Explore Scotland’s NC500:A 14-Day Motorhome Adventure with JDW Campers & Border Escapes

Scotland’s North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 516-mile scenic loop around the northern Highlands, renowned for its rugged coastline, golden beaches, dramatic mountains, historic castles, and charming villages.

Together with Border Escapes, we’ve crafted a 14-night itinerary for JDW Campers motorhome hirers, designed to inspire your journey while providing practical guidance for campsites, fuel stops, and attractions along the route.

Day 1: Van Pickup & Drive to Bowness-on-Windermere

Distance: ~4 hours (197 miles) via M6

Pick up your JDW Camper after 2:00 PM and head north. Stop at Welcome Break Charnock Richard Services for a break. End the day at Bowness-on-Windermere Camping & Caravanning Club Site, nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere.

Insider Tip: Walk 10 minutes into town for dinner at Boardwalk Bar & Grill — enjoy lake views while tasting local cuisine.

Day 2: Bowness-on-Windermere → Inverness

Distance: ~6 hours (304 miles) via A9

Optional Stops:

• Glasgow – explore the city if you want a quick urban detour.

• Cairngorms National Park – stunning mountains, rivers, and wildlife.

Overnight: Loch Ness Shores Camping & Caravanning Site, south shore of Loch Ness.

Insider Tip: Take a lakeside walk at Bowness before heading north for a calm start to your road trip.

Day 3: Inverness → Brora

Distance: ~2–2.5 hours (79 miles) via A9 & A832

Stock up at Inverness supermarkets before heading north.

Explore:

• Chanonry Point – dolphins in Moray Firth.

• Glenmorangie Distillery – £25pp for a 1-hour tour.

• Dornoch – stroll along the beach, visit Dornoch Cathedral.

• Dunrobin Castle – largest northern Highlands house.

Overnight: Brora Caravan & Motorhome Club Site

Insider Tip: Book Dunrobin Castle tickets online in advance.

Day 4: Brora → Thurso (via John o’ Groats)

Distance: ~2–3 hours (80 miles)

Highlights:

• Whaligoe Steps – 365 steps down to a hidden harbour.

• Castle Sinclair Ruins – historic cliff-top ruins.

• John o’ Groats – iconic photo opportunity.

• Dunnet Beach – perfect evening stroll.

Overnight: Dunnet Bay Caravan Club Site

Insider Tip: Early morning visit to John o’ Groats avoids crowds.

Day 5: Thurso → Durness

Distance: ~3 hours (86 miles)

Explore:

• Thurso – northernmost town in mainland Scotland.

• Strathy Point Lighthouse – coastal views.

• Smoo Cave – huge sea cave, a must-see natural wonder.

Overnight: Sango Sands Oasis – cliffside above award-winning beach.

Insider Tip: Bring sturdy footwear for cave exploration.

Day 6: Durness → Scourie

Distance: ~1 hour (28 miles)

Start the day at Balnakeil Beach —

white sands and dunes, then explore Balnakeil Craft Village.

Dining: Crofters Kitchen, Scourie – award-winning seafood.

Overnight: Scourie Caravan & Camping Site

Day 7: Scourie → Gairloch

Distance: ~2.5–3 hours (101 miles)

Highlights:

• Ardvreck Castle Ruins – short walk, scenic photo spot.

• Corrieshalloch Gorge – Victorian suspension bridge, café available.

• Inverewe Gardens – rare plants and wildlife.

Overnight: Sands Caravan & Camping, excellent sea views.

Insider Tip: Pick up picnic supplies at the campsite for a lunch stop at the gorge.

Day 8: Gairloch → Shieldaig

Distance: ~1.5–2 hours (40 miles) via A832

Explore Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve — Britain’s first national nature reserve.

Overnight: Shieldaig Camping & Cabins – stunning views over Shieldaig Island.

Insider Tip: Bring a packed lunch; there are no cafes in the reserve.

Day 9: Shieldaig → Inverness

Distance: ~2–2.5 hours (74 miles)

Stops:

• Torridon – dramatic Highland scenery.

• Glen Docherty Viewpoint – perfect photo stop.

• Rogie Falls – salmon spotting, woodland walks.

Return to Bunchrew Caravan Park near Inverness. Explore Loch Ness,

Culloden Battlefield, or Inverness Castle.

Insider Tip: Evening light at Loch Ness is perfect for photos.

Day 10: Inverness → Edinburgh

Distance: ~3.5 hours (156 miles)

Morning in Inverness, then south to Portobello Beach, Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh Club Campsite, convenient for city exploration.

Day 11: Explore Edinburgh

Highlights:

• Edinburgh Castle

• Arthur’s Seat

• Old Town & Royal Mile

• Calton Hill & National Monument

• Holyrood Palace

Insider Tip: Take a guided walking tour to uncover hidden gems.

Day 12: Edinburgh → Chester

Distance: ~4.5 hours (241 miles)

Optional stop at Tebay Services, a farm-owned service station with fresh food.

Overnight: Netherwood Touring Site – peaceful countryside, near Chester.

Day 13: Explore Chester

Highlights:

• Chester Walls

• Chester Cathedral

• The Rows

• Eastgate Clock

• Countess of Chester Country Park

Insider Tip: Walk to nearby villages Christleton and Waverton for a quieter experience.

Day 14: Chester → JDW Campers

Distance: ~2–2.5 hours (88 miles)

Return your camper by 10:00 AM. Congratulations — you’ve completed a spectacular 14-night NC500 journey!

Practical Travel Tips

• Navigation: Google Maps offline + What3Words.

• Motorhome Safety: Avoid Bealach Na Ba and B869 if driving a larger camper.

• Campsites: Book ahead; check T&Cs.

• Fuel: Plan in advance; some remote stretches.

• Supermarkets: Stock up in Inverness; smaller shops along route.

• Scottish Access Code: Respect nature and wildlife.

Food & Drink Recommendations

• Haggis, neeps & tatties

• Cullen Skink & stovies

• Aberdeen Angus beef, Scottish salmon

• Tablet (fudge)

• Whisky & IRN BRU

Resources & Inspiration

• Podcasts: Unique Scotland – Scotland’s NC500

• Books: The Hidden Ways by Alistair Moffat; North Coast 500: The Road Trip of a Lifetime by Robbie Roams

• TV: Britain’s Most Beautiful Road – Channel 4

NC500 Motorhome Hire - With JDW Campers

For motorhome queries, contact JDW Campers. For itinerary guidance, contact Border Escapes. This journey is designed for flexibility — take your time, explore hidden gems, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoying the NC500 with a JDW Campers Luxury Motorhome is a must!