Road trip to Scotland?

[Jimmi]

Looks like I have absolutely nothing to do next week, now the rules are being loosened I’m considering a solo road trip to Scotland To do some . Planning on taking pretty much everything I need with me, so would only need to stop for fuel. Just curious on what people’s thoughts are on this. Especially the Scottish members.

 

[JasonW]

I'm waiting for the stampede to settle down... the next couple of weeks everyone will have the same idea... and it's likely to be chaos...

If you do head out... head for real wilderness... well off the beaten track would be my advice... and take everything you're likely to need with you.

Avoid the usual tourist places and wild camp if possible....

 

[Ian_T6]

Looks like I have absolutely nothing to do next week, now the rules are being loosened I’m considering a solo road trip to Scotland To do some . Planning on taking pretty much everything I need with me, so would only need to stop for fuel. Just curious on what people’s thoughts are on this. Especially the Scottish members.

I agree with Jason, but worth checking out the NC500, if you’re not already aware of it.... I’ve cycled it and done it in the van on other years, never get tired of it.

The west coast in particular has some stunning scenery - or try Skye.

North Coast 500 - The ultimate road trip around the North of Scotland

Bringing together a route of just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery in the far north of Scotland, the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most beautiful road trips. Explore opulent castles, sample a dram of whisky or take an exhilarating wildlife safari, enjoy a truly unique touring...

www.northcoast500.com

 

[JasonW]

How narrow are the roads up there Ian on the 500..? and how long do you need to take most of it in...

Its on my bucket list.... and maybe one for next year...

 

[Ian_T6]

How narrow are the roads up there Ian on the 500..? and how long do you need to take most of it in...

Its on my bucket list.... and maybe one for next year...

The vast majority are fine, there are a couple of single track roads, which again are fine, but peak season I could imagine them being a pain due to queues for passing places backing up. We’ve not got kids so avoid school holiday times and we’ve never had an issue - I’ve done it 3 times in the van.
I‘d say the T6 size of van is perfect for doing it in... I wouldn’t fancy doing it in a wider motorhome. But, even in one of those, there are only a couple of spots I’d feel nervous about meeting someone coming the other way - all on the west coast - which is also the best side!
Duration is a difficult one as it really depends on your own preference... to stop in places, walk up the hills, spend time on the beaches and soak up the atmosphere at a relaxed pace I’d say 8 - 10 days. A mate belted around and did a few bits in 5... too fast for me though. He lives in Scotland... I live just outside London though, so after driving all that way I don’t want to belt around it.
Fantastic trip... definitely a worthy bucket list addition... you’ll enjoy the Bealach na Bà!

 

[Grainfoot]

Dont forget Scotland does not open bars, campsites etc untill mid July.

 

[Dave A]

What about the Yorkshire Dales using the park4night app?

 

[Ali-G]

I'm waiting for the stampede to settle down... the next couple of weeks everyone will have the same idea... and it's likely to be chaos...

My thoughts exactly.
I’m not convinced that the time is right yet to be easing the restrictions, I’ve just been reading about what’s happening in Australia so I’m waiting to see how it pans out.
If Bournemouth beach the other week is anything to go by People are just going to go mental.

 

[KR.]

I went up north on Thursday night into the southern Highlands. The weather was too poor to contemplate driving further north. Most stuff is now opening, but some car parks are still closed, and some campsites won't be opening on the 15th. I'm aware of one popular campsite saying they won't be open this year for example. This is because 'managed' car parks require the inevitable red tape that officaldom brings before they can be reopened. Other facility providers are suffering from a mixture of genuine concern and - it has to be said - exaggerated fear.
I'd try and ensure, as you've said, that you're pretty self sufficient but would stick to busier towns for provisions, fuel etc. Regarding the NC500, it's just a road with a name that some marketing company has devised, a look at the map will reveal other routes just as good. Maybe it's just me but the commercialisation of a mere road without any input by the authorities into improving the road and facilities for users and locals alike sticks in my craw a bit. I'd take the road less travelled. Parts of the Highlands have been approaching saturation during the busier times of the year recently, this year might be even worse if everybody stays in the UK, it's a big area though so peace and quiet can be found.

Contrary to my wishful thinking the midge has been unaffected by CV19

 

[teamfly]

We're still only part way out of lockdown , with 5 mile travel limit only lifted s couple of days ago.
Campsites not open till 15th , think you will struggle with toilets / somewhere to empty portaloo.
I am desperate to get away , but although I live up here will be leaving it for at least a week yet.
Some real bad stuff on social media of "wild " camping in lochaber past couple days .

 

[Jimmi]

Thanks for the input chaps, I’ve changed my plans and I’ll be heading to the south coast. That way if the worst comes to the worst I can always be home again in about 3/4 hours

 

[Ian28]

I’m waiting until a couple of weeks after the 15th July before I venture into the highlands again, allow the local rural villages to readjust first and see if lockdown easing has invited any COVID spikes in Scotland. I’d rather use local facilities once safe to do so and support the regional economy rather than wild camp this time around. But never the NC500 - queuing for a passing place on a remote single track road is oxymoronic!

 

[Troj]

Just booked up for a family trip to the Highlands in mid Aug. Planning to visit Skye, Torridon, climb Ben Nevis etc.

 

[Ads_Essex]

Just booked up for a family trip to the Highlands in mid Aug. Planning to visit Skye, Torridon, climb Ben Nevis etc.

Same - we are off to Dornoch in August

 

[teamfly]

Same - we are off to Dornoch in August

Really nice around there , loads to do. Some of my favourite mountain bike trails too.
Where you planning staying ?

 

[Ads_Essex]

Really nice around there, loads to do.
Some of my favourite mountain bike trails too.
Where you planning staying ?

I’m not sure - an AirBNB somewhere. We won’t be taking bikes, mind. Glad to hear there’s plenty on.

 

[Radford1071s]

HI there get yourself skin so soft, its for the wee beastie called the midge, they are fxxking murder. they sell it in most places up here .
and theres a good campsite at the bottom of the ben nevis. I think its called glen nevis .its a stones throw away. and worth staying as its a short distance from town.

there may be better stuff out there for the midge now..
sometimes you,ll get the harry potter train up there too.
oh and go to the silver sands beach you can park there too. its stunning. you,ll love it .

 

[KR.]

Skin So Soft works and there's also Smidge. Smidge products I'd recommend a tick remover as well, they can be nasty wee buggers.

 

[Spaghetti]

HI there get yourself skin so soft, its for the wee beastie called the midge, they are fxxking murder. they sell it in most places up here . and theres a good campsite at the bottom of the ben nevis. I think its called glen nevis .its a stones throw away. and worth staying as its a short distance from town. there may be better stuff out there for the midge now. .sometimes you,ll get the harry potter train up there too. oh and go to the silver sands beach you can park there too. its stunning. you,ll love it .

+ 1 for Glen Nevis. Really nice site. Been there twice and going again in August.

 

[Ads_Essex]

Just got back from a fortnight in the highlands. Absolutely brilliant weather (we both think Scotland looks best under a grey cloud, but the sun was beaming) stunning scenery and record MPG the van averaged 42mpg

We stayed in a house a fair way off the NC500 route. You could really see the difference between places on and off the NC500 - you’d encounter hardly any vehicles where we were, but head to a town on the tourist route and it was fairly busy. Nothing like the southwest of England, mind, but certainly more noticeable.
Thanks @Radford1071s and @KR. for the Avon recommendation.. It kept most at bay.

If anyone is wanting to head somewhere within the U.K. for a holiday, I’d recommend heading to central/northern Scotland. You’ve got all the scenery that you’d get elsewhere - plus more - but without the crowd and prices that go with it. And the roads are immense to drive on. An absolute pleasure.