Urgent warning to NC500 tourists in campervans and motorhomes this summer

HIGHLAND officials have issued a warning to tourists planning on travelling the popular North Coast 500 by campervan or motorhome this summer.

Stretching out over 500 miles of rural north Highlands, the route was launched as a unique tourist trail back in 2015 and has been ranked as one of the greatest road trips on the planet.

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However, the route’s influx of tourists hasn’t always been popular with residents after many reports of anti-social behaviour stemming from the parade of campervans and motorhomes trailing up the single-track route.

Officials from the NC500 team have now issued urgent advice for those thinking about making their dream trip a reality and to tour the route using a motorhome.

The advice is for the benefit of the local communities who live along the track and for visitors who are looking to enjoy the route.

With the number of vans in use increasing throughout the summer, NC500 have reminded road users that ‘Wild Camping’ only applies when camping by foot, bike or any other non-motorised transport.

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 does not allow for people to pitch up their motorised vehicles outside of formal campsites.

And the same goes for the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which allows freedom to roam but not if you are using a motorhome.

For those who decide to camp elsewhere, NC500 officials are asking road users to park responsibly and only in carparks which allow overnight camping.

Chemical toilet waste must not be dumped in these beauty hotspots, and drivers who have hired a van from a rental company should check in with their hosts before setting off in order to learn how to dispose of waste properly.

NC500 is famous for its sweeping single-track roads that navigate sharply through a series of nerve-wracking hair-pin bends.

The famous Bealach Na Ba, or Pass of the Cattle is the third highest mountain pass in the UK, which repays those who climb the steep and narrow ascent with stunning views of the Outer Hebrides and the Kintail mountains.

Drivers are being warned that larger vehicles should be able to be driven safely – including reversing – over these roads after reports of campervans and motorhomes getting ‘stuck’ between the zig-zagging road.

Craig Mills, Operations Director for North Coast 500, said: “Experiencing the North Coast 500 by motorhome or campervan has become a popular way for visitors to enjoy all that the North Highlands has to offer.

“However, it is important that these users are well prepared for their visit and follow the appropriate advice and guidance.”

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