Your NC500 Basecamp at the Foot of Ben Nevis
Recharge before the North Coast 500 or recover after it. Luxury self-catering in Fort William, where the Highlands begin.
Fort William - Where Every NC500 Journey Should Begin
The North Coast 500 officially starts and ends in Inverness, but most travellers, especially those flying into Edinburgh or Glasgow drive north through Glencoe to Fort William first. It's one of the most spectacular drives in Europe, and Highwinds Lodge is right at the end of it.
We sit at the foot of Ben Nevis in Torlundy, just three miles from Fort William town centre. From here it's a straightforward 90-minute drive to Inverness to begin the NC500 loop. That makes us the natural place to stop, stock up, and settle in before the adventure begins.
And when you've completed all 516 miles of the route and you're heading back south? We're here waiting with comfortable beds, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cinema room to collapse into.
Everything You Need Before (or After) the NC500
Highwinds isn't just a place to sleep. It's where you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Full Self-Catering Kitchen
Stock up at Fort William's supermarkets and cook together. Far cheaper and more sociable than eating out every night on the NC500 where restaurant options can be scarce.
Drying Room
The Highlands are wet. Dry out your jackets, boots, and hiking gear overnight so you're ready for the next day's adventure.
Ample Private Parking
Space for multiple vehicles. No stress about parking a loaded car or campervan.
Sleeps 10 — Perfect for Groups
Five en-suite bedrooms across two floors. Bring the whole family or a group of friends and split the cost it works out surprisingly affordable per person.
Dog Friendly
Up to two dogs welcome with secure, fenced grounds. No need to arrange a dog sitter bring them along for the NC500.
Local Knowledge
We know the Highlands inside out. Ask us for route tips, restaurant recommendations, fuel stops, and hidden gems along the NC500.
Cinema Room & Games Room
Rest days matter. Recover with a movie night or board games especially welcome after long days on single-track roads.
Central Highland Location
Fort William is the outdoor capital of the UK. Climb Ben Nevis, explore Glencoe, or visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct. All before you even start the NC500.
Your 2-Night Pre-NC500 Itinerary
Make the most of Fort William before heading north. Here's how we'd spend two nights at Highwinds before starting the NC500.
Day 1 — Arrive & Settle In
Travel Day
Drive up from Edinburgh or Glasgow through Glencoe (allow 3 hours and plenty of photo stops). Arrive at Highwinds, and relax. Stretch your legs with a walk up towards the CIC hut or relax with views of Ben Nevis.
3 hrs from Glasgow/Edinburgh
Day 2 — Explore the Area
Adventure Day
Climb Ben Nevis or head out west on the Road to the Isles where you can discover some of the best beaches the country has to offer, stop off on the way back to have a look at the world famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Evening at the lodge, cinema room and a home-cooked meal.
Ben Nevis: 5 min drive • Glenfinnan: 25 min
Day 3 — Head to Inverness
NC500 Begins
Drive from Fort William to Inverness via the Great Glen (90 minutes along the A82 beside Loch Ness - stopping off at Urquhart Castle). Arrive at the NC500 starting point refreshed, rested, and ready. You've already seen some of Scotland's finest scenery and your adventure is only just getting started.
1.5 hrs to Inverness (NC500 start)
Finished the NC500? Recover Here.
After 516 miles of single-track roads, passing places, and jaw-dropping coastal scenery, the last thing you want is another long drive south.
Highwinds Lodge is perfectly placed for a recovery stop. Drop back down from Inverness to Fort William (90 minutes), fall into a proper bed, and let the washing machine and drying room do their thing.
Spend a day doing absolutely nothing or use the lodge as a base to tick off Glencoe and Ben Nevis before heading south. Either way, you've earned it.
The North Coast 500 at a Glance
516
miles of stunning coastline
5–7
days to complete comfortably
90 min
from Highwinds to Inverness
10
guests sleep comfortably at Highwinds
What's on Your Doorstep at Highwinds
You don't have to wait for the NC500 — some of Scotland's greatest hits are right here.
Ben Nevis
Britain's highest mountain, practically in the front garden. The CMD Arete route is walkable from the lodge.
Glencoe
Scotland's most dramatic glen. Stunning peaks, waterfalls, and the road you probably drove in on. Walking, photography, and Harry Potter filming locations.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
The famous 'Harry Potter bridge'. Watch the Jacobite Steam Train cross the 21-arch viaduct. One of the most photographed sights in Scotland.
Steall Falls
Scotland's second-highest waterfall, tucked into Glen Nevis. A stunning 45-minute walk from the car park and another Harry Potter filming location.
The Drive Up, an Adventure in Itself
Most NC500 travellers start by flying into Edinburgh or Glasgow. From either city, the drive to Highwinds Lodge takes around 3 hours through some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK.
The A82 takes you along the shores of Loch Lomond, past Tyndrum, and into Glencoe. A valley so dramatic it regularly features in 'best drives in the world' lists. You'll want to stop multiple times for photos.
From Glencoe, it's a short drive through Ballachulish and along Loch Linnhe to Fort William. Highwinds is on the A82 in Torlundy, three miles north of the town centre. You'll pass us on your way to Inverness.
Planning Your NC500 Trip
Everything you need to know about using Highwinds Lodge as your North Coast 500 base.
How far is Fort William from the NC500 start in Inverness?
Is Fort William actually on the NC500 route?
How long does the NC500 take?
Can I leave luggage at Highwinds while I do the NC500?
What's the best time of year to do the NC500?
Do I need a 4x4 for the NC500?
Where should I stock up on supplies before the NC500?
Can I bring my dog on the NC500?
How many people can stay at Highwinds?
Is there a minimum stay?
Start Your NC500 Adventure Here
Luxury self-catering at the foot of Ben Nevis. The perfect basecamp for the North Coast 500.
Questions? See our NC500 FAQs or contact us directly.
Also explore our walking guides, dog-friendly accommodation, wildlife watching, and Fort William's history.