Planning to drive the North Coast 500 (NC500) in Scotland with a motorhome or campervan? Wish to know the route, highlights and locations to see alongside the best way, campsites, wild tenting and suggestions? Right here’s every little thing it’s good to plan your North Coast 500 motorhome or campervan highway journey.
Don’t neglect to seize your FREE NC500 motorhome itinerary under to search out a number of the greatest locations to go to
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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 observe.
It was created a number of years in the past, and is now often known as 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 motorhome route?
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 due to this fact won’t be going quick, particularly in a motorhome. At greatest, you’ll be able to anticipate to do 30mph on many sections- and that’s assuming there isn’t any farm site visitors or wildlife within the highway.
There are additionally PLENTY of highlights and locations to see alongside the NC500 route, so you’ll most likely be stopping usually, both for hikes, pictures or picnics.
Taking all this under consideration, we advocate permitting at the very least per week to drive the North Coast 500 in a motorhome, campervan or perhaps a automotive. It’s attainable to do it in much less, however you’ll miss so much. Conversely, some folks permit two and even three weeks to discover the route and all it has to supply.
One of many large benefits of driving the North Coast 500 with a motorhome is that you’ve your private home with you, that means you don’t must rush fairly a lot to make a sure city the place you’ve booked a resort reservation. We’ll discuss wild tenting with a motorhome alongside the NC500 shortly, but when you’re going to ebook campsites prematurely (important in summer time), then you’ll want to permit loads of time to get there.
READ MORE: The BEST NC500 campsites for motorhomes and campervans
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 must reverse your automobile, particularly on the sections that are single lane with solely passing factors to let site visitors from the other way move. You will have to have the ability to reverse alongside a slim lane each in a straight line and round tight corners, till you attain the earlier level. If you’re unable or unwilling to do that, a North Coast 500 motorhome tour may not be proper for you- don’t fear, there are many different locations to go to on a UK motorhoming vacation.
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 at the start warning learner drivers and drivers of huge automobiles to go round. You possibly can see the signal right here.
Right here’s the deal on when you 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 automobile 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 reasonably view)
- If you’re driving by yourself, assume very rigorously earlier than driving it. Lots of the hairpins are simpler in case you have a spotter to search for oncoming site visitors.
- If the climate is unhealthy/ heavy rain/ snow/ thick fog- go round. You received’t see any of the views anyway.
Nevertheless, in case you have finished any driving in huge mountains with a motorhome, just like the Vrsic Move in Slovenia or up within the Alps, and are assured with hairpin bends, reversing, letting site visitors move and coping with different highway customers, you’ll be completely high quality.
The views are SPECTACULAR and effectively definitely worth the effort. I might strongly advocate staying close by and driving this highway as early as you can- first gentle is ideal. Get there earlier than the vacationers and idiots who don’t perceive how a big automobile wants swinging room as a way to go round corners. However native lorries use this highway each day with none issue- it’s the vacationers which frequently trigger the issue.
Having stated all that, the choice route may be very scenic too, so both means works.
B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku
One other highway which might 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’ll be high quality.
Highlights of a North Coast 500 motorhome journey
Among the greatest locations to see on the NC500 motorhome route embrace:
- Inverness- essentially the most northerly metropolis within the UK
- Smoo Cave
- Corrieshalloch Gorge
- Clashnessie Falls
- Bealach Na Ba- the UK’s steepest highway.
- Clachtoll Seaside
- Kylesku Bridge
- John o’Groats
- Dunrobin Fort
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North Coast 500 Route Planner
The NC500 is round, which suggests 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 highway journey itinerary.
Historically, the route begins and ends in Inverness, on the fort. From right here, you’ll be able to 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 effectively signposted, and far of it’s alongside quiet and distant lanes, so there’s not an excessive amount of likelihood of getting misplaced (nonetheless, you’ll be able to all the time put the route into your motorhome sat nav, simply in case!)
North Coast 500 Route Map
North Coast 500 motorhome Itinerary
To provide 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 study extra in regards to the clans, the battle and the historical past of the realm. It’s extremely transferring and effectively value a go to earlier than you head off into the Highlands.
Day Two- Ardarroch to Applecross/ Sands
If you wish to drive Bealach Na Ba, stand 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 when you 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- beautiful views. Keep right here an evening and even two in case you 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 Seaside
That is when it’s good to begin making some powerful selections when you solely have a couple of days to do your complete North Coast 500 route, because it’s inconceivable to see every little thing. Among the best campsites alongside the west coast of Scotland is Clachtoll Seaside so, no matter you determine to see on the best way, that’s the place I like to recommend ending up for the evening (in excessive season, chances are you’ll must ebook for a few nights.)
Distance: 99 miles
Estimated Time: 2h half-hour
Campsite Suggestion: Clachtoll Seaside Campsite
As I discussed earlier than, it’s inconceivable to do every little thing on this space, particularly when you solely have a day or two. Corrieshalloch Gorge is value a go to and so is Clashnessie Falls, which is close to the breathtaking Clachtoll 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 in case you have time.
Distance: 57 miles
Estimated Time: 1h half-hour
Campsite Suggestion: Sango Sands campsite
At this time 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 best way and stroll/ benefit from the surroundings, simply you’ll want to park effectively out of the highway.
Close to Durness, you’ll additionally discover Smoo Cave, which is effectively 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 effectively signposted. It’s free to stroll to and across the cave and there may be usually a waterfall inside throughout moist climate.
You can even take a ship tour to the cave. You possibly can’t ebook the boat- it’s run on a first-come, first-served foundation. The tour takes about 20 minutes (worth is round £6pp in money)
Day 5- Durness to Dunnet Bay
Distance: 78 miles
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Campsite Suggestion: Dunnet Bay Campsite
Dunnet Bay is certainly one of our favorite campsites in Scotland. It’s a Caravan and Motorhome Membership website, and has essentially the most unimaginable views.
When you get time, we extremely advocate 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)
Distance: 73 miles
Estimated Time: 1 hour 42 minutes (not together with the detour to John o’Groats.
Campsite Suggestion: Dornoch Caravan and Tenting Park
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 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 Fort- the gardens are stunning and the views are beautiful.
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 all the time select to spend an additional day on the west coast and ignore this present day, however there are some pretty issues to see within the space, together with the Dornoch Firth, Dornoch cathedral, Skibo Fort, Inverness Fort, 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 correct questions earlier than you ebook, as most of the ‘greatest quotes’ are lacking a number of the important stuff you would possibly want, like bedding or utensils.
Additionally, ensure that motorhome insurance coverage is included within the quote- that may add so much in any other case.
When is the very best 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 motive the locals have a phrase- ‘all 4 seasons in someday’… the climate is legendary 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 most effective climate is often between April-October… however that’s additionally when this route is at its busiest. We advocate avoiding driving the NC500 throughout July and August fully when you can- the faculties are on vacation and in all places 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 instances are Could/ June or October- a lot of the crowds have gone, however the climate is often nonetheless heat sufficient and the times are lengthy sufficient to actually profit from them. Having stated that, rain can strike at any second, so all the time be ready with acceptable clothes, it doesn’t matter what month you’re visiting.
Spring in Scotland
Spring in Scotland (March, April and Could) 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 likelihood of rain, however crowds are fewer and also you’ll have the ability to discover with out too many automobiles.
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 regularly than Spring. The largest problem throughout summer time is the midges- extra on them under.
The primary summer time holidays within the UK are July and August, so if you’re driving the North Coast 500 throughout peak season, you would possibly profit from reserving up campsites prematurely.
Autumn in Scotland
Autumn (September, October and November) is certainly one of our favorite instances to go to Scotland. The altering colors of the leaves, the wildlife and the pretty heat temperatures make it good 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 likelihood of snow, particularly in increased areas. While we take pleasure in motorhoming all 12 months spherical, winter could make campervanning in Scotland harder than throughout different seasons.
Lots 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 harder. Having stated that, one large 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 will 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 Could to September.
Some tricks to fight the midges if they’re out to get you might be:
- Keep indoors at dusk- that’s once they’re at their worst
- Mild Citronella candles/ use citronella spray
- Use Avon Pores and skin So Gentle physique spray (this factor is superior!)
- Put on a midge veil/ hat
- Steer clear of nonetheless water
- Go someplace windy (no jokes about baked beans please…!)
One other horrible insect/ bug to pay attention to is ticks- particularly in case you have pets. They’re frequent throughout Scotland, so be sure to examine your pet and your self regularly, particularly when you’ve been mountain climbing or strolling in lengthy grass.
Wild Tenting with a motorhome on the NC500
We love motorhome wild tenting in Scotland. It’s certainly one of our favorite methods to discover and we take pleasure in staying away from campsites and having fun with the great thing about nature. Nevertheless, as you’ll have seen within the information, the NC500 has had some tough and heartbreaking experiences lately.
In the course of 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 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 intervening time, tensions are nonetheless excessive 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 carry their very own vans.
For that motive, we at present do NOT advocate wild tenting alongside the NC500 till the realm (and the damage emotions of the locals) subside- we advise discovering permitted in a single day motorhome parking spots close to you as a substitute. The councils are apparently working arduous to create new areas for motorhomes and campervans to remain and we extremely encourage you to make use of these every time you’ll be able to.
Motorhome wild tenting guides for the UK & Europe
North Coast 500 motorhome Campsites
The North Coast 500 has many pretty 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 loads 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 instances. Nonetheless, there are a couple of that are open all-year spherical.
TOP TIP: Many campsites solely can help you examine in from 3 or 4 p.m, after which the workplace closes round 7pm. Timing your arrival might 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 may allow you to check-in early- most locations are very accommodating if they’ve house.
In addition to campsites, you possibly can use Brit Stops that can assist you discover locations to remain in a single day.
Suggestions for driving the NC500 with a motorhome or camper
- Remember that most of the rural roads are single observe and there’s a lot of farming within the space, so chances are you’ll effectively encounter farm automobiles 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 observe highway, when you encounter a automobile coming in 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 likelihood they’ll reverse to can help you move (you’ll want to thank them). Nevertheless, in the event that they’re actually not budging, or if you recognize there’s a passing place near you, you’ll be able to point out that you’ll reverse for them, except you will have a automobile behind you… which is when the enjoyable actually begins. On hills, the automobile going uphill has precedence, so the automobile going downhill ought to reverse however, once more, a automotive would possibly effectively reverse for a motorhome.
- Speaking of which, if you’re driving slowly and holding up site visitors, use a passing place to wave by means of vehicles, bikes or anybody caught behind you- they’ll thanks for it.
- Do NOT get sucked in by one other driver telling you that ‘you may get a bus by means of there’. Automotive drivers should not all the time used to the width of motorhomes, and are regularly fallacious about what you’ll be able to/ can’t get by means of safely. When you’re not pleased with the house they’ve left you, both ask them to maneuver over extra, otherwise you reverse till you discover a passing place you’re pleased with.
- Equally, be alert for automobiles reversing in direction of you. Cease instantly and see the place they’re going. Additionally, bear in mind that they could not see you. Some drivers get so intent on reversing straight and never hitting the aspect of the highway 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 highway, for each vacationers and locals. Please be thoughtful.
- Having a paper map is a good suggestion, simply in case. Additionally, in case you have wifi in your motorhome, some areas have very poor sign, so it may not all the time work.
Listed here are another guides you would possibly discover helpful:
Don’t neglect to seize your motorhome logbook to file all your superb adventures!
