The NC500 starts and ends at Inverness Castle and traces the top of mainland Scotland. It is not a race — the road is single-track for long stretches with passing places, and the reward is in the stops rather than the mileage.
INEOS Grenadier
Single-track passes, gravel laybys and Highland weather. The Grenadier swallows luggage and never feels out of its depth.
Check availabilityThe route, stage by stage
- 01
Inverness to Applecross
Head west through Achnasheen and climb the Bealach na Bà, the highest road pass in Britain. Hairpins, 20% gradients and a summit view over Skye.
- 02
Applecross to Ullapool
Coast road past Torridon and Gairloch, then Inverewe Garden. Ullapool is the natural overnight — a working fishing port with excellent seafood.
- 03
Ullapool to Durness
The wildest section. Ardvreck Castle, Kylesku Bridge and the beaches at Sandwood and Balnakeil.
- 04
Durness to John o' Groats
Smoo Cave, then the long northern run past Tongue and Thurso to the top-right corner of the mainland.
- 05
The east coast home
Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch and the Black Isle back into Inverness. Faster tarmac — a good final day.
Stops worth making
- Bealach na Bà summit viewpoint
- Corrieshalloch Gorge
- Kylesku Bridge
- Smoo Cave, Durness
- Dunrobin Castle
Driving notes for visitors
- Passing places are for passing, not parking or photographs.
- Fuel is sparse north of Ullapool — fill up whenever you pass a pump.
- Sheep have right of way and know it. Expect them on blind crests.
Remember: drive on the left, the national speed limit on single carriageways is 60mph, and roundabouts give priority to traffic from your right.