North Coast 500
Have any of you good folks done the Noth Coast 500 trip. Really looks interesting. Not been up to Scotland before. Whats it like and when is the very best time to go. Ideally would like it not too cold. Would love to see the Northern Lights. Miss the infamous
midges too if possible. We will be traveling in a motorhome. Are there plenty of small sites enroute and can you free camp in some of the remote areas without any problems. Your help and advice as ever would be appriciated.
Comments
-
I expect you've looked at the website that gives details of this tour, see here.
It covers a big area and travelling from the south you'll probably need a couple of stop overs to get to the north. It's a well travelled area that's been given a boost by this tourist project and you'll find plenty of sites, small and large along the way. Not all are open for an extended season and weather can affect some routes. Late May, June and July travel will give you lengthening days to see a bit more and hopefully enjoy reasonable weather. No doubt there'll be suggestions from others, it's a trip worth doing but don't miss out on other parts of Scotland. You'll be passing through some wonderful country en route.
0 -
-
Miss the midges and not when its cold......
there's a challenge! probably about a 2 hour window in late may or early June and again
end September.....
Seriously, as a seasoned visitor to Scotland (almost every year for 59 years) from the south to the far north
you need to go prepared for the weather - all 4 seasons in a day is not unknown! However the place is stunning and the drive you plan is one I have still to complete.0 -
There is a small guaranteed midge-free window up here in Scotland. Starts 31st December and ends the following day 1st of January !!!
I have never been bitten by any wee beasties during that time. ---------------Might have something to do with the copious amount of "uisge-beatha" consumed.
Cheers.................K
0 -
Not been up to Scotland before.
And after you have experienced the midges & the weather you will probably never go again....!
It is beautiful but don't underestimate the distances on single track roads and the debillitating effects on others in your party of the weather and midges if they don't quite share your enthusiasm for the scenery...!
0 -
Suggest Mid May/June. Dont worry too much about the midge,just takesome cream. It will take you afew days from Norfolk to get to say Inverness or Oban to start the highlands. Plenty of sites if not CC and masses of user friendly Wild places. Clean out your
services on site, half fill the water tank and you should be OK for 3/4 days.If you see a bloke fishing from an Autocruise Rhythm it will be me, and stop for a dram.0 -
Mid may to mid june is the time with the best chance of good weather and also if you're lucky avoiding the midges.
Re midges, the thing to remember is they are often localised. You'll find them in one area, move a mile on and there'll be none. Research sites beforehand here and on
UKcampsite. You'll find some sites are notorious for midges but then you'll find the reviews will mention them.Re weather, as others have said the key is to be prepared for any eventuality - often in the same day !
0 -
Just like to say thank you for all your tips and experiences. It never fail to amaze the helpfulness of many members. Please do keep them coming in if you think you can add to what has been said. It is most appreciated.
0 -
The northern lights are notoriously fickle. Last year a group of us did the NC500 and only one insomniac saw the northern lights. That was in May. We had no problem with midges, but a lot depends on the weather conditions. They are not usually around
on windy days.We went up the East Coast along the top and down the West. Started at the C&CC Rosemarkie site for a couple of days to see the dolphins at Channory Point. Went to Wick Caravan Park, which has a different entrance for high vehicles. The town of Wick has
an interesting fishing museum and Old Poultney distillery is within walking distance. We used Dunnet Head CC site west of John O Groats and took an organised day trip to Orkney. There are plenty of wild camping spots.0
