The turn off for the beach is at Kerrisdale. If you’ve never been on one track roads, just keep left at passing places. Check out the official page for Smoo Cave to see if the tours are still running. 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. We left Inverness, driving over the Telford Street bridge to and made our first stop in Beauly. The road is quite narrow, with hairpin bends on every corner, but a joy to navigate for experienced drivers. The first day of our itinerary has you exploring the city of Inverness and … As you leave Dunrobin Castle, you’ll cross the bridge into the Black Isle, towards Inverness. Applecross is very small and finding accommodation here at the last minute can be very challenging. During our visit, every B&B we passed in Ullapool was marked with “no vacancies” sign, therefore, pre-booking accommodation is a smart move. The NC500 highlights are all hyperlinked so you don’t have to keep on scrolling up and down. Hi, I loved reading this. 4.0 out of 5 stars 24. It’s a lovely site to explore and also very peaceful. The journey to cross the Kyle of Durness takes around 10 minutes. Complete with pictures, stopping points and highlights along the way, this guide is a must-have for your next trip! Then book a glass-bottomed boat tour to sneak on sea stars, urchins, seals and sea birds. Achnahaird beach: This is our top wild camp spot. Most of the stops we’ve mentioned have decent footpaths but some spots might have some steep steps down towards the sea etc. Cape Wrath is a serious detour on the NC500 route. This is the most northerly point of mainland Britain and home to puffins, razorbills (which we were lucky to spot), shags and cormorants. From Inverness, it’s only half an hour drive west to Beauly. We highly recommend staying here before visiting Dunrobin Castle if you want to beat the tour buses and get there as soon as it opens. Today it’s a peaceful fishing village with a pretty name meaning “herring bay.”. And it was, supposedly, endorsed by Mary Queen of Scots during her visit in 1564. From here you can explore Loch Ness further, but if we are brutally honest, there are many more beautiful and less touristy lochs around. So there you have it, your ultimate guide to the campsites of the North Coast 500 . We were lucky to see panoramic views at the summit just before the mist covered the site completely. Sadly Colin, the main Smoo caver and tour operator has passed away in early 2019. They filled bombs with the Bacillus anthracis bacteria and dropped it on Gruinard island in order to check if they could contaminate cities in Germany. North Coast 500 map (download the digital map and then pick up a paper copy at the Inverness Visitor Center) Scotland road map or atlas ; GPS ; Road Trip music (in a format that works with your vehicle!) Just before the Kyle of Tongue bridge, you can take a quick detour to Talmine viewpoint. The ladies at Waterlines cafe will serve you freshly prepared rolls with different fillings and delicious homemade cakes. A spectacular fine-sand beach, no doubt. During the 19th century, the island was used for lime quarrying which was then calcinated in limekiln on the nearby peninsula. Another great thing about the beach is that it’s only a short and easy walk away across the cliffs from the car park. For van size, we did it in our converted Citroen Relay van, it’s around 2m x 6m and had no issues. No one bothered us. If you are doing NC500 in a campervan or motorhome, we did the full loop in our van conversion and have some good tips for you where to wild camp. From Drumberg, make your way towards Balchrick. If you are doing NC500 in a campervan or motorhome, we did the full loop in our van conversion and have some good tips … Most importantly we recommend selecting several potential locations as backups, as things change and no overnight parking / sleeping signs are starting to appear across the UK :(. Check out their website here. We would have loved to see what’s inside further down the cave. Not cheap, but really good. Charlie had lots of fun demolishing and arch that looked like a mini version of the long lost Azure Window in Malta. It can get crowded and a little bit noisy with people coming and going, but in general, it was quiet at night. Check out some of these less-visited sights. It’s like a mini highlands. It’s a good stop before tackling the remaining east coast of the Scottish 500 route. Recent Posts. North Coast 500 route maps are made easily available online plan your route around Scotland's Route66 NC500 with google maps & plan your route around the Coasts of the Northern Scottish Highlands as you drive through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, visit famous location made popular by movies like Braveheart filmed in Glen Nevis by Fort William However we don’t recommend heading into the city itself, it isn’t very motorhome friendly and doesn’t have a great deal to offer. But The Junction Cafe nearby serves up a really good full English including a fab veggie option. Our breakfast consisted of baked goods and coffee from Harry Gow Bakery. Even though perched close to the road, Clashnessie is another lovely beach in beautiful surroundings. NC500 Scotland in a motorhome. On a sunny day. It’s a real shame the boat tours weren’t running during our visit. Hey Nick, glad you found the post useful! I’m doing the trip in July with my family (young children $ & 10) and friends. Have you heard about the North Coast 500? As you start leaving the town, Look out for a lovely beach on your left and stop at the viewpoint of Loch Garliosh. Clashnessie Bay: There’s a tiny car park across the road from Clashnessie beach, suitable for overnight parking for around 4-6 motorhomes. We skipped this spot and drove further west for around 5 minutes along the picturesque B869 road until we reached a tiny lake by the road. You could either do a quick detour from Inverness and visit Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle at the start of your NC500 journey or at the end. This slightly alternative North Coast 500 was made in collaboration with the people behind the official driving route, to make an official NC500 Cycle Route. It was busy during the day, but the traffic died down at around 9 pm. North Coast 500 by motorhome and campervan. The start of the North Coast 500 motorhome route: Inverness The NC500 route starts at Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands. Thanks, Lakica, the NC500 route is quite spectacular. You’ll also need a lot of blankets, a heater, and an emergency kit in case of being snowed in. North500 Motorhomes to routes, north coast 500, skye, whisky trail, Highlands. Thurso is only a 45-minute drive northeast from Bettyhill via A836, then a left turn onto the 4-mile long B855. On A832 and shores of Loch Gairloch, sits Gairloch, a pretty harbour village with galleries, shops, a post office and inns. Follow the link to see what’s available in Gairloch today. Full attention must be paid to the road here, Due to the dangerous tide and often wild weather, the ferry and bus service don’t have a regular schedule so it’s best to. As for wild camping, it means just that and there are often no facilities, just spot to park up. As it goes, you’re never short of bay views on the NC500 route. Come here for the sunset or early in the morning to hear the wind howling in between the walls. If you are planning to stay close to John o’ Groats, check accommodation options in Canisby. If you can time your visit to this fairytale castle on a Monday (or any other weekday) morning, you’ll have a pleasant wander without too many crowds. With picnic tables, fantastic views of Little Loch Broom and An Tellach, the highest mountain in the area, this place is what the NC500 route is all about. Clootie Well: If you didn’t get spooked by the nature spirits and need a place to crash for the night, stay in the woods right next to the wishing well. Plus, you’ll get a great view of the Duncansby Head cliffs that broke away from the main peninsula. Tacky, but we still took a quick picture. North Coast 500 Itinerary. In 1986, the government started the cleaning process and declared the island to be safe to visit in 1990. There is a substantial patch of gravel land for overnight parking. Once a big herring fishing village, these days Lybster is a sleepy harbour village. Check the link to see what’s available right now. Formed over thousands of years, Smoo Cave in Durness is well worth a visit. We recently came across this brilliant map containing wild camping and pub stopovers for campervans doing the North Coast 500. Read about our incredible experience on the recently launched North Coast 500 route : PART 1 - WEST COAST WANDERING Move over Route 66! Plus it’s free of charge! FREE Delivery on your first order shipped by Amazon. As you leave the valley, follow the road sign to Gairloch and Ullapool. The drive from Shieldaig and especially from Torridon towards the Red Beach is, you probably already guessed, stunning and picturesque. Inverewe is a delightful stop to inhale the dreamy English rose scent and walk the woodland trails. If you are a passenger, look out for two little cute sandy bays on your left (if driving clockwise), if you are the driver on NC500 – keep your eyes on the road. We saw so many people turn around at the point of a slight incline, which is a shame. Experience Scotland's answer to Route 66 with everything from fairytale castle ruins to delicious seafood and white beaches. Also, can this be done in one week? Maybe I wasn’t alone after all?!? The beach is at the end of the road, past the inn, gin distillery, and many small communities along the way. Be sure to (carefully) walk around the cliff to take in the view of the thrilling rocks beneath the castle. At 626 metres (2,053 ft) high, the single track road twists and turns sharply in places and should be taken seriously. The small historic Bettyhill town has a lovely beach nearby, a leisurely 5-minute stroll across the fields. It’s dangerous and breathtaking at the same time. Take your goodies and leave money in the box. If you are spending some time here, check out Leakey’s Bookshop, a second-hand book store housed in an old church. A deluxe en-suite pod with a hot tub and views of … Name; Rating; Newest; Smallest; Biggest; Offer Expiry; Popular Search Ideas. You’ll have lots of options around the entire coastal route. We only had two other campervans parked next to us during our stay. If you are not scared of heights, you can cross a super narrow path to the summit of the bluff. Elevated so that you could enjoy this elaborate mansion from the gardens, Dunrobin Castle is the seat of the Clan Sutherland. Follow the link to see what’s available in Gairloch today. Yum. 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. There are also a lot of places just to pull up and wander down to the sea or beach in a few minutes. Most of the suggested routes cover the whole North Coast 500 route in 5 days, but for a motorhome tour that will be quite tiring. To the left of the steps, there’s a bump on your right-hand side. The wooden steps descend into the waterfall/lake chamber but during heavy rains, the cave floods and you might not be able to access it. They serve great food and drinks and the staff is very friendly. Please be respectful and leave a small donation if you can. Plus, the countryside, bathing in the morning light, is so beautiful and fresh – great for photos. We were in a 20' Motorhome and intentionally took 3 weeks' to complete and enjoy the route. Cape Wrath (organised ferry crossing only), Noss Head + Girnigoe and Sinclar’ Castles (unmissable detour), Grey Cairns of Camster – Neolithic Tombs (quick detour), Dunrobin Castle + fantastic wild camping spot, Urquhart Castle on the Shores of Loch Ness, 15 Incredibly Enjoyable and Stunning Things to Do on the Isle of Skye, The Harry Potter Train in Scotland (Where to See and Ride it). Here we learned about how continents collided millions of years ago and we had a great circular walk atop the ancient crag. We missed the sign for the viewpoint and went all the way up into the tiny village. Explore the famous locations of Harry Potter and Outlander! Your adventure can be as exciting or as relaxing as you wish it to be. We were going to hire a converted van, as I’m thinking campervans may be too big for some of the route? The drive itself to the beach is a beautiful winding one track drive for about 12 miles from the turn-off. Have some spare pennies? Sandalwood Bay: If you are running low on the water, there’s a tap behind the toilet block. I swear I was feeling chills when taking pictures early in the morning with no one else in sight. The heritage garden has quite a few trails plus a museum and a cafe. North Coast 500 Scotland's answer to Route 66, the new scenic route showcasing the fairy tale castles, beaches and ruins. From Achnahaird beach, head southwest and re-join the A835 at Drumrunie for the short drive to Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve. The car park is small, but if you can squeeze in your campervan, stay here for a night. North Coast 500 itinerary day 2: Inverness to Torridon. The middle section of the garden looked pretty empty during our visit but it was still nice to walk around the grounds, play cricket and wind down after the 11 days we spent on this incredible Scottish road trip. But don’t miss Achnahaird Beach, it’s well worth a detour, especially on a sunny day. Planning Your Motorhome Trip for Winter. This kind of phenomenon has never been detected anywhere else in the world at the time. It was quite fascinating to see the river quickly eating into the sandy ridge. The healing works as the cloth rots, so if you leave a non-biodegradable cloth wrapped around a tree, it won’t heal you! What we weren’t too sure about when we got there was the 8-mile round trek to the beach. 6, then a left turn onto the 4-mile long B855. The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to route 66 and one of the most beautiful coastal touring routes in the world (well, we think so, anyway!). Drumberg viewpoint is a lovely stop along the way with a view of Eddrachillis Bay, Handa Island and mainland Sutherland. There’s also no right or wrong direction to drive it. Similar to the mountain passes in the Alps, Bealach Na’ Ba, aka the Pass of the Cattle, is the steepest road ascent in the UK. We drove up in the rain and it was slightly uncomfortable so do take care and stay focused. If you are craving peace and an off the beaten path spot, then Achnahaird beach is worth the detour. Drive further west from Priory for just under 2h and witness the scenery get increasingly more dramatic. Don’t chance it, follow the link to check out the accommodation options before all the best rooms get sold out. If you’re interested in discovering the beautiful North Coast 500 by motorhome, don’t hesitate to contact us on 07720 260596 or browse our website to learn more about the amazing models we have at your disposal. Firstly, which season are you embarking in? Applecross Campsite. We enjoyed a few delightful breakfasts in our van conversion made from traditionally smoked malt whiskey cured salmon. To visit Lybster, turn off the main road on the left, pass the main town and drive down the steep road into the harbour. You could be met with a violent spray of water coming from it. Luckily we had Custard Cream, the van conversion waiting patiently for us at the car park. Opinan is the last settlement before the beach. There’s a nice view of another bay from up here. The beach itself is a lovely white-sand bay framed with beautiful black rocks sticking out into the sea. If you are after breakfast, the inn serves breakfast to the residents only. The spot is peaceful, offers great walks and views. Halfway down Bealach Na’ Ba, the tiny village Applecross will start to appear. Perhaps try one of the related searches below. Which was lucky as we needed to stock up on fresh fruit and veg. Tonyg3nwl Ps met up with a fellow Ham radio enthusiast on Skye.callsign MM0LUP. Located between Coast and Mungasdale in Guinard Bay, it holds a grim past dating back to WWII when the British were testing Anthrax, a dangerous infectious chemical for use in the war. From here, the only way to reach the unspoiled beach is on foot for just over 4 miles one way. Now that the NC500 is an official route there’s plenty of books, guides and maps … Look out for the sign on your right-hand side pointing to Red Point. We didn’t plan to stop here but were intrigued by the big brown heritage sign. Smoo Cave is located on the main road, easily accessible from the car park. The latter looked extremely busy during our visit. Scotland at its best. As you join the A837 road at Ledmore towards Inchnadamph, make a quick stop to explore the ruins of the 16th Century Ardverk Castle, once owned by the Macleods of Assynt Clan. Campervan Hire RV & Motorhome Rentals Suilven View Pod Assynt, Lochinver, Highlands. Nice read. Many NC500 travellers miss these ancient tombs. Because of the scenic surroundings, Shieldaig is a popular spot among the NC500 tourers and gets booked up quickly. Don’t miss the tiny Gruinard island inhabited by sheep. Here are some of our highlights. From here cross the stone bridge on your left if driving clockwise and then it’s around 9 miles on the one-track road. The road across the mountains of the Applecross peninsula is open all year round, however, occasionally it gets closed during extreme weather conditions. It marks the longest distance (874 miles) between two extreme points in the southwest (Land’s End in Cornwall) and northeast (John o’ Groats) of the country. Clootie Well or a Cloth Well is associated with ancient Scottish and Irish traditions and dates back to pre-Christianity. It houses the famous Applecross Inn and Smokehouse. There’s a well-trodden path leading up to the summit from where you can look down on to the huge breathtaking craggy sea stacks. But is it really? Look to your left to discover a lovely waterfall rushing down the impressive rocks. Needed attachments or gear for RV or campervan (e.g., hoses, leveling blocks) Bike rack (if planning to take or rent bikes) If you have time, check out Badachro Inn and the small gin distillery under the same name. When you decide to explore the famous Route 500 that runs along the north coast of Scotland, it will be a decision that you never come to regret. We stayed here for 2 nights and found it peaceful. If you have very little time to spare but still really want to do the Route 500, you can book a 3-day whirlwind tour from Inverness with the very popular Rabbie’s minivan. Check out the post at the viewpoint pointing to some of the main landmarks in the area. Have yourself a wee break and stop at Halladale Inn in Thurso. You’ll find lots of little wild camping spots between Achiriesgill and Keoldale (ferries for the Cape Wrath). And it is absolutely stunning with the purple-coloured river Naver rushing into the blue sea. Driving away from Thurso, you’ll be able to take quite a few dramatic detours, starting with Dunnet Head, a peninsula on the north coast of Scotland. Nearby, you’ll also see the ruins of Calda House, once a lavish mansion, it has remained a ruin since 1745. “No more beaches,” we said after our epic fail at Sandwood Bay. You’ll see a smaller red-hue sand beach in the distance but keep driving further until you crossed two stone bridges and reached a small car park. Why a motorhome is the best way to explore the NC500. Paperback £5.99 £ 5. N … Wow, what a resource. The walk along the Knockan Crag was a pleasant surprise. 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. But it can take months if you take off-road routes. Dunnet Head: A popular nightspot among campervans/motorhomes on NC500. The Clootie Well site is very much alive today, covered in cloth of all kinds and sizes. Popular searches for North Coast 500 … It’s broad and easily accessible with a small patch of land for parking. Boasting 1,000 years of history, the castle has witnessed the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th Century and was passed repeatedly from hand to hand between Scots and English. The North Coast 500 (nc500) has everything you could want from a Scottish road trip. Turn right and drive on a what feels like Roman Road for around 8-10 minutes until you see grey bumps in the grass. Here’s how t… You’ll also find many lovely stone art pieces and poems carved in rocks and stones along the way. We started our day with a selfie in front of Inverness Castle, the official start and end point for the North Coast 500. There is a hut with lots of information about, supposedly, the oldest rocks in the world, at the start of the walk. There are many more easily accessible and beautiful beaches along the route so skip it if the weather isn’t on your side. On a clear day, you can explore the spectacular summit of Bealach Na’ Ba. This lovely botanical garden is a true manifestation of the founder’s vision to plant and grow as many exotic plants as possible. Ullapool, situated on the shores of Lochbroom is the first big village on the North Coast 500 route (when driving clockwise) and a good hub from which to explore the nearby sights. Related searches. The family still lives here but a large chunk of the manor is open for exploring. From here you can also catch a ferry to Stornoway and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides if you are thinking of exploring further away from the initial NC500 route. With no need … ? Inverness is where this epic Scottish road trip starts and ends regardless of whether you’ll do it clockwise or anticlockwise. Download an app called park4night and it will show you all the facilities and parking spots around the route. It can get cold at night even in the summer so bring warmer PJs. There’s beach after beach after beach on this bit of road and you don’t have to see them all. The further one, Ceannabeinne beach, has a zipline if you fancy thrills on your Scottish 500 route. As you cross the valley, you’ll feel like you are in a James Bond movie, rushing to save the world through the vast wilderness. The viewing platform here is perfect for an overnight stop if you are doing the North Coast 500 route in a campervan/motorhome. If you are not going down into the gorge, then enjoy the fabulous drive to the next leg of the North Coast 500 trip – Ullapool. If it is the brutal Scottish winter - props to you!- then you’ll need to check you have winter tyres and snow chains. You’ll have to either do it from the car or simply enjoy the ride. Plus, it wasn’t that busy during the day either. It’s quite Harry Potter-esque. Located in a cute town Beauly, the ruins of the priory, which is still in a very good condition, is worth a quick look. We don’t recommend wandering in the mist as visibility can be very poor. The discovery that the older rocks moved on top of the younger rocks due to tectonic action had a significant impact on the science of geology. Red Point Beach: Wild camp here if you are not in a rush. Applecross is a very popular camping spot in the Scottish Highlands and one … And don’t hold on to the walls – they might be unsupported or just recently repaired. Get it Thursday, Jan 7. Plenty of space for caravans/motorhomes. Traveling the North Coast 500 by motorhome is by far the best way to explore it. If you’re doing the opposite, and cruising dow… Travelling The North Coast 500 In A Motorhome. And don’t worry, the descent to Applecross will be much gentler. It’s up to you whether you want to spend a day in the city, but we really recommend spending an afternoon here. They also have a sign in their garden (kind of hidden away behind the smoking bin) of the Route 500 which is a copy of the Route 66 in the US. From Applecross head east towards A896. With over 500 miles of dramatic driving roads, beautiful coastal scenery, turquoise blue seas and white sand beaches, the North Coast 500 (NC500) is one of Scotland’s best road trips. Sort By . And if you leave the beach early enough in the morning, before 9 am, you’ll be lucky to miss the oncoming traffic along the one-track road. Bringing together just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, the route follows the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands. Dog walkers come here throughout the day, but the spot is quiet at night. Get excited. Situated along the River Ness, Inverness is easily walkable on foot. The castle is currently undergoing renovation, but part of it is open for an atmospheric wander in the courtyard just across the windy bridge. We recommend the longer route and taking a few detours along the way, such as Torridon glen. You’ll be passing right through the Torridon valley on the A896, with a view into the mighty Ben Eighe with its many summits. We suggest stopping at the tourist office you will pass on the A9. It is important to plan ahead! by Jennifer Watson. There might not be any dramatic views at this stop, but John o’ Groats is an iconic landmark in Britain. It’s relaxing and picturesque. Follow the link to check accommodation options in this area and keep exploring. North Coast 500 map by Thincat, CC 4.0. A 10-minute drive away northeast from Clachtoll Beach, you’ll come across Clashnessie Beach. Due to the dangerous tide and often wild weather, the ferry and bus service don’t have a regular schedule so it’s best to contact the minibus company first.