THE ULTIMATE NC500 ROAD TRIP
BOOK NOWA 10-day Overland Adventure in Scotland taking in the Northumberland Coast, Edinburgh City, The Cairngorms, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Here at Overland adventures we’ve created this bespoke route that not only takes in the iconic North Coast 500 but also the spectacular, award-winning, Northumberland Coast including Holy Island. Meander through the rich Northumbrian Coastline up to Edinburgh (this route features an Edinburgh stop on the return leg but that can easily be amended to feature on your outbound journey) and onto the incredible Cairngorms, with the return journey taking in the Trossach’s. This isn’t just a normal road trip — it’s an experience that rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to slow down.
Stretching over 500 miles around the northern Highlands, the NC500 weaves together wild coastline, mountain passes, quiet villages, and some of the most remote single track roads the UK has to offer. While many people attempt it in five days or less, this often turns an incredible journey into a rushed checklist. One thing to be aware of is the lack of options for supplies and in particular fuel in some of the remote areas so when you come across fuel stations and supermarkets in the larger towns, fill up and stock up!
This 10-day NC500 itinerary, created by Overland Adventures, is designed for travellers who want to experience not only the NC 500 but some iconic places along the way. We won’t just send you on your way, we’ll provide a detailed route itinerary and map together with personal support for those with bucket-list must-see’s. With carefully balanced daily mileage, top places to visit, activities to do, places to eat and carefully chosen overnight stops that fit with our ethos, we allow time to explore on this incredible road trip which is ideally suited to overland travel and Land Rover Defender camper hire.
Why 10-Days is the Ideal Way to Drive the NC500
THE BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE ON THE NC500 IS UNDERESTIMATING IT
Distances may look manageable on paper, but single-track roads, weather changes, photo stops, wild swims, walks and spontaneous detours all add time. Not to mention some of the most breathtaking historical sites and castles Scotland has to offer plus fitting in the odd Whiskey tour! A 10-day itinerary allows you to:
- Drive at a relaxed pace
- Avoid fatigue on technical roads
- Enjoy remote beaches and viewpoints
- Balance campsites with quieter overnight stops
This approach transforms the NC500 from a long drive into a true overland journey.
DAY-1
NORTHUMBERLAND TO HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE VIA THE NORTHUMBERLAND COAST
Overland Adventures → Grandtully Station Campsite (appx. 168m)
The North Coast 500 isn’t just about ticking off a route — it’s about freedom, remote landscapes, and travelling at your own pace.
The beauty of this route is it can be changed, you can add the Northumberland Coast on your way down and even stop in one of the amazing hotels and B&B’s that are scattered all along the coastline. There’s nothing wrong in adding in the odd night of luxury on route. Or there are some incredible Wild Camping spots like this one that looks over to Holy Island that Robson Green and his family stayed at when they took out our Defender Campers for a few days, yes we’ve been on the BBC, check it out on BBC iPlayer here!!
The journey begins with a steady push north from Northumberland into Scotland. We highly recommend you visit Bamburgh Castle & pop across the Causeway to Holy Island – you may even see Orca Whales which have some how just found the Farne Islands in recent years with their abundance of Seals. You could even have a quick dip in the North Sea if you’re feeling brave!
This is a transition day — watching landscapes shift from dramatic coastlines, rolling farmland to forested Highland terrain.
Grandtully Station Campsite provides a peaceful first overnight stop with great facilities and a gentle introduction to the pace of travel you’ll maintain over the next 10 days. It’s the calm before the Highlands fully open up.
DAY-2
INTO THE CAIRNGORMS
Grandtully → Aviemore → Glenmore Campsite (appx. 75m)
This is a short day with a drive of around one and a half hours or so it gives you time to pitch up and enjoy the surroundings. Try your hand at some water sport activities, cycling or walking. Today brings your first taste of true Highland scenery. The route into Aviemore skirts ancient pine forests and wide glens, with the Cairngorms beginning to dominate the horizon.
Aviemore is the Chamonix of the UK, it’s a hub of everything outdoorsy, you can literally do anything from learn to ice climb, to climbing the UK’s second highest mountain, Ben Macdouie.
Glenmore Campsite sits beside Loch Morlich — a perfect place to slow down, stretch your legs, and settle into the rhythm of the trip. This campsite has really good facilities – try and get one of the pitches on the edge of the Loch where you’ll find amazing views and perfect for an early morning swim.
DAY-3
capital of the hightlands to the northern edge
Aviemore → Inverness → Tain → John o'Groats → Scarfeskerry (appx. 167m)
This is where the NC500 truly begins to feel like an adventure.
After passing through Inverness and following the Moray Firth, the landscape becomes more open and dramatic. Reaching John o’ Groats feels symbolic — the sense that you’re now on the edge of something wild.
Along the way you can stop off at Battlefield & Fort George and visit castles like Dunrobin & Castle of Mey. The scenery at Duncansby Head and Dunnet Head is breathtaking and you could even go Puffin spotting.
Your overnight stop near Scarfskerry offers coastal quiet and big skies, far removed from crowds.
DAY-4
THE FAR NORTH COAST
Scarfskerry → Thurso → Melvich → Durness (appx. 83m)
Enjoy short mileage, allowing time to explore and reap rich rewards.
This stunning stretch of the north coast delivers white-sand beaches, sea cliffs, and ever-changing light and historic castles like Ardvreck Melvich. Smoove Cave is a must and can be walked to from Sango Sands campsite, Durness feels wonderfully remote, and Sango Sands Oasis provides one of the most memorable overnight settings of the entire route, outside of the main peak season you can often get a pitch right on the cliff edge overlooking the bay.
This is a day to linger — walk, explore, and enjoy the sense of space.
DAY-5
WEST COAST MAGIC!
Durness → Blairmore → Drumbeg →Achmelvich → Achmelvich → Altandhu (appx. 100m)
Many consider this the most beautiful section of the NC500 — and for good reason. It offers some of the most dramatic coastlines. We have slightly gone off the main NC500 route here to take you over to Atlandhu, this area is outstanding and I found it only a few years ago after going to Scotland for over 40 years! If mountains are your thing the famous Stach Pollaidh sits in this area. Also the campsite at Atalandu is one of our favorites, called Port A Bhaigh. It sits in a lovely little bay with a fantastic little pub next to it – a fitting place to rest after one of the most visually stunning days of the trip.
The road narrows, the coastline becomes rugged, and the driving demands attention. White-sand beaches, turquoise water, and rocky headlands appear around every bend.
DAY-6
FISHING VILLAGES AND OPEN HORIZONS
Altandu → Ullapool → Gairloch → Sands Campsite (appx. 85m)
Ullapool brings a brief return to civilisation — a chance to refuel, restock supplies, and enjoy a coffee and grab some food by the harbour. There’s some great kayaking here where you can head out to the Isles. You will very likely spot Puffins & Guillemots.
Beyond Ullapool, the west coast opens up again, with sweeping views and quieter roads, again offering some stunning coastal scenery with geological wonders like Corrieshalloch Gorge and beautiful beaches like Achnahaird and historic attractions like Ardvreck Castle too.
On your drive watch out for seals, sea otters and eagles.
Sands Caravan & Camping sits beside the beach, offering a peaceful end to the d
DAY-7
APPLECROSS AND THE BEALACH NA Bà
Gairloch → Fearnmore → Applecross → Lochcarron (appx. 102m)
This is one of the NC500’s defining days, with some of the most challenging and dramatic driving ahead of you. This is certainly one of those days where you’ll be very happy not to be in a large campervan.
The climb over the Bealach na Bà is steep, narrow, and unforgettable. It’s a route that rewards capable vehicles and confident driving — and one that highlights the advantages of a compact, capable overland setup.
With Highlights including Gairloch’s beaches and Museum and the beautiful Inverewe Gardens as well as the iconic Eilean Donan Castle today is a feast for the eyes.
Applecross offers a welcome pause before descending towards Lochcarron and your overnight stop near Skye.
For those road-trippers that want a longer trip and intend visiting Skye we do have a 14 day route that takes in what is probably themost famous Island in the Scotland. Get in touch once you have made your reservation and we’ll share all the
DAY-8
SOUTH THROUGH THE HIGHLANDS
Lochcarron → Glencoe (appx. 88m)
The journey turns south now, passing lochs, glens, and ever-changing mountain scenery. Glencoe feels dramatic and cinematic — a fitting place to reflect on the northern loop of the route before continuing south.
Some of the key stops to take in is the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the majestic Buachaille Etive Mor and not to mention the iconic Three Sisters Viewpoint, there are also some lovely walks to be had around here.
Have a pint or some food at the award winning Clachaig Inn, famous in the climbing fraternity.
Settle for the night in Red Squirrel Campsite which sits on the edge of the Glencoe National Nature Reserve.
DAY-9
HIGHLANDS TO THE CAPITAL!
Glencoe → Edinburgh (appx. 115m)
Leaving the Highlands behind, the road opens up as you head toward Edinburgh. This is where Highlands meet Lowlands with the scenery ever changing. Your journey takes you through the famous Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Scotland’s first ever National Park. There’s an abundance of lochs, mountains and forests with a variety of wildlife like deer, osprey, pine martin, golden eagles and red squirrels.
You’ll be spoiled for outdoor activities too, from walking and cycling to an array of watersports.
Is it possible to visit Scotland without sampling their famous whisky distilleries? This journey takes you close to Glengoyne, known for being Scotland’s most beautiful distillery, nestled in a Glen near Loch Lomond.
A night in the city of Edinburgh offers contrast — history, culture, and a different rhythm after days of remote travel. Edinburgh is one of our favourite cities. There is so much to do and see with fantastic restaurants and bars. Some of the highlights to visit are Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, wander through old town and take a walk to Arthur’s Seat which showcases stunning views over the city. There’s also the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival – the city buzz is incredible! To find out more on what to do in Edinburgh check out Forever Edinburgh
DAY-10
HOMEWARD BOUND
Edinburgh → Northumberland (appx. 97m)
Your final day brings you back to Northumberland, closing the loop on a journey of over 1,000 miles.
By now, the slower pace, varied landscapes, and sense of freedom will feel second nature — a reminder of why overland travel is as much about the journey as the destination.
Depending on wheter you decided to kick off your journey with a stay in Edinburgh City or end it in the city (completely optional either way!), if the former, then you can visit the Northumberland coast as your final leg of your journey.
This is without doubt a bucket-list road trip. One that will make memories that will be rooted in your mind for many years to come.
Practical Tips for Driving the NC500
- Best time to go: May, June, and September offer long daylight and fewer crowds
- Fuel planning: Fill up whenever you can in remote areas
- Driving etiquette: Use passing places properly — it keeps everyone happy
- Camping responsibly: Mix campsites with quieter locations and always respect the land
- When you come across a supermarket or convenience store, stock up
Why the NC500 is Perfect for Overland Travel
This route isn’t about speed. It’s about adaptability — changing plans with the weather, stopping when a view demands it, exploring those hidden beaches, climbing those dramatic mountains, wild swimming in loch’s, stopping off to visit a Whiskey distillery and staying somewhere simply because it feels right which maybe a hotel or B&B.
That’s why the NC500 pairs so naturally with overland travel and Defender camper hire. It gives you the flexibility to explore without rushing and the confidence to venture beyond the obvious stops. It connects you with nature, you see those shootings stars, you tell those stories around the fire, you cook on the BBQ, you fall asleep listening to the sounds of nature, there’s no TV to fall back on there’s just yourself, your friends or family and your new best friend which is someone/something called nature itself.
To find out more about hiring one of our defender campers check out our Scotland & NC500 page which gives more information on our vehicles & equipment along with the areas we cover for pick ups & handovers!
01
VIEW OUR DEFENDER CAMPERS
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02
CHECK AVAILABILITY
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03
START PLANNING
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