Why Winter on the NC500?
Alright, so you’ve heard about the North Coast 500? That epic Scottish road trip with all those stunning landscapes? Well, this is your invitation to take a chance this winter, as we’ve compiled a NC500 winter guide, packed with five unforgettable hikes, essential warm-up spots, and why a campervan is ultimately the ideal bridge between both!
Most people picture the NC500 circuit in summer – driving across 500 miles of Scottish coast, crags and crystalline lochs with long days and endless daylight sounds indeed sound like paradise. But let me tell you, the NC500 in winter? It’s a whole different vibe, and honestly, it’s just as, if not more, breathtaking.
Forget the crowds, breathe in that crisp, fresh air, and get ready for some truly spectacular hikes. And the best bit? After you’ve battled a windy peak or explored a historic trail, there’s nothing quite like cosying up in a Highland pub, a cute café, or checking out a superb local museum.
Yes, winter throws some challenges your way – shorter days, colder temps, and the chance of snow and ice – but it also brings some seriously unparalleled beauty. Plus, you’ll pretty much have these incredible places all to yourself. It’s a chance for some peace, quiet, and a real taste of adventure.
Tackling the NC500 this winter is, in our minds, a fresh take on an old challenge!
Table of Contents
The Campervan Advantage!
Taking a campervan for your winter NC500 adventure? Total game-changer. Here’s why:
- True Freedom: You can chase the good weather, switch up your plans on the fly, and find that perfect spot to park up for the night.
- Extra Comfort: It’s your little mobile sanctuary with heating, a comfy bed, and the freedom to brew a hot cuppa whenever the mood strikes.
- Cost-Effective: Save some serious cash on accommodation, especially if you’re into responsible wild camping or using those handy overnight spots.
- Gear Storage: Loads of space for all your winter hiking essentials.
Crucial Campervan Tip: Make sure your campervan is ready for winter. Double-check for sound insulation, a reliable heating system, and the right tyres (all-season or winter tyres are a huge plus for Scottish winter conditions). Also, pack extra fuel, water, and emergency supplies – just in case!
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Five Fantastic Winter Hikes (& Where to Warm Up!)
Ben Hope: Scotland’s Most Northerly Munro
- Type: Mountain Ascent
- Location: Tongue, Sutherland (That’s on the northern part of the NC500)
- Difficulty: Strenuous (Around 5-6 hours return in good conditions, but winter seriously ups the challenge).
- Why in Winter? Bagging Scotland’s most northerly Munro in winter is a massive achievement. The views, often stretching across snow-covered land to the wild North Sea, are just epic. While it’s a reasonably straightforward Munro in summer, winter means you’ll need top-notch navigation skills, an ice axe, and crampons. It’s an arduous climb, but honestly, the reward is so worth it.
Warm Up:
○ The Tongue Hotel: A classic Highland hotel with a super welcoming bar and restaurant. Grab a hearty meal and a dram by the fire. The drive there from Ben Hope itself is pretty scenic.
○ Wee Adventures Coffee Shop (Tongue): A great little spot for a hot coffee and a snack before or after your climb. Just double-check their winter opening hours.
Stac Pollaidh: An Iconic Hike
- Type: Mountain Ascent (Involves some scrambling)
- Location: Achiltibuie/Ullapool area (On the western side of the NC500)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (Around 3-4 hours return). That ridgeline can be exposed, and the scrambling should be careful, especially if it’s icy.
- Why in Winter? Stac Pollaidh isn’t a Munro, but its distinctive rocky ridge and panoramic views of Assynt’s unique landscape are captivating in winter. The lower part is a beautiful, rolling walk, and the upper ridge offers an exhilarating scramble (you can always turn back before the very top if you’re not feeling it). The surrounding snowy peaks of nearby mountains like Suilven provide a stunning backdrop.
Warm Up:
○ The Arch Inn (Ullapool): A lively pub and restaurant right on the harbour in Ullapool. They do great food and have a good selection of drinks. Perfect for sharing your mountain stories.
○ Ullapool Museum: Dive into the history of this charming fishing village and its maritime heritage—a terrific way to spend an hour or two out of the
The Smoo Cave and Durness Coastal Walk
- Type: Historic Walk / Coastal Exploration
- Location: Durness, Sutherland (The very top of the NC500)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (About 1-2 hours for the cave and immediate coastal path, longer if you explore further). Paths can be slippery!
- Why in Winter? Smoo Cave is always impressive, but in winter, those dramatic cliffs and crashing waves feel even wilder and more raw. The walk along the rugged coastline offers incredible views and lets you feel the sheer power of the North Atlantic. It’s a brilliant option for a shorter day when mountain conditions are just too gnarly. The cave itself is a natural wonder boasting a huge entrance and a fantastic waterfall.
Warm Up:
○ Sango Sands Oasis Restaurant & Bar (Durness): Located at the Sango Sands campsite, this spot offers terrific views and a super warm welcome. Check their winter opening times!
○ Cocoa Mountain (Balnakeil Craft Village): Treat yourself to some of the best hot chocolate and handmade chocolates in Scotland. Seriously, you HAVE to visit for a post-walk treat!
Unsure Where To Start? We're Here To Help!
Falls of Shin & Carbisdale Castle Walk
- Type: Forest Walk / Historic Landmark
- Location: Lairg, Sutherland (On the eastern part of the NC500)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Around 1-3 hours depending on your route). The paths are well-maintained!
- Why in Winter? While it’s famous for salmon leaping in summer, the Falls of Shin in winter offer a peaceful forest walk. The roaring waterfall, often framed by frosted trees, is just captivating. Pair this with a walk towards the imposing Carbisdale Castle – the sheer grandeur against the winter landscape is bound to melt your heart.
Warm Up:
○ Falls of Shin Visitor Centre Cafe: A modern, warm café with excellent food and views of the river. Perfect for a soup and sandwich after your walk. (Check winter opening times).
○ The Sutherland Arms Hotel (Lairg): A traditional hotel in nearby Lairg, offering food and drink in a welcoming atmosphere.
○ Dunrobin Castle: It might be closed for tours in the deepest winter, but the exterior and grounds of this jaw-dropping castle are worth seeing. Its scale and beauty are impressive even from afar. (Check opening times for grounds access!)
Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail (Kinlochewe)
- Type: Forest & Mountain Walk
- Location: Torridon/Kinlochewe (On the western part of the NC500)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (About 3-5 hours depending on snow conditions). The trail is well-marked, but it is icy and steep in parts.
- Why in Winter? This trail, part of Britain’s first National Nature Reserve, guides you through ancient Caledonian Pine Forest before climbing into the lower slopes of Beinn Eighe. In winter, those gnarly pines, often dusted with snow, create a truly magical atmosphere. The views across Loch Maree to Slioch are simply breathtaking, especially on a clear winter’s day. It gives you a taste of true mountain wilderness without needing a whole Munro climb.
Warm Up:
○ The Kinlochewe Hotel: A well-known spot for climbers and walkers, offering a warm bar, excellent food, and a roaring fire.
○Gairloch Museum: An award-winning museum that covers the history, culture, and natural heritage of the Gairloch area. A fantastic place to spend a few hours learning about the region.
Some Winter NC500 Hiking Tips
- Pack Up: Scottish winter weather is notoriously changeable: pack layers, waterproofs, hats, gloves, and sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.
- Check Forecasts Daily: Use reliable mountain weather forecasts (e.g., Met Office, Mountain Weather Information Service – MWIS) and avalanche forecasts (Scottish Avalanche Information Service – SAIS) if heading into the mountains.
- Navigation: Days are short, and visibility can drop quickly. Always carry a map, compass, and know how to use them. A GPS device or app is a good backup.
- Share Your Plans: Always let someone know your route and expected return time.
- Head Torch & Spare Batteries: Essential for shorter daylight hours.
- Food & Hot Drinks: Carry plenty of snacks, water and maybe a flask of something warm to keep you going!
- Consider a Guide: If you’re new to winter hiking or unfamiliar with the Highlands, consider hiring a local mountain guide for peace of mind and expert knowledge!
Responsible Wild Camping & Overnighting
If you’re embracing the campervan life and planning on wild camping (which is legal in Scotland with conditions), please remember to be responsible:
- Leave No Trace: Take ALL your rubbish with you. Leave the spot exactly as you found it, or better!
- Respect Private Property: Avoid parking in front of homes or blocking access.
- Be Self-Sufficient: Have your toilet facilities and dispose of waste properly.
- Arrive Late, Leave Early: Minimise your impact and blend in.
- Use Designated Spots: Where possible, use official campsites or designated overnight parking areas, especially in winter when facilities are limited!
Embrace the Chill!
Whether or not winter hiking is right for you, it cannot be denied that touring the NC500 in winter is an unforgettable opportunity to experience Scotland in all its untameable and natural splendour.
It’s about earning those incredible moments of solitude, feeling the raw power of nature, and then retreating to the warmth and comfort of a cosy pub or your mobile haven.
It’s an adventure that will challenge you, reward you, and leave you with memories that truly stand apart. So, if the idea of an alternative, festive quest seems to beckon, then grab your van keys, top up your thermos and dust off those hiking boots – Scotland is waiting!
Happy travels!
