The North Coast 500 is a route of just over 500 miles along the northern coast of Scotland featuring incredible scenery, white sandy beaches, epic mountains and one giant adventure for you to enjoy! It’s often described as one of the world’s most beautiful road trips – and with good reason! If you're short on time, you can choose just a section of the route instead of taking on the full 500 miles.
Planning your own North Coast 500 adventure? You can download our full guide as a PDF below to save for later and take with you on your trip. Or, keep reading for everything you need to know about experiencing the NC500 in September...
So why is September the best time to go?
Autumn colours
From mid-September onwards, the forests, moors and mountains of Scotland turn russet and gold. It’s a spectacular display and one that you can only truly appreciate in person.
East Coast Woodland Walk
At Golspie, a village on the east coast, try out The Big Burn, a spectacular short walk up a scenic gorge where you’ll criss-cross over footbridges to reach a final crescendo of waterfalls. Walking through the vivid autumn colours makes it a real experience. The walk is easy and takes around one hour as a round trip from the car park (approx 3km for the whole walk). Get your camera ready and keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels!
West Coast Nature Reserve
The Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve is an absolute dream for anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you’re in the market for a picturesque picnic spot overlooking the stunning Loch Maree or want to explore some of the many walking trails, the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve has it all and more. Take on a mountain trail to get outstanding views of the mountains as autumn colours sweep across them. Or take a gentler stroll through the colourful woodland. There’s also wildlife in abundance, from red deer to golden eagles.
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
Wildlife
September is the sweet spot for Scotland’s most famous wildlife.
Red deer
From late September, the red deer rut is beginning and it’s a really special experience to see and hear the mighty stags defend their territory. There are a host of places across the highlands to find red deer, and it’s worth setting out in the first two hours of daylight or the last hour, as this is when the stags are most active.
Seals
It’s also pupping season for seals, which you can see up close in spots like Brora Beach, an unspoiled beach on the east coast.
Dolphins
September is a great time to see the resident dolphins around the shores of the Highlands. One of the best places to see them is at Chanonry Point on Black Isle, and your best chance to spot them is an hour after low tide. A great viewing point is the shingle beach located behind the lighthouse.
Fewer crowds
With the end of summer, the peak tourist season is over and you’re free to enjoy the more popular sights of the NC500 at a more relaxed pace, free of big crowds.
Dunrobin Castle
This sprawling ancestral home is a fairytale location with plush state rooms and impressive gardens.
Dunrobin Castle
Bealach na Bà
The famous Bealach na Bà is an iconic mountain pass on the west coast. It’s a winding single-track road that passes through some epic mountains and descends with views of Loch Kishorn. It’s definitely better off season when there are fewer vehicles coming the other way! Whilst many drivers are understandably apprehensive to take on the Bealach na Bà with its steep gradients and sharp hairpins, as long as you are cautious, sensible and patient, you should have no problems whatsoever. Most cars and motorhomes are great to drive on the pass. Only extremely large vehicles or those without a great turning circle should avoid it.
Smoo Cave
This must-see location on the north coast gets packed in the summer months. By September, it’s much quieter and easier to visit. The cave is free to visit and you can also take a guided ‘Geological’ boat tour further into the cave system (weather depending).
Seasonal food
Many of Scotland’s most famous local produce is at its peak in September. Indulge in the best of what the Highlands has to offer!
Seafood
Seafood lovers will be in their element! Langoustines (Scottish prawns), scallops, crab and lobster are all caught off the local shores, and September is when shellfish are sweetest and most abundant. See what’s the catch of the day at The Applecross Inn, on the west coast.
Apple Cross
Venison
Come September, the Highland deer have had a summer of plentiful grazing, meaning that venison is tender and full of flavour. Try it at The Tongue Hotel, on the north coast.
Lamb
Another staple of the Scottish menu, and the lambs’ diet of heather and hill grass gives the meat a distinctive flavour. Try it at No.1 Bistro in Wick.
Wild blackberries and mushrooms
The hedgerows are bursting with blackberries, which are made into crumbles, jams and puddings. Meanwhile, among the native pinewoods, chanterelles are growing – golden, wild mushrooms which are foraged and appear on local menus in September.
Cranachan
Don’t turn down the chance to try this traditional Scottish dessert! It combines fresh raspberries (still in season), heather honey, whipped cream, toasted oats and a dash of whisky. Delicious!
Weather
The summer heat has gone and with it, the notorious Scottish midges (thank goodness!). The days are cooler, but it’s still a comfortable temperature to be sleeping in your campervan. The sunlight is really special at this time of year. There’s still plenty of sunlight hours, but the sun stays fairly low in the sky, casting a golden light over the landscape. Add in misty mornings and a few dramatic clouds, and you’ve got a dream of a place to explore and to capture on camera.
Rhue Lighthouse, Ullapool
