The NC500 takes in 500 miles of Scotland's beautiful coastline. The roads are long and winding, with mountain views, magnificent wildlife, crumbling castles and quaint fishing villages around every bend. Shy of any major cities or busy spots after Inverness, the highlands are full of vast landscapes and few people. We knew the NC500 would be perfect for a van trip especially in winter where other travellers are few and far between. We opted to head from Inverness where the route starts and travelled up the east coast through the Black Isle and Wick, up to John-O'-Groats and the north coast and then down through the Applecross Peninsula on the west coast. We drove through sunshine, rain, wind and snow and wild camped the whole way. Although we are sure the route is just as beautiful in the middle of summer, we really felt like we got to see Scotland in all its wild and authentic glory. A mysterious part of the world truly perfect for van dwellers like us.
TEN REASONS TO MAKE THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
ONE
The castles.
It is known that some of the most beautiful castles in the world exist in Scotland. During our trip around the highlands we came across plenty including our favourite, Dunrobin Castle. Many are situated in the most wild and unspoiled of locations and with tourists few and far between, we felt like we had them all to ourselves.
TWO
The beaches.
When people think about Scotland, they often picture the historic cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow or the wild mountain regions. A lesser-known fact is that the beaches are just as impressive. Along the NC500 route there are dozens of wild and expansive beaches just waiting to be discovered. Brora Beach, Gruinard Beach, Strathy Beach and Mellon Udrigle Beach are just a few of the best. We are sure these are perfect in the summer months, but seeing these beaches covered in snow and hail was something else entirely. A true glimpse of the wild Scotland many rave about.
THREE
The wildlife.
During our road trip we definitely came across more animals than humans. The highlands are full of beautiful creatures. We saw birds of prey, deer, seals and more sheep than we could count. Perhaps most exciting of all, we made friends with many of the adorably fluffy highland cows.
FOUR
The ever-changing weather.
Like a lot of people, I love the sunshine and the heat, especially when I am visiting the coast. However, Scotland is one of the places where I don’t mind the dreary, gloomy weather. In fact, I embrace it! A camper van trip in Scotland in the middle of winter is not everyone’s cup of tea, but the unpredictable weather made experiencing the wild highlands even more magical. We got caught in hailstorms on the beaches, let the wind rock us to sleep, drove through thick snow and enjoyed every moment of sunshine we were lucky to get. We experienced weather as dramatic as the landscape and call me mad, but I would have been a little disappointed if the sun was out the entire time…
FIVE
The tiny houses in big places.
I am a tiny house fanatic and the Scottish highlands are inundated with beautiful tiny homes. What’s more is that they sit in the most dramatic of landscapes. The contrast makes my heart sing and I’ll be damned if I don’t find one to live in one day. Tiny home in what feels like the end of the world? Yes please!
SIX
The other-worldly landscapes.
It’s no secret that Scotland is stunning. There is perhaps nowhere more evident of this than in the Highlands. Mars-like plains, snow-covered mountains, bluer than blue sea, dreamy lochs and mysterious castles lie around every corner of the NC500. I can think of no other place for a more idyllic road trip and camping as we went was the perfect way to uncover the beauty of Scotland.
SEVEN
The open road.
Nothing beats the freedom of driving on the open road, stopping whenever you want and having a front-row view of the beautiful scenery. Travelling the NC500 in the off-season meant that we felt like the only ones in that part of the world with the roads to ourselves. The highlands are home to some of the most amazing roads, including the Bealach Na Bà (Pass of the Cattle), one of the steepest roads in Britain. Not for the faint of heart, especially in snowy winter, this road winds all the way up the side of a mountain. If feeling brave enough to take it on, you will be rewarded with the most spectacular views on the way down.
EIGHT
The folklore.
I am a sucker for an urban legend and Scotland is full of myths and folklore. One of my favourite mysteries and perhaps the most famous of all is that of the Nessie, the monster reported to inhabit the waters of Loch Ness. We had to pass the shores of the infamous Loch to see if we could spot a glimpse of Nessie! Driving the NC500 brings the stories of selkies, kelpies and faeries to life. The highlands absolutely feel magical and ancient, particularly when the moody weather rolls in!
NINE
The epic camp spots.
The beauty of driving the NC500 in the off-season is that other travelers are few and far between. Every night we camped up in a spot that was not only scenic but also completely empty of anyone else! There is freedom in waking up in the morning and being so close to nature. We woke each morning to a new incredibly picturesque view, knowing we had a whole day of adventuring ahead. You will be stretched to find camp spots as beautiful as those waiting in the Highlands.
TEN
The pure escapism.
The NC500 is absolutely perfect for anyone looking for some solitude. Being immersed in the nature that the Highlands offers is the best way to unwind and recharge from the grind of every day life and we made the most of the peace and tranquility.
If they are not already, the Scottish Highlands need to be on your bucket list!
