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Journey to the ferry
On the day you set off, you stay overnight near the port so you can reach the ferry the next day without any stress.
Long stage — allow time for breaks.
This is where your journey begins. From Hamburg you head towards the Netherlands, where the night ferry to England is waiting at the port of IJmuiden.
A quiet campsite near the ferry port of IJmuiden, ideal for arriving before the crossing. The wide sandy beach and dunes are perfect for an evening stroll. Easily accessible even for large motorhomes.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Night ferry across the North Sea
Driving on the right becomes driving on the left: once in England you'll be on the left-hand side of the road, so take the first few kilometres slowly.
Long stage — allow time for breaks.
The DFDS night ferry to Newcastle departs from the terminal in IJmuiden. Check-in begins in the afternoon, and you drive your motorhome straight on board before settling into a cabin.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The crossing takes around fifteen hours, and you sleep on board in your cabin. There are restaurants, a bar and viewing decks on board. In the morning you arrive in North Shields near Newcastle.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Arrival and the first stage north
A short stage to get used to driving on the left.
Explore the centre of Edinburgh by bus while the motorhome stays at the site.
After disembarking in North Shields, you head straight north. The drive along the coast takes you into Scotland.
A well-equipped campsite in the north of Edinburgh, with generous pitches suitable for large motorhomes too. A bus runs from here into the city centre, so you can easily reach the Old Town and the Castle without your vehicle. A good stopover to recover after the crossing.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Gateway to the Highlands
The drive from Edinburgh to Inverness is around three and a half hours; the stop at House of Bruar breaks it up nicely.
Inverness is a good place to refuel and stock up on supplies before starting the NC500.
A well-known stopping point on the A9 with a farm shop, restaurant and a short waterfall walk behind the building. A good opportunity for a break halfway to Inverness. Large, level car park, also suitable for motorhomes.
A central campsite on the River Ness, just a short walk from the centre of Inverness. You can walk into town and to the cathedral, leaving the motorhome parked up. Inverness is the official start and finish point of the North Coast 500.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Legends at Loch Ness
A deliberately relaxed day with short drives before the real NC500, with its narrower roads, begins.
A picturesque ruined castle right on the shore of Loch Ness, one of Scotland's most visited castles. From the tower you get a sweeping view over the loch, said to be home to Nessie. Large visitor car park, also suitable for motorhomes.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
A quiet shingle beach at the northern end of Loch Ness with a wide view over the water. A lovely spot for a walk and a picnic away from the crowds. The nearby Dores Inn is worth a visit.
The great pass
The Bealach na Ba is not a road to rush: drive with anticipation, use the passing places, and wait at a wider spot if you meet oncoming traffic.
In fog or strong wind, Applecross can also be reached via the longer coastal road.
Scotland's most spectacular mountain pass winds its way up to 626 metres in tight hairpin bends. At the top, on a clear day, you're rewarded with a view all the way to the Isle of Skye. Take your time, drive slowly and make use of the passing places on this single-track road.
A family-run campsite in the small village of Applecross, with its own café and bakery. From here you have direct access to the bay and can walk along the water in the evening. The village itself is quiet and easily reached by larger vehicles.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Mountains and sea lochs
Short driving stages, with plenty of time for nature and the beach.
The mountains of Torridon are among Scotland's most impressive, with steep flanks rising above a deep sea loch. A short walk along the shore or a stop at the viewpoint is well worth it. A perfect backdrop for a break.
A spacious campsite right on a long sandy beach near Gairloch, with wide views out to sea towards the Isle of Skye. Ideal for a beach day, and the pitches are easily accessible for large motorhomes too. An on-site shop covers your basic needs.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Gorge and fishing port
Ullapool is a good place to stock up on supplies and fuel before heading further into the more sparsely populated north.
A deep, wooded gorge with a swaying suspension bridge over the Falls of Measach. A short, well-laid-out circular path leads to viewing platforms. There's a car park with space for motorhomes.
A campsite on the edge of Ullapool, within walking distance of the harbour and restaurants. This lively fishing town is a great spot for fish and chips by the water and an evening stroll. Level pitches, suitable for large vehicles.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Turquoise beaches in the far north
The roads in Assynt are narrow and winding, so allow plenty of time and enjoy driving at a slower pace.
A short stage with plenty of time for the beaches.
A small, sheltered beach with strikingly turquoise water and fine white sand. A place to pause and wander, often surprisingly peaceful. The access road is narrow and winding, so drive carefully.
A natural campsite right on a white sandy beach in the Assynt region, with views of striking mountains such as Suilven. The site is basic, but the location is unbeatable. Also accessible for larger motorhomes, although the approach is narrow.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
North coast and sea cave
Smoo Cave lies right on the edge of Durness, ideal for an afternoon visit.
Durness marks the northernmost point of your trip; from here you head east along the north coast.
An elegantly curved bridge across a sea loch, a popular photo stop on the NC500. From the viewpoint you look out over the water and the surrounding mountains. A short stop on the way north.
A large sea cave right on the coast near Durness, shaped partly by the sea and partly by fresh water. Steps lead you down inside, where a waterfall thunders when water levels are high. Free access, and a short boat trip into the rear section is possible seasonally.
A spectacularly located campsite on the cliff above Sango Sands beach, at the northernmost point of the trip. The pitches give you a direct view of the sea and a path down to the beach. Easily accessible and suitable for large motorhomes.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The northern tip of Britain
From Thurso onwards the road becomes more comfortable again; the narrowest section is now behind you.
A short detour to the cliffs at Duncansby Head is well worth it if you have time to spare.
A wide, flat sea loch crossed by a causeway, offering sweeping views over water and mountains. A good spot for a break on the drive along the north coast. Near the village of Tongue there are options for a coffee stop.
The famous northeasternmost point of the British mainland, with its well-known signpost. From here you look out towards Orkney, and a small harbour and shops round off the visit. A must for any NC500 loop.
A campsite right by the water next to the ferry terminal, with views towards Orkney. You can walk to the famous signpost and the small harbour. Level pitches, suitable for large vehicles.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
A fairytale castle by the sea
The east coast is a much more relaxed drive than the single-track roads of the north-west.
This closes the NC500 loop, heading back towards Inverness.
A magnificent castle with turrets in the style of a French château, surrounded by formal gardens by the sea. In summer there are falconry displays in the gardens, and the interiors are richly furnished. Large car park, also suitable for motorhomes.
A large holiday and camping park near Embo close to Dornoch, right on a long sandy beach. Good facilities with a shop and restaurant, ideal for a relaxed final evening in the north. Plenty of space for large motorhomes too.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The return journey begins
The drive back to the ferry is the longest stage of the trip; break it up with a stop in Aviemore.
In total this day involves around five to six hours of driving; set off early and build in plenty of breaks.
Long stage — allow time for breaks.
A lively town in the Cairngorms National Park, a good stopover with mountain views and walking trails. If time allows, a short walk at Loch Morlich with its sandy beach is well worth it. Good facilities for stocking up before the long drive back.
A practical campsite on the racecourse grounds in the north of Newcastle, well placed for the ferry the next day. Quiet, level pitches for large motorhomes. A simple overnight stop to break up the long stage.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Journey home
Arrival in IJmuiden is in the morning, and the drive to Hamburg slightly exceeds your usual daily distance. If needed, add another overnight stop in the Netherlands or near Bremen.
Long stage — allow time for breaks.
In the afternoon the night ferry departs from North Shields back to IJmuiden. You spend the night in your cabin and arrive in the Netherlands the next morning. From there it's still one more stage to Hamburg.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
After arriving in IJmuiden in the morning, you drive the final stage back to Hamburg. This brings your round trip to a close where it began. If needed, you can break up the longer return drive from the ferry port with an additional overnight stay.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
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