A Foodie’s Guide to the NC500 – Tasting the Highlands One Bite at a Time

Nigel Bywater
Aug 9
2 min read

Let’s be honest: campervan travel isn’t just about epic views and freedom on four wheels. It’s also about what’s cooking — from wild seafood feasts by the coast to fresh pastries at tiny village cafés.

And if you’re heading around the NC500, you’re in for a treat. Scotland’s Highlands are full of local flavour — literally.

“We didn’t expect the food to be such a highlight! Best scallops I’ve ever had were from a van parked by the harbour.” – Reddit comment

So if you’re wondering what to eat (and where to find it), here’s our guide to fuelling your road trip like a true Highland foodie.

1. Fresh Seafood – You’re Never Far From the Ocean

From Lochinver to Ullapool to the north coast, you’ll find lobster, langoustines, and scallops that were in the sea just hours before.

“Had grilled langoustines from the Seafood Shack in Ullapool and sat eating them on the dock. Unreal.” – Instagram comment

Look out for:

The Seafood Shack (Ullapool) – award-winning street food
Captain’s Galley (Scrabster) – fine dining with a local twist
Local harbour stalls – bring a pan, and cook your own dinner in the van!

2. Cosy Cafés & Bakeries – Hidden Gems for Rainy Days

Highland weather can be “bracing” — but that just makes hot coffee and fresh scones taste even better.

“We found a tiny tearoom near Gairloch with home-baked bread and carrot cake. Ended up staying for hours.” – Facebook review

Favourites include:

Lochinver Larder – legendary pies (try the venison & cranberry)
The Bothy Café (Kinlochewe) – homemade soups and big slices of cake
The Pier Café (Lairg) – perfect for a warm-up with a view

3. Farm Shops & Local Produce – Cook Up Something Special

One of the joys of a campervan trip is cooking for yourself — but not with supermarket basics. Pick up:

Local cheeses (Crowdie, Caboc, Isle of Mull cheddar)
Smoked salmon and venison
Highland eggs, jams, and oatcakes

“We made breakfast with eggs and smoked trout from a roadside honesty box. It felt like real wild luxury.” – Quora post

Keep an eye out for honesty boxes — they’re common in the Highlands and full of local goodness.

4. Distilleries & Tipples – A Wee Dram to Warm You Up

Even if whisky isn’t your usual go-to, visiting a distillery is part of the Highland experience.

“I was a total novice, but the tour at Glenmorangie opened my eyes to the craft. Ended up buying a bottle to sip under the stars.” – TripAdvisor review

Popular stops:

Glenmorangie (Tain)
Balblair (Edderton)
Wolfburn (Thurso)

There are also craft gins, ales, and even Highland mead — something for everyone.

Why We Love Sharing Foodie Finds

At Advantures, we believe great travel includes great meals — whether it’s a Michelin-starred dish or a campfire cuppa with shortbread. We love recommending stops where you can taste the place, not just see it.