I just stumbled upon your article and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your article. Thanks for sharing this with us, I hope you will post more great blog like this. 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. What were your favourite sights? Come along on our road trip with us on our Best Road Trips in Scotland video. 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. As always, we as that you act responsibly and leave no trace in the area you camp in. You can see individual campsites mentioned throughout our suggested 1 week NC500 itinerary and you can also see our NC500 camping guide for more information on camping along the route. Learn how your comment data is processed. Enjoy the beautiful west coast nature: Munro’s, Skye and awe-inspiring roads. Thank you. However they are only as useful as the contributions me and you make. Check out all of the best choices for your stay in Dornoch right here. In this post you probably noticed that we have listed a fully serviced campsite for every night of the trip. Why Wild Camp North Coast 500? As far as the en-route North Coast 500 campsites go, Gairloch’s Sands Campsite is one of the best about. It’s like google maps, but with wild camping and paid camping spots indicated on it. Fail to prepare and prepare to fail. A 5-minute drive from the small town of Dornoch lies the beautiful white sand beach of Dornoch Beach. Sitting right in the centre of Applecross is the Applecross Campsite. Read more about the best guidelines and practices for wild camping before your trip and get wild camping savvy. What did you think of the castles? That is really good to know, thanks for sharing! Follow along on this couple’s round the world trip and get inspired to make every day a wonderful adventure. North Coast 500 Budget – How Much Does the NC500 Cost? 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. A camping and touring site with a golf course and access on foot to a sandy beach, by the Sutherland Coast. This beautiful spot sits just around the corner from John O’Groats, and is known as the Duncansby Lighthouse. This also made for a beautiful morning walk, learning all about the struggles of the Ceannabeine villagers during the Highlands Clearances, and the fascinating history of the area. In this day and age, the time of sleeping on an uncomfortable, paper-thin roll mat and waking up with a broken shoulder, neck and back is over. 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. We recently came across this brilliant map containing wild camping and pub stopovers for campervans doing the North Coast 500. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'highlands2hammocks_co_uk-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',113,'0','0'])); Planning a trip abroad to Scotland? You will explore the best parts of the North Highlands via wild coastal roads, seaside villages and historic towns. 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 :(. Nice to share your camping gems. I could find plenty of articles on the drive itself, places to visit, things to see, and accommodation as in hotels, lodges and caravan parks just not a hell of a lot on wild camping. Choose a spot that is that isn’t going to have people walking past your tent regularly. Try and get there before 5pm to bag the spot before anyone else. Wow! 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… 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. North Coast 500 Apartments. This evening we found a beautiful wild camping spot high above the small town of Stromferry looking north over Lochcarron. A very popular and important question when it comes to the Nc500 driving experience. Jan 19, 2020 - In depth guide to the best wild camping spots on the North Coast 500. North Coast 500 Yesterday at 8:17 AM Relax on the sofa, grab some popcorn and escape to the # NorthCoast50 ... 0 via the big screen ️ Here's a few of our favourite films featuring locations on or around the route - perfect viewing if you're missing the # NC500 during lockdown! For one of the most stunning drives in Scotland, a trip through to Applecross is a definite on your NC500 itinerary. 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? North Coast 500 – Wild Camping. The secret to any camping trip is of course preparation. We walked to beside the lighthouse and started the day off with some morning, cliffside yoga. This was a stunning place for a view of the sea and a perfect sunset. By night five, we were due a shower and clothes wash. We decided to pitch up at a Scourie Caravan and Camping campsite and settled in for the night. Or lose yourself in the beautiful tales of Scotland with the Kindle Unlimited membership. We pitched up late enough at night that there didn’t appear to be anyone coming to do the village trail. Wild Camping North Coast 500 When we first started the North Coast 500 we had only just picked up our Motorhome. A sight you will not forget! 7-day North Coast 500 Itinerary – FREE, Detailed and Unforgettable! When you are wild camping in Scotland, the most important thing to remember is Leave No Trace. Scotland’s access legislation (the Land Reform act 2003), permits wild camping … The Regatta Pack It Jacket III is an excellent, cheap and durable waterproof for your outdoor expedition. #freeyourlifetraveleval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'highlands2hammocks_co_uk-box-1','ezslot_3',114,'0','0']));report this ad. The campsite next to the beach is £18 a night for 2 adults, 1 tent, 1 car. 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. If you do not fancy a night in a tent, then check out some of the more plush accommodation options on the North Coast 500 right here. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'highlands2hammocks_co_uk-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',118,'0','0'])); For wild camping overlooking Sandy Bay,  John O’Groats, the best spot sits right on the edge of the world. It DOES NOT apply to motorised vehicles such as campervans or motorhomes. 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. Coordinates are below. As you drive south on the road past the corner of Loch Laxford, you will see a small hut on the righthand side. Thank you so much! It also meant we could enjoy a pint at the onsite pub and relax on an actual sofa for the night, out of our tent. Renting a vehicle is, therefore, the most popular way of touring this epic road trip for overseas visitors. It is generally legal to wild camp around Scotland, with the exception of some specific areas due to bye-laws. With free chemical toilet disposal, a beachside camping spot and stunning views of the turquoise waters out towards the Summer Isles, this is one of Scotland’s best beach camping spots. The spot is peaceful, offers great walks and views. If you are looking for a Durness campsite, there is the Sango Sands Oasis Campsite just outside the town centre. Can you Wild Camp on the North Coast 500? We realised, How was this almost 3 months ago? This spot is in high demand, however, as we had about 3 people coming looking after us. The sunset over Ullapool Harbour is definitely one of our North Coast 500 highlights. We will gladly answer any questions you have with regards to your trip, so either DM us or send us an email. As for campsites, the Inverewe Gardens Camping and Caravanning Club Site is within walking distance of the town centre. Just watch out for the sheep poo! Arrive after dark and leave before light. 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. 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. Our last piece of advice is the most important to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy the beauty of the highlands: Don’t overstay your welcome. Have you heard about the North Coast 500? This saved us an incredible amount of money, which was better spent on more important things (aka beer). How Long Does it Take to Drive the NC500? We pitched up on the other side of the town, within walking distance to the pub! When we were choosing an area around here we wanted one that wasn’t too far a walk from the car as it had started raining, and also a spot with mobile reception. Maybe even inspire them to visit the NC500 castles themselves! We can’t wait to get to Scotland and these locations are definitely ones I am going to look out for! Check out our videos of different groups heading out in our motorhomes or campervans on the North Coast 500. Wild Camping Tips for Campervans/Motorhomes. Bringing together just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, the route follows the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands. 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. Camping in the wild, with no access to some of the home luxuries we are all used to can still be a comfortable and incredibly enjoyable experience, as long as you pack appropriately. You can no longer wild camp on Dornoch beach sadly. 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