The NC500 Is Known As "vanlife Hell" For A Reason - Prepare For No Parking And Gross Human Waste!

[@joyphilip2868]

These roads have always been there to enjoy . Then the big mistake was to name the route. It was then swamped with people who have no idea how to conduct themselves and treat the countryside. Rubbish and human waste just left. Of course the locals react. Hopefully in the coming years things will settle down again to more manageable numbers. This is our fragile wilderness. Please take care of it

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Good message joy and very well put. I really hope things settle down for you all, less numbers means less problems for you all. You live in a wonderful place, long may that last

[@joyphilip2868]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika You will always be welcome. Hopefully the facilities for van camping will improve 😊

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Thank you @@joyphilip2868 We will be back soon, perhaps in the off season though as we like the quiet life

[@dandare2586]

There is no officially recignised wilderness in the UK & the second to last official one in Norway is being trashed for greenwash energy with windturbines & rare earth mining.😢

[@risenshine2783]

Ha ha ha I lived in Scotland a long time and it is the fellow Scots that dump their poo everywhere, my dogs would be adept at finding it, leave camping gear behind with bags of rubbish..Then the ones that wild camp for weekends, coming up North from the central belt, drugged up pissed up no care for nature.

[@yellovanneil]

I was there last October, and was told by many local people in Scotland, that during the summer all these newbies in vans and motorhomes who would not normally do this type of holiday, parked all along the lanes and laybys and everywhere else, and left litter and worse all over the place, which sadly has spoilt it for the genuine people who know the importance of leave no trace. The Scottish are lovely people imo, and had had enough with roads becoming impassable due to idiots. It's a bloody shame, and I hope they understand that some of us who frequently use our vans for this are far more respectful.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

They do, and I took spoke to many people and everyone was lovely and welcoming. Good vanlifers also get fed up these clowns, giving us decent ones a bad name. Hopefully they will be abroad soon and vans will come down in price too 😁

[@curtisducati]

I used to do this , had a van and an estate car to sleep in the back , every night and every single time I saw scum thieves at 4am looking into every car and van to look for something to steal , UK is dangerous to camp since 1990's , underclasses ruin the country .....

[@duncansteward4331]

Agree --- and cant drive large Van and have no idea how to use passing places.

[@AliMackMechanical]

As a Scot from the west coast of Scotland on the Nc500 I couldn't agree more with this comment.

[@billycaspersghost7528]

I can understand local hostility. It is the same in the Peak District as more and more of these vans take up the parking spaces and leave shite when they go.

[@williamcoulter5462]

I was there June 2022 and every free parking space was taken up with Dutch or rental motorhomes, they obviously had been using them as base for cycling as they even had washing lines full of cycling gear and wind breaks out! the biggest problem was the campervans using the passing places as overnight parking so it is not surprising some locals get annoyed. One year locals were so fed up with the large motorhomes blocking the Applecross pass and cyclists holding unofficial races along the pass they spread nails and tin tacks along the route then used the alternative route for a few weeks warning their delivery drivers to do the same.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Sounds like a nightmare. Tacks won't stop anyone. Punctures can be fixed

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

...and what about any motorcyclists? If they get injured or killed when they have a puncture?

[@dorcassinclair]

Thank you for picking up the rubbish. I run a local beach cleaning group and appreciate anyone who picks up. I don't think it would have been midges, it's too early, just little flies. I hope the rest of your trip is good. There's loads of amazing stuff to see in Caithness, it's a shame you couldn't stay for a while.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

No problem, it was absolutely gross and I was sad I couldn't put it in the bin. But I also couldn't take it with me in ym van as the bag has faeces inside and out of it. So gross. Well done on your group, that's really helpful and honourable of you. I enjoy a good tidy up. Amika has asked for a litter grabber so I've ordered 2 so we can do it properly. Thanks for your message and keep up the good work

[@BalefulBunyip]

You are a very lucky man to be sharing this with your daughter. Some of my most cherished memories are of camping holidays with my two young girls. Hope the rest of the trip went well.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

I love every moment with my daughter and I hope to have long memories of them like you do of you're girls Nicholas. The rest of the trip was fantastic as I hope my videos will portray 😁

[@stutracy4844]

Leave no trace is our motto, we tour in a motorhome we love visiting new places and seeing our fantastic country from the road. It's like most things now though have taken a turn for the worse, people are getting generally more selfish. Respect and manner's are greatly missing from society, thanks for sharing Gary.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

🙂

[@dallen521]

Last night I drove the west side of Loch Lomond, on the A82. Every single lay-bye was filled with camper vans or SUVs with roof tents. Not a single place for any normal driver to take a break and not a chance for any HGV driver to take a break to meet their legal requirements. This is happening all the time. Camper Vans have no legal right to over night camp (wild camping) in Scotland. It is tolerated. I also agree about the used toilet roll and rubbish. As for bins, have people ever heard of taking rubbish with them? Camper van people are proving to be incredibly selfish and thoughtless.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Difficult

[@dar4171]

The worst thing that ever happened to us resident locals up here was the so called NC500. It’s literally hell for us

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

I know people who live in the nc500 who think it's the best thing that's happened up there in decades

[@junehall2177]

@dar4171 Completely agree.

[@junehall2177]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika Nobody lives in the "NC500", it's a made up "route" promoted by King Charlie's lackeys.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Ok

[@garypacitti]

All are welcome in Scotland. One simple rule ‘leave it as you found it or better’. The infrastructure is lagging behind the demand, which can be frustrating. Was out last weekend , two vans next to us got out vans in morning and urinated in surrounding hedges of van park. There was a free immaculately clean toilet literally 50 yards away. No wonder locals get upset. Engage , be respectful and you will find a warm welcome. Come back soon.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

That is ridiculous Gary, should have taken a photo and reported them!!

[@lordoftheworlds6781]

Pees one thing,it washed away the worst things all the plastic crap dumped everywhere

[@dkbt1]

Looking through some of these comments on here has compelled me to respond. My wife, two teenage sons, two Labs and I are renting a motorhome, this June, with the desire to explore the NC500. We aren't new to 'road trip' holidays as we had a touring caravan during the kids growing up. What we've noticed is the massive increase in 'mobile homes' (self-propelled or otherwise) on the road since the pandemic. We've, also, noticed more make-shift roadside parking in laybys instead of the campsite option of old. Easier with a van than a towed unit, granted. Like the majority, we've always been massively aware of our impact on others, with regards to noise and disposing of our refuse. Sadly, the inability for the majority of people to escape to warmer climes during those horrendous few years drove a few into this form of vacationing with disastrous consequences- whether it was lack of awareness of the Country Code or the simple fact that they have no respect for others or anything else. Loch Lomond, for example, became trashed due to ignorant individuals. Wales got it bad and so did many other beauty spots in England. It was absolutely abhorrent seeing those images on TV. I feel for residents living in these beauty spots and totally understand their reactions but please know- most of have nothing but good intentions and want to visit to see how beautiful a place you live at. I, myself, live in a small coastal town on the Scottish coast and we too have seen an increase in converted vans/ motorhomes, etc. Most, as you say, behave and have a respect. Sadly, the minority spoil it and tarnish the rest of us. One dog owner leaves his dog dirt on the pavement and all dog owners are labelled. Have some respect to the areas that we visit and to the people who live in these communities or we may have the privilege removed. To quote Joni Mitchell; "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone....."

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

A brilliant well put comment. Every thing in life has a minority. It's part of life I suppose.

[@motorhomemavericks1]

We spent 5 months here this year out of season. The roads were empty, the locals were lovely and really appreciated us being there and our custom

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

99.9 % of the locals do yes

[@DS-cf1zc]

Thank you Gary for highlighting the challenges of the NC500 - I opted not to travel last year owing to restrictions and the impact of the Bennidorm brigade who are causing untold havoc with the Scots (I feel for them). I have revised my plans already this year, purely owing to my own believe that this problem was not resolved for those of us who treat the countryside with consideration. On the basis of this and few other videos I have seen - I wont do the NC500 next year either (sorry Scotland) I am desperate to do this route - but I do not wish to fall victim of those locals deeply affected by a minority of poor, narrow thinking campervan owners. Leave no trace, you are a visitor in another persons country, and should not be fouling their beautiful places.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Benidrom brigade 😂😂😂 that cracked me up Dave!! 😂 The rest of your comment was e actly my thoughts to a tee, we only ended up tht way as my daughter saw snow on cars and we went looking while we awaiting it to arrive in Glenmore. Perhaps give it a thought for winter, we will be there over Xmas and new year if we don't go to Europe. Could be worth considering?

[@DS-cf1zc]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika Not a bad idea Gary, I spent last Xmas to New Year in the van in a snow filled Cumbria at around -5. It was fun, and I enjoyed it. I just need to convince my better half its a good idea too. On the Bennidorm brigade - the sooner someone puts cheap flights to their favourite haunts back on, the better.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

@@DS-cf1zc Haha, good luck with that one. Where in Cumbria did you go. We live near Kendal

[@DS-cf1zc]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika I sat out on North Stainmore - a few miles to the East of Brough - it snowed, it rained, it was cloudy, cold and inhospitable. But I saw in the New Year, warm and with comfort.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

@@DS-cf1zc sounds perfect to me Dave, well done 💯

[@boneshug]

So sorry you did not feel welcome at times. If you had visited prior to 2015 you would have had an entirely different experience. Slowly but surely the way of life up here is changing. Moving from a slow pace of life and sustainable tourism to a new demographic of visitor who is “doing the NC500” rather than visiting the Highlands of Scotland. This change is not easy on most. Commercialisation brings a host of problems. For those that visit it’s “wild, empty and untouched” For those of us that know the area prior to 2015 it’s slowly getting “paved over” “ busy” and the very reason why people want to visit is slowly disappearing. You can already see the character of a number of villages on the route now changing. Live stock roam free in the North as a result of the crofting system, so very few fences but for how long? The number of dead deer on the side of the road each year seems to increase. Wildlife already spooked by increasing noise pollution from vehicles. The list goes on, so unfortunately some people are scared and annoyed of this change, where will it end. Anyone that speaks out is accused of being anti tourist. Tourism brings cash no doubt, but all over the world we see tourism bring destruction and money but this money does not always flow into the hands of the local people. This area had slow sustainable tourism prior to 2015, there was a lovely balance. There is NO answer to all of this, “progress and commercialisation” is a fact of life. For those of us that enjoyed the Highlands prior to 2015 we feel truly blessed. For the people that follow they will never know what it was like, which is a real shame.

[@3991-m6u]

Well said, to add to this some historical context for other readers about the resentment many highlanders feel towards the current situation - The area has a long history of exploitation of the land at the expense of the inhabitants by those with little to no link to it, which persists to this day in the patterns of land ownership here and has never really been addressed. For hundreds of years the place has been run for the interests of others, first people were cleared off the land for sheep farming, then later for deer, grouse and salmon so that the British gentry could come here as a retreat to shoot and fish, to this day masses of the highlands are owned by these sporting estates and contribute very little to the lives of highland people. The common theme is that highland people have had next to zero say in the running of the area we call home. Now take this context and introduce the current situation where you feel like your local area has been appropriated to be used as a theme park by the tourism industry for half the year, with daily aggravation by clarkson wannabes, antisocial campers and people behaving disrespectfully in general, where the opinions or interests of the people living here don't matter because absentee airbnb owners, hotel magnates, campervan hire companies and supermarkets come first. I can understand why people love to come here and don't want to become a closed hearted kind of person, but in the face of what we experience it is very hard to remain hospitable or patient.

[@boneshug]

@@3991-m6u Spot on, your comment dove tails mine perfectly. I wanted to also explain the cultural and historical significance of this land but the post was already to long! The voices of the inhabitants of these lands have been ignored for over 300 years and it’s happening again. Shouted down and ignored by government. No wonder people are pissed off. 😥

[@chrishull9983]

What a truly concise and well presented appraisal - the NC 500 is, ( or was after reading this ) , on my "bucket list" - so after being educated by your eloquent and well versed post, I now feel really guilty for considering it, (Because I would have been one of those "doing the NC500) .This is by far not a criticism of your post, but perhaps a simple acknowledgment that I left it too late. For me this is a huge disappointment - but I draw solace from the fact that I am old, and having lesser numbers on my "bucket list" is probably a good thing.

[@dougmckillop9352]

@@chrishull9983 What a shame. Go in April or October and it should be fine ( and added benefit of less or no midges). Use campsites where you can if in a campervan. Leave the A9 at Loch Fleet and take the A839 to Lairg, then the A836 to Altnaharra, then either go by Loch Naver to Bettyhill or Loch Loyal to Tongue to avoid the East and North East ( and it’s a great route through the remote “flow country”). Then head west to Durness and then South to enjoy the fantastic scenery of the west coast. Not to be missed if you have never been.

[@chrishull9983]

@@dougmckillop9352 Thanks Doug - that sounds like a plan.

[@bobp6742]

Unfortunately we have huge problems with tourists using graveyards as toilets and to camp in, pouring their toilets over private fences, ripping out fence posts and cutting down private trees for firewood, parking camper vans in people's gardens because "well there's no fence to stop us" Camper vans filing up lay byes over night stopping HGV drivers from been able to take their legal breaks. A local village to me blocked the road with locked gates to keep the tourists out. Tourists seem incapable of pulling into passing places to allow the tailback of traffic to pass, parking and blocking passing places. Cars having competitions of how fast they can get around the 500 The list is endless of arrogant thoughtless tourists who think they are doing us a favour visiting us and it's not a minority.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Sounds dreadful

[@HerbertDuckshort]

I would have loved to have been at the Highlands & Islands Tourist Board planning meeting; “So, we’re going to encourage thousands and thousands of camper vans and motorhomes to a remote area without the adequate tourist infrastructure and mainly single track roads. What could possibly go wrong eh?”

[@junehall2177]

Check out North Highland Initiative, AKA the former Prince Charles, this is where NC500 Limited started. Who was going to refuse Prince Charles, bums on seats at Castle Mey ?

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Ha

[@artbyashley6613]

Sadly, as one who lives on part of the NC its become life now that a good 50% of folk in campervans are *insert choice wording* the NC although a good idea with good intentions did not carry enough thought behind it in regards to the whatiffs if it became overpopular for the limited resources along the route. If there were more people like yourself out there giving a chit about their own impact and leaving no trace behind as it was hoped would happen it would be an entirely different experience. Our tiny North East Village has a wee unofficial aire above it that a few of us go out of our way to maintain & yeah the stories we could tell, but then every now and then we get folk like yourselves who remind us why we bother. Keep leading by example mate, it's gota rub off on some folk eventually.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

What a great comment. How lovely to read something positive from a frustrated local. I suppose its correct what you have said however no one expected a hloval pandemic to shut down travel and then have a boom in staycations. As you live there and are directed impacted, how was it beofre the pandemic, same impact on a lesser scale or has it got worse because or this? I'm in Kendal, Lake District directly on a circular walking route. I've seen the impact from the pandemic, total mess and hoping as flights "take off" again, so will these clowns who ruin it for us all. Thanks for the positive words. Keen to know where your aire is, if you can share that (email or instagram details are in the video description). All the best mate and thanks again for sharing positive frustrations.

[@RobertMiller-ye9hm]

The problem with the NC500 is the route has lots of local people living with nothing to do which leads to them becoming a local self appointed NC500 police force, . Also alcohol and drugs problems in the route’s small towns and villages. Sadly this turns them into the creatures they are .

[@artbyashley6613]

@@RobertMiller-ye9hm think you'll find most local people in small towns have plenty to do, assuming the opposite is just mindless ignorance really. Shoe could be on the other foot if the route ran past your backyard & you nightly had arrogant camper drivers trying to park up for the night in your gateways, turning areas & even your driveway & yard im sure you'd soon take a different view especially with the mess, excrement and damage they frequently leave behind 😉

[@RobertMiller-ye9hm]

@@artbyashley6613 you need to understand you and all other self appointed policemen are not the law . And no good trying to demonise people in camper vans we the Scottish people have noticed there’s a new people’s police force made up of Ned’s harassing visitors to our country

[@artbyashley6613]

@@RobertMiller-ye9hm best laugh I've had this week by far. They don't come more scottish than myself & I'm extremely protective of the country I love so of course I'm anti those that drive up and take the piss as are many indigenous scots who live in these rural places that are overwhelmed nightly through the season

[@Mark-rc1gj]

Just finished the nc had a great time, parking free and mixing it with a couple of camp sites, stopped on the way home at Lochore aires site. Couldn’t believe my eyes in the morning the amount of rubbish left by boy racers in the next door car park, I suppose the local’s will blame the vanners!!! Nice vlog anyway 👍🏻

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Funny you say that, I too was parked up in a car park and 3 cars all emptied their take away waste out their window, also locals

[@HighPlainsHiker]

Got to be honest. Went last year with the mrs in our transit conversion and had no trouble finding places to park at all. Loved it. People were friendly. Took the ferry across to Mull. Will never forget the views we saw and the people we met.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it

[@TrefyJot]

Well said, Gary. We ended up there overnight before crossing to Orkney. A few vans stopped overnight. All very civilised and no rubbish left. Some stuff it for the rest, as you say. It's a fabulous route but with lots of amazing places to check out not on the "prescribed" 500. We followed it back in 2018 so not as crowded as now. Enjoy! 😃

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

It's crazy isn't it. You know on Sunday I stayed in the Peak District car park was full from walkers. They all left and there was about 4 vans left. Bit of littler to pick up but not much. Then the local kids turned up with music, when I woke up there was rubbish over the car park. I didn't have time to get out and tidy up as I was up and direct to work. It would be so easy to blame the 3 vans which were there overnight. All of which were innocent. I've got my head held high, I do the right thing and that's what matters to me. I often deviate from the prescribed route, in fact more often always than not. Much better that way I think. Thanks for rhe message, have a good week 😊

[@gerrydavey9112]

We were there early September this year and turned back south. We could feel the effect of over tourism, car parks overcrowded by motorhomes and many of them ignoring the no overnighting signs. Don’t understand why having a motorhome seems to make owners think they can park wherever they like and for free. We shall return, but next time we shall find accommodation in a few locations and travel by car to visit.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Ah thanks for sharing

[@johngreen8693]

Did the NC three or four years ago and loved it. We used hotels and B&Bs who were all great - though booking in advance on the West Coast is advised. We only stayed in one place whch was a bit meh. But, as others say, camper vans everywhere, desperate to avoid paying for anything locally. In a week we helped two who who were stuck on verges, one on a narrow steep road which said no vans and one who couldn't open the petrol filler cap (ignition key...).

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Try going in winter, no one around then

[@coloradoridgerunner791]

There should be a program when a person is caught dumping human waste their vehicle is taken and sold for scrap.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Fantastic idea, and named and shamed and banned from driving I would add to that list

[@karldb7674]

100%

[@monkeyboy2297]

bit harsh for having a shit, what on earth did we do before toilets were invented? bury it if you have to

[@vwsyncrocountryscotland]

I used to love going for 18 years the as its named these days nc500 .I've not been back since as it to busy I preferred the quiet place it once was get away from the crowds .once hopefully it quiets down then I'll come back.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

There is always the winter months, no tourists then 😁

[@gaffysmenk]

That's the inevitable result of promoting something without putting the appropriate infrastructure in place first. We used to get the boat over the firth a couple of times a year. (We stay in Orkney). We'd take our truck and park up all over the north coast from the east to the west. Didn't see many wild campervans at all. Then they named it the NC500. We don't bother anymore. It's just too busy nowadays for us.Occasionally we've been over in October, less vans and midges. It's such a shame. It was great when fewer folk knew about it. Used to be a great chippy in Castletown. They did deep fried battered Mars bars, they're surprisingly good. Don't know if it's still there..

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Haah brilliant, I've heard about the Mars bars before. Sounds disgusting but no doubt very tasty haha. Yeah it's shame, part of evolution I suppose, some stuff works, some stuff falls apart 💁‍♂️

[@JK-zx3go]

The NC500 was a really stupid idea when absolutely no infrastructure was put in place to deal with the numbers. The locals are sick of it. Trying to work in the Highlands and get around in summer is a riot. They drew a route on a map (a well travelled route) claimed it as a great new thing, and did some advertising.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Must be a disaster. I remember seeing two work vans coming up behind me. I pulled over and hung my thumb out of the window. As they passed I realised they were BT openreach vans and they both gave me the double flash hazards and a thumbs up. Just goes to show if you respect each other it works. Would be good to see some more signage to help the morons who visit. And more should be done with these motorhome rental companies. They need to be made aware and make their customers aware of the rules / culture

[@JK-zx3go]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika at the very least understand how single track roads work and move over. The signage is pretty clear about allowing traffic to pass. Rather than trumpet their success (when in fact they havent really done anything other than advertise a route driven by natives for ever) they should also have a code of behaviour for the roads pointing this stuff out. Well done for doing so.

[@lennie9215]

A friend and I were in that very carpark two weeks before you. For the very same reasons we couldn't find anywhere else to overnight. No problems in the carpark and had a lovely walk along the shingle and around the quay.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Busy with anti camper signs wasn't it

[@lennie9215]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika it definitely was. I’ve done the route probably about 6 or 7 times in total and last year was the first time I felt unwelcome. It’s sad that the locals feel that way. I love watching you and your wee lass on your travels. Enjoy making all these fab memories while you can.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Yep it's sad, but it's only a minority. Ah thanks. We have been travelling together since she was 4, we have no intentions of stopping 👌

[@Livie84]

I just completed the NC500 last week. On my first night it was the only night I had to stay in a lay by. Had like 6 campers in there. But from 5 am had people driving by with the horns blaring.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Jealously mate. That's all. If I'm at that sort of risk I just use wax ear plugs and don't hear a thing. They are upset, I'm fast asleep 😁 beep beep

[@lookoutleo]

I live in Argyll and we are used to hordes of tourists so theirs loads of places you can park but NC 500 folk are not used to having so many folk coming throu. Hope you find lots of great places to park up on rest of your trip :)

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Thanks for the info! Yeah we did thank you

[@MarkN67]

I live in Dorset and we’ve experienced similar behaviour by some as well, people leaving general and human waste on the beach. What really annoys me is that a lot of people pretend to be worried about the environment and then do this. It’s such a shame that the few ruin it for everyone else. The same happened a few years ago when the authorities banned wild camping around Loch Lomond due to rubbish, fire pit damage and general loutish behaviour. It’s such a shame that people can’t look after nature and take responsibility for themselves or their actions. Carry it in, carry it out and leave no trace.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Yep sake as the lake district national park I live in

[@TimmysFavs]

Good on you for clearing up other people's rubbish. Thoughtless, selfish acts of littering and worse are why campervans and motorhomes are regarded as intrusive and therefore not welcome. We have just returned from Scotland having spent about sixteen days touring around, we stayed in pre-booked campsites with great facilities, so did not envounter any negativity. We unfortunately didn't get as far North as we would have liked as time was against us, I'm hopeful we can achieve this next year? Thanks for your video upload and sincerely hope you enjoy the rest of your road trip.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Always have a good tidy up, it's usually after locals rather than campers though. Glad you have a good visit, Scotland is wonderful and we love it there. Hope you manage to get north as you wish for. Which area did you visit this time?

[@TimmysFavs]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika First stopover was N. Berwick followed by Stonehaven, Grantown-on-spey, Bunree, Ayr and Garlieston! All over in a blink of an eye but very memorable!

[@nicwilkin4743]

Ruins are usually old crofters houses who had been turned off the land by wealthy land owners , who decided there was more money in sheep.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Yeah someone said earlier. So interesting to know about. Thank you

[@meirionevans5137]

New Zealand have it sorted, plenty of campsites, plus water/waste/rubbish facilities in most towns. But "wild" camping more strictly enforced over there. Apparently rangers or police would come a-knocking in the small hours to move illegal campers. We toured s.island for 3 weeks, really good if you stayed away from the honeypots. UK has much to learn. Big up on your litter pick, sadly not enough of it done here.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

I wish more than anything we did the same as NZ, I would gladly pay an annual fee for such privilege! I think we are years off that sadly, and imagine how nice it would be to be keeping the money inside our country. Let's hope for a change

[@rogermadeley7413]

The Philosopher Jean Paul Sartre said " Hell is other people " and he was so right!

[@jackieshearer1339]

You were in Castletown . We have been getting people (camper vans wild camping and then dumping their wast all over . Plus the electric is not cheep too

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Yes I can see that, I picked a lot of it up

[@johnwhitley5255]

Living on a single track with a beach at the end of it in a nightmare in the summer Holiday’s and it’s mainly all down to the motor homes. The hired ones are driven by folks who don’t know the system. They even drive along with other vans in tandem. Then they meet two more idiots doing the same. Then when reversing manage to go off the road. Then all traffics stops till the brake nearest breakdown vehicle arrives. Most do not even know their passing places are only on their left. The ones on their right are for the people coming towards them. They admire the views but rarely look in their reversing mirrors to see the lined up cars behind them. Just by pulling in and letting them overtake keeps the whole of the traffic moving. Each year the only motor homes that stop and wave folks through are the ones with no advertising blurbs ie the drivers who own their vehicles and know the system. Why why why can’t the hire people supply this simple information!!!!! Can only assume they fail to educate their customers because they are too busy counting the hire money. I know this will upset but the locals don’t mind visitors. It’s the ones who don’t know the system of driving single track making themselves a general nuisance due to their size.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

John I feel for you, I live in the lakes and we have had exactly the same here. I always give way in my van even though I can keep up with most of them, it's jsit the right thing to do, be aware of you're surroundings is sort of driving regardless of a camper or car. Hope things improve your you this year up there

[@Johnburggy]

If you are able try to book in advance. We locals have had this dreadful NC500 put on us when we do not have roads or anything to support it. Sadly we have had some really nasty types who have thrown out rubbish including human waste. Some have parked on private property including private gardens. Let out sheep and cattle by leaving gates open . These people travel in convoys when many of our roads are single track with passing places. On one occasion 24 of these ! not only does it cause problems for us residents it also prevents emergency services from access . You are welcome in Scotland (not like these rude horrible ones ) but book up in advance & speak with locals as there are a few free park ups. I asm sorry you had a hard time but appreciated you pointed out some of the nasty stuff and horrible people we have had to put up with.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Thanks 🫶

[@davidsingleton806]

The people along the North Coast 500 are generally tolerant to vans but many of the haters were incomers from England who probably didn't get on with people around them and who don't want other people to enjoy the area that they have now made their home. If you go into a lay-by especially on a main road in the Highlands and there is a sign saying no overnight parking it is illegal as HGV drivers have to park for 9hrs minimum after 9hrs driving. 10 years ago there was a ruling which the Highlands Council had to remove these signs!

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

That's a solid point! Well made. Also agree we with the parking signs. Absolute joke.

[@ericforster8412]

Gary, Do you know what the difference is between a Cormorant and a Shag?

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Yes

[@ericforster8412]

You don't always fancy a smoke after a cormorant😊

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Bloody hell!!! You got me 😂😂😂😂

[@ericforster8412]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika 😆🤣

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

😂

[@drumchorkbarnowl1986]

I live on the NC500 at Loch Ewe, sadly as you say the facilities for those traveling and not staying in B&B ect is poor but there are several places for MoHo to empty their toilets now, the Council will often only empty bins and not take stuff lying on the ground which doesn't help,there is great publicity for the NC500 but only now are improvements being made ( slowly), as in the towns there are always folk dropping rubbish and not wondering where to put it, making campfires is another one :-(

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

What a wonderful place to live, we never made it that far this time, hopefully soon. We live in the lake district which is also a tourist haven like you're area, its often grid locked and often left with tents, firepit marks, bbqs, rubbish and beer bottles everywhere, it's such shame how the minority act. The only answer is more facilities and education, like many things in life. Glad to hear things are improving for not only the tourists but also the locals. Here's to better local areas for us all.

[@kuianderson965]

Hi from NZ We have same problem here just like you guys. All through people leaving crapp, therefore people who care for the environment cops it too. Good videos share more thanks.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

It's a shame isn't it. But it's not our community, it's the hire a van campers or others, frustrating 😤

[@keithgoodrick-meech3921]

What people don't realise is that while the west coast is really geared up for tourism, the east coast is heavily reliant on farming and fishing. Tourism is in alot of situations, bloody annoying for people who are just trying to do their everyday jobs.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Very true

[@WanderingWhites]

Shame you have had a poor welcome unfortunately some people do spoil it for us all - keep positive and keep sharing your adventures

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Hi both, yeah it's awful to happen on the first day but things did get better and 99.9% of the people we met with fantastic on the part of the nc500 that we did over those few days. the rest of Scotland we visited we have never had any problems and we absolutely love the place and the people, will continue to keep going back over and over and of course respecting the rules, and probably cleaning up other people's waste. Thanks guys.

[@jobdone7392]

I much preferred the north coast 500 before it was called the North Coast 500

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

I can imagine

[@moiraruff3292]

It was lovely in the 1970s, we were mostly alone on the road.. Camped at Bettyhill & Clachtoll. Didn't see much en route for the fog though.

[@jamie6367]

The NC500 is a curse. What a mess they have made of the place!

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Let's hope the infrastructure develops and improves for all

[@colgra1100]

I’m Scottish and have toured Scotland for years. I travel by motorbike. I find the problem is mostly due to inexperienced camper van drivers who just don’t care. They hog the road, park dangerously and leave waste everywhere they go.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

I can agree. I live in the lakes and it's the same

[@graememckay9972]

The NC500 is a 500mile traffic jam of rental campers and foreign tourists who have no idea what to do with single track roads and passing places. It's worth doing off peak, especially the west coast around Torridon. I highly recommend it. There's also North East 260 around the Aberdeenshire coast, Route 66around the Campbeltown peninsula and the latest one is around Dumfries and Galloway coastline. All much quieter than NC 500. Highlands2hammocks van lifers youtube channel and book is also worth a look.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Hi Graeme, I already follow their channel, it's a good one. Thanks for the pointers on the routes. Looks like there are plenty to get after up there. I quite fact route 66, another person told me about that route last week... Someone who lives there and said campers are welcome. You're right about off peak, Highly likely this winter I hope

[@trustmetours57]

We did the NC500 a couple of years back. I did a ton of research prior to planning the trip and pretty much every website I visited pointed out that "wild camping" does not apply to vehicles and parking up without the land owners permission is essentially trespassing, as in it's illegal. To take all the heartache and stress out of it we booked campsites and CL's around the route. I know I will be swimming against the tide on this one but the romantic notion that is "wild camping" is actually people parking up illegally and hoping that no one moves them on. We parked up on a CL a few miles to the west of John O'Groats and it was in the absolute middle of nowhere, overlooking the sea and as away from it all as it gets. IMHO the 'it's always the few that ruin it' reasoning if the problem as it's every wild camper that is causing the problem. If everyone simply parked where they were allowed to by law the problem would vanish.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Its not illegal to park up, it's illegal to remain when asked to leave. 99.9% of land owners tolerate and have tollorated it, and will continue to do so as most of us are respectful, don't cause damaged and clean up after others. As I've stated before, I've never had an issue parking up and often improve the area before departing.

[@trustmetours57]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika This is how this daftness always plays out. The key word in the argument is ‘tolerate’ The police ‘tolerate’ people driving at 80mph on the motorway because it’s too difficult to police. Sainsburys tolerates white van man parking in the mother and toddler slots because it’s too difficult to police. Wild campers are essentially ‘travellers’ who park up illegally knowing they are unlikely to be moved on. Parking without the land owners permission is trespass, the fact you don’t get caught does not change that FACT!

[@junehall2177]

@trustmetours57. As a resident, thank you & I agree with every word. Facts.

[@junehall2177]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika Sorry Gary you are incorrect. It is illegal to "park up" on private property without the landowner's permission, fact. Check out the Trespass Scotland Act (1865).

[@drewhodge3820]

There are quieter places away from the NC500 and I agree, sadly people are trying to profiteer. The NC500 simply isn't set up for the volume of visitors/vehicles. Even the plans to add parking and a places for fresh water and chemical toilets is on such a small scale that it's a joke. Plus the locals living near those 3-4 parking sites have put up a fight on the planning process. I hate to think how over run the NC500 will be this year. Devon & Cornwall has been very Anti campervans/holiday makers for a log time, simply because it crazy during the summer months and then whole areas are completely empty in the winter. Wealthy Londoners buy up the properties as holiday homes/rentals. In the summer the local infrastructure can't cope and once the holiday season is over those properties are completely empty. The locals can't afford to buy properties, which forces the younger generations to move out. Turning those coastal towns into ghost towns 6-8 months of the year. Then the local full time population drops and there isn't funding for things like hospitals. I see property prices in and around the NC500 on the rise but the locals never welcome outsiders, so people sell up and move on a regular basis. I know an elderly couple who bought a cottage in Newton Stewart to retire. They spent 15 years living there and the only interaction they got was regular harassment from the farmer who sold them the cottage. They made every possible attempt to make friends with the locals and eventually gave up/sold up. They offered it to me for peanuts and I turned it down because it was a 20 minute drive to the nearest shop and 45 minute drive to the nearest supermarket. P's if you want a quieter place to visit try Galloway Forest. I mention it at the end so less people read it. That stretch of coastline between Dumfries to Galloway to Portpatrick and the surrounding areas are far better than the NC500 and far less busy. Just pick a time when the weather is nice. Not been up there for a few years but talking to other people I know you can still find plenty of places to wild camp and no one will bother you. I think the last time I saw a Red squirrel and a Green woodpecker close up was in the Galloway Forest?

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Hi mate, that's a sad story, and I hope that doesn't reflect all areas. My next door neighbour has a place in Skye and loves visiting there. I shall ask him how he feels about the local community. Yep the lakes is the same, I live in a village campervans and large motorhomes often stop outside my home lost, blocking the roads. But it doesn't bother me too much, not that if egg them or chuck rocks at them anyway 😂 I've been to Galloway, there is a video on here from February, we had great snow that evening. I will try the coast, in fact I may go this weekend based on your recommendation!! Will have to find some good places to visit

[@drewhodge3820]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika There are some very twisty roads round there so you need to stay sharp. Stock up on all the treats/food/FUEL you need because certain areas don't have shops. Sometimes you find a little shop and it will have very limited items. It doesn't take much to get off the beaten track round there. Even peak season during the summer holidays you wont see anyone at all (if you find the right places) There are so many hidden gems in that area that are overlooked. I used to get up early to spot the wildlife. If you find a wooded area there are always tracks that will lead to secluded park ups. The same goes for the smaller coastal roads. It's certainly not commercialised. I close to Coventry so it's a long trip for us to go for a weekend. If I was closer I would spend a lot more time around there. I plan to take my son up there this summer for a couple of weeks exploring. I've not done the area from Sandhead down to Mull of Galloway. Looking on the maps I couldn't see any prime spots for stealth camping that far down. There are a few I could see on the map, just up from Sandhead

[@geebutteree4755]

Sadly Scotland and the nc500 is a victim of its own success and does not have the facilities to support tourism, resulting in some locals being very hostile to tourists, I’ve visited Scotland all my life and this hostility is putting me off going back

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Hiya Gee, yeah it's a shame, however many tourist places are the same across the world I suppose, its a shame. You should still go back!!!

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

@My World My Way Helen Well don't let the minority ruin it for you, if you want to go back, you should!

[@neilanderson841]

Gee moho maybe?. Why should locals put up with 'tourists' who show no respect?. Disrespectful parking litter&waste large fires etc, how would you feel?.

[@chrismoon7518]

@ Neil Anderson the problem is tarring everyone with the same brush. Not all tourists are irresponsible and not all locals are hostile.

[@neilanderson841]

@@chrismoon7518 AYE Chris, but that doesn't excuse the sometimes disgusting behaviour of visitors who leave their mark on Scotland's beautiful landscape. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@kroozer5215]

The same thing happened in Portugal, they should make it law that every campervan has a toilet, all these "van lifers" are ruining it for everyone, there is no ifs or buts about it ...I've witnessed it first hand.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Totally agree with this. I'm all for having my audited to pass requirements and pay for an annual licence / permit

[@williamcoulter5462]

I just saw a review of some new campers at Dusseldorf expo and guess what no toilet no shower on the very expensive campervans so is it any wonder they leave their c*** everywhere also the increase of roof top tents is also partly to blame again no toilets so they expect the users to buy utility tents to house a porta potty which they obviously do not bother to do.

[@SWR112]

That’s because campers have been causing a total mess. Yeah probably a few ruined it for everyone but Campers now are not seen as a welcome income and visitors to dumping and leaving litter and emptying chemical toilets into streams and disposable barbecues. Remember Scotland is a place of wild camping for tents not for Vans. Then you get Vans traveling together is four and fives blocking roads. Example bin at the entrance and rubbish is left 200 yards away. Laziness. If your that kind of camper then of course the locals are saying …. Right off. They are going to come down on Campers next year 2024 season. So if your not booked into a site your not going to have a pleasant visit.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Poor behaviour by some

[@Sowerbylads]

Hi, great video. We did the nc 500 in March and didn't have any problems with parkups. We had a plus 1 so used a Campsite everyother night. The local people we spoke to were really friendly, like everywhere the nimby brigade come out and on the other hand there a minority of tourists who leave waste and litter behind. No excuses for it. Keep doing the videos mate.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Hi mate, thanks for this. I understand West is far better than East, we only went chasing the snow and then left quickly to go back to Glenmore as it tipped down with snow (videos coming soon). I think I will do the west coast once the tourist season is over. Which parts were your favourite on the west side?

[@2twinsters]

Great vlog and loved the close ups of the cormorants - looks like you have a good drone! 👍

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Hey, thanks, took about 15 mins to get that close, did it bit by bit to see if I was scaring them but they didn't care much. Must be tough birds!

[@davidyersz8668]

Stunning area the NC500 but would never go there myself because of the no parking and traffic

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Frustrating isn't it. What about winter time?

[@phillbullen3776]

I think regardless of any mess thats left. The "van life" thing has become so popular that they are turning up everywhere there's a beach. filling up car parks and making everywhere look like a building site. There's nothing envioromentally freindly about chugging around with a big diesel engine.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Significantly less carbon impact than a home though, and some homes are a right mess also 💁‍♂️

[@shaznan5389]

I have heard that there are some locals leaving rubbish at park ups so they have something to complain about.

[@t4lovers688]

I'm jay from t4 lovers I was on the nc500 myself weekend no overnight camping it's a shame cos that it's like that cos that part ov Scotland..locals are kicking off with camper van shame

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Hi Jay mate. It is a shame but let's hope it improves a bit in that area as there is a lot to see and do over that way

[@Alex123321Alex123]

When I went to Cornwall I felt very unwelcome, any time I was not on a site, people would come and hold down their horn. Had some guy park In the road, take something from his van, dragged it noisily round the van twice, then drove off, it actually felt a bit sinister

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

That's shocking behaviour, how miserable must some people be in there own lives to want to upset other people like that.

[@garrybrown5114]

as a Scotsman the tourist board are getting out of order in Scotland

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

I'd imagine and unimpressed Scotsman. I see two solutions... Create Aires (all over uk) and put more facilities about. Problem will improve. Or, create a licensing for campers to have own facilties who can them roam and park. We are far from this, but this issue isn't going away.

[@andywalker7299]

In the case of the NC500 the Tourist Board have nothing to do with the changes. The NC500 entity is commercially owned by a company called North Coast 500 Ltd and they have no interest in developing the infrastructure for campers, camper vans or motorhomes indeed a spin off company has started to buy up larger hotels on the route! The infrastructure just isn't here to cope with the influx nor is there any money to improve it let alone provide the likes of Aires facilities. Funding is scarce and the Scottish Government have no interest in supporting the highlands.

[@mrsjanhannah]

Us oldies who have done this route over the years are now loath to go again thus depriving the local community of valuable tourist income. I love it up there but because of the stupid new users of campervans and motorhomes have made it miserable for everyone. These new users have absolutely no thought for anyone but themselves. They empty their toilet waste at beauty spots for God's sake how must their homes look.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Im a new user, I didnt empty my toilet there

[@petetimbrell3527]

Tens of thousands more campervans every year. Vanning sure isn't what it used to be.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

I enjoy it

[@zeropointconsciousness]

This being one of my goals for myself in the future I've subscribed.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Hi Alza, is your goal vanlife?

[@zeropointconsciousness]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika Absolutely it's always been in the back of my mind how nice it would be to wake up to different scenery every day.

[@CinntSaile]

From the perspective of a native Highlander, the NC500 is a complete disaster. It was sold as an official tourist route and it isn't. There is no infrastructure to accommodate a quite frankly ridiculous number of tourists. The vast numbers who do come have zero understanding of how to behave; the parking areas are full of rubbish and excrement. Property "investors" from the South are also buying anything habitable as holiday accommodation, completely pricing out the native population right along this "route". It is an utter disaster. My advice? Don't worsen the situation, stop promoting it and simply stay away.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Sadly it's a part of progression. Happens all over the world. I won't be staying away, I will continue to visit, and continues to respect the land, be lawful and respectful with that. Sorry you're having a hard time up there. I hope it improves

[@CinntSaile]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika This is the issue; it is NOT part of anything approaching progression. It is an entirely retrograde step. Mass tourism is a cheap economic model which ignores the changes so badly required in this area. We are constantly told to protect the environment and live in a sustainable fashion. This approach completely ignores this. The native population is not in control of the land or housing, the most important resources of all. A free for all exists in which those with money from the overheated end of this island are able to buy up all the housing stock and effectively remove the native population from the land their families have lived in for literally hundreds of years. If this was to happen to any other ethnic minority, across Europe, or globally, there would be an absolute outcry. One London property "investor" recently bought 4 houses on the NC500 route, even paying £150K OVER the asking price. This isn't unfortunate; it is an obscenity, an obscenity which will produce a backlash.

[@julienorton1067]

@@CinntSaile This is not only happening in Scotland, it's happening Countrywide. An over inflated property market, pushing up house prices. It cannot indefinitely be sustained. The Estate Agents need to share some of the responsibility. There will be a property crash at some point, as it's not sustainable.

[@CinntSaile]

@@julienorton1067 I am fully aware it is happening in other countries on this island (Britain is not a country but a unitary state) but here it has an extra dimension. The Highlands and Islands of Scotland are the last bastion of the Gaelic language and culture, which has existed here since the 3rd century AD. It's survival being systematically undermined by greed and the media-fuelled desire to experiment with lifestyle. With respect, expecting estate agents to share responsibility for this continuing crisis is like asking arms dealers to share responsibility for war. They couldn't care less. It is their raison d'etre.

[@onemanandhisdog9]

You had 40 odd years more peace and quiet than Wales "Over a 12-year period from 1979, 228 properties were damaged across Wales. Dubbed the Meibion Glyndwr campaign, it was thought to have been a protest against rural homes in Welsh language heartlands being sold to people from England as holiday cottages. "

[@thelastpinster]

Can't tell the difference cormorant shag. Shags are a little smaller but one distinguing mark I have learnt is that the cormorants eye is set in the pale colored skin, the shags eye is set in the dark black skin.. both are green..but this tells you one from the other instantly.. but not from far off..

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Thanks for this, I don't know that

[@thelastpinster]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika to be honest I've always wanted to get to the bottom of this since a little kid.. I'm in OZ now, but originally from Jersey... We have a lot of cormorants and shags.. So many shags that us locals quite often refer to each other as 'shag' "instead of mate.. I looked it up yesterday and after about half an hour of investigation came upon the eye thingy.. And I immediakety said that's it ! Cheers mate

[@jayneboulton4672]

We live on the NC500. Moved here from Essex two years ago and the amount of ruins upsets us but apparently they get tax relief to allow them to ruin Might be wrong.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

That's interesting, I never knew that. Would be good to know more about this

[@doctorsam1953]

Regarding the ruined buildings, you might want to Google ‘highland clearances’.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Thank you for sharing this with me. That's a really interesting read. I think id like to learn more about it and revisit.

[@kronos4136]

One of the worst things you can do is follow the road laid out by others. I visit Scotland, mainly in late Autumn/Winter in a little micro van, Citroen Berlingo. No pop top, no solar ( what would be the point in the UK) I actually visit towns and villages and walk a lot. Some of the more 'trying people' are the 'Homers' in their giant Fridge/Freezer lookalikes parked anywhere they like. I'm with the locals on this one, they deserve to have their peace and quiet back and not be confronted by these 'occasional morons' . It's not just Scotland, they infest everywhere with their idle attitude and screw the rest of the World outlook exercising 'Their Right' without a thought for their responsibility toward others.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Smart

[@paulhill196]

Hi I love the views it's a shame some people leave their rubbish all the best Paul

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

I've done the NC 500 twice, in both directions, out of season and before the Pandemic. Roads were 95% empty, lots of places to park, although we used campsites when they were reasonably priced. Its seems the newbies have no idea how to behave - great shame.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Sadly a lot of newbies are not even newbies at best, they are bored and unable to go abroad so looking at other options, and this was it. When i go hiking i see a lot of people who are far from suitable dressed or prepared for the hills, mountain rescue figures back that up too. Thankfully this FAD seems to be subsiding :D

[@ttxela]

We've just got back from Scotland. Didn't go anywhere near the NC500 though as have heard many reports of similar issues.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Awesome! Yeah it's got some bad press recently, definitely a place to visit off season. Where abouts did you visit this time?

[@ttxela]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika we were on a mini tour stopping at Sanquahar, Glen Nevis, Oban and Loch Lomond.

[@normanedwards7220]

I was told that for a " no overnight parking " sign to be valid / enforceable , it must have the bye law reference number under which the bye law was made , ..AND ...the penalty for not obeying the sign , and that if either the bye law reference, or the penalty was not displayed, that sign was not enforceable, can anyone confirm or deny this , thank you

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

That's correct

[@lesleyshuker5859]

It was the Highland clearances that emptied the houses

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Thank you

[@jeffatkins6890]

I fully agree with you , about as welcome as the plague , go to Ireland , fabulous welcome , Scotland advertises for motor homes but doesn’t back it up

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Hi Jeff, thanks for your comment. I'm actually considering Ireland next. I have such a warm feeling about it and I think I will fall in love with the place very quickly I like that it's not plastered all over the Internet and that I can just find my way without bother. Are you in Ireland yourself?

[@thevanthatrocked]

I heard Scotland was van friendly and was going to head up but now I'm not so sure. Just been around Europe, Turkey, Croatia etc. and never had any problems parking or getting free water.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Thats amazing. We are years behind Europe I think 😔

[@papasmurf3024]

The SNP narrative has made the NC500 very unfriendly, Stirring up hate against campers. Unless you know where it's safe to camp, I wouldn't bother. I live in the highlands but rarely at home as I love camping in my van. I've only been questioned by rangers twice in 3 years. They leave me alone now. Knowing your rights is a distinct advantage. The no overnight parking signs cannot be enforced as they were deemed illegal by Scotland's high court, sneaky councils just trying their luck.

[@DesmondsDonders]

Cannot beat a good cormorant though LOL. We cannot stand those that do not follow leave no trace and park sensibly. Been doing the NC500 since before it was the NC500, 35yrs and the Covid years were the only times we have had issues. On the run to Inverness down the east coast there are some great harbour park ups to see.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Same applies for everywhere else. Lockdown caused dramas for everyone everywhere. I live in the lake district and it was trashed here. Love cormorants!!!

[@cheshirehomebrew]

Loved the video, did a bit of Scotland last year and will be again later this year. Don't wild camp but I can appreciate people who want to. Cheers and new subscriber too. David.👍🍺

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Hi David, thanks for subscribing. I think we will end up breaking the trip up into the odd campsite next time. We were only there for 2 days this time and longer trips will need toilet waste emptying. We did this at a campsite in Aviemore. Amika will love the campsites also. Nice to hear you enjoined it. Anywhere you recommend to stay?

[@cheshirehomebrew]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika No worries,we have children who are older so we prefer quieter sights with our border terrier. A couple of sites tho were really nice. North Ledaig in Oban is lovely, quite large but not noisey, there is a cycle path that runs along the sight which is also great for walking as well. Ardmair point in Ullapool is another great place. Luss at Loch Lomond is great for a couple of days. Trying some different ones this year so really looking forward to it. Cheers.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Super, thanks for this. We are the same. We really enjoy our own company but I also need to balance with exciting stuff for amika as she's 8 not in her 40s like me lol. I've flagged these sites, I will look as t them if I'm up that W as that next time, thanks a lot for this.

[@somethinggoodisgonnahappen]

I can relate to your experience. Motorhomes are the enemy in the average meathead Scottish persons view. I am from North West Scotland and feel the same as other comments with the view that this is a poorly planned operation to name this road and not expect it to be overrun. Infrastructure was crucial before this happened but they put the cart before the horse then criticise the people they were trying to attract in the first place. Gotta love the Scottish Government logic. So sad to see our Country in this state, divided and run by SNP bigots who claim to be the opposite. Anyone who has respect for others is welcome as far as I'm concerned. Great insight from your video and we can have hope that harmony will ensue at some point. *everyone stop fighting with each other, we're all the same apart from them in the Ivory towers. Keep enjoying Scotland dude.

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Why do you feel free to call us meatheads? Are you missing the point that it isn't a government leaving rubbish and shite everywhere. If you are going to drive the road the be responsible.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Great comment, it's a shame, but it will settle for sure. And hopefully this new aire program will see positive change. Are you still in North West?

[@porter5877]

Small island, 70+ million people it's gonna be packed! Welcome to the morden world! The UK can't take this amount of people

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

And it's going up 👆

[@Alex123321Alex123]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika 700,000 last year, double the year before, so that's 1 million people during what "apparently" was meant to be a lockdown.

[@adammachin]

At the point the official route was launched I suspect no investment was put into the existing communities and public facilities. Maybe the idea was to put it in once money started flowing in once it picked up in popularity. No doubt the events in the last few years have put a stop to that. And then further the storms that happened this last winter. Who’s ultimately responsible for NC500? I’m not sure, but it would have been an interesting survey to hold prior and now to find out if local people and businesses support the idea. All of that being said we are all free to roam this land in Scotland and it should be enjoyed by everyone but with respect for those who live here and the wildlife it holds.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Good response and well presented Adam. It's only a monitory that ruin it across all communities. It will die down soon no doubt as Europe open again. We always tidy up other peoples mess. Including the local youths macdonalds etc food packets. As I say, let's hope it dies off a bit. That said I'm sure many locals on the route will be then negatively impacted by the loss of revenue. We can never win 😁

[@junehall2177]

NC500 is a private limited company promoting public roads for their own profits. It was started by the then Prince Charles to boost tourism in Caithness, where he owns a castle. The NC500 Ltd company contribute zero towards any facilities needed by the huge surge in visitors to the area. Communities were not consultated before promotion was launched. The "right to roam", Scottish Outdoor Access Code excludes all motorised activity, including motorhomes/campervans. These two points are what frustrate residents most.

[@brianclark1352]

Well that just makes me think I'll spend my money down south. If Scotland doesn't want visitors its a pretty simple remedy...

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Haha

[@brianclark1352]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika People always used to moan about the Welsh being inhospitable - never found anyone like that. If anything they've gone out of their way to help ! Maybe I'll stick to Wales. Lechyd da !

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

It's always the minority..go where you like I say

[@derekjones2204]

And you can stick your drone where the sun don't shine as well

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

My 9 yest old daughter is asking you what that means?

[@jimjam8949]

It breaks my heart. My grandfather designed and commissioned a head stone in Oldshoremore cemetery for my Ccrofting grandmothers family who couldn't afford one at the time. I was hoping to visit with my elderly mother the last 2 yrs but was so put off by how the route is over used and misused. I couldn't take the risk of taking my mother to see their Cemetry taken over by people in hired motor homes and campers just 'ticking off something on thier bucket list'. Please stop thinking of it as a 'must do road trip!' Visit other parts if Scotland - it's beautiful elsewhere too!!!!!

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Just go out of season. We do

[@junehall2177]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika Please Gary, think of those who live here.

[@junehall2177]

I'm so sorry @jimjam, as a resident of this blessed "route" I fully understand.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

I live in a tourist area in the lake district. It's gridlocked currently. It also get trashed by a minority. Everyone is welcome here

[@junehall2177]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika This I understand but the Lake District saw a steady rise in visitors over the years, it did not have a private limited company thrust a "route" upon it virtually overnight with no public consultation & no contributions to the problems it has caused & in an area with very little if no provision to deal with such numbers.

[@sikugord03]

Makes my blood boil that people leave their garbage. They ruin it for everyone,it’s lazy,ignorant and down right rude. There are no reasons ever to not find a bin for it. Even if you have to travel with it for awhile. Grrrrrrrrr

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Totally agree. Cant stand litter louts, should be a large fine and 3 points on a license and enforced heavily!

[@oneworldsomanyadventures]

Great video again. Sadly there are a small group of people who are ruining it for the rest of us.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Yes I agree. But they also need more facilities on that side. More bins and more waste disposal points would help the problem they are facing. It's advertised as a tourist route, and it's not only campers who use it. Bikes and cars and cyclists need service points too. But you're right. Some people just ruin it for us all

[@Ethanaspect14]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika I agree, great video. Unfortunately the NC500 concept was taken over and overly promoted by a private entity with no consultation with the local Council or indeed local communities. The local Council, like many others, already struggle to provide services for the local population, let alone the massive influx of visitors from recent years. There is a very interesting study compiled recently by a Ranger into the affects of the NC500 on Durness in particular, it makes for quite a read! Like everywhere, responsible tourists are welcome anywhere but unfortunately there has been a large increase in the number of not responsible tourists that give the rest a bad name. Haste ye back for the remainder of the trip.

[@junesmith8361]

Not a few a lot i live her get your facts right

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Hi@@Ethanaspect14Thanks for the recommendation, I will take a read of that. It's a shame this is happening, it really is. I'll be back don't worry, but highly like in campsites off holiday season if I do. Thanks again, appreciated

[@duncansteward4331]

Disagree its not a small number of people --- its the majority. In the summer its van after van, driving so slow and has no idea how to use passing places ---- then just stops in the road because they have decided to look at the view.

[@davywatt9367]

Plenty parking if you pay for it don’t be miserable

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

I'm very miserable 😂

[@clvecooledge2407]

Hi Gary if it helps contact those happy days they did the N500 last winter they phoned a pub on the N500 who informed if they came in for a drink they could park overnight on their car park they served lovely food as well cant remember the name of the pub though hope it helps.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

This is great feedback. It's something I have considered over the last few weeks and will be looking at for future adventures. That's a every growing promotion it seems so well worth looking into more. Thanks a lot, happy Monday 😊👍

[@Alex123321Alex123]

Pub car parks are definitely a good option, they seem to appreciate the extra trade, it also doesn't feel like your getting ripped off, feels more like a bartering system, so I feel good spending my money on food or drinks , and tend to splash out more than normal just out of courtesy for their hospitality.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

@@Alex123321Alex123 I think you're right, it's something I will do next time between park ups

[@clifftricker3024]

We went in September this year and had no problem what so ever. Maybe it's you mate.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Probably

[@sidsidney8622]

I drove up there in 2004 and there is virtually no place to park. We stayed in a really crap expensive caravan park. Opposite was Anthrax Island, so we didn't hang around for long after we discovered the islands name. While walking in a field next to the caravan park with my then 9 year old daughter. Two locals hit a lamb over the head with a hammer and put it into a bag. They laughed when my daughter screamed. Virtually every parking place had no over night parking warnings. I found the place to be beautiful but something about the place was slightly strange. I've read the local roads are called "starvation roads" because most were built during the 1840s/1850s potato famine and the workers were only fed enough to keep them alive. If you drive into the country side it's the same. You can drive for 40 miles and not see a soul but every parking place the same " no overnight parking"

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

That's an interesting read Sid, thanks for sharing, sorry to hear about your daughter being upset, that's awful

[@nev7711]

Do the 'van' tourists really benefit the local economies when they travel self sufficient with their own food and accomodation, and use services and infrastructure that local people fund through their council tax?

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

All the co-ops seemed to be doing very well up there. fuel stations too. Pubs. Restaurants. Home bargains. Sueprdrug. Beer shops. Distilleries. Donations to car parks which have honesty boxes. I reckon so yes. The west of scotland thrives off it

[@nev7711]

@@TravelwithGaryandAmika Thanks for responding.👍

[@abr5819]

Your not the only one that pays taxes ya know. There’s no such thing as local taxes you sound like one of them self righteous miserable ones

[@nev7711]

@@abr5819 😂😂😂😂😂Love it...!! So you're calling me self righteous. But from what position are you, to determine what others are? (11 months old post....FFS)

[@stuartwrigglesworth9339]

Fantastic video

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Cheers Stuart 😊

[@cnoc500]

Sadly the NC500 has been a victim of its own success, and has surpassed saturation point. Marry this with tonnes of litter and human waste being left behind by irresponsible visitors and the locals have bitten back. Treat the area with respect. It was an unspoilt wilderness until Campervans arrived.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Let's hope it improves

[@stewartandersonjoinery5832]

I lived up in the highlands, and ive done this “route” over the years before it became know, most of these roads are single track type roads, only passing places so you can pass each other, the problem is, most of these roads werent designed for camper vans or caravans, and then you come across someone who’s decided to use one for a stop over.... and thus, folk cant pass each other. We all have the right to roam the country side, but it these stupid motoring programs who have promoted it, and thus the influx of over tourism, which Scotland needs, but not a mass amount, its also put accommodation in small b&b’s extortionate, because people are willing to pay over the odds for a nights stay! I have have few of my friends doing a tour and they say the accommodation was a rip off! I can understand why there are more folk got camper vans, freedom of staying somewhere remote.... but just remember, take your rubbish home!

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Good comment 👍

[@chriswhotton7056]

We were going to head up in the Crafter in July ? I don't know now hearing so much of the same from others, why are we been tret like gypsies ?

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

All I will say is Scotland is a lot bigger than the NC500, and a lot quieter too 😊 Go, be free and enjoy it, you will love it Chris

[@allanmastin6367]

Hi Gary, Just viewed your video,but hope by now overnight parking has since improved.As an alternative you might like to check out the vlog of Chris Sloanes of 4 days ago "do this instead - the better NC500",unless of course you already have ! Good Luck. Big Al.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Cheers Al, I've not seen it yet but will do. Scotaln is huge and there are much better places for my taste than the NC500. Much prefer the cairngorms for example, have you been to either?

[@nickjh1968]

Good video bud, nice drone footage too👏

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Thanks Nick, the drone really captures things differently doesn't it

[@mansellmovies]

Great video. And yes, to he'll with unhappy miserable people. Don't let them get you down. Well done on moving the idiots rubbish. 😊

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Thanks a lot 👍

[@stevezodiac491]

Just go on a campsite. Just done the 500 again, had a lovely time and contributed to the community in a sort of symbiotic kind of way ? No free lunches.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Not that keen on campsites. But will be visiting some more soon. Aires are the way forward

[@AnnFBug]

Why do people love Scotland so much? Barren, chilly and damp with midges. Give me Devon on a sunny day every time. We need trees!

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Less people, bigger forests

[@GavTatu]

as a stealth/wild camper, i often get in late, leave early, but with a van, you wanna relax a bit. i see the same 'no camping cars' in france, about from popular locations, who actually polices the other car parks, to see if people are parking for the night ?

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

No one I don't think

[@graememckay9972]

Forestry commision have restarted their park for a night trial at some of their carparks.

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Ah this is amazing. I've stayed at quite a few of their locations and it's always a pleasure. Hopefully since they have rangers they can keep on top of the louts. Thanks for letting me know about this, I assume its on their website for the details?

[@davidmartin7589]

I might suggest that taking the time to read the information displayed and briefly informing your viewers would add a lot to the vlog. Especially given the stone building and presumably historical nature of the location

[@TravelwithGaryandAmika]

Hi David, I will look into this a bit more. However, there are many other content creators doing that already, I'm just making fun videos with my daughter and memories. I will try to add a bit more but I don't want to bore my child to death with history lessons. Perhaps I can find a balance though