The official route, which covers precisely What is the North Coast 500? Never-ending back roads, wide meandering country tracks and beautiful bends through some of Scotland's finest coastal scenery are just a few things you can expect along the North Coast 500.Strap yourself in for the road trip of a lifetime. 06 Sep. There’s a new and popular driving route in Scotland called the NC500, North Coast 500, which some even say is like Scotland’s Route 66. Posted on September 6, 2018 March 13, 2019 by Kirsty. We offer a wide variety of  vehicles to suit … Wild camping is allowed in Scotland and there are many options along the NC500 route. Firstly, which season are you embarking in? See out trip of Scotland's beautiful NC 500 North Coast 500 by Motorhome in May 2017. If you are doing NC500 in a campervan or motorhome, we did the full loop in our van conversion and have some good tips … There’s a new contender for getting your road trip kicks. Therefore, we probably don’t need to spend too much time telling you how incredible this drive is. It starts and finishes in Inverness so where better to hire a luxury motorhome to complete this adventure? Between the vibrant city, Urquhart castle and the famous loch, you’ll be spoiled for choice in the capital of the Highlands, so leave plenty of time to browse- and be on the lookout for Nessie! You must feel comfortable reversing the vehicle correctly and safely as you may be required to do this on single track roads. Inaugurated in 2015, this route takes you up to John O’Groats and back down again. The route was created to promote the North Highlands and entice people to one of the more remote and less visited parts of Scotland. If you are hiring a campervan or motorhome, make sure the hire company show you how to empty and maintain any on board toilet facilities. There are also a number of private spots for those looking to go off the grid during their NC500 camping trip. Use only biodegradable detergents and drain kitchen waste water tanks in campsites at designated areas. Get the motorhome route, stopovers, wild camping & highlights in our guide to touring the epic NC500 in a motorhome. If you’re doing the opposite, and cruising dow… Some areas on this route are Inverness, Loch Carron, Applecross, Gairloch, Ullapool, Lochinver, Durness, John O' Groats, Helmsdale, Dornoch. If you are travelling below the speed limit, please pull in to a layby or passing place to allow traffic to safely pass you. Traveling the North Coast 500 by motorhome is by far the best way to explore it. In this section, let’s explore the sites and their facilities. If another vehicle is parked in a secluded spot – try not to park right next to them and find your own spot elsewhere. There are a number of campsites and places around the route that you can dispose of your chemical waste and grey water (even if you are not staying there). Not only will you enjoy rural locations with all the facilities you will need to make your trip more enjoyable, you will also be helping to support the local communities. North Coast 500 itinerary day 2: Inverness to Torridon. You can set up your tent or motorhome and enjoy the beautiful Scottish outback. Wild camping in Scotland is allowed, but follow these important rules! There’s also no right or wrong direction to drive it. Most campsites have facilities for the emptying of a cassette toilet (see below for more details). Do a full ‘litter-pick’ before you leave, taking all of your rubbish, and any you found there already, and disposing of it properly when you’re back in ‘civilisation’. Block access tracks to estates and fields. Enter your email address below and we will send you all of our latest news, events and offers straight to your inbox. The North Coast 500 is a driving route of – you guessed it – about 500 miles (800 kilometres) in northern Scotland. The North Coast 500 route will allow you to enjoy some of the best in Scottish produce along the way - from the freshest fish and chips at the Applecross Inn or a homemade pie at Lochinver to the finest chocolate at CoCoa Mountain at Durness or award winning Rock Rose gin at Dunnett Bay, outside Thurso. Scotland’s answer to America’s route 66, this stunning 500 mile driving route takes you on a journey from Inverness and Scotland’s enchanting Highlands, the west and rugged north coast and promises to leave any traveller pounding on the pedals for more. It starts and ends at Inverness Castle and showcases many of the Highlands’ features. North500 motorhome and campervan hire home page based in Inverness gateway to the Highlands. If you cannot accurately reverse your vehicle several hundred yards on a narrow single track road – you cannot safely drive over this road. It only takes ONE person who is not used to driving a large vehicle to block the road completely to the detriment of other users, those that use the road for work, and importantly – emergency vehicles. We offer a professional, friendly and personal service with unlimited pre-hire help and advice to make sure you get the most out of your adventure. Always travel at least one passing place apart. We left Inverness, driving over the Telford Street bridge to and made our first stop in Beauly. NC500 Scotland in a motorhome. Ensure your vehicle is self-contained with toilet facilities (such as a Porta-potti) and waste water tanks. North Coast 500 In our series of essential road trips, we explore the North Coast 500, in the Highlands of Scotland, home to some stunning scenery By Practical Motorhome © 2018 North Coast 500 | All Rights Reserved | Design by, Campervan & Motorhome Professional Association (CaMPA). Oops, there was an error sending your message. The North Coast 500, the Route 66 of Scotland has been opened since 2015, to link the beautiful scenery of Northern Scotland. Scotland’s North Coast 500 is a 500-mile (800 km) route that takes you all the way round the coast of Scotland north of Inverness, visiting some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery in the world. Take great care to avoid fragile ground/sensitive habitats, never drive down to beaches or onto grass verges as it destroys the habitat. Whether you want to enjoy a stroll along the beach, a meander through one of the many Scottish forestry walks or take in a million dollar view from the top of a munro - from stunning beaches and hidden coves to forestry walks and amazing scenery there is something for everyone to enjoy. Our breakfast consisted of baked goods and coffee from Harry Gow Bakery. Support a sustainable tourism industry – buy groceries in local shops. There are a number of fantastic NC500 campsites starting at Inverness and dotted around the map up to Thurso and down the west coast. The vast open landscape, also known as the flow country, is rich in archaeological remnants of a bygone age. La North Coast 500 (NC500) è l’equivalente scozzese della Route 66 statunitense ed è assolutamente un must, da fare almeno una votla nella vita! Tips for driving the North Coast 500 in a campervan or motorhome. We have written a handy Highland Campervans rough guide information piece about the route with ideas of where to visit and stay, just a general blog of information that will really help you when planning a trip in a motorhome or campervan. Award winning motorhome hire company conveniently situated in Inverness at the start of the North Coast 500! We were in a 20' Motorhome and intentionally took 3 weeks' to complete and enjoy the route. You’ll also need a lot of blankets, a heater, and an emergency kit in case of being snowed in. There is no strict North Coast 500 route – where you stop, stay and play is entirely up to you but here is a flavour of the villages and activities we think make up the best North Coast 500 places to visit. We would recommend that you make use of the wonderful camping and caravan sites along the route. It is important to plan ahead! Free for staying guests, charge applies for passing visitors: Waste disposal facilities for staying guests only: More useful information and advice can be found on the Campervan & Motorhome Professional Association (CaMPA) website, and from your campervan or motorhome hire company. We started our day with a selfie in front of Inverness Castle, the official start and end point for the North Coast 500. We have a fleet of modern and luxurious motorhomes that are perfect for the route. Empty any chemical toilet waste anywhere other than at a designated chemical waste area. Edinburgh to Inverness You’ll arrive in Edinburgh to pick up your campervan hire at Roseisle, and then head off on your first leg of the journey. North Coast 500 Itinerary. Whether you are travelling in your own motorhome or campervan, or hiring one for your visit, it is important that you observe the following advice. Video footage of road-trippers appearing to empty their motorhome's toilet waste all over a lay-by on Scotland's famous North Coast 500 route has sparked fury. by Jennifer Watson. North Coast 500 Alla luce del COVID-19, la salute e la sicurezza di tutti è la cosa più importante. Planning a North Coast 500 motorhome trip? If you’re arranging motorhome hire in Scotland for the trip, they can probably supply these, but always check first. Experience Scotland's answer to Route 66 with everything from fairytale castle ruins to delicious seafood and white beaches. NC500 is a stunning 830-kilometre scenic route around the north coast of Scotland. North Coast 500 Motorhome Tour. Scotland – North Coast 500 Posted on November 12, 2016 by gv Jackson After a hectic few weeks, wedding celebrations and retirement over, we left on Saturday 3 rd September in pouring rain to start to make the journey north to take up our adventure of the” North Coast 500” They should be fully extinguished when finished and no evidence left behind. As well as the driving information detailed above, campervan and motorhome drivers should be consider the following: ‘Wild Camping’ under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 is only allowed when camping by foot, bike or other non-motorised transport. You can travel in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction – or do it both ways on different trips. Scotland North Coast 500. This is following advice from several professional drivers who know the road and from local breakdown services. Speak to locals as they may be able to advise a suitable place to park up overnight. Let's not forget the amazing food and drink you will experience! In this epic North Coast 500 post, we’ll tell you all about the things to do and see on this 500+ mile scenic loop around the coast of the Highlands. Now, you’ve probably stumbled upon this post because you’re already planning to drive the North Coast 500, an award-winning route in north Scotland. Use common sense and think whether the spot you have found is suitable for a vehicle. Touring the North Coast 500 in a motorhome or campervan is becoming increasingly popular as it allows you the freedom to enjoy all the North of Scotland has to offer at your own pace. North Coast 500 Motorhomes is one of the largest Motorhome/Campervan hire companies in the Highlands. Check out our handy Interactive Map for details of Motorhome and Campervan sites around the route. Do not travel in convoy, especially on small roads as this can lead to congestion. Touring the North Coast 500 in a motorhome or campervan is becoming increasingly popular as it allows you the freedom to enjoy all the North of Scotland has to offer at your own pace. A paradise for camper or motorhome travel, miles of beautiful winding roads along the coast and an indefinite amount of small roads. Think about the cumulative effect of camping in the ‘fantastic secret place which I’m sure no-one else has ever been’… it is very likely that others will use the same spot, not just you! The North Coast 500 by motorhome is the answer. Please do not attempt to drive the Bealach Na Ba (take the A832) or B869 Drumbeg Road (take the A894). Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter - you'll be first to find out about last minute offers, great deals and inspiration about our motorhomes. Avoid overcrowding. If you do decide to stay informally at locations along the route, it is important to follow these guidelines and advice from CaMPA: No-one likes to see waste left beside the roadside and it is your responsibility to ensure you leave no trace of your travel and dispose of your motorhome waste in the correct manner. Ciò significa che, nonostante l'amore e il desiderio di condividere le bellezze del nostro paese accogliente e unico, in questo momento dobbiamo chiedere a tutti di non viaggiare verso le nostre isole e le remote comunità rurali. The Official North Coast 500 route begins and ends in Inverness at Inverness Castle. Our final campsite on the North Coast 500 route lies in one of our favourite parts of the country, the small village of Applecross. There's nothing quite like the freedom of the long open road. Whether you are travelling in your own motorhome or campervan, or hiring one for your visit, it is important that you observe the following advice. With no need to book accommodation, you have no fixed itinerary. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to match the freedom this gives you. Public toilets are not suitable places to empty chemical toilets as it upsets the sewage treatment process. Here are some of our highlights. The Castle is a perfect starting point to the route as it is perched on the hill and offers unparalleled views over the capital city of the Highlands. After you pick up your motorhome hire, head to Inverness, where the North Coast 500 begins and ends. The North Coast 500 road tour is one of the world's most stunning road trips, making it a fantastic choice when hiring a motorhome.With spectacular scenery across the coastline, Scotland's answer to Route 66 has something for everyone! If it has to be emptied in the wild, keep away from water courses and be aware that animals will be attracted to the scent. From Edinburgh head north on the A9 towards Inverness, stopping in Pitlochry at the world renowned House of Bruar to stock up on kit- fine sport cloth… If it is the brutal Scottish winter - props to you!- then you’ll need to check you have winter tyres and snow chains. ⚠ If your motorhome is more than a standard VW T5 conversion (ie about 16-18ft in length), please take the alternative motorhome routes available. Things to See & Do Along the North Coast 500. It DOES NOT apply to motorised vehicles such as campervans or motorhomes. Park overnight within sight of people’s houses, even in car park bays. North Coast 500 – Wild Camping. The North Coast 500 motorhome route: Scotlands 'Route 66' - Camptoo UK Blog. Light BBQs or fires unless it is safe to do so, and you can supervise it properly. Park in areas where signs state ‘no overnight parking’ or where there is a campsite nearby. North Coast 500 Scotland's answer to Route 66, the new scenic route showcasing the fairy tale castles, beaches and ruins. When you find an amazing secluded spot (and you will) perfect for a spot of lunch, you simply pull up and put the kettle on. The North Coast 500 route will allow you to enjoy some of the best in Scottish produce along the way - from the freshest fish and chips at the Applecross Inn or a homemade pie at Lochinver to the finest chocolate at CoCoa Mountain at Durness or award winning Rock Rose gin at Dunnett Bay, outside Thurso. Caithness Beautiful scenery with a hint of Royal Excellence Caithness is located on the most north eastern part of the North Coast 500, and serves as the most northern county in Britain to still claim royal connections. Far removed from the rest of the UK, this tiny village has only two entrances, one along the northern coast of the peninsula and one that wide its way directly up the ridge of Beinn Bhan, also known as the Bealach an Ba. 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