If you’re thinking about hiring a campervan for the ultimate UK road trip, the NC500 (North Coast 500) is hard to beat.
Often described as Scotland’s Route 66, this 516-mile circular route takes you through dramatic mountain passes, white sandy beaches, remote fishing villages and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe.
Here’s a practical, realistic 7 day NC500 campervan itinerary, designed for comfort, scenery, and proper exploring, not rushing.
🚐 Why the NC500 Is Perfect in a Campervan
- No daily hotel check-ins
- Wake up to loch views and ocean sunrises
- Stop whenever the view demands it
- Total freedom (especially with unlimited mileage 😉)
The route officially starts and ends in Inverness, but you can join it from anywhere.
📍 Day 1 -> Inverness to Applecross (via Bealach na Bà)
Distance: ~80 miles
Highlights:
- Lochcarron views
- Bealach na Bà mountain pass (one of the UK’s best driving roads)
- Applecross coastal sunsets
The climb over Bealach na Bà is narrow and dramatic but absolutely worth it. Take it steady and enjoy the switchbacks.
Overnight: Applecross Campsite or nearby coastal stop.
📍 Day 2 -> Applecross to Ullapool
Distance: ~85 miles
Highlights:
- Torridon mountains
- Shieldaig village
- Gruinard Bay
This stretch feels wild and cinematic. Pull over often as you’ll want photos.
Ullapool is a great overnight stop with facilities, fuel, and food.
📍 Day 3 -> Ullapool to Durness
Distance: ~70 miles
Highlights:
- Ardvreck Castle ruins
- Kylesku Bridge
- Sango Bay
White sand beaches up here feel almost tropical on a sunny day.
Overnight: Sango Sands campsite overlooking the cliffs.
📍 Day 4 -> Durness to Thurso
Distance: ~65 miles
Highlights:
- Smoo Cave
- Strathy Point Lighthouse
- Dunnet Head (most northerly point of mainland Britain)
This section feels remote and peaceful.
📍 Day 5 -> Thurso to Wick
Distance: ~25 miles
Short driving day — more exploring.
Highlights:
- Castle of Mey
- John O’Groats
- Coastal cliff walks
Perfect day to slow down and enjoy coastal stops.
📍 Day 6 -> Wick to Golspie / Dornoch
Distance: ~90 miles
Highlights:
- Whaligoe Steps
- Dunrobin Castle
- Dornoch beach
The east coast feels calmer and more open.
📍 Day 7 -> Return to Inverness
Distance: ~50 miles
Final scenic drive along the Moray Firth. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins.
🗺️ Total Distance
Approx. 516 miles
This is where unlimited mileage matters. Some hire companies cap daily mileage which can make you constantly check your numbers.
With Camper Camper Hire, you just get in and drive.
🛑 Where To Stay?
Options include:
- Campsites (best for facilities & electric hook-up)
- Certified locations (CL sites)
- Some permitted overnight stops
🎒 Essentials To Pack
- Waterproofs (even in summer)
- Midges spray (super essential!)
- Walking boots
- Camera
🔑 Ready to Drive the NC500?
With Camper Camper Hire you get:
🚐 Unlimited Mileage
🛡️ Fully Comprehensive Insurance Included
🔧 Free Breakdown Cover
💷 Only £100 deposit to secure dates
The NC500 isn’t just a road trip. It’s one of those journeys you’ll talk about for years.
👉 Secure your Scotland dates now at campercamperhire.co.uk
