Guide for Motorhome Journey on North Coast 500: Routes, Attractions, and Suggestions
Exploring the North Coast 500 with a Motorhome: A Comprehensive Guide
The North Coast 500 (NC500), a circular driving route in Scotland, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages. For those seeking an unforgettable road trip adventure, camping in a motorhome or campervan is an ideal way to immerse oneself in the beauty of the Highlands. Here's a guide to help you plan your journey.
Preparing for Your NC500 Adventure
Before embarking on the NC500, it's essential to be well-prepared. Some campsites close during the off-season, making it difficult to find water, empty waste, or overnight parking. Having a paper map is a good idea, as some areas have poor signal. It's also recommended to ask the right questions before booking a motorhome rental, such as checking if bedding or utensils are included, and if motorhome insurance is part of the quote.
Finding Campsites Along the NC500
Booking campsites in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season (June-September). Scotland allows off-grid camping for motorhomes and campervans if totally self-contained, but official campsites provide the best facilities.
Some of the best campsites for motorhomes and campervans along the NC500 include:
- Sango Sands Oasis Camping, Durness: Known for excellent facilities, plenty of space, and proximity to a stunning beach. Offers pitches with electricity.
- John O'Groats Caravan and Camping Site: A popular northern site with standard amenities suitable for motorhomes and campervans.
- Mellon Udrigle Beach Campsite, Laide: A scenic site along the west coast with good beach access.
- Crakaig Loth Campsite, Helmsdale: Offers sea views, good facilities, and reasonable pricing.
- Inver Caravan Park, Dunbeath: Well-reviewed with good facilities and prices.
- Wick River Campsite, Wick: Provides all standard camping amenities, including chemical toilet disposal and hot showers, suitable for campervans.
- Reraig Caravan and Camping, Kyle Of Lochalsh: Has electric hardstanding pitches and non-electric all-weather pitches suitable for motorhomes and campervans.
- Ardtower Caravan Park, near Inverness: An award-winning caravan and camping park with modern facilities, free Wi-Fi, and great views.
Navigating the NC500
The NC500 route is 516 miles long. It's important to note that the route mostly consists of small, windy country lanes, and driving speeds may be slow, especially in a motorhome. It's recommended to avoid driving the NC500 during July and August due to overcrowding.
Safety Tips
Being aware of single track roads, farm vehicles and animals, wildlife, and passing places are essential tips for driving the NC500 with a motorhome or camper. Ticks are another insect to be aware of in Scotland, especially if you have pets. Midge season, from May to September, can be a nuisance, with tips to combat them including staying indoors at dusk, using citronella candles or spray, wearing a midge veil/hat, staying away from still water, going somewhere windy, and using Avon Skin So Soft body spray.
Exploring the Highlands
The North Coast 500 has plenty of highlights and places to see along the way, such as Smoo Cave, Clashnessie Falls, Inverness, Corrieshalloch Gorge, Bealach Na Ba, Clachtoll Beach, Kylesku Bridge, John o'Groats, Dunrobin Castle, and Brora Beach. On Day Seven, you can explore Dornoch Firth, Dornoch cathedral, Skibo Castle, Inverness Castle, and even hunt for Nessie on Loch Ness.
Additional Resources
For more information and tips on motorhoming and campervanning in Scotland, guides are available. Kathryn Bird, the founder of Wandering Bird, offers a guide for going from being stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures. The form for receiving the NC500 road trip itinerary also allows subscribing to emails with motorhome travel and road trip tips from Wandering Bird.
Remember, the best time to explore the North Coast 500 with a motorhome or camper is usually between April and October, but the weather can be unpredictable. The route is known as one of the most scenic drives in Scotland, and with the right preparation, it promises an unforgettable adventure.
[1] NC500 Trip Guide [2] Ardtower Caravan Park [3] Reraig Caravan and Camping [4] Scottish Outdoor Access Code
In the event of difficulty finding water, empty waste, or overnight parking during the off-season, travelers can seek help by referring to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. To enhance the lifestyle on the North Coast 500 adventure, booking campsites like Sango Sands Oasis Camping in Durness, known for excellent facilities and proximity to a stunning beach, can provide a comfortable and memorable experience.
