Are you planning a road trip and looking for a scenic getaway? Look no further than the North Coast 500 in Scotland! This route is known as Scotland’s answer to Route 66, featuring breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, majestic mountains, and quaint villages. But earlier than you hit the road, it is crucial to devise your journey to make the maximum of your experience. In this weblog post, we are able to manual you via the whole lot you want to understand, approximately North Coast 500. From the best route to take and roads to avoid to how many days you should plan for this adventure. We’ll also cover important topics like what month is best for travel and how to avoid midges. Whether you are making plans on journeying at some stage in the summertime season or winter, we have given you blanketed with all of the pointers and hints for an unforgettable adventure alongside the NC500!
What is the North Coast 500 Route Planner?
The North Coast 500 is a scenic driving route that spans approximately 500 miles along the northern coast of Scotland. It has turned out to be more and more famous in recent years, attracting each home and global vacationers seeking to discover the lovely landscapes and picturesque villages of the Scottish Highlands.
The course takes vacationers via a wide variety of scenery, along with rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and fascinating coastal towns. Along the way, site visitors can revel in out-of-door sports, which include hiking, flora and fauna spotting, or even travelling anciental castles whether you’re a nature lover or simply seeking a memorable road trip adventure, the North Coast 500 offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Why Plan Your NC500 Trip?
When embarking on a trip along the NC500, it is highly recommended to plan and book your accommodation, vehicle hire, and activities in advance. The reputation of this scenic path has made it a sought-after vacation spot for travellers, specifically for the duration of eight seasons.
By making plans in advance and securing your bookings early, you could make sure that you have a cushy region to stay in, a dependable car to discover the path and get entry to the sports and points of interest which you are fascinated in. Waiting until the last minute may result in limited availability or having to settle for options that may not meet your preferences. So, take the time to plan your NC500 trip and make the necessary arrangements in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience along this breathtaking journey.
What is the Best Route for the North Coast 500?
The North Coast 500 is a scenic driving route that covers over 500 miles of breathtaking landscapes and coastal views in the Scottish Highlands. It has been dubbed as Scotland’s solution to the well-known Route sixty-six inside the United States, and it has speedy turned out to be one of the maximum famous street journeys in Europe. But with such a lot of lovely locations to look at along the way, making plans for your ride may be pretty overwhelming. Which course ought to go? Where should you stop? What are the must-see attractions?
In this section, we will outline some tips and recommendations to help you plan out your perfect North Coast 500 route.
1. Decide on Your Starting Point
The official starting point for the North Coast 500 is Inverness, a charming city known for its rich history and stunning scenery. However, many vacationers select to begin their adventure from both Edinburgh or Glasgow, which gives greater flexibility in phrases of transportation options. If you are coming from outside of Scotland, flying into Edinburgh or Glasgow and renting an automobile might be your exceptional option. Alternatively, you could additionally take a train or bus from those towns to Inverness earlier than embarking on your street trip.
2. Clockwise vs Counterclockwise: Which Direction Should You Go?
There are two main ways to complete the North Coast 500 – clockwise (starting from Inverness) or counterclockwise (starting from any other point). Both routes offer spectacular views and unique experiences; it all depends on your personal preference.
How Many Days Does It Take to Do North Coast 500?
The North Coast 500 is a scenic driving route that covers over 500 miles of stunning landscapes in the Scottish Highlands. While the duration of the trip can vary depending on your pace and interests, it is generally recommended to allow five to seven days to experience the North Coast 500 fully.
This time frame permits a leisurely exploration of the route, with lots of time for sightseeing, hiking, and taking inside the breathtaking surroundings along the way. Of course, you could continually enlarge or shorten your journey primarily based totally on your preferences; however, allocating a minimum of 5 to seven days will ensure you have sufficient time to recognize all that this iconic street journey has to offer.
What Roads to Avoid on the North Coast 500?
When making plans for your adventure at the North Coast 500, it’s essential to be aware of the roads that can be first-class to avoid. Two roads that are often recommended to take alternative routes are Bealach Na Ba and B869 Drumbeg Road. Bealach Na Ba, which can be accessed via the A832, is known for its steep gradients and hairpin bends, making it challenging for larger vehicles or those who are not experienced with driving on narrow, winding roads. Similarly, the B869 Drumbeg Road, accessible via the A894, is notorious for its tight turns and narrow stretches. If you decide on extra comfortable and scenic pressure without the delivered pressure of navigating hard terrain, it can be smart to pick out change routes whilst visiting those roads.
What is the Best Month to Do North Coast 500?
May and September are considered the best months to embark on the North Coast 500 adventure. These months offer a perfect balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds. During the summer, the North Coast 500 attracts a significant number of tourists, making it a bit more crowded.
However, in May and September, you can still enjoy mild temperatures and longer daylight hours without having to contend with as many fellow travellers. Additionally, these months provide an opportunity to witness the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands as they burst into life with vibrant colours and blooming wildflowers. So, if you’re planning to take on the North Coast 500, consider scheduling your trip for May or September to make the most of this breathtaking journey.
Can You See the Northern Lights on the North Coast 500?
The North Coast 500, a scenic riding direction inside the north of Scotland, is one of the excellent locations inside the international to identify the Northern Lights. The excellent instances to look at this herbal phenomenon are throughout May and September, while the summertime nights are darker and clearer.
The far-flung and unspoiled landscapes of the North Coast 500 offer top-rated viewing conditions, with minimum mild pollutants and extensive open skies. So, in case you are making plans for a ride alongside this lovely direction, make sure to hold your eyes peeled for the captivating dance of the Northern Lights.
How Do You Avoid Midges in Nc500?
When travelling along the NC500, it’s important to be prepared for the presence of midges. These tiny insects can be quite bothersome, and their bites can leave you itching for days. One way to avoid them is by bringing along some repellent. Two popular options are Avon Skin So Soft and Smidge. These products have been known to repel midges and keep them at bay effectively. Applying a generous amount of repellent to exposed areas of your skin can help deter these pesky bugs from ruining your outdoor adventures along the NC500. So, don’t forget to pack your repellent and enjoy a bite-free journey through the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
Reasons to Visit the NC500 in Winter
Visiting the NC500 in iciness may be a clearly magical experience. While the climate can be colder, there are numerous motives why it’s miles really well worth braving the cold temperatures to discover this lovely direction at some point of the iciness months. One of the primary benefits of journeying in iciness is that you may keep away from the crowds that flock to the NC500 at some point in the summertime season. With this method, you could revel in the breathtaking surroundings and picturesque villages at your very own % while not having to deal with hordes of tourists. Additionally, iciness brings its specific allure to the landscape, with snow-capped mountains and frost-included fields developing a lovely backdrop for your street trip. Finally, in case you are lucky, you can even glimpse the enthralling Northern Lights dancing throughout the nighttime sky. So package deal up, % your camera, and get geared up for an unforgettable iciness journey at the NC500.
Conclusion
Planning your North Coast 500 trip is essential to make the most of this stunning route. From exploring breathtaking landscapes to experiencing local culture, there is much to see and do along the way. By taking the time to plot and prepare, you may make certain a clean and exciting journey. Whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, or as a family, the NC500 gives something to everyone. So, grasp your map, set your itinerary, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Don’t overlook testing our journey-making plans manual for greater guidelines and recommendations. Happy travels!
