Which side of the NC500 is better?
The first is that if you are not used to single track roads, driving the route counterclockwise helps ease you into them better than driving it clockwise. So we recommend this direction for those tackling single track roads for the first time.
How many days does it take to do NC500?
five days
We recommend spending at least five days along the North Coast 500, although 7 days (or more, if you can afford the time) will give you a far greater understanding of this very special area of Scotland.
How long does the NC500 take to drive?
The North Coast 500 is not a route to be driven quickly. Not only would it be unsafe to race along it, but you’ll want to drive it at a relaxed pace to take in the wonderful scenery! Our advice is to allow at least 5 days to drive the full route round-trip, although more days will obviously allow you to see more.
How long does it take to drive NC500 Scotland?
5 to 7 days
At over 500 miles long, it is advised that the NC500 journey should be spread across 5 to 7 days – with multiple stops along the way to take in the local scenery, culture, food, and activities.
Are there petrol stations on NC500?
The map is not yet complete, but all petrol stations are on there, although not all have complete details yet. The longest stretch between fuel stops is 46 miles and that is between Brora and Wick. It is a good idea to keep your tank half full and keep topping it up as you go around the route.
Is Loch Ness on the NC500?
Inverness – The capital of the Scottish Highlands and the start and end of your NC500 adventure! Experience stunning Highland scenery, explore ancient castles and majestic mountains, and of course you may even catch sight of the famous Loch Ness Monster!
Are there supermarkets on the NC500?
Larger grocery stores along the NC500 can be found in Inverness (several large supermarkets including Tesco, Lidl, Asda, and Morrisons), Thurso (Tesco, Lidl, and Co-op), and Ullapool (Tesco Superstore). These are good places to stock up on groceries if you are staying in self-catering lodging or camping.
Is the NC500 signposted?
Is the NC500 signposted? Yes! There are many brown tourist signs that direct the traffic around the North Coast 500. Besides, the route is straightforward as it runs along the coastline of North Scotland.
Can you do the NC500 in a car?
Most of the NC500 route is on single-track roads – and you will be driving the route along with sports cars, campervans, motorbikes, cyclists, tractors, delivery drivers, sheep, coos and deer.
Is there petrol stations on the NC500?
Yes there are plenty filling stations but fill a can and take it for emergencies!
Where are the petrol stations on the NC500?
VICTORIA GARAGE – 24hr Recovery & Fuel.
Do you get midges on NC500?
Unfortunately, midges also thrive in these conditions, and small though they may be, a swarm of them can cast a cloud over even the best-planned day out. There are plenty of ways, however, to prepare for midge season, so follow our five top tips below for dealing with midges on the NC500 and keep the beasties at bay.
Can I sleep in my car NC500?
Overnight parking: It was easy to find to suitable places for overnight parking along this stretch of the NC500 and Balakneil Beach is a quite and sheltered spot. Campsites: There’s a campsite in Durness high up on the cliffs overlooking Durness Beach.
What is the best time to avoid the midges in Scotland?
Come between late September and late May. In the Highlands of Scotland, particularly in the Cairngorms, we can have an early frost in September or a late frost in May. Midges can’t survive a frost. If you arrive in Scotland, before the weather has warmed up too much you are unlikely to see many midges.
Can you do the NC500 in a motorhome?
It DOES NOT apply to motorised vehicles such as campervans or motorhomes. We would recommend that you make use of the wonderful camping and caravan sites along the route.
Is NC500 free?
What is this? The popular adventure, with four seasons in one day, heading west from Inverness to the top of Scotland’s mainland, John O’Groats, and back down the east coast (or in reverse). This thorough and free NC500 route planner will get you on the road in no time.
Can you sleep in a layby?
For example, if a landowner has granted you the authority to park in their layby, then it is legal for you to sleep overnight in your campervan. It is when you haven’t received permission from a landowner that the laws around sleeping in your campervan can get confusing.
Can midges bite through clothing?
Biting activity varies among species but they are most active in day time or near sunrise and sunset. With short mouthparts, biting midges are unable to bite through clothing and so exposed body parts such as hands, arms, legs (when wearing shorts) and the head are most frequently attacked.
Which parts of Scotland are worst for midges?
the West Highlands
The greatest numbers of midges are to be found in the West Highlands. They tend to live close to their food source, cattle, below 1,500 feet. The east coast of Scotland is relatively free of midges.
Where can I park my motorhome on NC500?
If you are unable to secure a pitch then you may be able to park at one of the below informal motorhome stops:
- Nigg Ferry Hotel Carpark.
- Balintore Harbour Carpark.
- Lochinver Leisure Centre Carpark.
- Falls of Shin Carpark.
- Balnakeil Motorhome Stopover.
- Stoer Lighthouse.
- Sheigra Beach Honor Campsite.
Can you park campervan anywhere on NC500?
Camp Sites on the NC500
Whether you are looking to keep things minimal or stay at sites with full facilities – there is something for everyone. Our campsites welcome tents, campervans and motorhomes etc unless stated otherwise.
Can you do NC500 without a car?
You can’t road trip the NC500 without a vehicle, and if you haven’t booked yourself a campervan/motorhome yet, then we can make it very easy: Check out Motorhome Republic! Who are they? They are essentially the best search engine campervan and motorhome rentals in Scotland.
Where is the safest place to sleep in your car?
Here are seven safe places to sleep in your car:
- Walmart.
- Casino’s.
- Rest Stops.
- Welcome Information Centers.
- Bureau of Land Management’s Land.
- Shopping Malls’ and Grocery Stores’ Parking Lots.
- City Street Parking.
Where can I sleep in my car legally?
Answer provided by. As far as state laws go, you can legally sleep in your car anywhere, provided it’s not on private property or prohibited by signage or local law. This is essentially just legal jargon for saying it’s legal to sleep in your car.
Does Marmite keep midges away?
Marmite – Love it or hate it, Marmite has also been known to deter midges. When you eat Marmite, its high content of yeast extract makes your blood less tasty. Chewing garlic also works similarly, but your walking companions may not enjoy it!