Planning to drive the North Coast 500 (NC500) in Scotland with a motorhome or campervan? Need to know the route, highlights and locations to see alongside the way in which, campsites, wild tenting and suggestions? Right here’s all the things it’s essential plan your North Coast 500 motorhome or campervan highway journey.
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North Coast 500 Motorhome Journey
The North Coast 500 is a round driving route in Scotland, created by the Scottish Vacationer Board to encourage folks to go to elements of the nation that are off the crushed monitor.
It was created a number of years in the past, and is now often called one of many most scenic drives in Scotland, encompassing breathtaking seashores, rugged and wild panorama and a few unimaginable views.
How lengthy does it take to drive the NC500 in a motorhome?
The route is 516 miles lengthy (therefore the identify!), though there’s nothing to cease you veering off and exploring extra locations and points of interest alongside the way in which, such because the Isle of Skye or perhaps a journey to Orkney.
Bear in mind, though it’s ‘solely’ 500 miles, you may be driving totally on small, windy nation lanes and due to this fact won’t be going quick, particularly if you happen to’re driving in a motorhome.
At greatest, you possibly can count on to do 30mph on many sections- and that’s assuming there isn’t a farm visitors or wildlife within the highway.
There are additionally PLENTY of highlights and locations to see alongside the NC500 route, so you’ll in all probability be stopping usually, both for hikes, images or picnics.
Taking all this into consideration, I like to recommend permitting not less than per week to drive the North Coast 500 in a motorhome, campervan or perhaps a automobile. That is the 7-10 day itinerary and North Coast 500 route planner we used.
It’s attainable to do it in much less, however you’ll miss loads. Conversely, some folks enable two and even three weeks to discover the route and all it has to supply.
One of many big benefits of driving the North Coast 500 with a motorhome is that you’ve got your own home with you, which means you don’t have to rush fairly a lot to make a sure city the place you’ve booked a resort reservation.
I’ll speak about wild tenting with a motorhome alongside the NC500 shortly, but when you will e book campsites upfront (important in summer season), then be sure you enable loads of time to get there.
Is the NC500 appropriate for motorhomes or campervans?
So, with all these small lanes, can you actually drive the North Coast 500 in a motorhome?
Completely… with circumstances.
Firstly, count on to should reverse your car often, particularly on the sections that are single lane with solely passing factors to let visitors from the wrong way move (a motorhome reversing digicam is ESSENTIAL in these conditions.)
You have to to have the ability to reverse your car alongside a slender lane each in a straight line and round tight corners, till you attain the earlier passing level.
If you’re unable or unwilling to do that, a North Coast 500 motorhome tour may not be best for you. (Don’t fear, there are many different locations to go to on a UK motorhoming vacation.)
READ MORE: The BEST NC500 campsites for motorhomes and campervans
Driving Bealach Na Ba/ Applecross Street with a motorhome
That is the highway between Ardarroch and Applecross- both referred to as Bealach Na Ba or the Applecross Move. It’s one of many steepest roads within the UK and has an indication firstly warning learner drivers and drivers of enormous autos to go round.
Right here’s the deal if you happen to ought to drive Bealach Na Ba with a motorhome or not:
- When you have a motorhome longer than 8m, go round.
- If you’re towing a trailer/ have a caravan, go round
- If you’re a brand new driver/ hiring a car which you’re not used to/ are a nervous driver (no disgrace), go round.
- When you have nervous passengers, go round (it’s not value scaring somebody only for a fairly view)
- If you’re driving by yourself, assume very fastidiously earlier than driving it. Most of the hairpins are simpler when you have a spotter to search for oncoming visitors.
- If the climate is unhealthy/ heavy rain/ snow/ thick fog- go round. You received’t see any of the views anyway.
Having stated all of the above, I drove Bealach na Ba in my motorhome, by myself, in thick fog. And it was fricking epic! 🙂
When you have executed any driving in massive mountains with a motorhome, just like the Vrsic Move in Slovenia or up within the Alps, and are assured with hairpin bends, reversing, letting visitors move and coping with different highway customers, you may be completely effective.
The views are SPECTACULAR and properly definitely worth the effort. I’d strongly suggest staying close by and driving this highway as early as you can- first mild is ideal.
Get there earlier than the vacationer buses and idiots who don’t perceive how a big car wants swinging room with a view to go round corners.
Simply keep in mind, native lorries use this highway each day with none issue- it’s the vacationers who usually trigger the issue.
Nonetheless, if you happen to’re undecided, the choice route may be very scenic too, so both means works.
B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku
One other highway which may trigger points is the B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku. If you’re heading to that peninsula, take the A837 again East after which keep on the A894 and you may be effective.
Highlights of a North Coast 500 motorhome journey
A few of the greatest locations to see on the NC500 motorhome route embody:
- Smoo Cave
- Clashnessie Falls- this was magic!
- Inverness- essentially the most northerly metropolis within the UK
- Corrieshalloch Gorge
- Bealach Na Ba- the UK’s steepest highway.
- Clachtoll Seashore
- Kylesku Bridge
- John o’Groats
- Dunrobin Fortress
- Brora Seashore
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North Coast 500 Route Planner
The NC500 is round, which implies you possibly can be part of and go away the route wherever you want. There’s additionally nothing to cease you solely driving a small part of it- like we included in our 10-day Scotland highway journey itinerary.
Historically, the route begins and ends in Inverness, on the fort. From right here, you possibly can select whether or not you go across the route clockwise or anticlockwise. The preferred route is clockwise, nevertheless it actually doesn’t make a lot distinction.
The route is pretty properly signposted, and far of it’s alongside quiet and distant lanes, so there’s not an excessive amount of probability of getting misplaced (nonetheless, you possibly can at all times put the route into your motorhome sat nav, simply in case!)
North Coast 500 Route Map
North Coast 500 motorhome Itinerary
To offer you an concept, right here’s a tough itinerary for driving the North Coast 500 with a motorhome or camper (or perhaps a caravan!)
Day One- Inverness to Ardarroch
Distance: 68 miles
Estimated Time: 1h half-hour driving
Campsite Suggestion: The Wee Campsite– small however with nice views of the loch.
When you have time, head east from Inverness to go to the historic Culloden Moor and be taught extra in regards to the clans, the battle and the historical past of the world. It’s extremely shifting and properly value a go to earlier than you head off into the Highlands.
It’s additionally value a go to to Eilean Donan fort, and if you happen to can, do a detour to the Isle of Skye for a day or two.
Day Two- Ardarroch to Applecross/ Sands
If you wish to drive Bealach Na Ba, rise up early. If not, go round.
Distance: 76 miles in total- 12 miles over the move, then one other 17 miles to the Applecross Smokehouse, and 47 miles to Gairloch
Estimated Time: 2h 45 minutes if you happen to don’t cease (which you’ll!) 35 minutes driving (plus further for picture stops) over the move, 38 minutes across the coast, then one other 90 minutes as much as Gairloch and Sands campsite
Campsite Suggestion: Sands Campsite in Gairloch- gorgeous views. Keep right here an evening and even two when you have time.
In fact, you possibly can cut up this into two days, and keep at Applecross for an evening if you want earlier than driving as much as Gairloch.
Day Three- Gairloch to Clachtoll Seashore
That is when it’s essential begin making some robust decisions if you happen to solely have a couple of days to do the complete North Coast 500 route, because it’s unimaginable to see all the things.
Probably the greatest campsites alongside the west coast of Scotland is Clachtoll Seashore so, no matter you resolve to see on the way in which, that’s the place I like to recommend ending up for the evening (in excessive season, it’s possible you’ll have to e book for a few nights.)
As I discussed earlier than, it’s unimaginable to do all the things on this space, particularly if you happen to solely have a day or two.
Corrieshalloch Gorge is value a go to and so is Clashnessie Falls, which is close to the breathtaking Clashnessie seaside. Ullapool, Lochinver and Achiltibuie all deserve a go to too, so do your analysis and see what appeals most.
Day 4- Clachtoll to Durness
One other longish day which may simply be damaged into 2 and even 3 days when you have time.
As we speak you’ll drive over the well-known Kylesku Bridge, in addition to having fun with some extra unimaginable surroundings. There are many locations to cease alongside the way in which and stroll/ benefit from the surroundings, simply be sure you park properly out of the highway. Wailing Widow Falls is a well-liked cease.
Close to Durness, you’ll additionally discover Smoo Cave, which is properly value a go to.
Smoo Cave is the most important pure sea cave within the British Isles, with proof of human inhabitance from as early as 8000 BC!
The cave is only a mile east of Durness Village and is properly signposted. It’s free to stroll to and across the cave and there may be usually a waterfall inside throughout moist climate.
You may also take a ship tour to the cave. You possibly can’t e book the boat- it’s run on a first-come, first-served foundation and solely when the climate and water circumstances are proper. The tour takes about 20 minutes (value is round £6pp in money)
Day 5- Durness to Dunnet Bay
Dunnet Bay is considered one of my favorite campsites in Scotland. It’s a Caravan and Motorhome Membership website, and has essentially the most unimaginable views.
Should you get time, I extremely suggest taking a day journey to Orkney. Sure, you possibly can take your motorhome or campervan and get there and again on the ferries.
Day Six- Dunnet Bay to Dornoch (by way of John o’Groats)
Sure, John o’Groats is tacky and touristy and overhyped… however you possibly can’t come all this fashion and NOT get a photograph. You possibly can’t drive your motorhome as much as the publish, however you CAN get your motorbikes up there…
In addition to John o’Groats, there are additionally the stacks at Duncansby Head and the magnificent Dunrobin Fortress- the gardens are stunning and the views are attractive.
Day Seven- Dornoch again to Inverness
Distance: 45 miles
Estimated Time: 1 hour
And that’s it- you’ve accomplished the NC500!
In fact, you possibly can at all times select to spend an additional day on the west coast and ignore at the present time, however there are some beautiful issues to see within the space, together with the Dornoch Firth, Dornoch cathedral, Skibo Fortress, Inverness Fortress, and looking Nessie on Loch Ness.
North Coast 500 motorhome rent
Should you don’t already personal a motorhome or campervan, you possibly can rent one for the journey. Make sure you ask the proper questions earlier than you e book, as lots of the ‘greatest quotes’ are lacking among the important belongings you would possibly want, like bedding or utensils.
Additionally, ensure that motorhome insurance coverage is included within the quote- that may add loads in any other case.
When is the most effective time to discover the North Coast 500 with a motorhome or camper?
Scotland, like many Northern European international locations, has ‘correct’ seasons. Nevertheless, there’s a cause the locals have a phrase- ‘all 4 seasons in at some point’… the climate is known for altering wildly on the drop of a hat.
It may be sunny within the morning, windy and cloudy by lunch, and even snowing within the afternoon (though it’s uncommon to get snow in summer season.)
One of the best climate is often between April-October… however that’s additionally when this route is at its busiest.
We suggest avoiding driving the NC500 throughout July and August fully if you happen to can- the faculties are on vacation and in every single place is over-crowded. The draw back with this route is that EVERYONE is following the identical roads, on the identical pace, so it’s very laborious to get away from the crowds.
Our favorite instances are Might/ June or October- many of the crowds have gone, however the climate is often nonetheless heat sufficient and the times are lengthy sufficient to actually take advantage of them.
Having stated that, rain can strike at any second, so at all times be ready with applicable clothes, it doesn’t matter what month you’re visiting.
Spring in Scotland
Spring in Scotland (March, April and Might) is wonderful- so many wild flowers and all the child animals are out to play. Common temperature is 10°C and there may be nonetheless the excessive probability of rain, however crowds are fewer and also you’ll be capable to discover with out too many autos.
Summer time in Scotland
Summer time (June, July and August) is peak season in Scotland because it has the warmest months, with common temperatures round 17°C (63 °F). Days are lengthy and the additional north you go, the longer the daylight lasts.
Rain can occur, however much less often than Spring. The most important problem throughout summer season is the midges- extra on them beneath.
The principle summer season holidays within the UK are July and August, so in case you are driving the North Coast 500 throughout peak season, you would possibly profit from reserving up campsites upfront.
Autumn in Scotland
Autumn (September, October and November) is considered one of our favorite instances to go to Scotland. The altering colors of the leaves, the wildlife and the pretty heat temperatures make it excellent for a highway journey.
Common temperatures are round 14°C (57°F), however drop sharply in November.
Winter in Scotland
December, January and February are often the coldest months, with common temperatures of round 5°C (41°F). The daylight are additionally a lot shorter and there’s a excessive probability of snow, particularly in greater areas.
While we get pleasure from motorhoming all yr spherical, winter could make campervanning in Scotland tougher than throughout different seasons.
Most of the campsites shut so, though the roads are quieter and also you’ll have some unimaginable places to your self, you would possibly discover emptying waste or getting contemporary water tougher.
Having stated that, one big benefit of driving the North Coast 500 throughout winter is the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights– sure, you possibly can sometimes see them in Scotland.
Midge Season in Scotland
You will have heard of the midges in Scotland- small flying biting horrors which may flip a nice night right into a depressing affair.
Sadly, regardless of not being a goal for mosquitoes, they appear drawn to each me and my husband, so now we make an effort to keep away from peak season, which is Might to September.
Some tricks to fight the midges if they’re out to get you’re:
- Keep indoors at dusk- that’s once they’re at their worst
- Gentle Citronella candles/ use citronella spray
- Use Avon Pores and skin So Mushy physique spray (this factor is superior!)
- Put on a midge veil/ hat
- Avoid nonetheless water
- Go someplace windy (no jokes about baked beans please…!)
One other horrible insect/ bug to concentrate on is ticks- particularly when you have pets. They’re frequent throughout Scotland, so be sure you examine your pet and your self often, particularly if you happen to’ve been mountaineering or strolling in lengthy grass.
Wild Tenting with a motorhome on the NC500
I really like motorhome wild tenting in Scotland. It’s considered one of my favorite methods to discover and I get pleasure from staying away from campsites and having fun with the fantastic thing about nature.
Nevertheless, as you will have seen within the information, the NC500 has had some tough and heartbreaking experiences not too long ago.
Through the summer season of 2020, there have been numerous tales of egocentric and ignorant van house owners leaving locations broken and strewn with all method of disgusting waste.
It was terrible and I don’t blame the locals for being indignant. It made me indignant that a couple of egocentric idiots have been ruining the expertise and popularity of each different motorhome and van proprietor and tarring us all with the identical brush.
In the mean time, there may be some stress between the locals, the councils and van house owners. The reality is that the recognition of the route has grown to the purpose that the infrastructure can not assist the numbers of visitors- particularly those that convey their very own vans.
For that cause, I like to recommend discovering authorised in a single day parking areas or campsites in order for you peace of mind- I counsel discovering authorised in a single day motorhome parking spots close to you as a substitute.
Motorhome wild tenting guides for the UK & Europe
North Coast 500 motorhome Campsites
The North Coast 500 has many beautiful campsites, lots of which accommodate motorhomes and campervans. We’ve listed some ideas within the North Coast 500 motorhome itinerary above, however there are a lot extra throughout summer season.
The issue with many of those campsites is that they shut throughout winter and the low season, so it’s fairly laborious to get water or empty waste or discover in a single day parking in these instances. Nonetheless, there are a couple of that are open all-year spherical.
TOP TIP: Many campsites solely will let you examine in from 3 or 4 p.m, after which the workplace closes round 7pm. Timing your arrival might be tough, so enable loads of time to be sure you don’t arrive too late.
Should you’re early, there’s no hurt in turning up and seeing if they’ll allow you to check-in early- most locations are very accommodating if they’ve house.
In addition to campsites, you can use Brit Stops that can assist you discover locations to remain in a single day.
Ideas for driving the NC500 with a motorhome or camper
- Remember that lots of the rural roads are single monitor and there’s a lot of farming within the space, so it’s possible you’ll properly encounter farm autos and animals on the highway.
- As well as, the wildlife within the space is ample and it’s frequent to see foxes, deer, badgers and different animals on the roads. Watch out, particularly at evening.
- On a single monitor highway, if you happen to encounter a car coming in direction of you, count on there to be a second the place you stare at one another to see who will blink first. Should you’re in a motorhome and are dealing with a automobile, there’s a excessive probability they’ll reverse to will let you move (be sure you thank them). Nevertheless, in the event that they’re actually not budging, or if you realize there’s a passing place near you, you possibly can point out that you’ll reverse for them, until you could have a car behind you… which is when the enjoyable actually begins. On hills, the car going uphill has precedence, so the car going downhill ought to reverse however, once more, a automobile would possibly properly reverse for a motorhome.
- Speaking of which, in case you are driving slowly and holding up visitors, use a passing place to wave by means of automobiles, bikes or anybody caught behind you- they’ll thanks for it.
- Do NOT get sucked in by one other driver telling you that ‘you will get a bus by means of there’. Automobile drivers are usually not at all times used to the width of motorhomes, and are often unsuitable about what you possibly can/ can not get by means of safely. Should you’re not proud of the house they’ve left you, both ask them to maneuver over extra, otherwise you reverse till you discover a passing place you’re proud of.
- Equally, be alert for autos reversing in direction of you. Cease instantly and see the place they’re going. Additionally, remember that they might not see you. Some drivers get so intent on reversing straight and never hitting the aspect of the highway that they overlook to look straight behind them. In the event that they get too shut, beep your horn.
NOTE: a passing place is NOT an in a single day parking spot. Neither is it someplace to park up and go for a stroll/ take a photograph/ make a phonecall. Should you block this house, you block the highway, for each vacationers and locals. Please be thoughtful.
- Having a paper map is a good suggestion, simply in case. Additionally, when you have wifi in your motorhome, some areas have very poor sign, so it may not at all times work.
Listed below are another guides you would possibly discover helpful:
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