A Visitor’s Guide to Travelling the North Coast 500 Responsibly
The North Coast 500 has become one of the most popular tourist routes in the world, offering breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and an unforgettable journey along the rugged northern coastline. However, as responsible travellers, it is crucial that we do everything we can to protect and preserve the pristine beauty of the North Highlands. In this blog post, we will provide you with the ultimate visitor’s guide to respecting the North Highlands while exploring the route.
A photo of Gruinard Bay, Wester Ross.
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Before travelling the NC500 route, it is important to familiarise yourself with the Scottish Access Code. This code provides guidelines for visitors on how to behave when outdoors. The code covers everything from access rights to the environment and wildlife.
Overall, the code is based off three main principles which are as follows:
- Respect the interests of others.
- Care for the environment.
- Take responsibility for your own actions.
For more information on specific rules, make sure to check out the full Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Remember this code is here to help ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors freely and therefore it should always be considered carefully.
Leave No Trace
Scottish Outdoor Access Code Campaign Artwork created by Nature Scotland, Scotland’s Nature Agency.
In order to respect the environment and local communities, it is important to adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace. Regardless of how you travel the route, it is always your responsibility to dispose of your waste responsibly. Even if you find that bins are full, DO NOT under any circumstances leave your rubbish behind. Make sure you take it with you until you can find somewhere to properly dispose of it. Remember that actual people live in these areas, and they should always be respected.
Camp Responsibly
With such stunning scenery it’s no wonder that camping is a popular choice amongst visitors travelling the route. There are several stunning campsites along the North Coast 500 with full facilities (you can find a full list of amazing campsites along the route here) we recommend you plan ahead as spaces fill up fast.
For those who would prefer to keep things minimal by wild camping, please remember the following:
- Choose your site carefully for example pick a spot away from buildings, roads, and others.
- Do not camp next to your vehicle
- Avoid lighting campfires and use a stove instead.
- Leave no trace.
- When toileting please bag it and bin it, including toilet paper.
Motorhome Advice
Similar to camping, travelling by motorhome has had a surge in popularity with visitors in recent years. If you decide to travel the route by motorhome, it is important that you adhere to the following advice:
- You must make sure you 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 into 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.
- Wild camping outlined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code does not apply to motorised vehicles. We would always advise that you stay overnight in an official campsite. If however you are unable to do this then please ensure you park in designated overnight stops such as Aires or carparks that allow overnight parking.
For more advice about motorhomes on the NC500, click here.
Drive Responsibly
The NC500 is a road trip adventure which means responsible driving is essential for your safety and the well-being of others. Observe speed limits and be cautious on narrow, winding roads. Check out this article from IAM Roadsmart for more tips on how to take on the countryside.
By following this visitor’s guide to travelling the North Coast 500 responsibly, you can ensure that the North Highlands remain preserved and protected for future generations. Let’s embrace responsible tourism and leave only footprints behind.
Happy exploring!
