NC500 on a Budget: How to Do It Without Breaking the Bank
Drive the North Coast 500 on a budget with our tips on free attractions, cheap eats, wild camping, fuel savings, and affordable accommodation.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
The NC500 has a reputation for being pricey, and it’s true that peak-season hotels and fancy restaurants can add up quickly. But with some smart planning, you can do the entire route comfortably for a fraction of the cost. Many of the best experiences on the NC500 are completely free — beaches, mountains, viewpoints, and wildlife don’t charge admission.
Accommodation on a Budget
Wild camping is legal in Scotland under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and it’s the cheapest way to sleep on the NC500. All you need is a decent tent, a warm sleeping bag, and a bit of common sense about where you pitch. Choose spots away from roads and houses, leave no trace, and move on after one night. Some of the most beautiful wild camping spots in the UK are along this route — think deserted beaches and hillsides with panoramic sea views.
If you prefer a roof over your head, hostels are dotted along the route and typically cost between £20 and £35 per night for a dorm bed. The SYHA hostels at Torridon, Tongue, and Durness are well-located. Independent hostels like Sail Mhor Croft in Dundonnell and the Lazy Crofter in Durness have real character and won’t dent your wallet.
Basic campsites charge between £10 and £20 per pitch and give you access to toilets, showers, and sometimes a kitchen. That small investment for a hot shower after a day of exploring is money well spent.
Free Things to See and Do
Some of the NC500’s best attractions cost nothing at all. Smoo Cave near Durness is free to enter and utterly spectacular. The beaches at Achmelvich, Balnakeil, Sandwood Bay, and Dunnet Bay are world-class and completely free. Viewpoints like Knockan Crag, with its geological trail explaining how Scotland’s landscape was formed, cost nothing.
Walking and hiking are free across Scotland thanks to right-to-roam access. The stacks at Duncansby Head, the cliffs at Stoer Lighthouse, and the short walk to the Old Man of Stoer are all unforgettable and won’t cost a penny. Wildlife watching — seals, dolphins, eagles, deer — is another free highlight that often ends up being the most memorable part of the trip.
Many distilleries charge for tours, but some offer free tastings or have visitor centres you can browse without paying. The Falls of Shin near Lairg is free and gives you a chance to watch salmon leaping during the summer months.
Eating and Drinking Cheaply
Self-catering is the biggest money-saver on the NC500. Stock up at a supermarket in Inverness before you leave — Aldi and Lidl both have stores in the city and are significantly cheaper than the small village shops you’ll find along the route. A camping stove and some basic supplies mean you can cook breakfast and lunch wherever you are.
When you do eat out, look for cafes rather than restaurants. Many serve hearty soup and sandwich deals for under £10 that will keep you going. Fish and chip shops in coastal towns like Lochinver, Ullapool, and Wick serve generous portions at reasonable prices. The Lochinver Larder is famous for its pies and offers great value.
For a treat without the restaurant price tag, pick up fresh seafood from local sellers. Langoustines, crab, and smoked fish are often available at harbourside stalls for a fraction of restaurant prices. A picnic of fresh seafood on a deserted beach is hard to beat at any budget.
Fuel Costs
Fuel is your biggest unavoidable expense. The full 516-mile loop will use roughly 60-80 litres of petrol depending on your vehicle, costing around £100-£130 at current prices. Fill up in Inverness where prices are lowest, and top up whenever you pass a station rather than waiting until the tank is low — remote stations charge a premium, sometimes 15-20p more per litre.
Drive smoothly and at moderate speeds to maximise fuel economy. The speed limit on most of the route is 60mph, but you’ll rarely hit that on single-track roads. Gentle driving on these roads isn’t just economical — it’s safer and more enjoyable.
Budget Breakdown
A realistic budget for two people over seven days might look like this. Wild camping with occasional campsite nights: £50-£100 for the week. Fuel: £100-£130. Food, mostly self-catering with a couple of cafe stops: £150-£200. A distillery tour or two and a meal out: £50-£80. That’s a full NC500 trip for roughly £350-£500 for two people, or under £40 per person per day.
Money-Saving Tips
Travel outside peak season — May, September, and October offer lower prices and fewer crowds. Share fuel costs if you’re travelling with others. Carry a reusable water bottle since Scottish tap water is excellent. Download offline maps to avoid using mobile data. Check if your vehicle has breakdown cover for remote areas before you leave, since Highland recovery callouts are expensive.
The NC500 is one of those rare trips where spending less often means experiencing more. The budget traveller sleeping on a beach and cooking on a stove is arguably having a more authentic Highland adventure than the one rushing between expensive hotels.