North Coast 500 & The Isle of Skye

Stop when you want to and visit what you want to see most with a self-drive tour of Scotland. With 13 days, you'll have plenty of time to drive the North Coast 500 route, explore all its gems, and go island hopping to the Isle of Skye.

This tour includes a Historic Scotland Pass so you can visit some of the country's most famous attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, amongst many more.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN EDINBURGH

Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, make your way to your hotel located in the city centre. For those arriving early in the day, we recommend spending the afternoon walking through the city, strolling along the Royal Mile and exploring the Old Town and New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit within the city centre, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

DAY 2: INTO THE HIGHLANDS

Start your road trip into the majestic Highlands by stopping at the quaint towns of Dunkeld and Pitlochry. You’ll then travel into the Cairngorms National Park and if time allows you could pop by Scotland’s highest whisky distillery, Dalwhinnie.

Spend the night in the Inverness area.

Driving distance: 251 km / 156 miles

DAY 3: EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THE INVERNESS AREA

Inverness marks the true start of the North Coast 500 but today you have the day to explore the area at your leisure. You could visit the famous Battlefield of Culloden Moor and roam the Bronze-age cemetery Clava Cairns. Or drive south to marvel at the famous Loch Ness and nearby Urquhart Castle ruins.

Spend another night in the Inverness area.

Driving distance: 66 km / 41 miles

DAY 4: JOURNEY TO THE FAR NORTH

Today you head into the northern Highlands, to the most northerly point of mainland Scotland and Britain, Dunnet Point. On the way, you could stop by Dunrobin Castle and at Whaligoe, to descend its 330 stone steps to the sea.

Then continue north to John O’Groats and Dunnet Point. If time allows, you could visit Castle of Mey, once owned by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Spend the night in the Thurso area.

Driving distance: 225 km / 140 miles

DAY 5: DISCOVER THE TRUE NORTH COAST

Continue on the famous North Coast 500 route. Today’s journey is not particularly long but there are plenty of chances to stop for magnificent seaside views. A must-see is the beautiful Smoo Cave, the largest and most dramatic sea cave in Britain.

Spend the night in the Tongue/Durness area.

Driving distance: 114 km / 71 miles

DAY 6: COASTAL ADVENTURES AND SCENERY

Start your day exploring the “Drumbeg Loop,” one of the most scenic circuits of the northwest Highlands. Visit the Stoerhead Lighthouse and marvel at the Old Man of Stoer sea stack.

You can also stop at some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches and enchanting castle ruins before arriving at the charming and whitewashed village of Ullapool. 

Spend the night in the Ullapool area.

Driving distance: 183 km / 114 miles

DAY 7: DAY AT LEISURE IN THE ULLAPOOL AREA

You have the day to explore the area as you wish. Stay in Ullapool or go enjoy a walk at the breathtaking Corrieshalloch Gorge.

Spend another night in the Ullapool area.

Driving distance: 21 km / 13 miles

DAY 8: STUNNING COASTLINE TO RUGGED HILLS

You'll start the day on the scenic coastal road to Gairloch. On the way, visit the town of Poolewe where you can explore the Inverewe Garden and its exotic plants.

Then, drive south into the Torridon Hills, a spectacular mountain range. We recommend stopping by the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve Visitor Centre for a short nature walk.

Spend the night in the Torridon area.

Driving distance: 138 km / 86 miles

DAY 9: EXPERIENCE THE THRILLING BEALACH NA BA

Today you could choose to drive one of Scotland’s most incredible roads – the historic mountain pass known as the Bealach na Bà, or “Pass of the Cattle”. En route, stop by the quaint village of Applecross to enjoy some delicious seafood.

Later, take photos at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle before crossing the bridge to reach the Isle of Skye. 

Spend the night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Driving distance: 167 km / 104 miles

DAY 10: THE ISLE OF SKYE

You have the full day to explore Skye today. Why not visit the colourful village of Portree for delicious seafood or souvenirs from local shops? Then head to the breathtaking Trotternish Peninsula. Here you can enjoy walks up to The Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing, or along the mysterious Fairy Glen.

Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Driving distance: 70 km / 45 miles

DAY 11: SLEAT PENINSULA AND GLENFINNAN

Head south to the Sleat Peninsula today, admiring the scenic landscape of beaches, lochs and mountains along the way. If you have time, stop for a short walk at the Fairy Pools or to sample local whisky at the Talisker Distillery.

Later, you'll catch a ferry back to Mallaig on the mainland. Then you'll journey to Fort William, passing by Glenfinnan along the way.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Driving distance: 135 km / 85 miles

DAY 12: TRAVEL ALONG DRAMATIC GLENS

Today’s drive will take you through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park all the way back to Scotland's largest city, Glasgow. You can also choose to end your trip in Edinburgh.

Start the day with a short detour to Glenfinnan before driving past the magnificent Glen Coe, Scotland's most famous and scenic valley. For a fun photo opportunity, don't miss Doune Castle, feature in Monty Python and Outlander.

Spend the night in Glasgow.

Driving distance: 251 km / 156 miles

DAY 13: DEPARTURE FROM SCOTLAND

Today you say goodbye to Scotland. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may have time for some last-minute shopping on Buchanan Street, a visit to one of Glasgow’s museums, or one last stroll through the charming West End.