North Coast 500
 

Has anyone been on it to know if it's worth it?

My trip report may be helpful https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...yssey-1715312/ - one of our most rewarding holidays ever.

Of course its 'worth it'. But a lot depends on when, how many days you devote to it, and what else you are seeing in Scotland. If you are going in summer (by that I mean mid July through Labor day) bear in mind that it is insanely popular and accommodations will book up far in advance and traffic will be an issue.

We've been to Scotland 3 times, planning it and driving on our own, love it.
We would do the the North Coast 500 before or after The Tatoo in Edinburgh in August, as we have never been to that.

Tattoo, hope you enjoy it

OK -- August is the very busiest of busy. Next year the Tattoo runs Aug 1 through Aug. 23 (during the Fringe/festivals as well) so it depends on how many days before or after the Tattoo you will be in Scotland. IF you arrive in early to mid July and go up north first you could squeeze in the NC500 before touring elsewhere and heading south to Edinburgh towards the beginning of August. It will be busy but probably manageable. Or if you attend the Tattoo towards the end of its run, and are up north maybe the 1st or 2nd week of Sept it would also be manageable.

But I honestly would not attempt the NC500 between the last week of July and about Sept 3 or 4. Just wouldn't :(