I’m an NC500 expert – here are my top tips for motorhome & campervan tourists

TOURISTS travelling the North Coast 500 by campervan or motorhome should stay in official car parks only – and they definitely should not dump their chemical toilets by the roadside.

That’s the advice issued this week from officials of the 512-mile loop from Inverness to the Pentland Firth and back which has been ranked as one of the world’s greatest road trips.

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Residents have complained of vehicles clogging up singletrack roads and loos being emptied along the route as its popularity continues to grow.

Chief Features Writer MATT BENDORIS speaks to the NC500 chief Shona Nisbet to find out the top tips for travelling along the scenic journey.

THE North Coast 500 has featured in Hollywood films to The Grand Tour with Jeremy Clarkson – but to have a truly epic experience visitors should plan well in advance.

That’s the advice of the NC500’s marketing and media manager Shona Nisbet ahead of another bumper summer season.

And she believes that viewers captivated by Clarkson’s descriptions of the area or the scenery used in flicks like Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire should consult the route’s own website before heading north.

She says: “The recognition of the NC500 by such shows is fantastic for the area.

“But viewers generally visit our website as part of the research for their trip where they will find lots of top tips for planning their adventure.

“The North Highlands is a truly beautiful region and perfect for exploring.

“But campsites, accommodation and restaurants fill up quickly and nothing can ruin a holiday more than having to search for somewhere to eat or stay.”

However the route – which was launched in 2015 – has become a victim of its own success for while it has also brought an economic boom, traffic chaos soon followed.

There have been reports of hold-ups as tourists park in passing places to take in the views along the single track sections of the road.

Shona says: “With such jaw dropping scenery the urge to stop and capture these scenes is understandable.

“But passing places are not parking places and we urge visitors to find a designated parking place to admire the views.”

Then there are the fleets of hired motorhome snarling up the roads as their inexperienced drivers struggle to cope with narrow roads and small passing places.

Shona continues: “Motorhome rental has always been a popular method of travel.

Urgent warning to NC500 tourists in campervans and motorhomes this summer

“But we would recommend that those who may not feel comfortable on such narrow roads should take the alternative routes available.

“These are clearly signposted and visible on the NC500 route map.”

However worse of all are the pongy reports of motorhomes and campervan users dumping their chemical toilets by the roadside.

But the camping community have hit back on internet forums complaining there are not enough facilities for them to use.

MORE LOOS PLANNED

Shona says: “We are in regular communication with the Highland Council and other key stakeholders to identify key areas in need of improved infrastructure.

“The Highland Council have installed several chemical disposal points over the last two years as part of their visitor management plan with more planned.”

But from the slow and lumbering there is also the fast and the furious with sports car enthusiasts keen to use the popular route.

Shona says: “The NC500 isn’t too different from many roads in Scotland.

“However its popularity with visitors means it sees a real mix of road users, including everything from pedestrians to cyclists, buses, campervans, farm vehicles and heavy goods vehicles.

“So always bear in mind there will be a variety of road users travelling the NC500 route and keep a lookout for other road users, especially the more vulnerable ones.”

DON’T dump your poo by the roadside seems like some good advice for life never mind when you’re travelling in a motorhome.

But the main problem with the North Coast 500 – and Scotland as a whole – is the lack of service facilities for campers like myself.

When travelling through Europe you will come across handy chemical toilet disposal points and water refill stations even in the most rural villages.

Heck, some places even have electrical hook-ups for your motorhome to actively encourage you to stay in their wee towns and spend your holiday money.

Of course, emptying a chemical loo by the roadside will always be an act of environmental vandalism, but until this country gets its act together, we are leaving travellers with very little choice.

He adds: “We have always said to visitors to be aware that due to the nature of the roads it may take longer than planned to reach your next stop.

“So our message is simple – slow down and enjoy the magnificent landscape that is the NC500.”

But Shona insists she does not want to disparage folk who have seen the route on their screens and are just desperate to just jump in a car and visit.

He says: “I don’t want to put them off at all as the North Coast 500 doesn’t have to be completed in one journey – there are some fantastic day trips to be had.

“But if you’re planning to eat out or stay overnight then always plan ahead.”

*For more information on the North Coast 500 visit northcoast500.com