N500 (1 Viewer)

[Rds559]

N500 I think that’s touring round Scotland as anyone done it in January.
If so is there a lot of wild camping or do you have go to campsites
Thank for any advice

 

[Spriddler]

I wouldn't fancy the NC500 in Jan. Many websites about it.

North Coast 500 - The ultimate road trip around the North of Scotland

Bringing together a route of just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery in the far north of Scotland, the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most beautiful road trips. Explore opulent castles, sample a dram of whisky or take an exhilarating wildlife safari, enjoy a truly unique touring...

www.northcoast500.com

 

[Rds559]

Thank you it sounds great is there a route to follow on a map or do you make it as you go

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[Spriddler]

Thank you it sounds great is there a route to follow on a map or do you make it as you go

Just open the website link that I gave and you'll find this on the first page...........

 

[Rds559]

Thank you that looks brilliant

 

[Rds559]

Just open the website link that I gave and you'll find this on the first page...........

View attachment 826835_

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[Rds559]

Thank you that looks brilliant

 

[CWH]

It's basically the coast road plus the bit across from Inverness. It's well signposted with brown signs.
NC500 is a trade name and has a website and loads of merchandise including apps, maps and guide books.
There's Facebook pages for day-to-day advice and opinion. Loads of guide books on ghe Internet.
The main thing is to realise that not only could the weather be "difficult" but also that the majority of campsites, attractions, hospitality (like cafes) will be closed.
Fuel, lpg, water, waste disposal can also be difficult so need to be planned in advance and dealt with whenever available.
Days are very short eg Thurso on January 15th sunrise will be 08:51, sunset 15:55.

 

[Smudger55]

We did N500 in September going east to west. We drove up from Devon, stopping in Penrith then Falkirk for the Kelpies and Wheel. Stayed overnight at Kelpies and then drove round to Falkirk Wheel following morning. We booked all our sites in advance as it was very busy.

Our stop off points were Dornoch, John O Groats, Kyle of Tongue, Choraid Croft, Scourie and Ardmair. We had great views from each site and really enjoyed the trip, only spoilt by gearbox problems. As we had a 7.8m MHome we decided not to risk the Western routes ie, Lochinver and Applecross.

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[Rds559]

Can you do the 500 without campsites just wild or at less campsites now and then

 

[Otter Spotter]

Be aware that many of the camp sites close at the end of October so you will need to consider where you are going to dump waste/toilet waste etc. Some of the Aires remain open.
As for the weather, it’s Scotland and in January expect snow, storms, potentially treacherous road conditions and worse still many if the Pubs/ hotels will be closed for the winter.

 

[Rds559]

Thank you something different to Spain in summer

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[CWH]

Can you do the 500 without campsites just wild or at less campsites now and then

Depends on what facilities you have for dealing with or carrying waste. And managing if you get stranded by the weather.
Be aware also that you can't rely on the SOAC (Scottish Outdoor Access Code) for "wild" camping, which in Scotland excludes vehicles. The law in Scotland is very similar to that in England.