Your NC500 Guide: The Best Pubs & Whisky Distilleries
The North Coast 500 isn’t just an iconic road trip; it’s an immersion into the very soul of the Scottish Highlands. While the breathtaking mountains, dramatic coastlines, and ancient castles rightly steal the show, there’s another, equally vital, pair of threads woven into the fabric of this epic journey: its world-renowned whisky distilleries and historic hospitality.
For those traversing the route in a campervan, the allure of a warming dram or a hearty meal, followed by a convenient overnight stop, is simply irresistible.
This guide is for you – the adventurer who savours both the stunning scenery and the local flavour!
We’ll take you on a spirited tour of some of the NC500’s best pubs and distilleries, highlighting those gems that offer nearby campsites or motorhome aires, ensuring your Highland hospitality experience is as seamless as it is memorable.
Get ready to explore, indulge, and discover the true spirit of the North!
Remember: Leave No Trace!
Exploring the Scottish Highlands by campervan offers incredible freedom but requires responsible tourism to preserve the environment and respect local communities.
Key etiquette includes:
- using designated parking and campsites to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems.
- properly disposing of all rubbish.
- being mindful of noise.
- supporting local businesses.
- When driving, exercise caution on single-track roads, use passing places correctly, be aware of livestock, and always close gates!
Adhering to these guidelines ensures an enjoyable trip and helps protect the Highlands for future generations.
Drink Responsibly
Last but not least: this blog post is designed to complement your NC500 road trip itinerary with whisky tours and local hospitality hubs, not to condone drinking and driving. It is illegal to drive under the influence in the UK, and also a true danger to not only your fellow drivers, but to local residents, property and livestock.
Enjoy whisky tasting and pub visits once you’ve parked up for the night, and remember, many distilleries offer “driver’s drams” for takeaway!
Table of Contents
Living the “Dram”: NC500 Distilleries
The Highlands are synonymous with whisky, and the NC500 offers a fantastic opportunity to delve into its liquid gold along the way. From peaty drams to smooth, floral notes, each distillery tells a unique story.
Let’s go!
Glenmorangie Distillery (Tain)
One of Scotland’s most famous distilleries, Glenmorangie is renowned for its pioneering wood management and exceptionally smooth, complex single malts. Located near Tain, it’s a perfect first (or last) stop on the eastern stretch of the NC500. Their tours are engaging, offering a deep dive into the ‘Men of Tain’ and their craft.
While Glenmorangie itself doesn’t have a campsite, the nearby Portmahomack Campsite offers stunning coastal pitches just a short drive away. Alternatively, several farm stays and smaller sites are scattered around the Tain area, making it easy to settle up before a tasting!
Balblair Distillery (Edderton)
Dating back to 1790, Balblair is one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. They uniquely release their whiskies as “vintages” rather than age statements, making for a fascinating and distinctive collection. The setting is beautiful, and the tours offer a very personal insight into their traditional methods.
Similar to Glenmorangie, there isn’t a dedicated aire at the distillery. However, the Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park is a popular choice, located a bit further north. Alternatively, consider looking for wild camping spots (with respect for local guidelines) along the coast between Tain and Dornoch.
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Old Pulteney Distillery (Wick)
Often referred to as “The Maritime Malt,” Old Pulteney’s distillery in Wick is an authentic taste of the sea. Its coastal location imbues its whisky with a distinctive salty character, and a visit here offers a glimpse into a traditional distillery environment, far removed from the bustling central belt.
Wick offers several options for motorhomes, including the conveniently located Wick Caravan and Camping Park. There are also numerous informal overnight spots around the harbour (check local signage) and designated motorhome parking areas within the town!
Dunnet Bay Distillers (Dunnet)
While a whisky tour is essential, don’t forget Scotland’s burgeoning gin scene! Dunnet Bay Distillers, makers of the award-winning Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka, offer a vibrant alternative. Their tours are fun, informative, and you get to sample their delightful range. It’s a refreshing change of pace and flavour!
The distillery is also near the Dunnet Bay Caravan Club Site, which offers excellent facilities right on the stunning Dunnet Bay beach – perfect for a post-tasting stroll!
Torabhaig Distillery (Isle of Skye)
While not strictly on the mainland NC500, many detours include a trip to Skye. Torabhaig, the second legal distillery on Skye, is a relatively new kid on the block, producing a wonderfully peaty single malt. The modern visitor centre and stunning coastal location also make for a fantastic experience!
Unsurprisingly for such a popular island, Skye is a campervan haven. Near Torabhaig, you’ll find Camuscross Campsite and other smaller, independent sites around the Sleat Peninsula, offering idyllic spots to park up.
The Heartbeat of the Highlands: NC500 Pubs
Beyond the distilleries, the local pub is where the true spirit of the Highlands comes alive. Here, stories are shared, music plays, and genuine hospitality flows as freely as the ale.
The Storehouse (Foulis Ferry, near Evanton)
More than just a pub, The Storehouse is a fantastic restaurant and farm shop located in a converted steading with stunning views over the Cromarty Firth. Their focus on local, seasonal produce is outstanding, and their bar offers a great selection of local beers and spirits. It’s an ideal stop for a quality meal!
The Storehouse has a dedicated motorhome stopover area in its car park, making it incredibly convenient for an overnight stay after a delicious dinner. Booking ahead is often recommended, especially during peak season.
The Kylesku Hotel (Kylesku)
Nestled by the stunning Kylesku Bridge, this award-winning hotel and restaurant is famous for its incredible, fresh seafood, often caught locally. The bar offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and the views from the restaurant are simply unforgettable. It’s a true highlight of the wilder West Coast.
The Kylesku Hotel has a small motorhome aire on its premises (check availability and book in advance), allowing you to wake up to those incredible loch views. There are also several wild camping opportunities in the vicinity, particularly along the single-track roads leading off the main NC500 route!
The Tongue Hotel (Tongue)
Perched overlooking the Kyle of Tongue and Ben Loyal, The Tongue Hotel offers a quintessential Highland pub experience; it’s a haven of warmth and comfort in the remote north, serving hearty meals and a good selection of whiskies and local ales. It’s a fantastic spot to break up the journey along the northern coast.
Although the hotel doesn’t have its own aire, the Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Campground is nearby and offers excellent facilities for campervans and motorhomes, providing stunning views and a tranquil setting.
(And yes, this is most we’ve read the word “tongue” in so short a time as well!)
The Ceilidh Place (Ullapool)
Ullapool is a vibrant hub on the west coast, and The Ceilidh Place is its beating heart. This unique establishment combines a hotel, restaurant, bar, and bookshop, often hosting live traditional music! It’s known for its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere and excellent food.
Ullapool has a large and well-regarded Ullapool Caravan and Camping Park right on the waterfront, within easy walking distance of The Ceilidh Place and the town’s other amenities. There are also designated motorhome parking spots in and around the village.
Tooled for Adventurers, Not Tourists
The Applecross Inn (Applecross)
Reaching the Applecross Inn is an adventure in itself, often involving the famous Bealach na Bà mountain pass (check road conditions if you’re in a large motorhome!). But the reward is worth it: a legendary pub renowned for its fresh seafood, lively atmosphere, and unparalleled views across to Skye. It’s a true NC500 icon!
The Applecross Inn has a small, informal motorhome parking area right next door, offering immediate access to the stunning views and the Inn’s hospitality. Spaces are limited and highly sought after, so arrive early or call ahead. The Applecross Campsite is also a short walk away, offering more formal pitches.
The NC500: Some Final Advice
The North Coast 500 is not just an adventurer’s playground, but a winding road that showcases the many innovations, traditions and creations native to the Scottish Highlands – whether you’re looking for a high-end distillery tour or a steaming bowl of stew and a cold pint, you’ll find that local Highland hospitality is the spice of your next northern itinerary!
If you’re using your own transport, however, remember:
- Book Ahead: Especially for campsites and popular pubs during peak season, booking is highly recommended.
- Certain Spots: Always use designated campsites, motorhome aires, or wild camps responsibly according to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Leave no trace!
- Designated Driver: If you’re visiting distilleries, remember to have a designated driver, or plan your tastings for when you’re parked up for the night.
- Local Knowledge: Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations – they often know the best hidden gems!
- Pace Yourself: The NC500 is not a race. Take your time, savour the experiences, and enjoy the authentic taste of the Highlands!
We hope that you’ve enjoyed this guide to the incredible pubs and distilleries awaiting you on the NC500 – we believe that these establishments, with their convenient campervan-friendly options, will enrich your next journey and leave you with memories as comforting and rich as a Highland dram!
Happy travels, and Slàinte Mhath!
NC500: Useful Links
- NC500 website
- Cal Mac Ferries
- Met Office (weather)
- walkhighlands
- Visit Scotland
- Traffic Scotland
- Highlands2Hammocks (Our Site!) – check out other blogs, our online shop or our brand-new luxury campervan service!
