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Our Favourite Bed and Breakfast Accommodation on the North Coast 500

Last updated: June 17, 2023. Written by Laurence Norah - 14 Comments

We’ve travelled the entirety of Scotland’s North Coast 500 driving route several times now, and we’ve stayed in a wide variety of accommodation along the way, from guesthouses to hotels – and even castles!

One of the most popular forms of accommodation along the route, and one of our favourites, are the bed and breakfast accommodations on the North Coast 500.

These tend to be fairly well priced (although of course there are exceptions!), usually costing in the region of £90 – £150 per night for two people sharing. As the name suggests, that price normally also includes breakfast. Note that prices do change with the seasons, with the busier summer months often having a higher price.

But our favourite thing about B&B’s isn’t the good price and epic breakfasts. Rather, it’s the fact that they tend to be owned and run by locals, who have a wealth of local knowledge and stories to share. They also tend to be fairly small affairs with just a handful of rooms, meaning you get really personalized service.

We’ve stayed at a great many B&B’s on the North Coast 500 route in order to find our favourites, and we’ve put them together in this list below.

We’d suggest reading this in parallel with our other North Coast 500 content, which includes our guide to planning a North Coast 500 road trip, our seven day NC500 camping itinerary (you can switch out campsites for B&Bs!), our 1 week NC500 itinerary, and our 5 day NC500 itinerary.

We also have guides to other types of accommodation on the NC500, including our guide to hotels on the North Coast 500 and campsites and glamping sites on the North Coast 500.

Table of Contents

Bed & Breakfasts on the North Coast 500

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

For each property we’ve put an indicated price or price range, based on two adults sharing a room.

Note that most properties will be more expensive in the peak summer months, and may have lower rates in the off season (generally October to March). Note also that some properties are closed over winter. Prices are indicative only, and of course are subject to change.

Also be aware that B&B have different policies – some for example are adults only, whilst others might only accept cash payments. In addition, at busier times of year, some properties might have a minimum number of nights required for a stay, usually at least two.

We’ve also included information on which properties accept dogs along the NC500, as many do not, whilst some only accept dogs via prior arrangement.

As such, we would always recommend checking any policies so you know what to expect, whether you need to bring cash, and that you book a suitable spot.

We are happy to personally recommend every one of the properties on this list for your North Coast 500 adventure!

No 29 B&B, Inverness

The first property on our list is in Inverness, the capital city of the highlands and also the start and finish point of the North Coast 500.

Inverness is very much worth taking some time to explore, as there’s a great deal to do in the city and the area in general, from taking in the castle through to visiting Loch Ness.

Inverness also makes a great base from which to explore for a few days, and we have a guide to some of the best day trips from Inverness to help you do just that.

No. 29 B&B is an excellent good value option just a few minutes walk from the centre of Inverness.

Rooms are all en-suite, with a choice of twin or double accommodation available. A breakfast is available and there’s free wi-fi throughout and free parking on site as well. The owners are very friendly and can offer advice on attractions in the area as well as those along the NC500. We stayed here in a twin room which was very clean and comfortable.

Address: 29 Greig Street, Inverness, IV3 5PX
Price: In the region of £70 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book No.29 B&B.

Invernevis B&B, Inverness

Found in a lovely Victorian-era villa around 10 minutes walk from the centre of Inverness, the Invernevis B&B is a 4* B&B offering gorgeous rooms in a peaceful setting.

We loved the little touches here like the welcome dram of whisky in the rooms as well as the attention to detail on the design and amenities.

Scottish owner Sheila, originally from the Isle of Skye, has been running the property as a B&B since 2010. There’s free wifi and parking on site, as well as the option of a full cooked Scottish breakfast.

This is a great option at a slightly higher price point in Inverness. Double and twin rooms are all en-suite, and there are also two single rooms that share a bathroom.

Address: 47 Fairfield Road, Inverness, IV3 5QP
Price: In the region of £99 – £130 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book Invernevis B&B.

Ardentorrie Guest House, Inverness

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.

Address: 2 Gordon Terrace, Inverness, IV23 HD
Price: In the region of £99 – £130 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book Ardentorrie B&B.

The Factor’s House, Cromarty

Just north of Inverness you’ll find the Black Isle – a peninsula of land that is encircled by two bodies of water – the Moray Firth and the Cromarty Firth.

There’s loads to do on the Black Isle, from dolphin watching to tasting local beer, and you could easily spend a day or two sightseeing here. See our complete guide to things to do on the Black Isle for some ideas.

If you decide to spend a little bit of time on the Black Isle, or don’t feel like driving too far on your first day, then we can recommend a stop at the Factor’s House.

This well rated boutique B&B is found in the historic town of Cromarty, and offers lovely en-suite accommodation, magnificent views across the firth, as well as an award winning breakfast with a focus on locally sourced, organic produce. Evening meals are also available on some days of the week.

We loved the comfortable rooms, warm welcome, and delicious breakfast here. There are lots of little touches that add up to making this a great experience, and our favourite by far on the Black Isle.

Guests also have access to a private lounge which offers a log fire in winter as well as a licensed honesty bar. There’s WiFi throughout the property, free parking on site, and it’s a short walk down into Cromarty where you’ll find a variety of pubs and eateries.

Address: Denny Rd, Cromarty IV11 8YT
Price: In the region of £130 – £180 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book The Factor’s House.

Albatross B&B, Dornoch

Heading north now to Dornoch, which is home to one of the famous golf courses in Scotland – the Royal Dornoch. Formed in 1877, it’s a course that has a stunning wild setting, and is one that many golfers aspire to play on at some point.

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, as well as Dunrobin Castle and Loch Fleet Nature Reserve.

As you would imagine, you could spend a few days exploring the local area and taking in a round or two of golf. If you’re looking for a B&B in the area, we can highly recommend the Albatross B&B . This is centrally located in Dornoch itself, and offers a breakfast with free on-site parking and WiFi.

Address: Sutherland Road The Elms, Dornoch, IV25 3SX
Price: In the region of £170 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed (try the below Heartseed House if travelling with a pet)
Book Here: Click here to book the Albatross

Heartseed House B&B, Dornoch

Found 3 minutes drive or 20 minutes walk from the centre of Dornoch, this lovely B&B offers 3 lovely en-suite rooms with great views of the surrounding landscape. Hosts Dee & 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 are 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 also free on-site parking and WiFi.

Address:2 The Pillars, Dornoch IV25 3HY
Price: In the region of £95-120 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly?: Pets allowed on request
Book Here: Click here to book Heartseed House B&B

Strathview Lodge B&B, nr. Dornoch

Strathview Lodge is another good option near Dornoch, and would be particularly suited to birdwatchers as it’s very close to the Loch Fleet Nature Reserve.

Of course, you don’t have to be a bird watcher to appreciate this lovely B&B, which offers good-sized en-suite rooms and a tasty breakfast, as well as on-site parking and free WiFi throughout. It’s about a 10 minute drive from Dornoch.

Address: Cambusavie, Dornoch IV25 3JD
Price: In the region of £120 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book Strathview Lodge

Thrumster House, nr. Wick

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 anyway 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 will feel more like a distant relative staying with family rather 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 most probably also be on hand to welcome you.

We loved our stay here, although the rustic old-world 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 with us all sorts of stories about the property, as well as tips for what to do in the surrounding area, was a wonderful experience.

Wick is just a short drive away for meals, and there’s even an Iron Age broch on the property. Those interested in archaeology will also want to investigate the nearby Yarrows Archaeological Trail, which we did. This is one of the largest concentrations of neolithic remains in Europe, yet receives very few visitors.

Rooms offer private bathrooms, there’s free WiFi throughout, loads of car parking on-site, and it’s pet friendly.

Address: Thrumster Estates, Thrumster, Wick KW1 5T
Price: In the region of £110 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly?: Yes, pets allowed, no additional fee
Book Here: Click here to book Thrumster House

The Marine, Thurso

Moving to the northern coast of Scotland now, and the town of Thurso. This is a popular location with surfers, as well as those thinking of making the crossing to Orkney. There are quite a number of accommodation options in Thurso to choose from, and we’ve picked our favourites for this list.

First, The Marine. This is found right on the beach front, and the shared lounge area offers nice views across the beach and bay here. The perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. Local owner Karen has run the business since 2013, and will be able to advise you on local attractions and activities, as well as the best options for where to eat.

There are three en-suite rooms, one of which has full sea views. They also offer a fully accessible room. A full breakfast is included and rooms come with bathrobes for that extra touch of luxury. It’s moments walk to the beach as well as a number of eateries and other attractions in Thurso.

Address: 38 Shore St, Thurso KW14 8BN
Price: In the region of £120 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly?: No
Book Here: Click here to book The Marine

Pentland Lodge House, Thurso

Set back a hundred yards or so from the beach, this lovely B&B offers 8 en-suite bed and breakfast 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 hand made by the local baker.

It’s moments’ walk from the beach and only five minutes walk to a number of eateries in Thurso. There’s free parking on site, which includes an electric car charging point. One of the rooms is also fully accessible, and there’s free WiFi throughout.

Address: Granville St, Thurso KW14 7JN
Price: In the region of £100 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly?: No
Book Here: Click here to book Pentland Lodge House

Salmon Landings, nr Strathy

Salmon Landings is a relatively new addition to the North Coast 500, with owners Julie and Kevan having converted a former salmon fishing station into an wonderfully relaxed but luxurious B&B.

Attention to detail is the name of the game here, with no detail overlooked. It’s described as a guest house with the heart of a luxury hotel, and we can’t argue with that description – this is a truly wonderful place to stay.

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.

Note that dinner options are limited during certain parts of the year in this area, so we recommend asking hosts at least a couple days before your arrival about recommended options.

Salmon Landings is one of the few properties open year round on this section of the route, and we are certain you will love this luxurious enclave on Scotland’s far northern coast. You’re guaranteed a warm welcome and excellent dining.

Address: Port Ghrant Rd, Strathy Point, Strathy By Thurso, KW14 7RY UK
Price: In the region of £150 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book Salmon Landings

Bettyhill Hotel, Bettyhill

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

With commanding views across the local beaches and landscape, it’s certainly well located. En-suite rooms are comfortable with tea and coffee making facilities, as well as free WiFi. A full breakfast is also included.

As this is more of a hotel, you also get a bar, restaurant that serves evening meals and a couple of lounge areas. It’s also pet friendly. We enjoyed our breakfast here overlooking Torrisdale Bay.

Address: Bettyhill, KW14 7SP, United Kingdom
Price: From £140 a night, but varies quite a lot depending on season
Dog friendly?: Yes
Book Here: Click here to book Bettyhill Hotel

Tigh Nan Ubhal Guesthouse, Tongue

A little further along the NC500 and you come to the village of Tongue, which makes for a good overnight location. There are a number of nice walks in the area, including one up to the ruins of a small castle (Castle Varrich) on the hill opposite the town, from where you can get spectacular views.

If you decide to stay in Tongue, we can recommend the friendly and centrally located Tigh Nan Ubhal guesthouse. Hosts Angela and Jimmy cook an excellent Scottish breakfast, and rooms are comfortable and modern with all the amenities you could want.

We particularly liked the Highland Coo paintings on the walls. Just note that the rooms here are a little on the smaller side, although we were very comfortable.

The guesthouse doesn’t serve evening meals, although there are two restaurants just moments walk away which serve meals and drinks. Note that the restaurants are not always open year round, so do check in advance if you are visiting in the winter season.

Address: Main Street, Tongue, Lairg IV27 4XF
Price: From around £80 per night with breakfast for two sharing. Note, cash only.
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book Tigh Nan Ubhal guesthouse

The Cruachan Guesthouse, Stoer

If you take the scenic coastal drive from Kylesku to Lochinver, which we definitely recommend if you have the time, then we suggest staying at the Green Cruachan B&B along the way.

Run by Assynt local Kenneth, this B&B has four rooms all of which are fresh, bright and uniquely themed.

A range of breakfast options are available including a full traditional cooked breakfast and porridge.

The four rooms, which offer both twin and double accommodation, are all lovely. There’s tea & coffee making facilities available in the rooms, as well as WiFi throughout. All the rooms are en-suite with showers.

The nearest restaurants are in Lochinver (so we would recommend planning ahead if you want an evening meal in the area.

The setting is spectacular, with lots of lovely walks as well as beaches and historical Clachtoll Broch just a few minutes away.

Address: Stoer, Sutherland, IV27 4JE, Scotland
Price: From around £115 per night with breakfast for two sharing.
Dog friendly?: Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
Book Here: Click here to book The Green Cruachan

Davar Guest House, Lochinver

Our next stop on the NC500 for accommodation is Lochinver. This seaside fishing town has a number of attractions, including a pottery shop and an incredible pie shop, as well as a number of accommodation options.

Our favourite B&B in Lochinver so far is the Davar Guest House. This 4* B&B was purpose built, with four well-appointed en-suite rooms offering very comfortable accommodation. Of the rooms, three offer gorgeous views over the loch, and one offers garden views.

The owners Caren and Dave are very knowledgeable about the area, and shared with me some of their favourite photography locations on the NC500. They also put together an excellent home cooked breakfast using locally sourced ingredients, with many items such as the 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 favorites!

Address: Davar, Lochinver IV27 4LJ
Price: From around £150 per night with breakfast for two sharing.
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book Davar

Bonnie Haven, Lochinver

Another fantastic option in Lochinver is the Bonnie Haven B&B. 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 itself and the mountains behind. It’s just a few minutes walk to the shops and restaurants. All three rooms are comfortable en-suite with tea and coffee making facilities, and a continental breakfast is included.

Address: Inver Terrace, Lairg IV27 4LL
Price: From around £115 per night with breakfast for two sharing.
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book Bonnie Haven

Croft 17 B&B, nr. Ullapool

Our next few B&B’s are located in or near Ullapool, the largest town on the west coast of the North Coast 500. There are a good many accommodation options here, however, it’s a very popular town and base for exploring the surrounding area, so it can book up very quickly.

Our first suggested option is the Croft 17 B&B, found a five minute drive north of Ullapool. This lovely B&B is run by Ullapool locals Jaimie and Martin, and offers impressive views across the Loch and down to the town of Ullapool.

There are two rooms available, a twin and a double. They are both wonderfully decorated and both are en-suite. They also include tea and coffee making facilities, as well as a TV. The twin is uniquely laid out in an “L” shape, meaning both occupants get a measure of privacy – great if you are travelling with a friend or relation rather than a partner.

A continental breakfast, free parking and WiFi is included, and being local, Jaimie and Martin are able to offer a wealth of knowledge about the surrounding area and attractions all along the NC500 route. The property is set on the hill, but has quite a bit of land, meaning you can walk down to the loch shore to stretch your legs.

Address: Morefield Brae, 17 North Rd, Morefield, Ullapool IV26 2TH
Price: From around £95 per night with breakfast for two sharing.
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book Croft 17 B&B

Westlea House Boutique B&B, Ullapool

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

The Westlea House is beautifully decorated throughout, with each room having a unique style and decor. There’s also a lovely shared area which includes a collection of vinyl records and a record player for guests listening pleasure. Each of the five rooms is en-suite, and features 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.

Address: 2 Market St, Ullapool IV26 2XE
Price: From around £125 per night with breakfast for two sharing.
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book Westlea House

Harbour House B&B, Ullapool

Found on the south side of Ullapool, about ten minutes walk from the restaurants and ferry terminals, this efficiently run family-owned B&B offers more rooms than most of the other B&B’s on our list. That’s good news for visitors to Ullapool, as the town often runs short of accommodation.

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

In terms of location, it’s found right on the waters edge, and the lounge area offers lovely views across the sea loch to the mountains beyond. There’s also free WiFi and free off-street parking.

Note that if you struggle to find availability at our recommended options in Ullapool, you can see more options here.

Address: Garve Road, Ullapool, IV26 2SX
Price: From around £130 per night with breakfast for two sharing.
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book Harbour House

The Old School House B&B, Gairloch

The town of Gairloch on the west coast of Scotland has a lot going for it, with a range of cafes and dining options, as well as plentiful walks and stunning scenery to explore.

Our favourite B&B in the area is the Old School House B&B. This is run by Sarah and Rob who have spent many years in the area. When we visited they had two rooms available, a double with a separate private bathroom, and a twin with en-suite.

Both rooms were spacious and offered fantastic views across the water. We also really liked that breakfast is served in your room, with a full cooked breakfast available which is brought to the table in your room.

Other amenities in the rooms include a pod coffee maker, WiFi, free parking and TVs in the room. It’s also a short walk from a range of cafes and dining options.

Address: Strath, Gairloch IV21 2BZ
Price: Around £130 per night with breakfast for two sharing.
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book the Old School House

The Stables, Torridon

Whilst the Torridon Hotel offers a 5* lodging experience on the North Coast 500 (and one we highly recommend in our NC500 hotels guide), they also manage “The Stables” (formerly known as the Torridon Inn) – a high end B&B style property on the same grounds.

This has an excellent pub style restaurant, large rooms, tea and coffee making facilities and access to the various activities at the main hotel. Rooms would be particularly suited to families, as they have options for 2, 4 or even 6 person family rooms.

Address: Torridon, Achnasheen IV22 2EY
Price: From around £160 per night with breakfast for two sharing
Dog friendly?: Yes, ground floor rooms at the inn are dog friendly
Book Here: Click here to book The Stables

Creag Dubh Bed and Breakfast, Erbusaig

Our last entry on our guide to our favourite B&B’s on the North Coast 500 is a bit of a cheat, as it’s not actually on the North Coast 500. Creag Dubh Bed and Breakfast is found in the small hamlet of Erbusaig, just near to the road bridge that crosses over to the Isle of Skye.

This puts it within easy driving distance of many of the highlights of Skye as well as the world famous Eilean Donan Castle.

If you wanted to continue your Scottish road trip adventure beyond the NC500, and add on these locations for a few more days of exploration, we can recommend the Creag Dubh Bed and Breakfast as a great option between the NC500 and the Isle of Skye. Which was exactly why we stayed here, as part of a road trip that included both these awesome Scottish destinations.

And we were very glad we did. Roy and Kate enthusiastically welcomed us into their home and showed us our accommodation. I was particularly impressed by the high-tech shower our room was equipped with, which included a radio and a variety of jets to ensure a full clean. The dram of single malt that was supplied was also much appreciated.

The rooms both have bath robes, free wi-fi and sea views, as well a flat screen TV, DVD player and tea/coffee making facilities. The double room we stayed in is en-suite, whilst the twin room has it’s own private bathroom accessed through the hall. Breakfast was freshly made and plentiful, and there was free off-street parking as well.

Address: 5 An T-Sraid, Kyle IV40 8BB01599 530334
Price: From around £105 per night with breakfast for two sharing.
Dog friendly?: Pets not allowed
Book Here: Click here to book Creag Dubh B&B

Map of B&B Accommodation Options on the North Coast 500

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

If you’re looking for a physical map to take with you, the two main options are the Collins NC500 Pocket Map or the “Hit the Road 500 Route Around the Highlands by Yellow Road Maps”.

These can be purchased online in advance of your trip from Amazon or Waterstones. They can also sometimes be found on eBay. They are also usually available at stores and tourist information offices around the route, including the Inverness iCentre.

There used to be an official printed map produced by the NC500 themselves which was freely available in tourism offices. However, this has now been discontinued in favour of a digital app.

Tips for your North Coast 500 Accommodation

To help you make the most out of your NC500 road trip, we wanted to share some quick tips based on our experiences driving the route.

Book well in advance

The North Coast 500 has become very popular, especially in the summer months. From May to August, accommodation can become harder to find, and we advise against just hoping to be able to turn up in a town and find somewhere to stay.

This is especially the case for the B&B’s we list here, the majority of which only have a handful of rooms. These can book out months in advance for the busiest times of year, and we highly recommend that you plan your route and book your trip as far in advance as you can so as to secure the accommodation of your choice.

We’ve included booking links for all the properties we’ve shared and a guideline price for each. Be aware that prices vary through the year, with the busier month of May – August generally having higher prices than the off-season months.

If you are having difficulty finding accommodation, we advise checking a number of different sites. For example, there are many holiday cottages and apartment rentals all around the NC500, which can be a good option – especially in the towns and cities like Inverness.

We also suggest trying a number of different booking sites such as booking.com and hotels.com.

For more options, take a look at our specific guide to where to book holiday cottages and rentals in the UK.

If you are thinking about renting a motorhome to drive the route, you’ll also want to book this well in advance.

We recommend comparing prices across a range of providers using a service like Motorhome Republic. You can see their UK listings here. We can also recommend checking out Spaceships for camper rental, you can check their prices here.

Go out of season

If you want to avoid the crowds on what has become a very popular driving route in Scotland, as well as take advantage of better availability (and often lower prices) on accommodation, we can very much recommend driving the NC500 out of season.

The busiest time of year is definitely from May to August. Whilst July and August are popular times for campers to drive the NC500, speaking to B&B owners, May and June are also very busy.

So if you can put up with potentially fickle weather and a few less hours of daylight, we can definitely recommend driving the NC500 between October and May. Just note that many hotels, restaurants, and attractions are seasonal along the route so be sure to check opening dates and times for the any places that are must-sees.

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

Take your time

We understand that not everyone has an infinite amount of vacation time on their hands. However, we would urge you not to rush the NC500. Whilst it can be driven in two or three days, we would suggest that you will have a more enjoyable time if you take at least five, or ideally seven, days to do the route.

You could definitely spend even longer driving the route – we’ve drive the route multiple times, taking around a week each time to do it, and we’ve still not seen everything we want to see along the way.

If you take a bit more time, you’ll be able to stay at some of these properties for longer than one night. This will let you get to know the locals a bit better, discover some of the less visited spots, and not feel that you have to rush on to the next stop so quickly.

Many B&Bs also offer discounts and special offers for those who stay more than 2 nights at a time.

Manage your Expectations

We’re very happy to recommend all the properties on this route based on our experiences, however, it’s important to remember that you are travelling in a remote part of the world, and so sometimes not everything will be perfect.

Supplies can be challenging to get, WiFi can be temperamental, and if you are used to travelling in a country like the USA for example, room sizes are likely to be smaller than you are used to in general.

We would definitely ask you just to keep this in mind when travelling – we think these things are all a part of the charm of travelling in such a beautiful and remote part of the world. Just throw yourself into the adventure with an open mind, and we are sure you will have an incredible time.

Chat to the locals

One thing we can very much recommend you do as you travel around the North Coast 500 is to spend a bit of time if you can getting to know the locals. The easiest way to do this is by talking to the hosts at each B&B you stay at.

You’ll learn a lot about life along the NC500, get tips for what to see and where to eat in the local area, and generally get a great insight into this region of Scotland.

We’ve always enjoyed chatting with B&B owners along the route, and sometimes we’ll drop in to a previous B&B for a chat when we’re driving the route – even if we’re not staying over!