How To Do The North Coast 500 (Scotland NC500 Travel Guide)

[@snapsbyfox]

Troll Disclaimer - This trip took place in the first few days of September when travel was allowed. A few days after returning to London the travel ban came into force.

[@martingreig]

Been watching your videos for a good 6 months or so now, really enjoying the feeling of the channel as opposed to most Fuji-dedicated channels where it tends to be more tech talk. Glad you enjoyed Scotland, I'm based in London myself and am originally from Scotland. I went up in August too to visit family when restrictions were lifted, nothing wrong with it at all. I drove up myself and travelled around Skye and the surrounding area for a few days. Nice to be a tourist in your own country for once. Shot primarily on my Olympus OM-10 35mm film camera and let my dad play with my X-T30, which I've now sold and use an X-T4 as IBIS was too big a draw for me :). Plus I was using ending up using heavier lenses - you sold me on upgrading from the 18-55mm to 16-55mm zoom lens! Love the channel and who knows, might bump into you walking round the streets of London snapping away one weekend!

[@darrenfearn8587]

Alright Roman, great video mate. Me & my wife are intending to do this, once Covid has done one. Would you suggest booking b&b & hotels beforehand or are there plenty about not to worry & just see where you end up??.Thanks again for top video👍🏻

[@Cebuana59]

I watched your video to the end and enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your experience. August 2019 we visited the UK from Australia. We hired a car and drove from London to Scotland. But we didn't do it in one day. It took us 4 days because we stopped and spent several days exploring other interesting places on the way there. If there's a next time, I'm sure my husband and I will allocate more time to see a bit more of Scotland and its surrounds. The place feels magical.

[@stephencooper5155]

I cycled this with my dad in 2013 - he passed away this Winter. Good memories!

[@russellnewton6660]

You’ve got some happy memories Stephen.👍

[@richardturner81]

Bloody hell Roman this is like a BBC travel program! Nicely done, must have taken a long time to put all that footage together 👍🏻

[@EwanMacNeilage]

As someone how grew up near Ullapool - thanks for pointing out about letting people pass, taking your rubbish with you, and supporting local businesses. It’s a fantastic route and everyone welcomes visitors but a lot of people don’t follow these rules. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@redfog42]

I concur.

[@peteglanton9259]

It blows my mind that anyone could drop litter there. Or anywhere for that matter. I think it tells you a lot about someone.

[@petrkucera2150]

Thank you very much for being such a great guide, Roman! We’ve just returned from NC500 route, which we (according to your advice) went from the west to the east and I must really recommend it. We did it in 7 days with a hired car and we even made the Isle of Skye, because some days we slept in a car and that saved us a lot of time. We didn’t visit every place in your video, but we did lot of hikes instead. There is still a lot of places, that I would like to visit one day, so at least I am motivated to visit Scotland again. Keep going on making videos like this one, it’s super-helpful and entertaining! :)

[@lancechinnian4043]

Love this guy's voice! Could listen to him all day.

[@Victor-wt9vi]

I wouldn't normally watch videos on here that are this length but I watched the whole of this one!! Am heading to Scotland in September and plan to do the nc500 route in a motorhome and this video gave me loads and loads of helpful tips so thank you for making it👌

[@williamsmiler184]

Scots Highlander here. I was going to skip-watch this video, but instead stayed for the whole thing. Oh and I subscribed too pal 👍😀

[@Numb3r23]

I'm from Italy and I can tell you that through this video I've felt the Scotland! Thank you, this video is simply great!

[@robyn_roamz]

My son and daughter-in-law are on a driving holiday in the UK at the moment. We are Aussies. I have shared this video with them just for the colour because I am sure they already have their trip mapped out. The images are, as always, brilliant!

[@DanOehlsen]

Thanks for a great video tour. Glad you are expanding your repertoire to include travel and landscape. Loved that your mom was taking pics with her phone. Shows that photography is about capturing the moment, not the equipment you use. Love your down-to-earth narrative style. Keep up the wonderful work.

[@unclebob1981]

Thank you for the video. I’m doing research on the NC500 and your guide is the most helpful. Cheers!

[@jammiepumpkin69]

Ditto 😅

[@chungyungho8533]

Bob 叔 lockdown完咗之後希望可以喺蘇格蘭高地撞到你😂😂😂

[@Baerchenization]

If you want the best driving roads, get the Curves Scotland book. All the Curves tours are great.

[@goatmototours]

Absolutely incredible! Exactly the information I needed. Great job on the drone shots. Will be there the first week of June 2023 on four motorcycles and was planning on dismissing the NC500 altogether and just settle on Edinburgh and Glasgow but after watching your video I am changing plans and adding extra two days to the trip just so we can do the NC500. Thank you very much and continue the great work!. Cheers from this side of the pond.

[@liamfinch4129]

Superb visuals, highly informative commentary, excellent music! Definately one of the best NC 500 vids I have watched. Respect!

[@snapsbyfox]

Thank you!

[@neilanderson841]

​@@snapsbyfoxBTW NC500 IS MORE THAN 500 MILES!!!!. IT ONLY COVERS THE NW&NORTHERN HIGHLANDS!!!.👍😎😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@jamesodonnell6714]

I enjoyed watching your account. Next time I recommend stopping in Glasgow as a launch up to Glencoe through Loch Lomond National Park (1 hour) it has some of the most dramatic roads. It'll take you up to Fort Augustus but on the way you can climb conic hill 1.5 hrs up and down (beginner) or Ben Lomond (Advanced), stop at Loch Fyne for Oysters. If you don't have enough time for the hills Glenfinnan viaduct is on the route up and operates a steam train. On this route you'll pass Ben nevis and can ride the cable car up to the ski center. You can also drive over to Skye and visit the Talisker Distillery before hitting Applecross (hope you have better weather. Finally check out Smoo cave at Durness on the NC500.

[@emmabonney1496]

So true I love to drive up there and the lochs are fantastic. Great tips ^ ^

[@snapsbyfox]

Cheers for the suggestions and feedback James. Yes there is SO much more left to explore. The next drive up will deffo be on the west side. I believe I have to drive thru Lake District on the M6

[@Brightsparks1960]

Simply the best and most informative video I have seen on the NC500. A great balance of super images and very useful information all in a structured package

[@alanewart3444]

What a great video. Thank you for the time and effort that you put into it. I was delighted to see that you took your mum on the trip and paced it to suit her. I found the pace perfect as I am planning to do the NC500 later this year. We are moving to Scotland at the end of March and will be travelling in our camper for a couple of months before moving into our new house. One thing I would love to have seen: Your mum's view of the trip, it would have been nice to hear from her. :) Some really nice images and I really liked your drone footage. Nice work (Y)

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Best NC500 video I have seen so far. I like the way you tell the story. Thanks and subscribed 👍

[@johnquigley4787]

Thanks very much, really enjoyed your video. Hoping to do the NC500 soon, so was good to hear your comments very helpful

[@michaelmurphy9846]

Concise & informative , your vlogs are always instructive & inspiring to watch. Thnx Nigel .

[@brodiesandison7441]

Nice video Roman! Great tips on how to use passing places, allowing traffic past from behind as well as in front is very important in the busier Summer months. Looks like you had a great trip! I’m from Northern Sutherland, if anyone reading is planning a visit I’d just add that make sure you have a bin bag in your car. Littering was a huge problem in 2020 and bins are sometimes too full to be used in the Summer. Highland Council can only do so much in terms of emptying them. Also, I've seen a lot of used tissues in passing places and on shorter paths close to the road. Ziplock bag in your jacket pocket, done! Handkerchiefs may be out of fashion but actually, in the Highlands they’re very useful. Bad weather can strike quite suddenly and tissues will probably turn to mush in your pocket if you get soaked. Not fun to clean. Bring a handkerchief instead, much better for wet weather exploring. I’d also just add that plan your stops well in advance. Roman makes a great point about having multiple spots to stopover at on your way along the route rather than using one central base. It’ll help reduce road traffic, you’ll enjoy your days far more and you'll save money on fuel (it's not cheap in remote areas). Don’t camp by the roadside or beaches and lochs that are close to the road, instead try to use campsites and get to know the locals. They’re really friendly and you’ll pick up some great tips. Enjoy the NC500!

[@celraekc]

I really enjoyed your take on this trip. Your content is amazing.

[@coloradogirlatheart1]

I had never heard of the NC500 before coming across your video and was just going to watch for a couple minutes to see what it l was about but ended up watching the entire video and I really enjoyed it!! I’m a photographer as well but love to travel and now cannot wait to plan my own adventure on the NC500. Your video was so well done, your photos are stunning and you shared so much great and helpful information. Great work, I am now subscribed and look forward to future videos!

[@prospectorjamesmarshall9509]

Great video ! I’ll will reference this again when I get to Scotland one day. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@gillianyeaman9307]

Love your photography Roman. Interesting video. Thank you

[@christiegoodlet7955]

Thanks mate, Hubby and I are doing a self drive in a year or so. Appreciate your info, cheers from the Sunshine state of Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺 👍

[@cw7422]

Great video. I love Scotland. I lived at RAF Edzell in 63-65, 74-75 and 80-83.

[@septormusic8772]

Aye aye Roman , i enjoyed your whistle stop tour, as a Scot i am fortunate that i can visit these places easier than yourself but probably dont often enough. where to go and when?? middle of summer deff be the best time for you as you are spot on about the daylight hours and if your lucky maybe some better weather. after Loch Ness , i would head down to the Kyle of Lochalsh , just beautiful, once you are there spare a day or two to visit Skye, base yourself near Portree, a smashing wee town and a great place to kick back and enjoy a nice meal and a beer in the evening, and go see some of the most amazing scenery of which there is loads to see all over the island, Niest Point, Old Man of Storr, The Quiraing and Elgol too name a few, its busy in summer but you wont be disappointed. Well done for pointing out the litter , that drives me crazy. pleased you and your Mum enjoyed your wee visit and , Haste ye Back ; 0 ]

[@redfog42]

I'm lucky enough to live on the north coast, I love it everyday even in the rain! Excellent video. Glad you enjoyed your journey, haste ye back!

[@Sacharvn]

This was super helpful. Thank you! And beautiful photos!

[@nickfoster4304]

Brilliant video and description.very informative as I am hoping to do the NC 500 in may next year.. thanks

[@shaunsanders5401]

I don't normally watch videos this long, but I thought I'd start and see how far I got. I watched to the very end. It was excellent and you've inspired me to want to visit Scotland to take photos! Thank you.

[@michaelmchale8105]

Thanks for this. It was great. Very informative and some lovely images.

[@aliciaking2464]

Thank u so much for this beautiful informative journey,stunning scenery and brillant photography, .👍

[@Michael-wk5tf]

This video was very useful thanks. The pandemic as long gone and since then been to Scotland a handful of times. Now with your help we are staying 15 minutes from the Skye Bridge and going up part of the west 500. For us it will be September. It will be cafe to cafe with the excuse we are pensioners. Thanks again 👍

[@wilswood8137]

Thank you , I enjoyed watching, I picked out from your timeline as I’m planning a route mainly on the west coast 👍🏼

[@Pigeonmilk89]

Thanks for this guide. Everything else seems to be some clueless couple struggling with a camper van. Going up to drive this route next year and you’ve definitely given some good points to visit. Would never have looked at the pyramid in balmoral without your input. Cheers!

[@davidmwood560]

I'm recovering from a minor amputation but doing this trip next year when I can walk properly again. Thanks for a great video.

[@BarrieCrampton]

Very good and informative video thanks, great to have an insight into what to expect

[@famdesj]

Amazing video Roman with great pics as bonus. Lot’s of insight for our planned visit for 2024. We were planning for September but you have us questioning our timing. Thank-you very much. Pierre - Québec/Canada

[@ianashton886]

Thanks for this, great stills and video. My wife and I plan on doing the NC500 this year and this has been a huge help. Cheers.

[@fourwheeltravel]

Nice video. Brings back happy memories of our trip, and highlights several places we didn't see, hopefully next time!

[@detasa03]

Thanks for all this useful information. I’m preparing a roadtrip from Switzerland to the NC500.

[@snapsbyfox]

What an epic drive! Best bet is to get a boat to Newcastle from Amsterdam … driving from Dover up is gonna take years 😂

[@detasa03]

@@snapsbyfox This is my plan, thanks again. Wish you a happy 2022!

[@motorbikemumblings]

Fantastic video. My wife and I are doing it later this year and your video had been a fabulous source of info. Very much appreciated. Thank you.

[@snapsbyfox]

awesome, have a great trip!

[@HanadiVlogs]

YES ROMAN! Love this Video! Worth every minute, amazing Videography, Photography and incredible edits. Keep it up 💪🏽❤️

[@Alivefrom45]

Interesting video, well put together. Glad I watched it and it has given me ideas for our trip last this year.

[@ericlee3421]

Great video, really enjoyed it. You took some stunning photos.

[@eddmorrell90]

Great video mate! Stunning photography 👍

[@drolga5071]

Absolutely stunning reportage!

[@indynoir2178]

Amazing video Roman! I watched all the way until the end. I'll be doing this with my daughter and I really appreciated you helping us plan the trip.

[@elizabethmitchell2095]

Just watched you and your mum's trip. It was spellbinding. Our grandson did pre pandemic so we knew it was stunning. We're in our 70s and can't wait to start out when lockdown ends. Thankyou so much. Your commentary was really useful and the images magical.

[@snapsbyfox]

Thank you Elizabeth! You will love it for sure. I am now planning a follow up trip but mostly by rail. Cheers

[@rjs_media1726]

One of the best videos ever! Super informative can’t wait to go! Legend!

[@danielwiener1862]

Well done. Great video. Time was flying by watching it.

[@mike.7021]

Brilliant video and descriptions. My wife and I are planning now for this trip next year (2022) and this has been so helpful. Thanks very much.

[@michaelhassall6821]

great video , i am doing the nc500 next week and the advice came in handy , thanks

[@andrewstait]

Absolutely “spot on video”, enjoyed every minute, loads of information and 40 minutes just flew by. Loved seeing your little adventures on your trip too. Look forward to seeing lots more from you.

[@snapsbyfox]

Thanks Andrew!

[@trevorcrossland2275]

The best way to do it is in a camper van. There are so many spectacular places down the west and along the north coast that a van gives you the freedom to explore. You can go back every year and find something new. We were much more fortunate than you when we went to Sandwood Bay, we had blistering sunshine all day. Enjoyed your video.

[@WCPRCModelsCraft]

Excellent job Roman. We both sat down and watched and found that very entertaining. Keep up the great work and we will continue to follow. Take care mate

[@AnneMB955]

What amazing vistas! Your cameras do the scenery justice. We’ll be there from 🇦🇺 in October. Thx for getting me so excited. 👏 I understand this will be cold and windy but this is the holiday time we have. Your layering suggestion at the start is very sensible.

[@viper1524]

I hope to do this route one day on my motorbike, I have saved this video to be watched again closer to the actual trip. Thank you very kindly for an excellent video/guide/trip advice

[@ChrisMarProductions]

Really enjoyed this video. We, like one of the other commenters, were going to skip-watch, but found it so helpful that we watched it all in one go. We are doing the NC500 in September so it gave us lots of ideas. Hope we get better weather than you though. With luck, we'll have our own video posted by the end of the year.

[@edphoto]

Visited Scotland for the first time last autumn... Just constantly stopping at each view. Too beautiful for words but they do like their rain up there. Enjoyed watching your trip mate 👍

[@noelenehazell8454]

Thank you so much for this comprehensive guide to the NC500! We are planning to do this in May 2024, and your tips have helped a lot. Your photography is also spectacular- new subscriber here 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@jimpitkeathly6543]

Just watched this video, enjoyed the narration. Your pictures are great. I like taking pictures too. Coming from Scotland you have made us realise how much we take for granted. I have travelled this route this includes places like dunrobin Castle and Dunnet head but you have made me aware of places I wasn't aware of. I was already planning on doing this trip in a couple of years and thanks to your video I will now have a few places to add on. Once again thank you so much and will be looking at more of your videos

[@snapsbyfox]

Cheers Jim! Can't wait to head back up north and explore more

[@edwardsbarbara25]

Very well done. Beautiful photography

[@snapsbyfox]

Thank you!

[@78Outlaw]

Really nice review mate, as a Scot who has done NC500 it was great to see a Londoner approach NC with a great mindset.

[@990drifter]

Although somewhat hesitant at the thought of the 45 min video, I loved it mate and what an adventure and made even more special taking your Mum, superb. I love being reminded just what a wonderful part of the world we call home and Scotland certainly pulls out all the stops, incredible beaches, rivers, mountains and much much more, great trip mate. Have done a bit of it back in the day on BMW motorcycle, up through Cairngorms and long winding roads to Royal Balmoral and sights and scenes fantastic. Maybe when this pandemic retreats I'll consider travelling across from Belfast and doing the north of Scotland, this time on four wheels. Great vlog mate, quite a feat of driving a very long road, good on you, keep well and stay safe, thanks for sharing Roman. Oh and by the way super photographs and many places I'd be happy to share with no-one else around. Cheers.

[@siobhansimpson1718]

Usually I skip past anyone not Scottish telling people what to do and see in Scotland but I really enjoyed this one. Glad you enjoyed bonnie Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@snapsbyfox]

🙏

[@MartinMcNicholls]

Thanjs for this video, thoroughly enjoyed it and your advice. Extremely useful for our forthcoming trip. Cheers once again.

[@susanbeech1720]

Very informative video, thank you. We are researching the nc500 trip to visit later this year ( hopefully).

[@larsgruenig5967]

Thanks for the video. Really well done! I liked the way you organized it and that you narrated it separately. And great tips that will help us planning this trip.

[@Toma.s]

Great video and great places, thank you for sharing!

[@bigriverbakery6798]

Thanks for the video. I'm off on the trip on Monday!

[@stevebendelack3935]

Well done Roman…….it is epic up there no doubt!I love visiting Scotland,it is jaw droppingly beautiful.keep it up!

[@shadowchaser59]

Great informative video thank your for all your work. We’re trying to get a trip together this will be very helpful. Beautiful pictures Subscribed.

[@muldoon67]

Your 'Future Changes', sounds like a much better paced trip. That stint from John O'G to Poolewe was mental. The goes for driving from Inverness to London. That is one hell of a drive. I was looking on the map for where you were because I had not heard of Poolewe. I was looking up in the top right hand corner of Scotland thinking you were around there somewhere. Anyway great video, such a cool place.

[@TheAncientBiker]

Absolutely brilliant from Introduction to Summary.

[@999bigbird]

Beautiful photography

[@carlxcape]

Thanks for sharing your trip and giving us some great ideas. Hopefully we will do the 500 sometime in the near future.

[@jacquelinepaterson9048]

Just finished it on Sunday and it is unforgettible, I have fear of heights and deserve a medal. lol

[@thrzalphonse2987]

I discovered you with a tuto few months ago, then I checked ur insta and wow, amazing work! Once again a nice video, where I traveled with you from France! Magnifique, merci

[@lakesbiker7286]

Enjoyed your video Roman. Nice one.

[@swiss_simon]

Great effort Sir. Especially the many tips about times, distances, hints and tips. Great to see the weather “as-it-is”, when I am planning to make the trip.

[@65Bellrock]

What a great video! I watch many and various things on KZbin, Very honest, very informative and great photos and videos. You pronunciation of Scottish place names was fine. I am Scottish and a part time Lancastrian so you did very well! Much appreciated!

[@snapsbyfox]

Cheers!!

[@dlast7112]

Been looking at a few NC500 videos and by the far this is the most useful. Thank you

[@gailt1000]

Fantastic vid Roman. Thank you! I'm heading up there soon 🙂

[@snapsbyfox]

Cheers!

[@anthonyrobertson1753]

Well done loved this . I have done this route and am always amazed

[@kphulk1001]

Great video just planning my trip and picked up so many things. Also love how you went with your mum making family memories especially after covid can not be valued enough 🙏🏽

[@easty-stage-4-fighter.]

top work mate, just fell apon it but you kept me watching

[@jwinte]

A wonderful, video Roman. Excellent narration, videography, photography and sound editing - you are a truly talented individual. I thoroughly enjoyed watching all of it. I bet your Mum had a great time too. I hadn't heard of this route, but now I've added it to my bucket list! Thanks.

[@russellnewton6660]

11 to 16 degrees, yep, good idea coming during the hot weather lol. Great pictures and informative, cheers 👍

[@snapsbyfox]

haha cheers!

[@owenduncan4574]

Thanks for the wonderful video of such a beautiful place. I always especially appreciate the still photos in all your presentations.You also gave me relief from the blizzard raging outside my house in Iowa.

[@snapsbyfox]

What would I do to be taking photos if a blizzard in the states right now haha. Cheers

[@EnjoyYourLife2000]

Excellent video. Thanks for putting this together. It is very helpful.

[@grantfuller5011]

Just planned our route for the North Coast 500. This video was very helpful. Thanks

[@frankd4875]

Roman, just discovered this North Coast 500 travel video of yours, very well done! Of all the photos included, and there were many nice ones, my favorite was the black & white shot of your Mum walking on the beach w/ her reflection in the sand at 21:03 of the video. Very nice contrast w/ the clouds overhead and the watery sheen of the sand giving the impression that she was walking on water. Shot in Acros?? That had to have been a trip for a lifetime of memories spending time with your Mum on such an epic adventure. Kudos to you! Greetings from Louisiana!

[@snapsbyfox]

Thanks Frank, much appreciated! The photo was raw and I edited in black and white by using the Acros sim in Lightroom. Have a great day

[@gunner81uk]

I’m doing this next week. Ten days starting at Inverness going anticlockwise, then going on to Skye and lastly down through Glencoe, Loch Lomond and home to Swansea. Can’t wait.

[@heathoatmeal]

Best 'How to' guide for the NC500 on You Tube...excellent, thank you.

[@snapsbyfox]

Thank you!

[@seanconcannon7922]

Great video Roman........you really should get yourself and your Mum over to Ireland and take a trip along the Wild Atlantic Way.

[@jupiterfive3379]

Quite frankly, one of the best 'travel' videos I’ve ever watched here on KZbin, and believe me, I watch a lot! It was concise, informative and a great ride and I loved the integration of your photography. The drone footage in particular was stunning - so much so that I’m now thinking about getting one of the little devices myself for next summer. Brilliant..thank you.

[@ericwilcox2442]

I want to thank you for posting this video. It appears that the UK is relaxing COVID rules so my wife and I are probably going to plan a trip very similar to yours. The only difference is that we'd lile to potentially get out to one or two of the islands. We've been to the UK before, which included going up into Scotland. We just never made ot more north than about Glasgow and Edinburgh. Your video has opened my eyes as to how long, remote and potentially dangerous this trip can be so I feel like we can make some better decisions when doing our research. My biggest fear is driving some of the roads. Coming from the US, driving some of the small cliff roads from the opposite side of the road might be a little freaky. The icing on the cake is that I am an amateur photographer and will take my Canon R5 and various lenses with me. You have a great eye and some fantastic pics. I truly enjoyed the video.

[@GeorgiaReardon]

i don’t know if this will ease your mind at all, but I came across your comment and have found myself in a similar situation. I’m hoping this gets to you before your trip, if not I hope it was okay 👍🏼. I went on a road trip across Europe this summer for 3 months, I am from the UK so the opposite side of the road was daunting to me like you said yourself. I am a good driver, better than most if I say so myself😂 so I approached it with an open mind. I drove up mountains one a one lane road, through tunnels shaped like pretzels on the map!! And I actually don’t think I had a moment where I; 1. Questioned what side of the road I’m meant to be on, or which was round the roundabout to go etc. & 2. lost my confidence, I had fun with it!!. I was in a motorhome and it was my first time travelling solo ever, I am 21. If you just take your time, just think about driving a little more than you would at home. Maybe put stickers on the inside of your car saying ‘left side!!’ 🤣 whatever works, but just have fun and don’t let the travelling ruin your trip. Take in the views!