 in 3 days, focusing mainly on the west coast, so you can experience a slice of Scotland’s Route 66.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip, including the best time to go, an interactive map and practical tips for driving the route. Plus, there’s a detailed 3-day North Coast 500 itinerary with the most beautiful stops, hikes, and viewpoints along the way.

First published 10/07/2020 | This post may contain affiliate links meaning I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Read more in my disclaimer.

What is the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s most famous road trip – a route that winds through 500 miles of dramatic Highland landscapes. Starting and ending in Inverness, it will take you along rugged coastlines, past white-sand beaches, ancient castles and charming villages, showcasing some of the very best scenery in the country.

This is truly one of the best ways to experience the Scottish Highlands, with plenty of hiking spots, local food and hidden gems alongside the incredible views. Whether you drive the whole North Coast 500 loop or just explore part of it, you’re in for an epic adventure.

Can you do the North Coast 500 in 3 days?

In theory, you could drive the whole North Coast 500 route in 3 days, covering over 150 miles every day. However, this leaves almost no time to stop and enjoy your surroundings!

Instead, it’s best to concentrate on one or two sections of the route. So by following this 3 day North Coast 500 itinerary, you’ll cover 400 miles, focused mainly on the stunning West Coast (home to most of my favourite spots), starting and ending in Inverness.

It’ll be a fast-paced trip, but there is still plenty of time to soak up the views, head out on some hikes, and enjoy driving along Scotland’s most scenic roads. Overall, this itinerary is perfect if you don’t have a week to dedicate to the North Coast 500, but still want to experience this iconic Scottish road trip.

When is the best time of year to do the North Coast 500?

The best time to drive the North Coast 500 is between May and September, when the weather is mild, the days are long, and most attractions and accommodation are open.

However, summer is also the busiest season, especially July and August. To avoid crowds, consider visiting in May, early June or September, when you’ll still enjoy long daylight hours and good weather, but with quieter roads and easier accommodation bookings.

If you don’t mind cooler (and less predictable!) weather, April and October can be great shoulder-season options too. Just be prepared for shorter days and a bit more planning around availability, especially in the smaller villages.

Tips for the North Coast 500

It’s worth knowing a few practical tips in advance to make your trip run smoothly, especially if you are planning to do the North Coast 500 in 3 days. As a local, here’s my best advice – from planning where to fuel up and navigating single-track roads to packing suncream (yes, really!) and leaving no trace.

• Plan in advance. Many areas of the North Coast 500 are remote, where accommodation and food options can be limited. Take some time to book your accommodation, plan your food and petrol stops and check opening hours before your trip, so you don’t end up hungry or even stranded! I’ve included a few dinner suggestions in the itinerary, but make sure you think about other meals and snacks too.
• Take care on the roads. There are a lot of winding, single-track roads around the North Coast 500. Take your time while driving, brush up on passing place etiquette and take great care if overtaking on busier roads.
• Be respectful of local communities and wildlife. The NC500 passes through small villages and fragile natural landscapes. Stick to the Leave No Trace principles – only use designated parking areas, take rubbish with you, and be mindful of farm animals and wildlife.
• Pack for all weathers. Scotland’s weather is unpredictable at any time of year – we often joke that you can see 4 seasons in one day! Make sure you bring layers, waterproofs, sun protection and suitable shoes.
• Support local businesses. There are countless local businesses around the North Coast 500 that make a living from tourism. Try out local restaurants and be sure to pick up some souvenirs to support them during your road trip.

Check out these top activities in Inverness before you start your NC500 road trip.

3 day North Coast 500 itinerary map

This interactive map shows your full route for the 3 day North Coast 500 itinerary. I’ve also included where you’ll stop each night, and all the highlights, attractions and food spots mentioned.

You can open the map in Google Maps by clicking the full-screen button at the top right of the map. It will open in your browser or the app.

Your 3 day North Coast 500 itinerary

Now it’s time for the best part – your detailed 3 day North Coast 500 itinerary! Here, I’ll break down your route for each day, with all the best things to see and do as you drive along.

Day 1: Applecross Peninsula & heading to Gairloch

4.5 hours driving / 146 miles
Staying in: Gairloch

Setting off from Inverness, head west to begin your NC500 road trip! Today is a big day of driving, along some of the most scenic roads that Scotland has to offer! To start, stop in the Victorian spa town of Strathpeffer, where you can see the Spa Pavilion, the Pump Room, and admire the traditional architecture.

A short drive brings you to Rogie Falls, where you can take a quick forest trail to a series of cascading falls over the Black Water. There are several viewpoints here, including a suspension bridge which crosses the river. If you’re visiting in the summer months, make sure you look out for salmon leaping through the water.

Continue towards Lochcarron, a pretty lochside village which is perfect for a coffee stop and a stroll along the water. From here, the scenery really starts to ramp up as you head around the Applecross Peninsula, one of the most beautiful driving routes in Scotland. First, wind your way over the dramatic Bealach na Bà mountain pass to reach Applecross, where you can walk along the beach and grab lunch at the Applecross Inn (book in advance).

From here, follow the remote coastal roads around the peninsula. Look out for the islands of Raasay and Rona to your left, with the Isle of Skye visible behind them on a clear day. Continue on towards Kinlochewe and take a short detour to the Glen Docherty Viewpoint – the views here more than make up for the extra ten minutes!

The last stretch of driving for day one follows Loch Maree to Gairloch, where you’ll spend the night. Enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants, then take a stroll along the beach to end your day.

Accommodation in Gairloch: The Old Inn, Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel, The Millcroft, Sands Caravan & Camping
Dinner options in Gairloch: The Shieling, The Old Inn, The Barn Cafe (book all in advance)

Day 2: Hikes, castles & beaches on the West Coast

2.5 hours driving / 97 miles
Staying in: Achmelvich

After breakfast in Gairloch, get out on the road for day 2 of this North Coast 500 itinerary. This stretch of the road trip is packed with incredible viewpoints and hiking spots, so be ready for plenty of stops along the way!

The first stop of the day is Corrieshalloch Gorge, where the River Droma plunges through the dramatic Falls of Measach into one of the deepest gorges in Scotland. Cross the suspension bridge for incredible views of the gorge below. After a quick visit, head on to Ullapool, a charming fishing town. I recommend grabbing something to eat for lunch later while you’re here, as you won’t pass any food spots until the late afternoon/evening.

A short drive on the A835 will take you to Knockan Crag, a hillside nature reserve with a fascinating geological history. Take the short walking trail, starting at the visitor centre, where you can learn about the Moine Thrust (the ancient geological fault that formed the crag) before following the path along the ridge itself. At the top of the hike, you’ll be rewarded with some incredible views of the surrounding lochs and hills. (Hike details: 2km / 1hr)

The nearby Bone Caves are next up for today. A nice hike through a scenic valley will take you to these limestone caves, which are named for the extensive bone remains found here, of animals including bears, reindeer and polar bears. Top tip: enjoy your lunch before tackling the hike so you’re nice and fuelled! (Hike details: 4.5km / 2hrs)

Just up the road is Ardvreck Castle, where the striking ruins sit on the banks of Loch Assynt. Dating back to the 15th century, the castle was owned by the Macleods and then the Mackenzies, and has been a ruin since the 1700s.

From here, it’s a short drive to Lochinver, where you can stretch your legs after a day of hiking in the hills. The picturesque village sits by Loch Inver, and is a great place to have an early dinner before heading to your final stop for the night, Achmelvich Bay. Try to arrive here with plenty of time to enjoy the evening at one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.

Note: The two hikes today will take around 3 hours, which is manageable for the day’s itinerary, but feel free to skip one if you’d like to spend time relaxing at Achmelvich Bay in the afternoon.

Accommodation in Achmelvich: Shore Caravan Site, Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel, North Coast 500 Pods
Dinner options: Lochinver Larder, Delilah’s, Peet’s Restaurant (all Lochinver), fish & chip shop @ Shore Caravan Site (book/check availability for all in advance)

Day 3: The North West & the Black Isle

5 hours driving / 160 miles

It’s time for your final day on the North Coast 500, starting in the rugged landscapes of the northwest Highlands and then looping back south towards the Black Isle Peninsula. Say goodbye to Achmelvich Bay after soaking up the morning light, then head further north along the coast.

Begin your day with a stop at Stoer Lighthouse, perched dramatically on a clifftop looking out to the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal views are spectacular, and although too far to see with the naked eye, the Isles of Lewis and Harris sit off to the west. From here, continue to Clashnessie, where you can take a short hike to Clashnessie Falls, followed by a stroll along the white sand beach.

Now it’s time for a longer stretch of driving to make your way back towards the East Coast. Stop off at the Drumbeg Viewpoint for some panoramic views, and then visit Kylesku Bridge, one of the most iconic spots on the North Coast 500. Enjoy lunch in Scourie (there are a couple of restaurants and a small supermarket here) before saying goodbye to the west coast as you head southeast to Lairg.

Past Lairg, make a stop at the Falls of Shin, another great place to see salmon migrating in the summer months. There’s a short walk to the falls, perfect to stretch your legs, and a coffee shop for a little pick-me-up before you continue on.

From here, the landscape softens as you reach the east coast and make your way back to Inverness. Before finishing your journey, take a detour to explore the Black Isle Peninsula. Stop in Cromarty, and then head round to Rosemarkie for a walk along the beach – and make sure you head to Chanonry Point to spot dolphins leaping in the water. If it’s getting towards dinner time, check out Sutor Creek in Cromarty or Crofters in Rosemarkie.

Then, it’s time to wrap up your incredible 3 days on the North Coast 500 by driving back to the city and heading to your final night’s accommodation in Inverness.

And that’s your 3 day North Coast 500 itinerary! Even though it’s a shorter version of Scotland’s most famous road trip, you’ll still experience some of the Highlands’ most incredible scenery, with everything from dramatic mountain passes to peaceful beaches. This itinerary proves that just a few days on the road can make for an unforgettable Scottish adventure.

Have you driven the North Coast 500 before? Let me know your favourite stops in the comments, or where you’re most excited to go!