NC500 – Where To Stay

The NC500 - Where to Stay

After a day spent conquering mountain passes, dodging sheep, and staring out at impossibly turquoise waters, you need a comfortable place to rest your head. The North Coast 500 offers a spectacular array of accommodation, from grand Victorian hotels and cosy B&Bs to remote wild-camping spots and top-tier campervan parks.

The key to a successful NC500 trip, however, is knowing what you need, where to find it, and, most importantly, booking ahead. Scotland’s remote north coast is not a place for last-minute decisions, especially between May and September!

If you’re still deciding whether this route is right for you, start with our NC500 overview first.

If you’re ready to plan, you’re in the right place!

Highland Hotels

For those travelling light or simply seeking the luxury of a freshly made bed and a Highland breakfast cooked by someone else, traditional accommodation is abundant and deeply rewarding. This is your chance to connect with local hosts and experience genuine Scottish hospitality.

  • The Torridon (Torridon): A former 19th-century hunting lodge, this family-owned location is Scotland’s most northerly 5-star hotel!
  • The Old Inn (Gairloch): A traditional, characterful inn offering rooms alongside its popular pub and restaurant.
  • The Kylesku Hotel (Near Kylesku Bridge): A sustainable loch-side stay with unbeatable views and incredible seafood. 
  • The Tongue Hotel (Tongue): A classic, comfortable Highland hotel known for its cosy bar and dramatic views of Ben Loyal.
  • Mackays Hotel (Wick): A reliable, family-run hotel offering straightforward, clean accommodation and hearty food, making it a dependable stop on the rugged North East coast stretch.
  • The Royal Golf Hotel (Dornoch): Overlooking the Royal Dornoch Golf Club and the Dornoch Firth, this hotel offers spacious rooms and a traditional, upscale atmosphere.

B&Bs and Guesthouses

The NC500 route is renowned for its high-quality, intimate B&Bs, often run by dedicated local hosts. These offer a more personal touch and usually include incredible, home-cooked breakfasts.

We’ve also included unique high-end locations as well as budget options for those interested in a self-catered trip.

  • Achnagairn Castle (near Inverness): A popular wedding venue, this historic estate offers a variety of gorgeous properties for exclusive use. This is the perfect spot for a luxurious road trip finale.
  • Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel (Achmelvich): Provides affordable dormitory and private rooms right near one of the NC500’s most beautiful white-sand beaches.
  • Ardlair Guest House (near Ullapool): Highly regarded for its exceptional hospitality, modern, spotless rooms, and breathtaking views over Loch Broom.
  • Balnakeil Beach Bothy (near Durness): Right on the northern coast, this cosy cottage is serenity incarnate.
  • The Poor House (near Tongue): A self-catering 19th-century longhouse/mini-hostel, ideal for exploring the rugged northern coast.
  • The Crofters Snug (near Mey): Offers unique, compact, self-contained pod accommodation – perfect for couples on a budget.
  • Shepherd’s Cottage (near Kinbrace): While inland and therefore not directly on the NC500 itself, this spot offers a genuinely remote, authentic experience near Loch Badanloch.

Campervan & Motorhome-Friendly Sites

The North Coast 500 is extremely popular with campervans and motorhomes, and the route offers numerous well-equipped campsites. Booking in advance is non-negotiable, especially during peak season, as wild camping rules are strictly enforced to protect the environment.

  • Gruinard Bay Caravan Park & Camping (Laide): Located directly on Gruinard Bay, offering peaceful loch and mountain views – an excellent base for exploring the Wester Ross coastline.
  • Clachtoll Beach Campsite (Lochinver): A small, family-run campsite situated right next to beautiful white sands. Enjoy the free watersport equipment hire!
  • Shore Caravan Site (Achmelvich): Set near the famous white-sand beach, this well-equipped site is ideal for beach lovers. Offers excellent access to walking trails and water activities.
  • Sango Sands Oasis Campsite (Durness): Arguably one of the most spectacularly located campsites in Scotland, overlooking Sango Bay and the North Atlantic, with pitches providing electric hook-up (EHU) and an on-site restaurant/bar. 
  • Wick River Campsite (Wick): A practical and dependable stop on the North East stretch, providing easy access to Wick’s shops and amenities.
  • Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park (Dornoch): A large, well-facilitated site near the Royal Dornoch Golf Club and the beach. Offers excellent services, including full hook-ups, modern toilet blocks, and a laundrette – a reliable stop on the East Coast!

Designated Overnight Stops (DOS):

These are specific parking areas (sometimes managed by local community trusts) that allow overnight stays for fully self-contained motorhomes, usually for a small fee paid via an honesty box or app.

  • What to Look For: These spots are often found in village car parks, lay-bys or near ferry terminals – they may have bins and sometimes a limited recycling area, but rarely offer CDPs or electric hook-ups.
  • Always Check Signage: The rules are constantly changing due to high visitor volume. If a sign says “No Overnight Parking” or “No Camping,” accept it.
  • Use Apps Responsibly: Apps like Park4Night can be helpful, but be aware that if a spot is listed, it will be popular. If it’s busy, move on.

 

Wild Camping: The NC500 Dilemma

Due to the immense pressure and poor behaviour of some visitors in the past, vehicle wild camping is strongly discouraged on the NC500 route itself.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code primarily applies to lightweight camping (tenting) and assumes responsible behaviour. For vehicle-based camping, the rule is simple: if you do not have a private toilet, you must use a campsite.

The NC500 is a world-famous adventure, but remember that the road you travel through is home to thousands of people. By planning responsibly and showing respect for the land and its communities, you guarantee an authentic, stress-free, and unforgettable Highland experience.

Want Help Planning Your Trip?

If you’d like a second opinion or help tailoring the route to your exact needs, we offer personalised trip planning calls.

These are ideal if:

  • It’s your first time on the route

  • You’re short on time

  • You’re travelling by campervan

  • You want reassurance before booking

You’ll speak directly with people who’ve driven the NC500 themselves and understand what works in practice – not just in theory.

👉 Book a planning call

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You don’t need to have everything figured out at once. Start with a clear understanding of the route, choose a pace that feels comfortable, and build from there.

From here, you can:

👉 Explore NC500 itineraries

👉 Hire a campervan suited to the route

👉 View the NC500 travel guide