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The North Coast 500 Itinerary

Overview

 

The thrilling and scenic North Coast 500 route, takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Scotland. With towering mountains, peaceful country tracks, picturesque lochs, and enchanting wildlife, this North Coast 500 itinerary is the ultimate adventure of a lifetime.

Duration

14

Days

Distance

630

Miles

Start/end - nearest depot

EdinburghEdinburgh

Map Route

  • 1

    Edinburgh

    Bunk Campers Edinburgh

    Edinburgh – Inverness

    Distance: 153 miles

    Duration: Approx. 2 hr 55 min

  • 3

    Ullapool

    Inverness – Ullapool

    Distance: 57.6 miles

    Duration: Approx. 1 hr 18 min

  • 5

    Thurso

    Ullapool – Thurso

    Distance: 121 miles

    Duration: Approx. 2 hr 57 min

  • 7

    John O'Groats

    Thurso – John O’Groats

    Distance: 19.5 miles

    Duration: 31 min

  • 9

    Dornoch

    John O’Groats – Dornoch

    Distance: 78.8 miles

    Duration: Approx. 1 hr 54 min

  • 12

    Aviemore

    Dornoch – Aviemore

    Distance: 71.8 miles

    Duration: Approx. 1 hr 28 min

  • 14

    Edinburgh

    Aviemore – Edinburgh

    Distance: 128 miles

    Duration: Approx. 2 hr 46 min

Day details

Day 1 - 2: Edinburgh - Inverness

After collecting your Bunk Camper motorhome from our Edinburgh depot drive north towards Inverness.

On your journey to Inverness stop off at Cairngorms National Park and enjoy the beautiful scenic views of the UK’s largest National Park.

Upon arriving at Inverness, take time to explore the city and visit the many highights such as Inverness Castle and the River Ness.

There’s a two day stop in Inverness, so don’t worry about seeing everything at once. Take your time and enjoy the adventure.

On day 2, spend more time exploring Inverness and its surrounding attractions.

You might want to visit the nearby Culloden Battlefield, take a boat tour on Loch Ness in search of the legendary Loch Ness Monster, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Ness Islands.

For more leisurely activites, enjoy a 30 minute walk to explore Rogie Falls and enjoy stunning views from the newly installed suspension bridge.

Your campsite for the first two nights will be Loch Ness Shores campsite.

  • Loch Ness Shores Campsite

    Scotland’s most famous loch, will provide the backdrop for your first nights stay in Scotland. This campsite provides panormaic views making it the perfect place to uwind after a day of exploring. Facilites include a toilet, accessible faciliutes, dog walk area, childrens play area and more.

    Learn more.

  • That's good to know...

    Inverness is known by the locals as the ‘happiest place in Scotland.’ Many people often refer to Inverness as the base to explore the magic of the Highlands and the iconic castles, mountains and wildlife that surrounds the area.

    Experience a warm welcome to Inverness and enjoy exploring all the beauty, history and immersive culture that the city offer.

     

     

  • You can also visit...

    If you are interested in learning more about the hisotry of Inverness, then why not enjoy a historical tour and learn about Inverness in a fun, friendly and informative walking tour.

    Inverness historical tours.

Exploring The Northernmost City in the UK

Activities & Things To Do

Day 3 - 4: Ullapool

On day 3, wake up to the sights and sounds of nature, and enjoy a home cooked breakfast in your motorhome before leaving Inverness and driving towards Ullapool.

On the way stop at Corrieshalloch Gorge and enjoy a short walk to the suspension bridge for breathtaking views.

When you reach Ullapool, you might want to explore the quaint fishing village and its charming harbour.

Enjoy spending the next two days, exploring the beauty of Ullapool and its surroundings. You might also want to visit the nearby Rhue Lighthouse, hike the Stac Pollaidh, or take a scenic wildlife cruise to the Summer Isles.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try out seascape expeditions and enjoy some fun on the water beside some of Scotlands most iconic scenery.

Your next campsite is the beautiful Inverewe Gardens Poolewe campsite.

  • Inverewe Gardens Poolewe campsite

    Inverewe Gardens Poolewe campsite has a very peaceful setting, filled with nature. It’s at this campsite, that you will find complete peace and calm. View stunning coastal views, you can wake up and fall asleep by the sea. Facilites include Wi-Fi, hardstanding electric hook-ups, ice pack freezing and more.

    Learn more

  • That's good to know...

    Ullapool is the perfect place to really make adventure yours. From hill walks to sea kayaking, there’s an activity for everyone.

    Ullapool is nestled on the shores of Lochbroom. To the west of Ullapool you’ll find Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, a gorgeous woodland area, home to pin martens, wildcats, golden eagles and more.

  • You can also visit...

    If you enjoy nature wildlife reserves you might want to head to Ben Mor and visit some of the amazing bird species that live there. Look out for ravens, ring ouzels, red grouse, twites, whinchats, redpolls, geese and more.

Exploring Ullapool

Activites & Things To Do

Day 5 - 6: Thurso

Continue your journey north and head towards Thurso, a town and former burgh on the north coast of the Scottish Highlands.

On this drive, you will journey through the stunning Assynt and Coigach regions.

Stop off along the way and explore the iconic Ardvreck Castle and the dramatic mountin range of Stac Pollaidh. 

On day 6, enjoy a slow morning and spend time walking the grounds of your campsite and enjoying a warm coffee or tea in your motorhome.

When you’re ready for more exploring, take a short drive towards the nearby Castle of Mey and explore a walk around the enchanting gardens.

Also nearby you will find the beautiful Dunnet Beach, where you can walk along the rugged coastline and feel the sand and sea between your toes.

Enjoy the next two nights at Murkle Caravan Park Ivy Cottage campsite.

  • Ivy Cottage

    Ivy Cottage is closely located to beaches and national parks. No matter where you park up, you will be surrounded by stunning nature views, giving you a sense of peace.

    Facilites at Ivy Cottage include showers, washbasisn, toilets and more.

    Learn more.

  • That's good to know...

    Thurso is a small but lively town on the northern coast of Scotland. With so many sights to see, you will never be short of things to do in Thurso. At the nearby village of Scrabster, you can take the ferry across to Orkney. Orkney is an archipelago, encompassing Neolithic sites, cliffs and seal colonies.

  • You can also visit...

    For all your golf needs, Thurso is home to gorgeous golf courses. Thurso Golf Club was first established in 1893 and is worth a visit, not only for golf lovers, but the grounds are very beautiful and allow for a relaxing afternoon.

    And if surfing is more your thing, then why not experience some of Thurso’s great surfing opportunities. Head to Dunnet bay and appericate the white sandy beaches with rolling sand dunes.

     

Make Your Way Through Thurso

Activites & Things To Do

Day 7 -8: John O'Groats

Travel east towards John O’Groats. One of the most loved locations in Scotland and a must-see destination on any Scotland road trip.

Spend a day exploring John O’Groats and its surroundings. You might want to visit the nearby Duncansby Stacks, take a wildlife cruise to see puffins and seals, or walk along the dramatic coastline.

The coastline around John O’groats is beautifulwith pristine widlife.

Enjoy another peaceful night at Ivy Cottage.

  • Ivy Cottage

    Ivy Cottage is closely located to beaches and national parks, so you can rest-assured that no matter where you park up, you will be surrounded with stunning nature views. Facilites include showers, washbasisn, toilets and more.

    Learn more.

  • That's good to know...

    The small village of John O’Groats attracts tourists from all across the world. The village has stunning landscapes and wildlife, including seals, killer whales, and if you visit on a bright clear day, bringing lots of luck with you, then you might just spot some dolphins too.

  • You can also visit...

    From the John O’Groats area, you might just be able to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. This electrical phenomenon can be visible from John O’Groats as it is the most far north point on the British mainland.

    Learn more. 

John O'Groats

Activites & Things To Do

Day 9 - 10: Dornoch

Head south towards Dornoch, passing through the picturesque town of Wick.

In Dornoch, visit the beautiful Dornoch Cathedral and explore the Royal Dornoch Golf Club, one of the top golf courses in the world.

Relax and explore Dornoch and its surroundings. You might want to stroll along the beautiful Dornoch Beach, visit the nearby Skibo Castle, or indulge in some local shopping at the charming independent stores in the town center.

You might also want to visit the award-winning Golspie South Beach, which offers safe bathing and a range of scenic walks with panormaic views across the Moray Fifth.

Spend the next two nights at Dormoch croft holidays.

Explore Dornoch
  • Dormoch Croft Holidays.

    Dornoch croft holidays is a peaceful hideaway over the dormoch Firth. Enjoy beautiful surroundings in a idlyicc nature setting. All pitches are fully serviced and have electric hook ups, grass areas, drinking water taps and grey water emptying.

    Learn more.

  • That's good to know...

    Skibo Castle, which resembles a French chateâu with its conical spires, has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry, who designed London’s Houses of Parliament, and Scotland’s own Sir Robert Lorimer.

  • You can also visit...

    The area is filled with immense beauty, stoll along the beautiful Dornoch Beach, and indulge in some local shopping at the charming independent stores in the town center.

Explore Dornoch

Activities & Things To Do

Day 11 - 12: Aviemore

Enjoy a relaxing morning and breakfast in your motorhome, before departing from Dornoch and driving south to Aviemore, located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.

On your way to Aviemore stop at the village of Balintore to get a view of the famous Moray Firth.

Enjoy a peaceful hideaway at Dormoch Firth.

  • Dormoch Croft Holidays

    Dornoch croft holidays is a peaceful hideaway over the dormoch Firth. Enjoy beautiful surroundings in a idlyicc nature setting. All pitches are fully serviced and have electric hook ups, grass areas, drinking water taps and grey water emptying.

    Learn more.

  • Moray Firth, Dolphins
    That's good to know...

    If you intend to stop and visit Moray Firth, you might just stop some dolphines. It is estimated that around in 130 bottlenose dolphins live in Moray Firth as well has harbour seals that relax on the shores.

     

  • Dunrobin Castle
    Also in that area...

    Also in that area, you might also want to visit Dunrobin Castle. The gardens surrounding Dunrobin are open daily* with falconry shows everyday.*

Must-see Destinations

Activites & Things To Do

Day 13 - 14: Edinburgh

Enjoy the final days of your North Coast 500 holiday driving from Aviemore to Edinburgh.

On your way back to Edinburgh you might want to stop off at the wonderful Cairngorms National Park and go hiking, birdwatching or perhaps a scenic drive on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway would suit you better.

As you contiune the drive, you will pass through the charming town of Pitlochry. Why not stop off and visit the historic Blair Castle. 

Finish your North Coast 500 holiday off with memories from the Rothiemurchus family run centre. This centre specialises in the versatile pedigree Highland Pony breed and offer fantastic hacking and trekking activites for the whole family.

For an adventure activity why not head to Full On Adventure Centre for a range of fun-filled activites.

Stay at Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Site and enjoy a peaceful stay in the woodland area.

  • Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Site

    Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Site is located at the heart of Rothiemurchus highland estate. The campsite is a short 2 mile drive from Aviemore, making it the perfect campsite for the final two days of your adventures.

    Facilites include toilets, showers, dish washing area, and a separate launderette.

    Learn more.

  • That's good to know...

    Aviemore is filled with stunning attractions that you can tick off your list as you continue your journey on the North Coast 500. As one of the most beautiful and accessible towns in the Cairngorms National Park area, it’s important to leave plently of time to explore the area on your own timescale.

  • Also in that area...

    Also in the area, you can explore Kinrara Distillery, Glemore Forestry Commission Visitor Centre and the UK Wildlife Safaris.

Scenic Drive Back To Edinburgh

Activites & Things To Do

Continue Your Motorhome Adventure

View an alternative itinerary

Motorhome Planning ToolKit

Know before you go...

Pet Policies

Pet Friendly Holiday

Bring your furry friend along for the holiday. You can take up to two pets on your Bunk Campers motorhome, and trust us, they will love it!

LEARN MORE. 

Vehicle pick up

What's included with my rental?

For your comfort and convenience, your rental comes with a kitchen kit, unlimited mileage & more.

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Responsible Motorhoming

Your holiday is all about freedom and fun but, it’s also important to recongise the importance of responsible motorhoming.

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Holiday Checklist

Holiday Checklist

To help you get on the road, we’ve created the ultimate holiday checklist. We supply the basics and offer optional extras, but there’s a few times you should remember to pack.

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