Hi, hoping to travel the famous Scottish N500 over Easter in our motorhome. We don't tend to book sites ahead as we prefer the flexibility that it brings. However, we will be hitting the Easter bank holiday.
How busy does it get on that route at that time of year, and can we get away without booking sites?
Thanks in advance.
------------- Candgjones
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
If you search North Coast 500 or NC500 on here, there are plenty of threads. It also has its own website, but of course you can use the wonderful UKCS site search.
We enjoyed the NC500 in a short MH many years ago before it was popular, staying on sites, not booking (sites are about 2 hours drive apart). It's now very busy with MHs and other car campers (tents, roof boxes). However, many opt to park on the machair, beaches, lay-bys, verges & forestry car parks which means the camp sites are well under capacity. I think you'll be fine ... but don't turn up too late in the day - we'd pitch up after lunch, and explore locally in the afternoon, maybe stay a few days rather than always moving on. The CCC site at Poolewe / Inverewe was full by early afternoon when we stayed.
Make sure you're ok being out of internet access for a few days as there are many not-spots (supermarkets are great for catching up on emails), and read up on the simple etiquette of single track roads with passing places (so you know what to expect); and don't rush - it deserves 7-10 days, not the 2 days that the guys in sports cars give it. Each coast has a different character, we all have our preferences.
From what I know the locals aren't happy about the number of motor homes on the route but as long as you be refectful to the locals and their environment you should be OK. Have a good trip.
Quote: Originally posted by SHANTY SINGER on 11/3/2025
From what I know the locals aren't happy about the number of motor homes on the route but as long as you be refectful to the locals and their environment you should be OK. Have a good trip.
More details on the FB page called “ NC500 The dirty truth”. The majority of visitors are responsible & are made very welcome, as other FB pages show.
Depends on the sites you want to visit. We last visited in Sept/Oct and didn't need to book any except Sango Sands which was full, although I believe they keep some pitches for people to turn up on the day (but you need to get there early).
I'd try and book the main Easter weekend as I imagine it will be busy, and then wing it and be prepared to leave the official NC500 route as there are some stunning spots hidden away.
Like Fiona W, we travelled what is now the NC500 before it was called that.
I would not do it now, and especially over any of the holidays.
However if you go, I suggest that you stock up with all the things you need - food, fuel etc.. as there are few shops and petrol stations, and prices tend to be higher.
At Easter and depending on the weather, you may be lucky to escape the midgies. Some people aren't troubled, but they make life a misery for others. Take Avon 'Skin so soft' or another good insect repellant.
Good Luck.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Thanks for all of the replies and info.
Unfortunately we are limited to the school holidays.
Would we be correct in saying that the West Coast is more popular than the East? Therefore if we went 'clockwise' in the first week, we would be further 'North' or 'East' when the bank holiday hits us at the end of our first week, and therefore a better chance of finding somewhere to stay for the night (not bothered if it's an aire or campsite).
------------- Candgjones
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
I agree - go clockwise, over to the west first, because that’s where I’d want to be able to add a few days, enjoying the geopark & seafood & sunsets. A sports car can do the whole thing in 2 days, so at a push, you can keep driving & get back to Inverness at the end of your allotted time. Remember, NC500 is not going away - you can come back another year & focus on one area that you liked best: it’s what we did - we came back to Gairloch & Poolewe, lingered & enjoyed watching otters in the sea at sunset late evening at midsummer. Or you might prefer Brora & the east coast: it’s a personal response.
To hear some folk, you would think that Scotland only had a West coast, and this is good for those of us who live on the East. True, the West is more rugged and beautiful? but it is also much wetter than the east - and more problems from midgies.
If you get the chance, visit the East coast - the Spey valley with its distilleries, and Royal Deeside with its castles.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Mòran taing/diolch/thank you for all of the replies. Plan in place, and looking forward to seeing all of the fantastic places both East and West of our celtic cousins.
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: N500
via mobile 11/3/2025 at 5:09pm
