Scotland’s most scenic driving route
The coast of Scotland is amazing; anyone who has been there will tell you that. This rugged coastline is packed with historic castles, dramatic cliffs, secluded inlets and coves with unspoilt white sandy beaches; the likes of which you wouldn’t believe could exist in a place like Scotland. The country’s many scenic roads take you through a landscape so vast, open and jaw-droppingly beautiful that you just have to take your time and savour every moment. So it’s no surprise that the best way to experience this is by motorhome or campervan. And now you can experience 500 miles of the best scenic drives this great wilderness has to offer by driving the North Coast 500 route, a signposted drive that starts and ends in Inverness, and hugs the entire northern coastline. You can drive it in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.
In this article we are going to list some of the best places to stop overnight along this great route.
Is the North Coast 500 suitable for a motorhome?
According to the North Coast 500 website the majority of the route is suitable for campervans, although motorhomes larger that 16-18ft in length must take the alternative motorhome routes available. The following routes are classed as no-go areas for motorhomes: the Bealach Na Ba road (take the A832) or B869 Drumbeg Road (take the A894). More information on driving this route in a motorhome can be found here: https://www.northcoast500.com/top-tips-hitting-route/motorhomes-and-campervan-advice/
Wild camping:
Unfortunately, under Scottish law wild camping is only permitted by travellers on foot, bike or other non-motorised vehicles. The North Coast 500 website advises visitors coming by motorhome or campervan to follow the advice and guidelines from caMPA when it comes to informal stops along the way.
Brit Stops Book for free overnight stops
If you don’t want to pay for a campsite then one alternative is to use the Brit Stops Book, which contains a fantastic list of places like farm shops, country pubs, vineyards and more that offer the chance to stop overnight with your motorhome or campervan completely free of charge and in a safe environment. It’s important to know that these are not campsites so there won’t be any toilet or shower facilities and you cannot book your stay. But if you have a self-contained motorhome or camper with a toilet, cooking facilities and everything you need then you can be assured of a free place to stop overnight. More info here: https://www.britstops.com/
North Coast 500 Campsites for motorhomes
If you prefer to stay at an official campsite then here is a list of some of the best.
Beauly Holiday Park: If you are travelling to Scotland from far away then you will likely want to stop first at Inverness for a day or two before starting your epic journey along the North Coast 500. After all, you cannot come all the way to Scotland and not spend some time around the famous Loch Ness. Who knows, you might spot Nessie!
The Beauly Holiday Park contains 75 camping/touring pitches with all facilities, including a chemical waste point, shower and toilet block, play area for children and sitewide WiFi.
Motorhome Hire: If you don’t have your own motorhome then you can hire one from here too. Visit this link for more info: https://www.beaulyholidaypark.scot/motorhome-rental
Reraig Camping: Should you decide to head west first in a clockwise direction then this is a good option. It is located just 10 minutes from the Isle of Skye bridge and close to the fabulous Eilean Donan Castle. More info here: https://www.reraigcamping.com/
Sands Caravan and Camping: This great little campsite is ideal for those looking for a smaller, more natural place to stop overnight. Situated on a lovely grassy area surrounded by sand dunes and white sandy beaches, it also offers lovely views across to the Outer Hebrides. More info here: https://www.sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk/
The Shore Caravan Site: Despite its name, it also accepts motorhomes. This is another great option next to white sandy beaches. You will find it at Achmelvich bay, just a few miles from the little village of Lochinver. The only downside here is that the owners do not allow dogs. More info here: http://shorecaravansite.yolasite.com/
Windhaven Café, Camping and B&B: If you want to stay in the most northerly campsite on the UK mainland, then this is the place. This great site sits on a cliff overlooking Brough Bay. There is a special viewing point where you can sit and watch the seals on the rocks below. More info here: http://windhaven.co.uk/
John O’Groats Caravan & Camping site: If you want to stay at the famous John O’Groats then this is a great location to park your motorhome for a few days and soak up the stunning panoramic views of the Orkney Island amid the sounds of the puffins, seals and dolphins. You can also take a day trip out to the Orkney Islands from here.
For a great aerial view of this place, watch this video: https://youtu.be/z03ehu-2sVY
More info here: https://www.johnogroatscampsite.co.uk/
Wick Caravan & Camping Site: As you head back down the eastern side of the peninsula then stop for a night or two at this lovely secluded campsite next to Wick River. You can take a peaceful stroll along the 3 miles of sandy beach or play a little golf on the 18-hole golf course here. More info here: https://www.wickcaravansite.co.uk/
Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park: Further down the east coast, this is a great option if you are travelling with bored kids who are in desperate need of entertainment by this time. It’s a large family-friendly site with a play park and pool room. Hop over the sand dunes and once again you’ll be on miles of golden sandy beach. The nearby town of Dornoch has some interesting sights to see, and you can also watch the salmon jump at the Falls of Shin. More info here: http://dornochcaravans.co.uk/
Many more choices
Of course, this is just a shortlist of places to stop in your motorhome or campervan along the North Coast 500 route. Visit the NC500 website for more useful information on places to stay and visit: https://www.northcoast500.com/
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