Scottish Highlands - NC500 - ROAD TRIP OF A LIFTIME!!

I finally made it to the Scottish Highlands after 25 years of waiting - and drove the NC500. This is the 500 mile journey around the highlands. I also managed to spend time in the Isle of Skye as well. It was a dream come true. And definitely a road trip of a lifetime. Now that I've done it once, all I want to do is go back.
For more fabulous footage about the Highlands:
Glenmorangie Distillery: • Glenmorangie Distiller...
Lighthouse Stevensons: • BBC The Lighthouse Ste...
Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve: • Introduction to the ic...
The Tigers of Scotland: • Video
00:00 Introduction to NC500
01:11 Glenmorangie Distillery
01:54 Dunrobin Castle
03:39 Hill O'Many Stanes
04:36 John O'Groates
05:28 Dunnet Head
07:23 Scrabster Harbour
07:48 Applecross Pass
08:47 Smoo Caves
10:33 NC500 Scenery
12:34 Scottish Cows!!!
13:22 Ullapool
14:48 Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve
16:32 Rare animals of Highlands
19:05 Portree, Isle of Skye
20:01 Old Man of Storr
21:51 Fairy Glen
22:54 Back Home ... closing words
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Music: Epidemic Sound
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Thank you to these creators for also helping me make this video:
Big Bang Theory: "Sarcasm?" - Jim Parsons
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1931): Frederic March
Saturday Night Live: RuPaul
Outlander: Andrew Gower (Bonnie Prince Charles)
The Wicker Man (1973)
Prometheus (2012): Noomi Rapace
Snow White and the Huntsmen (2012): Kristen Stewart
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#nc500 #scotland #scottishhighlands #drivingnc500 #travelnc500 #tipsnc 500 #whattodonc500 #planningnc500 #ilovescotland #highlands #midgebites #ullapool #beignneighe #johnogroates #dunnethead #lighthousescotland #stevensonlighthouse #drivinghighlands #campinghighlands #campingnc500 #nc500scotland #nc500roadtrip #nc500highlights #nc500scotlandroadtrip #nc500drive #highlandsscotland #travelnc500 #campingnc500 #wildcampingnc500 #carcamping nc500 #bestroadstripsinuk #bestroadtripsinworld #scottishhighlandstravel #vanlifeuk2022 #nc500roadtripvlog #vanlifeukscotland #nc500itinerary6days #scotlandtravelfilm #scottish highlands travel vlog #northcoast500grandtour #roadtripvlog #isleofskye

[@caveben3523]

I have having an anxious day and this really cheered me up. Great choice of music and photography. You have a soothing voice too. Thanks for sharing.

[@RenLuuk]

Awwww you’ve made my day. Thanks so much for commenting on the music. I spend a lot of time picking the right ones … have a lovely day x

[@alexmctear5420]

I loved every minute of your video, and bookmarked for more of you uplifting Vlogs

[@RenLuuk]

Yay! Thank you! 🙏

[@carolynivanoff3375]

Fabulous Karen! So lucky to be your friend, although thousands of miles away.

[@RenLuuk]

You got that right!!!

[@heidihasler2946]

I start the NC500 tomorrow, drove from Exeter to Glasgow today. Can’t wait to see amazing scenery and have time to reflect on my own. Thank you for a not over done blog!

[@RenLuuk]

Fantastic! I’m planning outer Hebrides later this summer … or September … have a fabulous time. Take time for that important reflection. I truly believe nature is the greatest healer 🙏

[@heidihasler2946]

@@RenLuuk Thank you!

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

I did the NC two years ago in the middle of winter, I loved having it all to myself, it looks very different in the summer. I stayed overnight at Dunnet Head ( in a motorhome) and went over Applecross Pass, I was going to stay at the top park but as it was snowing I thought better of it, didn't want to get trapped there. It seems like you enjoy solitude as much as I do! Great video, really loved some of the drone shots.

[@gabbymcclymont3563]

At least you were off the road when doing a selfie. I was traveling southon the M6 in the Lake District a bend was coming upa lorry was on the slow lane so we could not see why it suddenly swerved, luckly we did not det squished. A family had PARKED on the slow lane and were taking selfies with the stuuin views. God knows how we are alive.

[@RenLuuk]

That is absolutely awful!!! Some people have no common sense.

[@madisonjones6123]

I'm thrilled to be watching your videos on my screen again. You captured some incredible landscapes! Now I'm feeling very inspired... I just want to jump in my car and drive up there right now! Thanks so much for sharing your experience. You're also incredibly brave for doing this solo. Great job 😄

[@RenLuuk]

Thanks so much! Now YOU have inspired me to get back in my car and explore more of the world … 🥰 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🚙 💨

[@VioletHenning]

Simply beautiful and it feels like i was there with you almost. You may now hang your hat with the filmakers of this world and start your own series for National Geographic. Laughed so loud at the selfies, as i know whats going on there.... You are adoreable! Welldone Ren this is one of the best videos i have watched in months! On any platform.

[@RenLuuk]

You are such a sweetie. So glad you enjoyed the trip with me though. If only through the video. Learned a lot from you, my friend 🥰 always there for editing support 🎥 🎞 ✂️

[@slydermartin6008]

First time viewer....LONG time lover of Scotland! Have been from Inverness to John-O-Groats....Inverness to Ullapool via Kyle Lochalsh (and All Of Skye!!! Saw the Neist Point Lighthouse in the video). Was there in September and my only disagreement.....More Time! Over the years I've cut out more time.....well....because I can. If possible for anyone visiting Skye, North Coast, Speyside.....anywhere in Scotland, slow down and look around where you are. There Is So Much in just a small area of Scotland. If you can take your time. Have been visiting Scotland for over 50 years. Have travelled the World Over. Scotland is the ONLY place I return to again and again. Judging you???? All kinds of people have all kinds of opinions about all kinds of things. There I fixed it!

[@RenLuuk]

And me!!! I see so many great videos on Scotland - almost every day. Definitely something about that place ....

[@gabbymcclymont3563]

As a kid we woild go to Scrabster, yep very fresh produce, i remember live crabs in the boot.

[@RenLuuk]

What an amazing place. Really want to get back to the highlands ....

[@SantosChronicles]

That single road would scare me. The cave is like from the movies like Goonies. I love piranhas, I use to have 5 of them. Glad you got away from work. Those cows look like something from a fairy tail. Car and by foot. You got around ok this trip. The view is breath taking for sure. I felt I road a long with you on this trip. You got so much good footage and I bet you had hours of footage. Every where you look it is like a postcard. This was 24 min but felt like a 5 min video. I love Prometheus! Great job again Karen!

[@RenLuuk]

You had piranhas!!! Wow!! I love hearing surprising things about people I thought I knew! 😅. Yes, the roads were scary in a couple of spots. But believe it or not - the cows were the most scary. They were so big and right their horns. And they were RIGHT THERE. I got out of my car for the shots - the lengths we go to for KZbin. Feels good to be back ❤

[@HandsFullHeartFull]

How did I miss this amazing road trip?!!!? What an incredible experience! We have been missing you on KZbin, hope everything is going well for you my friend 😀

[@RenLuuk]

You're the best! Sadly, have had to move on to other sorts of things ... for a while ... do plan on coming back. Hope you and the family are doing well x

[@delskioffskinov]

I must say that the quality of your editing and music has really suprised me! Stellar production!

[@RenLuuk]

Surprised you because I’m an old lady?? 😂 (kidding) I actually love editing - something I never knew until I started KZbin. And I used to be a musician. So I put a lot of time into picking just the right music …. Thanks so much for your kind words. It encourages me to get back at editing the 20 or so videos that are waiting for me. Just need more time … 🙏🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@adrianrowan5037]

Absolutely brilliant aidy fae Kilmarnock

[@RenLuuk]

Thanks so much x

[@adrianrowan5037]

Brill lass

[@bradandamy]

"Every motorist is judging me" - this is how I always feel while vlogging! Karen, this vlog makes me so happy. I've missed your videos and this one is so close to my heart. One of these days we'll get back to the Highlands, it's a magical place. I really like all the info you sprinkled throughout the video. Wow you went wayyy far north into the Highlands! Absolutely gorgeous. Love the drone footage, too. The views are amazing. And of course I love your music choices, as always! Oh no, the midges... but what a clever name for a restaurant. I really appreciate what you said about a 'bucket list'. Thank you for taking us along with you on this amazing adventure!❤

[@RenLuuk]

I really don’t feel I have done a video unless you comment 😂 no pressure. I thought of you guys so much when I was doing my travels. I know how much you would love it. Maybe not the driving bit as much …. I think you and I share the feeling that part of our hearts are in Scotland. I have no idea why … maybe time to do an ancestry search on my UK half of my background … and yes - went very north. But hoping to go more north. Maybe on my bicycle … 🚴‍♀️ 💨

[@RenLuuk]

Oh yes - and thank you for mentioning the music. Takes an age to pick the right one (as you well know!!). Much love from Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@bradandamy]

@@RenLuuk Awww you're the sweetest! We're flattered that you thought of us. As long as Brad was driving, I'd be ok! I would love to find some Scottish roots in my family history.

[@bradandamy]

@@RenLuuk Yes the music is always the biggest decision, isn't it?

[@liedyMc]

I’ll have to come back to watch the whole video Ren , it looks so interesting and beautiful :)

[@RenLuuk]

Hey Liedy! Lovely to hear from you. It was an amazing road trip for sure. Hope you are doing well x

[@KodaGSD-uf3hg]

Thank you I traced my family to where we came from the Highlands much prettier than Rhode Island enjoy your a warrior princess

[@RenLuuk]

You have literally made my day! 🥰

[@debbi229]

❤❤❤This was amazing! I felt like I went too 😊

[@RenLuuk]

Maybe one day you can … after you visit me 🥰

[@anthonybrice3807]

I love your video

[@RenLuuk]

Thanks so much 🙏🥰 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ChristopherAlbone]

Great to see you back on the screen, Karen. That looked like such an amazing adventure (on your own too!) and was brilliantly documented. The boys got to Scotland this year. I have barely made it out of town this year.

[@RenLuuk]

Awww Chris 🥰 so lovely to hear from you. I feel I have lost my KZbin family over the last six months. So great to hear from you 😍 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ChristopherAlbone]

It was great to see you back on. I felt the same. I am planning to get back into it but the longer you are out of it the harder it gets. There is stuff coming but i need to make it happen. Is lovely to be chatting again

[@RenLuuk]

Are you a professional videographer now?? Your wedding video is lovely ❤

[@ChristopherAlbone]

No. Am the same me but I did get asked to film that wedding off the back of them seeing my brother’s wedding. And me and my gear have come on since then. Will PM you.

[@bartel-shop]

Great video

[@SantosChronicles]

It’s my lucky day, a film by Karen Luuk. Way to show up and show amazing story telling. You took a long break and now showing off all your Final Cut Pro skills. This had to be a beast to edit. The castle looked like Brice Waynes house. You had perfect filming weather! The map transitions so good. Seriously this is one of the top videos I have seen this whole year - no joke. The pacing is so good and you gave great history on each place.

[@RenLuuk]

Carl!! I have been so remiss in watching any KZbin vids. And to see you commenting on mine is so so kind 🥺 I definitely do not deserve your lovely words - but you know it makes my day to hear from you. And yes - it did take a bit of time to edit 😂

[@annig5052]

Just found your channel, not sure why I haven’t found it before now ! Great info and well edited.

[@RenLuuk]

Thanks so much!! I love doing it - just need more time … 🥰🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@temptallure]

This is very nice clips you made hun thumbs up hun 💕💕💕

[@RenLuuk]

Thanks so much!! 🙏🥰🎄

[@duneideann9241]

The Callanish stones on the Isle of Lewis are 2,000 yrs older than Stonehenge

[@RenLuuk]

Wow! I definitely need to add that to my list for my next visit. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🚙 💨

[@raibeart1955]

It is no surprise to me that you think that the Landscape reminds you of Canada we were apparently conjoined at one point according to microfossils found in only two places on the planet, If memory serves me right it is Scotland and Newfoundland. I hope we treated you well. Haste ye back. Rab

[@RenLuuk]

Very true!!

[@anndilkes3653]

Fabulous video. I have wanted to do the NC 500 for many years but somehow haven’t managed to fit it in. Want to do it before I die! I’m an 82 yr. old woman, an avid walker with Cardiff Ramblers so am relatively fit. I lived in the Middle East for ten years. My husband died 10 years ago but I have travelled widely, Nepal, Bhutan, India, China, America, Canada etc. lots of walking in this country, also Spain, Italy, Portugal & France. I travelled a lot on my own but I did have one good companion who might have done the NC 500 with me but sadly she died a few years ago. A bit nervous but am thinking about doing it on my own. Flying to Inverness, hiring a car. Ideally I would like to hire a camper van but haven’t got the courage of driving such a large vehicle. Was wondering where you stayed - did you have a camper van or did you stay places along the way? Any useful info would be greatly appreciated. Am looking forward to you doing the rest of the NC500! Best wishes, Ann

[@sukottora]

(7:38 Pist.. that's not Scrabster Harbour, that is Mallaig, about 200 miles to the southeast of Scrabster ;) )

[@RenLuuk]

Is that right? I actually didn’t realise that. I know I DID mix up two of my harbour towns - but noticed after I posted them. Hope you forgive me. Poetic licence?? 🙏 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@sukottora]

@@RenLuuk You are excused. Mallaig is much prettier anyway.

[@MrHighlander666]

If you really want to see the 'Stonehenge of Scotland', The Callanish Standing Stones are the real deal.

[@RenLuuk]

Yes!! I learned this after my trip! I must have known Scotland would do something a bit more grand with stones. Thanks so much for watching 🙏 😍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@kevincardle5587]

Also on another note, Callanish stones are older than Stone Henge and you can get right up to them, touch them, unlike Stone Henge, Harris & Lewis is a stunningly beautiful island

[@RenLuuk]

When I moved to Scotland in 1996, I wanted to visit the Highlands. It took me 25 years to make it. And it was everything I had thought it would be. What do you want to do in life that you’ve been putting off??

[@lorddaver5729]

Why didn't you cross the Bealach na Ba - the Pass of the Cattle - at Applecross? The most spectacular part of the NC500.

[@S-series1977]

Nice video 😮😮😅😊😊😊

[@RenLuuk]

Thank you so much 😀

[@SorgiStories]

First spot to go? A place for alcohol. Lol But seriously…just nuts. And if you aren’t impressed by castles anymore, you have been blessed to see fantastic ones! Fresh seafood? I’m in. Ok, those views are soooo ridonkulous. I’m seriously reminded of driving the roads and highways of Oahu. VERY similar…if warmer. Wait…my college mascot is Scottish? Iggy the Golden Eagle? Darn skeeters. Oh, that lush green, over…and over…and over. And the best overheads may have come from the simplest reason why it happened. Try because you can. To be alive. YES.

[@RenLuuk]

Awwww you lovely!!! I have been away from KZbin and the Sorgi sagas for six months. Time to get stuck in (as they say over here) and do a huge catch up. Hope you and lovely boy are doing well 🥰

[@SorgiStories]

@@RenLuuk We are! We’ve taken a vlog break. Life stuff. Not bad stuff, just a lot of stuff.

[@RenLuuk]

Me too! Been so busy. But feels good to be back 😊

[@johngraham5996]

why did you show the applecross summit and then go to smoo caves? it looks like they are on the same stretch of road which of course they are not! beautiful scenery though, is'nt it 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@RenLuuk]

Ah, you caught me. Suppose it’s called “poetic licence”. I decided to talk about driving on the roads in that segment and put apple cross pass in there. I knew it was out of order but figured it worked for the story telling aspect. But! I did actually make a genuine mistake in showing some of the village shots. Only noticed after it was posted. I guess I’m not a true documentary maker after all 😂 but thanks for commenting and watching the vid 🙏♥️ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🚗 💨

[@virtualquranlearning4434]

I recommend you to visit Northern areas of pakistan. Its most diverse and scenic for vloging. Alot cheaper also

[@RenLuuk]

I would love to go to Pakistan. I have many Pakistan friends and they all say the same thing! 🥰🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@virtualquranlearning4434]

You are always welcome honey...if plan do notify me..maybe I could help arrange the trip

[@MsHighpeaks]

Did you have any problems with midges?

[@RenLuuk]

I did and I didn't. It was pleasantly windy most of the time. So no midges. But if it stopped being windy - out they came. They love the evening twilight hour. Just as I was going to settle down for the night, would go outside to sit with a glass of wine ... and ... then clouds of midges would descend. I had skin so soft and midge spray - and a midge hat that went over the face. But impossible to eat or drink outside obviously. And they get everywhere - so opening the car door to get away from them was a challenge. They are so so tiny and travel in groups of millions x

[@MUSIC-STARSIX]

Beautiful Channel my dear new friend I Subscribed ♻️💕

[@RenLuuk]

Thanks so much 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙏🥰

[@annig5052]

Ps can you let me know the title to the opening music please ?

[@RenLuuk]

It’s called “As Loch Awe Weeps”. The group is called Deskant. I pay a subscription to Epidemic Sound that provided this music. don’t know where else you can find the music. Sometimes artists have their music elsewhere, though. 🎶 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@annig5052]

Thanks a lot .. I found it on Spotify 👍

[@bernaemckissack6298]

Welsh irish American whisky is fake not the real Mcoy💯☑️🙃😜👌💨💨💨

[@RenLuuk]

I totally get that! BUT! Penderyn has been distilling whiskey since the 1800’s. So I am going to give them some credibility for that 😂 and - have you tried it?? 🥃