North Coast 500
Does anybody out there have any tips or suggestions on driving the North coast 500 in a 4 berth motorhome. Such as great places to park for the night. What should not be missed? Should I avoid Bealach Na Ba?
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Having enjoyed holidays in Suffolk I know you are already experienced in driving narrow roads, however it is a surprise to many that the A class roads "up north" are also single track for much of the route.
As far as your specific question goes stopping points are limited if you want a site with facilities - there are few north of Inverness, particuarly in Sutherland, and given my previous comment about single track roads don't be too ambitious in terms of daily travelling distances.
General suggestion would be to head in an anti-clockwise direction from Inverness; you'll be saving the stunning scenery for the later part of the trip.
We intend to do this circuit in late spring, might see you there - hope you enjoy it.
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There are plenty of sites where you can park for the night, BS. Commercial sites exist in most places as well as the handful of club sites.
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far more roads in Sutherland are now two traffic.Inverness to Dunnet Bay and beyond also Inverness to Gairloch and beyond.Also the very North Coast has been much improved.If you do go don't miss out on the C.C. site at Kinlochewe.The views are Stunning. i
If you do venture on to Applecross do your journey anti-clockwise you will get much better views going down the Bealach nana awesome is a word I would use.Remember the traffic up their is less than 5per cent of that travelling to the area.
Have a good time we did when we were wardens at Kinlochewe.
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Don't miss Durness for the Smoo cave. There is an interesting fishery museum in Wick. The dolphins at Chanonry Point in the Moray Firth can be spectacular if you are there at the right state of the tide. Some of the beaches on the West Coast have campsites and some have wild camping places. It is easier to drive on the single track roads in the highlands than in the south as there is better visibility and more passing places. Make sure you let faster vehicles pass by pulling into the passing place. Have a great time in the North.
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Applecross would be a must for us. 'Doing' the pass in either direction is stunning. Would also suggest this site and area.
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As GDaveF says the trip via Altnahara is good
but much better if you stop there for a while !!
Only half the pitches have E H U , and no toilet
nor shower blocks, but with a smearing of your
preferred repellant the place is my idea of the
better side of Heaven !
The roads should give a sensible driver no problems
what-so-ever !! As has been said already the tales of
poor roads are largely consigned to the past, take
your time, keep a good look-out for overtaking
vehicles and enjoy the trip . It is not meant to be
punishment
!Bealach Na Ba climbs from sea level, over the top
and back to sea level so you should know what
its like !! Although last year I thought the surface
was beginning to show it's age, if the cloud base
is high its a spectacular run -- do not forget to
stop at the southern end & photograph the big
warning signs tho' " Not advised for use by learners,
inexperienced drivers etc etc etc "
Above all else ==> ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE !!
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Bracken Sprocker, I know that you asked the original question but my request may benefit you. Could people 'in the know' with regards to North Coast 500 advise on any roads considered too steep with regards to towing a caravan? (Clockwise route). All replies most welcome.
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There are some long stretches of single carriageway roads and you will meet delivery vehicles & coaches etc coming the other way.
I personally would not want to tow a caravan around it, although you do see a few, and somebody will be along in a minute to say how easy it is, I guess it depends how confident you are towing, reversing etc etc....
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The best way to enjoy the North Coast 500 is from the seat of a motorcycle. -- Unobstructed views,--- stop whenever you like to take photos --- power to spare on the steep hills. Overnight in a B&B. or Tent
Anywhere else in the country use the van when touring.
I've been over the Bealach na Ba a number of times -- Would I drag a caravan over there on the back of the tow car ?. ------ Only if all the other roads were blocked.
On the NC 500 the motorbike is the most fun..
Cheers ..................K
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Tintent and K. Thanks for your advice. I was a bit apprehensive about the proposed trip and now will go elsewhere.
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Do Not Be Put Off JD !!
The vast majority of motorhomes & caravan
combinations I see up in the 500 area are
bigger than my mid-length Fiat, go where I go
and seem to have no problems what so
ever !! If you can cope round Cornwall & Devon
then the only difference is ---> The 500 is a long
way away !!
Brian
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