Popular Destinations
North Coast 500
What is the NC500?
Starting at Inverness Youth Hostel, the clockwise circular route heads west then snakes north along the rugged coastline. It then follows the northern edge of the mainland before turning south again at John O' Groats, heading down the A9 to complete the loop back to Inverness.
North Coast 500, otherwise known as the NC500, is Scotland's answer to Route 66, with an added bonus of some of Scotland's most outstanding scenery! Enjoy the sense of adventure that this route provides and why not stay at some of our youth hostels and affiliate hostels along the way? We have six youth hostels and three affiliate hostels along the way, so there are plenty of places you can choose from to stay.
How can I travel around the route?
You can travel by car, motorbike or bicycle.
How long does the trip take?
The NC500 route usually takes five to seven days to complete & you can stay in a different hostel each night.
NC 500 Hostels
Inverness Youth Hostel
Inverness, Scottish HighlandsLocated in a quiet neighbourhood a short walk from the city centre, Inverness Youth Hostel offers guests four star VisitScotland accredited hostel acc...
Applecross, Hartfield House
Applecross, Scottish HighlandsThe Applecross peninsula boasts a breathtakingly beautiful and dramatic landscape. The main township of Applecross (‘a Chomraich’ in Gaelic, which mea...
Torridon Youth Hostel
Torridon, Scottish HighlandsSitting on the NC500 at the head of Upper Loch Torridon, this youth hostel is a popular base for hillwalkers, climbers and those simply wishing to rel...
Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel
Gairloch Sands, Scottish HighlandsA lochside lodge, sitting on the northern shore of Loch Gairloch, with magnificent sea and mountain views and easy access to fantastic sandy beaches....
Ullapool Youth Hostel
Ullapool, Scottish HighlandsFrom its spectacular seafront location on the NC500, Ullapool Youth Hostel offers wonderful, ever-changing views over Loch Broom and the Beinn Dearg m...
Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel
Achmelvich Beach, Scottish HighlandsAchmelvich Beach Youth Hostel sits on the NC500, beside a beautiful, sheltered white sandy beach, close to the iconic mountain of Suilven.This small a...
Durness Smoo Youth Hostel
Durness Smoo, Scottish HighlandsSitting on the famous NC500, surrounded by a wild and spectacular landscape, Durness Smoo offers a true hostelling experience in simple, relaxed and w...
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...
Helmsdale
Helmsdale, Scottish HighlandsSet in the small scenic village of Helmsdale, halfway between Inverness and John o'Groats. Ideal for cycling, coastal walks, hill walks and bird watch...