VANLIFE - Scotland NC500 (Pt2) - You gotta see this to believe it!

Hi, welcome back for part 2 of our epic NC500 vanlife wild camping road trip through the Scottish Highlands and beyond.
In this episode, the weather continues to amaze and the roads remain empty.
We finally get to drive over the awesome Kylesku Bridge and hit the infamous Applecross Pass.
Although officially ending our own personal NC500 route via Fort William, we continue South down the West Coast to feast on more beautiful Scotland landscapes.
A final journey breaker stop off in the Peak District concludes this outstanding, once in a lifetime trip.
Follow us on Instagram - / our_van_tales
& Trekk Vans Instagram - / trekkvans

[@joules531]

Surprisingly quiet. Reminds me of my last trip around what is now called NC500, back in '84, when it was rare to see a vehicle, let alone a camper van. Thanks for sharing this.

[@OurVanTales]

Oh lucky you! Yes, I was very pleasantly surprised by how empty and vast the Highlands were on my trip ✌️

[@iainsutherland1113]

Great video(s) mate. I love it when people come to Scotland, enjoy themselves and speak so highly of the place. Be sure and come back some time ! Safe travels 😎

[@OurVanTales]

Thank you so much.....I'm already planning the return!

[@Clan501-Scotland]

Thanks for visiting and showcasing our country. Not a bad lad for an englishman I'll give you that 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@OurVanTales]

Haha, cheers fella!

[@pshearduk]

New subscriber here :) great videos... can't believe you didn't stop at the Applecross inn... the best langoustines (prawns) ever. Take it easy x

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers Paul, ahh, I think there’s a number of things I’ll add to the ‘next time’…👊🏼

[@sbdiaries]

This was a lovely video of the orsome part of your Scottish road trip 💚. We covered part of nc500 last year and Scotland is a wonderful part of the country thanks for sharing 👍 💚. Take care Simon and Beth 🙋💚

[@OurVanTales]

Thanks so much guys!

[@sylviapage8572]

Another great video. Fantastic photography. Thanks for sharing.

[@OurVanTales]

Thanks Sylvia 🙌

[@sarabooth-kilby6457]

Enjoying watching your videos as a newbie, such good shots of Scotland. We've just got back from renting a crafter for a few days and went to Glentress, Holy Island, Alnwick and Finchale Abbey. Never want to come home. My friend got married in castle Eilean Donan, th e Castle from the movie Highlander😊

[@OurVanTales]

Thanks Sara, We LOVE Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Glad you enjoyed your own van journey. Time to build your own? 🫶

[@farfromholmes3383]

We’ve loved watching your NC500 series! Amazing content!

[@OurVanTales]

Why thank you so much! 🙌

[@appleyardgardenwoodencraft8736]

The journey is Eye opening and the dub sound goes with the land scape 😊

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers 🙌

[@chris-cole]

.........just WOW 😮 every stop, every place, just the most amazing footage of the perfect vista. Breathtaking!!! Top class edit to put this amazing collection together ❤️

[@OurVanTales]

Appreciate that…🙌

[@chris-cole]

@OurVanTales got my sticker too so Thank You ❤️🙏

[@poppyk6182]

Great video and amazing drone shots too.

[@OurVanTales]

Thanks Poppy 🙌

[@heather333]

A van on Tonge Causesay is amazing, as is the seafood van at Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris.

[@OurVanTales]

We didn’t see the seafood van at Luskentyre Beach when we visited the Outer Hebrides unfortunately 😔

[@billyandleanne]

Insane part 2! It’s getting better and better, wicked video Andy ✌🏻🙏🏻

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers, really appreciate that lots 🙏🏻👊🏼

[@robert12011]

Loved this one. You really lucked in with the weather ! Great drone footage. Looking forward to the van tour. 😀

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers so much, yeah, that weather was amazing! 🙌

[@startaylor123]

Stunning 😍 👌🍾

[@OurVanTales]

Thank you 🥰🙌

[@Paws2Explore]

Sometimes You Tube throws up some amazing suggestions for me, your channel is one of them. I am loving your Scotland trip, now off to binge watch the others. We did Lewis, Harris & Skye last September and we had breakfast like you with such amazing views and the park ups were stunning. Loving your tunes 😄

[@OurVanTales]

Thank you so much! I will definitely be returning with Lyndsey to discover so much more of the Highlands and the Islands 🙌

[@garyjackson1012]

Great videos, I love your van, it’s fantastic, I am on my second sprinter got a 14 plate one with the eco mode on now, windrows in , carpeted, wood going in the ceiling , it’s a bit shabby chic which is what we wanted, I am a self employed plasterer to still needs to be a working van in the week, we are hoping to do the 500 at the end of may, been to Scotland quite a lot but never done the 500 areas. Great channel. Happy travels..👍

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers Gary 👊🏼 Aahhh, we love a Sprinter conversion! Best of luck & enjoy the 500 fella 🙌

[@garyjackson1012]

@@OurVanTales cheers, we will.. 👍

[@steviec8370]

Scotland is a wild beauty whatever the weather. Wonderfully unspoilt. Great video thank you

[@OurVanTales]

Isn't Scotland awesome.......Cheers so much!

[@adamtoutdoors6390]

Brilliant really enjoyed those 2 videos. Grwat work and it all looks stunning round there bud. Pure bliss ATB Adam 👍🏻👍🏻

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers Adam, top man!

[@Lyndsey1981]

Love this! Amazing footage, x

[@OurVanTales]

Thank you beautiful x

[@jswets5007]

The cameras are in the sky, similar to the one you get those amazing aerials with. Good choice in moving on. Great stuff, keep it coming!

[@OurVanTales]

Yeah, if doesn't feel right......Keep moving!

[@alfredschiess395]

lol...the guy in the Jag was saying Oh no!...it was perfect till this guy in a Mercedes Caravan comes along!....sorry had to laugh ,love your ride along made my Sunday morning with my coffee....Thank you I hope one day to see more of your beautiful Scotland

[@OurVanTales]

I make you right…..The perfect ‘bad timing’ for both of us on an empty road (I still blame him tho for hesitation)🙌

[@jamies_adventures]

Really enjoying your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers chap!

[@martync5945]

Did the NC500 for our honeymoon in 2017. This video has inspired us to return! Epic video 🤘

[@OurVanTales]

What an amazing idea for a honeymoon, so glad you’re inspired to go back! 🥰🙌

[@garyslater7600]

Great video thanks 😊

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers Gary

[@SteveAggasild]

Great video, love the van, looking forward to the van tour as starting to look for a van myself, cheers.

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers Steve, good luck with your van.....You won't regret it!

[@andywilson4483]

Awesome you really did score with the weather just discovered your channel yesterday and now watched all your videos. Looking foreword to whatever you do next from one Andy to another keep up the good work 👍.

[@OurVanTales]

Yeah, how amazing…an unforgettable trip made even more magical by the warm sunshine. So lucky & thank you! ✌️

[@taffsdestination2369]

Hi Andy great video the cinema scenery was amazing them views wowstunning buddy. 🤘🤘🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers so much!

[@CampervanTravelsInDora]

Brilliant editing, looks proper professional. Well done you must be pleased 😍

[@OurVanTales]

Ahh, thank you so much, I had a blast & love having the clogs to remind me 🙌

[@ibexlodge213]

that was brilliant :) cracking road trip, nicely put together :)

[@OurVanTales]

Ahh Cheers, that means a lot......Thank you!

[@nbt74]

what an amazing place, cant wait to do the NC500.

[@OurVanTales]

It's truly out of this world....You won't be disappointed!

[@DS-cf1zc]

Agree re 110 landrover turning circle..🤣 Also mobile comfy couch drivers (aka Jag owners), yep clearly missed his cue there. And as for the mobile breakfast provision - I am so grateful for the diverse number of people, who make our wonderful country what it is.

[@OurVanTales]

Loved my Defender but that ridiculous turning circle! 😬

[@stephenward4537]

What a great part 2 !! Looking forward to hitting the NC500 myself at some point 👍 Bring on the van tour 😊

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers Stephen, it really is out of this world….Such an amazing experience. See you Sunday for the tour video 🙌

[@richardwilkinson4419]

Don't forget to pack your brains

[@paulbamber165]

Brilliant video, just finished my own van conversion, hoping to do the nc500 next year, hopefully get the same weather, 👍

[@OurVanTales]

Oh mate, you gotta do it, it’s crazy beautiful….Good luck! 👊🏼

[@poncho6784]

That was awesome! I live in the very middle of the US and am building my own Sprinter van. Your video was quite inspiring for me to get it done and hit the road.

[@OurVanTales]

That's amazing....Thank you so much & good luck with the van build!

[@robsonrw7]

Nice.

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers chap! 🙌

[@BenHikesOutdoors]

Beautiful scenes

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers fella 👊🏼

[@Lee-dd7dh]

Loving these videos guys. Only just found you’s keep it up 👍🏻

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers Lee, good to have you onboard mate 👊🏼

[@TimmysFavs]

Thanks really enjoyed watching your video and you were certainly fortunate with the weather 👍

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers Tim, I had an amazing experience and that weather was just perfect!

[@TimmysFavs]

@@OurVanTales How is the current diesel situation in Scotland?

[@OurVanTales]

@@TimmysFavs Well I've just got back down South but it was OK whilst I was there. No shortage and I didn't pay over £1.75 even at the rural stops.

[@TimmysFavs]

@@OurVanTales Thank you very much for the fuel update.

[@briansweetnam707]

Great drone footage 😉

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers Brian....

[@urbanarkoverland]

Awesome stuff mate 👊🏻

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers so much!

[@vanishvanlife]

Mate, some of the shots you got on this trip are just beautiful. As a camera guy myself, I know just how pleased with them shots you must be haha some absolutely stunning views man, well done.

[@OurVanTales]

Hey mate, thank you 🙏🏻. Yeah, I’m relatively new to video instead of photography so very pleased and really enjoyed picking up a different type of camera 👊🏼

[@andydtkd]

The view going over the top of the Bealach na ba, towards Applecross is spectacular.. Shame you were going in the opposite direction. Good excuse to come back again and drive the NC clockwise. Greetings from Inverness : )

[@OurVanTales]

I’ve a good mind to do that. There were so many amazing images in my rear view & side mirrors! 🙌

[@Mark-rc1gj]

Oh man I’m buzzing after watching that, I’m off Thursday to do the nc 🚐🤙🏻

[@OurVanTales]

Lucky you…..Have a blast man! 🙌

[@gordonmculloch4904]

The music @ 7:50 is just perfect. 👍

[@OurVanTales]

Glad you like it too 🙌

[@paullawrence8572]

New to you channel, great vid! Just subbed.👌👍

[@OurVanTales]

Top man….Welcome on board fella! 👊🏼

[@philipevans1027]

Amazing trip m8, do a tour of wales probably just as amazing. .

[@OurVanTales]

Yeah, cheers, I make you right mate, we plan to see a lot more of Wales in the New Year 👊🏼

[@garyrobinson4847]

Thank you both 😃🤙 love your conversion… watched a few of your posts thanks again,such a shame when when your restricted buy hight barriers and all the other shit being put in peoples way preventing them from reconnecting with nature… why..?in the seventies everywhere was free.. wtf has changed 😩

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers Gary mate, appreciate it 🥰🙌

[@twoeyedbob]

Next time you’re up Stop over at cuil bay Draw a straight line between Oban and fort William and it’s right in the middle One of Our favourite stops 😊 Roughly 3hrs from home

[@OurVanTales]

Top tip, thank you, we'll do that!

[@BenHikesOutdoors]

Subscribed!! 👍🏼

[@OurVanTales]

Wicked….🙌

[@MrElveys]

Loving the videos. Scotland has some truly stunning places, just a shame it's so far from the South East! Looking forward to the van tour, we are trying to resist upsizing to a bigger van but you're not helping!

[@OurVanTales]

Hahaha, get the BIGGER van, get the BIGGER van!

[@shanemckay768]

Mate, I live in Australia. Been to Scotland 4 times. I’ve driven further in a day just to go to work. Just do it, you will not regret it. Gods country or whatever deity you believe in.

[@neilanderson841]

John lengthorn 'SOME' ??!. DOES NOT DO STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL BONNIE SCOTLAND JUSTICE👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. WELL WORTH THE LANG JOURNEY

[@williamclark3572]

Thank you such great footage. Can you tell what drone you have?

[@spectacularscotland]

I see you ended up at Elphin Bothy, stunning

[@OurVanTales]

Glad you said that......I've looked it up & now I know where I was. I forgot to write that one down. Thank you!

[@tonyadeney1245]

lovely vid well done - sound output bit low for older computers - scenery as beautiful anywhere in the world ...

[@OurVanTales]

Thank you Tony!

[@goingmouch3753]

Sweet as….absolutely gorgeous

[@OurVanTales]

Thank you!

[@cathrivers8040]

You need to visit Shetland Island

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers Cath, we’ll be back for more….For sure! ✌️

[@123marlo]

Again no lake its a Loch and the Bridge you spoke about that’s where they trained the Commando’s during the Second World War in the small two and three seated submarine’s and there’s a big Plaque at lay-by at the bridge and the Castle is my Clan place of the Mackenzie’s but your right about the busy towns I hate them peace be with you and your travels.

[@OurVanTales]

🤭 Oops..cheers fella 👊🏼

[@alangoffin3599]

Really enjoyed these2 videos many thanks I have subscribed will watch the van tour later. Can I ask your opinion regarding if you think it would be possible to tow one of the Eriba small retro caravans round the NC500 ? Regards Alan

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers Alan 🙌 I’d say that most of the route is do-able whilst towing a small caravan. I guess the stress levels would be heightened the busier the season. You’d be in & out of so many passing places round the North West and in convoy, it might drive you a little crazy 🤷‍♂️ Also, bare in mind other less skilled drivers in hired MoHo’s will make your life more frustrating on the narrow sections 🤪😉 It was so quiet in March, you’d have been ok but from pics & vids I’ve seen mid Summer, it maybe less enjoyable towing in certain sections. Are there any feeds regarding this on-line? I’m interested now to hear from a towing perspective from those who’ve done it 🙌👌

[@alangoffin3599]

Will probably do it on the bike first however I will ask the question in Eriba folk site 👍

[@frogfoot6218]

love the vid..awesome place to be... can i ask where you got the camper from .?

[@OurVanTales]

We had an empty panel van converted into our camper by Trekk Vans in Carlisle 🙌

[@rosemaryshepherdsmith5110]

Great vid, if I may, can ask what make your rig is and is it 4 wheel drive. Thankyou

[@OurVanTales]

Thank you! It’s a Mercedes Sprinter 314CDI and it’s 2X front wheel 💪🙌

[@deanwright545]

Hi mate great video and van. What size wheels and tyres do you have on it 👍

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers fella, 245/65R17 with no rub what so ever 👊🏼

[@ted606]

You’ve just lived my absolute dream, the NC500 in the sunshine, cruising at your own pace… I need a van 😂 Just found your videos, great content, keep it up! I’ve subscribed ✊🏻

[@OurVanTales]

Awesome, welcome onboard Ted! 🙌

[@nightguy75]

You drove past my build site 😀

[@OurVanTales]

Ha, where was that mate?

[@nightguy75]

@@OurVanTales just out of Shieldaig on the coast road. Before the red roofed cottage.

[@Thefarrar46]

Lovely video. What drone do you use and camera

[@OurVanTales]

Thank you so much….We have a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone and Sony A7c camera 👌

[@rickfranke4886]

We want to do the 500 next week, how is the wild camp options? We travel with a rtt btw and 3 kids. How did you plan your trip or did you use a based route?

[@OurVanTales]

Lucky you guys, you’ll have an awesome time. I didn’t plan any of it, I just knew I’d start in Inverness & go round anti-clockwise. I absolutely loved it. Wild camping was ok although there was the typical ‘no overnight’ signs more than I expected. A data signal was pretty weak in some of the more isolated spots but generally ok. There are a number of campsites too if you come unstuck and a spattering of fuel pumps to keep you topped up. I do plan to go again with Lyndsey so I was happy to except missing out on a few obvious sights coz I want that buzz again! Have a blast! 🙌

[@peten4043]

Great video (both episodes)…. What drone do you have?

[@OurVanTales]

Thank you so much. I have a DJI mavic pro 2

[@peten4043]

@@OurVanTales thanks… 👍🏻 we did the NC500 a couple of years ago and have been craving going back since

[@mariahockin6272]

Hi Have only just seen your vlog. How old is your van and any chance of a mini tour inside of it? Thanx Maria

[@OurVanTales]

Hi Maria, you’re in luck….There’s a van tour video this coming Sunday 🙌

[@vintagecasual7185]

Loving the vids, please please could you possibly tell me the music you used /artist /songs for this video. They have to go onto my playlist. Thank you. Stay safe

[@lizcampbell2354]

was thinking exactly same ,music fab

[@OurVanTales]

Sorry, your request is not forgotten, I need to go back to my original edit & see what tracks I used (they are all from Epidemic Sounds) 👊🏼

[@MACKCATHY]

Hi mate, great channel 👍 what time of year did you do this trip please 🙏 cheers.

[@OurVanTales]

It was only a few weeks back….Mid March, I deffo lucked out with the weather tho right? 🙌

[@MACKCATHY]

@@OurVanTales ah cool...more about it being not to busy than the weather, we're not people, people....😂😂👊

[@lesleyshuker5859]

There ia a lot of resentment from locals re large vebicles driving this route

[@OurVanTales]

I didn’t come across anything but positivity & kindness 🫶

[@ontheadventuretrails-scotl9389]

Stop what you’re doing and get back up there.. there’s so much you’ve missed!! :-)

[@OurVanTales]

Yeah, I had to save some of the good bits for my return with the other half 😉🙌

[@Stescaff]

What time of year was this ? Thanks.

[@OurVanTales]

It was literally a couple of weeks ago....I just lucked out on the best bit of March. Pure bliss

[@richard1268]

Beautiful country, totally crap weather, prepare to get wet or freeze to death.

[@OurVanTales]

I did expect all 4 seasons every day….I just totally lucked out for sure 👊🏼

[@adrianrowan5037]

Brill mate aidy fae Kilmarnock

[@OurVanTales]

Cheers chap 👊🏼

[@frankiez7414]

to me the whole point of being there is not to have a signal

[@OurVanTales]

I’m happy with no signal too but there are times that work on the road requires it…..It does make me laugh tho when I see Motor Homers with their big TV’s - I mean why? 🤪😜🙌

[@sutivu9112]

Can't help but notice the bit of dust on your mirror on your camera..quite a few videos are like this. Think you need to take the lens off and give it a dust and a air blow

[@OurVanTales]

Haha yeah it drives me mad and I keep thinking it each time I do an edit! Thanks for the reminder 👍 (bet I still forget to do it 🤣)

[@sutivu9112]

@@OurVanTales most likely hahaha There's a little mirrorless cleaning kit from amazon you can buy. It's like £20 and honestly it's the best stuff ever. If you do what I do and do forget then when your order comes in from amazon you can do it that same day ! Forgetfull minds think alike 🤣

[@swven]

Haha i saw you man but was i wondering if it really was you

[@OurVanTales]

Haha, where was that, in Scotland?

[@swven]

@@OurVanTales yeh man. I'm from scotland I was doing the NC500 also

[@OurVanTales]

Got lucky with the weather didn't we? Amazing......Hope you had an awesome time too!

[@swven]

@@OurVanTales thanks man!

[@twoeyedbob]

Loch…it’s a loch Not a lake 😉

[@OurVanTales]

Hahaha 🤣 I Know, I know, I just got too excited! 🙌

[@JB-cb8fx]

Is you’re van 4x4

[@OurVanTales]

Nah, it’s 2x wheel (front) drive. It does pretty good tho, we chuck it thru all sorts! 👊🏼

[@markw1915]

For those of us that live on, or near the NC500, the past few years have become a nightmare for so many reasons, higher prices, more road restrictions, more sh1t left behind, less carparking, less food in the small local shops esp in summer. I could go on and on but most reading this don't live up here, and therefore dont have to suffer any of this, or care.. most think its fantastic and great publicity for Scotland, were you not aware of Scotland before KZbinrs came and blocked the roads and left rubbish? Some clean up after them I agree, but its the majority that don't, and not just from the UK, a lot come from Europe. So just because you might not see it in your two week trip doesn't mean it doesn't happen, it does, and way more than you think or want to admit. Some of us live up here all year round, so thanks for the higher prices in the shops, and thanks for the lack of parking locally. There's a bigger picture than that one out of your front window, but most VanLifers are too focusd on likes, subs, clicks n views to see the impact they have made over the years, two weeks of the NC500 is hardly going to give you the same views as those that live on or near the NC500 is it. You can choose to leave if the weather turns or you have a bad experience or dont like it for XYZ reasons, and some of us live up here and see a totally different place, even in just the past 10yrs. To busy living the algorithm to see the truth. Moaning at someone for 'simply driving past' and ruining your vlog is exactly that selfish frame of mind I'm on about. Bigger picture matey, there's a way bigger picture than most of you KZbinrs will ever see.

[@OurVanTales]

Mark, not being facetious, but this sounds like a really great idea for a video....Why don't you make it mate? Might be good catharsis for you. If not, I can certainly recommend breath work, now that really is beautiful. BIG love fella!

[@123marlo]

A load of rubbish about overnights in Scotland they can’t stop you full stop .

[@OurVanTales]

👍

[@adrianrowan5037]

Hi mate park anywhere you want in Scotland wee are the land of freedom if there are cameras in a lay-bys or car parks that have nothing to do with the council stay where you want just don’t pay a fine if you get one in Scotland even if you get a fine in a town fight your case tell them at least dick Turpin put a mask on when he robbed folks anyway mate go on to KZbin Scotland the land of free parking gypies do it all the time

[@johnboy4067]

I always preferred to leave the wife at home and just take the dog and spend weeks away without pointless conversations , nagging and disobeying me , in fact I loved it so much I never returned, enjoy your freedom

[@OurVanTales]

Hahaha 🤣 That’s hilarious 😉👊🏼

[@craiglonie1122]

You missed it you missed the whole country you should have read the book what happened to Ullapool sky Oban Crainlarach Loch Lomond the green welly stop Glenshee Aviemore when did Dumfries and Galloway become part of the NC 500 my god so many places missed

[@OurVanTales]

Hahaha No Craig, I think YOU missed the point mate. You certainly didn’t read the intro info did you eh? Naughty boy but thanks for the ‘expert’ advice, you’re hilarious. Now get back to making your own amazing videos 🤣

[@quantumskyline]

The dirty mark on your main camera lens was driving me insane lol. Kept trying to clean my tablet screen 😄. Glad you enjoyed your visit

[@OurVanTales]

That is hilarious 🤣 It’s been driving me potty too…every time I edit I tell myself to clean the blinkin sensor on the camera (then I forget) Soz 😉🙌