Top 10 must-see places on the NC500 in 2026

Your must do list for your 2025 Scottish road trip

Planning your dream NC500 road trip adventure? With over 500 miles of jaw-dropping coastline, castles and beaches, choosing where to stop can be overwhelming. Here's my handpicked list of 10 unmissable locations for your North Coast 500 road trip in 2025 - from the best beaches to my favourite viewpoints.

1. Bealach na Bà

The famous Bealach na Ba is a must when traveling along the NC500. The road twists it’s way up into the mountains with incredible views overlooking the Isle of Skye and the surrounding mountains. It is one of Scotland's most dramatic mountain drives, featuring hairpin bends and panoramic views as you ascend to over 2,000 feet. If you’re driving in a big vehicle (I’d say anything over 6m), it may be wise to scout the route out on Google Maps before taking on the road as there are few passing places available. Alternatively, I’d suggest giving this one a miss. If you’re traveling in a motorhome, checkout my motorhome guide here for the best route.

Start of the climb from Applecross:

• Postcode: IV54 8LN

• what3words: ///retraced.spend.probable

• Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9edMBDuY8s5uiigt8

2. Smoo Cave

Smoo cave is one of the great free stops along the North Coast 500 road trip. You can walk down the cliff to explore the impressive sea cave, one of the largest in the UK, with a hidden waterfall inside (this part is only accessible via boat and wooden walkway) but you can still explore a large portion of the cave.​ Parking is provided at the top of the hill along with toilets. Visit the village of Durness for coffee and lunch, a short drive down the road.

• Postcode: IV27 4QA

• what3words: ///gift.amazed.extremely

• Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MrsTEzNq9H8tn7Qo6

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3. Whaligoe Steps

Descend the 365 steps carved into cliffs to reach a historic harbour once used by fisherman. On a clear day, you can spot hundreds of seabirds landing on the cliff edges. Just remember, the way you go down is also the way you come up, so prepare yourself for a short plod.

• Postcode: KW2 6AB

• what3words: ///bitter.troubles.afflicted

• Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ey1PD2LejcNk9aks9

4. Ardvreck Castle

Discover the ruins of the 16th-century castle sat on the shores of Loch Assynt, one of the most beautiful in Scotland

• Postcode: IV27 4HL

• what3words: ///overgrown.eased.novelist

• Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3KTvipsPPu4Hf9YV9

5. Rhue Lighthouse

One of my favourite places to stop on the West coast of the NC500. A short walk from the carpark leads to this stunning lighthouse offering beautiful views looking over Loch Broom and the Summer Isles. This was one of my favourite places to read a book and enjoy the peace and quiet as boats sailed passed the harbour

• Postcode: IV26 2TJ

• what3words: ///starlight.crawling.rejoined

• Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lgm27BaK4mDbsP1TA

6. Wailing Widow Falls

A must-see on the NC500 route, this hidden waterfall cascades dramatically from Loch na Gainmhich, creating a breathtaking scene against the wild and rugged Highland backdrop. Parking can be limited, especially for larger vehicles, you may need to park at the top of the pass and walk down to reach the falls.

• Postcode: IV27 4HW

• what3words: ///talent.hamper.solicitor

• Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rJHFDSMpCM5NZzqs7

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👋🏻 Planning your NC500 adventure for 2026?

Start your trip prep early with my downloadable North Coast 500 Guide & Digital Map – the ultimate tool to plan your own journey around Scotland’s most scenic route.

It’s packed with my best travel tips, must-visit NC500 stops, affordable accommodation, and the fun activities we enjoyed along the way.

You’ll also get a free digital Google Map with 100+ pinned locations – beaches, cafés, campsites and viewpoints – all accessible straight from your phone.

Prefer something tangible? Order the printed hard copy for easy planning on the go.

🚐 Travelling in a motorhome? There’s also a dedicated Motorhome Edition with routes perfectly suited for larger vehicles.

💡 Want a 2026 trip built just for you? Try my Custom NC500 Itinerary Service – I’ll design your ideal route based on your interests, driving style and schedule.

View NC500 Guide Get your personalised itinerary

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7. Kylesku Bridge

The curved Kylesku bridge offers breathtaking views over Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin and is a great place to stop for lunch on the way down the west coast. There is often a coffee van serving a mix of food and drinks in the car park. There are no loo facilities here.

• Postcode: IV27 4HW

• what3words: ///haven.wept.roosters

• Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RxaqLMZyyxVLEGb67

8. Dunrobin Castle

One of the first stops along the East coast of the Scotland 500, Dunrobin Castle resembles a French château, the stately home boasts exquisite gardens overlooking the sea and a fantastic turreted castle. This is a great place to stop for coffee on the way up or down the East Coast.

• Postcode: KW10 6SF

• what3words: ///velocity.giants.sits

• Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pD6hsRp6xomF3tw2A

9. Falls of Measach

The Corrieshalloch Gorge is one of the more interest places to explore along the NC500 with its dramatic 46-meter waterfall plunging into the Gorge, accessible via a small suspension bridge.​ There are several short walks available around the park all offering a scenic wonder through the forest and along side the waterfalls and is a great place to visit after a lunch stop in Ullapool.

• Postcode: IV23 2PJ

• what3words: ///drummers.fame.tracking

• Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4rgkzxbvT9RP4oTN9

10. Strathy Beach 🏝️

This is one of the most beautiful beachs along the entire North Coast 500 with rolling sand dunes, caves, white sand and blue water, perfect for a peaceful stroll, a refreshing dip or picnic by the beach. The best bit it, you often have it to yourself as many just drive on to the village of Durness. For all the best beaches along the NC500, view my full beach blog here.

• Postcode: KW14 7RZ

• what3words: ///collides.concerned.proves

• Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BsHfw2fnGYF9tu1G8

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🚗 Ready to plan your 2026 NC500 road trip?

Make planning simple with my North Coast 500 Guide & Interactive Map – everything you need to explore Scotland’s most iconic road trip with confidence next year.

Inside you’ll find my tried-and-tested route, favourite stops, great value places to stay, and plenty of ideas for beaches, hikes and local food along the way.

Plus, you’ll get instant access to a digital Google Map with 100+ pinned spots – from hidden beaches to the best cafés and viewpoints – ready to use on your phone.

Prefer planning offline? Grab the printed edition and keep it handy for your journey.

🚐 Driving a motorhome? There’s a dedicated Motorhome Edition with easy-to-navigate routes designed for larger vehicles.

✨ Want your 2026 trip tailored to you? With my Custom NC500 Itinerary Service, I’ll design a route built around your time, pace and interests – all you need to do is pack and go.

Explore the Guide Get your personalised itinerary

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Have a read of my other North Coast 500 guides and resources

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Have a read of my Lake District hiking guides