Your NC500 Stopover, Sorted.

Driving the North Coast 500 is a bucket-list experience — but where you choose to stop can make or break the journey.

After long stretches of winding coastal roads, cliff-top views, and Highland adventures, what you really want is a warm welcome, great food, a comfortable bed, and somewhere to properly switch off before the next leg of the trip.

Start in Inverness — Then Head North

Most NC500 trips begin and end in Inverness. As you make your way up the east coast towards the northern tip of Scotland, the scenery becomes wilder, the roads quieter, and the views even more dramatic.

This is where planning your overnight stop really matters.

Base Yourself in Thurso at The Weigh Inn Hotel

Positioned perfectly on the northern stretch of the NC500, The Weigh Inn is an ideal stopover before or after exploring highlights like Duncansby Stacks, Dunnet Head, and the dramatic Caithness coastline.

Here’s why it works so well for you:

• Large, comfortable hotel rooms perfect for a proper rest after a long drive

• On-site restaurant and bar — no need to head back out once you’ve parked up

• Easy parking for cars, bikes, and camper vans

• Dog Friendly

It’s the kind of place where you can arrive windswept and tired and leave refreshed and ready for the road.

Fuel Up in Thurso; Eat Well at Ynot Bar & Grill

After a full day conquering the NC500 and taking in the rugged beauty of northern Scotland, you’ll want somewhere that feels relaxed, welcoming and easy.

Situated right in the heart of town, Y Not is perfect for every part of your day on the road. Start with a hearty full Scottish breakfast to set you up for exploring the cliffs, castles and coastlines ahead, enjoy a leisurely lunch after a morning on the road, or settle in for dinner with family-friendly favourites and local classics.

Expect a varied menu with British and grill options, vegetarian and gluten-free choices, and plenty of comfort food — from burgers and fish dishes to lighter salads and snacks. The all-day food service means you can eat whenever your schedule on the NC500 demands it, whether that’s an early bite before sunrise or a sunset supper after a long day of driving.

With its relaxed atmosphere, good drinks list and great location just a short walk from your Coast & Country room, Y Not is exactly the kind of place that turns a stopover into something

Dining with a Harbour View; The Upperdeck

If you’re stopping in Thurso as part of your NC500 journey, dinner at The Upper Deck is a non-negotiable, especially if you love fresh seafood, quality steaks, and views that match the food.

Perched above Scrabster Harbour, our restaurant overlooks a working port where fishing boats, ferries and the bustle of harbour life make for a great viewing. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the road and soak in the Highland atmosphere while the sun dips over the water.

What to Eat

What we’re known for:

• Fresh fish and seafood sourced daily from the harbour — think locally caught fish, scallops and shellfish (langoustines are our favourite!)

• The Upper Deck Fillet Steak — a beautifully cooked 10oz Fillet Steak; it’s what we’re known for!

• Some Coast & Country favourites, perfect alongside a glass of wine from our fabulous wine supplier De-Burgh Wine Merchants.

One of the best things about The Upper Deck is its setting. Big full fronted windows look straight onto Scrabster Harbour, letting you watch the day’s catch come in or simply enjoy the harbour lights.

Fireside Drams & Perfect Pints; Pitstop at The Corriegarth, Inverness

If you’re here for a Highland city stopover or the start of your NC500 adventure, The Corriegarth is one of those classic local pubs that brings together everything you want from a great night out: real cask ales, local whisky, an open fire and a relaxed beer garden for sunnier days.

At The Corriegarth you’ll find a regularly changing line-up of cask conditioned ales — including beers from local and Scottish breweries — lovingly looked after and served perfectly with Cask Marque-accredited quality.

Let’s be real, Highland evenings are chilly but the pub’s open fire offers the perfect setting to relax with a dram or two from our Scottish whisky shelf.

When the weather cooperates, the beer garden and terrace are perfect spots to enjoy a cold ale, aperol spritz or a local favourite outdoors. If you’re catching up with friends or watching the world go by over a pint, it’s a great place to soak up some Highland sunshine.

The bar also serves a range of pub classics and hearty meals throughout the day, so you can stay for food too — perfect for lunch or a night-time bite before your whisky and ale.