NC500 by Car & Hotel – Scenic Drives and Short Adventures
Not every visitor tackling the North Coast 500 is sleeping in a van or pitching a tent — many choose to enjoy Scotland’s most iconic route in comfort, with cosy B&Bs and welcoming hotels booked along the way. A hot breakfast to start the day, dinner by the fire in the evening — and between those stops, a chance to stretch the legs and explore the landscapes that make this journey unforgettable.
For travellers driving the NC500 by car, short hikes and viewpoint walks are the perfect way to experience the Highlands up close. You don’t need heavy gear or big packs — just a few thoughtful essentials can make every stop more enjoyable and every view more memorable.
At Scotlander, we rent out practical, lightweight equipment for visitors who want to explore a little further without the fuss of full camping kits. Collect your items before heading north, and you’ll be ready for whatever the road brings.
Handy Gear for Your NC500 Adventure
Portable stove and mess tin: Ideal for brewing a fresh coffee at a viewpoint or enjoying a warm lunch by the loch.
Car-powered cooler box: Keeps food, drinks, or even medicines safely chilled on the move.
Trekking poles: Useful for balance and stability on uneven paths or hillside walks.
Rechargeable battery pack: Keeps phones, cameras, and navigation apps powered on the go.
Waterproof daypack cover: A small but valuable addition when those Highland showers roll in.
Short Adventures Worth Stopping For
Rogie Falls (near Contin): A short woodland walk to a thundering waterfall — a lovely stop between Inverness and Ullapool.
Stac Pollaidh: A rewarding half-day hill walk with one of the most dramatic panoramas in Scotland.
Smoo Cave (Durness): Step inside one of Scotland’s largest sea caves — accessible right from the car park.
Duncansby Stacks (John o’Groats): A gentle coastal path to breathtaking sea stacks and nesting seabirds.
Bealach na Bà viewpoint: One of the most spectacular roads in the UK — park up, step out, and take in the mountain views.
The NC500 offers comfort and adventure in equal measure. With a few handy items from Scotlander, you can make the most of every stop — a hot coffee by the roadside, a short walk to a hidden view, or simply the peace of mind that comes with being prepared.
About Scotlander Outdoor Equipment Rental
At Scotlander, we make it easy for visitors to enjoy Scotland’s great outdoors — even if you prefer a hotel bed to a sleeping bag. Based near Edinburgh, we rent practical outdoor and travel gear like trekking poles, portable stoves, cooler boxes, and rechargeable power packs. Perfect for those touring Scotland by car who still want to stop, explore, and savour the landscape up close.