Alternatives to the North Coast 500

Alternative Routes to the Scottish North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 (NC500) has gained a reputation as one of the most stunning road trips in the world, drawing visitors from across the globe. However, with its growing popularity comes congestion, particularly during peak season. For those looking for a quieter yet equally spectacular alternative, Scotland offers several fantastic routes that showcase breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and charming villages. Here, we explore alternative routes that rival the NC500, along with tips on overnight parking and must-visit points of interest.

Alternative Routes to Consider

1. The West Coast Wilderness Route

For a stunning coastal adventure that avoids the NC500 traffic, consider exploring the lesser-travelled roads of Scotland’s west coast. This route takes you from Oban to Ullapool, weaving through some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery.

Highlights:

  • Ardnamurchan Peninsula – The UK’s most westerly point, offering stunning coastal views and remote beauty.
  • Glenfinnan Viaduct – Famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, this landmark provides excellent photo opportunities.
  • Knoydart Peninsula – A paradise for hikers and those seeking tranquillity.
  • Torridon Hills – Rugged peaks that rival any mountain scenery on the NC500.

Overnight Parking:

  • Campsites: Sands Caravan and Camping Park near Gairloch provides fantastic beachfront pitches.
  • Wild Camping: The area around Loch Maree offers quiet, scenic spots for responsible campers.

2. The Far North Explorer Route

For those wanting to experience the north of Scotland without following the NC500’s most congested sections, this route takes you inland through Sutherland and Caithness, revealing hidden gems along the way.

Highlights:

  • Forsinard Flows – A vast peatland nature reserve and birdwatching haven.
  • Strathnaver Museum – A fascinating insight into Highland history and the Clearances.
  • Dunnet Head – The northernmost point of mainland Britain, offering panoramic sea views.
  • Castle of Mey – A beautiful historic castle once owned by the Queen Mother.

Overnight Parking:

  • Campsites: Dunnet Bay Caravan Club Site offers coastal pitches with great facilities.
  • Wild Camping: Try parking near Loch Naver for a peaceful night under the stars.

3. The Cairngorms and Moray Coastal Route

If you want to combine mountain landscapes with coastal beauty, this route takes you through the Cairngorms National Park and along the scenic Moray Firth coastline.

Highlights:

  • Cairngorms National Park – Home to fantastic hiking trails, rare wildlife, and picturesque lochs.
  • Speyside Whisky Trail – A dream destination for whisky lovers, featuring distilleries like Glenfiddich and Macallan.
  • Bow Fiddle Rock – A unique sea arch near Portknockie, perfect for photographers.
  • Findhorn Beach – A charming seaside spot with a welcoming village atmosphere.

Overnight Parking:

  • Campsites: Grantown-on-Spey Caravan Park is a well-equipped base for exploring the Cairngorms.
  • Wild Camping: The beaches around Burghead offer quiet spots for self-contained motorhomes.

Tips for Overnight Parking

Staying at Campsites

Campsites offer convenience, security, and access to facilities such as showers and electricity. When choosing a campsite:

  • Book ahead during peak season, as many popular sites fill up quickly.
  • Look for well-rated sites on apps like Park4Night or UKCampsite.co.uk.
  • Support local businesses by choosing family-run sites where possible.

Wild Camping Responsibly

Wild camping is legal in Scotland under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, but with motorhomes, certain rules apply:

  • Stick to quiet, remote areas away from residential properties.
  • Leave no trace – take all rubbish with you and avoid damaging the environment.
  • Use existing laybys or car parks rather than driving onto fragile landscapes.
  • Be mindful of local communities – don’t block access roads or stay in one place for multiple nights.

Hidden Gems Along These Routes

Dark Sky Areas

For stargazing enthusiasts, Scotland offers some of the best dark sky locations in Europe:

  • Galloway Forest Park – The UK’s first Dark Sky Park, perfect for viewing the Milky Way.
  • Tomintoul & Glenlivet – A designated Dark Sky Discovery Site in the Cairngorms.
  • Assynt & Coigach – Remote and untouched, with outstanding night sky views.

Local Amenities in Towns and Villages

While these routes take you off the beaten path, there are still plenty of places to rest and refuel:

  • Ullapool – A charming harbour town with shops, restaurants, and ferry connections.
  • Dornoch – Known for its stunning beach, historic cathedral, and whisky bars.
  • Pitlochry – A popular stop with great cafés, scenic walks, and the famous Pitlochry Dam.

Conclusion

While the NC500 is an incredible journey, these alternative routes offer equally rewarding experiences with fewer crowds. Whether you’re drawn to the wild west coast, the far north’s hidden corners, or the scenic Cairngorms and Moray coast, there’s an adventure waiting for you. By considering alternative routes, you’ll not only discover unique landscapes but also help ease congestion on the NC500, making the experience better for everyone. So, pack up your motorhome, plan your route, and get ready to explore Scotland’s stunning roads in a whole new way!