{"id":1074,"date":"2026-06-15T22:44:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T22:44:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/?p=1074"},"modified":"2026-06-29T09:52:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T09:52:08","slug":"nc500-itinerary-planner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/nc500-itinerary-planner\/","title":{"rendered":"NC500 Itinerary Planner | Build Your North Coast 500 Trip for the Adventure of a Lifetime"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Planning a Scottish road trip can feel overwhelming: how many days do you need, which way round should you drive, and where do you stay each night? Our free NC500 itinerary planner does the hard work for you. Tell it how long you have, what you love and your pace, and it builds a custom day-by-day North Coast 500 itinerary in seconds, complete with the best stops, where to eat, and where to stay each night.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\"><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike a fixed itinerary, this interactive NC500 itinerary planner shapes the route around you, whether you have three days or two weeks, want the full loop or a focused leg, and love mountains, beaches, castles or seafood. For wider trip inspiration, the official <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitscotland.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VisitScotland<\/a> site is a useful companion. When your plan is ready, compare <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/car-hire-inverness-airport.htm\">car hire Inverness Airport<\/a> and pick up to start the adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1731\" height=\"909\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/nc500-itinerary-planner-hero.png\" alt=\"NC500 Itinerary Planner, build your custom North Coast 500 road trip in minutes with getcarhire.com\" class=\"wp-image-1094\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/nc500-itinerary-planner-hero.png 1731w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/nc500-itinerary-planner-hero-300x158.png 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/nc500-itinerary-planner-hero-1024x538.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/nc500-itinerary-planner-hero-768x403.png 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/nc500-itinerary-planner-hero-1536x807.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1731px) 100vw, 1731px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Build Your Free NC500 Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"sco-hiw\">\n<style>\n#sco-hiw{max-width:1120px;margin:0 auto;padding:6px 20px 10px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;}\n#sco-hiw h2{font-size:1.4rem;color:#1a1a3e;margin:0 0 4px;font-weight:700;}\n#sco-hiw .hiw-lead{color:#545454;margin:0 0 18px;font-size:1rem;}\n#sco-hiw .hiw-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:16px;}\n#sco-hiw .hiw-step{background:#fff;border:1px solid #e4ddca;border-top:4px solid #ffdb70;border-radius:11px;padding:20px 18px;}\n#sco-hiw .hiw-num{width:38px;height:38px;border-radius:50%;background:#1a1a3e;color:#ffdb70;font-weight:700;font-size:1.15rem;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:12px;}\n#sco-hiw .hiw-step h3{font-size:1.02rem;color:#1a1a3e;margin:0 0 7px;font-weight:700;}\n#sco-hiw .hiw-step p{font-size:.9rem;color:#444;margin:0;line-height:1.5;}\n@media(max-width:860px){#sco-hiw .hiw-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;}}\n@media(max-width:520px){#sco-hiw .hiw-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;}}\n<\/style>\n<h2>How the NC500 itinerary planner works<\/h2>\n<p class=\"hiw-lead\">Build a custom North Coast 500 itinerary in under a minute, with stops, food and where to stay each night.<\/p>\n<div class=\"hiw-grid\">\n<div class=\"hiw-step\"><div class=\"hiw-num\">1<\/div><h3>Set your days<\/h3><p>Choose how long you have, from a quick 3-day trip to a relaxed fortnight.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hiw-step\"><div class=\"hiw-num\">2<\/div><h3>Pick your route<\/h3><p>The full North Coast 500, a single leg, or a side trip to Skye, Glencoe or the Cairngorms.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hiw-step\"><div class=\"hiw-num\">3<\/div><h3>Choose what you love<\/h3><p>Coast, mountains, history, food and whisky, villages or hidden gems.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hiw-step\"><div class=\"hiw-num\">4<\/div><h3>Get your itinerary<\/h3><p>A day-by-day plan with stops, where to eat and where to stay, ready to print.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"sco-planner\">\n<style>\n#sco-planner{font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;color:#23313a;line-height:1.55;}\n#sco-planner *{box-sizing:border-box}\n#sco-planner .wrap{max-width:1120px;margin:0 auto;padding:28px 20px 48px;background:#f7f3ea;border-radius:14px;}\n#sco-planner h2,#sco-planner h3,#sco-planner label.group,#sco-planner button{font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:700;}\n#sco-planner h2{font-size:1.4rem;margin:0 0 12px;color:#1a1a3e;}\n#sco-planner h3{font-size:1.12rem;margin:0 0 8px;color:#1a1a3e;}\n#sco-planner .grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:380px 1fr;gap:22px;margin-top:8px;}\n#sco-planner .panel,#sco-planner .results{background:#fff;border:1px solid #e4ddca;border-radius:12px;padding:22px;}\n#sco-planner label.group{display:block;margin:16px 0 7px;font-size:.95rem;color:#1a1a3e;}\n#sco-planner label.group:first-child{margin-top:0;}\n#sco-planner select{width:100%;padding:11px 12px;border:1px solid #cfc8b4;border-radius:8px;font-size:1rem;background:#fff;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;}\n#sco-planner .choices{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:8px;}\n#sco-planner .choice{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;padding:9px 11px;border:1px solid #e0d9c4;border-radius:8px;cursor:pointer;font-size:.9rem;background:#fbf9f2;}\n#sco-planner .choice input{accent-color:#1a1a3e;}\n#sco-planner .choice span{font-weight:400;}\n#sco-planner button#sco-build{margin-top:20px;width:100%;background:#1a1a3e;color:#ffdb70;border:2px solid #ffdb70;border-radius:9px;padding:14px;font-size:1.05rem;cursor:pointer;}\n#sco-planner button#sco-build:hover{background:#26264f;}\n#sco-planner .summary{background:#1a1a3e;color:#fff;border-radius:10px;padding:18px 20px;margin-bottom:18px;}\n#sco-planner .summary h3{color:#ffdb70;margin-bottom:6px;}\n#sco-planner .summary p{margin:0;font-size:.95rem;}\n#sco-planner .pills{margin-top:11px;}\n#sco-planner .pill{display:inline-block;background:#ffdb70;color:#1a1a3e;border-radius:20px;padding:4px 13px;font-size:.8rem;font-weight:700;margin:3px 5px 0 0;}\n#sco-planner .day{margin-bottom:20px;}\n#sco-planner .dayhead{margin-bottom:8px;}\n#sco-planner .daynum{display:inline-block;background:#ffdb70;color:#1a1a3e;font-weight:700;border-radius:7px;padding:5px 14px;font-size:.95rem;}\n#sco-planner .route h3 .reg{display:inline-block;font-size:.72rem;font-weight:700;color:#fff;background:#3a7d5a;border-radius:5px;padding:2px 8px;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:7px;}\n#sco-planner .box{background:#fbf9f2;border:1px solid #ece4cf;border-left:4px solid #ffdb70;border-radius:8px;padding:15px 17px;}\n#sco-planner .box p{margin:0 0 8px;font-size:.94rem;}\n#sco-planner .box p:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}\n#sco-planner .foodline{color:#1a1a3e;}\n#sco-planner .mini{background:#eef6fa;border-radius:7px;padding:9px 12px;margin-top:10px;}\n#sco-planner .mini p{margin:0;font-size:.9rem;}\n#sco-planner .footnote{font-size:.85rem;color:#6b6f73;margin:14px 0 0;}\n#sco-planner .placeholder{color:#6b6f73;font-size:.95rem;text-align:center;padding:40px 20px;}\n#sco-planner #sco-tools{display:none;margin-top:18px;padding-top:16px;border-top:1px solid #e4ddca;}\n#sco-planner #sco-tools button{background:#fff;border:1px solid #1a1a3e;color:#1a1a3e;border-radius:7px;padding:9px 15px;font-size:.88rem;cursor:pointer;margin:0 7px 7px 0;font-weight:700;}\n#sco-planner #sco-tools button:hover{background:#1a1a3e;color:#ffdb70;}\n#sco-planner .cta{background:#1a1a3e;color:#fff;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;text-align:center;margin-top:18px;}\n#sco-planner .cta a{display:inline-block;background:#ffdb70;color:#1a1a3e;font-weight:800;text-decoration:none;padding:12px 22px;border-radius:8px;margin-top:10px;}\n@media(max-width:860px){#sco-planner .grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;}}\n@media print{#sco-planner .panel,#sco-planner #sco-tools,#sco-planner button{display:none!important;}}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"wrap\">\n<div class=\"grid\">\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Plan your trip<\/h2>\n<label class=\"group\" for=\"sco-days\">How many days?<\/label>\n<select id=\"sco-days\">\n<option value=\"3\">3 days<\/option><option value=\"4\">4 days<\/option><option value=\"5\" selected>5 days<\/option>\n<option value=\"6\">6 days<\/option><option value=\"7\">7 days<\/option><option value=\"8\">8 days<\/option>\n<option value=\"9\">9 days<\/option><option value=\"10\">10 days<\/option><option value=\"12\">12 days<\/option><option value=\"14\">14 days<\/option>\n<\/select>\n<label class=\"group\" for=\"sco-region\">Which route?<\/label>\n<select id=\"sco-region\">\n<option value=\"all\" selected>The full North Coast 500<\/option>\n<option value=\"nc500-east\">NC500: East Coast (Inverness to Caithness)<\/option>\n<option value=\"nc500-north\">NC500: North Coast (Caithness to Durness)<\/option>\n<option value=\"nc500-assynt\">NC500: Assynt &amp; the North West<\/option>\n<option value=\"nc500-wester\">NC500: Wester Ross &amp; the Bealach na Ba<\/option>\n<option value=\"skye\">Isle of Skye<\/option>\n<option value=\"glencoe\">Glencoe &amp; Fort William<\/option>\n<option value=\"cairngorms\">The Cairngorms &amp; Speyside<\/option>\n<\/select>\n<label class=\"group\">What do you love? (pick any)<\/label>\n<div class=\"choices\">\n<label class=\"choice\"><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"coast\"><span>Coast &amp; beaches<\/span><\/label>\n<label class=\"choice\"><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"mountains\"><span>Mountains &amp; passes<\/span><\/label>\n<label class=\"choice\"><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"history\"><span>History &amp; castles<\/span><\/label>\n<label class=\"choice\"><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"food\"><span>Food &amp; whisky<\/span><\/label>\n<label class=\"choice\"><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"villages\"><span>Villages &amp; towns<\/span><\/label>\n<label class=\"choice\"><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"hidden\"><span>Hidden gems<\/span><\/label>\n<\/div>\n<label class=\"group\" for=\"sco-pace\">Your pace<\/label>\n<select id=\"sco-pace\">\n<option value=\"Relaxed\">Relaxed (one drive a day)<\/option>\n<option value=\"Balanced\" selected>Balanced<\/option>\n<option value=\"Packed\">Packed (fit in more)<\/option>\n<\/select>\n<label class=\"group\" for=\"sco-dir\">Trip start<\/label>\n<select id=\"sco-dir\">\n<option value=\"clockwise\" selected>Clockwise (east coast first)<\/option>\n<option value=\"anti\">Anti-clockwise (west coast first)<\/option>\n<\/select>\n<button id=\"sco-build\" onclick=\"scoBuild()\">Build my itinerary<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"results\" id=\"sco-results\">\n<div class=\"placeholder\">Set your preferences and tap <b>Build my itinerary<\/b> to see your custom North Coast 500 plan, complete with where to stay each night.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<script>\n(function(){\nvar ROUTES=[{\"title\": \"Inverness, the Black Isle & Easter Ross\", \"region\": \"nc500-east\", \"interests\": [\"coast\", \"food\", \"villages\"], \"stops\": \"Inverness, Rogie Falls, Chanonry Point (dolphins), Glen Ord Distillery, Dornoch\", \"why\": \"The gentle start to the NC500 up the east coast, with dolphin-spotting on the Black Isle and your first whisky at Glen Ord.\", \"food\": \"Storehouse foodhall at Foulis for local produce and breakfast.\", \"stay\": \"Dornoch or Tain\"}, {\"title\": \"Dunrobin Castle & the road to Caithness\", \"region\": \"nc500-east\", \"interests\": [\"history\", \"villages\", \"coast\"], \"stops\": \"Dunrobin Castle, Helmsdale, Whaligoe Steps, Wick\", \"why\": \"Scotland's most northerly fairytale castle, followed by the hidden harbour of the Whaligoe Steps.\", \"food\": \"Lunch in Wick, home of the world's shortest street.\", \"stay\": \"Wick or Thurso\"}, {\"title\": \"John o' Groats & the wild north coast\", \"region\": \"nc500-north\", \"interests\": [\"coast\", \"villages\", \"hidden\"], \"stops\": \"John o' Groats, Duncansby Head sea stacks, Dunnet Head, Thurso, Scrabster\", \"why\": \"The far north-east tip of mainland Britain and its dramatic sea stacks, then the empty north coast.\", \"food\": \"Captain's Galley at Scrabster for acclaimed seafood (closed Mondays).\", \"stay\": \"Thurso or Bettyhill\"}, {\"title\": \"Durness, Smoo Cave & Balnakeil\", \"region\": \"nc500-north\", \"interests\": [\"coast\", \"hidden\", \"food\"], \"stops\": \"Smoo Cave, Durness Beach (Sango Sands), Balnakeil Craft Village, Cocoa Mountain\", \"why\": \"A vast sea cave, white-sand beaches where you might spot orca, and the best hot chocolate in Scotland.\", \"food\": \"Cocoa Mountain at Balnakeil for artisan chocolate.\", \"stay\": \"Durness (Sango Sands)\"}, {\"title\": \"Kylesku & the Assynt mountains\", \"region\": \"nc500-assynt\", \"interests\": [\"mountains\", \"hidden\", \"food\"], \"stops\": \"Kylesku Bridge, Wailing Widow Waterfall, Ardvreck Castle, Loch Assynt\", \"why\": \"Iconic bridge country where strange peaks like Suilven rise from the moor, and langoustines come straight from the loch.\", \"food\": \"Kylesku Hotel for creel-caught langoustines.\", \"stay\": \"Kylesku or Scourie\"}, {\"title\": \"Lochinver, Assynt beaches & Stac Pollaidh\", \"region\": \"nc500-assynt\", \"interests\": [\"coast\", \"mountains\", \"food\"], \"stops\": \"Achmelvich Beach, Clachtoll, Stac Pollaidh, Knockan Crag, Lochinver\", \"why\": \"Caribbean-white beaches and a beginner-friendly mountain climb, plus the most famous pies in the Highlands.\", \"food\": \"Lochinver Larder for venison and seasonal pies.\", \"stay\": \"Lochinver or Ullapool\"}, {\"title\": \"Ullapool & Corrieshalloch Gorge\", \"region\": \"nc500-wester\", \"interests\": [\"coast\", \"food\", \"villages\"], \"stops\": \"Ullapool harbour, Corrieshalloch Gorge, Inverewe Garden\", \"why\": \"The seafood capital of the NC500, a 46m gorge with a suspension bridge, and improbable subtropical gardens.\", \"food\": \"Seafood Shack and Deli-ca-sea in Ullapool for the best fish and chips on the route.\", \"stay\": \"Ullapool or Gairloch\"}, {\"title\": \"Torridon, the Bealach na Ba & Applecross\", \"region\": \"nc500-wester\", \"interests\": [\"mountains\", \"hidden\", \"food\"], \"stops\": \"Glen Torridon, Bealach na Ba pass, Applecross, Plockton, Eilean Donan Castle\", \"why\": \"The dramatic finale: the most scenic glen in Scotland, a legendary mountain pass, and a legendary pub.\", \"food\": \"The Applecross Inn for local fish and Highland beef.\", \"stay\": \"Torridon or back to Inverness\"}, {\"title\": \"The Isle of Skye: Trotternish & the north\", \"region\": \"skye\", \"interests\": [\"mountains\", \"coast\", \"hidden\"], \"stops\": \"Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Kilt Rock, Fairy Glen, Portree\", \"why\": \"Skye's otherworldly rock formations and the colourful harbour town of Portree.\", \"food\": \"Seafood in Portree harbour.\", \"stay\": \"Portree\"}, {\"title\": \"The Isle of Skye: Fairy Pools & the Cuillin\", \"region\": \"skye\", \"interests\": [\"mountains\", \"hidden\", \"coast\"], \"stops\": \"Fairy Pools, the Cuillin, Neist Point lighthouse, Talisker Distillery\", \"why\": \"Crystal pools beneath the Cuillin ridge, Skye's most westerly lighthouse, and its famous distillery.\", \"food\": \"Oyster Shed near Talisker for fresh seafood.\", \"stay\": \"Portree or Carbost\"}, {\"title\": \"Glencoe & Fort William\", \"region\": \"glencoe\", \"interests\": [\"mountains\", \"history\", \"villages\"], \"stops\": \"Glencoe valley, the Three Sisters, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Fort William, Ben Nevis\", \"why\": \"Scotland's most brooding and historic glen, beneath the highest mountain in Britain.\", \"food\": \"The Lime Tree or Crannog in Fort William for Highland produce.\", \"stay\": \"Fort William or Glencoe\"}, {\"title\": \"The Cairngorms & Royal Deeside\", \"region\": \"cairngorms\", \"interests\": [\"mountains\", \"history\", \"food\"], \"stops\": \"Aviemore, Loch Morlich, Balmoral, Royal Deeside, Speyside distilleries\", \"why\": \"Britain's largest national park, royal Balmoral, and the malt whisky trail of Speyside.\", \"food\": \"Speyside distillery cafes and the Boat Inn at Aboyne.\", \"stay\": \"Aviemore or Ballater\"}];\nvar REGN={\"nc500-east\": \"East Coast\", \"nc500-north\": \"North Coast\", \"nc500-assynt\": \"Assynt\", \"nc500-wester\": \"Wester Ross\", \"skye\": \"Skye\", \"glencoe\": \"Glencoe\", \"cairngorms\": \"Cairngorms\"};\nvar RORDER=[\"nc500-east\",\"nc500-north\",\"nc500-assynt\",\"nc500-wester\",\"skye\",\"glencoe\",\"cairngorms\"];\nfunction checked(){var a=[];document.querySelectorAll(\"#sco-planner .choices input:checked\").forEach(function(c){a.push(c.value);});return a;}\nfunction score(r,ints){if(!ints.length)return 1;var s=0;for(var i=0;i<ints.length;i++){if(r.interests.indexOf(ints[i])>-1)s++;}return s;}\nfunction esc(s){return (s||\"\").replace(\/&\/g,\"&amp;\").replace(\/<\/g,\"&lt;\").replace(\/>\/g,\"&gt;\");}\nfunction build(days,region,ints,pace,dir){\n  var pool=ROUTES.filter(function(r){return region===\"all\"?r.region.indexOf(\"nc500\")===0:r.region===region;});\n  if(region!==\"all\"&&pool.length===0)pool=ROUTES.filter(function(r){return r.region===region;});\n  pool.forEach(function(r){r._s=score(r,ints);r._o=RORDER.indexOf(r.region)*100+ROUTES.indexOf(r);});\n  var picked;\n  if(days>=pool.length){picked=pool.slice();}\n  else{var byS=pool.slice().sort(function(a,b){if(b._s!==a._s)return b._s-a._s;return a._o-b._o;});picked=byS.slice(0,days);}\n  picked.sort(function(a,b){return a._o-b._o;});\n  if(dir===\"anti\")picked.reverse();\n  var plan=[];\n  if(days<=picked.length){for(var d=0;d<days;d++)plan.push(picked[d]);}\n  else{\n    for(var i=0;i<picked.length;i++)plan.push(picked[i]);\n    var extra=days-picked.length;\n    for(var e=0;e<extra;e++){var base=picked[Math.min(e,picked.length-1)];\n      plan.push({title:\"Explore day or rest\",flexible:true,region:base?base.region:\"\",\n        stops:\"A free day to slow down, hike, or revisit a favourite stretch.\",\n        why:\"With extra time you can add detours such as Cape Wrath, Handa Island or a Munro, or simply linger.\",\n        food:\"Pick up local supplies and enjoy a relaxed lunch.\",stay:base?base.stay:\"a hub of your choice\"});}\n  }\n  return plan.slice(0,days);\n}\nwindow.scoBuild=function(){\n  var days=parseInt(document.getElementById(\"sco-days\").value,10);\n  var region=document.getElementById(\"sco-region\").value;\n  var regionLabel=document.getElementById(\"sco-region\").options[document.getElementById(\"sco-region\").selectedIndex].text;\n  var pace=document.getElementById(\"sco-pace\").value;\n  var dir=document.getElementById(\"sco-dir\").value;\n  var ints=checked();\n  var plan=build(days,region,ints,pace,dir);\n  var h='<div class=\"summary\"><h3>Your '+days+'-day Scotland itinerary<\/h3><p>'+esc(regionLabel)+'<\/p><div class=\"pills\"><span class=\"pill\">'+pace+' pace<\/span><span class=\"pill\">'+(dir===\"anti\"?\"Anti-clockwise\":\"Clockwise\")+'<\/span><span class=\"pill\">'+days+' days<\/span><\/div><\/div>';\n  for(var i=0;i<plan.length;i++){\n    var r=plan[i];if(!r)continue;\n    var reg=REGN[r.region]?'<span class=\"reg\">'+esc(REGN[r.region])+'<\/span>':'';\n    h+='<div class=\"day\"><div class=\"dayhead\"><span class=\"daynum\">Day '+(i+1)+'<\/span><\/div>';\n    h+='<div class=\"route\"><h3>'+esc(r.title)+reg+'<\/h3>';\n    h+='<div class=\"box\"><p><b>Stops:<\/b> '+esc(r.stops)+'<\/p>';\n    h+='<p><i>'+esc(r.why)+'<\/i><\/p>';\n    h+='<p class=\"foodline\"><b>Where to eat:<\/b> '+esc(r.food)+'<\/p>';\n    h+='<div class=\"mini\"><p>&#127968; <b>Where to stay:<\/b> '+esc(r.stay)+'<\/p><\/div>';\n    h+='<\/div><\/div><\/div>';\n  }\n  h+='<p class=\"footnote\">Book accommodation early, the NC500 fills months ahead for summer. Drive times are guides only.<\/p>';\n  h+='<div id=\"sco-tools\" style=\"display:block;\"><button onclick=\"window.print()\">Print<\/button><button onclick=\"scoCopy()\">Copy<\/button><\/div>';\n  h+='<div class=\"cta\">Ready to drive it? Compare cheap car hire Scotland and collect your car at Inverness Airport to start the loop.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/scotland.htm\">Compare car hire Scotland deals<\/a><\/div>';\n  var out=document.getElementById(\"sco-results\");\n  out.innerHTML=h;\n  out.scrollIntoView({behavior:\"smooth\",block:\"start\"});\n};\nwindow.scoCopy=function(){var t=document.getElementById(\"sco-results\").innerText;if(navigator.clipboard)navigator.clipboard.writeText(t);};\n})();\n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Use this Free NC500 Itinerary Planner?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The North Coast 500 packs 516 miles and dozens of worthwhile stops into a single loop, and trying to fit it all into your available days is the hardest part of planning. A good NC500 itinerary balances driving time against sightseeing, puts sensible overnight stops in the right places, and matches the route to what you actually enjoy. This planner does all three instantly, so you spend less time juggling maps and more time looking forward to the trip. For the route&#8217;s official background, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.northcoast500.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">North Coast 500<\/a> website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/nc500-itinerary-planner-infographic.png\" alt=\"NC500 itinerary planning infographic showing how to plan Scotland's North Coast 500 road trip. The graphic compares different trip lengths including 3 days for fast highlights, 5 days as the sweet spot, 7 days for a more relaxed experience and 10 plus days for Skye and west coast detours. It explains the benefits of travelling clockwise or anti-clockwise, highlights recommended overnight bases including Inverness, Dornoch, Wick, Thurso, Durness, Kylesku, Lochinver, Ullapool and Torridon, and provides practical driving advice covering accommodation, fuel stops, left-hand driving, distances in miles and single-track roads.\" class=\"wp-image-1095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/nc500-itinerary-planner-infographic.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/nc500-itinerary-planner-infographic-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/nc500-itinerary-planner-infographic-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/nc500-itinerary-planner-infographic-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-image__caption\">Use this NC500 itinerary planning infographic to decide how many days to spend on Scotland&#8217;s North Coast 500, whether to drive clockwise or anti-clockwise and where to stay along the route. Featuring recommended overnight bases from Inverness to Torridon, plus practical tips on fuel, accommodation, distances in miles and single-track roads, it&#8217;s the perfect companion to planning your Highland adventure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Legs of the North Coast 500<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your NC500 itinerary is built from the natural legs of the route, each with its own character. Understanding them helps you decide where to spend your extra days if you have them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The East Coast: Inverness to Caithness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The gentlest leg, on good A-roads, taking in the Black Isle dolphins, the whisky of Glen Ord and Glenmorangie, the cathedral town of Dornoch and the fairytale Dunrobin Castle. A relaxed start that eases you into Highland driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The North Coast: Caithness to Durness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The wild top of the mainland: John o&#8217; Groats, the sea stacks of Duncansby Head, Dunnet Head and the empty, beautiful beaches around Durness, with Smoo Cave and the best hot chocolate in Scotland at Balnakeil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assynt and the North West<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dramatic heart of the NC500, where strange peaks like Suilven and Stac Pollaidh rise from the moor, white beaches hide at Achmelvich, and the Lochinver Larder serves the most famous pies in the Highlands. Many travellers give this leg an extra day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wester Ross and the Bealach na Ba<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The grand finale: the seafood port of Ullapool, the Torridon glen, and the legendary Bealach na Ba pass to Applecross, before the loop returns to Inverness past Plockton and Eilean Donan Castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Using Your NC500 Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few things make any North Coast 500 itinerary run more smoothly. Build in slack: Highland driving is slower than the mileage suggests, especially on single-track roads, so do not over-pack your days. Book accommodation as early as you can, as the best bases fill months ahead for summer. Fill up with fuel whenever you pass a station, since garages are scarce in the far North. And save your itinerary to your phone before you set off, because mobile signal is patchy across much of the route.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\"><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">NC500 Itinerary Planner: Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many days do you need for the NC500?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Five days is the sensible minimum for the North Coast 500, and seven is the sweet spot, giving you time to stop, walk and breathe. You can drive it in three days, but you will miss a lot. Ten to fourteen days lets you add side trips like the Isle of Skye or longer hikes. Use the planner above to see how your chosen number of days breaks down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you drive the NC500 in 5 days?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Five days is enough to drive the full North Coast 500 and see a great deal without feeling too rushed, and it is the most popular length. Our 5-day NC500 itinerary covers the east coast, the wild north, Assynt and Wester Ross, ending over the Bealach na Ba. Choose five days in the planner for a ready-made version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which direction should you drive the NC500?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Either works. Clockwise takes the gentler east coast first, easing you into single-track roads and saving the dramatic west for last. Anti-clockwise heads straight for the Bealach na Ba and the west coast. Most drivers choose clockwise. The planner lets you set your direction and reorders the itinerary to match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where should you stay on the NC500?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The natural overnight bases are Inverness, Dornoch or Wick on the east, Thurso or Durness on the north, Kylesku, Lochinver or Ullapool on the west, and Torridon near the finish. The planner suggests a base for each day of your trip. Book early, as the NC500 fills months ahead for summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is the best time to drive the NC500?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">May, June and September offer the best balance of long daylight, settled weather and thinner crowds. July and August are warmest and busiest, with peak midges, while winter brings dramatic scenery but short days and possible closures on the high passes. Aim for late spring or early autumn if you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need a car for the NC500?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. A hire car is essential, as public transport in the far North is minimal and the route is all about the freedom to stop where you like. Most drivers collect a car at Inverness Airport, where the loop begins and ends. Compare cheap car hire Scotland deals once your itinerary is ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan Your Scottish Road Trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once your NC500 itinerary is ready, the only thing left is the car. Compare <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/scotland.htm\">cheap car hire Scotland<\/a> deals, collect your vehicle at Inverness Airport, and set off on the drive of a lifetime. For the full stop-by-stop guide to the route, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/north-coast-500-route\/\">North Coast 500 route<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/booking-widget.js?v=6\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/nc500-itinerary-planner\/#article\",\"headline\":\"NC500 Itinerary Planner\",\"description\":\"Free interactive NC500 itinerary planner. Choose your days, pace and interests and build a custom North Coast 500 day-by-day itinerary with stops, where to eat and where to stay.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Digitalhound Editorial Team\"},\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Getcarhire.com\"}},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/nc500-itinerary-planner\/#faq\",\"mainEntity\":[\n{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How many days do you need for the NC500?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Five days is the sensible minimum for the North Coast 500, and seven is the sweet spot. You can drive it in three days but will miss a lot, while ten to fourteen days lets you add side trips like the Isle of Skye.\"}},\n{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can you drive the NC500 in 5 days?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. 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Tell it how long you have, what you love and your pace, and it builds a custom [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1094,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1074","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scenic-drives"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1074","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1074"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1074\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1277,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1074\/revisions\/1277"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1094"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1074"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1074"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1074"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}