NC500 B&B Guide: Where We Actually Stayed on the North Coast 500

We’ve driven Scotland’s North Coast 500 multiple times now, and we’ve stayed in a wide variety of accommodation along the way. Hotels, guesthouses, campsites, castles, and of course, bed and breakfasts.

B&Bs are our favourite way to experience the NC500. They tend to cost in the region of £90 to £180 per night for two sharing (breakfast usually included), but the real draw is the people. Most are owned and run by locals who know the area inside out, and a good chat with your host over breakfast will often lead you to places you’d never have found on your own. They also tend to be small, with just a handful of rooms, so you get a level of personal service that larger hotels simply can’t match.

We’ve put together this guide based on properties we’ve personally stayed at along the route. A couple of entries are places we’ve visited but not yet stayed at overnight, and we’ve made that clear in each case. We’ve also included a handful of properties that are technically inns or small hotels rather than traditional B&Bs. Accommodation options on some stretches of the NC500 are limited, and these places offer the same kind of experience: breakfast included, a small number of rooms, and a personal welcome from the owners.

We’d suggest reading this alongside our other NC500 content, including our guide to planning a North Coast 500 road trip, our 5 day NC500 itinerary, and our 7 day NC500 camping itinerary (you can swap the campsites for B&Bs). We also have guides to hotels on the NC500, campsites and glamping on the NC500, and our guide to whisky distilleries on the NC500 if you fancy a dram or two along the way.

 

What to Know About B&Bs on the NC500

Before we get into the listings, here are a few practical things worth knowing if you’re planning to stay in B&Bs along the North Coast 500.

Book early. Most of the B&Bs on this list have fewer than five rooms. In the peak months (May to August), they can book out months in advance. We cannot stress this enough: do not assume you’ll find somewhere on the day, especially on the more remote stretches. If you have specific properties in mind, book as far ahead as you can.

Prices are seasonal. Expect to pay more in summer and less in the shoulder months. The prices we’ve listed are indicative based on our research and experience, but they do change. Some properties also have minimum stay requirements during peak season, usually two nights.

Check policies before you book. Some properties are adults only. Some only accept cash. Some don’t allow pets, while others welcome dogs by prior arrangement. A quick message to the host before booking will save any surprises on arrival.

Evening meals aren’t guaranteed. Many B&Bs don’t serve dinner. On some stretches of the route, particularly the north coast between Thurso and Durness, restaurant options can be limited or seasonal. We’ve noted dining availability for each property, and we’d always recommend asking your host about local options when you book.

Accessibility varies. Most B&Bs along the NC500 are converted private homes, and fully wheelchair accessible rooms are rare. If you have specific accessibility requirements, contact properties directly before booking. Some may have ground floor rooms or other features that could work, even if they can’t formally list as fully accessible.

Winter closures. Some properties close over winter (roughly November to March). Others stay open year round. Availability can change from year to year, so if you’re planning an off-season trip, check directly with properties before assuming they’ll be open.

Getting around. You’ll need a car (or campervan) for the NC500. If you’re flying into Inverness and need to hire one, we recommend comparing prices through Discover Cars, which searches across all the major rental companies.

 

B&Bs on the NC500: East Coast

This list runs counter-clockwise from Inverness, heading up the east coast first, then along the north coast, and down the west coast.

 

Ardentorrie Guest House, Inverness

Best for: A central base in Inverness with castle views.

Situated just opposite Inverness Castle, this B&B offers spacious en-suite rooms. Many of the rooms have excellent views across the castle, as does the breakfast room and terrace area.

There’s a full Scottish breakfast included, which is excellent, as well as free on-site parking which is convenient. It’s minutes’ walk from the majority of attractions and dining options in Inverness, as well as the train station. This is a great central option in Inverness and we had a good night’s rest here.

Dining: No evening meals, but Inverness has a wide range of restaurants within easy walking distance.

Address: 2 Gordon Terrace, Inverness, IV2 3HD
Price: Around £80 to £200 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? No
Book here: Book Ardentorrie Guest House

 

No 29 B&B, Inverness

Best for: Good value in Inverness with friendly hosts.

Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and the start and finish point of the North Coast 500. It’s very much worth taking some time to explore, from the castle to Loch Ness, and it makes a great base for a few days. We have a guide to some of the best day trips from Inverness to help you plan.

No. 29 B&B is an excellent good value option just a few minutes’ walk from the centre. Rooms are all en-suite, with a choice of twin or double accommodation. Breakfast is included, and there’s free Wi-Fi and parking on site. The owners are very friendly and can offer advice on attractions in the area as well as along the NC500. We stayed here in a twin room which was very clean and comfortable.

Dining: No evening meals, but central Inverness has plenty of options within walking distance.

Address: 29 Greig Street, Inverness, IV3 5PX
Price: Around £90 – £150 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? No
Book here: Book No. 29 B&B

 

The Factor’s House, Cromarty

Best for: A luxurious first night stop on the Black Isle.

Just north of Inverness you’ll find the Black Isle, a peninsula of land encircled by the Moray Firth and the Cromarty Firth. There’s loads to do here, from dolphin watching to tasting local beer, and you could easily spend a day or two sightseeing. See our guide to things to do on the Black Isle for ideas.

If you decide to spend a bit of time here, or don’t feel like driving too far on your first day, we can recommend the Factor’s House. This boutique B&B is in the historic town of Cromarty and offers lovely en-suite accommodation with magnificent views across the firth. The breakfast is award-winning, with a focus on locally sourced, organic produce.

We loved the comfortable rooms, warm welcome, and delicious breakfast here. There are lots of little touches that add up to a great experience, and it’s our favourite property by far on the Black Isle. Guests also have access to a private lounge with a log fire in winter and a licensed honesty bar. There’s WiFi throughout, free parking, and it’s a short walk into Cromarty for pubs and eateries.

Dining: Evening meals available on some days of the week. Cromarty also has a few dining options within walking distance.

Address: Denny Rd, Cromarty IV11 8YT
Price: Around £180 to £200 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? No
Book here: Book The Factor’s House

 

Albatross B&B, Dornoch

Best for: A central base near the golf course and cathedral.

Heading north to Dornoch, which is home to one of the most famous golf courses in Scotland: the Royal Dornoch. Formed in 1877, it has a wild coastal setting and is on many a golfer’s bucket list.

Dornoch itself is a pretty seaside town with beautiful beaches, an excellent museum, and a 13th century cathedral. It’s also close to the Falls of Shin where you can see salmon leaping, Dunrobin Castle, and Loch Fleet Nature Reserve.

The Albatross B&B is centrally located in Dornoch and offers breakfast, free on-site parking and WiFi.

Dining: No evening meals. Dornoch has a good selection of restaurants and pubs.

Address: Sutherland Road The Elms, Dornoch, IV25 3SX
Price: Around £185 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? No (try Heartseed House below if travelling with a pet)
Book here: Book the Albatross B&B

 

Heartseed House B&B, Dornoch

Best for: Dog owners and those who like a quieter setting just outside town.

Found about 3 minutes’ drive or 20 minutes’ walk from the centre of Dornoch, this lovely B&B offers 3 en-suite rooms with great views of the surrounding countryside. Hosts Dee and Nigel will give you a warm welcome, as will their friendly chickens!

A full breakfast is included, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Heartseed House also accepts pets on request, making this a great pick if you’re looking for a pet friendly B&B in Dornoch.

Rooms all have tea and coffee making facilities with coffee pod machines, very comfortable beds and a work desk. There’s free on-site parking and WiFi.

Dining: No evening meals. Dornoch restaurants are a short drive away.

Address: 2 The Pillars, Dornoch IV25 3HY
Price: Around £90 to £120 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? Yes, on request
Book here: Book Heartseed House B&B

 

Strathview Lodge B&B, nr. Dornoch

Best for: Birdwatchers and nature lovers near Loch Fleet.

Strathview Lodge is another good option near Dornoch, and would be particularly well suited to birdwatchers as it’s very close to the Loch Fleet Nature Reserve. Of course, you don’t have to be a birdwatcher to appreciate this B&B, which offers good-sized en-suite rooms and a tasty breakfast, as well as on-site parking and free WiFi. It’s about a 10 minute drive from Dornoch.

Dining: No evening meals. Dornoch and Golspie both have restaurants within a short drive.

Address: Cambusavie, Dornoch IV25 3JD
Price: Around £130 – £160 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? No
Book here: Book Strathview Lodge

 

Thrumster House, nr. Wick

Best for: Pet owners and anyone looking for a truly unique stay.

If you’re travelling with pets, this is a fantastic pet friendly property just south of Wick. And if you’re not travelling with pets, like us, you should still stay here if you’re after a super-friendly welcome in a rather unique property.

A former laird’s house, Thrumster House is very much a family home. It has an old-world feel, and you’ll feel more like a distant relative staying with family than a guest in a hotel. On arrival you’ll likely be greeted by hosts Isla or Catherine, and one of the house dogs will probably be on hand to welcome you too.

We loved our stay here, although the rustic charm might not be for everyone. For us, feeling like part of the family and enjoying drinks with our hosts in the evening, who shared all sorts of stories about the property, was a wonderful experience. There’s even an Iron Age broch on the property, and those interested in archaeology will want to investigate the nearby Yarrows Archaeological Trail, one of the largest concentrations of neolithic remains in Europe that receives surprisingly few visitors.

Rooms offer private bathrooms, there’s free WiFi and loads of parking on site.

Dining: No evening meals. Wick is a short drive away for restaurants and pubs.

Address: Thrumster Estates, Thrumster, Wick KW1 5TX
Price: Around £125 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? Yes, no additional fee
Book here: Book Thrumster House

 

B&Bs on the NC500: North Coast

Pentland Lodge House, Thurso

Best for: A comfortable stop on the north coast with EV charging.

Set back about a hundred yards from the beach, this lovely B&B offers 8 en-suite rooms in a former manse. Many of the rooms are wonderfully spacious with nice high ceilings. Hosts Richard and Lisa have been welcoming guests here for over a decade.

An excellent breakfast is included, with a focus on fresh locally sourced ingredients. Even the welcome biscuits in the rooms are handmade by the local baker. It’s moments’ walk from the beach and only five minutes’ walk to eateries in Thurso. There’s free parking on site, which includes an electric car charging point, and one of the rooms is fully accessible. Free WiFi throughout.

Dining: No evening meals. Thurso has several restaurants and pubs within a five minute walk.

Address: Granville St, Thurso KW14 7JN
Price: Around £104 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? No
Book here: Book Pentland Lodge House

 

Salmon Landings, nr. Strathy

Best for: A luxury experience on the remote north coast, open year-round.

Salmon Landings is the wonderful result of owners Julie and Kevan converting a former salmon fishing station into a wonderfully relaxed but luxurious B&B. Attention to detail is the name of the game here, with nothing overlooked. It’s described as a guest house with the heart of a luxury hotel, and we can’t argue with that description.

The four rooms are modern, with en-suite facilities, WiFi, and lovely decor and furnishings. They also have a tea room where they serve breakfast and tea. Salmon Landings is one of the few properties open year-round on this section of the route, and you’re guaranteed a warm welcome and excellent food.

A word of warning: dining options are limited in this area, particularly outside summer. We recommend asking your hosts about dinner options at least a couple of days before your arrival.

Dining: No evening meals at the property. Limited options locally, so plan ahead.

Address: Port Ghrant Rd, Strathy Point, Strathy By Thurso, KW14 7RY
Price: Around £160 – £200 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? No
Book here: Book Salmon Landings

 

Bettyhill Hotel, Bettyhill

Best for: The north coast stretch between Thurso and Tongue, with on-site dining.

The stretch of the route from Thurso across to Durness has less lodging than other parts. The Bettyhill Hotel is more of a hotel than a B&B, but it’s well located and breakfast is included. It’s family run, with commanding views across the local beaches and hills.

En-suite rooms are comfortable with tea and coffee making facilities and free WiFi. As this is more of a hotel, you also get a bar, a restaurant that serves evening meals, and a couple of lounge areas. We enjoyed our breakfast here overlooking Torrisdale Bay.

Dining: Restaurant on site serving evening meals. One of the few options with dinner on this stretch of the route.

Address: Bettyhill, KW14 7SP
Price: From £110 – £200 a night, varies quite a lot by season
Dog friendly? Yes
Book here: Book Bettyhill Hotel

 

The Bothy, Tongue

Best for: A highly rated option in Tongue, one of the harder areas to find accommodation.

We’ll be honest: the B&B we used to stay at in Tongue closed when the owners retired. It can be a tough industry in the Highlands. However, we’d be remiss not to include Tongue in this guide, as it’s a key stopping point on the north coast.

The Bothy is the option we’d suggest you check out. Run by Silke and Scott, it has over 100 Google reviews with a perfect 5/5 rating, which is pretty remarkable for any accommodation. We haven’t stayed here ourselves yet, but it’s at the top of our list for the next time we drive the NC500.

Dining: Check with the hosts. The Ben Loyal Hotel or the Tongue Hotel in the village both have a restaurant. You should call ahead to check opening times and book in advance if you want to dine at either of these to be on the safe side.

Address: Tongue, Lairg IV27 4XH
Price: From around £100 per night for two (contact owners for exact rates)
Dog friendly? Yes but always check in advance
Book here: Book The Bothy

 

B&Bs on the NC500: West Coast

Davar Guest House, Lochinver

Best for: One of the best breakfasts on the entire NC500.

Our next stop is Lochinver, a seaside fishing town with a number of attractions, including Highland Stoneware pottery and an incredible pie shop.

Our favourite B&B in Lochinver is the Davar Guest House. This 4-star B&B was purpose built, with four well-appointed en-suite rooms. Three offer gorgeous views over the loch, and one has garden views.

The owners Caren and Dave are very knowledgeable about the area, and Caren shared with me some of her favourite photography locations on the NC500. They put together an excellent home cooked breakfast using locally sourced ingredients, with many items like jams and marmalades being homemade. We’ve had a lot of incredible breakfasts on the NC500, but the meal at Davar was one of our favourites.

Dining: No evening meals. Lochinver has a few dining options within walking distance, including the famous Lochinver Larder pie shop.

Address: Davar, Lochinver IV27 4LJ
Price: Between £120 – £200 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? No
Book here: Book Davar Guest House

 

Bonnie Haven, Lochinver

Best for: Wildlife lovers, with a host who knows the local otter families.

Another fantastic option in Lochinver. Local owner Kirsten has a wealth of knowledge about the surrounding area, and even knows where the various otter families are likely to be spotted!

The property is very close to the water, with lovely views across to the village and the mountains behind. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to shops and restaurants. All three rooms are comfortable en-suite with tea and coffee making facilities, and a continental breakfast is included.

Note – this doesn’t appear to be taking bookings for 2026.

Dining: No evening meals. Walking distance to Lochinver’s restaurants.

Address: Inver Terrace, Lairg IV27 4LL
Price: From around £115 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? No
Book here: Book Bonnie Haven

 

Eddrachilles Hotel, Badcall, nr. Scourie

Best for: A peaceful stop in the remote Scourie area with lovely gardens.

Accommodation can be hard to find on the stretch between Lochinver and Ullapool, so we’ve included a couple of properties here that lean more towards small hotel than traditional B&B. Eddrachilles is the closest to a B&B experience we can recommend in the Scourie area.

The owners are very friendly, and the location is lovely and quiet with wonderful gardens. Breakfast is included, rooms are comfortable, and it’s well placed for exploring the Assynt and Scourie coastline.

Dining: Restaurant on site. This is useful given the limited dining options in the area.

Price: Around £215 to £285 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? Check with the hotel
Book here: Book Eddrachilles Hotel

 

Kylesku Hotel, Kylesku

Best for: The restaurant alone makes this worth a stop, even if you’re not staying.

Another small hotel rather than a B&B, but Kylesku Hotel is one of those places that’s worth knowing about. The restaurant is a real highlight, specialising in local seafood, and we’d recommend visiting for a meal even if you don’t stay here. If you do stay, you get comfortable rooms with loch and mountain views.

Breakfast is usually included, but always confirm when booking. Prices vary quite a lot depending on the time of year.

Dining: Excellent on-site restaurant. One of the better dining options on this section of the west coast.

Price: Around £129 to £369+ per night (varies significantly by season, breakfast usually included)
Dog friendly? Yes
Book here: Book Kylesku Hotel

 

Croft 17, nr. Ullapool

Best for: Loch views and local knowledge, a five minute drive from Ullapool.

Our next few options are in or near Ullapool, the largest town on the west coast of the NC500. There are a good many accommodation options here, but it’s a very popular base for exploring the surrounding area, so it can book up quickly.

Croft 17 is found a five minute drive north of Ullapool. This lovely property is run by locals Jaimie and Martin, and offers impressive views across the loch and down to the town.

There are two rooms available, a twin and a double. They are both well decorated and en-suite, with tea and coffee making facilities and a TV. The twin is laid out in an unusual “L” shape, which gives both occupants a measure of privacy, making it a good option if you’re travelling with a friend or relative rather than a partner.

Free parking and WiFi is included, and Jaimie and Martin can offer a wealth of knowledge about the area and the NC500 route. The property is set on the hill with quite a bit of land, and you can walk down to the loch shore.

Note that breakfast is no longer included, although it was when we first stayed here. Rates are currently around £110 to £138 per night for two.

Dining: No meals on site. Ullapool has a good range of restaurants a short drive away.

Address: Morefield Brae, 17 North Rd, Morefield, Ullapool IV26 2TH
Price: Around £110 to £138 per night (breakfast no longer included), some times of year has a minimum 2 night stay
Dog friendly? No
Book here: Book Croft 17

 

Westlea House Boutique B&B, Ullapool

Best for: Stylish accommodation right in the centre of Ullapool.

Our second recommendation for Ullapool is the Westlea House Boutique B&B, found right in the centre of town, a short walk from the museum, shops and restaurants.

Westlea House is beautifully decorated throughout, with each room having a unique style. There’s a lovely shared area with a collection of vinyl records and a record player for guests. Each of the five rooms is en-suite, featuring either a shower or a gorgeous roll-top bathtub.

An excellent breakfast is included. There’s free off-street parking, a lockable shed for cyclists to store their bikes, and free WiFi throughout.

Dining: No evening meals. Central Ullapool has a good range of restaurants within walking distance.

Address: 2 Market St, Ullapool IV26 2XE
Price: From £120 – £300 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? No
Book here: Book Westlea House

 

Harbour House B&B, Ullapool

Best for: Good value, waterfront views, and more rooms than most B&Bs (which matters in busy Ullapool).

On the south side of Ullapool, about ten minutes’ walk from restaurants and ferry terminals, this family-owned B&B offers more rooms than most others on our list. That’s good news, because Ullapool often runs short of accommodation in summer.

We’ve always enjoyed our stays at Harbour House. The friendly staff are very accommodating and helpful. Rooms are good value although on the small side, something they make very clear when you book. We’ve always had a comfortable night’s sleep though, and the breakfast is fantastic.

The lounge area offers lovely views across the sea loch to the mountains beyond. There’s free WiFi and off-street parking.

If you struggle to find availability at our recommended options in Ullapool, you can see more options on Booking.com.

Dining: No evening meals. Ullapool has plenty of options within walking distance.

Address: Garve Road, Ullapool, IV26 2SX
Price: From around £180 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? No
Book here: Book Harbour House

 

The Old School House B&B, Gairloch

Best for: Breakfast served in your room, with views across the water.

Gairloch on the west coast has a lot going for it, with cafes, dining options, and plenty of walks and scenery to explore. Our favourite B&B in the area is the Old School House, run by Sarah and Rob.

When we visited they had two rooms, a double with a separate private bathroom and a twin with en-suite. Both were spacious with fantastic views across the water. We particularly liked that breakfast is served in your room, with a full cooked breakfast brought to your table.

Other amenities include a pod coffee maker, WiFi, free parking and TVs in the room. It’s a short walk from cafes and restaurants.

Dining: No evening meals. Gairloch has a few dining options within walking distance.

Address: Strath, Gairloch IV21 2BZ
Price: From around £140 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? No
Book here: Book the Old School House

 

Applecross Inn, Applecross

Best for: A classic Highland pub stay with some of the best food on the NC500.

Getting to Applecross is half the adventure. You either take the famous Bealach na Ba pass (one of the highest roads in the UK, with hairpin bends and single track sections) or the winding coast road from Shieldaig. Either way, you earn your meal.

And what a meal it is. We’ve eaten at the Applecross Inn and the food was excellent, with a focus on locally landed seafood. It’s one of those places people talk about all along the NC500. This is more of a traditional inn with rooms than a B&B, but breakfast is usually included and accommodation options in this part of the route are very limited.

We haven’t stayed overnight here ourselves, but it books out well in advance, which tells you something. If you’re planning to include Applecross on your NC500 route (and we think you should), book early.

Dining: The whole point! The pub serves excellent food.

Price: Around £180 to £240 per night (breakfast usually included)
Dog friendly? Check with the inn
Book here: Book the Applecross Inn

 

The Stables, Torridon

Best for: Families, with rooms sleeping up to 6, on the grounds of a 5-star hotel.

The Torridon Hotel offers a 5-star experience on the NC500 (we recommend it in our NC500 hotels guide), but they also manage The Stables, a high-end inn-style property on the same grounds.

The Stables has an excellent pub-style restaurant, large rooms, tea and coffee making facilities, and access to the activities at the main hotel. Rooms would be particularly well suited to families, with options for 2, 4, or even 6 people.

Dining: Restaurant on site. The main hotel also has a restaurant (more formal, higher price point).

Address: Torridon, Achnasheen IV22 2EY
Price: From around £235 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? Yes, ground floor rooms are dog friendly
Book here: Book The Stables

 

Creag Dubh Bed and Breakfast, Erbusaig

Best for: A base between the NC500 and the Isle of Skye, with a very memorable shower.

Our last entry is a bit of a cheat, as it’s not technically on the NC500. Creag Dubh is in the small hamlet of Erbusaig, near the road bridge that crosses over to the Isle of Skye. This puts it within easy driving distance of the highlights of Skye as well as Eilean Donan Castle.

If you want to extend your Scottish road trip beyond the NC500 and add Skye for a few more days, Creag Dubh is a great option. Which was exactly why we stayed here.

Roy and Kate enthusiastically welcomed us and showed us our accommodation. I was particularly impressed by the high-tech shower, which included a radio and a variety of jets. The dram of single malt that was supplied on arrival was also much appreciated.

Both rooms have bathrobes, free Wi-Fi and sea views, as well as a flat screen TV, DVD player and tea/coffee making facilities. The double is en-suite, while the twin has its own private bathroom through the hall. Breakfast was freshly made and plentiful, and there’s free off-street parking.

Dining: No evening meals. Kyle of Lochalsh is a short drive away for restaurants.

Address: 5 An T-Sraid, Kyle IV40 8BB
Price: From around £117 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly? No
Book here: Book Creag Dubh B&B

 

Map of B&B Accommodation on the NC500

We’ve put together a map of all the accommodation options on this list, which you can see below or on Google Maps here.

If you’re looking for a physical map to take with you, the best option is the Collins NC500 Pocket Map, which you can pick up on Amazon before your trip. There used to be an official printed map produced by the NC500 organisation, but this has been discontinued in favour of a digital app.

 

Tips for Your NC500 B&B Trip

Book well in advance

The North Coast 500 has become very popular, especially from May to August. Accommodation can become hard to find, and we’d strongly advise against just hoping to turn up and find somewhere.

This is especially true for the B&Bs on this list, most of which have fewer than five rooms. They can book out months in advance for the busiest times. We highly recommend planning your route and booking as far ahead as you can.

If you are having difficulty finding accommodation, we’d suggest checking a number of different sites. There are many holiday cottages and apartment rentals around the NC500, which can be a good option, particularly in towns like Inverness. We also suggest trying different booking sites such as Booking.com and Hotels.com. For more options, see our guide to where to book holiday cottages and rentals in the UK.

If you’re thinking about renting a motorhome, you’ll also want to book well in advance. We recommend comparing prices using Motorhome Republic.

 

Go out of season

If you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of better availability (and often significantly lower prices), we can recommend driving the NC500 outside the May to August peak. Speaking to B&B owners, May and June are particularly busy, and July and August are popular for campers.

If you can put up with fickle weather and fewer hours of daylight, the shoulder months are wonderful. Just note that many restaurants, attractions and some accommodation are seasonal along the route, so check opening dates and times before you go.

We’ve done the route in all four seasons and each has its appeal. Winter can be both challenging and rewarding, but perhaps not the best for a first time visitor!

 

Take your time

While the NC500 can be driven in two or three days, we’d suggest taking at least five, or ideally seven, days for the route. We’ve driven it multiple times, taking around a week each time, and we still haven’t seen everything.

If you take more time, you’ll be able to stay at some of these properties for more than one night. This lets you get to know the locals, discover less visited spots, and avoid the feeling of having to rush to the next stop. Many B&Bs also offer discounts for stays of two nights or more.

We have both a 5 day NC500 itinerary and a 7 day NC500 itinerary to help with planning.

 

Manage your expectations

You are travelling in a remote part of the world, and sometimes not everything will be perfect. Supplies can be challenging to get hold of, WiFi / mobile reception can be temperamental, and if you’re used to travelling in a country like the USA, room sizes are likely to be smaller than you’re accustomed to.

We think these things are all part of the charm. Throw yourself into the adventure with an open mind, and we are sure you’ll have an incredible time.

 

Chat to the locals

One thing we can very much recommend is spending a bit of time getting to know the people who run these places. The easiest way is by chatting to your hosts over breakfast.

You’ll learn a lot about life on the NC500, get tips for what to see and where to eat locally, and generally get a great insight into this part of Scotland. We’ve always enjoyed chatting with B&B owners along the route, and sometimes we’ll drop in on a previous host for a catch-up when we’re driving past, even if we’re not staying over!

 

Further Reading for Your NC500 Road Trip

That’s our guide to our favourite B&B and similar accommodation on the North Coast 500, based on driving the route multiple times. We’re sure there are more excellent options out there, and we’ll keep updating this guide as we discover them.

To help you plan your NC500 trip, here’s some of our other content you’ll find useful:

• Our complete guide to planning an NC500 road trip
• Jess’s detailed guide to where to stay on the NC500, covering hotels, B&Bs and luxury options for every part of the route
• Our favourite photography spots on the NC500
• A 5 day NC500 itinerary and a 7 day NC500 itinerary
• Our guide to campsites and glamping sites on the NC500
• Our guide to whisky distilleries on the NC500
• Tips for driving on single track roads and general tips for driving in the UK
• Our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK
• The NE250 road trip itinerary if you want another Scottish driving route
• The official NC500 website for maps, itineraries and planning advice
• The Rough Guide to the NC500 and Rick Steves Scotland if you want a guidebook for your trip
• More of our content on Scotland and England
• Our guide to the world’s best road trips for more inspiration

And that’s it! We hope you found this guide useful. As always, if you have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book B&Bs on the NC500?

As far ahead as you can, especially for the peak months of May to August. Most B&Bs on the NC500 have fewer than five rooms, and popular properties can book out three to six months in advance for summer.

If you’re flexible on dates, the shoulder months (March, April, September, October) are easier to book and often cheaper. For winter travel, check directly with properties as many close for the season.

Are NC500 B&Bs dog friendly?

Some are, but many are not. On our list, Thrumster House near Wick, the Bettyhill Hotel, Heartseed House in Dornoch, and The Stables at Torridon all accept dogs. Kylesku Hotel is also dog friendly. Others don’t allow pets at all.

Always check with the property before booking if you’re travelling with a dog. Some that don’t formally list as pet friendly may make exceptions by prior arrangement.

What is the average cost of a B&B on the NC500?

Most B&Bs on the NC500 charge between £90 and £180 per night for two people sharing, with breakfast usually included. Prices vary by season, with summer (May to August) at the higher end and shoulder months often cheaper.

A few of the more hotel-style properties on our list go above this range, particularly the Eddrachilles Hotel and Kylesku Hotel, which can reach £250 or more in peak season.

Can you drive the NC500 in winter and find B&B accommodation?

Yes, though your options are more limited. Some B&Bs close for winter (roughly November to March), and restaurants and attractions along the route may also be seasonal. Salmon Landings near Strathy is one of the few we know that stays open year-round on the north coast stretch.

If you’re planning a winter NC500 trip, book ahead and check directly with each property. You should also be prepared for challenging driving conditions, shorter daylight hours, and the possibility that some dining options along the route will be closed.

Do NC500 B&Bs serve evening meals?

Most traditional B&Bs do not serve dinner. On our list, properties with on-site dining include the Bettyhill Hotel, Eddrachilles Hotel, Kylesku Hotel, the Applecross Inn, and The Stables at Torridon. The Factor’s House in Cromarty also offers evening meals on some days.

On the more remote stretches, particularly the north coast between Thurso and Durness, restaurant options can be limited or seasonal. We always recommend asking your hosts about local dining options when you book, especially if you’re arriving outside summer.

Are there wheelchair accessible B&Bs on the NC500?

Fully wheelchair accessible B&Bs are rare on the NC500, as many are converted private homes that don’t meet full accessibility requirements. Pentland Lodge House in Thurso has one fully accessible room. Beyond that, some properties may have ground floor rooms or other features that could work for specific needs.

We’d recommend contacting properties directly to discuss your requirements. Some hosts can accommodate needs that aren’t formally listed on booking sites. Filtering by accessible options on Booking.com can help narrow down the search, though the results are limited.