Planning to drive the North Coast 500 (NC500) in Scotland with a motorhome or campervan? Want to know the route, highlights and locations to see alongside the best way, campsites, wild tenting and ideas? Here’s every little thing you’ll want to plan your North Coast 500 motorhome or campervan highway journey.
Don’t neglect to seize your FREE NC500 motorhome itinerary beneath to search out a few of the finest locations to go to
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North Coast 500 Motorhome Trip
The North Coast 500 is a round driving route in Scotland, created by the Scottish Tourist Board to encourage individuals 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 further locations and sights alongside the best way, such because the Isle of Skye or perhaps a journey to Orkney.
Remember, though it’s ‘only’ 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 finest, you may count on to do 30mph on many sections- and that’s assuming there is no such thing as a 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 in all probability be stopping repeatedly, both for hikes, images or picnics.
Taking all this under consideration, we advocate permitting no less than every week to drive the North Coast 500 in a motorhome, campervan or perhaps a automotive. This is the 7-10 day itinerary and North Coast 500 route planner we used.
It is feasible to do it in much less, however you’ll miss loads. Conversely, some individuals enable two and even three weeks to discover the route and all it has to supply.
One of the large benefits of driving the North Coast 500 with a motorhome is that you’ve your property with you, which means you don’t must rush fairly a lot to make a sure city the place you’ve booked a lodge reservation.
We’ll speak about wild tenting with a motorhome alongside the NC500 shortly, but when you will guide campsites upfront (important in summer time), then you’ll want to 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?
Absolutely… with situations.
Firstly, count on to should reverse your car incessantly, particularly on the sections that are single lane with solely passing factors to let site visitors from the other way cross.
You will want 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 might be 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 Road with a motorhome
This is the highway between Ardarroch and Applecross- both known as Bealach Na Ba or the Applecross Pass. It’s one of many steepest roads within the UK and has an indication at first warning learner drivers and drivers of enormous autos to go round.
Here’s the deal on should you ought to drive Bealach Na Ba with a motorhome or not:
- If you’ve a motorhome longer than 8m, go round.
- If you might be towing a trailer/ have a caravan, go round
- If you’re a new driver/ hiring a car which you’re not used to/ are a nervous driver (no disgrace), go round.
- If you’ve nervous passengers, go round (it’s not value scaring somebody only for a reasonably view)
- If you might be driving by yourself, suppose very rigorously earlier than driving it. Many of the hairpins are simpler when you 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, by myself, in thick fog. And it was fricking epic! ????
If you’ve executed any driving in huge mountains with a motorhome, just like the Vrsic Pass in Slovenia or up within the Alps, and are assured with hairpin bends, reversing, letting site visitors cross and coping with different highway customers, you’ll be completely high quality.
The views are SPECTACULAR and properly definitely worth the effort. I might strongly advocate 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 as a way to go round corners.
Just bear in mind, native lorries use this highway every day with none issue- it’s the vacationers who typically trigger the issue.
Still, should you’re undecided, the choice route may be very scenic too, so both manner works.
B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku
Another highway which might trigger points is the B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku. If you might be 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
Some of the most effective 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 Beach
- Kylesku Bridge
- John o’Groats
- Dunrobin Castle
- Brora Beach
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North Coast 500 Route Planner
The NC500 is round, which implies you may 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.
Traditionally, the route begins and ends in Inverness, on the fortress. From right here, you may select whether or not you go across the route clockwise or anticlockwise. The hottest 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 likelihood of getting misplaced (nonetheless, you may 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 thought, 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 you’ve 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 fortress, and should 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 cross, then one other 17 miles to the Applecross Smokehouse, and 47 miles to Gairloch
Estimated Time: 2h 45 minutes should you don’t cease (which you’ll!) 35 minutes driving (plus additional for photograph stops) over the cross, 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. Stay right here an evening and even two when you have time.
Of course, you may 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 Beach
This is when you’ll want to begin making some robust decisions should you solely have a couple of days to do the complete North Coast 500 route, because it’s inconceivable to see every little thing.
One of the most effective campsites alongside the west coast of Scotland is Clachtoll Beach so, no matter you resolve to see on the best way, that’s the place I like to recommend ending up for the night time (in excessive season, chances are you’ll must guide for a few nights.)
As I discussed earlier than, it’s inconceivable to do every little thing on this space, particularly should 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 Clashnessie seaside. Ullapool, Lochinver and Achiltibuie all deserve a go to too, so do your analysis and see what appeals most.
Day Four- Clachtoll to Durness
Another longish day which might simply be damaged into 2 and even 3 days when you have time.
Today you’ll drive over the well-known Kylesku Bridge, in addition to having fun with some extra unimaginable surroundings. There are loads of locations to cease alongside the best way and stroll/ benefit from the surroundings, simply you’ll want to park properly out of the highway. Wailing Widow Falls is a well-liked cease.
Near 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 typically a waterfall inside throughout moist climate.
You also can take a ship tour to the cave. You can’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 (value is round £6pp in money)
Day Five- Durness to Dunnet Bay
Dunnet Bay is certainly one of our favorite campsites in Scotland. It’s a Caravan and Motorhome Club web site, and has essentially the most unimaginable views.
If you get time, we extremely advocate taking a day journey to Orkney. Yes, you may take your motorhome or campervan and get there and again on the ferries.
Day Six- Dunnet Bay to Dornoch (through John o’Groats)
Yes, John o’Groats is tacky and touristy and overhyped… however you may’t come all this manner and NOT get a photograph. You can’t drive your motorhome as much as the put up, however you CAN get your motorbikes up there…
As properly as John o’Groats, there are additionally the stacks at Duncansby Head and the magnificent Dunrobin Castle- the gardens are lovely 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!
Of course, you may at all times select to spend an additional day on the west coast and ignore today, however there are some beautiful issues to see within the space, together with the Dornoch Firth, Dornoch cathedral, Skibo Castle, Inverness Castle, and searching Nessie on Loch Ness.
North Coast 500 motorhome rent
If you don’t already personal a motorhome or campervan, you may rent one for the journey. Be positive you ask the correct questions earlier than you guide, as most of the ‘best quotes’ are lacking a few of the important stuff you would possibly want, like bedding or utensils.
Also, be sure 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 ‘proper’ seasons. However, there’s a purpose the locals have a phrase- ‘all four seasons in one day’… the climate is known for altering wildly on the drop of a hat.
It will 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 finest 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 utterly should you can- the colleges 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 pace, so it’s very onerous to get away from the crowds.
Our favorite instances are May/ June or October- many of the crowds have gone, however the climate is often 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 acceptable clothes, it doesn’t matter what month you’re visiting.
Spring in Scotland
Spring in Scotland (March, April and May) is wonderful- so many wild flowers and all the newborn animals are out to play. Average temperature is 10°C and there may be nonetheless the excessive likelihood of rain, however crowds are fewer and also you’ll be capable of discover with out too many autos.
Summer in Scotland
Summer (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 largest problem throughout summer time is the midges- extra on them beneath.
The major 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 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.
Average 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.
Whilst we get pleasure from motorhoming all 12 months spherical, winter could make campervanning in Scotland harder than throughout different seasons.
Many 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 recent water harder.
Having mentioned that, one enormous benefit of driving the North Coast 500 throughout winter is the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights– sure, you may often see them in Scotland.
Midge Season in Scotland
You might 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 May to September.
Some tricks to fight the midges if they’re out to get you might be:
- Stay indoors at dusk- that’s after they’re at their worst
- Light Citronella candles/ use citronella spray
- Use Avon Skin So Soft physique spray (this factor is superior!)
- Wear a midge veil/ hat
- Stay away from nonetheless water
- Go someplace windy (no jokes about baked beans please…!)
Another horrible insect/ bug to concentrate on is ticks- particularly when you have pets. They are widespread throughout Scotland, so be sure to verify your pet and your self incessantly, particularly should you’ve been mountain climbing or strolling in lengthy grass.
Wild Camping 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 get pleasure from staying away from campsites and having fun with the fantastic thing about nature.
However, as you might have seen within the information, the NC500 has had some troublesome and heartbreaking experiences not too long ago.
During 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 status of each different motorhome and van proprietor and tarring us all with the identical brush.
At the second, tensions are nonetheless excessive between the locals, the councils and van homeowners. The fact is that the recognition of the route has grown to the purpose that the infrastructure can now not help the numbers of visitors- particularly those that carry their very own vans.
For that purpose, we presently do NOT advocate wild tenting alongside the NC500 till the world (and the harm emotions of the locals) subside- we recommend discovering accredited in a single day motorhome parking spots close to you as an alternative.
The councils are apparently working onerous to create new areas for motorhomes and campervans to remain and we extremely encourage you to make use of these every time you may.
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 recommendations within the North Coast 500 motorhome itinerary above, however there are a lot extra throughout summer time.
The drawback with many of those campsites is that they shut throughout winter and the low season, so it’s fairly onerous to get water or empty waste or discover in a single day parking in these instances. Still, there are a couple of 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 enable loads of time to be sure to don’t arrive too late.
If 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 area.
As properly as campsites, you might use Brit Stops that can assist you discover locations to remain in a single day.
Tips for driving the NC500 with a motorhome or camper
- Be conscious that most of the rural roads are single monitor and there’s a lot of farming within the space, so chances are you’ll properly encounter farm autos and animals on the highway.
- In addition, the wildlife within the space is considerable and it’s widespread to see foxes, deer, badgers and different animals on the roads. Be cautious, particularly at night time.
- On a single monitor highway, should you 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. If you’re in a motorhome and are dealing with a automotive, there’s a excessive likelihood they’ll reverse to will let you cross (you’ll want to thank them). However, in the event that they’re actually not budging, or if there’s a passing place near you, you may point out that you’ll reverse for them, until you’ve 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 properly reverse for a motorhome.
- Talking of which, in case you are driving slowly and holding up site visitors, use a passing place to wave by way 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 can get a bus through there’. Car drivers usually are not at all times used to the width of motorhomes, and are incessantly unsuitable about what you may/ can’t get by way of safely. If you’re not proud of the area they’ve left you, both ask them to maneuver over extra, otherwise you reverse till you discover a passing place you’re proud of.
- Similarly, be alert for autos reversing in direction of you. Stop instantly and see the place they’re going. Also, 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 neglect to look straight behind them. If they get too shut, beep your horn.
NOTE: a passing place is NOT an in a single day parking spot. Nor is it someplace to park up and go for a stroll/ take a photograph/ make a phonecall. If you block this area, you block the highway, for each vacationers and locals. Please be thoughtful.
- Having a paper map is a good suggestion, simply in case. Also, when you have wifi in your motorhome, some areas have very poor sign, so it may not at all times work.
Here are another guides you would possibly discover helpful:
Don’t neglect to seize your motorhome logbook to document all your superb adventures!