North Coast 500 & Beyond - Our 15-Day Scotland Road Trip
Our Scotland road trip spanned 15 days in total, combining eight unforgettable days on the North Coast 500 with additional time exploring other parts of Scotland before and after the route itself. This gave us the chance to experience the NC500 at a comfortable pace, while also enjoying destinations that sit just beyond the official loop.
The NC500 section of the trip took us through some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes — from rugged west coast roads and mountain passes to remote beaches, Highland villages and classic driving routes like Bealach na Bà. Outside of the NC500, we explored areas including Loch Lomond, Skye, Inverness-shire, Perthshire, Edinburgh and Northumberland, rounding off the journey without feeling rushed.
Rather than compress everything into one long article, we documented the trip day by day, sharing where we stayed, what we saw, and how each stretch of the journey actually unfolded. This page acts as a central hub, bringing together all 15 days so you can follow the full route or dip into individual sections as inspiration for your own plans.
Our Scotland Road Trip – Day-by-Day Snapshot Guide
The Journey to Scotland & NC500 Start
Day 1 – The Trip to Scotland & Loch Lomond
A long but scenic drive north, easing into the trip with lochs, forests and classic Highland views.
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Day 2 – Over the Sea to Skye
Ferries, dramatic coastlines and our first real taste of island scenery as Skye came into view.
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Day 3 – From Skye to Inverness via Loch Ness
A varied day combining island roads, iconic lochs and a steady run into the Highland capital.
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North Coast 500 (8 Days on the Route)
Day 4 – Inverness to Tain, with Dolphin Watching
An easy-going start to the NC500, following the Moray Firth with wildlife and coastal stops.
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Day 5 – Tain to Helmsdale, Stopping for a Wee Dram
Rolling roads, distillery visits and classic east coast scenery on a relaxed driving day.
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Day 6 – Helmsdale to Scrabster via John O’Groats
Wide-open landscapes, famous landmarks and a real sense of reaching Scotland’s far north.
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Day 7 – Scrabster to Tongue, with a Detour to John O’Groats
A coastal-heavy day with sea views, quiet roads and a few unplanned but worthwhile diversions.
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Day 8 – Tongue to Lochinver, with Caves, Bridges & a Zipwire
One of the most varied days, mixing rugged landscapes with memorable roadside attractions.
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Day 9 – Lochinver to Gairloch
Remote west coast driving with dramatic scenery, single-track roads and big Highland skies.
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Day 10 – Gairloch to Kinlochewe via Bealach na Bà
A true highlight of the NC500, tackling iconic mountain passes and jaw-dropping viewpoints.
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Day 11 – Kinlochewe to Inverness, with a Visit to Culloden
Leaving the NC500 behind, combining reflective history with an easy run back to Inverness.
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Beyond the NC500 – Finishing the Trip
Day 12 – Inverness to Blair Atholl via the Highland Folk Museum
A slower-paced day exploring Highland heritage before heading south into Perthshire.
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Day 13 – Blair Atholl to Edinburgh & The Kelpies
From countryside roads to city streets, with major landmarks marking the change of pace.
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Day 14 – Edinburgh to Northumberland via Holy Island
A memorable cross-border day, timed around tides and rich with history and coastal scenery.
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Day 15 – Our Final Day in Northumberland
A calm and comfortable final leg, rounding off the trip before the journey home.
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All Prices Correct At The Time Of Publishing
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