HAPPY CAMPERS
For those looking to enjoy the finer things along the NC500!
As you journey across the North Coast 500, you may wish to set up base in multiple locations around the route, spending two or three nights exploring each area.
HAPPY CAMPERS - DAY 1
AM Inverness's local archaeological and historic sites
Even before you begin your North Coast 500 journey at Inverness, there are a number of archaeological and historic sites to make around the area. In fact, you may wish to have an additional day to explore these areas!
Explore Scotland’s earliest beginnings and immerse yourself in the mysterious Clava Cairns, a 20-minute drive east of Inverness. This area is home to a number of Neolithic ‘cairns’, burial places for the dead, and were constructed over 5000 years ago. This area also features a series of standing stones, one of which, the ‘split stone’, may have been the inspiration for the Outlander television phenomenon!
Spend 45 mins – 1.5 hours here.
PM Here come the Jacobites...
Now it’s time to head north and 4,500 years forward to Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Experience, site of one of the most famous battles in British history, fought between the British Government and rebellious Jacobites, in 1746. The newly-built heritage centre between provides a detailed and interactive look at the factors which led to this battle, before you participate in the immersive ‘battle film’, which gives a glimpse into the horrors of the battlefield. Well worth a good few hours of exploring, and best of all, you can get a spot of lunch before you spend some time exploring the battlefield.
Alternatively, or if you have time, pop into Inverness Museum and Gallery, where you can learn about the history of the Highlands, from geological formation right through to more modern times. Try on the replica of the ‘Achavrail Armlet’, a two thousand year old piece of ‘bling’!
Evening Accommodation & Evening Meal
As the Highlands largest city, Inverness offer a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants and bistros, we are sure there will be something which catches your eye and taste buds!
- Be transported back to 1880 at Moyness House, this Victorian Villa and now B&B offers a variety of rooms with something to fit every group.
- Stay close to the action in the city centre at Pitfaranne House, providing both self-catering and B&B options at a good price.
- Fancy spending a bit more time exploring Inverness? Why not check into one of the cities self-catering accommodations: Caledonian Cottages, Ardconnel Court or 2 Ness Walk Apartments.
Dining
There is vast range of dining options in central and wider Inverness, a few of our favourites include:
Rocpool Reserve and Chez Roux offers a selection of locally sourced, handcrafted meals bringing traditional Scottish food together with the wider world, with renown Chef Albert Roux at the helm, this dining experience is guaranteed to excite your taste buds! (They also offer luxurious hotel accommodation).
If you desire an escape to the countryside Achnagairn Estate, has the superb Table Manors restaurant offering A la Carte, tasting and Sunday Lunch menus there are few more beautiful dining locations. (The estate also has a range of hotel and self-catering accommodation available).
Our final suggestion is to have a post or pre (or both!) meal dram at The Malt Room, with a huge range of whiskies, craft beers and spirits, choose your tipple and relax in the cosy atmosphere of Inverness’ first whisky bar.
HAPPY CAMPERS - DAY 2
AM Inverness's local archaeological and historic sites
Even before you begin your North Coast 500 journey at Inverness, there are a number of archaeological and historic sites to make around the area. In fact, you may wish to have an additional day to explore these areas!
Explore Scotland’s earliest beginnings and immerse yourself in the mysterious Clava Cairns, a 20-minute drive east of Inverness. This area is home to a number of Neolithic ‘cairns’, burial places for the dead, and were constructed over 5000 years ago. This area also features a series of standing stones, one of which, the ‘split stone’, may have been the inspiration for the Outlander television phenomenon!
Spend 45 mins – 1.5 hours here.
PM Here come the Jacobites...
Now it’s time to head north and 4,500 years forward to Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Experience, site of one of the most famous battles in British history, fought between the British Government and rebellious Jacobites, in 1746. The newly-built heritage centre between provides a detailed and interactive look at the factors which led to this battle, before you participate in the immersive ‘battle film’, which gives a glimpse into the horrors of the battlefield. Well worth a good few hours of exploring, and best of all, you can get a spot of lunch before you spend some time exploring the battlefield.
Alternatively, or if you have time, pop into Inverness Museum and Gallery, where you can learn about the history of the Highlands, from geological formation right through to more modern times. Try on the replica of the ‘Achavrail Armlet’, a two thousand year old piece of ‘bling’!
Evening Accommodation & Evening Meal
As the Highlands largest city, Inverness offer a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants and bistros, we are sure there will be something which catches your eye and taste buds!
- Be transported back to 1880 at Moyness House, this Victorian Villa and now B&B offers a variety of rooms with something to fit every group.
- Stay close to the action in the city centre at Pitfaranne House, providing both self-catering and B&B options at a good price.
- Fancy spending a bit more time exploring Inverness? Why not check into one of the cities self-catering accommodations: Caledonian Cottages, Ardconnel Court or 2 Ness Walk Apartments.
Dining
There is vast range of dining options in central and wider Inverness, a few of our favourites include:
Rocpool Reserve and Chez Roux offers a selection of locally sourced, handcrafted meals bringing traditional Scottish food together with the wider world, with renown Chef Albert Roux at the helm, this dining experience is guaranteed to excite your taste buds! (They also offer luxurious hotel accommodation).
If you desire an escape to the countryside Achnagairn Estate, has the superb Table Manors restaurant offering A la Carte, tasting and Sunday Lunch menus there are few more beautiful dining locations. (The estate also has a range of hotel and self-catering accommodation available).
Our final suggestion is to have a post or pre (or both!) meal dram at The Malt Room, with a huge range of whiskies, craft beers and spirits, choose your tipple and relax in the cosy atmosphere of Inverness’ first whisky bar.
HAPPY CAMPERS - DAY 3
AM Inverness's local archaeological and historic sites
Even before you begin your North Coast 500 journey at Inverness, there are a number of archaeological and historic sites to make around the area. In fact, you may wish to have an additional day to explore these areas!
Explore Scotland’s earliest beginnings and immerse yourself in the mysterious Clava Cairns, a 20-minute drive east of Inverness. This area is home to a number of Neolithic ‘cairns’, burial places for the dead, and were constructed over 5000 years ago. This area also features a series of standing stones, one of which, the ‘split stone’, may have been the inspiration for the Outlander television phenomenon!
Spend 45 mins – 1.5 hours here.
PM Here come the Jacobites...
Now it’s time to head north and 4,500 years forward to Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Experience, site of one of the most famous battles in British history, fought between the British Government and rebellious Jacobites, in 1746. The newly-built heritage centre between provides a detailed and interactive look at the factors which led to this battle, before you participate in the immersive ‘battle film’, which gives a glimpse into the horrors of the battlefield. Well worth a good few hours of exploring, and best of all, you can get a spot of lunch before you spend some time exploring the battlefield.
Alternatively, or if you have time, pop into Inverness Museum and Gallery, where you can learn about the history of the Highlands, from geological formation right through to more modern times. Try on the replica of the ‘Achavrail Armlet’, a two thousand year old piece of ‘bling’!
Evening Accommodation & Evening Meal
As the Highlands largest city, Inverness offer a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants and bistros, we are sure there will be something which catches your eye and taste buds!
- Be transported back to 1880 at Moyness House, this Victorian Villa and now B&B offers a variety of rooms with something to fit every group.
- Stay close to the action in the city centre at Pitfaranne House, providing both self-catering and B&B options at a good price.
- Fancy spending a bit more time exploring Inverness? Why not check into one of the cities self-catering accommodations: Caledonian Cottages, Ardconnel Court or 2 Ness Walk Apartments.
Dining
There is vast range of dining options in central and wider Inverness, a few of our favourites include:
Rocpool Reserve and Chez Roux offers a selection of locally sourced, handcrafted meals bringing traditional Scottish food together with the wider world, with renown Chef Albert Roux at the helm, this dining experience is guaranteed to excite your taste buds! (They also offer luxurious hotel accommodation).
If you desire an escape to the countryside Achnagairn Estate, has the superb Table Manors restaurant offering A la Carte, tasting and Sunday Lunch menus there are few more beautiful dining locations. (The estate also has a range of hotel and self-catering accommodation available).
Our final suggestion is to have a post or pre (or both!) meal dram at The Malt Room, with a huge range of whiskies, craft beers and spirits, choose your tipple and relax in the cosy atmosphere of Inverness’ first whisky bar.
HAPPY CAMPERS - DAY 4
AM Inverness's local archaeological and historic sites
Even before you begin your North Coast 500 journey at Inverness, there are a number of archaeological and historic sites to make around the area. In fact, you may wish to have an additional day to explore these areas!
Explore Scotland’s earliest beginnings and immerse yourself in the mysterious Clava Cairns, a 20-minute drive east of Inverness. This area is home to a number of Neolithic ‘cairns’, burial places for the dead, and were constructed over 5000 years ago. This area also features a series of standing stones, one of which, the ‘split stone’, may have been the inspiration for the Outlander television phenomenon!
Spend 45 mins – 1.5 hours here.
PM Here come the Jacobites...
Now it’s time to head north and 4,500 years forward to Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Experience, site of one of the most famous battles in British history, fought between the British Government and rebellious Jacobites, in 1746. The newly-built heritage centre between provides a detailed and interactive look at the factors which led to this battle, before you participate in the immersive ‘battle film’, which gives a glimpse into the horrors of the battlefield. Well worth a good few hours of exploring, and best of all, you can get a spot of lunch before you spend some time exploring the battlefield.
Alternatively, or if you have time, pop into Inverness Museum and Gallery, where you can learn about the history of the Highlands, from geological formation right through to more modern times. Try on the replica of the ‘Achavrail Armlet’, a two thousand year old piece of ‘bling’!
Evening Accommodation & Evening Meal
As the Highlands largest city, Inverness offer a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants and bistros, we are sure there will be something which catches your eye and taste buds!
- Be transported back to 1880 at Moyness House, this Victorian Villa and now B&B offers a variety of rooms with something to fit every group.
- Stay close to the action in the city centre at Pitfaranne House, providing both self-catering and B&B options at a good price.
- Fancy spending a bit more time exploring Inverness? Why not check into one of the cities self-catering accommodations: Caledonian Cottages, Ardconnel Court or 2 Ness Walk Apartments.
Dining
There is vast range of dining options in central and wider Inverness, a few of our favourites include:
Rocpool Reserve and Chez Roux offers a selection of locally sourced, handcrafted meals bringing traditional Scottish food together with the wider world, with renown Chef Albert Roux at the helm, this dining experience is guaranteed to excite your taste buds! (They also offer luxurious hotel accommodation).
If you desire an escape to the countryside Achnagairn Estate, has the superb Table Manors restaurant offering A la Carte, tasting and Sunday Lunch menus there are few more beautiful dining locations. (The estate also has a range of hotel and self-catering accommodation available).
Our final suggestion is to have a post or pre (or both!) meal dram at The Malt Room, with a huge range of whiskies, craft beers and spirits, choose your tipple and relax in the cosy atmosphere of Inverness’ first whisky bar.
HAPPY CAMPERS - DAY 5
AM Inverness's local archaeological and historic sites
Even before you begin your North Coast 500 journey at Inverness, there are a number of archaeological and historic sites to make around the area. In fact, you may wish to have an additional day to explore these areas!
Explore Scotland’s earliest beginnings and immerse yourself in the mysterious Clava Cairns, a 20-minute drive east of Inverness. This area is home to a number of Neolithic ‘cairns’, burial places for the dead, and were constructed over 5000 years ago. This area also features a series of standing stones, one of which, the ‘split stone’, may have been the inspiration for the Outlander television phenomenon!
Spend 45 mins – 1.5 hours here.
PM Here come the Jacobites...
Now it’s time to head north and 4,500 years forward to Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Experience, site of one of the most famous battles in British history, fought between the British Government and rebellious Jacobites, in 1746. The newly-built heritage centre between provides a detailed and interactive look at the factors which led to this battle, before you participate in the immersive ‘battle film’, which gives a glimpse into the horrors of the battlefield. Well worth a good few hours of exploring, and best of all, you can get a spot of lunch before you spend some time exploring the battlefield.
Alternatively, or if you have time, pop into Inverness Museum and Gallery, where you can learn about the history of the Highlands, from geological formation right through to more modern times. Try on the replica of the ‘Achavrail Armlet’, a two thousand year old piece of ‘bling’!
Evening Accommodation & Evening Meal
As the Highlands largest city, Inverness offer a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants and bistros, we are sure there will be something which catches your eye and taste buds!
- Be transported back to 1880 at Moyness House, this Victorian Villa and now B&B offers a variety of rooms with something to fit every group.
- Stay close to the action in the city centre at Pitfaranne House, providing both self-catering and B&B options at a good price.
- Fancy spending a bit more time exploring Inverness? Why not check into one of the cities self-catering accommodations: Caledonian Cottages, Ardconnel Court or 2 Ness Walk Apartments.
Dining
There is vast range of dining options in central and wider Inverness, a few of our favourites include:
Rocpool Reserve and Chez Roux offers a selection of locally sourced, handcrafted meals bringing traditional Scottish food together with the wider world, with renown Chef Albert Roux at the helm, this dining experience is guaranteed to excite your taste buds! (They also offer luxurious hotel accommodation).
If you desire an escape to the countryside Achnagairn Estate, has the superb Table Manors restaurant offering A la Carte, tasting and Sunday Lunch menus there are few more beautiful dining locations. (The estate also has a range of hotel and self-catering accommodation available).
Our final suggestion is to have a post or pre (or both!) meal dram at The Malt Room, with a huge range of whiskies, craft beers and spirits, choose your tipple and relax in the cosy atmosphere of Inverness’ first whisky bar.
HAPPY CAMPERS - DAY 6
AM Inverness's local archaeological and historic sites
Even before you begin your North Coast 500 journey at Inverness, there are a number of archaeological and historic sites to make around the area. In fact, you may wish to have an additional day to explore these areas!
Explore Scotland’s earliest beginnings and immerse yourself in the mysterious Clava Cairns, a 20-minute drive east of Inverness. This area is home to a number of Neolithic ‘cairns’, burial places for the dead, and were constructed over 5000 years ago. This area also features a series of standing stones, one of which, the ‘split stone’, may have been the inspiration for the Outlander television phenomenon!
Spend 45 mins – 1.5 hours here.
PM Here come the Jacobites...
Now it’s time to head north and 4,500 years forward to Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Experience, site of one of the most famous battles in British history, fought between the British Government and rebellious Jacobites, in 1746. The newly-built heritage centre between provides a detailed and interactive look at the factors which led to this battle, before you participate in the immersive ‘battle film’, which gives a glimpse into the horrors of the battlefield. Well worth a good few hours of exploring, and best of all, you can get a spot of lunch before you spend some time exploring the battlefield.
Alternatively, or if you have time, pop into Inverness Museum and Gallery, where you can learn about the history of the Highlands, from geological formation right through to more modern times. Try on the replica of the ‘Achavrail Armlet’, a two thousand year old piece of ‘bling’!
Evening Accommodation & Evening Meal
As the Highlands largest city, Inverness offer a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants and bistros, we are sure there will be something which catches your eye and taste buds!
- Be transported back to 1880 at Moyness House, this Victorian Villa and now B&B offers a variety of rooms with something to fit every group.
- Stay close to the action in the city centre at Pitfaranne House, providing both self-catering and B&B options at a good price.
- Fancy spending a bit more time exploring Inverness? Why not check into one of the cities self-catering accommodations: Caledonian Cottages, Ardconnel Court or 2 Ness Walk Apartments.
Dining
There is vast range of dining options in central and wider Inverness, a few of our favourites include:
Rocpool Reserve and Chez Roux offers a selection of locally sourced, handcrafted meals bringing traditional Scottish food together with the wider world, with renown Chef Albert Roux at the helm, this dining experience is guaranteed to excite your taste buds! (They also offer luxurious hotel accommodation).
If you desire an escape to the countryside Achnagairn Estate, has the superb Table Manors restaurant offering A la Carte, tasting and Sunday Lunch menus there are few more beautiful dining locations. (The estate also has a range of hotel and self-catering accommodation available).
Our final suggestion is to have a post or pre (or both!) meal dram at The Malt Room, with a huge range of whiskies, craft beers and spirits, choose your tipple and relax in the cosy atmosphere of Inverness’ first whisky bar.
HAPPY CAMPERS - DAY 7
AM Inverness's local archaeological and historic sites
Even before you begin your North Coast 500 journey at Inverness, there are a number of archaeological and historic sites to make around the area. In fact, you may wish to have an additional day to explore these areas!
Explore Scotland’s earliest beginnings and immerse yourself in the mysterious Clava Cairns, a 20-minute drive east of Inverness. This area is home to a number of Neolithic ‘cairns’, burial places for the dead, and were constructed over 5000 years ago. This area also features a series of standing stones, one of which, the ‘split stone’, may have been the inspiration for the Outlander television phenomenon!
Spend 45 mins – 1.5 hours here.
PM Here come the Jacobites...
Now it’s time to head north and 4,500 years forward to Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Experience, site of one of the most famous battles in British history, fought between the British Government and rebellious Jacobites, in 1746. The newly-built heritage centre between provides a detailed and interactive look at the factors which led to this battle, before you participate in the immersive ‘battle film’, which gives a glimpse into the horrors of the battlefield. Well worth a good few hours of exploring, and best of all, you can get a spot of lunch before you spend some time exploring the battlefield.
Alternatively, or if you have time, pop into Inverness Museum and Gallery, where you can learn about the history of the Highlands, from geological formation right through to more modern times. Try on the replica of the ‘Achavrail Armlet’, a two thousand year old piece of ‘bling’!
Evening Accommodation & Evening Meal
As the Highlands largest city, Inverness offer a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants and bistros, we are sure there will be something which catches your eye and taste buds!
- Be transported back to 1880 at Moyness House, this Victorian Villa and now B&B offers a variety of rooms with something to fit every group.
- Stay close to the action in the city centre at Pitfaranne House, providing both self-catering and B&B options at a good price.
- Fancy spending a bit more time exploring Inverness? Why not check into one of the cities self-catering accommodations: Caledonian Cottages, Ardconnel Court or 2 Ness Walk Apartments.
Dining
There is vast range of dining options in central and wider Inverness, a few of our favourites include:
Rocpool Reserve and Chez Roux offers a selection of locally sourced, handcrafted meals bringing traditional Scottish food together with the wider world, with renown Chef Albert Roux at the helm, this dining experience is guaranteed to excite your taste buds! (They also offer luxurious hotel accommodation).
If you desire an escape to the countryside Achnagairn Estate, has the superb Table Manors restaurant offering A la Carte, tasting and Sunday Lunch menus there are few more beautiful dining locations. (The estate also has a range of hotel and self-catering accommodation available).
Our final suggestion is to have a post or pre (or both!) meal dram at The Malt Room, with a huge range of whiskies, craft beers and spirits, choose your tipple and relax in the cosy atmosphere of Inverness’ first whisky bar.
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Vehicle Hire
Looking to Hire a Vehicle?Whether you need a compact car, an off-roader or something to keep the whole family comfortable, Arnold Clark in Inverness offer an unrivalled range of vehicles to take on every terrain. NC500 Members also get a 15% discount on their vehicle hire.
Alternatively you could use our Interactive Map to search for classic car, 4×4, motorcycle or motorhome and campervan hire.
Be Prepared
Inverness Mobile Tyre Fitting are a local, family run company who supply, fit and repair tyres 24/7 using their mobile service, covering all of the North Coast 500, Highland, Strathspey and Moray-shire region. Be prepared before you head out on your journey and add their number to your phone – 07785295534!

Road Safety Advice
When you are on this wonderful touring route, you will be sharing it with the people whose lives and livelihoods depend on the roads in and around the NC500, as well as your fellow travellers from all over the world, so make sure you know how to drive and ride responsibly, safely and respectfully, and remember to leave the countryside as you would all wish to find it – leave no trace of your visit!
Please read our Road Safety advice and visit our Top Tips section for other useful advice to help you plan your trip.

Itineraries Info
All our itineraries are based on suggestions alone. If you would like a more comprehensive option please head to our interactive map. Itineraries are based on main seasonality opening times from March to September – remember to pre book meals/activities/tours.
Set up base
While many NC500 travellers spend one night in a handful of different locations as they travel the route, a large proportion of visitors opt to set up base in a number of locations around the route – spending a few nights in each place and getting to know the different regions that make up the route.
Guided tours
Explore the North Coast 500 with bespoke guided tours from North Coast Explorer or More In Moray Tours & Transport.
ADDITIONAL ITINERARIES
NC500 CHAMPIONS




