Hire a VW Campervan for the North Coast 500 | Play Dirty
Looking for the ultimate Scottish road trip? The North Coast 500 (NC500) is one of the best driving routes in the world — and there’s no better way to explore it than in a VW campervan from Play Dirty.
Based in the heart of the UK (Alcester), we hire out rugged, stylish VW campervans equipped for wild weather, remote terrain and unforgettable adventure. The NC500 is your gateway to the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands — with 500 miles of coastline, mountains, and whisky stops ahead of you.
What Is the North Coast 500?
The North Coast 500 is a circular route that starts and ends in Inverness, winding its way around the northern tip of Scotland. Designed to showcase the best of the Highlands, the NC500 takes in:
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Majestic mountains
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Remote lochs
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White sand beaches
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Historic castles
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Wildlife-rich coastline
It’s a wild, scenic, and often surreal experience — and one that’s best done with the freedom of your own wheels.
Why Hire a Campervan for the NC500?
A VW campervan is the perfect way to explore Scotland’s rugged north. Here’s why:
1. Total Freedom
No hotels, no timetables. You decide when to stop, where to sleep, and how long to stay. Whether you want to wild camp by a loch or pitch up at a coastal campsite, your van is your home on wheels.
2. Comfort in the Cold
Let’s face it — Scottish weather is unpredictable. Our Play Dirty campervans come fitted with heating, full insulation, and cosy beds, so you’re always warm and dry — no matter what the Highlands throw at you.
3. Adventure-Ready
All of our VW campervans are equipped with off-road tyres, bike racks, and solar panels (optional). Whether you're climbing a Munro or heading for the surf, your van is built for it.
North Coast 500 Route: Highlights & Stops
The NC500 route can be driven in either direction, but most travellers head clockwise from Inverness. Here’s a breakdown of the main sections and what you’ll find along the way:
🔹 Inverness to Applecross
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Drive the legendary Bealach na Bà – one of the UK’s highest and most challenging roads.
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Wild camp overlooking the Applecross Peninsula.
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Try fresh seafood in the village of Applecross.
🔹 Applecross to Ullapool
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Explore Torridon’s ancient mountains.
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Kayak or paddleboard on Loch Maree.
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Stock up on supplies and soak in the harbour town vibe in Ullapool.
Ullapool to Durness
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Discover Achmelvich Beach, with white sand and crystal-clear waters.
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Stop at Smoo Cave, a dramatic sea cave with a waterfall inside.
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Spot deer, golden eagles, and even whales on the wild north coast.
Durness to John o’Groats
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Cross the rugged moorland of Sutherland.
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Visit Strathy Bay or surf at Thurso East, one of Europe’s best cold-water surf breaks.
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Reach the iconic John o’Groats, the UK’s most northerly mainland point.
John o’Groats to Inverness
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Explore the Caithness coast, dotted with ruins and cliffs.
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Tour the Pulteney Distillery in Wick for a proper dram.
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End the loop back in Inverness, with the Loch Ness monster lurking nearby.
Top Activities on the NC500
Hiring a campervan means you’re never far from adventure. Here's what you can get up to along the route:
Hillwalking & Climbing
Bag a Munro like Ben Hope or explore the dramatic ridges of An Teallach.
Surfing
Head to Thurso, Tiree, or Sandwood Bay. Our VW campers come with roof racks and plenty of storage for boards and wetsuits.
Wildlife Watching
Dolphins in Dornoch Firth, whales off the north coast, red deer in the hills — the Highlands are teeming with life.
Winter Sports
If you’re visiting between December and April, Glencoe, Cairngorm, and Nevis Range all offer snowboarding and skiing within reach of your campervan base.
Whisky Touring
From Clynelish to Old Pulteney, the NC500 is packed with historic distilleries. Just remember the campervan is your accommodation — not your designated driver!
Where to Stay: Wild Camping & Campsites
Wild Camping
Scotland’s Right to Roam law means responsible wild camping is permitted in many areas. Stay discreet, respect the land, and leave no trace.
Campsites
There are dozens of NC500-friendly campsites with electric hook-up, showers, and stunning views. Some favourites include:
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Clachtoll Beach Campsite
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Sango Sands Oasis
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Dunnet Bay Caravan Site
When to Go
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Spring (April–June): Fewer crowds, longer days, great wildlife spotting.
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Summer (July–August): Peak season. Book campsites early.
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Autumn (September–October): Stunning colours, good surf, quieter roads.
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Winter (November–March): Snowy scenery, whisky fires, and empty roads — if you’re brave enough.
Why Hire from Play Dirty?
At Play Dirty, we don’t just hand you the keys — we give you everything you need for off-grid adventure. Our VW campervans are:
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Fully equipped with beds, kitchen, heating, and storage
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Built for adventure – tough tyres, rock-solid build, and optional roof boxes or bike racks
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Ready for the Highlands – we’ll give you route tips, park-up guides, and emergency support
Whether you're heading north for surf, slopes, or solitude — we’ve got the van to get you there.
Ready to Hit the NC500?
Start your Scottish adventure today. Hire a VW campervan from Play Dirty and take on the North Coast 500 in style.