Making the most of your personal NC500 visitor membership
Photo: NC500 Map
A personal North Coast 500 membership is the ultimate travel tool to help you explore the North Highlands of Scotland. These memberships are available to visitors completing their NC500 adventure, and provide a comprehensive guide to making the very most of this special region of Scotland. In this article, we’ll talk you through how to make the most of your personal membership, and guide you through each of the benefits these exciting packages offer.
Launched in 2016, we designed our popular membership scheme to help group all those travel essentials together in one place. As well as offering unrivalled trip-planning hints and tips, our great value Explorer Membership includes a copy of The Rough Guide to The North Coast, NC500 map, NC500 sticker, clothing, and discounts on our online shop, as well as with our large network of business members. And if you’re travelling in group, be sure to check out our Clan Membership.
You may be thinking at this point – is NC500 membership really for me? Whatever your travel style may be, the answer is almost certainly ‘yes’! From solo travellers to couples, group memberships or even our VIP Luxury Gold Membership, there are different types of membership to suit every individual’s needs. You can even gift membership to a friend or family member – it makes the perfect present!
Available to purchase online for £15 per person per year, the North Coast 500 Traveller Membership provides access to everything you’ll need to enjoy the NC500 in one handy online portal.
These benefits vary slightly depending on which of our popular membership packages you purchase. Whichever one you opt for, this is a club which is absolutely worth joining!
Where to begin…
Once you have purchased your NC500 Personal Membership, you can use your log in details to access your online account and access our online itineraries. To log in, please use the email address and password you created your account with. If you opted for the Explorer, Clan or Gold membership, you will receive your membership pack in the post.
If you purchased our Digital Traveller Membership, you can download everything in one handy online portal. Members can use their log-in details to download an eBook copy of The Rough Guide to the North Coast 500, access a PDF of the official NC500 map, use their welcome letter to secure discounts around the route, and access our online itineraries for inspiration.
Please see below how you can make the most of your membership…
The NC500 Map
The ultimate tool for planning your trip, the official NC500 map is included with every membership. While the map outlines the main 516 miles of coastline that makes up the North Coast 500, do remember that the NC500 route is only a guide; we always recommend venturing off the beaten path and spending a little extra time exploring each of the NC500’s six areas in greater depth. Within the map, you’ll find alternative routes highlighted for motorhomes over a certain size, as well as driving advice for single track roads and other road safety information. Our Clan Membership includes two copies of the map – perfect for sharing!
If you have purchased our Digital Traveller Membership – you will receive a PDF version of the map which you can download when you log into your account.
Discounts
All NC500 Memberships offer visitors the opportunity to benefit from a variety of discounts around the route, in partnership with the NC500 businesses that we work with. These discounts include money off vehicle hire, accommodation and visitor attractions around the route. For example, Arnold Clark offer 15% off car hire, while Glen Ord and Clynelish Distilleries offer 2 for 1 on any tours.
To find discounts, visit our interactive map and search the category ‘Member Discounts’ – these lists are always being updated, so be sure to check back regularly.
How to use your discounts: Traveller, Explorer and Clan Members need to show their welcome email/letter to our business members to access discounts, while Gold Members can use their members card.
Online itineraries
Once you log into your account, you will have access to our online itineraries. These are the top 3rd most popular page on our website! These nine action-packed itineraries range from 7-9 days in length. From camping to adventure travel, food and drink, whisky, history and golf, there’s an itinerary for everyone.
Discount on our online shop
All members, receive an exclusive discount on the NC500 online shop. Look the part as you travel the route, or buy something as a reminder of your trip. (Traveller members receive 10% off, Explorer and Clan members receive 15% off and Gold members receive 20% off our online shop)
Free Membership Item
When you purchase an Explorer Membership, choose a free membership item from our online shop (or two items with our Clan Membership!). Choose between a polo shirt, t-shirt, sweatshirt or beanie and travel the route in style.
Newsletter
Keep up to date with our monthly newsletter, where you’ll find competitions and other exclusive content, as well as an exciting calendar of events and experiences.
If you have any queries about NC500 Membership, or would like to purchase a Membership for yourself or a friend, please visit www.northcoast500.com
