North Coast 500
Remember
nnu2022 Before wild camping, please ensure itu2019s allowed.nu2022 Be considerate towards local residents
nu2022 Treat our vans as you would like yours to be treated.
nu2022 This guide was compiled in 2022, please advise us of our of date information.
Day 1
Inverness
nAfter leaving Staycation in Dalmuir, your first satnav point is Inverness which is justn under a 4 hour journey.
nFood & Drink in Inverness
nnnWe stayed overnight in the grounds at Rogie Falls, 30 minutes from Inverness, Rogie Falls allows a free short stay and has public toilets but please bear in mind, there is no van hook-up available.There is one local shop in Rogie Falls with a limited range of stock. Our advice would be to eat in Inverness, the River House Restaurant or the Fig and Thistle are worth a visit, then stock up on the things you need for the night before returning to Rogie Falls.
Day 2
Tarbat Ness Lighthouse
nAccording to Highland folklore the site of the lighthouse was used as a meeting place for witches covens and prior to that it used to be a Roman Fort.
nEngineered by renowned lighthouse builder Robert Stevenson, Tarbat Ness Lighthouse is an u2018Au2019 listed building, although not open to the public, itu2019s a beautiful site and there is a lovely walk around here.
nWe stayed here and enjoyed the sun then moved on to our next stop on the list which was Dunrobin Castle.
Dunrobin Castle
nSenior/Student u00a3 11.50
nChild u00a3 8.50
nFamily (2 adult + 3 child) u00a3 42
nn
Dunrobin Castle is a stately home with the grounds looking like you are at Aliceu2019s tea party. There is an entrance fee for admission to the castle but there also is a path that takes you round the back with a walk along the waterfront.
nnStay the night
nAs our van was fully charged we stayed in the car park in the outer grounds of Dunrobin Castle, there was just so much to see we wanted to take a longer walk through the grounds.
nnWe had a throw-away barbecue and Staycation vans come with BBQ tools, we got supplies from a local shop and made our dinner in the grounds. If that isnu2019t wild camping I donu2019t know what is! If you are using throw away barbecue please ensure you arenu2019t on grass and dispose of them correctly.
nDunrobin Castle (cafe)
nLuigi’s Restaurant, Castle Street,
nDornoch, IV25 3SN
nSandstone Cafe
nHigh St, Dornoch IV25 3SH
nFuel
nVictoria Garage,
nVictoria Road, Brora, KW9 6QN Closes at 8 pm
nLocal shop
nSPAR Benview Stores 34 Ross St, Golspie KW10 6SA
Day 3 – Travel to Whaligoe Steps
Sadly, when we got to Whaligoe Steps, due to very wet weather they were closed, if they are open itu2019s a great walk/hike and amazing for taking photos.
nDay activities
nAs the steps donu2019t take very long to climb here are a few other options of things to occupy your time.
nPulteney Distillery Visitor Centre, Huddart Street Wick, KW1 5BA
nCastle Sinclair Girnigoe
nWe recommend stocking up on supplies and petrol before you start this step of the journey as it is probably the most derelict part of the NC500. Until you get to John ou2019Groats you wonu2019t see any supermarkets or towns so make sure you plan your petrol stops to be on the safe side.
nFood & Drink in Whaligoe
nPuldagon Farm Shop & Restaurant Stirkoke, Wick, Caithness, KW1 5SD (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
nBord de L’eau
n2 Market St, Wick KW1 4AR
nOld Smiddy Inn
nStewart Crescent, Thrumster, Wick KW1 5TS
Day 4 – John ou2019Groats u2022 Thurso u2022 Durness
Travel time from Whaligoe Steps to John ou2019Groats Is about 34 minutes. Sadly for us this day was the wettest day it down poured from when we woke up till when we got to Durness so we did a fair bit of driving.
nJohn ou2019Groats
nThe location of the famous sign and the start of many journeys to Landu2019s End. Many people like to take a photo of the sign, including me, the typical tourist and proud of it!
nThere is a big car park here (pay in display). There are a few shops and this is a beautiful area for taking photos and then I would say move on as there is so much more to explore moving forward.
nThurso u2022 31 minute drive
nWe did plan to stay here for the night but the town was smaller than we thought with one little shop and we where soaked from the rain so decided to move on which I am so glad we did as the next stop is my favourite but shh donu2019t tell the others.
Durness
We arrived here in the afternoon and the sun finally started to shine through the clouds, you wouldnu2019t believe how fast the weather changed from a winters day to a Scottish summer! As soon as you arrive in Durness you are greeted by a beach of dreams that many people paddle board or even wild swim in. There is a car park where you can stay overnight, we did and it was perfect.
nDurness is famous for its zipline which is open seasonally and weather dependant. We managed to get a shot and was a experience I will never forget. In Durness there are facilities a 5 min walk up the hill and another car park which you pay for at the machine.
nOne of my favourite meals was Cheese u2018nu2019 Toasted made in a horse box trailer that makes the best gourmet toasties I couldnu2019t recommend more.
nAnother thing to note, there is limited space at the car park, so if you want to stay the night I would advise getting there early. We did the NC500 at the end of May so it wasnu2019t peak time and there were not so many dreaded midges.
Day 5 – Durness u2022 Clachtoll 1 hour 36 minutes
Clachtoll is known for its breathtaking beaches and long walks on the sand/rocks. Take full advantage if the weather is nice and use your kitchen on wheels, eating out can get expensive so remember you have everything you need in your van for cooking appliances so get your chef hat on and find your inner Gordon Ramsey.
nThings to do
nu2022 Clachtoll beach u2022 Flossies beach store (coffee) u2022 Ullapool u2022 Corrieshalloch Gorge u2022 Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve u2022 Stac Pollaidh Mountain
nClachtoll has the best facilities especially if you are in a van I would put this down as a shower stop! This was the first proper shower we had since we started our road trip that may be TMI but I fell like we are all friends here :)u00a0 In the town centre there are signs to the shower blocks and it FREE to use which is amazing. Another thing to note is there is a Tesco here which will be the first supermarket you have seen in a while so can restock on anything you might need to continue on. In Ullapool we used the Park4night app which showed us a place just outside town that was a big lay by. Free to stay and had lots off bins emptied often. this is a great app to use if you are struggling with campsites being booked.
Day 6 – Lower Diabaig u2022 1 hour 53 minutes
This was the only day I truly felt like you need to plan as it very off the map/grid.nThis drive was truly something you donu2019t believe until you see it with your own eyes. Driving through the Scottish mountains and very windy road there is a stop about half way and if you are wanting to stop I would get out and even have a picnic while you take in the sights. Lower Diabaig is TINY, blink and you miss it!
n nWe heard great things about the ONLY restaurant in Lower Diabaig but stupidly thought we wouldnu2019t need to book, it was fully booked so donu2019t make the same mistake as us and book in advance. We were so hungry or should I say HANGRY!.
nnThe next restaurant was over 30 minutes back the way we had come. It all worked out for the best though when we got there we had the most amazing fish and chips think our eyes where bigger than our belly as we ordered far to much but I wasnu2019t complaining.
nnFuel
nGairloch Garage, Gairloch IV21 2BL (Closed Sunday)nThis is the only station for quite a while so donu2019t get caught and remember to fillnup your fuel when you can.
Day 7 – Achmelvich Bay
After leaving Applecross this is a must!
nnThis amazing spot, with views overlooking Shieldaig island, is picture perfect. Prices ranging from u00a321- u00a326 per night plus u00a34.50 for the optional hookup and the wifi is free! Also situated at the perfect spot to catch the northern lights if you are lucky! The site is situated in u2018Aurorau2019!
nWe pulled up and on a noticeboard there was a list of the free pitches where youu2019re welcome to just drive in and to hook up. The toilet and shower block is newly renovated and spotless and itu2019s a short walk to the Shieldaig Bar & CoastalnKitchen where the langoustines are a real treat. www.shorecaravansite.co.uk www.lochinverlarder.comnwww.shieldaigcampingandcabins.co.uk – Would highly recommend and always top of our customers u2018best sitesu2019 lists!Day 6 – Lower Diabaig u2022 1 hour 53 minutes
Applecross is the best place to go for street food!nWe arrived in the morning to the smell of fresh bacon on the grill, what more can you want! They have a wide variety and something for everyone from from seafood too ice cream. we went in May, Iu2019m not sure if the streetnfood venders are seasonal but I donu2019t think they would trade in the winter so keep that in mind.nThere is also a pub here and tables outside to sit by the water which you need to book -nwhen itu2019s sunny they fill up quickly. As we donu2019t get much sun, as soon as we see any resemblance of a cloud in the sky wenScots like to make the most of it.nn
Fuel
nThis station is open 24 hours and is card only payment This station is run by the community so please support innany way you can as they try to keep the costs low as possible. Shore St, Applecross, Strathcarron IV54 8LNnnThings to note
nThe village is small with limited parking so itu2019s good to get their early or even park and walk in from somewhere not too far away.nStaynu2022 Applecross Campsite, Strathcarron, IV54 8ND (Open March 1st to October 31st)nu2022 Sands Caravan and Camping Park, B8021, Gairloch, IV21 2DL
Day 8 – Skye u2022 1 hour 56 minutes
Skye u2022 1 hour 56 minutes
nAlthough Skye is an island there is a bridge that you can drive over from the mainland so a ferry is not required unless you want too. Skye is just in a world of its own with fairy pools and unique small businesses waiting for you to take a piece of your holiday home with you.
nnThings to do
nu2022 Fairy poolsnu2022 Take a boat to Loch Coruisk
nu2022 Have a meal at the Three Chimneys
nu2022 Walk up to the Old Man of Storr
u2022 Climb the Cuillin
nu2022 Try the local Skye whisky
nu2022 Throw an Axe with Ace Skye
nu2022 Walk the Cuillin Ridge
n n
Stay
nu2022 Camping Skye, Pairc Nan Craobh, Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9DFnu2022 Camus More Campsite Kilmuir, Portree, IV51 9YS
Day 9
Fairy pools
nFairy pools are very well known in Skye and I can confirm they are a must to go and see or for a natural shower which was what we used for a wash! They do have a car park there which you do need to pay for but they have a separate car park for vans which is handy. You can do lots of different walks but I wouldnu2019t recommend this for anyone that isnu2019t up for a big hill as itu2019s steep.nThoughts on Skye
nSkye is such a beautiful place so if you have more time you can stay here longer but remember on return day, check-in is by 11am so allow plenty of time to refill up your diesel and take it through the car wash. we canu2019t wait for your return to hear all about your travels and the amazing places our beautiful vans have been.nReturn u2022 5 hours from Skye
nSkye is a 5 hour drive so it is a long drive, another suggestion is driving somewhere that is closer, for example:n nu2022 Invernessnu2022 Loch Lomond
nu2022 Luss
nu2022 Helensburgh
nu2022 Fort William
n nThese places are all a lot closer so you can always return the night before your return so you donu2019t have so far to drive and can have a lie in! But as always, everything is unique to your journey and you can adjust any off this to suit your preference.
