Scotland north coast 500

[Speleo62]

Has any one travelled the NC 500 and can give us some advice. We are going June. Any help appreciated.

 

[SusiBus]

Two years ago we travelled the whole coast of Scotland using the road (regardless of size) closest to the coast for the whole journey. The west coast was absolutely fantastic. We did find that by mid June the midges were out, and spoilt sitting out in the evenings.We intend to go again this year, but we will go in May, before the midges make themselves known.


We've got a map book, you know, those old-fashioned paper things, that we marked up comprehensively with all the best wild camping spots that we found. We hope to be travelling down to Hampshire at the end of March, perhaps we could meet up for a beer or coffee and you could transfer some of the details?

 

[AnneMarie]

Hi, we're doing this in September. Have used the website with route planner, guessed you've seen it? Planning to take a slow 10 days. Have also looked at the wild about Scotland website ( he's a forum member) some good advice on campsites. We haven't booked any sites in advance so crossing our fingers. Please let us know how it goes!
Bon Voyage and enjoy.

 

[VWDrooper]

What's the midge situation early September ?

 

[BillyCasper]

Forget the midges the pain to benefit ratio is worth it. Use Avon Skin So Soft and if it get's really bad use a head net. One advantage of midges it keeps the hoards away.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Speleo62]

Two years ago we travelled the whole coast of Scotland using the road (regardless of size) closest to the coast for the whole journey. The west coast was absolutely fantastic. We did find that by mid June the midges were out, and spoilt sitting out in the evenings.We intend to go again this year, but we will go in May, before the midges make themselves known.


We've got a map book, you know, those old-fashioned paper things, that we marked up comprehensively with all the best wild camping spots that we found. We hope to be travelling down to Hampshire at the end of March, perhaps we could meet up for a beer or coffee and you could transfer some of the details?

Sorry for late reply, that would great to meet up. When are you this way? We are in Eskdale last weekend of March

 

[sbmcd]

If you join the Scottish Motor Home Wild Campers FB page you can get access to their map of Scotland which shows the NC500 route and places to stay on route, very useful. I cannot share the map with you, you have to join.

The map covers the whole of Scotland.

This route is becoming very popular, leave plenty time, also get off the beaten track to see all the gems on route.

When you get to John O Groats do go to Duncansbay Head lighthouse and car park, take the walk along the cliff tops, stunning scenery.

 

[Staxtoncali]

We did the NC500 last summer. We did it anti clockwise, which leaves the most dramatic scenery until last, took around 3 weeks dawdling. Although the East Coast has some very nice bits as well.

Unfortunately bad weather followed us around and it rained, and rained and then rained some more. Didnt book any sites ahead and had very few problems finding sites except in Inverness. Midges werent such a problem as I think they had all drowned.

Detoured onto Skye which was very dramatic, especially the Kyle of Localsh, probably because the sun came out for that bit. There are insufficient camping sites on Skye, very difficult to find a place to stop as it is way more touristy than the NC500.

 

[greenfintry]

Been doing the road for 40 years! it is a great part of the world. In June it really does not get dark at all, so you might want some blackout goggles or similar if you don't sleep in the light.... Also, would suggest veering off to Orkney if you have the time... either day/pedestrian tripper or take the van. Remember right to roam and wild camping are OK in Scotland, but showing a little consideration for homesteads and others is always a good thing.... Personal favourite is west side of Kyle of Tongue as far as you can go...... Enjoy!

 

[E5T XX]

We are looking to do this at Easter with our daughter. It will be our first time in Scotland. Was hoping to do a mix of wild camping and sites but been reading about the law is changing after March re Wild camping in Scotland. Does anyone know any more info on this please?

 

[madwomanne]

Do you mean the local by laws around West Loch Lomond, East Loch Lomond, Trossachs West and Trossachs East, changing?

https://stv.tv/news/stirling-central/1381963-new-wild-camping-laws-come-into-force-at-loch-lomond/

 

[Digger]

The legislation only applies to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs national park where certain areas require a permit. Check the parks website for map of areas. Does not apply elsewhere. As for the Nc500 take your time and explore. Too many rush and miss everything.

 

[Jabberwocky]

If you are worried by the "Midge Season" and their concentrations you may find this web site interesting useful. Forecast not running yet but you can sign up for regular information. I used it last year - quite useful. https://www.smidgeup.com/midge-forecast/

From the site: Midges begin to emerge during May (usually mid-late May). These are typically the non-biting boys. When the biting females arrive in early June the season truly kicks off. Traditionally, our largest catches (in Midge Forecast traps) have always been the first week of June. Midge season then runs until early/late September.

For those who suffer when the blighters are about there are some alternative creams ans sprays. (Not tried these but might be worth a punt!

 

[Teejay]

We are looking to do this at Easter with our daughter. It will be our first time in Scotland. Was hoping to do a mix of wild camping and sites but been reading about the law is changing after March re Wild camping in Scotland. Does anyone know any more info on this please?

If you look closely the wild camping it does not include using a vehicle only a tent. You are not supposed to use any kind of vehicle or even turn up in a car and camp 10' from it. It is meant purely for hikers who would be expected to take a break during a long hike
I think @Ewan on here explains it on his website https://wildaboutscotland.com/2014/11/30/wild-camping-in-scotland-camper-vans-and-motorhomes/


..me..

 

[sbmcd]

What's the midge situation early September ?

There are other many posts on this subject but you should be aware the mesh in the roof bellows windows are not midge proof, holes are too big, just in case you did not know.

 

[Hotel California]

OMG @Jabberwocky ....the things you find on the www.
Put thatone in my favorits as plans are visting Scotland (maybe next year)

 

[Velma's Dad]

If you look closely the wild camping it does not include using a vehicle only a tent. You are not supposed to use any kind of vehicle or even turn up in a car and camp 10' from it. It is meant purely for hikers who would be expected to take a break during a long hike
I think @Ewan on here explains it on his website https://wildaboutscotland.com/2014/11/30/wild-camping-in-scotland-camper-vans-and-motorhomes/

Teejay is quite right about the law. But if you are sensible and considerate you should have no problems wild Cali-ing in many absolutely gorgeous spots all across Scotland.

 

[sbmcd]

We did the NC500 last summer. We did it anti clockwise, which leaves the most dramatic scenery until last, took around 3 weeks dawdling. Although the East Coast has some very nice bits as well.

Unfortunately bad weather followed us around and it rained, and rained and then rained some more. Didnt book any sites ahead and had very few problems finding sites except in Inverness. Midges werent such a problem as I think they had all drowned.

Detoured onto Skye which was very dramatic, especially the Kyle of Localsh, probably because the sun came out for that bit. There are insufficient camping sites on Skye, very difficult to find a place to stop as it is way more touristy than the NC500.

Do visit Skye, I recommend Glen Brittle, there is a campsite at the end of the glen on the coast also good sheltered wild camp spot in the trees on the right just North of the Fairy pools, not if there is no wind and the midges are biting!

Spectacular views of the Cullins and superb sunsets.

 

[Ewan]

@Speleo62 I like your slogan - Adventure before Dementia - very good !

I'd echo what others have said. Take your time, don't rush. Roads are slower than you're used to and the views are stunning, especially on the NW and North coasts. And there lots of detours worth taking (eg bird watching at Handa Island, cycling up to Cape Wrath, walk to Sandwood Bay, climbing the Assynt and Torridon hills.)

The NC500 is getting really popular now. There are some really great campsites right on the coast and also some good informal camping spots. And given increased popularity I think it's very wise to heed the advice on informal camping (eg arrive late/leave early, leave no trace etc) to minimise the impacts on the locals as well as the environment.

(nb The terminology is confusing. As @Teejay1 says, the term 'wild camping' as used in the land reform act is only used in the context of non-motorised transport, so while many people talk about wild camping in campervans this should really be termed 'informal camping').

There are lots of online sites, books etc about places to visit along the NC500. The 'I Know Scotland' online forum is also a good place for tips and advice on where to go, what to see and so on - eg this discussion on the NC500. (You may need to sign up first).

 

[Ewan]

The legislation only applies to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs national park where certain areas require a permit. Check the parks website for map of areas. Does not apply elsewhere.

While the Loch Lomonds & the Trossachs NP isn't on the NC500 the introduction of the new camping permit system on 1st March has kicked up a bit of a stooshie. The camping permits are now in force March to Sept each year. While they cover only 4% of the park area it's the 4% that everyone wants to camp in around the loch sides. Permits are £3 (online, in advance) and more info is here. I don't think there are a huge number of new spaces for campervans/motorhomes provided (50 or so?) but all the existing campsites are still operating of course.

It's a real shame that the littering, anti-social minority has forced the NP Authority to take action to constrain land access for the responsible majority.

 

[Teejay]

While the Loch Lomonds & the Trossachs NP isn't on the NC500 the introduction of the new camping permit system on 1st March has kicked up a bit of a stooshie. The camping permits are now in force March to Sept each year. While they cover only 4% of the park area it's the 4% that everyone wants to camp in around the loch sides. Permits are £3 (online, in advance) and more info is here. I don't think there are a huge number of new spaces for campervans/motorhomes provided (50 or so?) but all the existing campsites are still operating of course.

It's a real shame that the littering, anti-social minority has forced the NP Authority to take action to constrain land access for the responsible majority.

It's often the case that a few inconsiderate people spoil it for the rest.

 

[E5T XX]

The legislation only applies to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs national park where certain areas require a permit. Check the parks website for map of areas. Does not apply elsewhere. As for the Nc500 take your time and explore. Too many rush and miss everything.

Thankyou, wasn't too sure! Really looking forward to it, hopefully the weather will be good to us.

 

[E5T XX]

@Speleo62 I like your slogan - Adventure before Dementia - very good !

I'd echo what others have said. Take your time, don't rush. Roads are slower than you're used to and the views are stunning, especially on the NW and North coasts. And there lots of detours worth taking (eg bird watching at Handa Island, cycling up to Cape Wrath, walk to Sandwood Bay, climbing the Assynt and Torridon hills.)

The NC500 is getting really popular now. There are some really great campsites right on the coast and also some good informal camping spots. And given increased popularity I think it's very wise to heed the advice on informal camping (eg arrive late/leave early, leave no trace etc) to minimise the impacts on the locals as well as the environment.

(nb The terminology is confusing. As @Teejay1 says, the term 'wild camping' as used in the land reform act is only used in the context of non-motorised transport, so while many people talk about wild camping in campervans this should really be termed 'informal camping').

There are lots of online sites, books etc about places to visit along the NC500. The 'I Know Scotland' online forum is also a good place for tips and advice on where to go, what to see and so on - eg this discussion on the NC500. (You may need to sign up first).

Thanks for your advice. Will definately look at 'I know Scotland' forum

 

[Canary Bird]

would suggest veering off to Orkney
----
We would love to take Cali & do Mainland Orkney & Fair Island. I would greatly appreciate any ideas/thoughts in getting there and back, campsites you'd suggest, etc. Thank you for any ideas that you might have!

 

[MattBW]

We have two weeks in september too, although it will be a day or so before we get up there.

We start at the Cali meet in Stratford, will probably head part way up (Lakes maybe) before heading into Scotland.

We really dont know where to start but we want to do the West Coast that much we do know.

Couldnt find the fb group, has it gone?