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12 January 2024
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We’ve attended a few events recently, and without doubt one of the most common questions we receive is, “Can I take my caravan on the NC500?” The answer is a yes! While it might seem intimidating at first, rest assured that with a bit of preparation, there’s nothing to worry about. Yes, there are a few driving challenges along the route, but as long as you’re a confident and sensible driver, towing a caravan on the NC500 will be just as manageable as driving a larger motorhome.
If you’re planning your first NC500 adventure, we can’t emphasise enough how important it is to plan ahead. Doing so will give you the confidence you need to truly enjoy the journey. To help make your experience even smoother, be sure to check out our NC500 Road Trip Guidebook. It’s packed with everything you need to know—from must-see destinations to practical advice and suggested itineraries, ensuring you make the most of your trip.
There’s a common misconception that towing a caravan through the Highlands is a daunting task, but the truth is, many people successfully take their caravans on the NC500—and it’s easier than you might think. Of course, it helps to be confident when towing a caravan (but that’s essential for any caravan holiday, isn’t it?).
The driving challenges you’ll face are similar to those encountered by those driving larger motorhomes along the route. Expect the occasional single-track road with passing places, and you may need to reverse to allow others to pass. However, as long as you’re a sensible driver and not rushing, you’ll have no trouble navigating these roads and fully enjoying the journey.
Here’s a surprising truth: the most traffic delays on the NC500 are often caused by first-time motorhome hirers. Their lack of confidence and unfamiliarity with the vehicle’s width can cause them to slow down significantly. However, if you’re experienced with towing a caravan, you’ll have no trouble navigating the route.
Our advice is simple: take your time, stay sensible, and prioritize safety. If you need to pull into a passing place to let other vehicles go by, go ahead and do so. The locals are friendly (despite some of the stories you might read online), and by using the passing places, you’re allowing them to continue with their day. Stay calm, keep your focus on the road, and trust us—you’ll find that driving your caravan on the NC500 is a smooth and enjoyable experience.
To enhance your experience, we highly recommend using select campsites as a base during your journey. This will give you the freedom to unhook your caravan and explore the stunning Highlands in your vehicle. Below, we’ve outlined a suggested itinerary with some great campsites that work perfectly as a base, but there are plenty of other options available to suit your needs as well.
BASE | CAMPSITE | PLACES TO VISIT FROM BASE |
1 | Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park | Black Isle / Glenmorangie Distillery / Rogie Falls Dornoch / Falls of Shin / Golspie / Dunrobin Castle Big Burn Walk / Brora Beach |
2 | Dunnet Bay Club Campsite or Thurso Bay Caravan & Camping Park | Whaligoe Steps / Wick / Castle Sinclair / John O’Groats / Duncansby Head / Castle & Gardens of Mey / Dunnet Head / Dunnet Bay / Thurso |
3 | Sango Sands Campsite | Bettyhill / Loch Craggie Viewpoint / Rispond Bay / Ceannabeinne Beach / Smoo Cave / Sango Sands Beach / Balnakeil Beach / Oldshoremore Beach |
4 | Clachtoll Beach Campsite (approx 6 miles of single track road from Lochinver) | Kylesku Bridge / Wailing Widow Falls / Ardvreck Castle / Drumbeg Loop / Clashnessie Falls / Clachtoll Beach / Achmelvich Beach / Lochinver Larder / Scenic route past Stac Pollaidh & Knockan Crag |
5 | Inverewe Gardens Poolewe | Ullapool / Corrieshalloch Gorge / Gruinard Beach / Inverewe Garden / Poolewe / Gairloch / Big Sand Beach / Victoria Falls / Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve |
6 | The Wee Campsite Lochcarron or Reraig Caravan and Camping | Torridon / Shieldaig / Applecross / Bealach na Bà / Attadale Gardens / Lochcarron / Eilean Donan |
Despite most roads being perfectly fine for caravans, there are a couple you should be aware of, and do your best to avoid.
Road to Drumbeg (Drumbeg Loop – B869): This narrow, single-track road has steep gradients and sharp bends, making it tricky for larger vehicles, especially caravans.
Bealach na Bà (Applecross Pass): Known for its steep climbs and tight hairpin bends, this mountain pass is definitely not for anxious drivers, or for towing anything heavy. It’s best to avoid this route if you’re not comfortable with narrow, winding roads.
Stay Sensible, Stay Safe: If you’re towing a caravan, it’s important to drive with care and awareness. Don’t rush the journey, and simply try to enjoy being on the open road.
Use Passing Places: The NC500 is dotted with passing places, specifically designed for letting traffic overtake. If you come across another vehicle that needs to pass, simply pull over into one of these passing areas.
Choose Campsites as a Base: Set up at a campsite for a few days, unhitch your caravan, and explore the Highlands in your car. Many well-equipped campsites along the NC500 offer beautiful views and great facilities.
Take Your Time: The NC500 is all about enjoying the scenery. Don’t rush – take it slow to reduce stress and fully take in the breathtaking surroundings.
Want to hear more about my NC500 adventures? Head over to my Robbie Roams YouTube channel for tips, stories, and inspiration! And if it’s your first time, make sure to avoid these common mistakes!
