Drive the North Coast 500 with Hertz Car Rental
Few Scotland road trips rival the raw, untamed beauty of the North Coast 500. This iconic NC500 route winds through rugged coastlines, ancient castles and breathtaking Highland scenery, making it one of the most celebrated drives in the world. Use the Hertz Road Trip Planner to map out your NC500 journey and choose your perfect rental car for the adventure ahead.
NORTH COAST 500, HIGHLAND DRIVES AND SCOTLAND ROAD TRIPS
Explore the legendary North Coast 500 route with curated stops and scenic highlights, driving through the Scottish Highlands with your favourite rental car
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North Coast 500
Inverness - Inverness
From local legends to centuries-old castles, a road trip through Northern Scotland is one for creating memories. Enjoy flawless natural beauty along the incredible coastline on the epic North Coast 500 route. Drive through wild and majestic countryside, take in the Northern Lights and stop off in quaint villages to experience the untouched charm of Scotland.
North Coast 500
Stop 1: Helmsdale 1/15
If your idea of heaven is relaxing with a fishing rod in hand, then Helmsdale is your kind of place. This picturesque town and the surrounding rolling countryside offer a variety of stunning hikes and rambles. Wander alongside the River Helmsdale towards the bustling harbour front and enjoy some freshly cooked local fish and chips along the way.
North Coast 500
Stop 2: Eden Court 2/15
Inverness is the capital of the Scottish Highlands, a place of charm and character. Following the flow of the River Ness, this waterfront city marries heritage with a keen eye on the present. You can explore ancient treasures with a visit to the nearby Bronze Age cemetery or the battlefield that witnessed the final Jacobite Rising, then indulge in a spot of retail therapy in one of the bustling shopping centres. Eden Court is the perfect place for an evening at the theatre, with performances all year round. This spectacular multi-venue complex brings together two massive theatres, two hidden-gem underground cinemas, and a beautiful glass-fronted bistro overlooking the river.
North Coast 500
Stop 3: Loch Ness 3/15
Many a visitor has tried to spot Nessie in these mysterious waters. Try your luck with a boat ride out onto the famous loch. Even if you don’t catch sight of the elusive creature, the scenic landscape and gentle lull of the waves are the perfect way to start your Scotland road trip. Make time for a stop off at Urquhart Castle, a stunning 13th-century structure built on an early medieval site that looks out over the Loch.
North Coast 500
Stop 4: Cromarty Lighthouse 4/15
Built by Alan Stevenson, uncle of Treasure Island novelist Robert Louis Stevenson, the charming Cromarty Lighthouse is steeped in maritime history. In operation from 1842 right up to 2005, today it’s the perfect spot to enjoy stunning views of the ocean and catch a glimpse of the resident dolphins, otters and seals. Students at the University of Aberdeen use the building for marine biology studies, but visitors are welcome to visit the Lighthouse Tower and Old Buoy Store. So while the interior is closed to the public, visitors are welcome to explore the stunning shoreline and historic harbour front outside.
North Coast 500
Stop 5: Castle Sinclair Girnigoe 5/15
This moody, majestic structure is a must-visit while navigating the north coast. Just 10 minutes’ drive from Wick, these 14th-century ruins offer a stunning snapshot of Scotland’s rich heritage, which are slowly being reclaimed by the land and sea. Ranked as one of the top 100 most endangered sites in the world, grab the change to see Castle Sinclair Girnigoe while you still can. Walk around the former medieval fortress, breathe in the fresh sea air and relish the crisp coastal views.
North Coast 500
Stop 6: Keiss Castle 6/15
Built in the 16th century by George, Earl of Caithness, Keiss Castle was seized when he defied King James I, only to be later returned to his son. Standing in a stunning spot on sheer cliffs overlooking Sinclair's Bay, the castle was in ruins by the 18th century. You can park up and approach the castle on foot, enjoying a spectacular coastal walk that takes in the remains of a broch, an ancient round defensive structure dating from the Iron Age.
North Coast 500
Stop 7: Bettyhill 7/15
First settled in the 1800s, Bettyhill is a remote and picturesque village on the north coast. With a stunning mountain backdrop and contrasting sandy beaches, this scenic coastal location is the perfect stop to get a true snapshot of the Scottish Highlands. If you’re lucky, you might see the Northern Lights illuminating the night sky. Park up the car and spend a night at the famous Bettyhill Hotel, renowned for its great views and comfy rooms.
North Coast 500
Stop 8: Smoo Cave 8/15
Stop by this spectacular sea cave in Durness – one of the largest in the UK. The formation can be reached by boat or foot, following a path from the car park over the cliffs. You’re free to roam this incredible cave, with its magnificent chambers and waterfalls, or you can join a paid tour. There are three chambers in all, the last of which is only accessible by boat when the weather is dry, as it’s prone to flooding.
North Coast 500
Stop 9: Scourie 9/15
Sitting in the scoop of Scourie Bay, this compact village is rugged and wild, with an abundance of natural beauty to explore. Traditionally, it’s called Scoury, after the Gaelic word ‘sheiling’ which means shelter in a remote landscape. Ride the ferry across to Handa Island to meet the resident puffins and skuas, or drive 15 minutes to the North West Highlands Geopark to learn the secrets of this epic landscape.
North Coast 500
Stop 10: Achmelvich Bay 10/15
Drive on to Achmelvich Bay, where white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters await. If you’re partial to water sports and don’t mind the Highland chill, suit up and head to the beach for windsurfing, kayaking and water skiing. For a scenic coastal walk, head to Hermit’s Castle. Built in the 1950s and considered to be the smallest concrete castle in Europe, it’s a quirky landmark to look around.
North Coast 500
Stop 11: Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve 11/15
Ullapool is a haven for hiking, with a quaint harbour and pretty coastline to explore. On the way you’ll also find Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, a rugged geological site formed by the force of two continents crashing into one another. Choose from three trails of varying difficulty and marvel at the views of the lochs and dramatic landscapes which surround the area. See if you can find the Tilted Globe en route, a slate sculpture by Joe Smith.
North Coast 500
Stop 12: Inverewe Gardens 12/15
Situated by Loch Ewe, Poolewe is a pretty village with rustic, white rendered buildings and neat gardens, set against stunning views of the water. Drive across the river to Inverewe Gardens, a gorgeous labour of love created by a local father and daughter team. The grounds host rare species of plant and Scotland’s most prolific wildlife species. Stroll through the gardens and look out for deer, red squirrels and otters enjoying the vegetation all year round.
North Coast 500
Stop 13: Torridon 13/15
Nestled between the Torridon mountains and Loch Torridon, this traditional Scottish village is swimming in natural wonders. Pull on your walking boots and get outside to soak up the scenic setting in all its glory. From rugged crags to lush green hills and dark blue waters, this northern landscape is a stunning wilderness. Drop into the Torridon Deer Enclosure to meet the deer and watch wild otters fishing for their supper in the loch.
North Coast 500
Stop 14: Inverness Castle 14/15
To complete your Highland experience, return to Inverness and its stunning red stone castle. Sitting on a cliff, overlooking the River Ness, this impressive structure was constructed in 1836 and still stands proud today. Buy tickets to access the castle viewpoint for a stunning 360-degree view of the city, and then enjoy a stroll around the grounds. Look out for the statue of Flora MacDonald, who famously helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape from Scotland after the defeat of the Jacobites. The castle was completely transformed and officially opened in December 2025 as The Inverness Castle Experience. It is now a fully immersive, world-class visitor attraction (featuring the new Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands), rather than just an empty building with a viewing platform.
North Coast 500
Stop 15: Wick 15/15
Discover the incredible story of Wick, a former fishing town once occupied by the Vikings. There’s plenty to explore in this charming town, from carefully curated artefacts in the Wick Heritage Museum to the shortest street in the world – Ebenezer Place, which is just a few feet long. Explore the pretty streets and cross the bridge to enjoy views along the harbour. Look out too for fishermen bringing in fresh lobster and seals snoozing on the shore.
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