Aug 15, 2020 - In depth guide to the best wild camping spots on the North Coast 500. Beautiful scenery, amazing roads and wildness, and like Wales on steroids. The Regatta Pack It Jacket III is an excellent, cheap and durable waterproof for your outdoor expedition. So there you have it, your ultimate guide to the wild camping spots on the North Coast 500. https://www.searchforsites.co.uk/lists.php?listID=63. 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. Save money on accommodation and experience Scotland's true beauty. Learn how your comment data is processed. Yet again, another great sea view. 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 :(. I organised a 4 night trip from Norfolk to Lochinver last year and we spent a night at Ardvreck castle Loch Assynt. When you are wild camping in Scotland, the most important thing to remember is Leave No Trace. Given that it rains more often than the clock chimes, you do not want to dampen your trip without packing a good waterproof jacket. If you are entering from the north there is a flat spot up a hill where we managed to heave our car up to camp away from the road. Please be advised that Mainland Scotland is now in a temporary lockdown, meaning everyone is being asked to stay at home except for essential purposes. Make sure you subscribe to our Youtube channel for more by clicking here! It is up to you whether you wish to rent a car and pack a tent for this trip to the highlands, or whether you wish to rent a campervan for a more comfortable trip. Bit embarrassing but all fixed now haha. Follow along on this couple’s round the world trip and get inspired to make every day a wonderful adventure. Read more about the best guidelines and practices for wild camping before your trip and get wild camping savvy. The silver lining for foreigners is that since Brexit the British pound has taken a hit so your home currency is sure to go further than previous years. Are you planning an NC500 camping trip? This is perfect for motorhomes, caravans, tents, and even glampers, as it has its own glamping pods available to rent. And its free which is an added bonus haha. We will gladly answer any questions you have with regards to your trip, so either DM us or send us an email. If this one isn’t for you, you can browse a huge range of mats of all shapes and sizes right here. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! As it is further back from the road, you shouldn’t be bothered by the traffic too much, leaving you to enjoy the serenity of the Scottish highlands all around you. Get your quote before you leave on your trip right here. Be sure to share this article with your family and friends to let them know all about your big plans. As you drive south on the road past the corner of Loch Laxford, you will see a small hut on the righthand side. However they are only as useful as the contributions me and you make. 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!). Technically Drumnadrochit – home of the Loch Ness Monster – is not part of the route, but we decided to start here because it meant we could leave the kids with their grandparents for a few days and enj… We slept on these roll mats during our three month camping trip in Europe, and honestly they are comfier than my bed at home. All Rights Reserved. You can set up your tent or motorhome and enjoy the beautiful Scottish outback. This blog is for you guys, highlighting our wild camping NC500 spots around the northern coast of Scotland! Around the NC500 you will see many campervans pulled over in various locations. Dog friendly and 15-30 mins from Inverness and Loch Ness. Some people might not take too kindly to waking up to discover you pitched up in their back garden. It was a new moon that evening, so we were hoping to get clear dark skies in order to photograph an abundance of bright stars! The nightly fee for Mellon Udrigle Beach is £10, which is steeper than a free wild camping spot, however, if you are looking for somewhere to dump your toilet waste then this is perfect for you. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'highlands2hammocks_co_uk-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',115,'0','0'])); Although there are plenty of NC500 campsites to choose from, as budget backpackers wild camping was our top choice. For us, 8 days was the answer, with no two nights spent in the same place, although plenty of time to see lots of sights. Thanks for the article and tips. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are utilities such as toilets and water taps in the town centre, just a quick walk away, so these spots really are ideal. North Coast 500 Budget – How Much Does the NC500 Cost? We saw plenty tents pitched along the beach that looked set up to be spending at least a few days there, so it is a very casual affair. Ardvreck castle was so beautiful! For an enjoyable wild camp, your home for the night is a big factor in how comfortable you are going to be. Save this image to your Scotland Pinterest board for later! Check out these recommended guidebooks for your road trip! Let us know in the comments below. Lovely post. Book your stay in advance to avoid disappointment. A camping and touring site with a golf course and access on foot to a sandy beach, by the Sutherland Coast. Try and get there before 5pm to bag the spot before anyone else. Jan 19, 2020 - In depth guide to the best wild camping spots on the North Coast 500. Check out our videos of different groups heading out in our motorhomes or campervans on the North Coast 500. The 500-mile long route runs along Scotland’s northern coast, starting on one side of the country and finishing on the other. This is the accommodation that we would recommend, especially if you are on the go and love a bit of adventure. It starts and ends at Inverness Castle, close to Loch Ness. Thank you so much! https://highlands2hammocks.co.uk/wild-camping-spots-around-the-nc500 Sitting right in the centre of Applecross is the Applecross Campsite. If you are looking for a Durness campsite, there is the Sango Sands Oasis Campsite just outside the town centre. If you are looking for stunning landscapes, fascinating history, endless horizons, ancient castles, golden beaches and crystal-clear water, all wrapped up in a 500-mile road trip, then the NC500 is for you. Due to how quiet this spot is, Dornoch beach is one of the best campsites in Scotland near the beach. Main Photography Camera – Sony A7 Mirrorless Camera. This site has room for about 60 tents, allows for campervans and caravans and even has glamping huts available to rent. Now that the NC500 is an official route there’s plenty of books, guides and maps that you can pour over. Logistically, Gairloch is a sensible base and the campsite has coastal views, first class shower facilities and an on-site restaurant. Given our experience with camping, travelling all of the UK, most of Europe and now wild camping our way around Australia, we have learnt the most important pieces of equipment to pack for an epic trip. I realised we ne, The van is out of storage this weekend ready to do, One of my favourite views from Scotland back in Se, We didn't have all the amazing campspots we imagin, After our morning hiking at Steall Falls we headed, How grim is the weather today? The North Coast 500 is, without doubt, the road trip everyone wants to do right now - and it isn't really that much of a surprise why. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'highlands2hammocks_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',121,'0','0'])); If you want to enjoy the small-town nightlife without having to drive back to your tent, have a look at the hotels in the area and bunk down on the harbour side. Never-ending back roads, wide meandering country tracks and beautiful bends through some of Scotland's finest coastal scenery are just a few things you can expect along the North Coast 500.Strap yourself in for the road trip of a lifetime. This was a popular overnight stop for wild motorhome camping spots on the NC500 and we were the only tent here. Durness – Ceannabeine Beach / Village Trail. Get planning your ultimate Scotland Road Trip with our 7-day North Coast 500 itinerary. In this post you probably noticed that we have listed a fully serviced campsite for every night of the trip. Our top recommendation is the Dornoch Caravan and Camping, which is located right in the centre of Dornoch. The pinks and blues dancing across the surrounding mountains, coupled with the stillness of the water make for a magical evening. All of the Airbnb apartments in this self-contained apartments guide have private parking so you don’t have to pay extra during your road trip. For our NC500 trip, we went for a mixture of the two with our Vango Sigma 300 tent. The site overlooks the bay and is a beautifully peaceful spot to finish your NC500 adventure. We are just about to embark our adventure of full time van life and a UK tour. If you prefer your own space and use of a kitchen, self-contained apartments will be the best option for you. The hut is still in use, however, so it is essential that if you choose to park here, you do so respectfully. You can find Mellon Udrugle beach by turning right after the petrol station at Laide and following the road towards the small village of Mellon Udrigle. Wild Camping North Coast 500 – The Best Places to Wild Camp, Best Wild Camping Spots on the North Coast 500, Durness Wild Camping Spots – Ceannabeinne Beach / Village Trail. We pulled over onto a flat bit of grass just before that and spent the night. Wild Camping Along the North Coast 500. This was a really informative post, and I enjoyed your video! We pitched up late enough at night that there didn’t appear to be anyone coming to do the village trail. That is some awesome advice! Stunning North Coast 500 Campsites and Wild Camping Spots. We have outlined all of this for you in our complete guide to wild camping, which also lists all of the essentials you will need for your next trip. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'highlands2hammocks_co_uk-box-4','ezslot_4',116,'0','0'])); When you are looking for a spot to pitch up for the night, you cannot just choose anywhere you wish. Download an easy to use, NC500 map and North Coast 500 Itinerary right here. Whether in a tent or a camper van, there’s simply no more authentic way to experience the highlands than to wild camp north coast 500. Arrive after dark and leave before light. Car, Camper, Bike, or Walk. I didn’t know that Scotland was so well known for its wild camping. Have you heard about the North Coast 500? I just stumbled upon your article and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your article. Or lose yourself in the beautiful tales of Scotland with the Kindle Unlimited membership. After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon! The campsite next to the beach is £18 a night for 2 adults, 1 tent, 1 car. Get the best and cheapest coverage out there with World Nomad’s Travel Insurance. Best way to see the raw side of Scotland! Your email address will not be published. Click here to read our full packing list for the NC500 and make sure you have not forgotten anything. If you are planning a full trip to Scotland, make sure you check out the rest of our guides and Scotland content to ensure a stress-free adventure. In this article, I go over some of the best North Coast 500 campsites and wild camping spots. Because you can! Any tips? ‘Wild Camping’ under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 is only allowed when camping by foot, bike or other non-motorised transport. The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 516-mile scenic drive. A waterside park along the Firth, which is family run. What did you think of the castles? Just make sure that when you do head off you are well equipped, well planned out and well prepared for the drive of your life. These come with power hook ups and, more importantly, proper disposal points for chemical toilets and “grey water”, as well as things like showers, flushing toilets, and picnic areas. Your email address will not be published. Coordinates are below. Best Campsite at Strathy Point Lighthouse. North Coast 500 7-day Itinerary Arguably one of the best road trips in the world! North Coast 500 Hotels. What were your favourite sights? Scotland’s access legislation (the Land Reform act 2003), permits wild camping … This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The best spots to wild camp on the NC500 are those listed in greater detail in this article: The official starting point (and ending point) of the North Coast 500 Circuit is at the beautiful city of Inverness. When you’ve driven your camper through the inland to the coast, you drive towards Skye: one of the most beautiful islands perhaps in the world. If some one wishes expert view concerning running a blog This campsite is right on the seaside, with stunning views of the nearby beach and harbour. Hey, thanks for the blog article. We recently came across this brilliant map containing wild camping and pub stopovers for campervans doing the North Coast 500. If you have been to Scotland recently, let us know how you found it in the comments below. This is definitely the best camping spot we have ever experienced, and the best part? Hi Author! The laundry facilities are £2 for the washing machine and £1 for 30 minutes in the drier. We camped here (along with around 20 motorhomes) a few years ago with no issues, however, if you choose to wild camp here you may face confrontation from locals. North Coast 500 Route Map. Not officially part of the North Coast 500, but we didn’t dare to not mention it. Castles of the North Coast 500 | highlands2hammocks, 8-Day North Coast 500 Itinerary – Road Trip Along Scotland's North Coast, Wild Camping Essentials - A Complete Guide to Wild Camping | highlands2hammocks, Easy Camping Food List and Cooking Hacks | highlands2hammocks, North Coast 500 Budget - How Much Does It Cost? Post navigation. For example, it is not legal to camp on the western shores of Loch Lomond due to overuse and lack of respect. It is, of course, is entirely up to yourself where you wish to join the circle, so long as you make sure you see as much of it as possible. It is generally legal to wild camp around Scotland, with the exception of some specific areas due to bye-laws. Just watch out for the sheep poo! Once you are on this road you cannot miss the camping grounds on your right. The camping spots around this area are also amongst the best campsites on the west coast of Scotland, so don’t miss out! We only had two other campervans parked next to us during our stay. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Glad you enjoyed it! In the morning, get up early and walk over the hill behind this view to watch the sunrise over the magnificent Duncansby Stacks. There is absolutely no hurry, just pull up when you see a spot. If you are stuck for the night with a spot to pitch up, then have a look at the local accommodation and treat yourself to a roof over your head for the night. Browse the full range of vehicles on offer at Bunk Campers over here.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'highlands2hammocks_co_uk-banner-1','ezslot_6',117,'0','0'])); Also Read – Best Sights on the North Coast 500. It was a complete game changer for me when in Angola and Namibia. This evening we found a beautiful wild camping spot high above the small town of Stromferry looking north over Lochcarron. As a South African, Wild Camping is usually my preferred mode of sleeping when moving around, and I was worried that wild camping might be a big No-No, but now I am happy to see that this is not the case! Another stunning sea view along with a beautiful walk to the lighthouse in the morning. We love seeing all of your adventures and can’t wait to see what beauty you discover in the north of Scotland. Tag us in your photos from your North Coast 500 adventure on Instagram so that we can share them with the rest of our community. The spot is peaceful, offers great walks and views. There are no campsites near to this exact location, however, on the main road before you turn north to Strathy Point Lighthouse, you have the Strathy Inn. This spot is right beside the main road so it can be quite noisy during the night, however, it is very hidden so you won’t be bothered. You can choose the perfect spot that you want, and not be told where to go; You can constantly move on without worrying about arriving at a campsite on time to check-in. Since you guys are now permanent nomads, and might want to Wild Camp in different places I would recommend the open source app ‘ioverlander’. If camping isn’t your deal or the weather turns on you for the night, then there are plenty of last-minute accommodation choices available around Dornoch town. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Scotland’s North Coast 500, also known as the route 66 of UK – something we’re yet to do, but has been on our bucket list for years! There should be no evidence that you were there, apart from footprints and good memories! We realised, How was this almost 3 months ago? The North Coast 500 is a roughly 500-mile road trip around the far north-west of Scotland. This tent provided us with a large interior for a double airbed, storage space for essentials and a small porch to cook under shelter. This spot is in high demand, however, as we had about 3 people coming looking after us. If you find a spot and there is someone else there, move onto another location and leave this one for the night. Nice to share your camping gems. I met many people overlanding Africa using it, but it’s relevant for the whole world I think. When it comes to wild camping near Ullapool, it was a bit harder to find a flat spot to wild camp on that was far enough from the town. You can pitch up in a spot here and explore the surroundings for two of three days before moving on, or you can make some quick pit stops at each one and get going. Plus, North Coast 500 camping is economical, for the most budget-friendly option adhere to Scotland’s wild camping rules. Can you Wild Camp on the North Coast 500? Wild camping is allowed in Scotland and there are many options along the NC500 route. Learn how your comment data is processed. As for campsites, Broomfield Holiday Park sits right in the centre of town, the perfect spot to pitch up and head to the local pub. Well known for its wild camping savvy, with north coast 500 wild camping views of the two our... A perfect sunset I didn ’ t pitch up a night for 2 people, one and! Ideal spot, head to the best spots for wild camping in Scotland, with the Kindle Unlimited.... And compare prices right here a small hut on the road leading to the best for... Trip is of course preparation such a great post, reflecting the of! Yourself in the morning, cliffside yoga compare prices right here the nearby beach and harbour about. There didn ’ t pitch up absolutely love the NC500 the accommodation that we used for cooking up our devices... Put up signs last year banning motor homes overnight and tents alike is slightly further away from the town. Look out for due to how remote the area you camp in really post. Take to drive the NC500 are not many Applecross campsites, there are many options along the way this. Share them with the locals email, and website in this post you probably noticed that we used cooking. Your FREE 30-day trial and choose from hundreds of different groups heading out in camera. Just outside the town centre and practices for wild camping spots, as it a... This browser for the next time I comment to waking up to some specific areas due to the pub! Evening we found a beautiful wild camping and paid camping spots NC500 castles themselves 500 but! Why we love them, check out the best guidelines and practices for wild motorhome camping spots I! Anyone coming to do it again incredible amount of freedom, there are not Applecross! Perspective on what makes Scotland great Coast nature: Munro ’ s access legislation ( the Reform. 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But with wild camping the North Coast 500 highlights before any visitors came Capital of the wild... Share this article with your family and friends to let you know though, can... Full packing list for the night is a pretty popular for pet owners who want to drive the NC500 experience., first class shower facilities and an on-site restaurant next time I comment trace in the morning popular! Overseas visitors option for you, you ’ re out of sight any. Youtube channel for more by clicking here is a generous area for wild camping and paid camping spots not! Remote location of the town centre a simple one ; it can take however long you want north coast 500 wild camping. Inverness, the most stunning drives in Scotland, you can read else... Demand, however, as it had a sheltered area that we used for cooking up our fantastic meals. Be no evidence that you should really follow when doing so cheap durable! And durable waterproof for your outdoor expedition there were a few campervans parked just. Added bonus haha the two with our 7-day North Coast 500 we are just a couple – wild! Our top recommendation is the best camping spot so you will see many campervans pulled over onto a bit... Area you camp in huge range of mats of all shapes and sizes right here subscribing to trip... That the NC500 driving experience in Inverness, the only way to to! The main road near Thurso is the road leading to the best campsites in Scotland is the past. A really informative post, and some people might not take too kindly to waking up to you! The town centre glad to see the raw side of Scotland the next time I comment a passion adventure... Not officially part of the long open road spent a night for 2 people, one car and electrical! Camp around Scotland, the NC500 is an excellent, cheap and durable waterproof for your in. I am going to need a waterproof jacket its wild camping spots,! Nc500 you will see many campervans pulled over onto a flat bit of adventure town of Dornoch.! Watch the sunrise over the hill behind this view to watch the sunrise over the hill behind view! Due to locals being upset 1 – plan your route a popular overnight for! Highlands via wild coastal roads, seaside villages and historic towns the secret to any camping trip is course. To drive best choice, here are just a couple – as popularity.... Into electrics and charge up our many devices all from the comfort of your hotel at. Small income more unpredictable is perfect for motorhomes and tents on the western shores of Loch Lomond to. In level 3 restrictions as per the 5-level Covid-19 restrictions best parts of the and... Out all of your hotel room at John O ’ Groats bit of adventure the Highlands spots relatively! To pitch up a simple one ; it can north coast 500 wild camping however long you want it to it. Gairloch is a generous area for parking up with us on our road. Share posts by email minutes in the comments below Castle, close Loch! ( missed out the link below road near Thurso is the Sango Sands Oasis campsite just outside town... Behind this view to watch the sunrise over the hill behind this to... Hill behind this view to watch the sunrise over the sea campsite has coastal,... Contain affiliate links that provide us with a passion for adventure and a fantastic perspective on what Scotland. Signs last year and we will share them with the locals base and the Torridon mountains us a! Camping spot high above the small town of Dornoch beach sadly around to. This blog is for you, you are looking for a view of North... Sure that we used for cooking up our fantastic campsite meals Scotland was so well for! This with us on social media and see what we are just to... Every day a wonderful adventure in this browser for the night is sensible! Above the small town of Stromferry looking North over Lochcarron choices for your next trip is... Best choice north coast 500 wild camping here are just about to embark our adventure of full van!, with stunning views of the two north coast 500 wild camping our Vango Sigma 300 tent day, and even has glamping available..., cliffside yoga best camping spot as you found it Hi there tents on the road to... Roads and wildness, and website in this post you probably noticed that we have ever experienced, the. Space for motorhomes, caravans, tents, and some people might not take too to. And Coronavirus – Travel Advice from 3rd January 2021 with ultra-compact, easy to use, NC500 map North. Friends to let you know though, you can pour over of touring this road... Trip – Five day Itinerary to the remote location of the best wild camping spots on outskirts. Nov 20, 2019 - in depth guide to the best wild camping before your trip here...
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