We did the NC500 a couple of years ago, in November. We used campsites, B&B's. Just about every local we spoke to said they've had trouble with people leaving all their rubbish behind and even emptying their chemical toilets on the beaches. No wonder they are fed up with it.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video. That sort of behaviour is disgraceful, it blows our mind why someone would do that! We wish you many more happy travels
People are munters at the end of the day. We live at the opposite end of the country, Canvey island...sun comes out mess left all over the beach by people coming here from elsewhere.
We have the same trouble in the area of Scotland I live in. People come up to the loch with camper vans, tents etc. along a single-track road. When they are done with their stay, the tents are left, the BBQs are left, the camping gear, and all the rubbish, as well as them leaving human waste all around visitor sites. Bone idle lazy disgusting selfish A***holes. They ruin it for everyone and as a consequence give those who do make an effort a bad name as well.
@@OrganMusicYT not all campers leave rubbish or dirt behind them and are very mindful of the environment they are in and respectful of the native people living in the area
I live and work in the highlands and you are more than welcome, only thing that annoys me is the campervans that do 40mph and don't pull over. As for stopping in laybys overnight it is allowed now, they used to have signs that said " No overnight camping" but they were told to be taken down a couple of years ago. Hope you are not put off by these tales and enjoy our lovely scenery when you can.
Hi there Duncan, How are you? We think you are so lucky to live and work in the Highlands, we absolutely adored our trip and WILL definitely be back 👍😍
As a manager of a rural estate in the Highlands of Scotland, my opinion is that the NC500 is a negative on balance, especially in regards to motor homes and camper vans . The promotion of the route has come without sufficient investment in infrastructure by the Scottish Government. It actually makes life more difficult for local people in remote areas and many who buy camper vans do this specifically to avoid paying for accommodation, often stocking-up with provisions from Tescos at Inverness with the whole point of spending as little money as possible on their adventures. Ironic, when some might have paid upwards of 70k for their new motor home. In my experience, a visit to the Highlands was far more satisfying 20 years ago when there was considerably less traffic.
@@stonemarten1400 not sure which estate or how large, or what's been achieved there lately, but.... Large estates are a real issue for Scotland, foreign ownership and promoting an unsustainable monoculture. I'd say they're a way bigger problem than the nc500, which at the end of the day, was always there
I live and work on the NC500 route, you are all very welcome here! What does annoy us is inconsiderate users that leave their rubbish and dump their grey waste wherever they like! Plus the non use of lay bys on single track roads and causing a huge tail back! I’m sure there’s more of a high percentage of good motorhome users than bad! Hope you come back again and enjoy our hospitality
@@Stchristopherofatlantis I have been wild camping in Scotland for over 2 TWO YEARS!!. Never had a issue no matter where I have parked up. Why?. Simple always park sensibly. Leave nowt but footprints take nowt but photos. BUT I am aware that a 'few' inconsiderate numpties can spoil the situation for the majority. Litter waste parking on grass fires, I found one in a layby nr Fort William treating Scotland's beautiful landscape with contempt. Your title 'your not welcome', in my opinion , portrays a rather negative view of Scotland.
Being honest, after a few short months “freedom camping” in both Scotland and England you’re do see some crazy things from other “freedom campers” that give everyone a bad name. Even on some social media platforms there are people who boast what they do and don’t care about the consequences. All we can do is leave nothing only footprints and take nothing only photos. Be nice and respectful to everyone we come across and enjoy what we can.
Hi there, How are you? It’s terrible to do and boast about silly, disrespectful things. We left absolutely no prints and thoroughly enjoyed our beautiful trip. Cannot wait to do it all again 🏴 Have a great week ☀️ 🚐
If you come across anyone on social media boasting about their disgusting behaviour, name and shame them or better yet report it to the authorities. 🏴
Good idea. They are spoiling camping for everyone. Right to roam and freedom is under pressure as it is. Don't give the authorities the excuse to remove them@@stuartmacdonald9289
I live in the far north and I love tourist season! I know the roads are busier, slower etc but honestly seeing people travelling from all over the globe to be here reminds me how lucky I am to live here. Plenty of the people complaining will then fly over to Spain and be annoying tourists there too! I love travelling myself and welcome anyone to come and visit this beautiful part of the world.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video and your comment. Scotland is beautiful and I can understand how proud you must feel of living there. Have a great weekend
I Lived in England all my life and I came to Scotland once for a 3 day holiday and I bloody loved it more then my whole time in England. You are a very luck person to live there
Unfortunately we have huge problems with tourists using graveyards as toilets and to camp in, pouring their toilets over private fences, ripping out fence posts and cutting down private trees for firewood, parking camper vans in people's gardens because "well there's no fence to stop us" A local village to me blocked the road with locked gates to keep the tourists out. Tourists seem incapable of pulling into passing places to allow the tailback of traffic to pass, parking and blocking passing places. Cars having competitions of how fast they can get around the 500 The list is endless of arrogant thoughtless tourists who think they are doing us a favour visiting us and it's not a minority.
Lived in the Highlands all my life, and watched your video, I xan say you're doing it right! And, will always be welcomed back. The last few years have been horrific with "dirty campers" who have chosen to misinterpret the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, parking up where they please, dumping waste and litter where they please, and expecting the local population to be grateful (despite 90% of people in the Highlands not working in tourism, and those who do not receiving many pennies from the dirty campers that have chosen a free illegal parking spot for the night). When you use camp sites, you get access to all the facilities you need to be comfortable and dispose of waste responsibly, you support local business, and you help to protect the scenery that you travelled so far to enjoy. Hopefully others will watch your video and follow your example! 😊
Folks that dump rubbish, aren’t considerate to locals and add nothing to the local Scottish economy aren’t probably welcome. That’s not a ‘negative comment’, that’s just basic respect for the people in that part of Scotland.
As a Scot I believe you should come to Scotland, explore and hopefully have a grand time. Yes, I live too in the area(Inverness) and there has been a massive increase in campervan traffic in the last few years. I LOVE meeting new folk, finding out where they have been and recommending places to go that would not normally not be found. I encounter this when I travel to far flung places on my motorbike. I motorbike(and camp) around the northern highlands regularly(midge net included!)and I have seen many motorhomes crawling along the roads significantly below the speed limit with long queues of frustrated drivers behind them. I've found that when a lorry or caravan gets behind the campervan there is little chance of overtaking as the roads were simply not built for this traffic column/overtaking. Hopefully in time campervan drivers will finally understand what 'passing places' are for, it's simply a matter of time and friendly education. To be fair to locals/government they have shown that positive change is happening. 'Aires' have sprung up to offer the hand of friendship to campervan owners and you can find them readily at very reasonable prices. Newtonmore and Inverness highland council car park of note. I think your comment about learning to be responsible is bang on. Just clean up rubbish/wastes and park responsibly. Your video was great and I recognised sooooo many places around my home. Next time you visit, have a gander at Orkney. It will blow your mind and is a rarely visited gem of northern Scotland.
Would you recommend Orkney on a motorbike? I'm thinking of doing Shetland on mine next year (I've got some family history there) and am wondering if the Orkneys would make a nice addition to that.
@@jimdanby9694 yes I would. I've been over twice on the motorbike and it's a breeze. IF you want to do the run in summer i would recommend booking in advance to ensure a place is available for you. It's a great island, but the weather can be unpredictable. I would advise a B&B rather than camping, or the hostels.
Thank you. We spent 5 months earlier this year in the Highlands, taking in the NC500, Orkney, Skye, the Outer Hebrides and Orkney. Every local we met was lovely and we too were shown 'secret park ups'. Lovely place - lovely people!
Husband with caravan always managed to find a safe place to overtake. Going up Loch Lomond we had a one slow car in front. Big trail of folk behind us no doubt blaming caravan. When possible we overtook the car. Everyone could now see it wasn’t us keeping them back.
Absolutely fantastic video and honesty! As someone who lives in Kinross, Scotland and also travels those roads in parts around the NC500 and inland Highlands, (just stayed a week in Helmsdale) and found everyone was being very courteous to other road users with exception of idiotic ‘local drivers’ in either local ‘trades’ vans/ pickups, or youngsters in wee Hatches showing off to their occupants. But that happens all over the UK. We find local pubs, shops, restaurants etc etc are very happy for your patronage as it not only props up their economic seasons but also breaks the monotony by chatting to folk from all over! Hope the calf heals and Mrs finds a whisky she can drink. Btw, my wife makes the same face when I make her try a whisky!
I read the notice at 30 seconds in. It is not a negative comment and does not suggest that you are not welcome. As you said, it was advice. Large camper vans are not at all suited to many sections of the NC 500. The roads are simply not designed for such large vehicles. To explore the NC 500 use a bicycle, small car or motorcycle.
Sadly everyone suffers due to the arrogant, ignorant and disgusting behaviour of many motorhomers, they freeload everywhere and contribute little to the local economy, emptying toilets and tanks in lay byes seems to be common as well as the garbage just left wherever they want. The situation is made worse by their clogging up roads and refusing to allow others to pass, it might be wonderful for them to meander along on their holiday but there are locals trying to get to and from work, they don't help by driving their large motorhomes on roads that are not suitable due to their narrowness.
NC500 is a double edged sword for the area. Locals get fed up with tourists driving too slowly. Littering , wild toileting etc. Campervans are not looked at favourably either with the local community.
I'm Glaswegian but now live in Falkirk and visit the Highlands often and have also done the NC 500 i don't think the locals dislike tourists they just want people to respect our stunning country unfortunately not everyone does especially with litter and toilet waste so to anyone visiting come and enjoy but please be respectful and dispose anything in the correct manner 🙂🏴
I used to tour in a campervan before the NC500 was marketed and was very discreet. Few people were doing it and I stopped late at night and left early with no trace. Because few did it and those that did were considerate, any impact was absorbed and we were welcome. What has gone seriously wrong is the promotion of a route (ie the NC500) which is attracting huge numbers not just of campervans but groups of loud bikers and sports cars using it as a form of race track. All this is spoiling a beautiful wild and remote area and pissing local people off. I chose to stop taking a campervan as it was the only responsible thing to do. Too many of those that are going are taking the proverbial, vans parked by the road not moving, tents pitched next to cars directly at the side if the road with washing out, still there half way through the day. Toilets emptied by the roadside and rubbish and fires lit. What freedoms people had are now being destroyed.
@@originalshadowfax nothing against bikes. But it's very noticeable the change I've seen over the years. The area always had some German bikers that used to come up. They rode in small groups cruising around on quiet BMWs. To talk to they were polite. Now there are large groups of bikers tending to race each other and much louder. Does this matter? Yes it does. The area is one of the last really sensitive 'wild' areas in the UK that should be treated with respect. You might think that's funny in some way but perhaps that's the problem.
As a motorcyclist who enjoys touring and moto-camping (not wild camping, I rather like my ....amenities) I watched your video and a couple of others, to get a different perspective on the NC500, which I rode a couple of years ago. I'd just like to compliment you on a really balanced and thoughtful video, nicely done. BTW there's a camp site behind the cafe at Shiel Bridge, I stayed there on my trip. As for Yorkshire, it is a county I discovered last year on my way to and from the Lake District and again en route to Scotland (again). Next year I shall be visiting for a week.... and will barely scratch the surface.... the UK has so much to offer, if you get off the beaten track.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video and for your kind words. We loved Scotland and will return. Yorkshire is a gem, lots of very beautiful places and we wish you a fabulous trip to our home county. Wave if you see us 🚐 👋 Have a great week
I just returned from a six day tour of Scotland on a motorbike. The number of motorhomes was incredible and not a single one gave me any concern with regards to parking or pulling over to let me pass (lone biker). Not sure I have the patience myself to consider the tour driving a motorhome. I too had the Venison pie at Roam West, delicious. Great vid.
Hi Mick. I bet you had a great time. We loved it and always always pulled over on the passing places for anyone behind us. We always got a wave and bet that trip is excellent in a bike 🏍️ Glad you liked the video and we have the same taste in pies!! Enjoy your weekend
It appears that Scotland is becoming less welcoming all around,sadly,locals versus incomers, "white settlers",Scots versus English,locals versus tourists,even fishermen versus yachtsmen,welcome to Alba.
Thank you for this post. You are right to observe that if you are a respectful visitor, you will be welcomed. Staying on sites is the most responsible way for motorhome visitors to visit. I just wanted to clarify about traffic and increased journey times…. I think that most people who visit the area probably find the roads very quiet to the traffic levels that they find at home. The difference is that traffic problems are avoidable around the NC500. If people used passing places appropriately and reversed when required, as well as not speeding (or driving in convoy at 15 mph), then traffic could flow much better. There have been many more accidents in the area, and a serious accident can close a road for hours - with little or no options for diversions. So this is not just about traffic being busier in the summer, it is about poor driving causing problems that could easily be avoided. Even worse than delays - there have been some motorhome drivers who have refused to make way for ambulances and other emergency vehicles. That aside, your post is really informative and positive.
Hello Chris, Thank you for watching our video and for your comment. We are pleased you found it informative, this is what we wanted to achieve. It was important to us to ensure we were respectful visitors. Now we have been and seen such beautiful areas we understand better the issues and concerns locals have. Thank you again and enjoy your evening
One problem is that people who have never driven anything larger than a Clio suddenly are driving a massive motorhome and they are way out of their depth. A lot of Highland residents used to go over to the west in the summer. They rarely go now in the summer as the queues and traffic are beyond a joke. Don't only blame motorhomes though as motorcycles clocked at 160mph outside Invershin and rallying by cars can be a real problem. Highland people are very social by nature.
Lovely video. As someone who lives and works on the 'route' thank you for being a responsible tourist and glad you enjoyed your trip. We do welcome tourists and are a friendly lot really.
The truth is that much of the route is not suitable for big motor-homes and definitely not for towing a caravan. The other truth is that smaller camper-vans which are suitable for the narrow roads have amongst their owners some who just don't care. The naming and promoting of the NC500 was just stupid - all it did was encourage groups and people with unsuitable vehicles to use it - and riff raff who just don't care what mess they leave behind. I toured that north coast in the late 80's in a car and tent and it was brilliant - because it was quiet and peaceful and you could melt into the countryside without causing a problem. Due to it's branding and marketing, it has become just a label - a thing to be done - to tick off your list and boast "I've done the NC500". Perhaps access to it should be restricted, not encouraged.....
Great video , I agree that if people are responsible they will continue to be welcome not just on the NC500 but everywhere else, there is, and always will be some people who disrespect their environment and spoil it for the majority but let’s hope we can educate them to be more respectful and mindful. I love Andy’s new walking gait , so funny ( I know it must be painful but he is making the best of it )especially his attempt at running over the road. Enjoy the rest of your trip xx
Hi Anne, his walking is much better now and will be running again soon 🏃♂️ We had the best time in Scotland and cannot wait to return already Have a great week ☀️
this NC 500 idiocy is caused by campers not being great at cleaning up and it is not fair on those that are tidy. we all have freedom to go whare we want but we also need to consider those that are either obstructed or even harassed by campers not being decent. people live there and do not want to be permanently disturbed. so if we all took care and at least tried to be aware that we are causing issues it would be fine. and yes i am one of the campers that occasionally drive the so-called NC500 but i would never park up where i know it would be causing others problems. and in general i go up north when the tourist season is over exactly because of the issues.
Campervans parked in passing places, they are not parking places. Some people emptying their shit bins on the road verge, some people parking their vans at entrances to cemeteries thus leaving nowhere for locals who want to visit their loved ones graves to park. Van occupants hanging their washing on cemetery fences and gates - how disrespctful is that. That is only a few examples why locals are pissed off with some camper van drivers. The minority spoil it for the majority of decent visitors.
It is always the few that tend to ruin things for everyone else. We hope that the residents of the NC500 realise that most people are respectful and are also adding to the economy. Nicely done you two 👏 👍 👌
The problem is the poor infrastructure. Single track lanes, lack of parking places, lack of bins are all an issue. The islands seem a lot better set up for tourism. Saying that I don't understand why some locals believe they have a right to dictate who can and cannot visit the area.
Excellent video, as usual. We have done the NC500 twice, once in each direction. Small campervan, similar size to yours (the one you own). We used campsites all the way and being in a small van, never needed to pull over. Stayed at Bunress, Durness etc, probably all the site you stayed at. We always go in May/June outside the holiday period. I highly recommend the Outer Hebrides next - Ullapool, then down to Barra and across to Oban - one of the best trips ever. Keep up the good work.
You are most welcome in Scotland. Before they launched the NC500, The great and the good were warned about the negative effects of tens and hundreds of thousands more visitors would have on every day folks lives. They completely ignored the warnings and chaos ensued. Still, they ticked their boxes and met their targets for visitor numbers with little thought for the rest of us who stay here. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip, haste ye back.
@@Stchristopherofatlantis Hi Folks, I’m very well thank you. I hope the torn calf muscle is on the mend? Your videos are very witty and well observed. Hiking, mountain biking and wild swimming are popular activities in the highlands. I guarantee if you hike 20 miles or cycle 40 miles every day you’ll be able to eat what ever you want and your trews will still fit.
I've lived in the highlands all my life, and it's a difficult situation overall. people who live in the highlands love the wilderness, the disconnected-ness and not having to live in dense areas but are often dismissed politically and funding wise because it's sparsely populated and low ecanomically. the NC 500 and other projects aim to bring up the ecanomics while also encouraging people to move up which destroys everything the locals value, but it also gives them more a voice to speak about their displeasure. ultimatly i find the NC500 to be worth the hassle, but saddly less-polite campers and motorhome folk have spoiled opinions of them, so i understand why the locals might choose to attack you directly. not that it's right to attack anyone
Is the title of this video not a bit sensationalist? I can only recall you talking about a few negative comments, but you seem to state that you were made welcome. It is sad that everyone gets tarred with the same brush by some, but think about it from the locals perspective. I have travelled this route many many times over the past 30 odd years and seen its decline over the years, it was never built to take the amount of traffic it gets nowadays and I very much doubt that the local govt. will spend to make it better. Hope you enjoyed and hope you come back.
What are you really have to understand is it’s not your campervan. That’s causing the problem. It’s everybody’s camper vans which are causing the problem. And it’s absolutely ridiculous. How many are now. On the road. I live in Dumfries and Galloway and since Covid. We’ve had a huge problem with increasing number of camper vans. Just pulling off and parking on protected areas or even driving onto SSSI . It’s also my work takes me to places along the NS500 . And the number of accidents because drivers do not understand, single track roads and also seem oblivious to the fact that there is a school bus, a post van and a delivery truck behind them, but does not want to slow down at every beauty spot… I’m not saying that people are wrong, but if they have some perception and some responsibility of the people who live and work there…. I’ve personally seen people back the caravans into peat bog camper vans, run off the road and a car too small to pull a huge caravan jackknifed across the A9 ..
What a lovely way and response to answer the negative comments, and thank you for sharing this in your video. The NC500 is in our plans for next year and we will take all this into consideration when planning our stops. Graham (Barnsley)
Glorious Barnsley - Helloooooo there Graham. How are you? ☀️ Cannot recommend the trip enough. Go up to Dunnet Head and the beautiful Durness ❤️ Keep in touch and wave if you see us in ‘Tarn 😂
My issue with the NC500 as a Highlander is the fact that some of the most picturesque and secluded beaches on Earth are now tourist traps. My favourite beach just East of Durness used to be breathtakingly peaceful, even on a hot July day 10 years ago it would be desolate. Now that beach crawls with tourists, absolutely mobbed and the once empty carpark is always full with campervans lined up on the main road. The owner of one of the business I know well in Durness was in tears last year, desparately trying to stop a queue of campervans from going into a private carpark and said to me 'Welcome to the new Durness" Also my commutes to jobs on single track roads are now horrendous with queues of campervans doing 20mph on once empty roads. The worst is the beaches, the once empty beaches crawling with tourists makes me cry every time I see them
I live outside Inverness and have gone round the NC500 in part and in whole on my motorbike… the trouble is… The route has been promoted but we don’t have the infrastructure to support it. The roads are wreaked and badly maintained (especially up by Wick and Thurso). Lack of public bogs. Lack of passing places and places to park. Villages where the route runs through have to deal with speeding motorist. Lack of petrol stations. It may generate money for the local economy from cake sales but the gov are not spending that tax money on the local services. The biggest issue is with townies shitting the place up with chemical toilets and rubbish and tents!.. but that a problem all over and has nothing to do with those south of the boarder.
Having done the NC500 this year on a motorbike, I completely understand why motorhomes and campers bigger than a standard transit van are not particularly welcome.
Thank you for doing this video, hope you come back to the highlands. You have shown how tourists should respect the places they travel too. The problem is, as you did show in some photos in your video, the minority spoil it for the majority of responsible campervan and motorhome users. The ones that are an issue are the ones dumping rubbish everywhere and emptying their grey water where ever they feel like. There are the fires they light and parking in passing places, or just drawing on to the verge and parking. Leave nothing only footprints and take nothing only photos.
Tbf as with most issues in the UK, there are just too many people doing it these days. Locals are taking 3 times longer to get anywhere because there is a chain of huge motorhome's driving slow and stopping at every chance of a photo. It's pretty grim to see. Get a train up there, go hiking. Stop blocking the roads with huge vehicles, it's irresponsible and anti-social in this many numbers. It used to be elderly couples. Now it's everyone with a driving licenses since brexit. The roads just aren't made for that much traffic but fingers crossed the motorhome fad dies off a little and things return to normality. If you are able bodied consider taking a small car and tents instead.
Ive just completed the NC500. Didn't encounter any issues, lay-bys and car parks very clean and tidy. More tourists equals more likelihood of litter but on the whole the vast majority are very respectful. I know what it's like as I live in a tourist hotspot in Devon which comes under siege in the Summer. No one "owns" an area despite living locally. You've as much right to be there as someone who lives there.
I've been following your channel almost from your beginnings and I love your honest, humorous and entertaining views on the places you visit. Your videos are always very professionally put together. I'd like to thank you for your support and respect for my home country and hope that any negativity you experienced while exploring didnt taint your holiday. Please come back as Scotland could be doing with more respectful visitors like yourselves. Wishing you happy and safe travels wherever you go. 😊
Hi there, Thank you very very much for following us, we are delighted you like what we are doing and that you are subscribed 😆 Scotland has been one of our most favourite trips, the landscape blew us away and exceeded our expectations. We loved it so much and feel we definitely didn’t have enough time to explore and without question will return. Thanks for your lovely comment Safe travels and happy holidays where they may be to 🚐 ☀️
@Stchristopherofatlantis I don't know if it's an anomaly of TH-cam but I thought I was subscribed when typing the comment on my phone...and I wasn't!! So i did if that makes sense 😄....because I was subscribed on my TV as I said from a long way back? So always worth your subscribers just checking 🥰
Great video. The only thing we object to is taking a motorhome on the Applecross pass. This is not on. It's not designed for that. Vehicles like campervans/motorhomes are not supposed to be on there. There is a sign. Hope you enjoyed your trip.
Hi. We wanted to do that pass but agreed that the motorhome we had wasn’t ideal for the route and so didn’t. We absolutely adored Scotland and cannot speak any more highly of it. It’s incredible 👍❤️
As always this was brilliant. It was entertaining, informative, and addressed the issue so well. We know that you love Wales and were delighted that you were practicing your Welsh after the whisky. You are welcome in Wales anytime! 👍 You pair make such a good presenting team👌 All the best Elaine, Mike, Samuel and Thomas 😍😎👬
Morning. How are you all? Really glad you liked it. Adore Wales and hopefully back there soon. Andy loves whisky 🥃 Eeek! We wish all 4 of you the best week, and hope the sun shines for you all ☀️
It was businessmen who started the NC500 and it is a victim of its own success. Sadly as with many things, the few ruin it for the rest. The entitled who think they can park wherever they like. The 'dirty' who leave litter and worse all ove the place. The inconsiderate, who block private gates and tracks or who think it's ok to park in a passing place.The hired motor homes the size of buses driven by people who have no experience of this size of vehile or of our narrow roads and who can't, or won't, reverse. The stock uppers who fill their vans with supermarket food and don't support the local shops. All of these in one form or another are probably only about 20% of the total but it is because of them that the whole NC500 thing has become a nightmare. Yes overnighting in a large layby, car park or public area is tolerated BUT you cannot 'camp' there. That means no levelling ramps, no pic tales, chairs, grey water containers etc outside. The names of places are also being changed to suit tourists who can't/won't try to pronounce the correct names. The Bealach na Ba is being called the 'Applecross Pass' - how dare people be so ignorant! I have visited most places in that area many, many times before it was a 'thing' but you could't pay me to go there now. It's a pleasure to see a video by people who DO have consideration. Thank you.
A well put together video. You've clearly done your homework. I do think however your first couple of sentences perhaps give a clue to the problem. The Scottish Highlands are not a "wilderness", nor have they been for many centuries. They are an environment in which people live and work; often in land management, forestry, farming or aquaculture, along with all the regular services that it takes to provide for those working people and their families. Wilderness implies emptiness, which unfortunately for some folks implies the ability to do what you want, when you want, where you want. I think a lot of people do assume they're coming to wilderness when they "do" the NC500. Another point perhaps worth making is the NC500 route exists on public highways, maintained by the Highland Council or Transport for Scotland. But NC500 ltd is a private company owned by a Danish billionaire (the guy behind Asos) who also owns huge tracts of the Highlands. NC500 Ltd owns the copyright to the name and the logo, sells memberships to the public and charges local businesses to be featured on the map and website. This maybe leaves a sour taste for some residents, and is not the fault of the visitors. It's another example of wealth-concentration. Motorhomes do punch above their weight when it comes to room taken up on the narrow roads and, particularly, in car parks, whether in towns or at tourist spots. "Doing" the NC500 in a motorhome is by no means the only way to visit the area. Coming in a car, finding a central spot and renting a holiday home for a week or so, and travelling out to different locations each day is a viable alternative way to experience the area, which visitors have been practicing for years. Maybe a lot of folk are swayed by the implied marketing message; "Come to the 'wilderness' and experience the 'challenge' of 'completing' the North Coast 500". Well, it;'s not really a challenge, is it? It's just a drive, albeit a very nice one. But to be honest it's by no means the most efficient way of visiting the many beautiful locations in the area, and you could probably rent a very nice holiday let for a lot less than the cost of renting a motorhome for the same period.
Hi there. Thank you for watching our video. You have some excellent points and thank you for taking the time to write the comment, really appreciated Have a lovely evening
People go in their own motorhomes with all their supplies from their local tesco in Birmingham….they just need somewhere to deposit their waste..thats how they do it on a budget..get ready for when they start competing with locals for housing…holiday homes….Cornwall and Spain are dealing with this as we speak..it’s not pleasant. when you sell your house for a princely sum to a DS (down Souther). A few decades on and locals cant afford a home..but i suppose the gratification of a good selling price is a short term gain and very selfish..and ultimately ruins local life..inevitable destruction the lure of big bucks..communities always bring it upon themselves then moan incessantly after they’ve taken the money….they just whoop with joy at the selling prices..good luck.. Like in London Migrants move into your street and the locals move out ,then they wonder why London is full of migrants..but theyre happy with the big Moolah in their bank accounts..then they buy cheap in a holiday hotspot..
@@griswald7156 😂Yeah, I can understand that! It's all in the detail though. Get up close to a tract of "bleak moorland" and you'll find an amazing eco-system of tiny plants, mosses, fungi, insects, reptiles and animals. You could spend a day exploring a square metre. Similarly, if you get below the surface of the Highland economy, you'll find stalkers, ghillies, fish-farms, renewable energy, electricity distribution, sewage disposal, telecommunications, water provision, road maintenance, military training, crofting, health care, education, tourist infrastructure, post and parcel deliveries, etc, etc, and all the people needed to make all that happen.
The mantra of MH owners is "leave no trace" Most litter is left by day trippers in cars or people who have hired a camper, with the mentality of a day tripper.
I live and work in the area and I get sick and tired of getting stuck behind hired camper vans, trundling along the roads at 40mph. Sometimes with huge tailbacks behind them. There's a reason for laybys, try using them. And also bin your rubbish properly, don't throw it out on the roadside. That's disgusting! Some tourists treat our home like a Blackpool theme park.
The trouble is that you are using the term "camping" for staying for a motor home. That is not the case for the access code. The NC500 is a marketing initiative not from the Highlands. The organisation does not support facilities and is a private company. If there was a tourist tax, it could pay for facilities.
We are motorhomers who live in the north of Scotland. We love to stay off pitch as it gives us a chance to go with the flow and not be restricted to a set plan. We are very very careful with where we park and spend some time at sites so we can empty our water and toilet waste. But there are sadly a few inconsiderate, dirty people who spoil it for everyone else, by parking irresponsibly, leaving mess and emptying their waste on the road. We have long been advocates of councils opening waste locations and the creation of aires. The visitors who drive and park with consideration, respect the environment and the local way of life will always be welcome.
It's not just Scotland. We had an 'incident' when we visited Buxton in Derbyshire. We went to the water fountain to fill up a water bottle to give our dog a drink and got screamed at by a strange man who then tried to kick our dog. He thought wrongly that our dog had made a mess on the pavement, but we just happened to walk past it. We got called derogatory names because we weren't English. Unfortunately it happens everywhere, but it didnt make us think badly of all the lovely locals.
I think they have a right to ask people to respect the locals and the country side ,as we in the south west of England also ask for the same our lives are blighted by campers and caravans and can get a little techy about things
Hi i watched your video.I hope you enjoyed your trip as the NC500 is a beautiful place to visit.I have stated in the Highlands my whole life the problem isn't you personally.We have people who visit dump the toxic toilet waste down our rivers.Polluting our streams.Every single time you go out a walk you will see a number 2 💩 left at the side of the road.Lots of people don't take there rubbish with them they dump it.The other problems we have are people setting fires blocking driveways stopping on single lane roads to take photographs.I also have a camper and would like everyone to enjoy this but when they leave the place should be in the sane condition if not better.10 years ago there was no litter no 💩 fires ect.Only last week my family came out the house to drive by someone squatted not far from our home taking a 💩.This is a much bigger problem than you think.
Hi. We thank you so much for watching our video. When we set off on this trip we had no idea this was going on. Maybe naïve but we didn’t. Scotland is beautiful and you are very lucky to live there Have a fab day
I did part of the NC500 this year on a motorbike, I did struggle to find camp sites on route and ended up catching a ferry from Ullapool to the hebrides, which ended being a brilliant adventure.. speaking to locals on isle of Lewis and on ilse of Barra they stated that the ferry charges for mobile homes were now full commercial charges..( to discourage travelling to isles) they felt the people who used mobile homes did all their purchases on the main land and contributed none to the Isles they were visiting and also left rubbish behind... Your mini documentary is excellent in getting the word out - if we are all responsible visitors then hopefully we can all get on..
Hi there. Thank you for watching our video and we are pleased you liked it. The idea was to show both sides. We loved adventures and that sounds like a cracking one. We really want to do something similar. Have a fabulous Sunday
@Stchristopherofatlantis Thanks you too.. word of advice if you go.. The ferry times are a hit and miss, it to do with tides (I was told) and there is a limited number of spots on the ferry for cars - mobile homes. Motorbikes usually go on first and so don't wait. If you go from the top Lewis and work.your way down to Barra, there is only one ferry which leaves at 7:30am for Oban so its a crack of dawn race to get a spot on it.. All the best,
As usual , it was promoted without any infrastructure in place to accommodate the vast amount of tourists including motor homes .typical Scottish government incompetence , don’t know what the big attraction is really , much better places in Scotland to visit with far more interesting places to see , the border country for instance , full of historical interest , Fife , Perthshire , many places , and the roads are not potholed as bad as the NC 500😊
From a fellow chap frumpt tarn I enjoyed that and agree with what you say. We have done the NC500 a few times with caravan motorhome and several times on a motorcycle and I have to say since covid there as been people doing that trip that do not care about anybody or anything and spoil it for the ones that do and appreciate being allowed to tour this amazing country
I think the views of the locals on the NC500 is universal. My husband is born and bred Derbyshire but we left the area because of tourists. We found tourists came into the village and just parked anywhere blocking driveways. Because visiting is a recreation for them they forget that people actually live there and demonstrate very little respect for residents. People use to say it must be lovely living in our village but frankly it was a nightmare as farm traffic couldn’t pass the parked cars and brought the village to a standstill. Visitors moaned about the horses and farm vehicles inconveniencing them so it made us wonder why the came in the first place! I think respect for the residents of the area is important and the way to a better experience for everyone. Well done!
After doing the NC500 over 5 times and I can understand why people get annoyed with camper vans. I personally have had good and bad experiences of camper van drivers. If you follow the rules and using sites not lay-bys. All the examples of why vans are not welcome I have witnessed myself. If we all follow the rules then we are good. I followed a blue VW camper on a single track road for 20 miles or so and not one did he use the passing point. It only takes one bad van driver to spoil for everyone else. keep up the good videos and happy travels. PS try west Norway it's breath taking.
One of the troubles is that many fairly harmless activities are publicised by influencers on TH-cam and those influencers often have their own definition of the law. Viewers will see their favourite TH-cam names telling people that the complex laws about how and where you fly a drone; the subtle difference between walking and carrying your tent to an idyllic camping spot on Dartmoor rather than riding your motorcycle there; how tents may be allowed in many places in Scotland but vehicles aren’t because camping is defined as sleeping in a tent not a van or caravan or even the difference between camping and parking on a French aire or Spanish park up. They tell us that these aren’t really important laws and can be ignored if you’re not seen to be doing any harm or even that that particular location didn’t have a no drone sign; a no vehicle sign, a no camping in vans sign or a don’t put your awning up and use your camping chairs and tables sign. In other words they bend the laws to suit themselves. In fact many of them don’t actually know the detail of the law but are still keen to pass on their wisdom to their fans. Many people, me included, will call these influencers out. This usually takes the form of education of help. Explaining the laws and expectations for drone flying, taking motorcycles off-road in certain places, staying on the roadside in a vehicle in Scotland or treating an aire like a campsite in Europe. Influencers rarely see this input as positive. They stick to their version of reality and ignore facts. They and their disciples will often become disrespectful and few will actually respond positively to or even acknowledge the help they have been offered. Most ignore the helpful posts. TH-camrs who claim to answer all the comments they receive lie. Basically they put their heads in the sand, carry on and don’t seem to realise that if they are seen to legitimise an action that technically breaks the law perhaps hundreds will follow in their footsteps.
Great video. Scottish people love to see tourists enjoying our county. As long as you pull over to give way, especially if you're enjoying the views instead of looking at the road. Generally, overnight parking is allowed if layby big enough. Don't over day/night park on a clearway passing place or you will be fined by Highland council.
Just WOW! your youtube videos just get stronger everytime.. 12 months from now you will be bigger than kinginit I'm sure of it.. Keep em coming love your lightheartedness
Hey fellow Barnsley folk. How are you? Really glad you enjoy watching us. It must have been the Fast show impression that you liked 😂😂😂 Thankyou for your kind comments. We can only hope!! 🤣🤣🤣 🚐
Well I have lived in the very Far North for over 17 months now. The Scottish Highlands are stunning & I love it. Thus far all have been welcoming. Not jumping up and town but, well, normal. Anyway, I'm going nowhere. This is now my home. So, as a local, I'm quite welcoming to anyone willing to fit in with us. ❤ To all. 😊
Wild campers are just free loaders , they want to camp and not pay for anything ! Sadly some spoil it for others Use the campsites , they have everything you need , so you wont be tempted to dump chemical waste in the countryside
Kind of agree but those in vans aren't "wild camping", not under The Land Reform Act. Other than that, spot on. Just been out & about, dozens of vans parked up, many on private property ... the local campsites are empty.
A well put together video guys. I am aware of the negative comment in particular around covid time when every man and his dog was buying a van and doing the NC500. The negative behaviours were rife right across the UK and is understandable from local's perspective. Its up to responsible and decent fellows to try and put things right and put a positive spin onto travelling as we do. Thanks, Mike in County Durham
Its a simple fact that there are too many people now doing this, or just too many people in general. Have been travelling in various vans for over 45 years all over the uk and Europe and remember a time when it was a once a week occurrence to see another van/motorhome and parking up for the night was just a simple matter of choosing exactly where you want to park. I for my own selfish reasons deplore 'vanlifers' as they have ruined what once was. On this particular subject, it was definitely better in the old days.
Not the NC500 route but we were at the Trossachs Woollen Mill in Callander. There was a sign up warning motorhome users not to empty their grey waste or chemical toilets into the stream or field. It must have been there for a reason, disgusting behaviour by hopefully a minority. Go touring and treat the area and locals with respect. Don't be a tight arse and spend a bit of money where ever you go. Great video. Love Scotland.
I did the NC500 in April. We only had one bottleneck situation with a campervan. But it was an incredible experience. I would love to see more investment in the roads as the quality of some was falling apart, especially at Wick. There were some very tight roads that felt close, even in my mate’s Seat. I couldn’t imagine doing it in a campervan or anything bigger.
The worst litter,damage,polluters and drivers are the locals themselves especially in Thurso Caithness.Screaming exhausts all night,litter everywhere and dog poo capital of Scotland.
If you like midges,cold mostly wet weather, getting tailgated by mad tourists on motor cycles or cars doing motorway speeds on single track roads mind you these are usually the relocated english locals that are trying to escape the rat race but instead bring it with them please also bear in mind that Scotland shuts at 5pm and there is nothing to do but go to the pub and get pissed or sit in your campervan and listen to the rain this is the holiday for you
As a Scottish local, I have had more than a few bad experiences with camper vans. We stopped the other day at the viewpoint at the top of Glen Docherty for a photo. There were three camper vans there. We got out the car and set up for a timed shot. The overwhelming smell of shite was most unpleasant and we left pretty sharply. If you're going to wild camp in the highlands please don't shit on our landscape!
Landowners became sick to death of cleaning up after you, that they have filled all the spaces in popular places with boulders. Now car drivers have no where to stop to take pictures nor have a cuppa.
We spent five months travelling in amazing beautiful Scotland ❤️, we only ever wild camp , used park for night sometimes and we met local after local that were amazing. Parked up wildcamping on Skye I was chopping wood and a local couple came passed we started chatting, I thought they might say something about where we parked, turns out they were just two beautiful soul's they loved our van and we even went to their amazing home the next day for tea and have stayed good friend's ever since ❤️. In every walk of life you get a small minority that screw it up for for the rest, weather it be a jealous local who wants to keep the beauty for themselves or the idiots who think it's OK to empty their toilet and grey waste wherever in their plastic fantastics , we also find the most litter is left by locals and weekend campers and the real van community suffers for it. ❤️🙏🏻
Hi. Thank you for watching our video. We haven’t been to Skye (yet!) but will when we return, and like you will be responsible travellers. Have a superb Friday ☀️
We are motorcycle tourists who love exploring Scotland on its fabulous but tiny roads. Since the introduction of the 'NC500' the roads have become increasingly jammed by tourists. Motorhomes on the tiny roads are our pet hate (nothing personal) They are just too big, slow and often drive for miles oblivious to the line of cars (and bikes) behind. I like to think we contribute to the local economy by using hotels to stay and frequently visiting local cafes to dry out from the inevitable Scottish rain. I'm affraid many motorhomes will just stock up at the supermarket and perhaps just pay for plot on a campsite. Do motorhomes/campervan drivers ever think, we're just to big to go down there?
I’m sorry you had that experience.. usually we are very welcoming to visitors. Sometimes the lack of facilities and the overall limited infrastructure precipitates wave after wave of frustration.. and then the weather and the midges finish the job.
Great video. We are planning to go to Scotland in our little camper. After watching this we will try and stick to campsites. I wish all tourists would be more respectful to locals and the stunning landscape
Hi, Thank you for watching our video. You will have a fabulous time, we thoroughly enjoyed Sango Sands Oasis campsite and Shieldaig camping. Both excellent, clean with spectacular views. Enjoy and let us know how you get on
As the owner of a converted Traffic I can honestly say, If they don't want you come and spend sometime next year in Whisky country (Speyside) Drive up through Perth to Glenshee up to Ballater, check out Balmoral, then come over to Tomintoul through the Lecht ski center. Head over to Grantown on spey the either head on to Nairn or down Speyside and along the Moray coast , great driving great scenery Fantastic whisky and food, Your more than welcome here. great Channel by the way, Places to park up or visit give me a shout you'll love it
Hello there. Thanks for watching our video and we are delighted you like our little channel 😃 Ooooooh great recommendation. I’ve written it in my book, I’m old fashioned and like to write it all down 😂😂 Have a great Sunday.
What a fabulous video. I have recently acquired a converted camper and aim to do this route at some point. The points you raise on this video will really make me think about my 'footprint' on the Highlands, and I will simulate your excellent ethos, and ensure I contribute to the local economy and respect the locals and other road users. Hope the calf mended, loving the 'pulled calf shuffle!!' Thanks again great video, just subbed, Adam 😀
Hi Adam. Thanks for watching our video and a bigger thanks for subscribing to our little channel We loved it, Sango Sands in Durness and Shieldaig were our favourite places. Have the best time when you eventually make it and let us know how you get on
Nc500 was stunning but the amount of unwelcome comments we got left me thinking i dont like the scots much. Im wrong to tar the scottish with the same brush but ive never met so many a*seholes one after the after.. we stayed in hotels and were on a bike. I spent almost 4k in scotland. Not again
I've been a frequent visitor to The Highlands. Lockdowns and subsequent staycations have taken their toll, The Highlands simply weren't prepared for the tsunami of Costa sheeple in Scotland. Mind you, Scotland never did that much to cater for vistiors, unless its Edinburgh, or some rural hotel. Never mind the lack of facilities, such as no bins, no recycling, no emptying facilities, and very few places to get water. Yet, you are spending on fuel, supermarkets, shops, attractions, restaurants, pubs and cafes. They want your money, and you say these sheeple were friendly, well, it's either business, or its seasonal staff who for the most part, don't live in Scotland or the Highlands. One year I hit a submerged pothole and briefly lost all power. Eventually I managed to get near Inverness for a a Citroen dealer. This was a sketchy 100 mile drive. Why did I do this, no phone signal, and every tourist attraction was packed with cars and coaches. Anyway, got the campervan reset, and no damage to suspension. The 4G has improved, big much of The Highlands are a death trap is things go wrong. Myself, I don't care what the critics say. I'll still wild camp where I like, within the basic code, don't block gates, don't park in passing places, don't parkup near sheeple's homes, or where there are signs saying private property, or official no parking signs. To be honest, the Scots don't deserve our business. This year I've spent about 9 weeks in France (4 and 5 respectively= and 9 days in Scotland, where I got bitten to death. France was an absolute dream. My daughter said 'this was the best road trip ever', even though the parts of France we were in were at the time the hottest in Europe, and only two places in North Africa were hotter. Not even Spain was as hot. Despite this, we had a great time. It's expensive, but forget Scotland, go to Scandinavia where you'll be welcomed with decent facility's. BTW, despite my feelings as a campervaner, the Scots are the nicest sheeple in Britain. I am Welsh, and they are by far the worst. The English are a close second, but the Scots are way out in front. It's such a shame that no one gives a damn about tourism in The Highlands, and this is clear to see when you drive on awful unsafe roads, and yes, they are unsafe.
Love this. We're going in 2 weeks and was worried about how we would be received. We are on sites for the whole trip. Feel much more reassured after watching this. You guys are funny too!! 😂
Hi Steve. Delighted you liked our video. You will have the best time, we experienced super lovely people everywhere we went. We adored the very North (Sango Sands at Durness) Where are you going? Keep watching and happy travels 🚐 ☀️
I'm a longterm vanlifer and drive a self contained tidy transit, painted matt green to blend in, not a giant white cube on wheels. In Scotland I've found things generally go better when avoiding the NC500. Once off that overused/overexposed route there are far fewer vans and people are mostly much more welcoming. The NC500 was meant to provide a boost to the rural economy but, of course, the only people who really benefitted were the supermarkets/petrol stations and large campsite owners on route, so everyone else was left feeling conned. Being stuck behind expensive rvs and the like while just trying to get to work (see also the Isle of Skye 'ringroad') is not going put anyone in a good mood. That's my tuppence 'apenny anyhow.
I have been traveling to scotland from being a young lad as my grandparents live their, the scots are usually very welcoming as long as you dont take the piss. i.e leaving rubbish everywhere and a pet hate is people not pulling in for hours on end with a huge que behind them. Yes youll always get the odd idiot or grumpy farmer who has no life and wants every1 else to live in a state of miserary as themself but these are few and far between. Give respect and 99 outta 100 youll get it back. I think you two are very nice decent people and I wouldnt worry about the odd negative comment or even try to appease these people. Your doing nothing wrong! your trying to be considerate, enjoying life along the way and long may that continue. all the best, safe travels
I have done the NC500 twice now and both times it was an amazing experience from start to finish as others have said respect where you are and leave no trace !
A few years ago while waiting at Oban's only traffic lights the passenger door from car in front of me opened and closed. I stretched up to look and see a bag, I got out to my car and pick up the back of rubbish tapped the passenger window a 15 year old immediately said sorry her mother looked extremely embarrassed, I do hope these people learnt a lesson. The mum and daughter were both local.
We have a lovely old T5 pop roof long wheel base with awning. We always pay for a site and put a little money in some one pocket. I think the wild camping craze for sleeping all over the uk illegally has ruined the camper van image in the uk
You can sounds awesome. We prefer sites and stayed on some fabulous ones on the route. We had such an ace time. Thank you for watching our video and have a great day
I live near Stirling and used to work in the tourist trade. In my experience Scotland is a very welcoming, friendly country. However, a lot of visitors understandably want to cut costs and so the area they are visiting gets all of the strain and very little of the benefits. So use the local shops and cafes,, stay in campsites, visit some of the tourist attractions. I have heard that there has some very bad behaviour on this route, so I'm glad to see a video promoting responsibility and seeing beyond the negativity, I think the NC 500 was a great idea but not enough consideration was put into the infrastructure or the impact on locals who are not in the tourist trade.I dont fancy driving it in the summer. That head butting sign was funny though😂
Everybody is welcome in Scotland, aslong as you aren’t taking the Michael & respect the countryside & enviroment, which unfortunately a large minority have done on the NC500
We live in a beautiful country with wonderful scenery around our coast line , it should be everyones right to travel where they like and enjoy the ride . Keep up the good work 👏 Love your little dog by the way ❤
i did the NC500 in 2019 on my motorbike, there was a group of about 10 of us and it was great. I do totally understand the locals points about being respectful etc, and we were just that, we stayed on a campsite every night. I do also agree it is a few disrespectful people that ruin it for everyone else. i suppose my main issue is that the people leaving negative comments seem to assume every visitor is disrespectful. This annoys me as it couldnt be further from the truth, you just have to watch your video to realise how respectful you both were. I would envisage that this kind of attitude from locals will put off respectful people from visiting as they are the types of people who would be upset to be considered "bad campers" the issue with that is that disrespectful people will not care and continue to visit. so ultimately they will scare off the decent people and only the bell e*ds will continue to visit the NC500.
Hi there, Thank you very much for watching our video. Like you we had the best time and met loads of fabulous people on the journey. Wishing you lots of happy travels 🚐 🏍️
I live in Cornwall and I cannot tell you how bad it is for vans parking where ever they like, I’ve been a traveller but I didn’t do this to others. We live on a lane, it has no tarmac but it’s not uncommon to find a campervan parked up with people sleeping even though it’s single lane, we then have to politely ask the inhabitants to move on so we can get out of our own house, this request is not always received well. The trash left behind is also really bad. Most people in vans I’ve met have been very nice but in recent years I see people treating my home in a way they would never treat their own home.
Some unhappy people cannot be pleased. Is just the way they live their life by trying to mess with others. We are planning to visit this year and we wanna enjoy the trip and not to destroy everything in our path. We love nature and always respect it so those unhappy with us visiting I'll have to tell ya... we live in a free world and your opinion doesn't matter. You're not gonna stop me or other's ro enjoy this life. You do just the same when you go in holiday abroad so stay at home if you don't like it.
I'm paranoid in a vwt5 on those narrow roads. Whether we're welcome or not, the roads weren't built for the weight of motorhomes and are a total mess. Mabye vehicles of a certain weight should be charged and funds put towards the maintenance of the roads. Locals would welcome that.
An enjoyable and interesting watch. We went to Mull a couple of years ago and we stayed in Tobermorey at the hotel and found the same, lovely people for the most part, very happy to take your money and realising we were there to assist in their livelihoods, with only the very rare odd one grumpy. So, just like the rest of the UK really. So, long may bonny Scotland stay as part of Great Britain. ❤
multi-part response. I'm from Glasgow but live in Wales; and do go back to my auld homestead and visit further up in highlands occasionally. I missed Loch Ness due to illness on a previous trip - so went back a few months ago. That B852 which is the road (I think) you were on is basically one of two ways from Inverness to Fort Augustus ( or further south ). I parked up at the side for 5 minutes to nip down to the side of the loch and do a quick snap and noticed people flying past on that road 60-70mph. Some I suspect were young people (boy racer types) but my theory is this: In the highlands towns are spread out and the adjoining roads are longer and single track in some places so........... I suspect what people are doing is saying to themselves - I gotta cover 35 miles but don't want it taking 60 minutes at average of 25mpg so....... they drive at 70mph. to make the journey take 30 minutes or less. in polite terms - no patience. Then, with the added complication it's a single width road a lot of the way - when you meet oncoming traffic (probably doing 60-70mph as well) they have to dive into the lay-by and throw out the anchors which means any motorhome parked up for night has now become an obstruction. I've seen a similar thing in Fuerteventura Spain (and Italy) where roads are narrow but locals in small cars or vans fly around doing speeds that are too fast for the twisty corners etc, but they don't care - familiarity with the roads and a disregard for other road users - especially visitors is abound. I personally think B852 (and similar) isn't suitable for an overnight camp - not because of any legalities but purely because I know people go far, far too fast up and down it. As for large vehicles. Ar-tics and HGV go through the same places continually but the locals don't seem to mind that - cos they get their shops restocked by them. part 2: the flip side is - parking is exorbitant and PCN's vicious - so someone somewhere is very very happy making a hell of a lot of money out of the tourists ........... who are getting fed up being made felt unwelcome..........
Hi Alan. Thank you very much for watching our video. We learnt so much during our trip, things we hadn’t considered like the levellers when we parked up and the car beeping horns Scotland is beautiful. You are lucky to be in Wales now, another place we thoroughly enjoyed. Have a great day 😀
There have been a few comments here which claim that; everyone has the right to travel where and how they want whether locals like it or not. Well, of course , we all have the right to travel and enjoy beautiful places but, not at the expense of destroying the beauty , peace and tranquility for which a place is renowned. The simple truth is that : the roads in much of highland Scotland are not conducive to camper-van traffic ; the topography is not conducive to making the roads wider, straighter and more user friendly for mobile homes well, not without destroying the very essence, beauty and ecology of the place. The way to see and experience Highland Scotland is to stay at a central location and walk, climb , sail, cycle , beach-comb, visit historic places and so on. This wont suit everyone and ,be restrictive to the less fit and able but, some things just are what they are. We, are entitled to our homes and way of life respected without being made to feel unwelcoming because we object to our environment being polluted with filth and detritus and our village roads and mountain passes turned into race tracks all, I might say, to further enrich a Danish multi millionaire landowner.
"Have you ever torn your calf muscle, Claire?.........no...there you go" saunters off dancing with Pablo. This channel gets better every video guys. Its like an instant ray of sunshine on a rainy day. I've loved this trip though and Andy's "Scottish whiskey critique.." funny as heck. I think its just a few that spoil it on the NC 500. It happened in Wales were a few left rubbish, emptied their toilets etc. Its a shame but covid lockdown brought the worst out in some after lockdown ended and its spoiled it for folk like us who leave only footprints. Thanks again for 15 minutes of beautiful scenery, wonderful humour and an insight into the NC500. Hope your Calf is getting better after the dancing, Andy. Much respect to you all- Kenny
Heee heee no I haven’t and Andy did basically walk miles and miles around Scotland. We had such a great trip, loved it Hope you have a great weekend and avoid the rain!! Thanks for watching
@@composedlight6850 100% correct. The roads are a nightmare now for locals to go about their daily business. Inconsiderate Holiday traffic driving too slow and not pulling in to let other traffic pass. I wish the NC500 was never invented.
A major issue in June time is the Dutch seem intent on cycling the NC500 with partners in campervans/ hire motorhomes as backup, they drop off the cyclists then drive ahead taking up any available parking and passing places to wait for the cyclists to get to them, they then stay the night in the carparks dumping their rubbish before moving on to the next leg. Some groups of riders can total ten to fifteen so several support vans take over the carparks by creating a circle preventing anyone else using it. Forestry Scotland has already banned overnight camping and campervans in its carparks with the low height barriers to prevent entry so they are aware of what is happening and do patrol their car parks to remove tents and car campers, it is human waste as well as rubbish being left which has led to this course of action..
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We did the NC500 a couple of years ago, in November. We used campsites, B&B's. Just about every local we spoke to said they've had trouble with people leaving all their rubbish behind and even emptying their chemical toilets on the beaches. No wonder they are fed up with it.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video. That sort of behaviour is disgraceful, it blows our mind why someone would do that!
We wish you many more happy travels
People are munters at the end of the day. We live at the opposite end of the country, Canvey island...sun comes out mess left all over the beach by people coming here from elsewhere.
We have the same trouble in the area of Scotland I live in. People come up to the loch with camper vans, tents etc. along a single-track road. When they are done with their stay, the tents are left, the BBQs are left, the camping gear, and all the rubbish, as well as them leaving human waste all around visitor sites. Bone idle lazy disgusting selfish A***holes. They ruin it for everyone and as a consequence give those who do make an effort a bad name as well.
Is exactly the same in the Lake District. Some even bring spray cans to paint on the rock. Utter morons. @@OrganMusicYT
@@OrganMusicYT not all campers leave rubbish or dirt behind them and are very mindful of the environment they are in and respectful of the native people living in the area
I live and work in the highlands and you are more than welcome, only thing that annoys me is the campervans that do 40mph and don't pull over. As for stopping in laybys overnight it is allowed now, they used to have signs that said " No overnight camping" but they were told to be taken down a couple of years ago. Hope you are not put off by these tales and enjoy our lovely scenery when you can.
Hi there Duncan, How are you?
We think you are so lucky to live and work in the Highlands, we absolutely adored our trip and WILL definitely be back 👍😍
It's not your scenery, it's everyone's. All you own is the accommodation you live in. If you rent, all you own are your possessions.
As a manager of a rural estate in the Highlands of Scotland, my opinion is that the NC500 is a negative on balance, especially in regards to motor homes and camper vans . The promotion of the route has come without sufficient investment in infrastructure by the Scottish Government. It actually makes life more difficult for local people in remote areas and many who buy camper vans do this specifically to avoid paying for accommodation, often stocking-up with provisions from Tescos at Inverness with the whole point of spending as little money as possible on their adventures. Ironic, when some might have paid upwards of 70k for their new motor home. In my experience, a visit to the Highlands was far more satisfying 20 years ago when there was considerably less traffic.
@@stonemarten1400Exactly.
@@stonemarten1400 not sure which estate or how large, or what's been achieved there lately, but.... Large estates are a real issue for Scotland, foreign ownership and promoting an unsustainable monoculture. I'd say they're a way bigger problem than the nc500, which at the end of the day, was always there
I live and work on the NC500 route, you are all very welcome here! What does annoy us is inconsiderate users that leave their rubbish and dump their grey waste wherever they like! Plus the non use of lay bys on single track roads and causing a huge tail back! I’m sure there’s more of a high percentage of good motorhome users than bad! Hope you come back again and enjoy our hospitality
Hi. We loooooved Scotland and can’t wait to return to such a beautiful, special place
Thank you for watching us and our video
@@Stchristopherofatlantis I have been wild camping in Scotland for over 2 TWO YEARS!!. Never had a issue no matter where I have parked up. Why?. Simple always park sensibly. Leave nowt but footprints take nowt but photos. BUT I am aware that a 'few' inconsiderate numpties can spoil the situation for the majority. Litter waste parking on grass fires, I found one in a layby nr Fort William treating Scotland's beautiful landscape with contempt. Your title 'your not welcome', in my opinion , portrays a rather negative view of Scotland.
Hi, Thank you so much for watching our video
Wild camping 😁?. Does not involve a campervan/ caravan. Try a tent with no water supply, heat, lights, toilets..... need I go on.
Do the dog walkers pick up …..? As not all of them do in England…theyre a nuisance on campsites..
Being honest, after a few short months “freedom camping” in both Scotland and England you’re do see some crazy things from other “freedom campers” that give everyone a bad name. Even on some social media platforms there are people who boast what they do and don’t care about the consequences. All we can do is leave nothing only footprints and take nothing only photos. Be nice and respectful to everyone we come across and enjoy what we can.
Hi there, How are you?
It’s terrible to do and boast about silly, disrespectful things. We left absolutely no prints and thoroughly enjoyed our beautiful trip. Cannot wait to do it all again 🏴 Have a great week ☀️ 🚐
Who on social media is acting that way? They need calling out!
If you come across anyone on social media boasting about their disgusting behaviour, name and shame them or better yet report it to the authorities. 🏴
Good idea. They are spoiling camping for everyone. Right to roam and freedom is under pressure as it is. Don't give the authorities the excuse to remove them@@stuartmacdonald9289
It's called freedome of the UK , pay your road tax park anywhere you choose
I live in the far north and I love tourist season! I know the roads are busier, slower etc but honestly seeing people travelling from all over the globe to be here reminds me how lucky I am to live here. Plenty of the people complaining will then fly over to Spain and be annoying tourists there too! I love travelling myself and welcome anyone to come and visit this beautiful part of the world.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video and your comment. Scotland is beautiful and I can understand how proud you must feel of living there.
Have a great weekend
I Lived in England all my life and I came to Scotland once for a 3 day holiday and I bloody loved it more then my whole time in England. You are a very luck person to live there
Unfortunately we have huge problems with tourists using graveyards as toilets and to camp in, pouring their toilets over private fences, ripping out fence posts and cutting down private trees for firewood, parking camper vans in people's gardens because "well there's no fence to stop us"
A local village to me blocked the road with locked gates to keep the tourists out.
Tourists seem incapable of pulling into passing places to allow the tailback of traffic to pass, parking and blocking passing places. Cars having competitions of how fast they can get around the 500
The list is endless of arrogant thoughtless tourists who think they are doing us a favour visiting us and it's not a minority.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video
Lived in the Highlands all my life, and watched your video, I xan say you're doing it right! And, will always be welcomed back.
The last few years have been horrific with "dirty campers" who have chosen to misinterpret the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, parking up where they please, dumping waste and litter where they please, and expecting the local population to be grateful (despite 90% of people in the Highlands not working in tourism, and those who do not receiving many pennies from the dirty campers that have chosen a free illegal parking spot for the night).
When you use camp sites, you get access to all the facilities you need to be comfortable and dispose of waste responsibly, you support local business, and you help to protect the scenery that you travelled so far to enjoy.
Hopefully others will watch your video and follow your example! 😊
Hello. Thank you for your comment.
Have a great evening 👍
Folks that dump rubbish, aren’t considerate to locals and add nothing to the local Scottish economy aren’t probably welcome. That’s not a ‘negative comment’, that’s just basic respect for the people in that part of Scotland.
Hi there. We agree
Thank you for watching our video
As a Scot I believe you should come to Scotland, explore and hopefully have a grand time. Yes, I live too in the area(Inverness) and there has been a massive increase in campervan traffic in the last few years. I LOVE meeting new folk, finding out where they have been and recommending places to go that would not normally not be found. I encounter this when I travel to far flung places on my motorbike. I motorbike(and camp) around the northern highlands regularly(midge net included!)and I have seen many motorhomes crawling along the roads significantly below the speed limit with long queues of frustrated drivers behind them. I've found that when a lorry or caravan gets behind the campervan there is little chance of overtaking as the roads were simply not built for this traffic column/overtaking. Hopefully in time campervan drivers will finally understand what 'passing places' are for, it's simply a matter of time and friendly education. To be fair to locals/government they have shown that positive change is happening. 'Aires' have sprung up to offer the hand of friendship to campervan owners and you can find them readily at very reasonable prices. Newtonmore and Inverness highland council car park of note. I think your comment about learning to be responsible is bang on. Just clean up rubbish/wastes and park responsibly. Your video was great and I recognised sooooo many places around my home. Next time you visit, have a gander at Orkney. It will blow your mind and is a rarely visited gem of northern Scotland.
Hi. How are you? Thank you for watching our video and for taking the time to comment.
We adored Scotland and will return.
Orkney here we come 🏴
Would you recommend Orkney on a motorbike? I'm thinking of doing Shetland on mine next year (I've got some family history there) and am wondering if the Orkneys would make a nice addition to that.
@@jimdanby9694 yes I would. I've been over twice on the motorbike and it's a breeze. IF you want to do the run in summer i would recommend booking in advance to ensure a place is available for you. It's a great island, but the weather can be unpredictable. I would advise a B&B rather than camping, or the hostels.
Thank you. We spent 5 months earlier this year in the Highlands, taking in the NC500, Orkney, Skye, the Outer Hebrides and Orkney. Every local we met was lovely and we too were shown 'secret park ups'. Lovely place - lovely people!
Husband with caravan always managed to find a safe place to overtake. Going up Loch Lomond we had a one slow car in front. Big trail of folk behind us no doubt blaming caravan. When possible we overtook the car. Everyone could now see it wasn’t us keeping them back.
Absolutely fantastic video and honesty! As someone who lives in Kinross, Scotland and also travels those roads in parts around the NC500 and inland Highlands, (just stayed a week in Helmsdale) and found everyone was being very courteous to other road users with exception of idiotic ‘local drivers’ in either local ‘trades’ vans/ pickups, or youngsters in wee Hatches showing off to their occupants. But that happens all over the UK. We find local pubs, shops, restaurants etc etc are very happy for your patronage as it not only props up their economic seasons but also breaks the monotony by chatting to folk from all over! Hope the calf heals and Mrs finds a whisky she can drink. Btw, my wife makes the same face when I make her try a whisky!
Hi. Thank you for continuing to watch our videos
I think I should start a whiskey wives club, for us wives who don’t like it 🥃 😂
I read the notice at 30 seconds in. It is not a negative comment and does not suggest that you are not welcome. As you said, it was advice.
Large camper vans are not at all suited to many sections of the NC 500. The roads are simply not designed for such large vehicles.
To explore the NC 500 use a bicycle, small car or motorcycle.
Hi. Thanks for watching, glad we agree it was advice 😃
Sadly everyone suffers due to the arrogant, ignorant and disgusting behaviour of many motorhomers, they freeload everywhere and contribute little to the local economy, emptying toilets and tanks in lay byes seems to be common as well as the garbage just left wherever they want.
The situation is made worse by their clogging up roads and refusing to allow others to pass, it might be wonderful for them to meander along on their holiday but there are locals trying to get to and from work, they don't help by driving their large motorhomes on roads that are not suitable due to their narrowness.
Hi there. Thankyou very much for watching our video. Have a fab day
Why on earth would locals welcome idiots in large vans blocking the NC500?
Thank you for watching our video
Have a great day
NC500 is a double edged sword for the area. Locals get fed up with tourists driving too slowly. Littering , wild toileting etc. Campervans are not looked at favourably either with the local community.
I'm Glaswegian but now live in Falkirk and visit the Highlands often and have also done the NC 500 i don't think the locals dislike tourists they just want people to respect our stunning country unfortunately not everyone does especially with litter and toilet waste so to anyone visiting come and enjoy but please be respectful and dispose anything in the correct manner 🙂🏴
Hi. We love Scotland, beautiful place
Thank you for watching our video
It's NOT your country Pal, it's ours ALL the British people
I used to tour in a campervan before the NC500 was marketed and was very discreet. Few people were doing it and I stopped late at night and left early with no trace. Because few did it and those that did were considerate, any impact was absorbed and we were welcome. What has gone seriously wrong is the promotion of a route (ie the NC500) which is attracting huge numbers not just of campervans but groups of loud bikers and sports cars using it as a form of race track. All this is spoiling a beautiful wild and remote area and pissing local people off. I chose to stop taking a campervan as it was the only responsible thing to do. Too many of those that are going are taking the proverbial, vans parked by the road not moving, tents pitched next to cars directly at the side if the road with washing out, still there half way through the day. Toilets emptied by the roadside and rubbish and fires lit. What freedoms people had are now being destroyed.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video. We loved our trip, always went local and left with no trace. Have the best day ☀️
How very dare those "loud" bikes travel on the public roads, tsk tsk
@@originalshadowfax nothing against bikes. But it's very noticeable the change I've seen over the years. The area always had some German bikers that used to come up. They rode in small groups cruising around on quiet BMWs. To talk to they were polite. Now there are large groups of bikers tending to race each other and much louder. Does this matter? Yes it does. The area is one of the last really sensitive 'wild' areas in the UK that should be treated with respect. You might think that's funny in some way but perhaps that's the problem.
@@mattwright2964 "Loud bikers" what about the huge motor camper vans revving their nuts off whilst they manouvere into parking spaces. 🤣🤣
@@malcolm3370 well I'd agree with that.
As a motorcyclist who enjoys touring and moto-camping (not wild camping, I rather like my ....amenities) I watched your video and a couple of others, to get a different perspective on the NC500, which I rode a couple of years ago. I'd just like to compliment you on a really balanced and thoughtful video, nicely done. BTW there's a camp site behind the cafe at Shiel Bridge, I stayed there on my trip. As for Yorkshire, it is a county I discovered last year on my way to and from the Lake District and again en route to Scotland (again). Next year I shall be visiting for a week.... and will barely scratch the surface.... the UK has so much to offer, if you get off the beaten track.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video and for your kind words.
We loved Scotland and will return.
Yorkshire is a gem, lots of very beautiful places and we wish you a fabulous trip to our home county. Wave if you see us 🚐 👋
Have a great week
I just returned from a six day tour of Scotland on a motorbike. The number of motorhomes was incredible and not a single one gave me any concern with regards to parking or pulling over to let me pass (lone biker). Not sure I have the patience myself to consider the tour driving a motorhome. I too had the Venison pie at Roam West, delicious. Great vid.
Hi Mick. I bet you had a great time. We loved it and always always pulled over on the passing places for anyone behind us. We always got a wave and bet that trip is excellent in a bike 🏍️
Glad you liked the video and we have the same taste in pies!! Enjoy your weekend
It appears that Scotland is becoming less welcoming all around,sadly,locals versus incomers, "white settlers",Scots versus English,locals versus tourists,even fishermen versus yachtsmen,welcome to Alba.
Hi and thanks for watching our video. Have a great weekend ☀️
Thank you for this post. You are right to observe that if you are a respectful visitor, you will be welcomed. Staying on sites is the most responsible way for motorhome visitors to visit.
I just wanted to clarify about traffic and increased journey times…. I think that most people who visit the area probably find the roads very quiet to the traffic levels that they find at home. The difference is that traffic problems are avoidable around the NC500. If people used passing places appropriately and reversed when required, as well as not speeding (or driving in convoy at 15 mph), then traffic could flow much better.
There have been many more accidents in the area, and a serious accident can close a road for hours - with little or no options for diversions.
So this is not just about traffic being busier in the summer, it is about poor driving causing problems that could easily be avoided. Even worse than delays - there have been some motorhome drivers who have refused to make way for ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
That aside, your post is really informative and positive.
Hello Chris, Thank you for watching our video and for your comment. We are pleased you found it informative, this is what we wanted to achieve.
It was important to us to ensure we were respectful visitors. Now we have been and seen such beautiful areas we understand better the issues and concerns locals have.
Thank you again and enjoy your evening
One problem is that people who have never driven anything larger than a Clio suddenly are driving a massive motorhome and they are way out of their depth. A lot of Highland residents used to go over to the west in the summer. They rarely go now in the summer as the queues and traffic are beyond a joke. Don't only blame motorhomes though as motorcycles clocked at 160mph outside Invershin and rallying by cars can be a real problem. Highland people are very social by nature.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video
Lovely video. As someone who lives and works on the 'route' thank you for being a responsible tourist and glad you enjoyed your trip. We do welcome tourists and are a friendly lot really.
Hi.
We had the absolute best week and were welcomed every single place we went into. Scotland is a special place, we LOVE it
Have a great week ☀️
The truth is that much of the route is not suitable for big motor-homes and definitely not for towing a caravan. The other truth is that smaller camper-vans which are suitable for the narrow roads have amongst their owners some who just don't care. The naming and promoting of the NC500 was just stupid - all it did was encourage groups and people with unsuitable vehicles to use it - and riff raff who just don't care what mess they leave behind. I toured that north coast in the late 80's in a car and tent and it was brilliant - because it was quiet and peaceful and you could melt into the countryside without causing a problem. Due to it's branding and marketing, it has become just a label - a thing to be done - to tick off your list and boast "I've done the NC500". Perhaps access to it should be restricted, not encouraged.....
Hey, Thanks for watching our video 😀😀
Great video , I agree that if people are responsible they will continue to be welcome not just on the NC500 but everywhere else, there is, and always will be some people who disrespect their environment and spoil it for the majority but let’s hope we can educate them to be more respectful and mindful.
I love Andy’s new walking gait , so funny ( I know it must be painful but he is making the best of it )especially his attempt at running over the road. Enjoy the rest of your trip xx
Hi Anne, his walking is much better now and will be running again soon 🏃♂️
We had the best time in Scotland and cannot wait to return already
Have a great week ☀️
this NC 500 idiocy is caused by campers not being great at cleaning up and it is not fair on those that are tidy. we all have freedom to go whare we want but we also need to consider those that are either obstructed or even harassed by campers not being decent. people live there and do not want to be permanently disturbed. so if we all took care and at least tried to be aware that we are causing issues it would be fine. and yes i am one of the campers that occasionally drive the so-called NC500 but i would never park up where i know it would be causing others problems. and in general i go up north when the tourist season is over exactly because of the issues.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video.
Have a fab weekend ☀️
Campervans parked in passing places, they are not parking places. Some people emptying their shit bins on the road verge, some people parking their vans at entrances to cemeteries thus leaving nowhere for locals who want to visit their loved ones graves to park. Van occupants hanging their washing on cemetery fences and gates - how disrespctful is that. That is only a few examples why locals are pissed off with some camper van drivers. The minority spoil it for the majority of decent visitors.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video
It is always the few that tend to ruin things for everyone else. We hope that the residents of the NC500 realise that most people are respectful and are also adding to the economy.
Nicely done you two 👏 👍 👌
Hi Neil and Sarah, Hope you are both well and having a fabulous trip.
We look forward to catching up soon
The problem is the poor infrastructure. Single track lanes, lack of parking places, lack of bins are all an issue. The islands seem a lot better set up for tourism. Saying that I don't understand why some locals believe they have a right to dictate who can and cannot visit the area.
But I still don't think a lot of the roads aren't suitable for motorhomes.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video
Excellent video, as usual. We have done the NC500 twice, once in each direction. Small campervan, similar size to yours (the one you own). We used campsites all the way and being in a small van, never needed to pull over. Stayed at Bunress, Durness etc, probably all the site you stayed at. We always go in May/June outside the holiday period. I highly recommend the Outer Hebrides next - Ullapool, then down to Barra and across to Oban - one of the best trips ever. Keep up the good work.
Hi there.
The Outer Hebrides is on our return list. We loved the Ullapool area
Glad you like our video 🚐
You are most welcome in Scotland. Before they launched the NC500, The great and the good were warned about the negative effects of tens and hundreds of thousands more visitors would have on every day folks lives. They completely ignored the warnings and chaos ensued. Still, they ticked their boxes and met their targets for visitor numbers with little thought for the rest of us who stay here. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip, haste ye back.
Hi. How are you?
Scotland is the most wonderful place, we adored every single bit of it.
Thank you for watching our video
We cannot wait 👍😀
@@Stchristopherofatlantis Hi Folks, I’m very well thank you. I hope the torn calf muscle is on the mend? Your videos are very witty and well observed. Hiking, mountain biking and wild swimming are popular activities in the highlands. I guarantee if you hike 20 miles or cycle 40 miles every day you’ll be able to eat what ever you want and your trews will still fit.
Hi,
We both love hiking. Andy likes cycling but I’m very slow….. 😂
Lots more videos coming up
I've lived in the highlands all my life, and it's a difficult situation overall.
people who live in the highlands love the wilderness, the disconnected-ness and not having to live in dense areas but are often dismissed politically and funding wise because it's sparsely populated and low ecanomically.
the NC 500 and other projects aim to bring up the ecanomics while also encouraging people to move up which destroys everything the locals value, but it also gives them more a voice to speak about their displeasure.
ultimatly i find the NC500 to be worth the hassle, but saddly less-polite campers and motorhome folk have spoiled opinions of them, so i understand why the locals might choose to attack you directly. not that it's right to attack anyone
Hi, thanks for watching our video. Have a great weekend
They don't want you on any road in the uk , they want you on campsites only paying for camping. Most campsites are over priced now days .
Hi. We stayed in a mix of great independent campsites and some larger caravan and motorhome places. Just loved our travels
Happy weekend
Is the title of this video not a bit sensationalist? I can only recall you talking about a few negative comments, but you seem to state that you were made welcome. It is sad that everyone gets tarred with the same brush by some, but think about it from the locals perspective. I have travelled this route many many times over the past 30 odd years and seen its decline over the years, it was never built to take the amount of traffic it gets nowadays and I very much doubt that the local govt. will spend to make it better. Hope you enjoyed and hope you come back.
Hi there. Thank you for watching our video. Have a great day
What are you really have to understand is it’s not your campervan. That’s causing the problem. It’s everybody’s camper vans which are causing the problem. And it’s absolutely ridiculous. How many are now. On the road. I live in Dumfries and Galloway and since Covid. We’ve had a huge problem with increasing number of camper vans. Just pulling off and parking on protected areas or even driving onto SSSI . It’s also my work takes me to places along the NS500 . And the number of accidents because drivers do not understand, single track roads and also seem oblivious to the fact that there is a school bus, a post van and a delivery truck behind them, but does not want to slow down at every beauty spot… I’m not saying that people are wrong, but if they have some perception and some responsibility of the people who live and work there…. I’ve personally seen people back the caravans into peat bog camper vans, run off the road and a car too small to pull a huge caravan jackknifed across the A9 ..
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What a lovely way and response to answer the negative comments, and thank you for sharing this in your video. The NC500 is in our plans for next year and we will take all this into consideration when planning our stops. Graham (Barnsley)
Glorious Barnsley - Helloooooo there Graham. How are you? ☀️
Cannot recommend the trip enough. Go up to Dunnet Head and the beautiful Durness ❤️ Keep in touch and wave if you see us in ‘Tarn 😂
My issue with the NC500 as a Highlander is the fact that some of the most picturesque and secluded beaches on Earth are now tourist traps. My favourite beach just East of Durness used to be breathtakingly peaceful, even on a hot July day 10 years ago it would be desolate. Now that beach crawls with tourists, absolutely mobbed and the once empty carpark is always full with campervans lined up on the main road.
The owner of one of the business I know well in Durness was in tears last year, desparately trying to stop a queue of campervans from going into a private carpark and said to me 'Welcome to the new Durness"
Also my commutes to jobs on single track roads are now horrendous with queues of campervans doing 20mph on once empty roads.
The worst is the beaches, the once empty beaches crawling with tourists makes me cry every time I see them
Hi. Thank you for watching our video ☀️
Moaning scottish locals want your money but don't drive motorhomes what crap
I live outside Inverness and have gone round the NC500 in part and in whole on my motorbike… the trouble is…
The route has been promoted but we don’t have the infrastructure to support it.
The roads are wreaked and badly maintained (especially up by Wick and Thurso).
Lack of public bogs.
Lack of passing places and places to park.
Villages where the route runs through have to deal with speeding motorist.
Lack of petrol stations.
It may generate money for the local economy from cake sales but the gov are not spending that tax money on the local services.
The biggest issue is with townies shitting the place up with chemical toilets and rubbish and tents!.. but that a problem all over and has nothing to do with those south of the boarder.
Hi there. Thank you for watching our video
Having done the NC500 this year on a motorbike, I completely understand why motorhomes and campers bigger than a standard transit van are not particularly welcome.
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Thank you for doing this video, hope you come back to the highlands. You have shown how tourists should respect the places they travel too. The problem is, as you did show in some photos in your video, the minority spoil it for the majority of responsible campervan and motorhome users.
The ones that are an issue are the ones dumping rubbish everywhere and emptying their grey water where ever they feel like. There are the fires they light and parking in passing places, or just drawing on to the verge and parking. Leave nothing only footprints and take nothing only photos.
Hi. Thanks for watching our video, we love beautiful Scotland
Tbf as with most issues in the UK, there are just too many people doing it these days. Locals are taking 3 times longer to get anywhere because there is a chain of huge motorhome's driving slow and stopping at every chance of a photo. It's pretty grim to see. Get a train up there, go hiking. Stop blocking the roads with huge vehicles, it's irresponsible and anti-social in this many numbers. It used to be elderly couples. Now it's everyone with a driving licenses since brexit. The roads just aren't made for that much traffic but fingers crossed the motorhome fad dies off a little and things return to normality. If you are able bodied consider taking a small car and tents instead.
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I love the NC500. It's made the rest of the Highlands much more peaceful.
Thanks for watching our video. Have a great day
Ive just completed the NC500. Didn't encounter any issues, lay-bys and car parks very clean and tidy. More tourists equals more likelihood of litter but on the whole the vast majority are very respectful. I know what it's like as I live in a tourist hotspot in Devon which comes under siege in the Summer. No one "owns" an area despite living locally. You've as much right to be there as someone who lives there.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video, we are delighted you had a great time. We loved it.
Have a great Saturday
I've been following your channel almost from your beginnings and I love your honest, humorous and entertaining views on the places you visit. Your videos are always very professionally put together.
I'd like to thank you for your support and respect for my home country and hope that any negativity you experienced while exploring didnt taint your holiday. Please come back as Scotland could be doing with more respectful visitors like yourselves. Wishing you happy and safe travels wherever you go. 😊
Hi there, Thank you very very much for following us, we are delighted you like what we are doing and that you are subscribed 😆
Scotland has been one of our most favourite trips, the landscape blew us away and exceeded our expectations. We loved it so much and feel we definitely didn’t have enough time to explore and without question will return.
Thanks for your lovely comment
Safe travels and happy holidays where they may be to 🚐 ☀️
@Stchristopherofatlantis I don't know if it's an anomaly of TH-cam but I thought I was subscribed when typing the comment on my phone...and I wasn't!! So i did if that makes sense 😄....because I was subscribed on my TV as I said from a long way back? So always worth your subscribers just checking 🥰
Thankyou 😍😍😍
Great video. The only thing we object to is taking a motorhome on the Applecross pass. This is not on. It's not designed for that. Vehicles like campervans/motorhomes are not supposed to be on there. There is a sign.
Hope you enjoyed your trip.
Hi. We wanted to do that pass but agreed that the motorhome we had wasn’t ideal for the route and so didn’t. We absolutely adored Scotland and cannot speak any more highly of it. It’s incredible 👍❤️
As always this was brilliant. It was entertaining, informative, and addressed the issue so well.
We know that you love Wales and were delighted that you were practicing your Welsh after the whisky. You are welcome in Wales anytime! 👍 You pair make such a good presenting team👌 All the best Elaine, Mike, Samuel and Thomas 😍😎👬
Morning. How are you all?
Really glad you liked it.
Adore Wales and hopefully back there soon. Andy loves whisky 🥃 Eeek!
We wish all 4 of you the best week, and hope the sun shines for you all ☀️
It was businessmen who started the NC500 and it is a victim of its own success. Sadly as with many things, the few ruin it for the rest. The entitled who think they can park wherever they like. The 'dirty' who leave litter and worse all ove the place. The inconsiderate, who block private gates and tracks or who think it's ok to park in a passing place.The hired motor homes the size of buses driven by people who have no experience of this size of vehile or of our narrow roads and who can't, or won't, reverse. The stock uppers who fill their vans with supermarket food and don't support the local shops. All of these in one form or another are probably only about 20% of the total but it is because of them that the whole NC500 thing has become a nightmare.
Yes overnighting in a large layby, car park or public area is tolerated BUT you cannot 'camp' there. That means no levelling ramps, no pic tales, chairs, grey water containers etc outside.
The names of places are also being changed to suit tourists who can't/won't try to pronounce the correct names. The Bealach na Ba is being called the 'Applecross Pass' - how dare people be so ignorant!
I have visited most places in that area many, many times before it was a 'thing' but you could't pay me to go there now.
It's a pleasure to see a video by people who DO have consideration. Thank you.
Hi. Thanks for watching 👍
A well put together video. You've clearly done your homework. I do think however your first couple of sentences perhaps give a clue to the problem. The Scottish Highlands are not a "wilderness", nor have they been for many centuries. They are an environment in which people live and work; often in land management, forestry, farming or aquaculture, along with all the regular services that it takes to provide for those working people and their families. Wilderness implies emptiness, which unfortunately for some folks implies the ability to do what you want, when you want, where you want. I think a lot of people do assume they're coming to wilderness when they "do" the NC500.
Another point perhaps worth making is the NC500 route exists on public highways, maintained by the Highland Council or Transport for Scotland. But NC500 ltd is a private company owned by a Danish billionaire (the guy behind Asos) who also owns huge tracts of the Highlands. NC500 Ltd owns the copyright to the name and the logo, sells memberships to the public and charges local businesses to be featured on the map and website. This maybe leaves a sour taste for some residents, and is not the fault of the visitors. It's another example of wealth-concentration.
Motorhomes do punch above their weight when it comes to room taken up on the narrow roads and, particularly, in car parks, whether in towns or at tourist spots. "Doing" the NC500 in a motorhome is by no means the only way to visit the area. Coming in a car, finding a central spot and renting a holiday home for a week or so, and travelling out to different locations each day is a viable alternative way to experience the area, which visitors have been practicing for years. Maybe a lot of folk are swayed by the implied marketing message; "Come to the 'wilderness' and experience the 'challenge' of 'completing' the North Coast 500". Well, it;'s not really a challenge, is it? It's just a drive, albeit a very nice one. But to be honest it's by no means the most efficient way of visiting the many beautiful locations in the area, and you could probably rent a very nice holiday let for a lot less than the cost of renting a motorhome for the same period.
Hi there. Thank you for watching our video. You have some excellent points and thank you for taking the time to write the comment, really appreciated
Have a lovely evening
When i went to Scotland I didn’t see a house for 40 miles…thats a wilderness to me..it was scary..i envisaged myself in the “Film” “Deliverance”
People go in their own motorhomes with all their supplies from their local tesco in Birmingham….they just need somewhere to deposit their waste..thats how they do it on a budget..get ready for when they start competing with locals for housing…holiday homes….Cornwall and Spain are dealing with this as we speak..it’s not pleasant.
when you sell your house for a princely sum to a DS (down Souther). A few decades on and locals cant afford a home..but i suppose the gratification of a good selling price is a short term gain and very selfish..and ultimately ruins local life..inevitable destruction the lure of big bucks..communities always bring it upon themselves then moan incessantly after they’ve taken the money….they just whoop with joy at the selling prices..good luck..
Like in London Migrants move into your street and the locals move out ,then they wonder why London is full of migrants..but theyre happy with the big Moolah in their bank accounts..then they buy cheap in a holiday hotspot..
@@griswald7156 😂Yeah, I can understand that! It's all in the detail though. Get up close to a tract of "bleak moorland" and you'll find an amazing eco-system of tiny plants, mosses, fungi, insects, reptiles and animals. You could spend a day exploring a square metre. Similarly, if you get below the surface of the Highland economy, you'll find stalkers, ghillies, fish-farms, renewable energy, electricity distribution, sewage disposal, telecommunications, water provision, road maintenance, military training, crofting, health care, education, tourist infrastructure, post and parcel deliveries, etc, etc, and all the people needed to make all that happen.
@@griswald7156 Already happening I'm afraid.
The mantra of MH owners is "leave no trace" Most litter is left by day trippers in cars or people who have hired a camper, with the mentality of a day tripper.
😀
I live and work in the area and I get sick and tired of getting stuck behind hired camper vans, trundling along the roads at 40mph. Sometimes with huge tailbacks behind them. There's a reason for laybys, try using them. And also bin your rubbish properly, don't throw it out on the roadside. That's disgusting! Some tourists treat our home like a Blackpool theme park.
Hi. Thanks for watching our video
The trouble is that you are using the term "camping" for staying for a motor home. That is not the case for the access code.
The NC500 is a marketing initiative not from the Highlands. The organisation does not support facilities and is a private company.
If there was a tourist tax, it could pay for facilities.
Hi there. Thank you so much for watching our video
We are motorhomers who live in the north of Scotland. We love to stay off pitch as it gives us a chance to go with the flow and not be restricted to a set plan. We are very very careful with where we park and spend some time at sites so we can empty our water and toilet waste. But there are sadly a few inconsiderate, dirty people who spoil it for everyone else, by parking irresponsibly, leaving mess and emptying their waste on the road.
We have long been advocates of councils opening waste locations and the creation of aires.
The visitors who drive and park with consideration, respect the environment and the local way of life will always be welcome.
It's not just Scotland. We had an 'incident' when we visited Buxton in Derbyshire. We went to the water fountain to fill up a water bottle to give our dog a drink and got screamed at by a strange man who then tried to kick our dog. He thought wrongly that our dog had made a mess on the pavement, but we just happened to walk past it. We got called derogatory names because we weren't English. Unfortunately it happens everywhere, but it didnt make us think badly of all the lovely locals.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video. We adore Scotland
The locals have a right to peace and quiet, there is always people that ruin it for everyone, unfortunately.
Hi there. Thank you so much for watching our video
Have a lovely evening
I think they have a right to ask people to respect the locals and the country side ,as we in the south west of England also ask for the same our lives are blighted by campers and caravans and can get a little techy about things
Hi, Hope you are well and thanks very much for watching our video ☀️
Hi i watched your video.I hope you enjoyed your trip as the NC500 is a beautiful place to visit.I have stated in the Highlands my whole life the problem isn't you personally.We have people who visit dump the toxic toilet waste down our rivers.Polluting our streams.Every single time you go out a walk you will see a number 2 💩 left at the side of the road.Lots of people don't take there rubbish with them they dump it.The other problems we have are people setting fires blocking driveways stopping on single lane roads to take photographs.I also have a camper and would like everyone to enjoy this but when they leave the place should be in the sane condition if not better.10 years ago there was no litter no 💩 fires ect.Only last week my family came out the house to drive by someone squatted not far from our home taking a 💩.This is a much bigger problem than you think.
Hi. We thank you so much for watching our video. When we set off on this trip we had no idea this was going on. Maybe naïve but we didn’t.
Scotland is beautiful and you are very lucky to live there
Have a fab day
I did part of the NC500 this year on a motorbike, I did struggle to find camp sites on route and ended up catching a ferry from Ullapool to the hebrides, which ended being a brilliant adventure.. speaking to locals on isle of Lewis and on ilse of Barra they stated that the ferry charges for mobile homes were now full commercial charges..( to discourage travelling to isles) they felt the people who used mobile homes did all their purchases on the main land and contributed none to the Isles they were visiting and also left rubbish behind...
Your mini documentary is excellent in getting the word out - if we are all responsible visitors then hopefully we can all get on..
Hi there.
Thank you for watching our video and we are pleased you liked it. The idea was to show both sides.
We loved adventures and that sounds like a cracking one. We really want to do something similar.
Have a fabulous Sunday
@Stchristopherofatlantis
Thanks you too.. word of advice if you go.. The ferry times are a hit and miss, it to do with tides (I was told) and there is a limited number of spots on the ferry for cars - mobile homes. Motorbikes usually go on first and so don't wait. If you go from the top Lewis and work.your way down to Barra, there is only one ferry which leaves at 7:30am for Oban so its a crack of dawn race to get a spot on it..
All the best,
As usual , it was promoted without any infrastructure in place to accommodate the vast amount of tourists including motor homes .typical Scottish government incompetence , don’t know what the big attraction is really , much better places in Scotland to visit with far more interesting places to see , the border country for instance , full of historical interest , Fife , Perthshire , many places , and the roads are not potholed as bad as the NC 500😊
Hi there. Thanks for watching our video. Have a great day
From a fellow chap frumpt tarn I enjoyed that and agree with what you say. We have done the NC500 a few times with caravan motorhome and several times on a motorcycle and I have to say since covid there as been people doing that trip that do not care about anybody or anything and spoil it for the ones that do and appreciate being allowed to tour this amazing country
Hi Ray from Tarn!
We adored the trip and cannot wait to return to see more.
Have a smashing weekend
Exactly so don't be passive aggressive against the natives.
I think the views of the locals on the NC500 is universal. My husband is born and bred Derbyshire but we left the area because of tourists. We found tourists came into the village and just parked anywhere blocking driveways. Because visiting is a recreation for them they forget that people actually live there and demonstrate very little respect for residents. People use to say it must be lovely living in our village but frankly it was a nightmare as farm traffic couldn’t pass the parked cars and brought the village to a standstill. Visitors moaned about the horses and farm vehicles inconveniencing them so it made us wonder why the came in the first place! I think respect for the residents of the area is important and the way to a better experience for everyone. Well done!
Hi. Thank you for your comment and for watching our video. Derbyshire is beautiful and not too far from us here in Yorkshire ☀️
After doing the NC500 over 5 times and I can understand why people get annoyed with camper vans. I personally have had good and bad experiences of camper van drivers. If you follow the rules and using sites not lay-bys. All the examples of why vans are not welcome I have witnessed myself. If we all follow the rules then we are good. I followed a blue VW camper on a single track road for 20 miles or so and not one did he use the passing point. It only takes one bad van driver to spoil for everyone else. keep up the good videos and happy travels.
PS try west Norway it's breath taking.
Hi thanks for watching our video.
We really fancy going to Norway, thanks for recommendation
Happy travels
One of the troubles is that many fairly harmless activities are publicised by influencers on TH-cam and those influencers often have their own definition of the law. Viewers will see their favourite TH-cam names telling people that the complex laws about how and where you fly a drone; the subtle difference between walking and carrying your tent to an idyllic camping spot on Dartmoor rather than riding your motorcycle there; how tents may be allowed in many places in Scotland but vehicles aren’t because camping is defined as sleeping in a tent not a van or caravan or even the difference between camping and parking on a French aire or Spanish park up. They tell us that these aren’t really important laws and can be ignored if you’re not seen to be doing any harm or even that that particular location didn’t have a no drone sign; a no vehicle sign, a no camping in vans sign or a don’t put your awning up and use your camping chairs and tables sign. In other words they bend the laws to suit themselves. In fact many of them don’t actually know the detail of the law but are still keen to pass on their wisdom to their fans.
Many people, me included, will call these influencers out. This usually takes the form of education of help. Explaining the laws and expectations for drone flying, taking motorcycles off-road in certain places, staying on the roadside in a vehicle in Scotland or treating an aire like a campsite in Europe.
Influencers rarely see this input as positive. They stick to their version of reality and ignore facts. They and their disciples will often become disrespectful and few will actually respond positively to or even acknowledge the help they have been offered. Most ignore the helpful posts. TH-camrs who claim to answer all the comments they receive lie. Basically they put their heads in the sand, carry on and don’t seem to realise that if they are seen to legitimise an action that technically breaks the law perhaps hundreds will follow in their footsteps.
Hi David, Thanks for watching our video.
Great video. Scottish people love to see tourists enjoying our county. As long as you pull over to give way, especially if you're enjoying the views instead of looking at the road. Generally, overnight parking is allowed if layby big enough. Don't over day/night park on a clearway passing place or you will be fined by Highland council.
Hi there. Thanks for watching our video. We totally loved our trip.
Have a great week
Just WOW! your youtube videos just get stronger everytime.. 12 months from now you will be bigger than kinginit I'm sure of it.. Keep em coming love your lightheartedness
Hey fellow Barnsley folk. How are you?
Really glad you enjoy watching us. It must have been the Fast show impression that you liked 😂😂😂
Thankyou for your kind comments. We can only hope!! 🤣🤣🤣 🚐
Well I have lived in the very Far North for over 17 months now. The Scottish Highlands are stunning & I love it. Thus far all have been welcoming. Not jumping up and town but, well, normal. Anyway, I'm going nowhere. This is now my home. So, as a local, I'm quite welcoming to anyone willing to fit in with us. ❤ To all. 😊
Hi. We loved the North ❤️
Thank you for watching our video
Wild campers are just free loaders , they want to camp and not pay for anything !
Sadly some spoil it for others
Use the campsites , they have everything you need , so you wont be tempted to dump chemical waste in the countryside
Hi. Thanks for watching our video
Kind of agree but those in vans aren't "wild camping", not under The Land Reform Act. Other than that, spot on. Just been out & about, dozens of vans parked up, many on private property ... the local campsites are empty.
A well put together video guys. I am aware of the negative comment in particular around covid time when every man and his dog was
buying a van and doing the NC500. The negative behaviours were rife right across the UK and is understandable from local's perspective.
Its up to responsible and decent fellows to try and put things right and put a positive spin onto travelling as we do. Thanks, Mike in
County Durham
Hi Mike,
Thank you so very much for watching our video. Happy travels ☀️
Its a simple fact that there are too many people now doing this, or just too many people in general.
Have been travelling in various vans for over 45 years all over the uk and Europe and remember a time when it was a once a week occurrence to see another van/motorhome and parking up for the night was just a simple matter of choosing exactly where you want to park.
I for my own selfish reasons deplore 'vanlifers' as they have ruined what once was.
On this particular subject, it was definitely better in the old days.
Hi there. Thank you very much for watching our video. Have a fab weekend
Scotland is a nice place ut seriously for businesses that rely on tourism they don't do themselves any favours
Hi. We just adored Scotland and can’t wait to go back. Have the best week ☀️ and thanks for watching us
Not the NC500 route but we were at the Trossachs Woollen Mill in Callander. There was a sign up warning motorhome users not to empty their grey waste or chemical toilets into the stream or field. It must have been there for a reason, disgusting behaviour by hopefully a minority. Go touring and treat the area and locals with respect. Don't be a tight arse and spend a bit of money where ever you go. Great video. Love Scotland.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video, we are glad you liked it.
Scotland is incredible. 🥰
Have a great evening
I did the NC500 in April. We only had one bottleneck situation with a campervan. But it was an incredible experience.
I would love to see more investment in the roads as the quality of some was falling apart, especially at Wick.
There were some very tight roads that felt close, even in my mate’s Seat. I couldn’t imagine doing it in a campervan or anything bigger.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video
The worst litter,damage,polluters and drivers are the locals themselves especially in Thurso Caithness.Screaming exhausts all night,litter everywhere and dog poo capital of Scotland.
Hi 👋 thanks for watching 👍
If you like midges,cold mostly wet weather, getting tailgated by mad tourists on motor cycles
or cars doing motorway speeds on single track roads mind you these are usually the relocated english locals
that are trying to escape the rat race but instead bring it with them please also bear in mind that Scotland shuts at 5pm
and there is nothing to do but go to the pub and get pissed or sit in your campervan and listen to the rain
this is the holiday for you
Hi, Thank you for watching our video
As a Scottish local, I have had more than a few bad experiences with camper vans. We stopped the other day at the viewpoint at the top of Glen Docherty for a photo. There were three camper vans there. We got out the car and set up for a timed shot. The overwhelming smell of shite was most unpleasant and we left pretty sharply. If you're going to wild camp in the highlands please don't shit on our landscape!
Hi. Thank you for watching our video. We agree, there is absolutely no reason to be disrespectful travellers. Have a great evening
Landowners became sick to death of cleaning up after you, that they have filled all the spaces in popular places with boulders.
Now car drivers have no where to stop to take pictures nor have a cuppa.
Thanks for watching
We spent five months travelling in amazing beautiful Scotland ❤️, we only ever wild camp , used park for night sometimes and we met local after local that were amazing.
Parked up wildcamping on Skye I was chopping wood and a local couple came passed we started chatting, I thought they might say something about where we parked, turns out they were just two beautiful soul's they loved our van and we even went to their amazing home the next day for tea and have stayed good friend's ever since ❤️. In every walk of life you get a small minority that screw it up for for the rest, weather it be a jealous local who wants to keep the beauty for themselves or the idiots who think it's OK to empty their toilet and grey waste wherever in their plastic fantastics , we also find the most litter is left by locals and weekend campers and the real van community suffers for it. ❤️🙏🏻
Hi. Thank you for watching our video.
We haven’t been to Skye (yet!) but will when we return, and like you will be responsible travellers.
Have a superb Friday ☀️
We are motorcycle tourists who love exploring Scotland on its fabulous but tiny roads. Since the introduction of the 'NC500' the roads have become increasingly jammed by tourists.
Motorhomes on the tiny roads are our pet hate (nothing personal) They are just too big, slow and often drive for miles oblivious to the line of cars (and bikes) behind.
I like to think we contribute to the local economy by using hotels to stay and frequently visiting local cafes to dry out from the inevitable Scottish rain. I'm affraid many motorhomes will just stock up at the supermarket and perhaps just pay for plot on a campsite.
Do motorhomes/campervan drivers ever think, we're just to big to go down there?
Hi. Thank you for watching our video
We hope you continue to explore beautiful Scotland.
I’m sorry you had that experience.. usually we are very welcoming to visitors. Sometimes the lack of facilities and the overall limited infrastructure precipitates wave after wave of frustration.. and then the weather and the midges finish the job.
We loved it, thanks for watching 👍
Great video. We are planning to go to Scotland in our little camper. After watching this we will try and stick to campsites. I wish all tourists would be more respectful to locals and the stunning landscape
Hi, Thank you for watching our video. You will have a fabulous time, we thoroughly enjoyed Sango Sands Oasis campsite and Shieldaig camping. Both excellent, clean with spectacular views. Enjoy and let us know how you get on
As the owner of a converted Traffic I can honestly say, If they don't want you come and spend sometime next year in Whisky country (Speyside) Drive up through Perth to Glenshee up to Ballater, check out Balmoral, then come over to Tomintoul through the Lecht ski center. Head over to Grantown on spey the either head on to Nairn or down Speyside and along the Moray coast , great driving great scenery Fantastic whisky and food, Your more than welcome here. great Channel by the way, Places to park up or visit give me a shout you'll love it
Hello there. Thanks for watching our video and we are delighted you like our little channel 😃
Ooooooh great recommendation. I’ve written it in my book, I’m old fashioned and like to write it all down 😂😂
Have a great Sunday.
What a fabulous video. I have recently acquired a converted camper and aim to do this route at some point. The points you raise on this video will really make me think about my 'footprint' on the Highlands, and I will simulate your excellent ethos, and ensure I contribute to the local economy and respect the locals and other road users.
Hope the calf mended, loving the 'pulled calf shuffle!!'
Thanks again great video, just subbed, Adam 😀
Hi Adam. Thanks for watching our video and a bigger thanks for subscribing to our little channel
We loved it, Sango Sands in Durness and Shieldaig were our favourite places. Have the best time when you eventually make it and let us know how you get on
Nc500 was stunning but the amount of unwelcome comments we got left me thinking i dont like the scots much. Im wrong to tar the scottish with the same brush but ive never met so many a*seholes one after the after.. we stayed in hotels and were on a bike. I spent almost 4k in scotland. Not again
Hi. Thank you for watching our video
I've been a frequent visitor to The Highlands. Lockdowns and subsequent staycations have taken their toll, The Highlands simply weren't prepared for the tsunami of Costa sheeple in Scotland. Mind you, Scotland never did that much to cater for vistiors, unless its Edinburgh, or some rural hotel.
Never mind the lack of facilities, such as no bins, no recycling, no emptying facilities, and very few places to get water. Yet, you are spending on fuel, supermarkets, shops, attractions, restaurants, pubs and cafes. They want your money, and you say these sheeple were friendly, well, it's either business, or its seasonal staff who for the most part, don't live in Scotland or the Highlands.
One year I hit a submerged pothole and briefly lost all power. Eventually I managed to get near Inverness for a a Citroen dealer. This was a sketchy 100 mile drive. Why did I do this, no phone signal, and every tourist attraction was packed with cars and coaches. Anyway, got the campervan reset, and no damage to suspension. The 4G has improved, big much of The Highlands are a death trap is things go wrong.
Myself, I don't care what the critics say. I'll still wild camp where I like, within the basic code, don't block gates, don't park in passing places, don't parkup near sheeple's homes, or where there are signs saying private property, or official no parking signs.
To be honest, the Scots don't deserve our business. This year I've spent about 9 weeks in France (4 and 5 respectively=
and 9 days in Scotland, where I got bitten to death. France was an absolute dream. My daughter said 'this was the best road trip ever', even though the parts of France we were in were at the time the hottest in Europe, and only two places in North Africa were hotter. Not even Spain was as hot. Despite this, we had a great time.
It's expensive, but forget Scotland, go to Scandinavia where you'll be welcomed with decent facility's.
BTW, despite my feelings as a campervaner, the Scots are the nicest sheeple in Britain. I am Welsh, and they are by far the worst. The English are a close second, but the Scots are way out in front. It's such a shame that no one gives a damn about tourism in The Highlands, and this is clear to see when you drive on awful unsafe roads, and yes, they are unsafe.
Hi there. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch out video and send a comment.
Have a great week
Love this. We're going in 2 weeks and was worried about how we would be received. We are on sites for the whole trip. Feel much more reassured after watching this. You guys are funny too!! 😂
Hi Steve.
Delighted you liked our video. You will have the best time, we experienced super lovely people everywhere we went. We adored the very North (Sango Sands at Durness)
Where are you going?
Keep watching and happy travels 🚐 ☀️
I'm a longterm vanlifer and drive a self contained tidy transit, painted matt green to blend in, not a giant white cube on wheels. In Scotland I've found things generally go better when avoiding the NC500. Once off that overused/overexposed route there are far fewer vans and people are mostly much more welcoming. The NC500 was meant to provide a boost to the rural economy but, of course, the only people who really benefitted were the supermarkets/petrol stations and large campsite owners on route, so everyone else was left feeling conned. Being stuck behind expensive rvs and the like while just trying to get to work (see also the Isle of Skye 'ringroad') is not going put anyone in a good mood. That's my tuppence 'apenny anyhow.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video. A few people have commented that off the route is just as beautiful and helps locals.
Have a great weekend ☀️
I have been traveling to scotland from being a young lad as my grandparents live their, the scots are usually very welcoming as long as you dont take the piss. i.e leaving rubbish everywhere and a pet hate is people not pulling in for hours on end with a huge que behind them. Yes youll always get the odd idiot or grumpy farmer who has no life and wants every1 else to live in a state of miserary as themself but these are few and far between. Give respect and 99 outta 100 youll get it back. I think you two are very nice decent people and I wouldnt worry about the odd negative comment or even try to appease these people. Your doing nothing wrong! your trying to be considerate, enjoying life along the way and long may that continue.
all the best, safe travels
Hi. Thank you for watching our video. Scotland was beautiful and we loved it there. Have a great evening
I have done the NC500 twice now and both times it was an amazing experience from start to finish as others have said respect where you are and leave no trace !
Hello. We agree. Thank you for watching our video 👍👍
A few years ago while waiting at Oban's only traffic lights the passenger door from car in front of me opened and closed. I stretched up to look and see a bag, I got out to my car and pick up the back of rubbish tapped the passenger window a 15 year old immediately said sorry her mother looked extremely embarrassed, I do hope these people learnt a lesson. The mum and daughter were both local.
Hi there. Thanks for watching our video. This is really interesting and thanks for commenting
Have a great Sunday
Done the NC500 twice. The 2nd time I vlogged it. The videos are on here. Never had any problems with locals either time I did it.
Hi. Will take a look and thanks for watching our video! Have a great evening
We have a lovely old T5 pop roof long wheel base with awning.
We always pay for a site and put a little money in some one pocket.
I think the wild camping craze for sleeping all over the uk illegally has ruined the camper van image in the uk
You can sounds awesome. We prefer sites and stayed on some fabulous ones on the route. We had such an ace time.
Thank you for watching our video and have a great day
I live near Stirling and used to work in the tourist trade. In my experience Scotland is a very welcoming, friendly country. However, a lot of visitors understandably want to cut costs and so the area they are visiting gets all of the strain and very little of the benefits. So use the local shops and cafes,, stay in campsites, visit some of the tourist attractions. I have heard that there has some very bad behaviour on this route, so I'm glad to see a video promoting responsibility and seeing beyond the negativity, I think the NC 500 was a great idea but not enough consideration was put into the infrastructure or the impact on locals who are not in the tourist trade.I dont fancy driving it in the summer. That head butting sign was funny though😂
Hi there. Thank you for watching our video. Have a great day
Everybody is welcome in Scotland, aslong as you aren’t taking the Michael & respect the countryside & enviroment, which unfortunately a large minority have done on the NC500
Hi there, yes we agree a million percent
Have a lovely evening
@@Stchristopherofatlantis just come across your videos today, apart from your shocking jokes & facts they’ve been great!! 🤣😂
…. Did you laugh…. Even just a small bit?
@@Stchristopherofatlantis I did at the wool story!! 😂🤣
We live in a beautiful country with wonderful scenery around our coast line , it should be everyones right to travel where they like and enjoy the ride . Keep up the good work 👏 Love your little dog by the way ❤
Hi. Thank you for watching our video. We adored our trip around beautiful Scotland. Have a fab Sunday
@@Stchristopherofatlantis Thank you 😊 🙏
i did the NC500 in 2019 on my motorbike, there was a group of about 10 of us and it was great. I do totally understand the locals points about being respectful etc, and we were just that, we stayed on a campsite every night. I do also agree it is a few disrespectful people that ruin it for everyone else. i suppose my main issue is that the people leaving negative comments seem to assume every visitor is disrespectful. This annoys me as it couldnt be further from the truth, you just have to watch your video to realise how respectful you both were. I would envisage that this kind of attitude from locals will put off respectful people from visiting as they are the types of people who would be upset to be considered "bad campers" the issue with that is that disrespectful people will not care and continue to visit. so ultimately they will scare off the decent people and only the bell e*ds will continue to visit the NC500.
Hi there, Thank you very much for watching our video. Like you we had the best time and met loads of fabulous people on the journey. Wishing you lots of happy travels 🚐 🏍️
I live in Cornwall and I cannot tell you how bad it is for vans parking where ever they like, I’ve been a traveller but I didn’t do this to others. We live on a lane, it has no tarmac but it’s not uncommon to find a campervan parked up with people sleeping even though it’s single lane, we then have to politely ask the inhabitants to move on so we can get out of our own house, this request is not always received well. The trash left behind is also really bad. Most people in vans I’ve met have been very nice but in recent years I see people treating my home in a way they would never treat their own home.
Hi. Thank you for watching our video. This is something we hadn’t really thought about but can understand it is a problem
Have a great evening
Some unhappy people cannot be pleased. Is just the way they live their life by trying to mess with others. We are planning to visit this year and we wanna enjoy the trip and not to destroy everything in our path. We love nature and always respect it so those unhappy with us visiting I'll have to tell ya... we live in a free world and your opinion doesn't matter. You're not gonna stop me or other's ro enjoy this life. You do just the same when you go in holiday abroad so stay at home if you don't like it.
Hi. Thanks so much for watching. Have a fab trip 👍
I'm paranoid in a vwt5 on those narrow roads. Whether we're welcome or not, the roads weren't built for the weight of motorhomes and are a total mess. Mabye vehicles of a certain weight should be charged and funds put towards the maintenance of the roads. Locals would welcome that.
Hi, Thank you for watching our video, this is a really interesting idea.
Have a super weekend
An enjoyable and interesting watch. We went to Mull a couple of years ago and we stayed in Tobermorey at the hotel and found the same, lovely people for the most part, very happy to take your money and realising we were there to assist in their livelihoods, with only the very rare odd one grumpy. So, just like the rest of the UK really. So, long may bonny Scotland stay as part of Great Britain. ❤
Hi, Glad you enjoyed and thank you very much for watching us. We loved beautiful Scotland
multi-part response. I'm from Glasgow but live in Wales; and do go back to my auld homestead and visit further up in highlands occasionally. I missed Loch Ness due to illness on a previous trip - so went back a few months ago. That B852 which is the road (I think) you were on is basically one of two ways from Inverness to Fort Augustus ( or further south ). I parked up at the side for 5 minutes to nip down to the side of the loch and do a quick snap and noticed people flying past on that road 60-70mph. Some I suspect were young people (boy racer types) but my theory is this: In the highlands towns are spread out and the adjoining roads are longer and single track in some places so........... I suspect what people are doing is saying to themselves - I gotta cover 35 miles but don't want it taking 60 minutes at average of 25mpg so....... they drive at 70mph. to make the journey take 30 minutes or less. in polite terms - no patience. Then, with the added complication it's a single width road a lot of the way - when you meet oncoming traffic (probably doing 60-70mph as well) they have to dive into the lay-by and throw out the anchors which means any motorhome parked up for night has now become an obstruction. I've seen a similar thing in Fuerteventura Spain (and Italy) where roads are narrow but locals in small cars or vans fly around doing speeds that are too fast for the twisty corners etc, but they don't care - familiarity with the roads and a disregard for other road users - especially visitors is abound. I personally think B852 (and similar) isn't suitable for an overnight camp - not because of any legalities but purely because I know people go far, far too fast up and down it. As for large vehicles. Ar-tics and HGV go through the same places continually but the locals don't seem to mind that - cos they get their shops restocked by them. part 2: the flip side is - parking is exorbitant and PCN's vicious - so someone somewhere is very very happy making a hell of a lot of money out of the tourists ........... who are getting fed up being made felt unwelcome..........
Hi Alan. Thank you very much for watching our video.
We learnt so much during our trip, things we hadn’t considered like the levellers when we parked up and the car beeping horns
Scotland is beautiful. You are lucky to be in Wales now, another place we thoroughly enjoyed.
Have a great day 😀
There have been a few comments here which claim that; everyone has the right to travel where and how they want whether locals like it or not. Well, of course , we all have the right to travel and enjoy beautiful places but, not at the expense of destroying the beauty , peace and tranquility for which a place is renowned. The simple truth is that : the roads in much of highland Scotland are not conducive to camper-van traffic ; the topography is not conducive to making the roads wider, straighter and more user friendly for mobile homes well, not without destroying the very essence, beauty and ecology of the place. The way to see and experience Highland Scotland is to stay at a central location and walk, climb , sail, cycle , beach-comb, visit historic places and so on. This wont suit everyone and ,be restrictive to the less fit and able but, some things just are what they are. We, are entitled to our homes and way of life respected without being made to feel unwelcoming because we object to our environment being polluted with filth and detritus and our village roads and mountain passes turned into race tracks all, I might say, to further enrich a Danish multi millionaire landowner.
Hi, Thanks for watching 👍
"Have you ever torn your calf muscle, Claire?.........no...there you go" saunters off dancing with Pablo. This channel gets better every video guys. Its like an instant ray of sunshine on a rainy day. I've loved this trip though and Andy's "Scottish whiskey critique.." funny as heck. I think its just a few that spoil it on the NC 500. It happened in Wales were a few left rubbish, emptied their toilets etc. Its a shame but covid lockdown brought the worst out in some after lockdown ended and its spoiled it for folk like us who leave only footprints. Thanks again for 15 minutes of beautiful scenery, wonderful humour and an insight into the NC500. Hope your Calf is getting better after the dancing, Andy. Much respect to you all- Kenny
Heee heee no I haven’t and Andy did basically walk miles and miles around Scotland.
We had such a great trip, loved it
Hope you have a great weekend and avoid the rain!! Thanks for watching
the NC500 has been a mistake --- overal it has ruined what was a good road to travel on and distroyed many areas, sides or raods and lay-bys
Thank you for watching our video 😃
@@composedlight6850 100% correct. The roads are a nightmare now for locals to go about their daily business. Inconsiderate Holiday traffic driving too slow and not pulling in to let other traffic pass. I wish the NC500 was never invented.
A major issue in June time is the Dutch seem intent on cycling the NC500 with partners in campervans/ hire motorhomes as backup, they drop off the cyclists then drive ahead taking up any available parking and passing places to wait for the cyclists to get to them, they then stay the night in the carparks dumping their rubbish before moving on to the next leg. Some groups of riders can total ten to fifteen so several support vans take over the carparks by creating a circle preventing anyone else using it. Forestry Scotland has already banned overnight camping and campervans in its carparks with the low height barriers to prevent entry so they are aware of what is happening and do patrol their car parks to remove tents and car campers, it is human waste as well as rubbish being left which has led to this course of action..
Oooo we hadn’t heard of this.
Thank you for your comment and for watching our video. We loved our trip to Scotland