NORTH COAST 500 | WATCH THIS BEFORE YOU GO

Thinking of taking a North Coast 500 road trip? Need a few tips and inspiration before you go? WELL HERE WE GO! This video is all about what you should consider before road tripping the NC500, like when to go, how long to go for, what you should bring. That whole she-bang. We drove my camper van, Winnie for the entire thing and went to Skye too. Get comfortable, and enjoy.
NC500 ITINERARY VIDEO || • NORTH COAST 500 & SKYE...
Inspire, Explore, Bloom. ❈ ✈ ❁
Music licensed with Artlist.
MORE DETAIL OF THE NC500 || howlettfilm.com/blog/nc500tips
WEBSITE || www.wiildblooms.com
INSTAGRAM || / wiildblooms
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CAMERA USED:
Panasonic GH5
WITH
12-60mm Leica 2.8 Lens
Rode VideoMic Pro
Joby Gorillapod Focus
GoPro Hero 5
Who dis?
I'm Ella. I'm a 24 y/o creative mind from Cambridge, UK (no, I did not go to the Uni, I'm not smart enough. Cri.)
Why 'Wiildblooms'?
My middle name is a bloom - Rose. 'The wild blooms' sounds like a snazzy phrase, and it's true. Plus, this is all about travel and lifestyle with the occasional quality (terrible) joke here and there (I try).
The two ii - they look like two little people, and I'm all about telling stories about humans.
© Video belongs to Wiildblooms - Ella Rose Howlett.

[@wiildblooms]

Alreet guys!! Big thanks for the love 💓 I’m trying to get this channel back to its glory days so any shares/subs would be muchos appreciated! I work hard to make these vids so it would be fabulous if more people could see them 🤙 Cheers!

[@KindnessMattersTV]

Consider it done are you on Twitter?

[@KindnessMattersTV]

Oops one last thing I would love to know what you paid for your T4 and what year it is ;-) xx

[@MATravel]

You are doing awsome, and a great inspiration for begginers like us 👍🏻

[@gemmadavies9790]

What camera did you use?

[@yezyk07]

So no good for a sport car ?? Thanks

[@thebarefootwitch5564]

I live on the NC500. A tip I’d give people is; there ARE shops and supermarkets and please, please, please spend money within our communities! We rely on tourism

[@stewartwallwork6505]

Wee krankie puts me off won’t visit because of her.

[@davidkeenan1275]

@@stewartwallwork6505 and that blonde mop headed murder Johnson puts me off visiting you lot

[@stewartwallwork6505]

@@davidkeenan1275 Yes but your economy needs our money.We don’t want yours

[@davidkeenan1275]

@@stewartwallwork6505 And once again you have just shown how thick you are with that comment! Back to blaming immigrants for all your problems now Stewart you politically inept clown show!

[@davidkeenan1275]

@@stewartwallwork6505 to come out with a thick as shite comment like that says it all about you lmfao! Scotland welcomes all except you ya roaster 🤣🤣🤡

[@hozzer68]

My tips, as a Scot who lived in Torridon 1. Go clockwise, 2. Unless you really need to go to John O’ Groats (can’t see why) go as far as Tongue or Bettyhill then turn right and head for Lairg, then head to Dornoch A9 . 3. if coming from England go via Glasgow Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, Fort William, Kyle of Lochalsh then Loch Carron and start the NC500 there and finish in Inverness, have a day trip to Loch Ness. 4. If out of season when you go( summer as well )If you have 1/2 a tank of fuel and see a petrol station that’s open fill up, 5. If wild camping/site if you see a shop open buy food. You’re welcome.

[@landrover2561]

If you go clockwise are you not going against the flow of traffic? What’s your reason please! Ty

[@hozzer68]

@@landrover2561 the flow of traffic is equal in both directions, personal choice and if you are returning down south after a long journey it’s easier and quicker going home via the A9 if you have taken the scenic route up the west coast from Loch Lomond to Loch Carron via route stated in the original comment.

[@vinithavalsan152]

Hey I'm new to NC500 can you help me hear I see many people telling to go anticlockwise from east to west and many telling not to visit John oh Groats 😭 I'm so confused now can you help me would be so grateful if you could?

[@johngraham6181]

A word of warning. The Police have targeted the NC500 this year due to the numbers of cars and bikes that have seen this as a racetrack or rally often travelling in large group. Dozens prosecuted already. And most locals would say not before time. Have an accident on much of this road and you are a long way from any help. Ambulances often cannot get to the casualties because of the queues of camper vans blocking the roads.

[@yesemitesam333]

This video really is the standard to which other travel vloggers should aspire. Well done. As someone who lives right on the NC500 I should like to put in a bit of a plug for Caithness. Too many people dismiss it as just somewhere you have to drive through to get to or from the mountains. However, there really is a lot to see and do. There are numerous, wonderful neolithic sites; fantastic sea scapes, cliffs and sea stacks, beautiful beaches, wonderful harbours and amazing locations such as the Whalligoe Steps. Just because you can't see it from the road doesn't mean it isn't there.

[@evid1000]

Well I have watched loads of KZbin vids on a vast amount of subjects. Yours has to be one of the best edited, easy to watch informative, amusing, not long and tedious videos I have ever seen. You deserve a YT medal for this one girl. Thanks for the info. and the fun I had watching it. Humor, brevity, and good editing will grow your market. Keep up the good work.

[@joielou6544]

Best travel video - no rambling, to the point and actually shows what we're watching the video for (Scotland! And not a 5 minute intro on the vloggers day)

[@vanroyce9484]

No comment about the courtesy that you need to pay the locals that work and live on this route..!! They are now starting to get quite intolerant of people that won't let them pass while driving slowly admiring the views, stopping with no consideration while hopping out to stand in the middle of the road to take snaps!! If you see a farmer with a trailer let him by or you might regret it, another thing is the amount of rubbish that is being left by wild campers...!! I've completed this route many times in a large motor home which is lovely out of season, even been swimming in the sea in October on deserted beaches. I'm not a kill joy but "PLEASE" consider the locals while enjoying your holiday, you never know when you might need their assistance.

[@jennyreddaway2666]

Not a criticism of the video which at least mentioned single track roads, but Van Royce has a very valid point about thinking about the locals. Real people live and work in these areas and courteous people are always welcome but it's not a theme park!

[@fuckinellitsraymo]

Yup... I have been forced off the road by camper vans and cars. I found someone camped in one of my fields with their car parked in front of the access gate. Drunk idiots disturbing the other campers in the campsites after they come back from the pub etc etc. It's getting to the stage where its intolerable in the Summer months.

[@vanroyce9484]

An Englishman who's heart is very much in Scotland, so much so I moved here, lovely people and culture. Scotland is such a lovely place that can be enjoyed all year round and I have done so many times in tents caravans and motor-homes. I've done much of the continent from Nordkapp (Norway) to Sicily and more but Scotland was always the draw. People with the right attitude and respect are welcome, who may like me come back year after year. Others please head off to Ibiza and make of fool of yourself there. That is me off my soap box - Please come and enjoy but please respect a lovely country.

[@JamalonOfficial]

I.e. Dont hire American style RVs

[@JamalonOfficial]

@@fuckinellitsraymo that's so inconsiderate of people 😔

[@chrissie1380]

I LOVE THE EDITING ON THIS VIDEO. fab video, informative funny and entertaining! x

[@reecen819]

Mate and I are doing this next year! Can’t wait! This video helps a lot!

[@epp]

Watched tons of nc500 videos and this was the most honest one. Really the best. Thank you.

[@maureenmcrae3508]

“A wee bit pish!” Love that you’ve grabbed a hold of the Scottish vernacular relatively quickly. Loved yer wee video too. We’re planning our trip of the NC500 next April. Will be sure to use yer vids as a source of encyclopaedic info, and a little giggle too. Cheers Man.

[@cleevelando]

What a brilliant video! You’re wonderful to watch! Thank you! 😁👌🏼

[@andymadine4756]

Great video !!! Keeping it straight to the point .. perfect!

[@muff.t2780]

Great post lass. Entertaining and informative. Not easy to do in 5 minutes!!👏

[@basecamper7504]

Thanks for making this vid, helpful and entertaining. Hoping to do this this in June ourselves.

[@clemfandango9534]

What a terrific little film ! Great pace, entertaining and informative. You got skills, girl !

[@vanwheelsontour]

I've never seen a video in less than 6 Min.with so much informations and wonderful pictures. Top. I like it!!

[@lifeshort]

So helpful. So many things I wouldn’t have thought of.... Thank you!

[@justinleaskjl]

I've watched thousands of videos and without a doubt this is the best commentary ever,very entertaining thanks Hun 👌😀

[@mcarter7303]

Informative, succinct and humorous. What a refreshing clip. Subscribed as a result. Thank you

[@onmeimei]

I loved this video, so fun and informative!! Thank you queen

[@stephenroberts7459]

Thank you for the video, we followed that route in 1986 before it was dubbed NC500. I don't think I would do it again seeing how much traffic there is now!. When we went we only saw the locals, it was absolutely beautiful. Completely empty beaches at Durness with white sand and clean, clear water!

[@SciFiGirl007]

Nice Video! Thanks for putting effort into this. No annoying music... High value of information. 👍🏻

[@thednafatlosscoach206]

Cracking video! Considering this for a 2021 trip and this was super useful thanks! (not to mention entertaining)!

[@ZxTennent01xZ]

Really informative video! Answered a lot of questions I had, even after watching other, longer videos.

[@Ratnabhsl]

Such a great video! Love it. Thank you 😊

[@Waffle24]

Such an amazing video! We’re doing the NC500 next year and are getting ourslelves hyped by watching loads of videos - yours is by far the best! 🙌🏼

[@JamalonOfficial]

Get Skye squeezed in if you Can! Unreal place and just a wee detour off the NC500

[@beachbuoy9700]

Great! Thanks! ... hoping to do it this year in my T4

[@WeFixChannel]

Well Done, Thanks for your Video. Your ability to explain the good and bad point in a nice way was spot on. I will pass your video on to anyone that is looking to go.

[@booties8]

absolutely brilliant , entertaining and informative video. Thank you for this.

[@davidjohnmartin821]

Excellent short video , thanks for the info , we will definitely do this trip in our VW ☺️

[@SloMo2723]

Well done ! I'm hoping to bicycle the Scotland 500 in late Sept! Thanks for the info.All the best

[@brianlaughlin3161]

Great wee video ,thank you for the tips 🙏🏼

[@M.K.Z.VALETING]

Great tips, thanks, we are thinking of doing it at some point as it's been something I've wanted to do for some time now, so really appreciate the information. You've just gained another sub as well, looking forward to any other videos you might do. 👍

[@davidcochrane3048]

Simply brilliant production! Watched with a friend visiting us from Birmingham, who was thinking of doing the NC500. He absolutely loved this and amidst the snappy humour, clever intonation and excellent pop-up graphics, - there was good advice. Shall watch your others to compare. If this style is replicated, then you deserve success.

[@thisisme4595]

Love it. The best, most engaging and informative video about travels in North Scotland. Love the editing too. There are too many videos of people driving along roads, with a loud soundtrack. WATCH THIS Y'ALL

[@theangrygingerthebananavan4207]

We did the NC500 in April 2016. We saw glorious Sun, drizzle, gales, heavy showers and eventually Snow just as we headed up from Applecross. My advice never underestimate the Scottish weather, the Snow came from nowhere, quickly covered everything. We had to bail out, after the scariest 6 point turn ever we made it back down to Applecross after towing a Porsche out of a ditch. Our friends had to reverse for 2 miles. Character building 😂😂😂 South West Coastal 300 next, 7 days to go. Can’t wait

[@GAZOD]

Great video we are going in April cant wait looks amazing

[@joestevens5608]

love this, such a pleasant video

[@sharonaddison809]

Just found your channel and this is the first video I've watched. Love the style, will subscribe and check the rest out. Been binging on vanlifer videos during lockdown, always like to find new videos to watch! And have wanted to do this route for ages, will wait until another year tho :)

[@mickbunyan8001]

Very informative, short and to the point! Well done and thank you! Oh, and subscribed🤗

[@nickfry7705]

Good vid thanks, we did it on motorbikes 2 years ago and your spot on on all counts. Only thing I'd add is to strongly consider the Scottish Youth Hostels which are at most stopover sites and provide a good bed at a reasonable cost. Also the sea is very cold.

[@RoxyReel]

I just saw something on fb about this route, searched for a video on it and here I am. Loved your editing and narration! It looks spectacular - it's sometimes hard to believe places like this are in the UK!

[@killerbrown1000]

This video was all I needed to know 🤙🏽

[@adaptableadventurerider]

Truly awesome video! Thanks for posting :)

[@TravelwithRidhi]

Great video! Did some trekking in beautiful north Wales and looking to go south but now viewing this video think I’ll have to check it out. Ben Nevis is on my list!

[@FunnyBoysFilms]

This video is a master class in travel videography, great B roll, it's engaging and informative. Fantastic visuals. You are either a natural or you've done a course on media studies. Perfect video.

[@TheAccelerateChannel]

Awesome video! Thank you

[@shaunpriddle3404]

Awesome vid, big help, thank you 👍👍👍

[@MrDlugosh]

Thank you so much for the tips.

[@andypandywalters]

Nice concise video. Many thanks.

[@pjay3028]

Very helpful video, and nice and concise. Thanks

[@RonnieCairnsPhotography]

Loved your video. rely informative and entertaining.

[@MakoBeauty]

Man I had SUCH a shit day and this video just brightened me up so much. Thank you :) And above all else...AVOID THE MIDGES!!!....

[@abhijeetsingh6308]

Amazing editing , wonderful concise information,, well done..

[@aubreydavis8822]

Well done, this looks like fun

[@thestrengthwithin4249]

Thank you very much for sharing, really appreciate that 👏👏👏👍

[@carolinedelaney4451]

Brilliant 👏😂 loved this video 👌

[@adventurecouple1015]

Brilliant video and really informative.

[@slimo3600]

Thinking of doing this in April, been driving for just under a year but I’ve done a lot of challenging drivers already, I go Lake District quite often and have driven over hardknott pass a few times and live in Lancashire near the Forrest of bowland so I’ve got a lot of experience on driving on single track lanes

[@Seandunc69]

Fantastic video, thank you

[@wendyrobertson7718]

Love love love this video lol. And yes we are Scottish. xx

[@alancribb3817]

Thank you , made me smile :)

[@defenderdave4931]

Great little video .

[@mindfulinthescottishhighla7403]

I’m lucky enough to live in this part of the world❤️❤️

[@909Junkies]

same here mate :)

[@HarryBarr]

Yet another thing to add to my to do list

[@philsheath]

Arthur Wainwright would turn in his grave at this. Back in the 80s a small group of done this route many many times on motorcycles and honestly it was so quiet you hardly saw another vehicle, of course then they turned our favourite road into a self contained tourist attraction. Still the scenery hasn’t changed, thankfully no McDonald’s...yet!

[@AdventuresinVanDiesel]

On our list to visit, thanks for the tips 👍

[@richardcrowden4310]

I’m definitely going to do the NC 500 and my breakfast only regret is that I haven’t done so already Thanks for this really helpful video and I recognise some of your amazing pictures having lived in Castletown which is a village, 5 mile east along the coast from Thurso and roughly 20 mile from John O Groats. My mum’s side of family are from Tongue, another village nestled on the north coast and is about 40 mile west along the coast line from Thurso. Amazing memories from your great pictures, like I said and thanks again 🙏

[@anjaliparanjape9582]

I have seen One Video about Scotland 500 before it was Awesome but was Lacking on Details how to Travel.. ! You have done a Good Job providing the right Information to People who want to Travel Scotland 500.. ! 👍

[@NealyLL]

Brilliant video and commentary 👌

[@sunitathind8440]

Great tips thank you 😊

[@majadunn9285]

Fab info, thank you!

[@vlogsville]

Omg I love your personally 💓✨ thanks tho was so informative

[@anthonymaximin2261]

Great video very entertaining. witty great editing and "funny"Thank you we are going in April.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Us too. Although we did the West Coast bit (including Skye) a couple of years ago. Scotland is a truly beautiful place.

[@UrbanVanlife]

brilliant brilliant i could go on with several more brilliants but i wont , this is lets drop it one more time brilliant , we have just come back from skye and plen on doing the nc500 in march , thanks for the vid and go go vw crew

[@brianashton925]

Hope to do this in my newly converted Transit T350 this year

[@reeceholmes5807]

Best thing I ever did!

[@matthewadams1874]

Brilliant video

[@LudwigPB]

damn that sums it up soo good, wish I had seen this before our trip though everything still went fine🙏 thx for the good work!

[@JamalonOfficial]

Were you able to sneak in Skye?

[@LudwigPB]

@@JamalonOfficial we arrived by ferry and left over the bridge, you can watch the video on my channel or what do you mean by sneaking in? ;o

[@komandaosis3639]

Thanks. Hope this helps to me,go next week

[@winnerjamie]

Great video! I'm looking to do the NC500 at something this year and this has helped with our planning 🤙will subscribe too!

[@markhalliday2397]

If you are planning another trip up then go to Isle of Lewis/Harris 😍, ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway, tour Lewis then head down to the glorious Harris beaches 😍, then maybe ferry across to Isle of Skye

[@Sabu1703]

Nice one...thanks :) I plan to do this after corona with my lady...It helps me a lot to see this clip Greetz from Bavaria ;)

[@katiefinnegan4649]

Exceptionally well done video! Super pro! Also, this will sell it to my gf. Thanks!

[@saintuk70]

So, as can be seen in the footage, there's a lot of camper vans and other vehicles - the NC500 has "exploded" as a route to the extent where local infrastructure is struggling. So be patient, and don't treat it like a Cannonball Run. The roads are narrow, they are mostly single track from out beyond Thurso until you start to hit down the west coast, then they narrow again. Please don't underestimate this. Also, please remember that passing places are not only to allow oncoming traffic through, but also traffic from behind - don't be the one that holds everyone else up. You'll be surprised at just how few people understand what and how to use a passing place. Also, please buy local!! Don't load up a van with food etc from your local Tesco - shopping local on the route really helps the local economy. Try, as much as you can, to take any rubbish etc out with you - again local services are not designed or able to cope with huge pressures of numbers. Finally, enjoy it - Scotland is fantastic.

[@marcinjaskier1536]

You're so DYNAMIC!!!👍👍👍

[@SkyeEyeSightings]

It is not a hard drive at all as long as you can manage the basic requirements to pass your test and understand how single track roads work. If you cannot reverse whilst staying in your lane then you should not be driving anyway.... You should advise people to be respectful of their environment. I had tourists park their car on my "lawn" once then proceed to take a picture of said 4 by 4 on my property. They swiftly moved after I came out the house with my axe, I just happened to be sharpening at the time....

[@Mary-wk6oq]

Needless to say the amount of times they cause havoc on the roads, involved in crashes with locals and even hitting pedestrians 😳

[@blairgardner6434]

Haha great video. As a potential first time campervaner ( don’t think that’s a word ) this has helped me big time. Unfortunately now I will need to do more research aaaaggghhhhhh

[@Senna-xi1gr]

Great cheers.👍

[@michaelvongeldern7924]

Hi Wildblooms. thanks for your great videos and recommendations of the NC500. We've been inspired by you to do the NC500. I've challenged my daughter (who is 12) to put together a video of our trip. Can you recommend what video editing software/app she should use and any specific tips on taking videos. thanks.

[@TradDad1]

Cool video 👍. Myself and a pal are planning on walking N,C 500 in a couple of years. We are going to try and compete it (or do as much as possible) in 2 weeks. Don't laugh! But 35 miles per should do it. I'm really looking forward to going to Durness. Can you recommend any other points of interest. Starting east coast.

[@jools99caithness17]

Toilets. If you are in a motorhome with a self contained loo, empty it in a proper caravan site. If you are travelling in a car, or campervan without a loo, and plan to pitch a tent on open countryside make sure you have a shovel to bury human waste- or carry a makeshift loo, bag and empty in a bin. Be aware that there will be livestock in open ground, and respect places like graveyards and churches.

[@DGT73]

KEEP LEFT ON SINGLE TRACK ROADS!! Do NOT use passing places on your right hand side, this is extremely dangerous and could cause head on collisions. Move over for locals who use these roads regularly and travel at much higher speeds👍

[@piripirigoso]

those midges lol. Nice video thanks. Do you mind sharing which repellent did you take?

[@stevemcgowan3017]

I’ve not been Scotland for long time .say 25years ago.did it in Sierra with my ex an daughter.been to Isle of Skye.wick,John groats loch lomind Glasgow Loch Ness glencoe.slept in car with my sheepdog at fort William.was freezing but no snow ❄️.my rd wife new is Cornish,she thinks it’s too cold.but I’m 60 thus year so want go again in my T4camper.drive it every day for work plus hills always off grid.so looking forward to Scotland but my birthday in December so be cold eh❄️

[@RichardFanders]

Great video!

[@R-K61]

Excellent

[@mckproductions8202]

QUESTION BELOW Hey mate , I've lived all over the world and Scotland is the most beautiful country. I've been living in my car since Covid and so have criss crossed this awe inspiring island. MIDGES...I found the season to be every day and as I'm working my way back into the highlands for late September I'd like to know when you found them to be most ferocious? There worse than Australian flies, like being surrounded by a shoal of fish. Your a natural at this.