NC500 Super Unleaded Fuel : (Accurate as of September 2023)
“Where can you get Super Unleaded Fuel on the Scotland’s North Coast 500 Route?”
This is one of the most asked questions about the NC500 route, alongside, where can you get fuel on the NC500?
Thankfully the answer to the latter question is easy – there are loads of petrol stations along the route and as long as the range of the vehicle you are travelling in or on has is comfortably around 80 miles you don’t need to worry at all.
However if it is Super Unleaded, or E5 fuel, that you need for your vehicle, whether due to age, performance or personal choice then things become a little more difficult – although certainly not impossible.
Starting Point : Inverness :
Most people will start the NC500 from Inverness and then more off either clockwise or anticlockwise around the route. Which direction to go is another huge question, both options have their plus points and to be honest there are no real negatives – after all you will be going into the Scottish Highlands to take on an epic road trip, left or right is really of minimal consequence!
The good news is, there is no issue in getting Super Unleaded or E5 fuel in Inverness.
- Shell V-Power is available here : 36 Old Perth Rd, Inverness IV2 3RH
- BP Ultimate is available here : 22-24 Longman Rd, Inverness IV1 1RY
Other options are available in Inverness.
From Inverness I will follow the route clockwise. Your next available stop for Super Unleaded, or E5 fuel will be Ullapool.
Ullapool : (191 miles from Inverness)
The next fuel stop for Super Unleaded or E5 fuel will be Ullapool. This is a Jet Filling Station of which one of its pumps will dispense Jet Ultra, 97 Ron, E5 Fuel. You can’t miss this filling station as it is on the way into Ullapool, right at the edge of the village – or the last shop you will pass as you leave if you are travelling in an anticlockwise direction.
Jet Ultra 97 Ron, E5 Fuel is available here : Garve Rd, Ullapool IV26 2SY
From Ullapool, your next option will be a lengthly trip up along the west coast and most of the north coast until you get to Thurso.
Thurso : (160 miles from Ullapool)
Having travelled approximately 160 miles, not counting for any diversions that you take you will arrive in Thurso. This is the next stop that you will find Super Unleaded / E5 fuel. This is a Gleaner Filling Station.
Gleaner Super Unleaded is available here : Thurso, Bridgend, KW14 8PP
For most people this will be the last stop until you arrive back in Inverness, where the Super E5 Nectar is back to being bountiful, however if you need a top up or a safety net before Inverness you will also be able to get Super Unleaded / E5 in Beauly.
Beauly : (16 miles from / to Inverness)
Beauly will be the definite last stop for some Super Unleaded / E5 fuel before the short trip back to Inverness (or your first option if travelling anticlockwise). Here you will find another Jet Filling Station, again one of the pumps dispenses Jet Ultra 97 Ron / E5 fuel.
Jet Ultra 97 Ron, E5 Fuel is available here : Station Road, Beauly
So there you have it, a 500 mile loop with 4 filling stations that will keep you topped up with Super Premium Fuel. The greatest distance between any two being 191 miles. So if you plan appropriately and remember these locations you will have a worry free, tank full epic road trip around the Scottish NC500.
In case of emergencies :
Just in case you need them, normal fuel stations are also available at the following locations. These stations will only dispense E10 regular fuel & diesel.
- Contin
- Lochcarron
- Applecross
- Kinlochewe
- Ullapool
- Lochiver
- Scourie
- Durness
- Bettyhill
- Thurso
- John O’Groats
- Wick
- Brora
- Tain
- Dingwall
- Inverness
