Where to Stay on the NC500: The Best Hotels, B&Bs and Campsites Along Scotland’s Most Scenic Route
Discover the top places to stay on the North Coast 500, from cosy B&Bs and boutique hotels to wild campsites with amazing views.
Planning your NC500 road trip and wondering where to stay each night? Whether you’re travelling in luxury, on a tighter budget, or somewhere in between, this guide breaks down 7 great overnight stops with low, medium, and high-cost accommodation options in each location.
Inverness – The Starting Point
Often called the gateway to the Highlands, Inverness marks the beginning and end of the NC500 adventure. It’s the perfect place to stock up on supplies, enjoy a warm Highland welcome, and spend your first or final night in comfort. From riverside hotels and stylish B&Bs to nearby campsites with easy access to the city, Inverness has something for every traveller before the road north truly begins.
Budget – Black Isle Hostel
A no-frills but clean and central hostel in Inverness, great for budget travellers or solo adventurers looking to meet others. Dorms and private rooms available.
Mid-range – Heathmount
A stylish, boutique hotel just a short walk from the city centre, with comfy rooms and a great restaurant and bar on-site.
Mid-range – Ardconnel Court Apartments
Serviced apartments right in the city centre, perfect for those wanting a bit more space and self-catering flexibility.
Mid-range – Ballifeary Guest House
A traditional Victorian guesthouse just 10 minutes from the centre, with beautifully furnished rooms and a homely Scottish breakfast.
Luxury – Ness Walk Hotel
Set right on the banks of the River Ness, this 5-star hotel offers a luxurious start to your NC500 adventure with elegant rooms, valet parking and fine dining.
Dornoch or John O’Groats – The East Coast Escape
The NC500’s eastern stretch is full of charm, think golden beaches, historic castles, and peaceful seaside villages. Dornoch offers a relaxed start with its cathedral, golf course, and boutique stays, while John O’Groats sits at the very top of mainland Britain, perfect for those chasing that iconic photo at the famous signpost. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, coastal B&Bs, or scenic campsites overlooking the North Sea, this part of the route is all about slow mornings and sea air.
Budget – Sandra’s Backpackers (Thurso)
Simple, affordable accommodation near the coast, ideal for surfers or those wanting a short drive to Dunnet Head or John O’Groats.
Mid-range – The Bridge Hotel, Helmsdale
A lovely riverside hotel with clean, simple rooms, a friendly pub downstairs, and excellent food — a quieter alternative to Dornoch or Wick.
Mid-range – The Castle Hotel, Dornoch
A charming historic hotel with cosy rooms and a traditional bar, offering great access to Dornoch Beach and the cathedral.
Mid-range – Mackays Hotel, Wick
Home to the "shortest street in the world," this quirky and welcoming hotel is a great stop before heading north.
Luxury – Natural Retreats, John O’Groats
Stay in one of the modern eco-lodges perched on the cliff edge with sweeping views of the sea. Perfect for couples or families wanting a stylish remote getaway.
Luxury – Dornoch Castle Hotel
Stay in a 500-year-old castle with an award-winning whisky bar and period-style rooms. Perfect for history lovers.
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The North Coast
Wild, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful, the North Coast is where the NC500 truly feels untamed. Stretching from John O’Groats to Durness, this section is all dramatic cliffs, white-sand beaches, and rugged landscapes that feel worlds away from everyday life. Stay in a cosy guesthouse in Thurso, a boutique hideaway in Durness, or pitch up at a clifftop campsite and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. It’s the perfect place to experience Scotland’s wild side in comfort.
Budget – Sango Sands Oasis Campsite
You can’t beat the view from here. Perched above the beach, this campsite offers pitches for tents and campervans, as well as simple static caravans for hire.
Mid-range – Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse
A great option for walkers or cyclists, this warm and welcoming bunkhouse has dorms and private rooms, a shared kitchen, and beautiful views.
Bettyhill Hotel
A welcoming hotel with sea views, close to Farr Bay. Great for a relaxed overnight stay on the quieter northern edge of the NC500.
Luxury – The Tongue Hotel
A beautifully restored hunting lodge with stylish rooms, traditional decor, and views of Ben Loyal and the Kyle of Tongue.
Luxury – The Marine, Thurso
Chic rooms in a refurbished Victorian townhouse overlooking the sea. Feels boutique, with the warmth of a B&B.
Lochinver – The West Coast - Rugged mountains and coastal charm
Tucked between towering peaks and turquoise bays, Lochinver is one of the most scenic stops on the NC500. This small fishing village offers a perfect mix of mountain views, coastal walks, and hearty Highland hospitality. You’ll find everything from boutique lodges and lochside cottages to relaxed campsites overlooking the water. It’s an ideal base for exploring nearby Assynt highlights like Achmelvich Beach, Suilven, and Ardvreck Castle.
Mid-range
The Culag Hotel
A former coaching inn with views across the bay, this hotel has a relaxed, traditional feel and a great bar for a post-hike pint.
Scourie Guest House
A charming guesthouse in one of the west coast’s most peaceful spots, with homemade breakfasts and a relaxed vibe.
Luxury
Glencanisp Lodge
Located in the Assynt wilderness near Suilven, this grand stone-built lodge offers secluded stays with breathtaking surroundings and optional dinner service.
Tigh na Sith, Lochinver
An outstanding B&B with incredible hospitality, stunning views of the harbour, and beautifully presented rooms.
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Ullapool – Harbour Town Vibes
A lively harbour town surrounded by dramatic hills, Ullapool offers a perfect balance of comfort and adventure. It’s a favourite stop for road trippers to enjoy good food, local music, and a well-earned rest after a day on the road. From stylish guesthouses and friendly inns to lochside campsites, Ullapool is a great place to unwind while soaking up the charm of Scotland’s west coast.
Budget – Ullapool Youth Hostel
A great value hostel right on the water with both dorm and private room options. Clean, cosy and well-located for restaurants and ferry views.
Mid-range – North Coast 500 Pods
Mid-range – The Ferry Boat Inn
A friendly inn with sea views, comfortable rooms and a great pub downstairs serving fresh seafood and local ales.
Luxury – The Ceilidh Place
A cultural hub offering boutique-style rooms, a bookshop, restaurant and regular live music – ideal for those wanting a stay with character.
Gairloch – Beaches and Big Skies
Gairloch is where the NC500 slows down again, offering endless coastal views, golden beaches, and incredible sunsets over the Isle of Skye. Whether you’re kayaking on the loch, exploring nearby waterfalls, or simply relaxing on the sand, this west coast haven feels wonderfully remote. Choose from seaside hotels, homely B&Bs, or campsites right by the water for the full Highland experience.
Budget – Sands Caravan & Camping Park
A beautiful beachside campsite with facilities for campervans, tents, and glamping pods. Great for star-gazing and sunsets.
Mid-range – Gairloch Hotel
A large hotel in a prime location on the seafront. Offers good value rooms with breakfast included, and easy access to local walks and boat trips.
Luxury – Shieldaig Lodge
An elegant 19th-century hunting lodge tucked away in woodland, now a luxury hotel with fine dining, a whisky bar and views over Loch Gairloch.
Mid-range – Old Inn, Gairloch
A traditional highland inn with a cosy bar, hearty food, and live music. Perfect after a day exploring nearby beaches and waterfalls.
Strathcarron Hotel (near Torridon)
Just south of Torridon, this simple yet comfortable railway hotel has clean rooms and a surprisingly good menu.
Applecross or Torridon – The Scenic Finale
The final stretch of the NC500 is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you take the famous Bealach na Bà pass to Applecross or the gentler coastal road towards Torridon, you’ll be treated to some of the most dramatic scenery in Scotland. Think rugged peaks, mirror-like lochs, and star-filled skies. Stay in a cosy inn, a mountain lodge, or a wild campsite with panoramic views, the perfect ending to your NC500 journey.
Budget – Applecross Campsite
Popular with vanlifers and road trippers, this well-equipped campsite has stunning views across the Inner Sound to Skye.
Mid-range – Torridon Youth Hostel
Clean, modern and beautifully set, this hostel is a fantastic base for exploring the mountains and lochs of Torridon without splashing out.
Luxury – The Torridon Hotel
A 5-star Scottish Baronial hotel with fine dining, a whisky and gin bar, and impeccable service. The ultimate way to finish your NC500 adventure in style.
Mid-range – Hartfield House Hostel, Applecross
More than just a hostel — this place has private rooms, great communal spaces, and a peaceful woodland setting near the coast.
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Find the best places to stay along Scotland’s North Coast 500 route. Explore handpicked hotels, cosy B&Bs, motorhome sites and wild camping spots with this 2025 NC500 accommodation guide.