Locals dont want to be stuck behind people who stop in the middle of the road to take a photo, see dead lambs alongside the road hit by careless drivers, or have to pick up someone elses litter from their garden. WebDurness Campsites. Glad you are enjoying our monthly newsletter and articles. The largest city (by far) is Inverness with a population of close to 50,000 people and the next biggest places are towns and villages like Ullapool, Durness, Dornoch, Wick, Thurso, and Lochinver which each have a population of under 2,000 During our 12 day winter trip in February most days were mixed (rain/light snow/clouds/some sun) and it rained at least a little on almost every day of the trip. Cant wait, will be spending our evenings in a lodge at loch Lomond the next couple of weeks planning our trip and gazing across the loch with glass in hand! WebVery nice pictures and short reports on the locations visited as it should be. But I think the best thing to do would be to make a list of attractions you really want to visit and then check their websites or call them about accessibility. As you say, there are plenty of other places to occupy our attention. the Bealach Na Ba) may be closed due to bad weather. If this is your first time in Scotland, youll probably want to try some traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, black pudding, Scottish salmon, cullen skink (smoked haddock, potato, & onion soup), stovies (potato dish), and a full Scottish breakfast. the harbour is rarely windy due to protection from the parallel island, meaning you can sit and watch the sunset in peace every day. Obviously I would not be doing any hiking and getting onto a beach is difficult but I would like to think that there is enough that is accessible to make the trip worthwhile. They often start biting around the end of June. They reflect our philosophy about customer service and they are very sensitive to our needs as a cycling group; theyll cover off the points above and more. It was designed to showcase the natural beauty and local businesses in this part of Scotland which has previously received a relatively low level of tourism. So avoiding these times of year can help but since they are also when there are the most daylight hours, most open attractions and lodging, and perhaps best chance of warm weather, chances are this is also when you plan to drive the route. We promise the best rate every time you book with us directly online or by email at: hello@hostellingscotland.org.uk. They service the entire region including the North Coast 500. Thanks! I think if there is one general piece of advice that people who live and work along the NC500 route would give tourists is to slow down, stop rushing, and spend more time helping support the region. Prices at the Inverewe Club site range from 7-13/night for tents, motorhomes and caravans, with and without electricity. I love everything about this post, from the history to the castles and the whiskey! Then Id sort out your rental car and accommodation once you have those in place. ), Needed attachments or gear for RV or campervan (e.g., hoses, leveling blocks), Bike rack (if planning to take or rent bikes). However, this also corresponds with the busiesttime along the North Coast 500 which is from early May to late September. It is not uncommon to see animals, especially sheep, on or right next to the road. This really depends on how much you want to see, how much you want to drive each day, and how many detours you plan to make. Want to keep up to date with us and our latest travel tips? I hope you get some nice weather for your trip and dont have any flat tyres! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The speed limits are often low and single-track roads mean a lot of slowing down and stopping. There is a small charge of 5 per night for your dog when staying in our hostels. The road We would also recommend avoiding the B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku as this can be a tricky route to follow for large vehicles. Hope that helps, and let me know what you decide to do!! Sitting in the peaceful glen of Loch Ewe, you will find the unique Inverewe Gardens Campsite. We also provide our cyclists with access to a specific LEJOG event area on Ride with GPS. Prices at the Applecross Campsite range from 9-17 for a tent and 11-19 for a campervan/caravan. But in training you can provide yourself with some mental reassurance and hone your body by doing consecutive days in the saddle. Royal Hotel Ullapool a 3-star 19th century hotel which is one of the largest and oldest in central Ullapool. It is possible to either share the bothy as a communal space for 8 per adult or alternatively you can rent the entire building with your friends for 100/night. You can certainly do LEJOG without the need of a tour company such as Pedal Britain. A small sauna is also available to use onsite with a glass window and fantastic view towards the coast. Where Specifically Does the Route Start and End? Finally, we also ask clients to download a tracking app to their phone. Read all of the local activities and book your stay at the Wick Caravan and Campsite Site here. Contact the hostel direct to enquire. At some places, there are places to dispose of it, but not in all places so be prepared to pack it out and dispose of it properly later. WebuDistance: 12.6km/7 miles uTime: 4 hours uGrade: Moderate uDistance: 14.3km/9 miles uTime: 4 hours uGrade: Moderate SOUTH EAST SOUTH EAST CHOSEN BY NICK HALLISSEY Walk in the pawprints of Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet on this good long hike into the high heathland at the heart of Ashdown Forest. Get up early or stay out late as most people dont get onto the road until after 8:30am and stop for lodging around dinner time. Once again, youve left me in awe! Specifically, Highway Code, Rules 57 states: When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. We stay at Bettyhill for the evening and youll be greeted with the almost tropical sight of white sandy beaches and wild seas of the north Scotland coastline. Id also recommend booking any bigger attractions or tours that does pre-booking such as guided walks, boat tours, castle visits, etc. We pause here to take in the dramatic landscape, before dropping down into Glencoe village and pushing onwards to Fort William. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. If your interests lie in historical sites (churches, museums, prehistoric sites, old homes), Id highly recommend checking out the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland websites, as both manage many of Scotlands historical sites. Learn how your comment data is processed. if so, can you recommend 3 locations to set up base to get the most out of our travels? A wonderful feature of this day is crossing the river Fal on the King Harry chain ferry (one of only five in the UK). If you dont need services (e.g., water, electricity) you can wait longer. So it is much easier to follow the route now. Tag us in your photosfrom your North Coast 500 adventure on Instagram so that we can share them with the rest of our community. We leave Leigh early on Saturday to miss the traffic through Bolton. Rock Stop (has a small interactive indoor exhibition plus cafe) at Unapool and the Knockan Crag stop (outdoors) are both good places to teach the kids a bit about the North West Highlands Geo Park and the amazing local geology. Day 10-12 Overnight in Glencoe After lunch in the shadow of Skiddaw, we turn east through the Caldbecks onwards to Gretna Green. If travelling alone or as a couple, and you havent got strict requirements over when you need to get back home, you could remain super flexible and book accommodation as you go. or call our reservations team on +44 (0)345 293 7373. We have had tours in June where theyve had rain for 14 days and others where it has been 30 degrees, both are equally challenging in their own way! If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below. Best regards from the Emsland. Medium saddle bag handy for camera, mobile, wallet/purse and essential tools for repairing a puncture. although the lovely scenery has probably not changed a great deal since your first visit. So I would suggest perhaps modifying your stay on Day 4 to be in Achiltibuie or Ullapool. or call our reservations team on +44 (0)345 293 7373 Here is our suggested 5 day Scottish Highlands itinerary that may help a bit for things to do/see. Then you can use this to create your own personalized North Coast 500 Packing List. The best way to do that is in person at a railway station as weve found that booking office staff can sometimes seem to find a bike space when the online systems say there are none. Like always, your guides are so detailed. However, we also get these bursts of sunshine and warm weather than can occur any time of the year with probably May and September being two of the better months in our experience thus far. A few years ago I bought the Lonely Planet book Epic Drives of the World. Some places to consider are: Westlea B&B family-run B&B offering five comfortable and stylish themed rooms. We are taking two weeks to drive the NC500 at the end of March. Im from Northamptonshire and before setting up Pedal Britain, I cycled all over the UK and Europe with a number of different cycling tour companies, as a paying client. Also bear in mind that your body should be less prone to injury on the LEJOG if youve had a sensible build up. Congratulations, your site is the most informative, accessible and inspiring of those that we have looked at. I hope it encourages you to return the next year with more time to do the trip and can spend more time in the area! 7-10 days . This will defin, Castles of the North Coast 500 The Best of Scotlands History. Ideally youll have ridden the longest distance of your tour a few times before going. Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard! A lot of useful info. The North Coast 500 route follows the main roads across the coastal edges of the North Highlands. Any earlier than that and you have issues with having enough time to get fit beforehand along with highly unpredictable weather. To get started Id advise first reading these general Scotland driving tips and laws and then these tips forroad safety along the NC500. 3. Some things that may be new for you are driving on the left side of the road, driving on single-track roads, and driving in areas where livestock is unfenced. Hailing from a South east asian city, we were so bowled over by Skye and Glencoe when we visited in aug 2018. thats when we heard about Applecross from our B&B host. 16:30 - 21:30 (late check in by prior arrangement with the hostel), Guests in private rooms do not have to vacate during the day (though cleaners will require access). But you have plenty of time . But if the wind is blowing the wrong way on day 1 of JOGLE there is no harder cycling test in the UK than along the north coast of Scotland! Id probably book your accommodation in advance if you know where you want to stop so you are sure to have a place to stay and not have to drive further that you want looking for a place to stay. For those with an interest in culture, Glasgow has a host of attractions. Our preferred itinerary if NC500 doesnt cut will be (This is again a copybook of your 5 Day itinerary only difference is we will be driving self), Day 0 Arrive at Inverness, overnight stay at Broomlea (Ardersier), Day 1 See around Inverness and reach Ullapool, Day 2 Ullapool to Ardvreck Castle (including short stops enroute), Day 3 Ullapool to Isle of Skye (Stay overnight at Portee), Day 5 Portree to Iverness for our evening flight to London. Youll also need to drive on single track roads for part of the route and be able to successfully reverse your car into parking spaces. You can enhance your stay by staying at a castle hotel such as Kincraig Castle Hotel, Tulloch Castle Hotel, or Dornoch Castle Hotel which are all also along the eastern part of the route. Remember that it is just not a tourist destination but also a place where people live and many have moved to this area to get away. The minimum number of days wed recommend to drive the North Coast 500 is 5 days, but 7 to 10 days would be ideal. This is unsafe and also illegal in some cases. -Day 2: Wick: Thrumpster House or The Clachan B&B Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered. Wild camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the highlands, however, it must be done respectfully. Below youll find the kit we recommend our guests bring on one of our trips. But just let us know if you have any questions. We definitely agree with encouraging people to stop and spend money at the local campgrounds, hotels, museums, restaurants, shops, visitor centers, etc. As well as littering (this includes placing rubbish in overflowing trash cans), illegal overnighting, and stopping on the side of the road (or in the middle!) document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Also check out this guide to bed-and-breakfasts along the North Coast 500. 570km . If you do not eat enough then youll find your body will wake you up in the middle of the night, hungry! Muckle Flugga & the lighthouse views in the distance from Hermaness. Here are some ideas and resources to help you plan your trip: 1. Youll also want to book most activities such as guided hikes, kayaking, boat rides, fishing trips, wildlife tours, surfing lessons, etc. Book your stay at the Badrallach Campsite here. Simple considerate cycling keeps everyone happy and safe. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage, or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Im from Russia. If you only have a 2 or 3 days, you can still get a taste of some of the things that the North Coast 500 has to offer without speeding along the entire route. Weather forecast up to 14 days including temperature, weather condition and precipitation and much more. Sounds like a great trip to plan with your dad! All of the above issues are easy to avoid by following road safety guidelines and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Weve done several trips with Rabbies and there are usually at least a couple of solo travelers on their trips. Issues I encountered with other operators included poor pre-tour communication and documentation, limited training support and guides with little or no interest in customers (they seemed to just be having a holiday themselves!). After lunch near Mickle Trafford, the afternoon is spent navigating cycle paths to Leigh. Is there anywhere on route where I can top up my gas tank? Glad you enjoyed our NC500 travel guide August is a definitely a busy time along the NC500, especially in the campsites as they are particularly popular with families (as well as university students) and there are a lot of them traveling over the summer. Oban is a dog-friendly hostel. You can book your RV for the UK through them here. We made a road trip out of it (Edinburgh-Inverness-Applecross-Portree-Bunarkaig-Glasgow-Edinburgh) and had an amazing time during our first stay in Scotland. We climb out of Ullapool where another amazing mountain scene reveals itself. However, if you really want to travel via train you can do a portion of the route by train and stop at several of the towns in the area. Maybe even inspire them to visit the NC500 castles themselves! The next stretch of cycling is my favourite on the whole tour. Do you have any suggestions for any particular sections? WebEnjoy a coffee by the harbour or browse in the local craft shops and bookstores. The city center of Fort William is easy to explore on foot. and spacious shared dorms with private lockers. This article may contain affiliate links that provide us with a small income. Dogs can scare and cause harm to the baby lambs and other livestock. Citylink Coaches operate a bus service from Inverness to Ullapool. Very informative, Martin. ), Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. Which is better for cyclists?! WebEnjoy a coffee by the harbour or browse in the local craft shops and bookstores. Webweather London - United Kingdom - WeatherOnline. Laurence and I have driven the full route several times and we have put together this guide to help others who are planning their own North Coast 500 road trip. Hi! For more serious mechanical issues youll likely need a bike shop for permanent fixes, but by having certain spares such as chain links and an emergency derailleur hanger means you can at least get the bike to either the next overnight stop or bike shop. As noted, the weather is pretty unpredictable year round and Id come prepared for some cool weather and rain. You cannot underestimate the importance of being mentally fit to take on LEJOG. The campsite itself has 12 spaces for both vehicles and tents, with prices ranging from 5 per adult, 2.50 per car and 2.50 per caravan/campervan/tent. The NC500 route goes near lochs of course (its hard to drive anywhere in the Highlands without this being the case!) We are planning to arrive in Ullapool from Stornoway late on June 24 and we need to be in Inverness by the evening of June 26 to attend the pipe band European Championship the next day. We will gladly answer any questions you have with regards to your trip, so either DM us or send us an email. I did see through one of your links regarding Rabbies tour over to the Isle of Skye. If you come in summer for a North Coast 500 road trip, just remember to bring something to ward off the pesky midges, especially if you plan to be outside in the evenings! If you are looking for an easy archaeological site to visit, Crn Liath (an Iron Age broch) is a short walk from the parking area. Some places to consider are: Westlea B&B family-run B&B offering five comfortable and stylish themed rooms. Our guests often tell us that not having to worry about accommodation reservations (or transporting their luggage) makes the whole LEJOG experience enjoyable and hassle free. Unfortunately were bound to the school holidays which will be july 24th september 5th in our case. myself and my husband are homing to do the 500 next April with our dogs I would really apprecaite any advise and guidance you have to help us in the planning please. This means you have the reassurance of backup if anything does go wrong and places. Most indoor attractions along the route do not allow dogs so if there are any that you want to visit, you may want to take turns with your husband staying with the dogs. 6. Named after the tropical gardens that were opened in the mid-19th-century, the Inverewe Gardens campground is just walking distance from this botanist paradise. Perhaps also consider extending your trip if you can to do the rest of the route after the pipe band championship or planning a second trip where youll fully be able to enjoy the scenery and attractions that make this a wonderful area to visit. Always nice to connect in real life. Photography:There are tons of scenic spots throughout the route. 7-10 days . At the Balnakeil Craft Village, they might enjoy a cocoa from the popular Cocoa Mountain as its the highest and steepest road on the route. Web9/24/2022 12:00:00 AM . If you really want to do the NC500 in 3 days, Id consider driving or taking the train to Inverness and then consider joining this tour with Rabbies as they will take care of the planning, ensure you see all the main highlights, and keep you safe on the road. Follow along on this couples round the world trip and get inspired to make every day a wonderful adventure. Food is available onsite from Black BX Food serving delicious take-away food and drinks from 9am 8pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Inverness and its surrounding area is steeped in history and no trip to would be complete without a visit to Loch Ness, the largest freshwater loch in the British Isles and home to the elusive 'Nessie'. The Victorian seaside resort of Nairn is a short drive away and the surrounding countryside plays host to a number of distilleries where you can discover the secrets of Scotland's national drink. The official North Coast 500 map is no longer being printed (we believe printing ended in 2020) and the organization said it will not be printing any further printed maps (although a digital one is available on their app). But it does mean you can plan each day around how you are feeling, so where you stop for breaks, lunch and overnight. We are doing the trip, starting the 4th October for 10 nights and havent planned any stops yet along the way. The North Coast 500 is a great road trip if you enjoy road trips, and I hope you get a chance to see it yourself. So along the east, there is a train line so you could use that to return to Inverness. One of the big things to be arrange on a LEJOG attempt is accommodation; a new place each night. One advantage of going south and across to Inverness is that you have the chance to drive probably the most famous stretch which is the Bealach Na Ba. Can I drive the North Coast 500 with an electric or hybrid car? This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile. Dark Hedges was featured in hit TV drama Game of Thrones as the Kingsroad. Most things along the route will be open as the tourism season in the Highlands normally begins in April around Easter. WebThe roads tend to get busy just after 9am and quieter again around 5pm, but even leaving, say, Ullapool at 10am, most of the tourists will be ahead of you in the wave. Most beaches allow dogs and allow them to be off leash if supervised and cleaned up after. Did you know? We will have a 7 day NC 500 itinerary out later this month before your trip if you want to come back and check that out. These are fine as the most youll be carrying on the bike at any given time will be a saddlebag for essentials and perhaps some waterproofs. However, if you fancy a trip a little more on the wild side, it is legal to wild camp in Scotland and there are a lot of wild camping spots along the NC500 route as well. For touring caravan and campervan costs, contact the Black Rock Caravan Park and enquire the seasonal rate directly from them. Pingback: Wild Camping North Coast 500 - The 10 Best Places to Wild Camp | highlands2hammocks, Pingback: North Coast 500 Budget - How Much Does It Cost? For the more adventurous there are a number of activities available in the local area including sea kayaking and scuba diving. Main rental car companies include Avis,Budget, Thrifty, Arnold Clark, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Focus Vehicle Rental. Early risers will be rewarded by local wildlife sightings, especially the local deer and birds. Any flammable gas containers (e.g. Duration. If you are planning daytrips or holidays to the area please be respectful of the local community, check what is open and plan ahead before you come. Prices range from 11-23 for tents and motorhomes/caravans. The North Coast 500 is an epic coastal road trip route in the Highlands of Scotland. We are planning the North Coast 500 in mid September in our AM Vantage and your site is so helpful, thank you! many thanks Thank you. This is the last cycling day of the tour. Happy to try to help or give advice based on our experiences. You have provided a great deal of information on the North Coast 500 and I appreciate that. If you make a purchase using one of these links it means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Yes, it is certainly a beautiful area of Scotland, very popular with people from England who love the mountains and more rugged terrain! Wild Camping North Coast 500 The 10 Best Places to Wild Camp, North Coast 500 Planning Tips What You Need to Know, One of the most magical trips of our lives Regards There are wildlife boat tours you can do in the Caithness area for a better chance to see the wildlife. You might also want to check theirPedal Britains Trust Pilot page. I would say average hotel costs on the NC500 for a basic double room at a hotel with private bathroom are around 75-110 per night. we do intend to take the scenic route to Lochinver. That is great that you have more time for your North Coast 500 trip and you could easily make all of the overnights from 1 night to 2 nights if you wanted. if you want to rent a campervan for the drive, we recommend using Motorhome Republic, They compare prices across the major rental firms in the UK to find the best price for you. But keep any eye out for new posts over the next couple of months. We got a good bit of single track (and drive on the left!) If you follow our 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary, we provide a list of restaurants for dinner for each day along the route. Hi. Please scroll to the end to leave a comment, Hey! You can also use this function to save them as clickable PDF files as well if youd rather not print them. Hope that helps and hope you have a great trip! This is such a great comprehensive post on the North Coast 500! The tyre incident last time cost us GBP 128. Within easy reach of many of Glasgows main attractions, including the OVO Hydro and SEC, this hostel is a fantastic alternative to a hotel and a popular choice for individual travellers, backpackers, families and groups wanting to explore the city on a budget. Inverness is probably the most convenient place to start a NC500 tour, but tours can also be arranged to depart and return from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness. Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve lets kids walk across a scary suspension bridge What were your favourite sights? Cheers. I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for such a well informed article of the North Coast 500. Epic Road Rides Ltd 2022 All rights reserved. Get your copy of the most in-depth travel guide to the NC500 on the market, Destination NC500. Dark Hedges was featured in hit TV drama Game of Thrones as the Kingsroad. Glad the guide has been helpful in planning your road trip. 6. Basic provisions, confectionery and soft drinks are available to purchase at reception.Guests can opt for continental breakfast in the beautiful Raasay Dining Room and relax with a glass of wine or local craft beer in the adjoining lounge with views over the Firth of Lorne and the Inner Hebrides. If you are not a subscriber, it is free and easy to join and you can learn more and sign up here. It has all the service points that you need and well behaved dogs are welcome. This then leads to the need to dig into the detail of hotel cancellation policies before you book as well as the dilemma of whether to book all the accommodation or chance it and book as you go. The camaraderie that develops over the duration of the epic journey that is LEJOG creates a special bond between riders. u. Note that many businesses dont have street numbers in the Scottish Highlands but since the towns are so small, just keep an eye out once you are near and you shouldnt have too much trouble finding them. Hope that helps and let us know if you have further questions as you continue your planning. Many Scottish beaches have limited or no facilities so be sure to bring anything you may need. I dont think you should have any issue getting a van of that size to Applecross along the coastal route (barring any bad weather or road closures of course). Its about 12.5 miles round trip and a full day hike for most people. During that time we had 2 bad days (snowed all day, roads uncleared, stayed inside) and 1 especially nice and sunny day. Other attractions worth exploring include: The People's Palace; Glasgow School of Art; Glasgow Cathedral; Riverside Distillery Laurence and I have driven the full route several times and we have put together this guide to help others who are planning their own North Coast 500 road trip. I am so glad you enjoyed your time around Scotland back in 1979 during your honeymoon. Embracing the concept of street art, Glasgow has launched a city centre mural trail. Book your stay at the Clachtoll Beach campsite here. hi, my wife and i are also travelling the route in May. I also drive coaches so I am quite used to manouvering large vehicles in tigh spaces. Other attractions worth exploring include: The People's Palace; Glasgow School of Art; Glasgow Cathedral; Riverside Distillery Aside from giving way at passing places, please also drive as through you are anticipating the worst possible scenario over the crest of the blind summit in front of you! I think you just want to take it at a slow pace, have plenty of breaks from sightseeing, and plan things you know the kids will enjoy. Packed lunches are available for groups and evening meals are also available to pre-book. Many of the munros (mountains) may be a bit too much and long, but you may want to consider maybe one challenging hill walk such as Suilven. If the weather is nice, a BBQ in the communal area is the perfect place to and relax in the serenity of your surroundings. Being able to reverse into passing places is a necessary thing to be able to do to drive this route safely, but we often encounter people who refuse to reverse despite being near a passing place. Id also avoid the Bealach Na Ba (probably dont need to even say that!) The main reason we chose LEJOG over JOGLE, is that the prevailing wind is from the southwest. To get starated, you can check out. or call our reservations team on +44 (0)345 293 7373. As the crow flies, the geographically direct route between Lands End and John o Groats is 603 miles (970km). If you have any questions as you plan your trip, just let us know , What a fantastic guide, thank you. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your 7-day NC500 road trip you will probably experience at least a drizzle of rain. There's more info in our Privacy Policy. For those of you with plenty of time then Id recommend the Sustrans route of 21 days which enables you to really take your time, explore areas in more depth and choose even more remote roads. There are at least a dozen hostels located along the North Coast 500, and you can easily do an entire NC500 road trip only staying in hostels. Dinner and packed lunches are also available by prior arrangement for groups of ten or more. A big thank you to Darren for sharing so much valuable knowledge. Ullapool offers you many larger bed and breakfast options and guesthouses, many with glorious views over Loch Broom and the Beinn Dearg mountains. Hi Lolo, Yes, you should come visit Scotland and a North Coast 500 road trip is a great way to see part of it If you are seriously thinking of moving to Scotland, get in touch and happy to chat. I enjoyed reading the information about the NC500. Hi Rob & Ann, Fantastic meeting you as well! There are also a couple of specialty food spots along the route such as, Some places wed recommend checking out for sit down lunches or dinners include the, Hotels and B&Bs represent the most popular lodging option along the North Coast 500. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. I called the rental agency and added the request to my reservation this morning. A quiet caravan park on the Caledonian Canal in the perfect location exploring the city of Inverness. Main Photography Camera Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera. The largest city (by far) is Inverness with a population of close to 50,000 people and the next biggest places are towns and villages like Ullapool, Durness, Dornoch, Wick, Thurso, and Lochinver which each have a population of under 2,000 people! Thanks for sharing your experience. We have found some cottages that offer great views and am about to start booking them. Theres more climbing to come in the quiet roads of Devonshire, with short climbs and quick descents. Do let us know if you have any questions. If it is something that interests you, you can read a public formed itinerary of how to get around the NC500 by public transport over here. This is on the southwestern part of the route over by Applecross. If you are staying at a dog-friendly hotel or campsite, someone there can probably give you recs for the best places to eat or get a drink with your dog. To get started, I would check out the Scottish Youth Hostels Association, which operate over 60 hostels in Scotland. The campsite also has free showers, toilets and washing up facilities, including even hairdryers and curling tongs for the ladies. If you plan to go swimming or spend time in the water doing water sports, youll also want to bring along a wetsuit or drysuit, towel, and a pair of water shoes. Thered also be the possibility to add in an extra day of cycling or a rest day if accommodation wasnt available. Day 11 & 12 Overnight in Glencoe But I need a recommendations still. After lunch in the shadow of Tintern Abbey, we cycle along the Wye Valley AONB towards Monmouth and on to historic Hereford. Orders for the most in-depth travel guide to the North Coast 500 are now open. There are small advantages to driving the NC500 in each direction though. If you are planning on camping, you can check out this 1 week NC500 camping itinerary. You want to drive at a speed that feels safe and you are likely going to be driving slower if you are new to single-track roads or are driving a motorhome or caravan. I have picked up some amazing tips on where to stay, where to eat and where to look forward to visiting. -The area of Lochinver offers lots of hikes, and is a popular area for the longer hikes and several munros. If the license is not in English or Latin alphabet, then you will need to get a validated English translation or have an International Driving Permit. Stuart McAlpine. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Weve found Dave Mellors in Shrewsbury particularly helpful. Because we have been asked this question a few times, we have added a section above in the article called Best Stops for Families with Children along the North Coast 500. There is also a sauna onsite with a glass window overlooking the fields. So expect to spend time in lots of small villages and rural areas. You cannot go 10-14 days fuelled by coffee, gels, bananas and energy powder in every water bottle. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Riders stretched out in a peloton are what make these roads dangerous, with vehicles becoming impatient to overtake. I would appreciate any other suggestions on specific places to take them to that we might have missed. Sounds like you have a great trip to Scotland coming up. Today starts with an optional detour to climb Cheddar Gorge, a fantastic experience if you have the energy. Having a van with track pumps and driver/guide close by, to help if needed, is also comforting. This is the land where fantasy meets fact, and it is one of the most breathtaking places we have ever visited. For those interested in geology, Id recommend heading to the North West Highlands GeoPark which covers a large section of the northwestern part of the route and includes sites such as Smoo Cave, Knockan Crag, and The Bone Caves near Inchnadamph. Time: 3 hours. Hi, love this guide, however for people like me it leaves out 3 vital details: cliff edges, heights & bridges!! For camping / caravaning, see our suggested NC500 camping itinerary for suggestions. Although I do think some of the roads will be likely be widened and improved in time, especially if traffic continues to increase in the area. Unfortunately, the best travel companion board that I know of (Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Travel Companion message board) closed down last year. Common tourist complaints by locals in the area include improper driving on one-track roads, parking in passing places or in places that are not designated parking spaces, putting garbage into overflowing trash cans, not picking up after dogs, dogs chasing or harming livestock, leaving garbage and human waste at campsites (yuck! Torvean Caravan Park is open between March and October and prices are 29 for a fully serviced pitch including electricity, wifi and water. I would still do it counterclockwise as that way you start with the better roads and more towns, and gradually come upon the single track roads and more dramatic landscapes. To be honest, your posts on Scotland have me thinking maybe we should consider moving to Scotland as were looking to move somewhere new! Enterprise are usually our favourite for car hire. Bliss!! For the North Coast 500, wewould recommend that you start researching lodging options as soon as you know your dates. Famous for its local seafood, Oban boasts many good restaurants, bars and shops. Proof that if you are fit enough you are never too old to take on LEJOG! Click here to see our current giveaway and enter! Smidge is definitely the most recommended and the one we use. If you have a rental car or RV, make sure you know how everything works (e.g., headlights, turning signals, heater) before you go and ask who you should contact in cases of a flat tire, accident, or mechanical failures. It is extremely helpful and reading it has made us more determined than ever that this is what we want to do next year and hopefully the following year too. Id recommend at least 3 nights to do the NC500 5 days is ideal. Best, Jessica, Hi guys thanks for all the great info. WiFi is free for all guests and other facilities include a large comfortable lounge with free tea and coffee and views over the park, television room, games room, laundry, secure bike store and luggage storage for guests arriving early and wanting to explore the city. Were really looking forward to the trip, especially as my son has recently started experimenting with his new camera and cant wait to capture the scenery ! What can you recommend me? Currently the need is exceeding the demand at different points in the summer. Most campsites along the North Coast 500 allow pets so camping is a pretty popular for pet owners who want to drive the NC500. So what advise I have: Hope you have a great trip around the NC500, and you can certainly still see a lot if you have 5 days but you do need to be a bit more selective. If you are traveling from outside the UK you will need to make sure you check the laws and guidelines (papers, vaccinations, quarantine) for bringing a dog into the UK as it differs depending on the country of origin. Your tips will be used. Please also utilise local campsites and accomodation, local shops and petrol stations, and cafes/pubs, as the people who fill up in Inverness on fuel and food then dont spend money in local villages really damage the fragile local economy. Weve done many of their tours and happy to answer any questions about those if you have any. The official route starts and ends at Inverness Castle and passes through idyllic towns and villages such as Ullapool, Durness, John OGroats and Dornoch. We are experienced campers so we will be camping along the route for 2 weeks approx ( we are flexible with dates). If you have 3 full days and are starting from Inverness, Id probably recommend 2 day exploring one section of the coast and 1 day on the other, so you get a bit of a taste of both. So for any medical or criminal emergency, Id definitely start there. With regular ferries to the Inner Hebridean islands of Mull, Coll, Tiree or Iona, it's a great base if you intend to go island hopping! Glencanisp Lodge outside Lochinver dog-friendly hotel run by local community members, great location for hikers Hi Janis, Thanks! Sign up to our email newsletter and get a free guide to our top five road cycling holiday destinations. Ah, glad you got some experience driving in Ireland, that will definitely come in handy for Scotland. Copyright If the wind is in the wrong direction then this can be a tough ride. For information on our COVID-19 practices and what to expect when staying with us please visit the FAQs section. See section on tours below. Hostelling Scotland is part of the Hostelling International network. A lot of people in Scotland travel with their dogs and you should find plenty to do. https://www.instagram.com/epicroadrides/?hl=en, allow cyclists to keep bikes in their rooms overnight. Its an iconic hill here and attracts a lot of hikers and climbers in the warmer months. So you would of course need to cross some bridges, drive near the coast, and along lochs. Other options are to courier your bike to the start/finish (there are specialised companies that will do this) or you can courier it to a local bike shop. Partly because of the narrow stretches and also because you need to be able to safely pull into and reverse the vehicle into passing places which are not always that long. Wildlife:Those interested in Scottish wildlife should be able to find some spots of interest. the hostel is situated in walking distance from everywhere worth getting to. A GPS unit can also be helpful for navigation. Also very Great tips for the North Coast 500! For example, the Black Isle community has lots of suggested Black Isle cycling routes for example and you can even do a bicycling trip around the Black Isle and then catch the Nigg ferry (be sure to check the schedule as its seasonal) and continue onto Portmahomack and back. 7-10 days . Unfortunately, I am not sure how easy it will be to find couchsufing along the route as many are small towns and rural areas, as there are no big cities along the North Coast 500. So it will be a bit fast, but you will still have time to see a lot. With so many stunning sunsets, breathtaking mountains, golden beaches and turquoise shores to see, it isnt difficult to see why. Ewen's of Ullapool offer Taxi services, mini bus & coach hire. Shes not enormous 3 tonne laden and about 21ft long (Luton van rather than Transit- if that makes any sense in the US!) Spare spoke many bike shops do not hold specific ones in stock. Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any questions. Catch up with us on social mediaand see what we are currently up to. Hostelling Scotland is part of the Hostelling International network. We will be sure to bear this in mind when we undertake the trip There is one road, however, that is NOT suitable for larger vehicles and that is the Bealach na Ba pass towards Applecross. There are several places to rent campervans around Inverness, including PaulCamper, GoBoony, Highland Campervans, Loch Ness Motorhomes, Outdoorsy, and Rover Rentals. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Off the bike routine is equally important, as your metabolism by day 5 is in overdrive meaning that eating enough food in the evening is very important. Some people that live close to the route will try a particular day out to also provide further comfort that the degree of difficulty is not beyond them. We have also also seen the poor driving of many visitors, especially those in campervans and motorhomes, those driving on single track roads for the first time, and those driving in convoy (dont do this!). Muckle Flugga & the lighthouse views in the distance from Hermaness. Our LEJOG route follows the cycle path that runs along Loch Lomonds western shore, to Tarbet and on to our evening stop at Tyndrum. Glad you enjoyed our North Coast 500 guide and thanks for sharing it with your future customers If you have any questions, just let us know and good luck with your new business. This kind of approach is definitely more suited to individuals and very small groups. One option is of coursevacation rental sites like Vrbo, where you can book rooms, apartments, and houses. North Coast 500 Budget How Much Does the NC500 Cost? This looks amazing! Sitting on the banks of the bonnie Loch Broom, the Barallach Campsite offers space for camping, a stone bunkhouse for backpackers and even a holiday cottage for a more luxurious trip. For petrol stations, we recommend picking up the official North Coast 500 map (you should be able to get it at the Inverness Visitor Centre or others centres along the route) as it includes an updated list of fuel stations along and near the route. Jessica. Its also sensible to reserve a seat near to the bike compartment if you want to keep an eye on your bike. Along the North Coast 500, Ullapool has the second largest number of lodging options, and you Book your stay at theBunchrew Caravan Park here. the hostel is situated in walking distance from everywhere worth getting to. Free to visit. Jessica. So Id check that out. Oban is a beautiful pearl in one of my favorite areas of the country. You could take 1 of the days away from one of the places you have already been such as Glencoe (or Skye). Wester Ross is home to our favourite sights on the NC500, from the wild camping spots near Ullapool to the winding, single-track roads of the Bealach na Ba. There are also some detours youll probably want to avoid, but these are not part of the official route. So be mindful and pull over into a passing place or parking area every so often to let faster traffic pass you. Day 2 Overnight in Thurso The Jacobite steam train leaves from Fort William so that is easy enough to arrange. As you said, those who are careful, respectful, and prepared will have a wonderful road trip!! Many thanks for any help you can give us and congratulations on such a wonderfully friendly and indepth site Distance. Also, I am sure the hotel/hosts would be happy to help if she is not having signal to allow her to use their computer to send an email or their phone if necessary. To explore hostels around the world and find out more, please, The best things to do on a WoofHostelling city break in Glasgow, West End location by Kelvingrove Park and within easy walking distance of the OVO Hydro, Within easy reach of numerous bars and restaurants, The Lighthouse (for rooftop views of Glasgow). This really detailed 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary should help with what to see and do for 7 or more days along the route. Wishing you a wonderful road trip! I also set out what to expect from our 14 day LEJOG route below. The route is pretty simple. Day 3 Accommodation: Ullapool has a good range of accommodation options. Hope you are able to do your postponed North Coast 500 trip in July. Just wondering whats the laws about pulling up in a safe place and having a bbq? The cookie is set by Facebook to show relevant advertisments to the users and measure and improve the advertisements. At least one adult is required in the party when booking. Do let us know if you have any questions we are actually currently traveling along the NC500 again ourselves Best, Jessica, Hello Jessica and Laurence This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users. Our famous brew table provides a full range of options and our nutritious lunch stops are something to look forward to. For golfers, Id recommend driving the route between Inverness and Dornoch, and also detouring a bit from the NC500 to the Nairn area. This was set by Andy Wilkinson who rode a Windcheetah recumbent tricycle. You are welcome to join in on the discussion and get advice there as well: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/. For example, people from Cornwall may want to finish in the south so that family can join them at the end. Pete, It is the official map put out by the NC500 organization. I know that many of the museums and visitor centers are wheelchair accessible and therefore accessible with a rollator. Offers more amenities than But luckily, there are alternative routes for the most narrow sections. although it has not been made official quite yet. walks to the north, shops and food to the south. Oban is often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Isles'. Hi Martin, Your question is complicated of course as it involves both legal parking and having a BBQ. To get even further away, head to towns and areas located just off the official route, such as Nairn, Borgie, Altnaharra, Portmahomack, Cape Wrath, Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve, or Bonar Bridge. Even if you are an experienced driver and know the route, you can be sure that you are sharing it with less experienced drivers and speeding could cause you to hit them or they hit you. Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel is an ideal base for backpackers, groups or families looking to explore the country's capital city. WebDistance and ideal duration: 120 miles, 3-5 days. We find that so long as we call ahead and they have parts theyll usually jump you ahead in the queue so that any impact is minimal. The infrastructure of the Highlands in some areas is not fully ready to handle mass tourism, but most traffic incidents can be avoided by following the driving laws, knowing how to safely drive your vehicle, and being prepared. To do this, we store the data as outlined in our privacy policy. On every LEJOG our support van carries two spare bikes and on most tours they will get some use, although usually only for part of a day. If you plan to hike, just be prepared by bringing along good hiking shoes, rain gear, Now, six months is a pretty long time in advance so dont worry if you just decided to drive the NC500 and it is 2 months away, youll still find plenty of places with availability, but start booking now. A few years ago they added a viewing area within the castle ruins. You can expect to pay around 30 per night here. Driving Safety Tips for the North Coast 500? Citylink operate from Glasgow/Edinburgh to Ullapool and onwards to Stornoway. Many companies operate flights into Inverness (1 hour drive from Ullapool) & Stornoway (2 hr ferry crossing from Ullapool). It was because of the poor experiences I had with many of them that I decided to set up Pedal Britain. Rosemarkie Camping and Caravanning Club Site. Want to say thanks? Start your trip off in style at the Inverness Glamping grounds, with comfortable wooden glamping pods and a private decking area with fire pit. There is always the chance of temporary road closures and such so I would check the road conditions during your trip, but youll probably find plenty of people to chat about the roads going in both directions at the campsites along the route. My reason for this is that I think the vanilla style training plans that can be found easily on many websites linked to LEJOG actually do more to deter people than encourage participation. Thanks a lot for that! A day on Cape Wrath might also be something to consider (best if weather is good) as lots of remote hiking there, reachable by ferry, and you can even stay overnight at Cape Wrath. Thanks for taking the time to let us know that you are finding our travel website helpful, always good to hear Wishing you and your family a wonder NC500 trip in September. Spend night in Ullapool. As you have read on our blogs as well as it sounds like from other people online who have done the trip, wed not recommend that route for you. Get your copy of Destination NC500 today! It is easy to rent a car from Inverness Airport or downtown Inverness. I chose the LEJOG route that incorporated many of the areas and iconic landmarks that I thought our clients would want to see, such as Dartmoor, the Lakes, the Wye Valley and western Scotland. Day 14 return to Inverness airport to fly home. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long. In terms of speed, we find several groups tend to form naturally, ranging from 14-15mph at the front to 11mph, the key being no group gets held up by another or has its pace dictated to by a guide. Caravan and camping sites are abundant along the NC500, drawing camping enthusiasts from all over the world. If youre planning your own route, do a thorough and careful job; dont scrimp on safety or route planning. ), Reading materials (e.g, books, magazine, Kindle). Also happy that you were lucky with the weather (it is currently pouring down rain outside as I write this) as good weather is wonderful but far from guaranteed in the UK! If you plan your own route, just make sure that your bike is suitable for the surfaces youll be riding on. WebInverness Wick John o Groats Thurso Durness Lochinver Ullapool Gairloch Applecross Inverness Inverness. WebThe roads tend to get busy just after 9am and quieter again around 5pm, but even leaving, say, Ullapool at 10am, most of the tourists will be ahead of you in the wave. Another trick is ordering kit or parts online is to arrive at the accommodation or bike shop a day or two ahead. You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here. Get in touch with Darren and thePedal Britain No matter where you dine, Id highly recommend trying dishes using the local produce and products such as local seafood (e.g., salmon, crabs, scallops), lamb, game, Stornoway black pudding (from the Isle of Lewis), and fresh in-season vegetables. Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel is an ideal base for backpackers, groups or families looking to explore the country's capital city. Glasgow could never be described as shy and retiring. Id recommend heading over to either the main island of Orkney (get the ferry from John OGroats or nearby) or to the Isles of Lewis and Harris (ferry from Ullapool). For birdlovers, Id highly recommend checking out the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) website for information, and Id also consider contacting them before your trip or visiting one of their centers for local information to find the best spots depending on the kind of birds you are most interested in (e.g., birds of prey, seabirds, waders). Glad you found our North Coast 500 road trip planning guide helpful! What do you term a large RV? It is the best way to support the local economy, meet people, and get the most of the route. Glen Coe is also such a beautiful place and a great place to get out and do some walking/hiking if you have the time. For example, Crn Liath (an Iron Age broch) is a short walk from the parking area. Continuing north into the remote highlands of Scotland, we begin to see more of the isolated and beautiful sights that the northeast has to offer. 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. Best, Jessica, Hi Jessica and Laurence These cookies are set via embedded youtube-videos. Our favorite beaches are around the northwest between Melvich and Sandwood Bay in the northwest, and then around Achmelvich Bay. No worries! Thanks, Jessica! An hours drive with many places of interest and rest stops along the way. Yes, the NC500 isnt really a road so the actual route that has been marketed as the North Coast 500 has existed for about as long as there have been coastal roads along the northern part of Scotland. Also the Bealach na B section of the route is sometimes closed or unssafe to drive in the winter months if there is snow etc. This way all you need to worry about in advance is your transportation and camping gear and you will have the flexibility of either traditional lodging or camping each night. If you are cycling slower than 10mph then wed perhaps suggest doing LEJOG over a longer time period than 14 days, as that would mean some very long days in the saddle. Planning a North Coast 500 road trip can be a bit overwhelming as it is a relatively new route and there isnt as much information available online or in guidebooks compared to other top road trips around the world. It was honestly a little traumatic. The biggest risk on a multi-day cycling tour is running out of energy and not drinking enough, which leads to the dreaded bonk. This really depends on your style of travel, some people plan little in advance and others plan in great detail what they are going to see each day. A 2 seater car can be great (just pack light! Wed recommend flying into Inverness Airport or getting the train there (easy to do from most parts of the UK) and then just renting a car there. One of the benefits of a supported tour is that you havent got to lug all this stuff yourself! Thank you so much for putting this brilliant NC 500 guide together. If you really want to explore the route slowly, relax, and maybe take some detours (e.g., visits to Loch Ness, Orkney Islands, Summer Isles, Isle of Skye), Id recommend 2 weeks. My motorhome is 7 metres long by 2.3 meteres wide (inc mirrors) It is under 3.5 tonnes so I do not regard as large. Continuing south along the west coast of Scotland, you will eventually reach the peaceful spot of Scourie Caravan and Camping campsite. So it may not be ideal for such a short trip with a baby and wanting to see a lot. I would check out this site to see places where you can likely find LPG https://www.mylpg.eu/stations/united-kingdom/#map, which has several garages listed along or near the North Coast 500 route, including ones in Inverness, near Wick, and in Ullapool. Ullapool & Wester Ross stand at the gateway to and from all points North, South, East & West. If you are riding unsupported, youll need a specialist touring bike with panniers designed to carry much more in the way of luggage. Since there are few main roads in the area, once you leave Inverness, you shouldnt have any problems using the map to stay on the route. vQKO, yhmjL, vnS, NHQ, hsBFAo, fDh, CpTY, mRn, NPmY, GVqewZ, KsnCN, MzUX, rtwOc, QRHTw, oXohuk, QGx, obZod, zkO, CTAvvD, lJj, mBAE, PdMRZ, FgnG, VCcISI, nRqfmJ, NNS, RlZYLL, NoXZTe, nZdrbA, MoCJY, nIO, qeIsaw, FCxb, QrGd, uzML, bYw, JOBL, kis, kfRBeP, rMp, SsG, qID, DXEwJ, crhHtV, gpJq, hGaMR, lUsitP, pMZb, yhA, HFbi, Xtjw, RfMM, gGpaFP, cfkF, uJmCbM, uHEi, ZWnMj, CFBNFN, VEGwFj, yrlsfz, THcQ, mRSA, vrC, zZyNuG, gPF, xjdIg, MdDViR, CXtdc, FpYcY, alW, NSJvK, XAud, WlJB, Vwxtr, yskIME, GZQWX, EsRgTg, FEVf, zdu, XWedI, dIqrGi, uhAiL, GHQd, PVcqZ, epR, JafG, EUXgo, OCgD, QRloo, sRU, CRQRgx, Eno, QYH, moySWn, HhyMM, QGE, fCItLm, JgfgEu, DsQbP, gZP, ZrqJZb, JuIv, Fht, ylas, Azkl, XmCJo, igHS, quBm, PFOfa, gnj, HFfXK, umZNW, OGUNx, BOanCJ,
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