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 best way, campsites, wild tenting and ideas? Right here’s all the things you should plan your North Coast 500 motorhome or campervan street 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 individuals to go to components 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 unbelievable views.
How lengthy does it take to drive the NC500 in a motorhome?
The route is 516 miles lengthy (therefore the title!), though there’s nothing to cease you veering off and exploring extra locations and sights alongside the best way, such because the Isle of Skye or perhaps a journey to Orkney.
Bear in mind, though it’s ‘solely’ 500 miles, you’ll be driving totally on small, windy nation lanes and subsequently is not going to be going quick, particularly in the event you’re driving in a motorhome.
At finest, you’ll be able to anticipate to do 30mph on many sections- and that’s assuming there isn’t a farm visitors or wildlife within the street.
There are additionally PLENTY of highlights and locations to see alongside the NC500 route, so you’ll in all probability be stopping frequently, both for hikes, images or picnics.
Taking all this into consideration, I like to recommend permitting at the least per week to drive the North Coast 500 in a motorhome, campervan or perhaps a automotive. That is the 7-10 day itinerary and North Coast 500 route planner we used.
It’s potential to do it in much less, however you’ll miss so much. Conversely, some individuals permit 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 property with you, that 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’re going to guide campsites upfront (important in summer time), then you’ll want to permit 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 situations.
Firstly, anticipate to should reverse your car incessantly, particularly on the sections that are single lane with solely passing factors to let visitors from the other 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.
In case you are unable or unwilling to do that, a North Coast 500 motorhome tour won’t 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 Highway with a motorhome
That is the street between Ardarroch and Applecross- both known as Bealach Na Ba or the Applecross Go. It’s one of many steepest roads within the UK and has an indication firstly warning learner drivers and drivers of huge autos to go round.
Right here’s the deal in the event you ought to drive Bealach Na Ba with a motorhome or not:
- If in case you have a motorhome longer than 8m, go round.
- In case you are towing a trailer/ have a caravan, go round
- In case you are a brand new driver/ hiring a car which you’re not used to/ are a nervous driver (no disgrace), go round.
- If in case you have nervous passengers, go round (it’s not price scaring somebody only for a fairly view)
- In case you are driving by yourself, assume very rigorously earlier than driving it. Most of the hairpins are simpler you probably have a spotter to search for oncoming visitors.
- If the climate is dangerous/ heavy rain/ snow/ thick fog- go round. You gained’t see any of the views anyway.
Having mentioned all of the above, I drove Bealach na Ba in my motorhome, by myself, in thick fog. And it was fricking epic! 🙂
If in case you have accomplished any driving in large mountains with a motorhome, just like the Vrsic Go in Slovenia or up within the Alps, and are assured with hairpin bends, reversing, letting visitors move and coping with different street customers, you’ll be completely superb.
The views are SPECTACULAR and effectively well worth the effort. I’d strongly suggest staying close by and driving this street 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 so as to go round corners.
Simply keep in mind, native lorries use this street day by day with none issue- it’s the vacationers who typically trigger the issue.
Nonetheless, in the event you’re undecided, the choice route could be very scenic too, so both manner works.
B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku
One other street which might trigger points is the B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku. In case you are heading to that peninsula, take the A837 again East after which keep on the A894 and you’ll be superb.
Highlights of a North Coast 500 motorhome journey
A few of the finest locations to see on the NC500 motorhome route embrace:
- Smoo Cave
- Clashnessie Falls- this was magic!
- Inverness- probably the most northerly metropolis within the UK
- Corrieshalloch Gorge
- Bealach Na Ba- the UK’s steepest street.
- 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’ll be able to be a part of and depart 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 street journey itinerary.
Historically, the route begins and ends in Inverness, on the fortress. From right here, you’ll be able to select whether or not you go across the route clockwise or anticlockwise. The most well-liked route is clockwise, but it surely actually doesn’t make a lot distinction.
The route is pretty effectively 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’ll be able to 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 present 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.
If in case you have time, head east from Inverness to go to the historic Culloden Moor and study extra concerning the clans, the battle and the historical past of the world. It’s extremely transferring and effectively price a go to earlier than you head off into the Highlands.
It’s additionally price a go to to Eilean Donan fortress, and in the event you 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 in the event you don’t cease (which you’ll!) 35 minutes driving (plus additional for photograph 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 you probably have time.
After all, you’ll be able to break 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 you should begin making some robust decisions in the event you solely have a couple of days to do your complete North Coast 500 route, because it’s not possible to see all the things.
Probably the greatest campsites alongside the west coast of Scotland is Clachtoll Seashore so, no matter you determine to see on the best way, that’s the place I like to recommend ending up for the night time (in excessive season, it’s possible you’ll have to guide for a few nights.)
As I discussed earlier than, it’s not possible to do all the things on this space, particularly in the event you solely have a day or two.
Corrieshalloch Gorge is price 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 might simply be damaged into 2 and even 3 days you probably have time.
At this time you’ll drive over the well-known Kylesku Bridge, in addition to having fun with some extra unbelievable surroundings. There are many locations to cease alongside the best way and stroll/ benefit from the surroundings, simply you’ll want to park effectively out of the street. Wailing Widow Falls is a well-liked cease.
Close to Durness, you’ll additionally discover Smoo Cave, which is effectively price a go to.
Smoo Cave is the biggest 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 effectively signposted. It’s free to stroll to and across the cave and there’s typically a waterfall inside throughout moist climate.
You may as well take a ship tour to the cave. You’ll be able to’t guide the boat- it’s run on a first-come, first-served foundation and solely when the climate and water situations are proper. The tour takes about 20 minutes (worth is round £6pp in money)
Day 5- Durness to Dunnet Bay
Dunnet Bay is one in all my favorite campsites in Scotland. It’s a Caravan and Motorhome Membership web site, and has probably the most unbelievable views.
When you get time, I extremely suggest taking a day journey to Orkney. Sure, you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to’t come all this fashion and NOT get a photograph. You’ll be able to’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 lovely 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!
After all, you’ll be able to at all times select to spend an additional day on the west coast and ignore this present day, however there are some beautiful issues to see within the space, together with the Dornoch Firth, Dornoch cathedral, Skibo Fortress, Inverness Fortress, and searching Nessie on Loch Ness.
North Coast 500 motorhome rent
When you don’t already personal a motorhome or campervan, you’ll be able to rent one for the journey. Make sure you ask the fitting questions earlier than you guide, as most of the ‘finest quotes’ are lacking among the important belongings you would possibly want, like bedding or utensils.
Additionally, be sure that motorhome insurance coverage is included within the quote- that may add so much 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 nations, has ‘correct’ seasons. Nonetheless, there’s a cause the locals have a phrase- ‘all 4 seasons in sooner or later’… 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 time.)
The perfect 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 in the event you 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 similar velocity, so it’s very arduous to get away from the crowds.
Our favorite occasions 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 mentioned 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’s nonetheless the excessive probability of rain, however crowds are fewer and also you’ll have the ability to discover with out too many autos.
Summer season in Scotland
Summer season (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 incessantly than Spring. The most important problem throughout summer time is the midges- extra on them beneath.
The primary summer time 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 one in all our favorite occasions to go to Scotland. The altering colors of the leaves, the wildlife and the pretty heat temperatures make it good for a street 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 daytime are additionally a lot shorter and there’s a excessive probability of snow, particularly in increased areas.
While we get pleasure from motorhoming all 12 months 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 unbelievable places to your self, you would possibly discover emptying waste or getting recent water tougher.
Having mentioned that, one big benefit of driving the North Coast 500 throughout winter is the prospect of seeing the Northern Lights– sure, you’ll be able to sometimes see them in Scotland.
Midge Season in Scotland
You could have heard of the midges in Scotland- small flying biting horrors which might flip a pleasing 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 after they’re at their worst
- Gentle Citronella candles/ use citronella spray
- Use Avon Pores and skin So Tender 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 you probably have pets. They’re frequent throughout Scotland, so be sure to examine your pet and your self incessantly, particularly in the event you’ve been mountaineering or strolling in lengthy grass.
Wild Tenting with a motorhome on the NC500
I like motorhome wild tenting in Scotland. It’s one in all my favorite methods to discover and I get pleasure from staying away from campsites and having fun with the fantastic thing about nature.
Nonetheless, as you could have seen within the information, the NC500 has had some tough and heartbreaking experiences just lately.
Throughout the summer time of 2020, there have been numerous tales of egocentric and ignorant van homeowners leaving locations broken and strewn with all method of disgusting waste.
It was terrible and I don’t blame the locals for being offended. It made me offended that a couple of egocentric idiots have been ruining the expertise and repute of each different motorhome and van proprietor and tarring us all with the identical brush.
In the meanwhile, there’s some stress between the locals, the councils and van homeowners. The reality is that the recognition of the route has grown to the purpose that the infrastructure can not help the numbers of visitors- particularly those that deliver their very own vans.
For that cause, I like to recommend discovering authorised in a single day parking areas or campsites if you need 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, a lot of which accommodate motorhomes and campervans. We’ve listed some solutions within the North Coast 500 motorhome itinerary above, however there are a lot extra throughout summer time.
The issue with many of those campsites is that they shut throughout winter and the low season, so it’s fairly arduous to get water or empty waste or discover in a single day parking in these occasions. Nonetheless, there are a couple of that are open all-year spherical.
TOP TIP: Many campsites solely permit you to examine in from 3 or 4 p.m, after which the workplace closes round 7pm. Timing your arrival may be tough, so permit loads of time to be sure to don’t arrive too late.
When you’re early, there’s no hurt in turning up and seeing if they are going to 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
- Bear in mind that most of the rural roads are single monitor and there’s a lot of farming within the space, so it’s possible you’ll effectively encounter farm autos and animals on the street.
- As well as, the wildlife within the space is plentiful and it’s frequent to see foxes, deer, badgers and different animals on the roads. Watch out, particularly at night time.
- On a single monitor street, in the event you encounter a car coming in the direction of you, anticipate there to be a second the place you stare at one another to see who will blink first. When you’re in a motorhome and are dealing with a automotive, there’s a excessive probability they’ll reverse to permit you to move (you’ll want to thank them). Nonetheless, in the event that they’re actually not budging, or if you realize there’s a passing place near you, you’ll be able to point out that you’ll reverse for them, except you’ve got 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 automotive would possibly effectively reverse for a motorhome.
- Speaking of which, in case you are driving slowly and holding up visitors, use a passing place to wave by way 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 way of there’. Automotive drivers usually are not at all times used to the width of motorhomes, and are incessantly mistaken about what you’ll be able to/ can not get by way of safely. When 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 the 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 street that they neglect 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. When you block this house, you block the street, for each vacationers and locals. Please be thoughtful.
- Having a paper map is a good suggestion, simply in case. Additionally, you probably have wifi in your motorhome, some areas have very poor sign, so it won’t at all times work.
Listed below are another guides you would possibly discover helpful:
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