North Coast 500 in a VW Camper: Scotland’s Ultimate Road Trip

If you love wild coastlines, mountain passes and waking up to loch views from your camper, the North Coast 500 (NC500) is a dream route. This 500‑mile loop around the north of Scotland is perfect for VW campervans, with plenty of hikes, viewpoints and stopovers along the way.

Route Overview

• Start/Finish: Inverness

• Distance: ~500 miles (800 km)

• Recommended duration: 5–10 days in a campervan

• Best time to go: Late spring to early autumn

The NC500 is a loop, so you can drive it clockwise or anti‑clockwise. This guide goes clockwise from Inverness.

Leg 1: Inverness to Applecross (via Bealach na Bà)

Highlights

• Bealach na Bà mountain pass

• Applecross village and beach

• Coastal views over to Skye

Things to do

• Wander around Inverness and stock up on supplies before you leave.

• Drive the famous Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle). It’s steep and narrow with hairpin bends, so take it slow in your camper and avoid bad weather if you’re not confident.

• Explore Applecross village, walk along the beach and grab food at the local inn.

Hikes & walks

• Short coastal walks from Applecross village with views across to the Isle of Skye.

• For a longer hike, try one of the trails in the Beinn Eighe area (about 1–1.5 hours further north).

Campervan stopovers

• Applecross Campsite – popular with campervans, with incredible sunset views.

• Several small lay‑bys and informal spots along the coast (check local signs and follow leave‑no‑trace rules).

Leg 2: Applecross to Ullapool

Highlights

• Torridon mountains

• Loch Maree

• Fishing village of Ullapool

Things to do

• Drive the coastal road through Torridon, one of Scotland’s most dramatic mountain areas.

• Stop at Shieldaig and Gairloch for coffee, food and short walks.

• Visit Loch Maree for peaceful forest and loch views.

Hikes & walks

• Torridon:

  • Short walks from the village into the glen.

  • Longer hikes up Beinn Alligin or Liathach for experienced hikers.

• Corrieshalloch Gorge (just before Ullapool): a short walk to a suspension bridge and waterfall viewpoint.

Campervan stopovers

• Ullapool has several campsites with electric hook‑ups, showers and easy access to pubs and shops.

• Some smaller sites and farm‑style stopovers along the coast between Gairloch and Ullapool.

Leg 3: Ullapool to Durness

Highlights

• Remote beaches

• Sea cliffs

• Caves and turquoise water

Things to do

• Stop at Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt – a ruined castle right by the road.

• Visit Achmelvich Beach or Clachtoll Beach – white sand and clear water that feels almost tropical on a sunny day.

• Explore Smoo Cave near Durness, a huge sea cave you can walk into.

Hikes & walks

• Short coastal walks from Achmelvich and Clachtoll beaches.

• Walk along the cliffs near Durness for big sea views and sea‑bird watching.

Campervan stopovers

• Clachtoll Beach Campsite – very popular with campervans, right by the beach.

• Campsites and motorhome stopovers around Durness, some with direct access to the coast.

Leg 4: Durness to John o’ Groats

Highlights

• Northern‑most mainland coast

• Sea stacks and cliffs

• Ferry options to Orkney

Things to do

• Visit Balnakeil Beach near Durness – huge sand dunes and wide open sands.

• Stop at Sango Sands for another great beach and viewpoint.

• Continue along the north coast to John o’ Groats, the famous “end of the road” signpost.

• Optional: take a day trip to Orkney by ferry if you have extra time.

Hikes & walks

• Short walks along the cliffs near Duncansby Head to see the sea stacks.

• Beach walks at Balnakeil and Sango Sands.

Campervan stopovers

• Sango Sands Oasis campsite – clifftop pitches with sea views.

• Campsites and motorhome parking near John o’ Groats.

Leg 5: John o’ Groats back to Inverness

Highlights

• East coast fishing villages

• Castles and heritage sites

Things to do

• Visit Dunrobin Castle near Golspie – a fairy‑tale style castle with gardens and sea views.

• Stop in small towns like Wick, Helmsdale and Brora for food and short walks.

• Finish back in Inverness, where you can explore the city or head down to Loch Ness.

Hikes & walks

• Coastal paths near Golspie and Brora.

• Woodland and riverside walks around Inverness if you’re staying an extra night.

Campervan stopovers

• Several campsites along the east coast, often quieter than the west and north.

• Campsites around Inverness if you want a final night before heading home.

Tips for Doing the NC500 in a VW Campervan

• Book key campsites in advance in peak season – especially Applecross, Ullapool, Durness and Clachtoll.

• Fuel up regularly – some stretches are remote with few petrol stations.

• Watch the weather – wind, rain and fog can make single‑track roads and passes more challenging.

• Respect passing places – pull in early and let faster traffic pass.

• Leave no trace – use proper waste points, don’t wild camp where it’s not allowed, and keep beaches and lay‑bys clean.