freefall_junkie
Emira Fiend
@geoffbland asked me for some tips for driving the NC500 and I thought it might be worth starting a new thread. Here are mine:
1) Consider carefully when you go. When it is quiet and the weather is good it will be an unforgettable experience. When it is busy and the weather is dreich it will be frustrating to drive and the scenery will be shrouded in mist. Avoid June, July and August. I’d recommend late April, May and September when it is far quieter and the weather is often better too.
2) Be aware that the NC500 is primarily a scenic route and some stretches are not great purely from a driving perspective. For example, the section over the Bealach Na Ba to Applecross and on to Shieldaig is possibly the most stunningly scenic route in the UK and is a must-do for that reason alone. However, it is a narrow single track road, poorly surfaced in places, and you’ll rarely be going over 40mph. Set your expectations accordingly.
3) Related to 2), don’t blindly follow the NC500. Some of the best driving roads are not on it. See this thread for some alternative route suggestions with pictures.
4) If you have time go over to Skye. The scenery is incredible and of course it too is not on the NC500. In fact I would go there rather than the section of the NC500 round Caithness which can be a bit bleak.
5) Accommodation can be way overpriced and of variable quality but there are some hidden gems. I’d heartily recommend https://strathcroepods.co.uk/ , handily located for going over to Skye, and this small hotel in Sheildaig http://www.tighaneilean.co.uk/ .
If you have any NC500 tips, please add them.
1) Consider carefully when you go. When it is quiet and the weather is good it will be an unforgettable experience. When it is busy and the weather is dreich it will be frustrating to drive and the scenery will be shrouded in mist. Avoid June, July and August. I’d recommend late April, May and September when it is far quieter and the weather is often better too.
2) Be aware that the NC500 is primarily a scenic route and some stretches are not great purely from a driving perspective. For example, the section over the Bealach Na Ba to Applecross and on to Shieldaig is possibly the most stunningly scenic route in the UK and is a must-do for that reason alone. However, it is a narrow single track road, poorly surfaced in places, and you’ll rarely be going over 40mph. Set your expectations accordingly.
3) Related to 2), don’t blindly follow the NC500. Some of the best driving roads are not on it. See this thread for some alternative route suggestions with pictures.
4) If you have time go over to Skye. The scenery is incredible and of course it too is not on the NC500. In fact I would go there rather than the section of the NC500 round Caithness which can be a bit bleak.
5) Accommodation can be way overpriced and of variable quality but there are some hidden gems. I’d heartily recommend https://strathcroepods.co.uk/ , handily located for going over to Skye, and this small hotel in Sheildaig http://www.tighaneilean.co.uk/ .
If you have any NC500 tips, please add them.
