We are looking to do the NC500 this yr for my ‘big birthday’ . We did look at hotels on the route but then I thought about hiring a motorhome (so we can take the dogs) . What are your thoughts on motorhome and NC500, wild camping etc. we are experienced towers ( caravan) Any hirers to beware of etc? Any recommendations of sites etc.
------------- 2026
Various weekends, weather and time permitting
April - Yorkshire and Yorkshire
June - Wiltshire and Oxfordshire
Autumn - North and Scotland
Lots of motorhomers use the NC500, including those that hire them. All I would say is that unless you are used to driving a vehicle the size of a motorhome you could find it quite daunting and there are some narrow and twisty sections. I think generally those that hire motorhomes to do that route are often not well regarded by the locals as their inexperience shows. As to wild camping you would really need to do your research and always have a plan B as places fill up very quickly. You also need to establish where you can empty waste and refill water so perhaps a campsite every few days would be needed. Another option is to base the caravan over a couple of sites and explore by car?
Have a look at the NC500 website. And there aren’t many campsites, they’re all on UKCS: the site search will show you.
The route is very popular now. We did it at the beginning of its popularity, before MHs became less popular along the route (for parking wherever they wanted & dumping toilet waste on beaches etc. Obviously just a few but everyone got the blame.)
We enjoyed it, took it at a leisurely pace: much of it is C road with passing places (threads about it on UKCS). You can drive in a car & do it in 48 hours to tick the speed box. In a car, you can drive C-roads with dead ends at beautiful beaches which are much more difficult in a MH.
There’ll be plenty of B&B places that accept dogs, you’ll have to eat out (I can’t advise there, the website will help). In a MH, you can cook each evening, but there are inconveniences.
Hire the smallest practical van and learn how to reverse. I've travelled the route of the NC500 before it became popular, but I've avoided it like the plague ever since.
Of course it depends what you want, but Scotland has so many attractions and other areas that are more accessible and have plenty of camp sites etc..
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
To do it justice you need at least 3 weeks, otherwise you spend all day driving and see nothing, that won't be cheap and you need to avoid main summer months as it gets rammed. 'Wild camping' doesn't apply to motorhomes.
If you have less time do it clockwise from Inverness and turn around once you get to Durness so you see the best part in both directions.
An alternative would be to rent cottages on the route so you can do day trips and see some amazing sights without the constant thought of having to push on to complete the 500 miles.
Live in Scotland and the same as others I done the 'NC500' before it was called that and have never returned due to the bad publicity and box ticking visitors who have no interest in the different areas.
I've heard some hire companies refuse to allow their vans to be hired specifically for travel to the NC500.
Don't limit yourself to only this area, there are great motorhome tours in Scotland with better infrastructure to cater for touring.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Motorhome hire and NC500
via mobile 31/3/2024 at 7:38pm
