NC500 (north coast road)
Discussion
sanguinary said:
Was planning on heading up this year, but with many people sticking to the UK this year, I don’t want to add to the numbers. I love the wilderness of the whole area, so following countless motor homes doesn’t appeal.
We have the same dilemma, confined to the UK we're thinking of touring Scotland in our campervan for a few weeks, but seemingly so is everyone else too. It's a free country though, so who's to say we should/shouldn't? It'll be what it'll be, and the rest of the UK is going to be the same.21st Century Man said:
We have the same dilemma, confined to the UK we're thinking of touring Scotland in our campervan for a few weeks, but seemingly so is everyone else too. It's a free country though, so who's to say we should/shouldn't? It'll be what it'll be, and the rest of the UK is going to be the same.
It is indeed. Even if it’s busy, it’s still a nice way and place to spend some time. I’ve no issue with motor homes really. Indeed, I’ve had one in the past. It’s mainly the hirers who have no idea what they’re doing in them! Got stuck for almost an hour last time as one had parked in a passing place and headed out for a wonder.I don’t get away each year, and generally holiday in the UK. I’m lucky that I live on the edge of Northumberland, so know plenty of quiet spots for an afternoon getaway.
Thinking of taking a sailing boat out on the Broads this year. I’ve been once already though, so I’ve got to convince the other half. It will no doubt be busy in the Summer, but there can only be a finite number of boats on the water.
The NC500 route gets a lot of the hype, which this year in particular will attract a lot of visitors, and in places likely overwhelm the infrastructure. However, Scotland is a bit place, so there are plenty of other relatively unspoiled, pretty and interesting places or visit, drive and stay.
We’ll find out next weekend. 4 day loop starts on the Friday morning including the Dukes Pass, Ardnamurchan peninsula and Cairngorms as well as the north west part of the NC500.
Some shocking pictures of dirty camping on Facebook. We’re staying in hotels and will do our best to be respectful on the road and spend locally while still enjoying the (hopefully) empty stretches.
Some shocking pictures of dirty camping on Facebook. We’re staying in hotels and will do our best to be respectful on the road and spend locally while still enjoying the (hopefully) empty stretches.
Busier.
I've seen a couple of small convoys, bikers both motor and cycle and as GC observes campers. Even the 1st user of the village 'leccie charger - Tesla.
Facilities still not fully open but better than before. If you can cope with feeding/drinking in Scottish weather then there's a bit more choice
This should improve from Monday - inside alcohol!
I've seen a couple of small convoys, bikers both motor and cycle and as GC observes campers. Even the 1st user of the village 'leccie charger - Tesla.
Facilities still not fully open but better than before. If you can cope with feeding/drinking in Scottish weather then there's a bit more choice
This should improve from Monday - inside alcohol!
Anonymous-poster said:
GetCarter said:
Just did 42 miles - didn't see a single car. I did get back by 06:30 mind 
ETA Fiat 500 Abarth v Deer yesterday - both written off. Careful out there folks.
Was it a very light grey/stone colour?ETA Fiat 500 Abarth v Deer yesterday - both written off. Careful out there folks.
Edited by GetCarter on Saturday 15th May 10:20
one of my big fears whilst in the Elise Davie Lad said:
Quite a few camper vans on Skye today, also quite a few dawdlers, not-pulling to let you past
I would be interested to know what generally accepted etiquette is for asking a slower moving vehicle if they wouldn't mind letting you through... ie reminding them of the signs posted occasionally re using passing places to let faster traffic through from behind.Why?
I encountered two total muppets on Friday on the road to Applecross who thought that driving inches from the car in front (and as a result clogging up the pass by blocking passing places) was international sign language for "Excuse me, I can see that you're travelling at the speed limit on well-sighted stretches of this single track road, and there are several cars ahead of you doing the same with sensible gaps to allow for passing place spacing, but I'm much more important than you so please let me through."
I would have thought keeping a safe distance with perhaps a brief flash or two and maybe a cheeky wee indicator, and perhaps a brief sounding of your horn to grab the errant driver's attention if they appear oblivious, might have been a more effective course of action - rather than trying to intimidate a series of drivers out of your way... As the golf and pickup drivers found out yesterday when their fourth intended "victim" simply stopped and told them what they could do with their a
holery.Whilst I understand frustrations re being stuck behind dawdling tourists*, tailgating is neither safe nor acceptable.
(* not all tourists are dawdlers.)
Some guidance on local custom would be helpful for those reading this thread: whether sending or receiving such coded messages!
Thanks
N.
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