HOW BUSY ARE THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

[ambulancekidd]

I'd say go for it, things usually settle down a bit by september & if you think the highlands might be problematic, try the south west.
Plenty of overnight parking spots, we've just got to hope that the rubbish/shit prone tenting fraternity don't ball's it up for all of us.
Yes there are a few tag axle vans etc but, the place is bloody huge, & if you can't find a quiet spot or a CL I'd be very surprised.

This was last weekend in Stinchar Falls car park but, everyone was really respectful of each other.

 

[Pit]

We normally have our main Camping Holiday on the West Coast and this year we stayed locally, which we have never done before. We rang the landowner of the place we normally camp on and this year to see if she we opening and to see how the locals felt about holiday makers descending upon them? We was told that this year she will not be opening and we full respected that. So we have a Lovely Break in Thetford Forest which is the other side of Norfolk to us.
We did ring around loads of CAMC CL sites over a few days, and they were all booked in the areas we wanted to visit. so ended up on a normal but lovely Camping and Caravan Touring Park.

 

[tomm]

I'd say go for it, things usually settle down a bit by september & if you think the highlands might be problematic, try the south west.
Plenty of overnight parking spots, we've just got to hope that the rubbish/shit prone tenting fraternity don't ball's it up for all of us.
Yes there are a few tag axle vans etc but, the place is bloody huge, & if you can't find a quiet spot or a CL I'd b

Was in your area early last week and stayed at a couple of the forestry & land Scotland designated overnight stops.....probably about 5 or 6 motorhomes at each stop actually stayed overnight....Never saw any cassette dumping, fire lighting , litter spreading etc behaviours . Actually just a general respect for the environment appeared to be the case.

Move forward to later in the week and north of Glencoe .....tents and cars all over the place with crap and rubbish evident wherever there was a gathering of the mentioned tents and cars.

I am not being conveniently selective in my description of what I observed....For a bit of balance , I saw one incident of a motorhomer taking liberties and that was in a community provided stop over in Kinlochleven........Guy brazenly wandered over to the public toilet provided at the stop over point ( next to the indoor climbing wall facility) and was obviously going to dump the cassette contents , despite polite notices requesting not to do that..........He was promptly stopped by another motorhomer who happened to be reading the noticeboards.

I am not naive enough to believe that all motorhomers are completely innocent of abusing facilities or the environment , however what I've seen over this trip is that it's a fair assessment to say that car travellers and tenters are the biggest culprits .

 

[34127]

Hopefully everyone is going to the West coast and up to the Highlands. Over on the East coast we have it reasonably quiet at the moment. Great scenery and accessible roads. Lots of history. Loads of places to visit and great towns. And above all no midges. Lol

Shush

 

[Cornish Crew]

Thank you everyone for your input, quite a mixed bag.
I think we will give it a try as long as the covid thing remains stable enough.
Already thought we would avoid the NC500 as best we can, not great fans of crowds at the best of times.
Living in Cornwall we are well aware of the tourist issue, some places are horrendous but others are just normal summer time busy, but then where would the local economy be without the visitors. Just a shame some have little or no respect for the environment or others at all, they manage to lug all this stuff to the beach or beauty spot but can't be civil enough to take the empties away.
Anyway I digress, thanks again all, and if any of you see a little Elddis Sunseeker with a Cornish flag on the back be sure to give us a wave.
Cheers,
Tim

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[poppycamper]

Was in your area early last week and stayed at a couple of the forestry & land Scotland designated overnight stops.....probably about 5 or 6 motorhomes at each stop actually stayed overnight....Never saw any cassette dumping, fire lighting , litter spreading etc behaviours . Actually just a general respect for the environment appeared to be the case.

Move forward to later in the week and north of Glencoe .....tents and cars all over the place with crap and rubbish evident wherever there was a gathering of the mentioned tents and cars.

I am not being conveniently selective in my description of what I observed....For a bit of balance , I saw one incident of a motorhomer taking liberties and that was in a community provided stop over in Kinlochleven........Guy brazenly wandered over to the public toilet provided at the stop over point ( next to the indoor climbing wall facility) and was obviously going to dump the cassette contents , despite polite notices requesting not to do that..........He was promptly stopped by another motorhomer who happened to be reading the noticeboards.

I am not naive enough to believe that all motorhomers are completely innocent of abusing facilities or the environment , however what I've seen over this trip is that it's a fair assessment to say that car travellers and tenters are the biggest culprits .

We spent an enjoyable 5 days at Loch Ness Shores 2 weeks ago. Site full every night
HOWEVER the reason for this post is about tent camping. To get to Loch Ness Shores you head up the SE side of Loch Ness (not the main road) and anybody who has done this know what a beautiful scenic road that is.... Well I struggled to get through in many places.... I only have a PVC due to cars being parked "abandoned" in every place Imaginable.... The Navigator stopped Counting tents on the foreshore when she got fed up.....she managed to get to 100 and there was still more further along.

 

[Bluemanc100]

We’re in Fort William at the minute after a short time down in Lockerbie and Loch Lomond... it’s relatively quiet I’d say but many places are only accepting pre-booking.. we’re at Glen Nevis and the visitor car park for Ben Nevis was full this morning at around 09:30 with people parked along the lane on verges.. around 6 motorhomes in Morrison’s car park in Fort William and some had stayed the night in the small car parks for Ben Nevis too

slightly off topic but somebody else mentioned the Jacobite Train (The train to Hogwarts). We could have booked seats today for today’s train at Fort William Station but we decided to do the same journey (Fort William to Mallaig) tomorrow on the normal train... same scenery for less than the price of a single ticket on the Jacobite Train for the two of us... looking forward to the fish and chips in Mallaig

By the way, I had a full Scottish breakfast at Morrison’s this morning and in case you didn’t know they are doing the eat out to help out 50% off seven days a week... £2.50 for an artery clogging plateful.. marvellous

 

[Debs]

Interesting to read recent updates from people.

I've got friends who'd hired a mh to do the NC500 in early September. That's now cancelled due to the dodgy practice of the hirers and they are taking their caravan instead. Luckily they booked some sites a few weeks ago and will do a shortened trip.

Not sure I'd fancy it with a caravan, they will be on some single track roads

 

[PJGWiltshire]

We have been North of the Border since 2nd August. The weather has been fab. Only lost 1 1/2 days to rain the rest pure sunshine. We bumbled up the West as far as Fort William and then was told Skye was quiet. So we high tailed to Skye and had a blast and the weather was smashing. Campsites on Skye had availability but we parked up at some outstanding locations and dropped in on campsites to ask for water and discharge we offered immediately £5 which was not refused but I got the impression that they were happy to facilitate at any offering. We dropped down to Mull and now on the Crinan canal at a wild spot on lock 9. A truly beautiful walk/ ride on bike to Crinan. We haven’t a couple of MH who ventured to the NC 500 and they said very busy. September the rush will be over. If you go I just hope the midges have gone. They have been horrid in the evenings. You just could not sit out after 5 in the sunshine
Pic of Calgary bay Mull

 

[Cornish Crew]

Well I think you have convinced us now Looks & sounds fabulous, enjoy the remainder of your journey.
Good luck with the midgies
Stay Safe,
Tim

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[34127]

I prefer the autumn time when the leaves on the trees have turned golden brown,, it's quieter on the roads and no midges.

 

[2x2camper]

I did put a link on another post about having to use campsites on the islands so that they know who is there etc. Cal Mac wants to see a campsite booked etc. They have been doing that on Tiree before corona.

Which post was that. Going in a couple of days

 

[Glas Robin]

This was us last week:

Wales and Scotland - blissfully quiet

I was worried about crowds. I needn’t have. We had a couple of days on the end of the Llyn Peninsula at the end of last week, for a quick shakedown trip whilst we waited for a recalcitrant cow to calve before heading off on the main trip. Stayed at one of our favourites, Mynydd Mawr near...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Go for it. It’s great just now.

 

[Glas Robin]

Which post was that. Going in a couple of days

We had none of that on Lewis/Harris. Wild camped every night.

 

[PJGWiltshire]

Which post was that. Going in a couple of days

We have used 6 ferries on this trip so far. Not one booking sought info as to where we are staying. Booking on line there is no box to fill. On this point with the ferries, I do not know if it the normal practice but the tickets are fully flexible/cancelation free and refunded. So pre booking any tickets is a win win if you change your mind for route and thus not need a crossing already booked.

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[2x2camper]

We have used 6 ferries on this trip so far. Not one booking sought info as to where we are staying. Booking on line there is no box to fill. On this point with the ferries, I do not know if it the normal practice but the tickets are fully flexible/cancelation free and refunded. So pre booking any tickets is a win win if you change your mind for route and thus not need a crossing already booked.

Definitely on the ferry to Barra on Monday

 

[rbescape]

We did the last 2 weeks in July on the NC500 going anticlockwise. All our sites were pre-booked apart from Durness who the told us was first-come-first-serve so we had to . We arrived there about 12pm and got a lovely pitch high up on the cliff edge 🌬

It was an amazing time and not at all busy on the roads, and all the people we spoke to in the shops/villages/restaurants were lovely.

 

[jimairi]

Hi
I stay on west coast right by the sea, up till yesterday all height restrictions were open on sea front car parks in North Ayrshire. Many car parks were full of motorhomes which didn't move through the day and stayed for days. Yesterday the council appears to have put them back in place. Having said that still many places to wild camp, just remember to consider the locals who use the same facilities. Huge amount of motorhomes and tents mainly without problems. No check on Arran ferry for campsite booking at present.

 

[HMS]

I was supposed to be going to France in September and I am now going to Scotland, so you are probably correct

We are hoping to tour the west coast of Scotland in late September. We just wonder if this is still a good idea with all the bad press about motor homes that we hear about. Hoping it is just bad press and relates to the minority, that responsible travellers would still be welcome. We are more than happy to use the less commercial type of campsites, CL's etc.
Just wondered if there are any funsters that have been recently, or are from the area that have a view or advice.
Thanks

 

[Gaston aires]

Got all excited seeing a reply to my first ever post
Hopefully someone in the know will post soon. Have just found some information about forestry car parks which looks good, but just wondering about the welcome in general ?
Tim

I was glad to be your first post replier, albeit in an ambiguous way. Hope you learned from the numerous replies, Funsters are a pretty knowledgeable lot.
Welcome to the fun community.
Phil

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[Rayb182]

Best time to go to the west coast is next spring, no midges, normally good weather and fewer motorhomes on the road, we was ready and loaded with the van this year, then the lockdown, now is a bad time for midges according to my brother who is still in Scotland, it was a mild winter.

 

[Rimswell Wanderer]

We have spent three weeks doing the NC500 and returned home on the 12th of August. We had
pre-booked three campsites and also booked in at two others along the route without any problems.
The locals where friendly and welcoming, after speaking to a couple of them they said that the reports of Motorhomes been unwelcome was coming from minority groups just trying to stir up bad feeling towards Motorhomes, they also said that the shops and retailers needed the business so all in all it was a good trip.
Roads were busy in places but people used the passing places sensibly, we did over 1700 miles in all and because of the way it went for us we are thinking of going back in September. I will add that this is how it was for us and of course cannot speak for others.

 

[AvalonAdventur]

We will be heading up on the continuation of our Honeymoon Tour on the 1st September with the intention of travelling for two months exploring Scotland.
Doing a mix of sites, forest park ups and harbour side honesty boxes.
Looking forward to seeing anyone enroute.

 

[bigtree]

That ferry will be VERY busy now.. not necessarily due to Covid but it is a diversion route for the closure of the A83 at The Rest and be Thankfull due to yet another landslide

The Rest is open via the old military road.

 

[MobyDick57]

Very interesting thread
A big thank you to you all, as we were thinking of doing the 500. We have not really explored Scotland, so thought of doing this September/October. Your conversations have persuaded us to do it, so let’s hope for some good weather
Thanks again

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[Shevaun]

Yes Blue Knight very true unfortunately, The SW 300 as seen here. As for The FCS Stay The night facility, keep it as quiet as you can everyone.
LES
Quote:
The South West Coastal 300 is a new Scottish driving route that is perfect for a campervan or motorhome trip. Extending some 300 miles through the tranquil and scenic south-west region of Scotland, the circular road route takes in numerous attractions.
View attachment 415751

As an Irish resident we have had a similar experience with the Wild Atlantic Way. Since the new title with associated advertising the western coastal beaches , historical sites and beauty spots have been inundated with visitors. This has become an issue this year with huge increase in MH and camper vans. Lots of the usual stopovers and overnight spots are overcrowded and local councils are now starting to erect height restriction barriers. This is so disappointing for the genuine MH owners who do respect the countryside. Given our Covid restrictions wehave only taken 2 short trips this summer. Regarding the NC500, we were in Scotland in late September 2017 and the Isle of Skye was seriously considering closing to tourists due to the large numbers!

 

[The Lobster]

West coast is always busy for various reasons - and this year more so: most people in Scotland live in or around Glasgow, and (on the west coast) that's where the Highlands start - so lots of folk don't have to travel far north for a break in breath-taking countryside. On the east coast the Highlands proper doesn't start until Inverness, and many fewer Scots live over this side of the country - so it's naturally quieter. This means if you want relative piece, lovely coast lines and pleasant - but not so rugged - interior, then go east. Central Scotland tends to be a bit of both - with well known hot spots best avoided at peak times (Aviemore/Glenmore for example).

Of course Scotland is relatively big and lightly populated, away from the Glasgow/Edinburgh central belt. You don't have to get far from the main roads to discover this. And many folk miss the rolling hills of the Borders completely as they whizz up the coastal routes to head further north - which is a shame, as they're great for walking and hill cycling.

I think the press noise this year is a combination of sensationalism for effect; the relatively few roads in Scotland (so park up and get into the countryside by foot!); lack of facilities at some well publicised tourist hot spots (not a new issue); COVID increasing the number of people wanting to holiday in the UK; some well known organisations (C&CC for example) not opening their sites (despite being on public land leased to them - grrr); and a little pinch of natural nimby-ism.

And don't forget that our big cities are much quieter at the moment.

With a bit of planning and research, and a responsible attitude, there's no reason not to enjoy a visit at any time - although there is the changeable weather, of course

 

[RBJB]

I was thinking the same about early September. I await some replies with relish.
Phil

We are going in September - early-ish - difficult to find somewhere - CLs and club sites not available for our dates, so going to a privately run site - suspect further into Sept onwards it should settle down somewhat...

 

[WillH]

October can be really nice weather wise, cold first thing but sunny and clear during the day.

 

[BusyBuilder]

Living in Alness on NC500, I've seen lots of vans going north, (anti clockwise), not many coming back down. My mate went over west towards Lochinver two weeks ago and said it was very busy, probably busiest he's seen it.

Saying all this, we've just been down to Hereford to stay with youngest for a few days in our van, we then travelled north up to Harlech to stay for a night or two. We had to call 5 or 6 sites before we found a spot at Harlech by the beach at £45 !! and that was only available for 1 night. We then travelled up to Llandudno Junction and parked at my sisters on the drive for 3 nights whilst travelling around sight seeing. Saw lots of MH so seems busy everywhere.
On way back home we stayed on Forrestry site near Dunfries at Ae (yes that is a village). Few vans in there as well. After that we stopped at House of Bruar for an hour and 5 or 6 vans in there too.

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