How long does the NC500 take to drive?

The North Coast 500 is 516 miles and takes a minimum of 5 days to do it justice, though 7 days is recommended. You could drive it in 2-3 days if pushed, but you'd miss the point — this route is about the stops, not the driving.

Are Highland roads difficult to drive?

Many Highland roads are single-track with passing places. They're not technically difficult but require patience and courtesy. Pull into passing places to let oncoming traffic and faster vehicles pass. Don't stop in passing places for photos.

When is the best time to visit the Scottish Highlands?

May to September for the best weather and longest days. June is ideal — fewer midges than July/August and up to 18 hours of daylight. Avoid mid-August school holidays if possible as roads get busy.

How bad are midges in the Scottish Highlands?

Midges are worst from late June to September, particularly in still, damp conditions near standing water. They're most active at dawn and dusk. Bring Smidge or Avon Skin So Soft (a cult Highland midge repellent). A head net is wise for hillwalking.

Where can I get fuel in the Scottish Highlands?

Fuel stations are sparse in the Highlands. Always fill up when you see a station, especially on the NC500 and in the far northwest. Key fuel stops include Inverness, Ullapool, Durness, Thurso, Wick, Fort William, and Portree (Skye). Some remote stations close early or on Sundays.

Scottish Highlands Driving Guide

Why Drive the Highlands?

The Scottish Highlands offer some of the most spectacular driving in Europe. Towering mountains, deep lochs, rugged coastline, and vast empty landscapes create an experience unlike anywhere else in Britain. This is driving at its most raw and rewarding — but it requires preparation.

Public transport barely exists in much of the Highlands, making a car essential for exploration. The roads are quiet (often stunningly so), the scenery is world-class, and the sense of freedom is unbeatable.

Getting to the Highlands

From Edinburgh (3-3.5 hours to Inverness): Take the M90 north across the Forth Bridge, then the A9 through Perth and the Cairngorms. This is the most popular route and is well-maintained. See our Edinburgh to Inverness route guide.

From Glasgow (3-3.5 hours to Inverness): The A82 via Loch Lomond and Glencoe is one of Scotland's finest drives. It takes longer than the Edinburgh route but the scenery is extraordinary. Alternatively, take the M80/A9 via Stirling and Perth for a faster journey. See our Glasgow to Inverness route guide.

The North Coast 500 (NC500)

The NC500 is a 516-mile loop starting and ending in Inverness that circuits the north coast of Scotland. Dubbed "Scotland's answer to Route 66," it's become one of the world's top road trips.

Route: Inverness → Wester Ross (west coast) → Durness (north coast) → John O'Groats (northeast) → Inverness. Most people drive it anticlockwise to keep close to the sea.

Duration: Minimum 5 days, ideally 7. You could technically drive it in 2 days, but that defeats the purpose entirely.

Highlights: Bealach na Bà (one of Britain's steepest roads), Smoo Cave, Duncansby Stacks, Kylesku Bridge, beaches at Durness and Achmelvich that look genuinely Caribbean (the water temperature, however, is not).

Key Destinations

Isle of Skye

Scotland's most famous island, connected to the mainland by a bridge (free to cross). The Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools, Quiraing, and Neist Point lighthouse are the headline attractions. Allow at least 2-3 days. Roads are single-track in many places and can be gridlocked in peak summer.

Getting there: Inverness to Skye is about 2h 15min via the A87. From Glasgow, it's roughly 5 hours.

Loch Ness

The famous loch is 23 miles long and worth driving along even if you're not hunting Nessie. Urquhart Castle on the shore is photogenic, and Fort Augustus at the southern end is a pleasant village where the Caledonian Canal descends through locks. The south side (B862) is quieter and more scenic than the busy A82 north side.

Glencoe

Arguably Scotland's most dramatic valley, Glencoe is on the A82 between Glasgow and Fort William. The road through the glen is awe-inspiring — towering peaks, waterfalls, and a palpable sense of history (the infamous 1692 massacre took place here). Stop at the viewpoint near the Three Sisters.

Cairngorms National Park

Britain's largest national park, crossed by the A9. Aviemore is the main hub for outdoor activities — skiing in winter, hiking and mountain biking in summer. The Cairngorm Mountain funicular railway offers panoramic views.

Fort William & Ben Nevis

The "Outdoor Capital of the UK" sits at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Even if you're not climbing it, the town is a useful base for exploring the western Highlands. The Jacobite Steam Train (the "Harry Potter train") runs from here across the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Single-Track Road Tips

Much of the Highlands uses single-track roads with passing places. These are marked by diamond-shaped signs or white poles. Here's the etiquette:

Always pull into a passing place to let oncoming traffic through. If the passing place is on your right, stop opposite it — don't cross to the wrong side.
Pull over for faster traffic behind you. Locals know these roads; let them pass when safe.
Never park in a passing place. Even for photos. Other drivers depend on them.
Wave a thank-you. It's Highland etiquette and you'll get one back.
Expect sheep, cattle, and deer on the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
Drive slowly. These roads are narrow with blind bends. 30-40 mph is often the practical maximum.

Best Season (May–September)

May-June: Best weather, longest days, fewer midges. Wildflowers in bloom. Our top recommendation.

July-August: Warmest but busiest. Midges at their worst. School holidays mean crowded roads and accommodation.

September: Autumn colours begin, fewer tourists, midges fading. Weather can be changeable.

October-April: Many attractions close, roads can be treacherous, daylight is limited. However, winter landscapes are stunning and you'll have roads almost to yourself.

🦟 Midge Warning: Scottish midges (tiny biting flies) are notorious from late June to September. They thrive in still, damp conditions near standing water. Bring Smidge repellent, Avon Skin So Soft, and a head net for walking. They're worst at dawn and dusk. A breeze or exposed coastal positions keep them away.

Fuel Stations — Plan Ahead

Fuel stations in the Highlands are sparse. Some close early, some close on Sundays, and prices are significantly higher than the rest of the UK (expect 10-20p per litre more). Never let your tank drop below a quarter in the Highlands.

Key fuel stops on the NC500: Inverness (last reliable cheap fuel), Ullapool, Lochinver, Durness, Tongue, Bettyhill, Thurso, Wick, Dornoch, Tain.

For Isle of Skye: Portree and Broadford have fuel. Fill up in Kyle of Lochalsh before crossing the bridge.

For Glencoe/Fort William: Fort William has supermarket fuel. Next reliable station heading north is Fort Augustus or Invergarry.

🏔️ Scottish Highlands Driving Guide