Travel the North Coast 500 Responsibly
The North Coast 500, is undoubtedly one of the world’s most iconic coastal touring routes, with miles of white sand beaches, rugged mountains, hidden gems and a wealth of unforgettable experiences. It is no wonder that the North Highlands is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. Responsible travel of the North Coast 500 is fundamental in making sure that the natural beauty and habitats of the North Highlands last for centuries to come.
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
In Scotland, you can freely enjoy the outdoors – as long as you behave responsibly. This is known as Scottish access rights and is different to the position held in England and Wales. When you are enjoying the outdoors, you must always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Scottish access rights apply, for example, to hills and moors, forests and woods, beaches and the coast, rivers and lochs, parks and some types of farmland. There are also some common-sense exceptions, including houses and gardens, other buildings and their yards or compounds, school grounds and places which charge for entry. Access rights include things like walking, cycling, climbing, horse-riding, kayaking, swimming and watching wildlife, but do not include things like shooting, fishing or access with motor vehicles. For more information about where you can go and what you can do, see Part 2 of the Code.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is based on three key principles
- Respect the interests of others.
- Care for the environment.
- Take responsibility for your own actions.
Leave No Trace
Sandwood Bay By Saoghal_fasach
Whether you are travelling by car, bicycle, motorcycle, campervan, motorhome or foot, it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste responsibly. If you find that there are no bins, or that the bins provided are full, please DO NOT leave your waste at the roadside or beside a bin, take it with you and dispose of it responsibly, recycling where you can.
You can find out more about how you can help Keep Scotland Beautiful here.
Happy Campers
What could be better than a night under the stars in the great outdoors. The North Coast 500 is home to many awe-inspiring, remote campsites. In some sites, you’ll feel as though you are wild camping, although you’ll have all the facilities of a fully maintained camp site. Whether you are looking to keep things minimal or stay at sites with full facilities – there is something for everyone. Our campsites welcome tents, campervans and motorhomes etc. unless stated otherwise. We recommend you plan ahead as spaces fill up fast, you can plan your NC500 camping trip here.
If you do plan to wild camp on your NC500 trip then please make sure you do so responsibly by:
- Finding a spot away from buildings, roads, and other people.
- Respect other campers, set up camp away from others and try to avoid an area that has just been used by others to allow the ground to recover.
- Avoid lighting camp fires, use a stove for cooking.
- Leave no trace, take away all your rubbish, take a small shovel with you to bury your human waste
Hitting The Road in a Camper?
Touring the North Coast 500 in a motorhome or campervan has become increasingly popular, especially over the last 12 months, as it allows you the freedom to enjoy all the North of Scotland has to offer at your own pace.
Whether you are travelling in your own motorhome or campervan, or hiring one for your visit, it is important that you observe our Motorhome & Campervan Advice.
- You must feel comfortable reversing the vehicle correctly and safely as you may be required to do this on single track roads.
- If you are travelling below the speed limit, please pull in to a layby or passing place to allow traffic to safely pass you.
- Do not travel in convoy, especially on small roads as this can lead to congestion. Always travel at least one passing place apart.
Overnight Parking
Highland Auto Campers At Sango Sands
‘Wild Camping’ under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 is only allowed when camping by foot, bike or other non-motorised transport. It DOES NOT apply to motorised vehicles such as campervans or motorhomes.
We would recommend that you make use of the wonderful camping and caravan sites along the route. Not only will you enjoy rural locations with all the facilities you will need to make your trip more enjoyable, you will also be helping to support the local communities. Check out our handy Interactive Map for details of Motorhome and Campervan sites around the route.
If you do decide to stay informally at locations along the route, it is important to follow these guidelines and advice from CaMPA:
Motorhome Waste Disposal
No-one likes to see waste left beside the roadside and it is your responsibility to ensure you leave no trace of your travel and dispose of your motorhome waste in the correct manner.
If you are hiring a campervan or motorhome, make sure the hire company show you how to empty and maintain any on board toilet facilities.
There are a number of campsites and places around the route that you can dispose of your chemical waste and grey water (even if you are not staying there) you can find information on these sites on our Motorhome & Campervan Advice Page.
Top Tips for Hitting the Route
Sunset at Stacks of Duncansby, observatory and bird farm, Duncansby Head, John o ‘Groats, Caithness, Scotland, United Kingdom
If you are planning to visit the North Coast 500 when restrictions allow, please plan ahead carefully and check arrangements with the businesses directly. Here are some of our top tips to help you plan ahead and make the most of your trip:
- The North Coast 500 is very much a year-round destination, but even during the quieter winter months, booking accommodation, vehicle hire and activities in advance is essential. You’ll have a wider selection of options, and quite likely better rates too.
- Think about how many days you’d like to spend along the route. We recommend spending at least 5 to 7 days along the North Coast 500, although spending even more time will give you a far greater understanding of this very special area of Scotland. Or why not return to visit all those places and experiences you missed the first time!
- Plan the route you wish to take, and remember that the official North Coast 500 map is just a guideline. Be sure to venture off the path less travelled and explore Highland villages, coastal towns and the rugged countryside of the North Highlands.
- There really is something for everyone, from adventure seekers and amateur photographers, to wildlife enthusiasts and foodies. Think about what you and your travel partners would like to see and do on your trip and use our Interactive Map and See & Do features for ideas.
And Finally….
Whether you are planning to travel the North Coast 500 by car, bicycle, motorcycle, campervan, motorhome or foot, be sure to make the most of our website for lots more inspiration and useful tips. And don’t forget to check our Top Tips for important road safety information and advice for motorhomes, campervans and caravans.
Happy, safe and responsible travel!
For the latest travel advice regarding Covid-19, please visit our Travel Advice page.
