The North Coast 500 isn't just a road trip – it's an adventure through some of Scotland's most spectacular landscapes. From rugged mountain passes and dramatic coastlines to charming Highland towns and hidden gems, every section of the route offers something different.

For EV drivers, planning your charging stops can be just as important as choosing where to spend the night or grab a bite to eat. The good news? Many of the best places to pause on the NC500 are also home to Connekt EV charging points, allowing you to make the most of your time while your vehicle recharges.

Here's how to explore the route while enjoying some of the Highlands' most welcoming destinations.

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Begin Your Adventure on the Black Isle

Every great NC500 adventure deserves the perfect starting point. Before officially joining Scotland's most iconic driving route, consider spending your first night at The Ord Arms Hotel in Muir of Ord. Located just outside Inverness, it's an ideal place to settle in, enjoy a hearty meal and recharge your EV before the journey begins.

From there, make your way onto the beautiful Black Isle, where Findon Hall in Culbokie offers another idyllic stop surrounded by peaceful Highland scenery. Whether you're staying overnight or simply pausing to recharge, it's the perfect opportunity to slow the pace and soak up the charm of the area.

While your vehicle charges, explore the Black Isle's quiet coastal roads, picturesque villages and scenic viewpoints. Wildlife lovers can even take a short detour to Chanonry Point, one of the best places in Scotland to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore.

Starting your journey this way sets the tone for the rest of the NC500: unhurried, unforgettable and surrounded by some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes.

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Discover the Charm of Easter Ross

As the route follows Scotland's east coast, the pace remains relaxed and the views continue to impress.

In Tain, visitors can enjoy a round at the historic Tain Golf Club, one of Scotland's oldest golfing destinations. It's the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, enjoy a meal in the clubhouse and recharge both yourself and your vehicle before continuing north.

A little further along the coast, Balintore Inn offers traditional Highland hospitality in one of Easter Ross's picturesque seaside villages. Whether you're stopping for lunch, an overnight stay or simply a quick break from driving, it's a welcoming place to pause and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

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Take Time to Explore Dornoch

Few NC500 destinations capture the charm of the Highlands quite like Dornoch.

With its historic cathedral, independent shops, award-winning beach and world-famous golf course, it's easy to understand why many visitors choose to spend more than just a few hours here.

Both Dornoch Castle Hotel and Dornoch Station Hotel provide excellent opportunities to recharge during your visit. Whether you're wandering the town's historic streets, enjoying a leisurely lunch or settling in for an overnight stay, your vehicle can be preparing for the next leg of the journey.

For travellers looking for a more intimate stay, Woodlands B&B Dornoch offers another convenient charging location and a comfortable base from which to explore the surrounding area.

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Following the Coast Through Sutherland

Leaving Dornoch behind, the road begins to reveal some of the dramatic scenery that has made the NC500 famous.

A stop at Golspie Inn provides easy access to some of Sutherland's most popular attractions, including the magnificent Dunrobin Castle. With its fairytale architecture and stunning gardens, it's a must-see destination on any Highland itinerary.

Further north, Brora Escapes offers the chance to experience one of Scotland's most beautiful stretches of coastline. Long sandy beaches, abundant wildlife and breathtaking sea views make this an easy place to linger longer than planned.

Fortunately, with EV charging available, there's no need to rush.

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Reaching Scotland's Wild North Coast

The northern section of the NC500 feels wonderfully remote. Here, wide-open landscapes and dramatic coastal views create some of the route's most memorable moments.

At The Halladale Inn in Melvich, travellers can enjoy traditional Highland hospitality while taking in the rugged beauty of the surrounding area. Nearby beaches and coastal walks offer the perfect way to unwind after a day behind the wheel.

A little further east, Northern Sands in Dunnet places visitors close to some of Scotland's most iconic landmarks. From Dunnet Head – the northernmost point of mainland Britain – to the famous signpost at John O'Groats, this part of the journey is packed with bucket-list experiences.

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Embracing the Wilderness of the Highlands

One of the joys of the NC500 is discovering places you might never otherwise visit.

The Altnaharra Hotel is a perfect example. Surrounded by vast landscapes, lochs and rolling hills, it offers a true taste of Highland wilderness. It's the kind of place where the scenery feels endless and the pace of life slows dramatically.

For many visitors, this becomes one of the most memorable stops on the entire route.

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Discover the Magic of Assynt and Clachtoll

As the NC500 winds into Assynt, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. Ancient mountains, crystal-clear lochs and some of Scotland's most beautiful beaches make this one of the most photographed stretches of the entire route.

If your idea of the perfect stop is waking up beside white sands and turquoise water, Clachtoll Beach Campsite is hard to beat. Located just outside Lochinver, it's an ideal overnight base for campervans, touring holidays and EV travellers looking to slow down and soak up the beauty of the north west Highlands.

While your vehicle recharges, spend time exploring nearby Clachtoll Beach, take a short drive to the stunning Achmelvich Beach, or head into Lochinver to enjoy fresh seafood and browse local independent shops. If you're feeling adventurous, this is also the perfect base for tackling hikes such as Stac Pollaidh or simply taking in the incredible views across Assynt's unique landscape.

With EV charging available on site, it's easy to enjoy one of the most spectacular sections of the NC500 without rushing your journey.

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Heading West Through Some of Scotland's Most Spectacular Scenery

As the journey turns west, the landscape changes once again.

Mountain peaks rise dramatically from the roadside and sea lochs cut deep into the Highlands. Nestled within this stunning scenery, Kintail Lodge Hotel provides an ideal place to pause.

Whether you're exploring Glen Shiel, admiring views across Loch Duich or simply enjoying a well-earned meal, it's a location that perfectly captures the magic of the west coast.

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Discovering Hidden Gems Near Ullapool

Before making your way back towards Inverness, the north-west Highlands offer some of the route's most rewarding discoveries.

The Coigach Community Trust charging location provides access to one of Scotland's most unspoilt coastal regions, where quiet roads, hidden beaches and panoramic sea views await.

Meanwhile, visitors stopping at Handknitted Pottery can combine their charging session with a browse through unique handcrafted creations, offering a different kind of Highland experience and the chance to support a local independent business.

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Make Every Stop Part of the Adventure

One of the best things about travelling the NC500 in an EV is that charging stops don't have to feel like interruptions.

At Connekt locations across the Highlands, charging becomes part of the experience. Whether you're enjoying a meal, checking into a hotel, exploring a historic town or simply taking in the view, your vehicle can be recharging while you make the most of your surroundings.

So when you're planning your next NC500 adventure, don't just think about where you'll drive. Think about where you'll stay, eat, explore, relax – and recharge.

Find Connekt charging locations across the Highlands and make every stop count.

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