The NC500’s Best Beaches: Hidden Gems on the East Coast
When most people dream of the North Coast 500, they picture the rugged, mountainous drama of the west: white sands, turquoise waters, and narrow single-track roads. But the circuit’s often-underrated eastern flank offers an entirely different, yet equally captivating, coastal experience – one that is arguably far easier, more relaxing, and packed with hidden gems – such as some of the NC500’s very best beaches.
The east coast, running roughly from Inverness up to John o’ Groats, is defined by gentle rolling hills, historic fishing villages, vast firths (inlets), and wide, golden beaches. The accessibility here is a huge selling point: the A9 and A99 are dual-carriageways or wide B-roads for much of the journey, meaning less stress, faster travel, and, crucially, much easier parking for larger vehicles (like your campervan!)
Here is a guide to the best East Coast beaches for a relaxing, accessible campervan adventure in the cooler months!
Let’s get going.
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
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The East Coast’s Distinct Charm
Ditching the summer rush for a late winter (February/March) or early spring (April/May) trip along the East is an invitation to tranquillity. You’ll find the best beaches deserted, perfect for long walks, and easier access to heritage sites, all while enjoying the low-slung, golden light that defines the shoulder seasons in Scotland.
For the campervan tourist, the benefits are clear:
- Easier Driving: Wide roads, fewer hairpins, and better infrastructure.
- Accessibility: Most beach access points and parking areas are spacious and well-maintained.
- Facilities: Towns are closer together, meaning better access to fuel, groceries, and essential services, even in the off-season.
The geology and geography here contrast sharply with those in the West. Instead of Atlantic storms carving out small, rocky coves, the North Sea has deposited immense stretches of flat, shell-sand and golden dunes. This coast is famed for its wildlife – it’s a prime spot for viewing migrating birds, dolphins, and seals.
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NC500: East Coast Beaches
1. Embo Beach, Sutherland
Embo often marks the true beginning or end of the NC500’s eastern stretch, providing an excellent introduction to the area’s vast, open sands.
- Appeal: A vast, sweeping arc of golden sand backed by low dunes, offering panoramic views across the Dornoch Firth. It’s sheltered and often incredibly peaceful.
- Why Visit in Winter/Spring: The adjacent holiday park (while sometimes closed or limited off-season) doesn’t impede access to the beach. The road into the village is straightforward, and there is ample parking near the main access point. The sheer scale of the beach means that even if a few locals are out, you’ll still feel totally alone.
- Campervan Tip: Parking is easy and flat. It’s an ideal spot for an early morning dog walk, a quick run to shake off the driving legs, or just enjoying the bracing North Sea air before the main day of touring!
- Key Message: Reliable accessibility and a great starting point for the tour’s northern half.
2. Dornoch Beach, Sutherland
Just south of Embo, Dornoch offers a more integrated experience, blending seaside beauty with historical charm.
- Appeal: A long, beautiful stretch of beach known for its excellent water quality and proximity to the historic town of Dornoch, famed for its cathedral and world-class golf course.
- Why Visit in Winter/Spring: Dornoch is a bustling small town year-round, meaning amenities like cafés, pubs, and shops are reliably open. The large, dedicated beach car park is easily accessed from the A9 and is rarely full in the off-season.
- Campervan Tip: Dornoch has good facilities nearby. It’s a perfect spot to combine a beach day with restocking supplies or enjoying a cosy lunch in town. The approach roads are wide and suitable for all vehicle sizes.
- Key Message: Excellent town amenities and ample parking make this a perfect mid-tour service stop, complemented by a relaxing beach walk.
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3. Sinclair’s Bay (Ackergill & Reiss Beach), Caithness
As you head further north towards Wick, Sinclair’s Bay is a spectacular, long expanse encompassing both Ackergill and Reiss beaches, framed by dramatic castle ruins.
- Vibe: A vast, wild bay featuring golden sand and the backdrop of two historic fortresses: Ackergill Tower and Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. It’s epic in scale and feels wonderfully exposed to the elements.
- Why it works in Winter/Spring: This is a fantastic place for storm-watching or simply for appreciating the raw power of the North Sea without the summer crowds. The A99 offers excellent access to the parking areas near the beach, making vehicle manoeuvring easy.
- Campervan Tip: Look for the dedicated parking areas near Reiss – they are spacious. This is also a fantastic spot for nature lovers; keep an eye out for seals basking near the shore, especially in the quieter months.
- Key Message: Wide, accessible beach with incredible historical interest and excellent parking for large vehicles.
4. Keiss Beach, Caithness
A slightly smaller and more sheltered bay north of Sinclair’s, Keiss offers a charming and quiet alternative!
- Appeal: A beautiful, relatively small beach near the village of Keiss, known for its historic harbour and the ruins of Keiss Castle nearby.
- Why Visit in Winter/Spring: The area is naturally quieter than the major tourist hubs. The roads are still straightforward, and it’s a great spot to witness the local fishing culture without the distraction of peak-season visitors.
- Campervan Tip: Parking is available in the village. This is a stop for those who prefer small, local spots over grand tourist attractions. Given its proximity to John o’ Groats or the end of the tour (anti-clockwise direction), it’s a peaceful spot on your travels.
- Key Message: Highly accessible via wide roads, offering a quiet, authentic coastal village experience.
5. Balintore, Shandwick, and Hilton Beaches (The Seaboard Villages)
While technically much further south near the Cromarty Firth, these three interconnected beaches near the ‘Seaboard Villages’ are a hidden treasure often missed by those rushing north.
- Appeal: A series of lovely, often sandy bays that connect the villages of Balintore, Shandwick, and Hilton. They are more sheltered than the main North Sea coastline and offer views into the firth.
- Why Visit in Winter/Spring: These villages are residential, meaning life goes on year-round. The roads are small but manageable, and you get a fantastic insight into real Highland coastal living. They are known for their proximity to the Shandwick Stone, a magnificent Pictish cross slab.
- Campervan Tip: Parking is available in the villages near the beach access points. Since this is slightly off the main A9 route, traffic is minimal in the cooler months, making the detour worthwhile and low-stress for the driver!
- Key Message: Excellent cultural interest and easy access to multiple smaller, sheltered beaches in a localised area.
The NC500’s East Coast: What to Expect
Touring the East Coast in your campervan during the off-season isn’t just about beautiful beaches; it’s about comfort and ease.
Driving and Roads
The East Coast infrastructure is superior for campervans, as the A9, the main artery, is largely a dual carriageway and fast. Even the A99 is wide and well-maintained, meaning less stress, fewer delays, and safer driving, especially when road conditions might be less predictable due to winter weather.
Snow clearance and gritting are also more frequent on these primary routes than on the remote single tracks of the west.
Coastal Wildlife
The Firths are world-renowned for marine life – late winter and spring are excellent times to spot bottlenose dolphins, especially near the Moray Firth (though slightly south of the main NC500, it’s easily accessible). Keep binoculars handy at any of the major beach stops, as you may see seals hauled out on the sandbanks or a prolific seabird migration!
Local Amenities
The towns of Tain, Dornoch, Wick, and Thurso are significant centres offering reliable supermarkets, fuel stations, and vehicle services that remain open year-round.
This is an essential logistical advantage for campervan travellers who need to stock up on supplies or perform necessary service tasks.
Atmosphere and Authenticity
While the West Coast offers wild solitude, the East Coast provides community and history. By visiting during the shoulder seasons, you can interact with locals going about their daily lives, enjoy quieter pubs, and truly appreciate the area’s history without the veneer of tourist-centric summer activities!
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The NC500: Embrace the Beaches
The NC500’s east coast is the thoughtful choice for the shoulder-season campervan traveller. Whether you’ve just left Inverness to begin your adventure or are winding your way south toward it, the eastern beaches should not be left in your wake.
These stunning spots offer minimal stress, maximum accessibility, and a cosy, authentic experience of the Scottish Highlands, when the west is often too wild to enjoy fully.
Park up, feel the crisp North Sea air, and embrace the gentle giants of the East.
Happy travels!
Useful Links
- NC500 Official Site – for more info!
- CalMac Ferries – book well in advance!
- Met Office – check the weather!
- Traffic Scotland – for route changes and updates.
- WalkHighlands – the best hiking trails and tips.
- Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) – be informed!
- Highlands2Hammocks (That’s us!) – for our online shop, other blogs, and brand-new campervan rental service.
