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 way in which, campsites, wild tenting and suggestions? Right here’s every little thing it’s good to plan your North Coast 500 motorhome or campervan street journey.
Don’t overlook to seize your FREE NC500 motorhome itinerary under to seek 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 components of the nation that are off the crushed monitor.
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 in a motorhome?
The route is 516 miles lengthy (therefore the title!), though there’s nothing to cease you veering off and exploring further 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’ll be driving totally on small, windy nation lanes and subsequently is not going to be going quick, particularly for those who’re driving in a motorhome.
At greatest, you’ll be able to anticipate to do 30mph on many sections- and that’s assuming there is no such thing as a farm site visitors or wildlife within the street.
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, I like to recommend permitting at the least every 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 so much. Conversely, some folks permit two and even three weeks to discover the route and all it has to supply.
One of many enormous benefits of driving the North Coast 500 with a motorhome is that you’ve got your house 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.
I’ll speak about wild tenting with a motorhome alongside the NC500 shortly, but when you’ll e book campsites upfront (important in summer time), then make sure 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 need to reverse your automobile steadily, particularly on the sections that are single lane with solely passing factors to let site visitors from the wrong way go (a motorhome reversing digital camera is ESSENTIAL in these conditions.)
You will have to have the ability to reverse your automobile alongside a slim 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 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 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 originally warning learner drivers and drivers of huge automobiles to go round.
Right here’s the deal for those who ought to drive Bealach Na Ba with a motorhome or not:
- When 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 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)
- In case you are driving by yourself, assume very fastidiously earlier than driving it. Lots of the hairpins are simpler you probably have a spotter to search for oncoming site visitors.
- If the climate is unhealthy/ 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, alone, in thick fog. And it was fricking epic! 🙂
When you have accomplished any driving in massive mountains with a motorhome, just like the Vrsic Go in Slovenia or up within the Alps, and are assured with hairpin bends, reversing, letting site visitors go and coping with different street customers, you’ll be completely high-quality.
The views are SPECTACULAR and properly definitely worth the effort. I’d strongly advocate 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 automobile wants swinging room in an effort to go round corners.
Simply bear in mind, native lorries use this street every day with none issue- it’s the vacationers who typically trigger the issue.
Nonetheless, for those who’re undecided, the choice route may be very scenic too, so both method 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 high-quality.
Highlights of a North Coast 500 motorhome journey
Among the greatest 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 Seaside
- Kylesku Bridge
- John o’Groats
- Dunrobin Fort
- Brora Seaside
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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 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 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 preferred route is clockwise, however 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 (nevertheless, 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 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 study extra in regards to the clans, the battle and the historical past of the realm. It’s extremely transferring and properly value a go to earlier than you head off into the Highlands.
It’s additionally value a go to to Eilean Donan fortress, and for those who 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, stand up early. If not, go round.
Distance: 76 miles in total- 12 miles over the go, then one other 17 miles to the Applecross Smokehouse, and 47 miles to Gairloch
Estimated Time: 2h 45 minutes for those who don’t cease (which you’ll!) 35 minutes driving (plus further for picture stops) over the go, 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 you probably have time.
In fact, 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 robust selections for those who solely have just a few days to do the complete North Coast 500 route, because it’s unattainable to see every little thing.
Among the finest campsites alongside the west coast of Scotland is Clachtoll Seaside 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, you might must e book for a few nights.)
As I discussed earlier than, it’s unattainable to do every little thing on this space, particularly for those who 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 might simply be damaged into 2 and even 3 days you probably have time.
At present 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 make sure to park properly out of the street. 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’s typically a waterfall inside throughout moist climate.
You may also take a ship tour to the cave. You’ll be able to’t e book 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 (value is round £6pp in money)
Day 5- Durness to Dunnet Bay
Dunnet Bay is certainly one of my favorite campsites in Scotland. It’s a Caravan and Motorhome Membership web site, and has probably the most unimaginable views.
In the event you get time, I 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 (through 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 submit, 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 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’ll be able to at all times select to spend an additional day on the west coast and ignore today, however there are some pretty issues to see within the space, together with the Dornoch Firth, Dornoch cathedral, Skibo Fort, Inverness Fort, and looking Nessie on Loch Ness.
North Coast 500 motorhome rent
In the event you don’t already personal a motorhome or campervan, you’ll be able to rent one for the journey. Make sure you ask the appropriate questions earlier than you e book, as lots of the ‘greatest quotes’ are lacking a number of the important belongings you may want, like bedding or utensils.
Additionally, make it possible for motorhome insurance coverage is included within the quote- that may add so much in any other case.
When is the perfect 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 sooner or later’… 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.)
One of the best climate is normally between April-October… however that’s additionally when this route is at its busiest.
We advocate avoiding driving the NC500 throughout July and August utterly for those who can- the colleges are on vacation and all over the 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 exhausting to get away from the crowds.
Our favorite instances are Might/ June or October- many of the crowds have gone, however the climate is normally nonetheless heat sufficient and the times are lengthy sufficient to essentially 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 be capable 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 steadily than Spring. The most important 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 may profit from reserving up campsites upfront.
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 excellent 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 normally 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 increased areas.
While we get pleasure from motorhoming all 12 months spherical, winter could make campervanning in Scotland tougher 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 may discover emptying waste or getting recent water tougher.
Having mentioned that, one enormous benefit of driving the North Coast 500 throughout winter is the prospect of seeing the Northern Lights– sure, you’ll be able to often 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 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 might be:
- Keep indoors at dusk- that’s once they’re at their worst
- Gentle Citronella candles/ use citronella spray
- Use Avon Pores and skin So Comfortable physique spray (this factor is superior!)
- Put on a midge veil/ hat
- Keep away from 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 you verify your pet and your self steadily, particularly for those who’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 certainly 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’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 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 offended. It made me offended that just a few 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 house owners. 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’d like 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 pretty campsites, lots of which accommodate motorhomes and campervans. We’ve listed some strategies within the North Coast 500 motorhome itinerary above, however there are lots 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 exhausting to get water or empty waste or discover in a single day parking in these instances. Nonetheless, there are just a few that are open all-year spherical.
TOP TIP: Many campsites solely will let you verify in from 3 or 4 p.m, after which the workplace closes round 7pm. Timing your arrival will be tough, so permit loads of time to be sure you don’t arrive too late.
In the event 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 could possibly use Brit Stops that will help you discover locations to remain in a single day.
Ideas for driving the NC500 with a motorhome or camper
- Bear in mind that lots of the rural roads are single monitor and there’s a lot of farming within the space, so you might properly encounter farm automobiles 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 evening.
- On a single monitor street, for those who 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. In the event you’re in a motorhome and are going through a automobile, there’s a excessive probability they’ll reverse to will let you go (make sure to thank them). Nevertheless, in the event that they’re actually not budging, or if you understand there’s a passing place near you, you’ll be able to point out that you’ll reverse for them, until you may 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 automobile may properly reverse for a motorhome.
- Speaking of which, if you’re driving slowly and holding up site visitors, use a passing place to wave via 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 via there’. Automobile drivers will not be at all times used to the width of motorhomes, and are steadily fallacious about what you’ll be able to/ can’t get via safely. In the event 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, remember that they could not see you. Some drivers get so intent on reversing straight and never hitting the facet of the street 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. In the event 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 may not at all times work.
Listed here are another guides you may discover helpful:
Don’t overlook to seize your motorhome logbook to document your entire wonderful adventures!
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