North Coast 500 | 10 Do's & Dont's

[@trevorhughes8463]

Nice review. As someone who lives on the route, I’ve a couple of requests for those planning a trip. The NC500 is not and never has been a race track, please respect the speed limits and use passing places appropriately - they are not parking areas! Littering is also a problem, not just up here, but in most popular areas of outstanding natural beauty. Keep your rubbish with you, until you find a suitable receptacle for disposal, it’s not a lot to ask. Highland council showed great foresight (not!) by planning to close public toilets. There is already a dearth of facilities up here and human excrement in public areas has become a problem. PLEASE stay away from paths and water courses and either bury or bag your waste. Note that some public loos are seasonal, opening at Easter and closing in October. The Scottish Highlands are beautiful and there for all to enjoy, but a selfish minority are spoiling the area.

[@DS-cf1zc]

Trevor you have my deepest sympathy on the behaviour of some people who run around these areas of natural beauty - their behaviour spoils the experience for the majority who leave nothing behind. I have decided not to visit the route this year, as I foresee a lot of the issues you document, sadly repeating themselves. However I will try, virus willing to visit the wonderful scenery, and enjoy time in your wonderful country in 2022, when I hope the Benidorm brigade, will be back there again.

[@trevorhughes8463]

@@DS-cf1zc Hi Dave, it’s sad that the few selfish individuals can spoil things for those who visit to enjoy the beauty of the Highlands. It’s such a shame that responsible visitors feel that they don’t want to come because of these morons. Atb and I hope you manage to get up here in the not too distant future. 🙂

[@DS-cf1zc]

@@trevorhughes8463 I'm itching to come up Trevor, but I have no wish to have my time in one of the most beautiful places in the world spoilt by idiots. I will be back though, fear not, I love enjoying the rich scenery, and I have been planning to do the NC500 for 2 years now. I've even had additional extra's put on my camper to cope with the journey, and what I want to do.

[@DS-cf1zc]

@jemimallah Yes I get it, you highlight the route, you invite the world, the youtubers lap it up, and of course you take the coin that comes with the trade. But that does not mean the people visiting should behave improperly, dump black waster etc etc. This minority will eventually ruin the experience for those who pass through and leave no trace of their visits. Is it a lot to ask people to dispose of waster and rubbish sensibly?

[@Ukmongoose3]

You have it wrong Trevor, its the selfish ignorant majority that spoil it for the minority! 😉

[@aliwhitwell]

Ha ha. I did this with 5 pals back in 1968. Car cost us £15 between two of us. An old Austin A40 with column gear change. In those days not many folk did the NC 500. One of the best trips ever!

[@CraigPitts]

Sounds epic and for £15, bargain!

[@DGKK55]

I didn't do the 500 as such, but went from Lake District up to John O'Groats and along the top staying at Thurso as my base. Then on to Skye . I went at the end of September into October to miss the crowds, WRONG!!!! Everywhere was busy, worst of all, having 3 dogs, trying to find a layby that wasn't full of camper vans was a nightmare. I was camping, and booked everything in advance (more due to the dogs and needing to take a trailer) and was totally amazed how busy everywhere was.Scenery was amazing, especially on Skye, but, as you say, everything has to be visited so early. Due to the amount of traffic, trying to walk places with the dogs became a no no, so I cut my time short. At least I didn't need all the midgie stuff I bought.

[@wallaceshackleton1889]

Rule number One (a). On single track roads, check your mirrors often, if someone comes up on you fast, then pull over and let them by. It's probably a local who knows the road and is cheesed off with tourists. Rule One (b) After the overtake, drop a distance back but keep pace with the car in front, they'll hit the oncoming traffic first! Seriously have some respect for the locals. Midge season usually starts at the end of May.

[@DGT73]

👏👏

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

This. Squared.

[@Ukmongoose3]

MAXIMUM respect for the locals. The standard of driving (especially south of York) is aggressive off the scale though and this is what you are going to get when these folks come up as its in their DNA. Not a criticism, although this way of driving isn’t to my taste, but this will become the norm as the worn out roads of the north become busier and busier.

[@mickygism]

Yeah, because the locals can see around corners

[@peterkirton4580]

Those midge nets are wonderful. Bought one in Australia many years ago. They really work

[@CraigPitts]

Definitely worth every penny!

[@Banditmanuk]

As soon as the current UK lockdown ends the NC500 is going to be packed. Its lovely up there when the weather is with you but endless camper vans down single track roads isn't fun.

[@CraigPitts]

Yeah we'd get up at like 5/6am and be at our destination before most people woke up to avoid the traffic, definitely something to bear in mind

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

I did it last October, hardly met any traffic. Did it just over a week ago, hardly any traffic. Applecross Pass, met about two vehicles.

[@jedbone1451]

Don’t understand why covid would affect theb500... everyone’s ina fricken car ffs

[@Banditmanuk]

@@jedbone1451 They're all there because they couldn't get a holiday abroad!

[@scotlandsroute6627]

A Brilliant, Honest, and perfect Video for all those , thinking or Planning .....The Perfect Top 10 Do's and Don't.....Will be sharing.....

[@CraigPitts]

Thanks a lot, appreciate it!

[@jedbone1451]

Yo dude, it’s soooo nice to watch a video that gets straight into it. I HATE it when the first minuet of a video is “like, subscribe, don’t forget to hit that notification bell.” Fuck off!😂 Thank you for being a gentleman and putting that garbage right at the end. Legend

[@CraigPitts]

Haha cheers Jed, appreciate it!

[@tartanblackcountrytourist]

Hi Craig. I would add .PLAN A DOWN DAY, NO DRIVING. Just photo or walk but no driving :)))). kind regards David .

[@CraigPitts]

Yeah good advice 👍🏻

[@davidbuxton7921]

Did it about 4 years ago in May. Not a midge in sight👍. We were in convertibles and it was 75 degrees every day ,fantastic . We had booked all B&b + hotel accommodation well in advance which as you say is a must!. It was principally a driving holiday so did miss the walking so went back the following year and did Skye as well which as you say is highly recommended!. Thanks for the insight some great information.

[@CraigPitts]

Glad you enjoyed it, its a great experience for sure. Thanks for the comment!

[@PictureHouseCinema]

If you're doing this trip in June/July darkness is NOT a problem. The further up you go the longer the daylight hours. In midsummer it does not get fully dark up here.

[@michellewright9635]

I cannot wait to do this with my partner Neil. Cant wait untill our vw t4 is done . Looks amazing. Thanks for sharing 👍 😊.

[@CraigPitts]

You're welcome, enjoy your trip! :)

[@sebsingh1423]

cant wait to go Scotland again it's just epic

[@CraigPitts]

Yeah it certainly is, I'll be off there again too at some point this year!

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

to be honest, I did basically the Outer Hebridean Islands of Uist (North & South) & Lewis + Skye + Loch-Ness/Inverness in a week & a day, and it kind of felt a little short, although, we did use trains and buses as our main mode of Transportation

[@bmack4047]

Always seeing Eilean Donan, my clan's castle. Never get tired of looking at her.

[@kumasenlac5504]

It would be even better if it were on the NC500....

[@driving_all_over]

I did the NC500 about 5 years ago and it was ace One area you need to do in Scotland though is the Outer Hebrides, they are stunning islands

[@CraigPitts]

Glad you enjoyed it, I'm definitely going to go back to Scotland in the near future, it's a beautiful place for photography and in general!

[@driving_all_over]

@@CraigPitts Yeah same here man, I was going to go again this year but decided to do it next year for my 30th as I want to do Shetland and Orkney

[@BigMez67]

"Flying arse holes" Haha!! They're the reason I was avoiding August this year. Planned a nine day trip and booked it last October starting 1st April 2021 but it looks like I'm going to have to cancel due to the lockdown situation. Very informative video. Nice work. I hadn't included Skye but I might have to look into that.

[@CraigPitts]

Ah mate, hopefully restrictions may ease by then but if they don't I hope you get to do it at some point. Definitely add Skye onto the trip, it's stunning there (when it's not blanketed in fog)

[@reecen819]

How cold is it in April? Planning to go next year with a mate and we plan on camping.

[@MahendraVidyarthi]

Thanks buddy, will plan it soon

[@CraigPitts]

Enjoy!

[@MRMARA95]

Great, informative video. Just what I've looked for. Thanks

[@CraigPitts]

Cheers for the comment Mantas, glad it was helpful

[@brianmillerthomas]

At 28 seconds in...Balnakeil beach at Durness, one of the most beautiful in Scotland...where John Lennon wold have played as a teenager. His aunt lived in Durness and he visited for several summers. It is said that 'In my Life' is in part about Durness...'There are places I'll remember, all my life...though some have changed...' A beautiful song. Go there.

[@AspireTurbo]

That beach was awesome, Sandwood Bay Beach was also stunning

[@theshosher]

We drove 90% of the trip in 2 days in an ev6. Yes it was a little rushed, but for me it was about the drive. Charging was interesting to say the least, but not too bad. It's doable but it's definitely a rush. We went from Wick to fort William in a day and the drive was amazing

[@andrewmcewan8081]

don't take anything much bigger than a sprinter van . themidge repellant's work to a degree but none stop them landing on you, and thats the thing at the time that annoys. the bites don't start itching for an hour or more.

[@Jones-xx2gc]

That's a hell of a trip to enjoy in five days.

[@CraigPitts]

Yeah definitely too quick, once I get the camper built I'll do it again for longer 👌🏼

[@Jones-xx2gc]

@@CraigPitts We only went from Lancaster where I live up to John O Groats and across to Durness and back and five days and there wasn't enough time in our motorhome to properly enjoy the trip. We didn't think we saw enough and seemed to spend all day driving. I'm surprised you got any sleep. Beautiful part of the world though and would do it again.

[@andypandywalters]

A very interesting and informative video. Many thanks

[@CraigPitts]

Thank you!

[@lilypierce297]

We took 3 1/2 weeks from Suffolk and home . Take time to enjoy it Sept/Oct is good ❤

[@kumasenlac5504]

The variety of autumn colours adds to the beauty of the trip. You'll start to lose heather purple in mid-September though.

[@grahamhall5211]

Well Craig that was good on the dose and don't spot on with that 👌 only iam going back end of September 2022 cheers Craig 👍

[@CraigPitts]

Cheers Graham, appreciate it

[@popicavlad]

Really well put together video! Thanks for the tips!

[@CraigPitts]

Cheers mate and happy birthday!

[@popicavlad]

@@CraigPitts Thanks man :D

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Great video. Absolutely spot on. Please enjoy and leave nothing!

[@CraigPitts]

Thank you and of course, I'd hope anyone watching would do so too

[@SteveJulien]

Fantastic advice, thanks!

[@CraigPitts]

Cheers Steve

[@williamcoulter5462]

Do not bother in June it is full of Dutch campers and cyclists who do not have a clue about the single track roads, they take up the carparks ahead of the cycling groups and wait for them to get there before staying there overnight leaving their rubbish piled up in the car parks when they do leave.

[@Hoopyfrood345]

Do visit Orkney.....!! you went all that way..... and it's right there! Skara Brea, flushing toilets several thousand years before the romans turned up!! Bloomin romans what did they ever do for us?

[@kumasenlac5504]

They didn't visit Orkney, for one thing.

[@slowshop]

Great advice! Thank you

[@CraigPitts]

Thanks for watching

[@slowshop]

@@CraigPitts when this covid crap is under control we plan to take the old Land Rover and drive to Scotland. From Sweden

[@CraigPitts]

@@slowshop Sounds epic!

[@slowshop]

@@CraigPitts I have only been to Edinburgh area a few times and we love a good road trip. September-October should be better , tourist wise.

[@corstiaanbeeke459]

Great stuff! In two weeks I will drive the NC500 with a friend, in a Defender with a toproof tent. I read conflicting messages about whether wild camping is allowed. Do you know the current rules?

[@CraigPitts]

Wild camping is legal in Scotland just be considerate with it and you'll be fine, enjoy!

[@corstiaanbeeke459]

@@CraigPitts Thanks a lot!

[@junehall2177]

@@CraigPitts The SOAC specifically excludes vehicles.

[@wstevenson4913]

Good man, enjoyed that

[@CraigPitts]

Appreciate the comment mate, glad you liked it

[@BikingAdventuresandRoutesNI]

Great advice

[@CraigPitts]

Thank you, glad you liked it

[@CircleCRStudio]

Is this trip a good one to do in the fall? October?

[@CraigPitts]

@@CircleCRStudio yeah for sure! 👌🏼

[@SWR112]

If you stop the blocking of moving of the slider that might be a start sorry I stop and start my viewing and it kept jumping back to a point and it’s really annoying when you feel you have missed a bit and want to only go back 30 seconds. I did this route or many years before it became a thing and popular in summer. We used to have 17 Cars in our party for about seven years in a row from 2007 onwards. Sadly I don’t think you could do it now like that as it’s ruined a bit by its popularity. Ullapool to Durness for many years leaving at 8am you had the road to yourself and maybe pass three Cars.

[@DS-cf1zc]

Probably one of the most useful NC500 videos I have seen - your advice is sound, and you have clearly defined the right words for the infamous midge. Given that last year was clearly a nightmare for the people who live on the route, I have decided in the current circumstances not to run my camper around this year. I will probably run around it with the van in spring 2022 virus willing. I wished you had shown some of the images you did capture, as I intend to carry a few camera's with me.

[@CraigPitts]

Hey Dave thanks a lot for that, really appreciate it. I wanted to keep this video short and sweet but if you want to see some more footage and images from my trip you can find the NC500 playlist on my channel, it has all the vlogs plus a drone cinematic. Cheers 👍🏻

[@SkyeSpirit]

"Flying arseholes" hahaha. I live in the Highlands and that's such an appropriate name for our midges!

[@CraigPitts]

Haha literally everything about the Highlands I absolutely loved, but those things....😂

[@SkyeSpirit]

@@CraigPitts hahhaa I totally hear ya! The Highland Midge - ruining Scottish summers for thousands of years 🤣

[@CrossroadsCoffeeUK]

Great video!!

[@CraigPitts]

Thank you!

[@CrossroadsCoffeeUK]

@@CraigPitts I’m planning the trip for late spring early summer this year so this really helps!

[@CraigPitts]

@@CrossroadsCoffeeUK Enjoy it mate, it's an awesome experience

[@xOHSpraYzZz]

How much money do you reckon it would cost?

[@whatsmine7848]

The best advice I can give go with people who can get up early and don’t mind walking otherwise like me it turned into the north chase 500, chasing from one hotel to the next and seeing nothing but the inside of the hotel rooms, I’m going to try and do this again but nexts time I’m going it alone

[@DGT73]

KEEP LEFT on single track roads, DO NOT pull into a passing place on your right, this is very dangerous!! I’ve had people swing across me onto the wrong side of the road almost causing a head on collision, recently a chap in an E type did this to me near Altnaharra. KEEP LEFT!!

[@CraigPitts]

Common sense really and I doubt the people who'd do that will be reading the comment section on this video but thanks for venting 😂

[@DGT73]

@@CraigPitts oh you’d be surprised

[@JamalonOfficial]

We'd also say, don't wait until the Summer. Scotland in the Winter is beautiful, the roads are clear. You might have more chance of snow, wind and rain but Scotland looks its best with snow covered peaks and moody skies. You also can't guarantee the weather in the summer. A fair few attractions might be closed but if it'd good walks, nice drives and pubs you want, it could be Winter

[@Optimusisgod]

Could you do it all in a car and a tent?

[@CraigPitts]

For sure 👍🏻

[@Optimusisgod]

@@CraigPitts cheers for the swift reply mate, is it the sort of place you could pitch up anywhere or would you recommend booking camp sites?

[@CraigPitts]

@@Optimusisgod it gets real busy so I'd book in advance if I were you although we managed to get away with sleeping In car parks and lay-by's

[@Optimusisgod]

@@CraigPitts cheers again bud, lastly are there fuel stations dotted around?

[@CraigPitts]

@@Optimusisgod there's a few, we marked them on the map and made sure to top up if we needed to, though we did it in a car with good mpg so didn't need to top up at each station

[@venus127]

Oooh no. I was going to car camp in a Nissan X-Trail 😢😢

[@gavinhosie]

everyone please gen up on the highway code re single track roads

[@Kiltking]

It’s time to get rid of these single line roads. You probably still better on a horse 🐎 in some cases 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⚖️

[@weemt07biker74]

Tip for midges, Avon skin so soft lotion (if it still exists, they hate it)

[@CraigPitts]

Cheers, I'll be sure to find some for next time!

[@mac22011964]

Yep, still exists….best stuff ever….didn’t get one midge bight when we went in 2019. We spent 4 weeks and still felt we had only touched the surface of the west coast and highlands.

[@1974Slipper]

Perfect.

[@CraigPitts]

Thanks for watching!

[@ktclm0617]

So glad we did this (twice) a few years ago before the hype started. It will all be trashed by over use very, very shortly. What a tragedy.

[@alistairewen9558]

It's happened, I'm afraid, get your tackety boots and a backpack on, that's the way to do it, and it's pronounced as midgey.

[@Ukmongoose3]

You’re right Alistair, it was great up there in Melvich 30 years ago - bliss! I’ve just moved from the North Coast as there is too much singletrack to get clogged with campers and slow moving bikers. Heading for the Ullapool area now where the roads are bigger.

[@ryand141]

Thank KZbin.

[@mindfulinthescottishhighla7403]

I live on the route amazing place to live

[@Ukmongoose3]

I dont think you do, otherwise you’d be hopping mad. Unless you just got there that is 🙈

[@mindfulinthescottishhighla7403]

I’ve lived here for 5 years and compared to where I used to live this is nothing

[@Ukmongoose3]

This is a fairly standard reply from newcomers. Lots of folks came to live in our region who didnt know it before the tourists came and its not just the traffic that has changed. The whole ambience of the area has shifted which, of course will suit some and not others. But I do agree, it still a good place to live if you can handle the swift changes that are going on. We were surrounded by singletrack though and the campers and strings of slow motorcycles made travelling west or south very frustrating to the point we didnt bother most of the time. I;m currently looking to live back near Inverness...... no singletrack on the doorstep!

[@mindfulinthescottishhighla7403]

We have been coming up here for many years as my husbands mum was born in this area and still has a lot of family here he has visited the north west coast since he was a small boy… A mackenzie😊 It has changed a lot indeed But it’s such a beautiful area and we have always wanted to move here Yes the amount of campers etc can make travelling on these roads very testing Inverness is cool.

[@Ukmongoose3]

@@mindfulinthescottishhighla7403 We’re actually nipping up to view properties next week. Out in the sticks, but no further from Sneckie than 20 miles this time. Right up on the coast was actually really lovely, but as I say, the amount of traffic is now incongruous with the setting and just looks ridiculous, rather like a lot of folks driving to nowhere and its not the fast traffic thats the problem, it’s the slow moving vehicles with people ignorant, in the purest sense of the word, of how to behave in the North Highland Region. We are by York at the moment and I’d completely forgotten how much more aggressive the lifestyle is here - thats what the visitors bring with them and slowly the patient and friendly manners of the North will be swamped by the look after No 1 first mentality of the tourists. Just my prediction of course, what do I know... its simply a guess. Used to be fun finding other like minded individuals up there who had planned their own route. Its very indicative of how easily people are manipulated into doing things and having the whole route signed sealed and delivered has done just that and sold the idea to the masses. I use the word sold as the one of the men behind it is Clive Mills (as I remember from contact with the office years ago) and his background is in high octane retail marketing. He’s hell bent on selling the area to the entire world, believing that it will be a better place for the activity. Genie’s now out of the bottle and she’s no Barbara Eden! Have a nice day 🕉

[@BrendanMacNeillPhotography]

Don't shit on the beach, learn how a single-track road works, and don't cook your food in the loo in Dornoch (yes it's been witnessed).

[@BrkicM-motoandvideo]

I did NC500 on a 🏍️ but missed Skye. Sad story.... 🙋‍♂️🇭🇷

[@kumasenlac5504]

News just in - Skye is still there...

[@BrkicM-motoandvideo]

@@kumasenlac5504 I know, but I have cca. 2800 km

[@bertiewooster3326]

I just kip in my car anywhere pub car park council car park or even a driveway.I dump in the supermarkets or in the sea or in a Tesco bag for life then put in a bin or in a green bin when they are put out for collection.If a local tells you that you can't stay here just whisper the magic words to him and he'll go on his way.Enjoy

[@I-islam575]

I don’t like crowds

[@serenityinside1]

Definitely not for you then .

[@jackjackson7577]

Better on a motorbike.

[@davecooper3238]

I have not watched the whole video at this stage. So don’t know if killer potholes are mentioned. Many single with passing place roads around the north and west just aren’t fit for purpose. September 2020 I burst a tyre on the car so not a real problem but on the bike it could have proved expensive. The motor recovery and repair business apparently love the NC500.

[@kumasenlac5504]

@@davecooper3238 The nearest garage to the Bealach na Ba has a truck that just deals with punctures...

[@davecooper3238]

@@kumasenlac5504 I hope they do plenty of business. In my case a hole ripped out of the sidewall. Meant proceed to Inverness for a matching tyre.

[@mstphoto99]

The negative reaction from the locals have put us off of doing the NC500.

[@CraigPitts]

Don’t let the negative echo chamber of social media comments put you off, if you’re respectful, don’t leave a mess and contribute to the local economy, which I’m sure you would, I doubt you’ll be on the receiving end of any negativity. Ignore the comments, go and enjoy it :)

[@robertholme3526]

As soon as u said car . That’s it for me. Why on earth would you want to do in a car. Triumph street triple all day long

[@miketrevor7530]

Doing this on my tiger in 26 days!

[@bernaemckissack6298]

Fucking brilliant lol 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@atlasgrey]

1st doo, don't wear a baseball back to front

[@CraigPitts]

😴

[@atlasgrey]

@@CraigPitts are you tired

[@serenityinside1]

Looks tragic on Americans, and they invented this ‘ fashion travesty’. What’s his excuse ?!!!

[@ryand141]

I feel sorry for the people that live there now.

[@theDaveBaxter]

I thought this was a cycling video when I clicked on it.

[@stickyprickle]

I know! They did it in a car? And they were tired, ooh poor things - was it hard sitting in a car for five days ?

[@Pr0vost]

@@stickyprickle It’s not a competition.

[@davecooper3238]

@@stickyprickle Cyclists are often not the most respected users of the NC500. Many of them don’t know how passing places work. Or perhaps know but don’t give a monkeys for other road users. Some of the Lycra brigade give them a partially bad image.

[@stickyprickle]

@@davecooper3238 while I don’t doubt this is very true, please don’t tar us all with the same brush, many are respectful of and courteous to other road users and all are very vulnerable to fast moving metal. Some of us even hate Lycra! I’m sure the NC500 is going to be insanely busy with all sorts of users this year and I’m sure this video will be helpful to many that watch it. Hopefully leave not trace principles are adhered to by most.

[@davecooper3238]

@@stickyprickle Please read it again. I took care not to say all cyclists are the same. But sorry a good proportion give cyclists a bad name. On more than one occasion I have been on a section when a group coming the other way have just sailed through a passing place causing me to stop. Also last September on a single track section of the A890 heading heading west toward Lochcarron I caught up with a Lorca clad man & woman. They appeared to be on a mission. Did not pull over either for me or anyone coming the other way. I followed them for about a mile. Unlike them pulling in to let approaching vehicles pass. In the end I pulled into a gateway just to let them get ahead. Sorry to say if you wish a conversation with the locals just mention the word cyclists.

[@Baerchenization]

Jerry can! ;)

[@briangrogan2553]

That was grilling, not barbecue.

[@crazybaker1]

Come on mate 😀 I think you have milked Scotland now more on, go back to Wales it's cool 🍺🍺 laters

[@stickyprickle]

Car? It’s a bike trip!

[@davecooper3238]

It is not classed as a bike only route. A lot of the hotels, lodges & holiday cottages etc are priced to cater for the Range Rover brigade.

[@zinodays1007]

Remember, don't have your beer on the beach if you are driving, zero tolerance in Scotland for drink driving 👍

[@neilfagan1011]

Guys

[@charlieritchie5980]

If you go your welcome if you leave your shit behind you don't come back.

[@williambell8282]

Don't use redundant apostrophes

[@neilfagan1011]

Nice one gays

[@3991-m6u]

Just don't, overtourism has fucked it, made a theme park of an entire area and basically put the nail in the coffin of gaels and our culture.

[@junehall2177]

Yep, that's about it & don't forget shit* everywhere.

[@geoffreybrown162]

Great video, very informative and helpful but, oh! why are you wearing that silly cap. It I looks ridiculous and is so distracting.

[@CraigPitts]

Oh Geoffrey I do love it when you flirt, you rascal

[@geoffreybrown162]

@@CraigPitts At least the cap fits, but why do you choose to walk backwards?

[@DaveP668]

After 25 years visiting Scotland I'm happy to leave the NC500 to those who think thats all there is to see.

[@Ukmongoose3]

I used to live there, its ruined now.

[@junehall2177]

@@Ukmongoose3 I agree but what about residents who can't move & are stuck with this nightmare ?

[@Ukmongoose3]

@@junehall2177 Lots of my friends up there started businesses. Some like the increase in turnover, some don’t. On a purely subjective level, I moved there for the sublime peace and quiet and true community, quiet roads …. Empty roads. It was paradise. I could go on forever, but the genie is out of the bottle now. But you are right, some simply cannot move or even buy a house there now as first time buying locals are being priced out of the local market too.

[@christianaubourg3895]

Too much views of the Eilean Donan Castle kill Eilean Donan Castle... Highlands are another things because this castle is a crook... for tourists, of course!

[@AshHanks-nl5bn]

Just "dont"

[@chuck8058]

Cracking vid! Do take an external hard drive to download mountains of gopro footage. Don't believe the next blind corner will be free of sheep. It likely will but..... Do watch out for nutter local white van man. They ARE nutters. who on seeing 600bhp GTR's, will try to keep up. Scary. Don't piss off the locals. This is their home. respect it. Oh and take your shit away with you and/or bin it appropriately. Do enjoy the roads, put the power down where sensible. Don't put the power down passing houses/hamlets. DO ENJOY WHITHOUT DOUBT THE BEST ROADS AND SECENRY IN THE UK ( NC500 Vet)

[@kjohnstone6109]

U

[@serenityinside1]

Nice one- good point well made 👍

[@MobFit]

Starts Inverness ends there so you didn't do it 😂

[@donnyo65]

Don’t clog the route with your campervan! Do go on a bike .

[@ryand141]

Exactly. They're probably the so-called environmentalists as well.

[@markfisher4216]

Just had a thought, being a resident on the 500. Motorcyclists - are you ever sitting at home watching good TV and some inconsiderate, rude, immature? person in the room is annoyingly ruining your viewing...? Do you moan at them and tell them to shut their neck.. It is just the same for us when bikers speed along destroying the peace, thinking they alone have the road. Dos and don'ts? Bikers - Do stay away; Don't think we all love the noise of your motorbike.

[@TomBartram-b1c]

Do: Tour East Anglia Don't: Go to Scotland.

[@theoneandonlykk777]

😂😂

[@homeandfamilyservices2650]

A few more important Ds and Ds. (from someone living on the Route): NUMBER ONE.. for any tourist . Its not all about you! If you have never had the concept in your mind of I NEED TO RESPECT THOSE THAT LIVE ON THE ROUTE, then go to Cornwall .. or even further south... instead 2. It s NOT a race circuit. 3. Bike and car (boys/immature) racers. stay away. Grow up, if you can, then think about doing the route. 4. Motorhomes and camper vehicles etc.. dont try and hide your human waste/any waste where you park up. If you wish to act like an animal go and do 500 miles around a safari park and crap with the rhinos. 5. Dont make out you are helping local businesses and supporting us when you just get your food stuff and fill up your diesel from the big supermarkets, at the same time maintaining our little shops are to expensive. If your streaky bacon is 50p cheaper at Lidl then stay in their car park for your whole trip .. at least then you can go home saying how much you saved. 6. Do buy midge repellent and/or midge nets from that old lady in the little shop (In fact, buy all your stuff from her) But if it/they are a few p. cheaper on ebay and you feel an inner glow of smugness then perhaps spend the week instead at a seaside town where you can use that saving in the amusement arcades... 7. Motorbikes. Riders, dont make out you love the scenery, the peace and wildness etc etc when you make a god awful noise, wear a full face helmet and you love to burn up so you can get excitement which means you are always looking at the tarmac in front of you.. Fini.

[@serenityinside1]

..... and breathe. Ps : perhaps time you moved ?

[@andrewcottle5372]

Well said . Must be bicycle then . Would take six months. No seriously though you have one of the best countries on earth . We loved our 10 days up there . Such a big country too. We found loads to see and do and only did a small part of the nc 500. Will do skye next, hopefully.

[@TheMrjdw]

Number 8. You don’t own the nc500 and you’re not important. Know that.

[@junehall2177]

@@serenityinside1 Why should this person move because a private limited company inflicted this horror on innocent residents ? No consultation, consideration for residents, no contribution to any much needed facilities, just profit for NC500 Ltd. Do your research, you might be surprised the big name behind it all. And finally, there is shit* everywhere.

[@junehall2177]

@@TheMrjdw Nobody owns the NC500, they are just public roads taken over by a private company, it is not a theme park, although it feels like one. And as a resident this person is important, for a start their council tax is what is paying to clear up the shit*.

[@andybolam6639]

Excellent summary mate..thank you...

[@Sadie595]

Thank you so much, great tips! ❤

[@CraigPitts]

Thanks for watching, glad it helped!