NC500 Route, Scotland – A 5 Day Whisky Road Trip
A 5-Day Whisky Road Trip on Scotland’s North Coast 500 Route (Inverness → Wick → Inverness)
Region and Route Overview
Scotland’s North Coast 500 (NC500) is often called Scotland’s Route 66. Stretching over 500 miles, it winds through breathtaking coastal landscapes, rugged cliffs, historic castles, charming villages, and—crucially—some fantastic whisky distilleries. This 5-day itinerary focuses on those distilleries while building in scenic stops, budget stays, and great local food, for an unforgettable (and wallet-friendly) whisky adventure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Inverness to Tain
Distilleries to Visit
- Glen Ord Distillery
Overview: Founded in 1838; produces The Singleton, known for its light, fruity character.
Tour: The Singleton Experience (£15) – guided tour + 3 tastings.
Speciality: The Singleton 12-Year-Old.
Website: www.malts.com
Contact: +44 1463 872004 - Balblair Distillery
Overview: One of Scotland’s oldest (1790).
Tour: Classic Tour (£15).
Speciality: Balblair 2005 Vintage.
Website: www.balblair.com
Contact: +44 1862 892477
Accommodation
Morangie Hotel, Tain (£85 per night)
Cosy rooms in a Victorian hotel near Glenmorangie Distillery.
Website
Dinner Recommendation
Platform 1864, Tain
Dish: Local seafood platter (£18).
Website
Scenic Stop
Chanonry Point — famous for dolphin watching along the Moray Firth.
Driving Details
Inverness → Tain (via Glen Ord): ~1.5 hours (45 miles).
Day 2: Tain to Dornoch
Distilleries to Visit
- Glenmorangie Distillery
Overview: One of Scotland’s best-known distilleries.
Tour: Original Tour (£20).
Speciality: Glenmorangie Original 10-Year-Old.
Website: www.glenmorangie.com
Contact: +44 1862 892477 - Clynelish Distillery
Overview: Coastal, waxy single malt; key in Johnnie Walker blends.
Tour: Distillery Tour (£12).
Speciality: Clynelish 14-Year-Old.
Website: www.malts.com
Contact: +44 1408 623000
Accommodation
Dornoch Castle Hotel (£95 per night)
Historic property with a superb whisky bar (300+ single malts).
Website
Dinner Recommendation
The Carnegie Courthouse, Dornoch
Dish: Venison stew (£16).
Website
Scenic Stop
Dornoch Beach — pristine sands for an evening walk.
Driving Details
Tain → Dornoch (via Glenmorangie & Clynelish): ~1 hour (30 miles).
Day 3: Dornoch to Brora (via Helmsdale)
Distillery to Visit
- Brora Distillery
Overview: Iconic, recently reopened; produces highly sought-after peated malts.
Tour: Heritage Tour (£30).
Speciality: Brora 38-Year-Old (limited release).
Website: www.brora.com
Contact: +44 1408 623000
Accommodation
Sutherland Inn, Brora (£80 per night)
Budget-friendly inn with a cosy bar.
Website
Dinner Recommendation
The Badachro Inn, Brora
Dish: Fish and chips (£12).
Scenic Stop
Dunrobin Castle — spectacular 19th-century castle & gardens overlooking the sea. Entry: £13.50.
Driving Details
Dornoch → Brora: ~40 minutes (20 miles).
Day 4: Brora to Wick
Distillery to Visit
- Old Pulteney Distillery
Overview: The “Maritime Malt” — distinctive coastal, salty character.
Tour: Explorer’s Tour (£15).
Speciality: Old Pulteney 12-Year-Old.
Website: www.oldpulteney.com
Contact: +44 1955 602371
Accommodation
Mackays Hotel, Wick (£85 per night)
Boutique hotel on the world’s shortest street.
Website
Dinner Recommendation
No 1 Bistro, Wick
Dish: Whisky-glazed lamb (£18).
Website
Scenic Stop
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe — dramatic cliff-top ruins with superb sea views.
Driving Details
Brora → Wick: ~1 hour (50 miles).
Day 5: Wick to Inverness
Distillery to Visit
- Dornoch Distillery
Overview: Craft micro-distillery producing small-batch single malts and gin.
Tour: Whisky & Gin Tasting Tour (£20).
Speciality: Organic Highland Single Malt.
Website: www.dornochdistillery.com
Contact: +44 1862 811791
Driving Details
Wick → Inverness: ~2.5 hours (100 miles).
Cost Breakdown
- Distillery Tours: ~£140 (7 distilleries)
- Accommodation: ~£425 (5 nights)
- Meals: ~£150 total
- Fuel Costs: ~£60 (300 miles)
- Other Activities: ~£20 (Castle Sinclair Girnigoe & Dunrobin Castle)
Total Estimate: ~£795
Tips and Notes
- Best Time to Visit: May–September for better weather and long daylight.
- Road Conditions: Some single-track sections; use passing places and drive cautiously.
- Packing Tips: Waterproofs and sturdy footwear for scenic stops.
- Booking Advice: Pre-book distillery tours and accommodation in peak season.
Enjoy an unforgettable blend of whisky discovery and NC500 scenery!
These travel guides are designed to give you a start point or framework to create your own trip, allowing you to use as much or as little as you wish. We recommend doing your own research, particularly checking opening times and costs, as well as personalising your visits to best suit your tastes.
Our UK Whisky Bars Map & List may come in useful!
