Buy all your VW California Accessories at the Club Shop Visit Shop

NC500 - Aug '21 trip completed.

Big Ted

Big Ted

Messages
201
Location
Bristol
Vehicle
T5 SE 174
Here are our notes/thoughts from our recent NC500 trip, which may be useful for some.
(Some photos too)

Why the NC500?
With covid, 2 teenagers and limited time we chose to stay in the UK & use the Cali for our '21 summer holiday.
We spent time researching online, speaking to friends and a few evenings planning and booking our route in Jan 21 for our trip.
We chose to book ahead at campsites rather than ‘free’ camp.
Predictably, all campsites were full, so booking ahead this year proved a wise move, though lots of free camping seemed avail.

The ROUTE - Clockwise or Anti
We chose to go Anti clockwise, which in my view was the nicer route - leaving the twisty roads & dramatic scenery to the end of the holiday.
I'm not sure there is a right or a wrong way, but this route suited us for our needs (such as meeting friends along the way.)

Campsites
All the sites we chose were great.
We had electric hook up on most sites, but didn't really need to plug in every night, as most days saw >2 hours in the Cali, which appeared to provide ample charging for the batteries.
We had good pitches on all sites, with undoubtably the best pitch in Sango Sands (pitch 22f) as the last pitch on the beach front.
No problems on any of the bookings, arrivals, departures or facilities of the sites.
Tebay Services offered a halfway point on our return leg to Bristol - very good motorway services with all you need for a quick nights stop.

Itinerary

DayStartFinishCampsite Weblink
1HomeInvernessStay with Friends
2InvernessBroraBrora Caravan Club Sitehttps://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-sites/scotland/highlands/brora-caravan-club-site/
3BroraJohn O'GroatsFerry Viewhttps://www.ferryview.scot
4John O'GroatsDurnessSango Sandshttps://sangosands.com
5DurnessDurnessSango Sands
6DurnessClachTollClachtoll Beach https://www.clachtollbeachcampsite.com
7ClachTollArdmairArdmair Point Hoilday Parkhttps://www.ardmair.com
8ArdmairGairlochSands Campinghttps://www.sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk
9GairlochGairlochSands Camping
10GairlochAppleCrossAppleCross Campsitehttps://applecross.campmanager.com/22691/Check-Availability/
11AppleCrossTorridonStay with Friends
12TorridonFort William
(via Gairloch)
Linnhe Lochsidehttps://www.linnhe-lochside-holidays.co.uk
13Fort WilliamTebay Services (Via Falkirk Wheel/Kelpies)Tebay Serviceshttps://www.tebayservices.com/caravan-park/
14Tebay ServicesHome

Route Map
Untitled 4.jpg


Highlights
Everyone will have their own needs/wants when on the NC500.
Here are some of the highlights from the trip, but there's lots more to see & do along the route.
  • Not far from Inverness a trip to Rogie Falls allowed us to see some salmon jumping, followed by a trip further east to Chanonry Point for spotting both seals and dolphins whilst having a bite to eat. Fab spot. £1 car park well spent.
  • A quick stop off at Dunrobin Castle with 189 rooms made us wonder what we’d do with more space then our one bed/dining/kitchen/driving room the Cali offered us.
  • Pulling into Brora caravan campsite, we chose a grass pitch and set up for the night. A sunrise visit to Brora Beach worth an early rise.
  • Whaligoe Steps - Parking spots are limited, but worth a trip up & down the manicured steps.
  • Zip Line in Durness was a hit with the kids.
  • Cape Wrath trip - No online booking meant for an early start to ensure we were on the 1st ferry over to the mini bus. (2 mini buses with 16 and 12 seats offer limited access) A splendid commentary for the hour mini bus ride over the bumpy 11 miles allowed for the time to pass pleasantly. Empty your bladders before you go!!!
  • Smoo Caves offered an afternoons activity, with deadly Scottish piranhas being the highlight of the boat/caving trip.
  • Sandwood Bay - 4.5 mile each way walk to a remote beach.
  • Achmelvich Beach - Looks tropical paradise but with water temps to take your breath away.
  • Falkirk Wheel & Kelpies - seemed daft not to pop in & visit here since we were so close.
  • Whale watching - hit & miss with Mother Nature, alas it was a miss this time with not much spotted, but still a good afternoon's outing.
Driving
The roads down the west coast gave us the true NC500 experience, with miles of single track roads with passing places.
All the drivers we met were very well mannered with people yielding and no hassles along the way. I think we were outside of high season, as the Scot's had gone back to school. I can imagine some of the roads getting clogged up, but we didn't really see much traffic. That said, a few reversing manoeuvres were needed, but in the Cali it’s not too hard.
It’s interesting to see such a high number of motor homes (clearly rented) and VW transporter type vans (again mainly rented from what we could see with decals and logo’s). Many of the drivers did well to pilot their chariots, though we did note one campervan van driving on a campsite with the roof up!!

Fuel
I’d read fuel wasn’t going to be an issue with the longest fuel stop gap being Inverness to Wick at 46 miles.
We chose to refill after Durness, and then topped up again to help support the locals around Applecross.
Suggest a refill at 1/4 left is good practice in case of pump issues. (AppleCross fuel was out of order when we where there.)

Fav bits

Ardmair campsite - a shore side pitch, overlooking the west. The shore line filled with endless perfect skimming stones.
Weather - we lucked out and had fab weather for our time, with only one wet day.
Lack of Midges - we were only bothered on 2 evenings by midges, so we count that as a win!

What we'd do differently
In hindsight, I think we'd spend longer on the route to allow more walking. Our timeline didn't really allow for day walks.
Seeing how easy the free camping spots were to be found, I think we'd also have more of a blend of some booked sites, with the odd free camping along the way.
(Toilet's being the only real concern)

Obligatory photo's with a Cali.
Ardmair
IMG_5820.jpeg

Sango Sands
IMG_5665.jpeg
 
Here are our notes/thoughts from our recent NC500 trip, which may be useful for some.
(Some photos too)

Why the NC500?
With covid, 2 teenagers and limited time we chose to stay in the UK & use the Cali for our '21 summer holiday.
We spent time researching online, speaking to friends and a few evenings planning and booking our route in Jan 21 for our trip.
We chose to book ahead at campsites rather than ‘free’ camp.
Predictably, all campsites were full, so booking ahead this year proved a wise move, though lots of free camping seemed avail.

The ROUTE - Clockwise or Anti
We chose to go Anti clockwise, which in my view was the nicer route - leaving the twisty roads & dramatic scenery to the end of the holiday.
I'm not sure there is a right or a wrong way, but this route suited us for our needs (such as meeting friends along the way.)

Campsites
All the sites we chose were great.
We had electric hook up on most sites, but didn't really need to plug in every night, as most days saw >2 hours in the Cali, which appeared to provide ample charging for the batteries.
We had good pitches on all sites, with undoubtably the best pitch in Sango Sands (pitch 22f) as the last pitch on the beach front.
No problems on any of the bookings, arrivals, departures or facilities of the sites.
Tebay Services offered a halfway point on our return leg to Bristol - very good motorway services with all you need for a quick nights stop.

Itinerary
DayStartFinishCampsiteWeblink
1HomeInvernessStay with Friends
2InvernessBroraBrora Caravan Club Sitehttps://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-sites/scotland/highlands/brora-caravan-club-site/
3BroraJohn O'GroatsFerry Viewhttps://www.ferryview.scot
4John O'GroatsDurnessSango Sandshttps://sangosands.com
5DurnessDurnessSango Sands
6DurnessClachTollClachtoll Beachhttps://www.clachtollbeachcampsite.com
7ClachTollArdmairArdmair Point Hoilday Parkhttps://www.ardmair.com
8ArdmairGairlochSands Campinghttps://www.sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk
9GairlochGairlochSands Camping
10GairlochAppleCrossAppleCross Campsitehttps://applecross.campmanager.com/22691/Check-Availability/
11AppleCrossTorridonStay with Friends
12TorridonFort William
(via Gairloch)
Linnhe Lochsidehttps://www.linnhe-lochside-holidays.co.uk
13Fort WilliamTebay Services (Via Falkirk Wheel/Kelpies)Tebay Serviceshttps://www.tebayservices.com/caravan-park/
14Tebay ServicesHome

Route Map
View attachment 84068


Highlights
Everyone will have their own needs/wants when on the NC500.
Here are some of the highlights from the trip, but there's lots more to see & do along the route.
  • Not far from Inverness a trip to Rogie Falls allowed us to see some salmon jumping, followed by a trip further east to Chanonry Point for spotting both seals and dolphins whilst having a bite to eat. Fab spot. £1 car park well spent.
  • A quick stop off at Dunrobin Castle with 189 rooms made us wonder what we’d do with more space then our one bed/dining/kitchen/driving room the Cali offered us.
  • Pulling into Brora caravan campsite, we chose a grass pitch and set up for the night. A sunrise visit to Brora Beach worth an early rise.
  • Whaligoe Steps - Parking spots are limited, but worth a trip up & down the manicured steps.
  • Zip Line in Durness was a hit with the kids.
  • Cape Wrath trip - No online booking meant for an early start to ensure we were on the 1st ferry over to the mini bus. (2 mini buses with 16 and 12 seats offer limited access) A splendid commentary for the hour mini bus ride over the bumpy 11 miles allowed for the time to pass pleasantly. Empty your bladders before you go!!!
  • Smoo Caves offered an afternoons activity, with deadly Scottish piranhas being the highlight of the boat/caving trip.
  • Sandwood Bay - 4.5 mile each way walk to a remote beach.
  • Achmelvich Beach - Looks tropical paradise but with water temps to take your breath away.
  • Falkirk Wheel & Kelpies - seemed daft not to pop in & visit here since we were so close.
  • Whale watching - hit & miss with Mother Nature, alas it was a miss this time with not much spotted, but still a good afternoon's outing.
Driving
The roads down the west coast gave us the true NC500 experience, with miles of single track roads with passing places.
All the drivers we met were very well mannered with people yielding and no hassles along the way. I think we were outside of high season, as the Scot's had gone back to school. I can imagine some of the roads getting clogged up, but we didn't really see much traffic. That said, a few reversing manoeuvres were needed, but in the Cali it’s not too hard.
It’s interesting to see such a high number of motor homes (clearly rented) and VW transporter type vans (again mainly rented from what we could see with decals and logo’s). Many of the drivers did well to pilot their chariots, though we did note one campervan van driving on a campsite with the roof up!!

Fuel
I’d read fuel wasn’t going to be an issue with the longest fuel stop gap being Inverness to Wick at 46 miles.
We chose to refill after Durness, and then topped up again to help support the locals around Applecross.
Suggest a refill at 1/4 left is good practice in case of pump issues. (AppleCross fuel was out of order when we where there.)

Fav bits
Ardmair campsite - a shore side pitch, overlooking the west. The shore line filled with endless perfect skimming stones.
Weather - we lucked out and had fab weather for our time, with only one wet day.
Lack of Midges - we were only bothered on 2 evenings by midges, so we count that as a win!

What we'd do differently
In hindsight, I think we'd spend longer on the route to allow more walking. Our timeline didn't really allow for day walks.
Seeing how easy the free camping spots were to be found, I think we'd also have more of a blend of some booked sites, with the odd free camping along the way.
(Toilet's being the only real concern)

Obligatory photo's with a Cali.
Ardmair
View attachment 84071

Sango Sands
View attachment 84072
Great write-up, thanks for sharing
 
Fantastic information and thanks for sharing.
 
Excellent and useful write-up, thanks for sharing, this is on my "to-do" list.
Glad you had a great time!
 
Great review with loads of info, however imo and why I would never recommend the NC500 you could have spent your entire 2 weeks on the West and North Coast and seen so much more. But again each to their own and some great information for those looking to do something similar.
 
Really informative. Thanks for taking the time to write it up.
Co-incidentaly we stopped at Tebay Services on Sunday, quite a nice picnic area up the top.
 
Great review with loads of info, however imo and why I would never recommend the NC500 you could have spent your entire 2 weeks on the West and North Coast and seen so much more. But again each to their own and some great information for those looking to do something similar.
Totally agree. Why waste the time trying to drive too far and missing out on the best bits. I have never understood the drivers who try to cram the route in a fast a time as possible and miss out on so much. The best bits require walking and are well worth the effort.
 
Fantastic review! Thanks for sharing. One day maybe........
 
Nice review :thumb
 
Great review @Big Ted brought back memories of our trip a few years ago
 
Here are our notes/thoughts from our recent NC500 trip, which may be useful for some.
(Some photos too)

Why the NC500?
With covid, 2 teenagers and limited time we chose to stay in the UK & use the Cali for our '21 summer holiday.
We spent time researching online, speaking to friends and a few evenings planning and booking our route in Jan 21 for our trip.
We chose to book ahead at campsites rather than ‘free’ camp.
Predictably, all campsites were full, so booking ahead this year proved a wise move, though lots of free camping seemed avail.

The ROUTE - Clockwise or Anti
We chose to go Anti clockwise, which in my view was the nicer route - leaving the twisty roads & dramatic scenery to the end of the holiday.
I'm not sure there is a right or a wrong way, but this route suited us for our needs (such as meeting friends along the way.)

Campsites
All the sites we chose were great.
We had electric hook up on most sites, but didn't really need to plug in every night, as most days saw >2 hours in the Cali, which appeared to provide ample charging for the batteries.
We had good pitches on all sites, with undoubtably the best pitch in Sango Sands (pitch 22f) as the last pitch on the beach front.
No problems on any of the bookings, arrivals, departures or facilities of the sites.
Tebay Services offered a halfway point on our return leg to Bristol - very good motorway services with all you need for a quick nights stop.

Itinerary

DayStartFinishCampsite Weblink
1HomeInvernessStay with Friends
2InvernessBroraBrora Caravan Club Sitehttps://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-sites/scotland/highlands/brora-caravan-club-site/
3BroraJohn O'GroatsFerry Viewhttps://www.ferryview.scot
4John O'GroatsDurnessSango Sandshttps://sangosands.com
5DurnessDurnessSango Sands
6DurnessClachTollClachtoll Beach https://www.clachtollbeachcampsite.com
7ClachTollArdmairArdmair Point Hoilday Parkhttps://www.ardmair.com
8ArdmairGairlochSands Campinghttps://www.sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk
9GairlochGairlochSands Camping
10GairlochAppleCrossAppleCross Campsitehttps://applecross.campmanager.com/22691/Check-Availability/
11AppleCrossTorridonStay with Friends
12TorridonFort William
(via Gairloch)
Linnhe Lochsidehttps://www.linnhe-lochside-holidays.co.uk
13Fort WilliamTebay Services (Via Falkirk Wheel/Kelpies)Tebay Serviceshttps://www.tebayservices.com/caravan-park/
14Tebay ServicesHome

Route Map
View attachment 84068


Highlights
Everyone will have their own needs/wants when on the NC500.
Here are some of the highlights from the trip, but there's lots more to see & do along the route.
  • Not far from Inverness a trip to Rogie Falls allowed us to see some salmon jumping, followed by a trip further east to Chanonry Point for spotting both seals and dolphins whilst having a bite to eat. Fab spot. £1 car park well spent.
  • A quick stop off at Dunrobin Castle with 189 rooms made us wonder what we’d do with more space then our one bed/dining/kitchen/driving room the Cali offered us.
  • Pulling into Brora caravan campsite, we chose a grass pitch and set up for the night. A sunrise visit to Brora Beach worth an early rise.
  • Whaligoe Steps - Parking spots are limited, but worth a trip up & down the manicured steps.
  • Zip Line in Durness was a hit with the kids.
  • Cape Wrath trip - No online booking meant for an early start to ensure we were on the 1st ferry over to the mini bus. (2 mini buses with 16 and 12 seats offer limited access) A splendid commentary for the hour mini bus ride over the bumpy 11 miles allowed for the time to pass pleasantly. Empty your bladders before you go!!!
  • Smoo Caves offered an afternoons activity, with deadly Scottish piranhas being the highlight of the boat/caving trip.
  • Sandwood Bay - 4.5 mile each way walk to a remote beach.
  • Achmelvich Beach - Looks tropical paradise but with water temps to take your breath away.
  • Falkirk Wheel & Kelpies - seemed daft not to pop in & visit here since we were so close.
  • Whale watching - hit & miss with Mother Nature, alas it was a miss this time with not much spotted, but still a good afternoon's outing.
Driving
The roads down the west coast gave us the true NC500 experience, with miles of single track roads with passing places.
All the drivers we met were very well mannered with people yielding and no hassles along the way. I think we were outside of high season, as the Scot's had gone back to school. I can imagine some of the roads getting clogged up, but we didn't really see much traffic. That said, a few reversing manoeuvres were needed, but in the Cali it’s not too hard.
It’s interesting to see such a high number of motor homes (clearly rented) and VW transporter type vans (again mainly rented from what we could see with decals and logo’s). Many of the drivers did well to pilot their chariots, though we did note one campervan van driving on a campsite with the roof up!!

Fuel
I’d read fuel wasn’t going to be an issue with the longest fuel stop gap being Inverness to Wick at 46 miles.
We chose to refill after Durness, and then topped up again to help support the locals around Applecross.
Suggest a refill at 1/4 left is good practice in case of pump issues. (AppleCross fuel was out of order when we where there.)

Fav bits

Ardmair campsite - a shore side pitch, overlooking the west. The shore line filled with endless perfect skimming stones.
Weather - we lucked out and had fab weather for our time, with only one wet day.
Lack of Midges - we were only bothered on 2 evenings by midges, so we count that as a win!

What we'd do differently
In hindsight, I think we'd spend longer on the route to allow more walking. Our timeline didn't really allow for day walks.
Seeing how easy the free camping spots were to be found, I think we'd also have more of a blend of some booked sites, with the odd free camping along the way.
(Toilet's being the only real concern)

Obligatory photo's with a Cali.
Ardmair
View attachment 84071

Sango Sands
View attachment 84072
Fantastic review thanks - we hope to pick up our Scottish road trip at Ullapool where we left off in 2019
 
Great share. I was staying just outside Inverness two weeks ago. No camper van currently as I sold my T6 in May after ordering a new T6.1 back in February. Should be here in about 6 weeks now. We also visited Rogi Falls and watched the salmon.
 
Totally agree. Why waste the time trying to drive too far and missing out on the best bits. I have never understood the drivers who try to cram the route in a fast a time as possible and miss out on so much. The best bits require walking and are well worth the effort.


Hi Matty & Digger

Please can you provide details of the best bits that you say were missed so that they can be added to this already great trip review?

Thanks………Mike J
 
Last edited:
Here are our notes/thoughts from our recent NC500 trip, which may be useful for some.
(Some photos too)

Why the NC500?
With covid, 2 teenagers and limited time we chose to stay in the UK & use the Cali for our '21 summer holiday.
We spent time researching online, speaking to friends and a few evenings planning and booking our route in Jan 21 for our trip.
We chose to book ahead at campsites rather than ‘free’ camp.
Predictably, all campsites were full, so booking ahead this year proved a wise move, though lots of free camping seemed avail.

The ROUTE - Clockwise or Anti
We chose to go Anti clockwise, which in my view was the nicer route - leaving the twisty roads & dramatic scenery to the end of the holiday.
I'm not sure there is a right or a wrong way, but this route suited us for our needs (such as meeting friends along the way.)

Campsites
All the sites we chose were great.
We had electric hook up on most sites, but didn't really need to plug in every night, as most days saw >2 hours in the Cali, which appeared to provide ample charging for the batteries.
We had good pitches on all sites, with undoubtably the best pitch in Sango Sands (pitch 22f) as the last pitch on the beach front.
No problems on any of the bookings, arrivals, departures or facilities of the sites.
Tebay Services offered a halfway point on our return leg to Bristol - very good motorway services with all you need for a quick nights stop.

Itinerary
DayStartFinishCampsiteWeblink
1HomeInvernessStay with Friends
2InvernessBroraBrora Caravan Club Sitehttps://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-sites/scotland/highlands/brora-caravan-club-site/
3BroraJohn O'GroatsFerry Viewhttps://www.ferryview.scot
4John O'GroatsDurnessSango Sandshttps://sangosands.com
5DurnessDurnessSango Sands
6DurnessClachTollClachtoll Beachhttps://www.clachtollbeachcampsite.com
7ClachTollArdmairArdmair Point Hoilday Parkhttps://www.ardmair.com
8ArdmairGairlochSands Campinghttps://www.sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk
9GairlochGairlochSands Camping
10GairlochAppleCrossAppleCross Campsitehttps://applecross.campmanager.com/22691/Check-Availability/
11AppleCrossTorridonStay with Friends
12TorridonFort William
(via Gairloch)
Linnhe Lochsidehttps://www.linnhe-lochside-holidays.co.uk
13Fort WilliamTebay Services (Via Falkirk Wheel/Kelpies)Tebay Serviceshttps://www.tebayservices.com/caravan-park/
14Tebay ServicesHome

Route Map
View attachment 84068


Highlights
Everyone will have their own needs/wants when on the NC500.
Here are some of the highlights from the trip, but there's lots more to see & do along the route.
  • Not far from Inverness a trip to Rogie Falls allowed us to see some salmon jumping, followed by a trip further east to Chanonry Point for spotting both seals and dolphins whilst having a bite to eat. Fab spot. £1 car park well spent.
  • A quick stop off at Dunrobin Castle with 189 rooms made us wonder what we’d do with more space then our one bed/dining/kitchen/driving room the Cali offered us.
  • Pulling into Brora caravan campsite, we chose a grass pitch and set up for the night. A sunrise visit to Brora Beach worth an early rise.
  • Whaligoe Steps - Parking spots are limited, but worth a trip up & down the manicured steps.
  • Zip Line in Durness was a hit with the kids.
  • Cape Wrath trip - No online booking meant for an early start to ensure we were on the 1st ferry over to the mini bus. (2 mini buses with 16 and 12 seats offer limited access) A splendid commentary for the hour mini bus ride over the bumpy 11 miles allowed for the time to pass pleasantly. Empty your bladders before you go!!!
  • Smoo Caves offered an afternoons activity, with deadly Scottish piranhas being the highlight of the boat/caving trip.
  • Sandwood Bay - 4.5 mile each way walk to a remote beach.
  • Achmelvich Beach - Looks tropical paradise but with water temps to take your breath away.
  • Falkirk Wheel & Kelpies - seemed daft not to pop in & visit here since we were so close.
  • Whale watching - hit & miss with Mother Nature, alas it was a miss this time with not much spotted, but still a good afternoon's outing.
Driving
The roads down the west coast gave us the true NC500 experience, with miles of single track roads with passing places.
All the drivers we met were very well mannered with people yielding and no hassles along the way. I think we were outside of high season, as the Scot's had gone back to school. I can imagine some of the roads getting clogged up, but we didn't really see much traffic. That said, a few reversing manoeuvres were needed, but in the Cali it’s not too hard.
It’s interesting to see such a high number of motor homes (clearly rented) and VW transporter type vans (again mainly rented from what we could see with decals and logo’s). Many of the drivers did well to pilot their chariots, though we did note one campervan van driving on a campsite with the roof up!!

Fuel
I’d read fuel wasn’t going to be an issue with the longest fuel stop gap being Inverness to Wick at 46 miles.
We chose to refill after Durness, and then topped up again to help support the locals around Applecross.
Suggest a refill at 1/4 left is good practice in case of pump issues. (AppleCross fuel was out of order when we where there.)

Fav bits
Ardmair campsite - a shore side pitch, overlooking the west. The shore line filled with endless perfect skimming stones.
Weather - we lucked out and had fab weather for our time, with only one wet day.
Lack of Midges - we were only bothered on 2 evenings by midges, so we count that as a win!

What we'd do differently
In hindsight, I think we'd spend longer on the route to allow more walking. Our timeline didn't really allow for day walks.
Seeing how easy the free camping spots were to be found, I think we'd also have more of a blend of some booked sites, with the odd free camping along the way.
(Toilet's being the only real concern)

Obligatory photo's with a Cali.
Ardmair
View attachment 84071

Sango Sands
View attachment 84072
Thankyou for this, excellent. Did having a bike prove helpful?, in the winter is it still feasible do you think? finally, in retrospect, if you did free stopping/camping , rather than camp sites would it have been difficult?
 
Thanks for the interesting write-up on your holiday and really glad you enjoyed the NC500. I have never done this as a single journey as I live only an hour from Inverness so just a bit here and there over the years. After yesterday I only have about 50 miles in the NW segment to do. This was after a trip to Arisaig and Dornie when we decided to head home via the Bealuch na ba and Torridon. The weather was misty so I will be going back soon because of how stunning it was even in those conditions. I was really surprised how busy the Bealuch was considering the schools back and poor visibility, plenty large motorhomes though which must be terrifying as a passenger heading clockwise; needed to swing the mirrors in a few times! The Cali managed np. I do think some thought may be needed to be applied to how we maximise this journey for everyone but minimise danger / frustration for others. I noted the 'courteous wave' was often missing and replaced with a look of terror / concentrationo_O:oops:.
 
Such a great write up, thank you for sharing. We’re about to set off for 3 weeks to the outer Hebrides so this has inspired me to look into things to do like a boat trip for whale watching. It’d be amazing to even see Dolphins! Also interesting to hear about the free camping spots. We havent fully booked our campsites after the first week but not sure if to brave a free spot (mainly as we have a nearly one year old so but concerned about the toilet/ shower facilities). Also good you didn’t have midges! We’re hoping for a midge free time too!
 
Such a great write up, thank you for sharing. We’re about to set off for 3 weeks to the outer Hebrides so this has inspired me to look into things to do like a boat trip for whale watching. It’d be amazing to even see Dolphins! Also interesting to hear about the free camping spots. We havent fully booked our campsites after the first week but not sure if to brave a free spot (mainly as we have a nearly one year old so but concerned about the toilet/ shower facilities). Also good you didn’t have midges! We’re hoping for a midge free time too!
Hi Rach, further to previous comment, I go to Outer Hebrides regularly. I noted that when boarding the ferry just 2 weeks ago Cal-mac Ferries pre-boarding staff were insistent that camp sites were pre-booked as no wild camping was permitted due to further covid restrictions. Might be worth clarifying if this is still the case; I guess you should be OK if you have the first week booked as things should be quieter now. You will hopefully spot some dolphins / whales on the ferry across which is almost guaranteed in calm conditions; unfortunately it is the wind and waves that make them hard to spot. Midges should be starting to hibernate for winter soon too before returning in late spring to warmly welcome tourists. Have a great time as I am sure you will!
 
Great write up for people considering the route. Some magnificent beaches and walks around. Sango sands having the pub close by is a hit so you can have a night off cooking.

I suppose the message that hits home is to be courteous, tidy and respectful to the locals as there have been recent reports of litter, human waste etc left in lay-bys.
 
Last edited:
Great summary/review, and makes us want to put this back up on our wish list again, after our relatively short Scotland winter trip 2019/20! Thanks!

We definitely want to go out of season, when probably many campsites will be closed, so we were wondering about your observation of so many wild camp possibilities, which seem counter to our experience.
Are you referring to real wild camp spots (end of some uncharted dirt track, on a lake sea shore or river bank, completely on one's own, no-one near)? We know that from Scandinavia and had expected to find such places in Scotland, but couldn't find them, really. Or are you referring to night parking possibilities in lay-by's, together with several other vans/campers?
We have seen and used some of those, but don't really like it. Then we'd rather use camp sites, but the prospect of having to book everything in advance because it is so busy (in high season) or many are closed (out of season) doesn't really appeal to us.
 
Great write up on your trip, a big thanks from me. Just had a trip up to Tomich and Islay this year, but that’s influenced by my whisky choice ;)
 

Similar threads

Mullaghroe
Replies
32
Views
4K
The Blue Merle
The Blue Merle
SandyR
Replies
24
Views
3K
Gary&Heather
Gary&Heather
fordyski100
Replies
39
Views
4K
BeagleMum
BeagleMum
B
Replies
3
Views
881
BigJohn
B
Back
Top