Where the Road meets the Wild

The capital of the Highlands and the traditional starting point of the NC500. Inverness sits at the mouth of the River Ness and is steeped in history, from Culloden Battlefield to the iconic Inverness Castle overlooking the city. It's the ideal base for stocking up, resting, and planning your journey north.

Ullapool is the largest settlement on the northwest coast and one of the most beloved stops on the NC500. This picturesque fishing village on the shores of Loch Broom offers stunning views, excellent seafood, a vibrant arts scene, and is the ferry gateway to the Outer Hebrides.

Applecross is reached either via the legendary Bealach na Bà — one of the UK's highest mountain passes — or the stunning coastal road from Shieldaig. The remote village faces the Isle of Skye across the Inner Sound and has a real end-of-the-world feel that keeps visitors coming back.

Durness sits at the very northwest corner of mainland Britain, a remote and magnificent place where enormous sandy beaches meet towering sea cliffs. It was a childhood holiday destination of John Lennon, and the village celebrates this connection warmly.

Thurso is the most northerly mainland town in Britain and a major hub on the NC500's north coast. It has a surprisingly good surf scene — Thurso East is one of Europe's premier reef breaks. The nearby Castle of Mey, the Queen Mother's beloved Highland home, is a must-visit.

Often described as one of Scotland's most beautiful small towns, Dornoch has a 13th-century cathedral, a royal golf course that has hosted The Open Championship, and a beach that stretches for miles. It feels a world away from the wild north coast.