Where Does the North Coast 500 Road Trip Start and End?

By Anna Duncan

Are you planning a road trip to the North Coast 500 but not sure where it starts and ends? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the beginning and end points of this scenic route.

What is the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 516-mile scenic route that takes you through the Scottish Highlands. It starts and ends at Inverness Castle and takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Scotland. You’ll see rugged coastlines, vast mountains, rolling hills, pristine beaches, and charming villages.

Where Does the North Coast 500 Start?

As mentioned earlier, the NC500 starts at Inverness Castle. The castle is located in the heart of Inverness city center and can be easily spotted from a distance due to its distinctive red sandstone structure. It’s a popular tourist attraction and offers panoramic views of Inverness and the surrounding area.

Getting to Inverness

If you’re traveling from outside Scotland or the UK, you can fly into Inverness Airport. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Inverness city center. Alternatively, you can take a train to Inverness train station which is located near the city center.

Where Does the North Coast 500 End?

The NC500 ends at Inverness Castle as well. So after completing your road trip, you’ll arrive back at where you started!

What to Do in Inverness

Inverness has plenty of attractions and activities that are worth exploring after your road trip. Some popular places to visit include:

  • Inverness Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is located in Ardross Street and features stunning stained glass windows.
  • Eden Court Theatre: This modern theatre hosts a variety of performances and events throughout the year.
  • Culloden Battlefield: This historic site is located on the outskirts of Inverness and is where the famous Battle of Culloden took place in 1746.
  • River Ness: Take a stroll along the river and enjoy the scenic views of Inverness. You might even spot some dolphins if you’re lucky!

Conclusion

Now that you know where the North Coast 500 starts and ends, it’s time to plan your road trip! Make sure to take in all the sights along the way and enjoy Scotland’s stunning natural beauty. And when you’re done, spend some time exploring Inverness before heading back home.