Everything you need to know before hitting the road in the Scottish Highlands.
Much of the NC500, especially the west and north coasts, consists of single-track roads with passing places. These are perfectly manageable in a motorhome, but require patience and courtesy.
Driving a motorhome on single-track roads takes concentration. Allow much more time than sat-nav estimates — you'll be stopping frequently. Most locals are patient and friendly, but they use these roads daily for work, so always let them pass when you can.
🚫 Do NOT attempt these roads if your vehicle is over 6 metres:
Bealach na Bà (Applecross Pass) — Extremely steep hairpin bends. Take the A896 via Shieldaig instead. Equally beautiful and much safer.
B869 Drumbeg Road — Very narrow with blind bends. Stay on the A894/A837 main route.
Minor coast roads — Several minor roads off the main route are too narrow for anything larger than a van. Stick to A and B roads unless you're confident.
This is critical. Fuel stations are sparse in the remote northwest, and many close early or don't open on Sundays.
⛽ Fill up at Inverness — best prices and selection on the entire route.
⛽ Never pass a fuel station below half tank — some stretches have no fuel for 50+ miles.
⛽ Highland fuel costs more — expect to pay 5-15p per litre more than cities.
⛽ Card payment — most stations accept cards, but carry some cash just in case.
⛽ Key fuel stops: Inverness → Tain → Wick/Thurso → Bettyhill → Durness → Lochinver → Ullapool → Gairloch → Lochcarron → back to Inverness.
View our complete fuel station map →
The NC500's popularity has caused tension between visitors and local communities. Please be a responsible guest in the Highlands.
Use designated campsites and aires. Dispose of waste at proper facilities. Support local businesses — buy groceries from village shops, eat at local restaurants. Keep all activity inside your vehicle when parked informally. Take all rubbish with you. Leave spots cleaner than you found them.
Park in passing places or block roads. Set up awnings, tables or chairs outside when parked informally. Park overnight near houses or cemeteries. Empty chemical toilets anywhere other than designated disposal points. Light open fires. Drive on beaches or tracks.
Plan your waste disposal stops. Empty your toilet cassette ONLY at designated chemical disposal points — never in public toilets, rivers, roadside drains, or the sea. Most campsites have disposal facilities. The Highland Council scheme locations also provide access to leisure centre facilities.
View parking spots with waste facilities →
Signal is patchy to non-existent across much of the NC500, especially on the west coast between Gairloch and Durness, and on the north coast. Download offline maps before you go (Google Maps or OS Maps both support offline areas). Consider carrying a paper OS map as backup.
WiFi is available at most campsites and in towns, but don't rely on it in remote areas. If you need to make an emergency call without signal, drive to the nearest settlement.
Waterproof jacket & trousers (proper ones, not a fashion rain jacket), warm fleece/down jacket, walking boots, warm hat & gloves, sunglasses & sun cream, midge head net (Jun-Sep), swimwear (you might be brave enough), wellies for muddy car parks.
Levelling ramps, electric hookup cable, water hose, waste water container, toilet chemical, first aid kit, torch, basic toolkit, tow rope, de-icer (spring/autumn), fire extinguisher, gas/LPG spare, windscreen cleaner, duct tape.
Offline maps downloaded, USB car charger, power bank, paper OS map (Landranger series), camera, binoculars (for wildlife), radio/podcasts (for signal-free zones).
Stock up in Inverness before departing. Shops become scarce after Ullapool heading north. Bring basics: tea, coffee, cooking oil, salt/pepper, tinned goods. Budget for eating out at local places — the seafood is incredible.
Scotland's infamous midges are tiny biting insects that swarm in their millions from late May to September. They're worst on still, overcast, humid days near water — basically most Highland evenings. Bring strong insect repellent (Smidge or Avon Skin So Soft are local favourites), a midge head net, and try to park in breezy spots. They don't like wind or direct sunshine.
Emergency: 999 (police, fire, ambulance, coastguard)
Non-emergency police: 101
NHS 24: 111 (medical advice)
Raigmore Hospital, Inverness: 01463 704000 (main Highland A&E)
Mountain Rescue: 999 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue