Travel Inspiration!
Exploring the NC500
Travel the NC500
The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to Route 66. A fantastic 500 mile road trip through the stunning scenery of Scotland’s North West Highlands and along the dramatic Caithness coastline.
Starting at Inverness Youth Hostel, the clockwise circular route heads west, snaking its way along the rugged coastline, following the northern edge of the Scottish mainland before turning south at John O’Groats and heading down the A9 to complete the loop back to Inverness.
The route usually takes five to seven days to complete, but you may choose to stretch this out and spend more time taking in the magnificent scenery.
Travel by car, bike or motorcycle and stay at our youth hostels en-route.
An appetite for adventure in the NW Highlands!
Hostels on the NC500
Inverness Youth Hostel
Inverness, Scottish HighlandsLocated in a quiet neighbourhood a short walk from the city centre, this four star VisitScotland accredited hostel is a popular choice for individual travellers, backpackers, families and groups...
Applecross, Hartfield House
Applecross, Hartfield House, Scottish IslandsHartfield House is a Visit Scotland 4 Star hostel, set back from the main North Coast 500 road, in the peace and tranquility of the mountainous landscape. The hostel is surrounded by shady trees,...
Torridon Youth Hostel
Torridon, Scottish HighlandsThis award winning youth hostel sits on the NC500 at the head of Upper Loch Torridon and is a popular base for hillwalkers, climbers and those simply wishing to relax and enjoy the surroundings and...
Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel
Gairloch Sands, Scottish HighlandsSitting on the northern shore of Loch Gairloch, with magnificent sea and mountain views and easy access to fantastic sandy beaches, this traditional lochside lodge is a great base for exploring the...
Ullapool Youth Hostel
Ullapool, Scottish HighlandsFrom its spectacular seafront location on the NC500, Ullapool Youth Hostel offers wonderful views over Loch Broom and the Beinn Dearg mountain range. This warm and welcoming hostel offers guests a...
Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel
Achmelvich Beach, Scottish HighlandsSitting on the NC500, beside a beautiful, sheltered white sandy beach, this small and friendly hostel provides a relaxing base to explore miles of unspoilt coastline, secluded beaches and abundant...
Durness Smoo Youth Hostel
Durness Smoo, Scottish HighlandsSitting on the famous NC500, surrounded by a wild and spectacular landscape, Durness Smoo offers a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A simple but welcoming base for exploring the...
Tongue
Tongue, Scottish HighlandsTongue Hostel is a magnificently situated stone lodge on the shores of the Kyle of Tongue. Once a former hunting and fishing lodge dating back to 1891, the hostel offers wonderful views of Ben...
Helmsdale Lodge Hostel
Helmsdale Lodge Hostel, Scottish HighlandsHelmsdale Lodge Hostel is located in the scenic coastal village of Helmsdale in north east Sutherland. Sitting in a prominent position at the north end of the village on the main NC500 and LEJOG...