The NC500
Unlimited Mileage!Our NC500 campervan hire packages are designed for drivers leaving from Greater Manchester, Cheshire and the surrounding areas who want the freedom of a compact VW Transporter rather than a large motorhome. The vans are easy to drive on Scotland’s mix of A‑roads and single‑track sections, and travelling the NC500 by campervan is widely recommended as one of the best ways to experience its beaches, castles and coastal scenery without worrying about hotel availability. Book a 10‑day hire for your NC500 adventure, with mileage to Inverness and back planned in, so you can focus on the route, the views and the campsites instead of the logistics.
The NC500 is Scotland’s famous 516-mile scenic road trip around the north of the Highlands, starting and ending in Inverness. It passes rugged coastline, white-sand beaches, mountains, and remote villages, and is often called Scotland’s “Route 66”.
Below, we provide a 10-day itinerary for exploring the NC500, including key stops, recommended activities, and carefully selected campsites. No fixed schedules, no rushing—just the freedom to explore at your own pace and wake up surrounded by Scotland’s stunning landscapes.
NC500 Special Offer
Special 10-day hire price: £1,100
Day 1
Travel to InvernessDrive time: 6 hours
Drive from home up to Inverness, the “capital of the Highlands” and official NC500 start/finish point. Stock up on food and supplies in Inverness so you are ready to go the next morning.
Key sights/activities:
Short stroll along the River Ness and Ness Islands.
Optional visit to Inverness Castle area (viewpoint) and city centre.
Suggested campsites:
Torvean Caravan Park, Inverness (handy for city and river walks, often recommended for motorhomes).
Bunchrew Caravan Park, just outside Inverness on the Beauly Firth, featured positively in NC500 trip reports.
Day 2
Dornoch / East CoastDrive time: 2 hours
Start the NC500 and head north up the east coast towards the Dornoch area. Typical itineraries use this as a relaxed first coastal leg.
Key stops:
Chanonry Point for chances of dolphin spotting from the shore.
Glenmorangie Distillery near Tain for a distillery tour or quick photo stop.
Dornoch’s historic cathedral and long sandy beach.
Suggested campsites:
Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park, beside the beach and commonly recommended for NC500 motorhome trips.
Fortrose Bay Campsite on the Black Isle, another popular coastal site with sea views.
Day 3
Wick / John O’GroatsDrive time: 3 hours
Continue north along the east coast through Caithness towards Wick and John O’Groats.
Key stops:
Dunrobin Castle and gardens, a classic NC500 stop.
Whaligoe Steps (steep stone stairway down to a sea inlet, suitable for sure-footed walkers).
Wick for a short town stop or supplies, before heading to John O’Groats.
Suggested campsites:
Wick Caravan & Camping Site (good if you want a slightly shorter day).
John O’Groats Caravan & Camping Site, commonly featured in NC500 campsite guides.
Day 4
The Far North CoastDrive time: 2 hours
Spend the morning exploring the far north, then begin heading west along the top of Scotland.
Key stops:
Duncansby Head and its famous sea stacks, via a short clifftop walk from the lighthouse.
Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain, offers sweeping views.
Short stops around Dunnet Bay or Reiss Beach for photos or a walk.
Suggested campsites:
John O’Groats Caravan & Camping Site (if you prefer to base yourself here and day-trip).
Melvich Caravan Park, popular as a stepping stone towards the westward section.
Day 5
TongueDrive time: 2 hours
Follow the wild northern coastline west towards Tongue, a highly regarded NC500 stop for campervans.
Key stops:
Strathy Point for a headland walk and possible dolphin or seabird spotting.
Bettyhill and nearby beaches for picnics and sea views.
Scenic views over the Kyle of Tongue, with short walks or photo stops.
Suggested campsites:
Kyle of Tongue Holiday Park, frequently praised for its views over the Kyle and location.
Day 6
DurnessDrive time: 1.5 hours
Continue west to Durness, one of the highlights of the NC500’s north-west corner.
Key stops:
Smoo Cave, a large coastal cave system with a walkway and seasonal boat trips.
Balnakeil Beach and Faraid Head, with white sand, dunes and big Atlantic views.
Balnakeil Craft Village, including the well-known Cocoa Mountain chocolate shop.
Suggested campsites:
Sango Sands Oasis Caravan & Camping Park, often cited as one of the most scenic NC500 sites.
Nearby authorised aires or motorhome stopovers if you prefer a simpler overnight.
Day 7
Lochinver / Clachtoll
Drive time: 3 hours
Drop south down the west coast towards Lochinver and the Assynt region.
Key stops:
Beaches and viewpoints near Kinlochbervie or Oldshoremore for short walks and photos.
Optional detour to Handa Island (seasonal) for seabird watching.
Coastal drive towards Lochinver with mountain and loch views.
Suggested campsites:
Clachtoll Beach Campsite, frequently recommended as a top NC500 camping spot.
Lochinver area caravan parks or nearby stopovers in Assynt.
Day 8
UllapoolDrive time: 3 hours
A shorter driving day, giving you time to enjoy the scenery before reaching the harbour town of Ullapool.
Key stops:
Stoer Lighthouse and, for keen walkers, the Old Man of Stoer sea stack route.
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve for a short walk with views over Inverpolly and information on the area’s geology.
Ullapool village for fish and chips, harbour views and a relaxed evening.
Suggested campsites:
Broomfield Holiday Park in Ullapool, within walking distance of the village.
Ardmair Point Holiday Centre just north of Ullapool on the shore.
Day 9
HomeDrive time: 6 hours
Finish the loop by driving back towards Inverness, then continue south towards home the same day. This is your main homeward travel day, so you can choose how early to set off.
Key stops:
Corrieshalloch Gorge and the suspension bridge/viewing platform over the Falls of Measach.
Final viewpoints near Garve or along the A9 on your way south, if time allows.
Day 10
Van ReturnUse this final day as a “buffer” so you’re not rushing:
Unpack all your kit from the campervan.
Give the interior a sweep and tidy.
Refuel and check you’ve removed all personal belongings.
Return the van at the agreed time, relaxed and on schedule.