Nc500 in October

[AmilyChestnut]

Good afternoon! We are planning to drive to Scotland and the Nc500 in October, end of the month to be specific. I would like some advice on a few things from those in the know please...

Is it likely to be busy at that time of year?

Can anyone recommend any family campsites to stop at along the way? Ideally with stuff for the kids to do, so not just a field. Anywhere to avoid?

Also, what sights MUST we see along the way?

We are used to winding roads as we live in the countryside, but how much of it is single track?

Is it particularly windy or rainy in October? So I know what sort of outer wear to pack for us all.

Any other advice would be fab. Thank you!

It might be cold.

It will be absolutely freezing and probably very wet and windy.

I suggest you "test drive" along the parts that are available on Streetview to get a taster, bearing in mind what time of year it was filmed. You don't say where you're coming from but it can come as a shock to some people just how remote parts of Scotland are.

OP, if you ask MN to transfer this thread to Scotsnet, you will get more useful answers from locals.
I live in Perthshire, which is stunning with all the tree colours in October, and it is often surprisingly warm and sunny. Even if it’s a bit chilly, it’s not usually a particularly wet month. It is also midge free, which is a big plus in the highlands!
Scottish schools have two weeks off for half term in October, so you would be best avoiding a clash.

We never holiday in the summer in England anyway, we prefer later in the year when the crowds have gone, we are outdoorsy and used to the wet and cold.

Will it still be crowded?

We don't mind what's in store, just want to be prepared

How old are the kids and what do they like doing?

1.5, 12 and 9. Younger 2 are wild and need lots of running around. Older one is typical pre teen.

Ideal campsite will have Wi-Fi so they can use their tablets in the evening.

I think I've done this, thank you!

Campsites tend to shut end October early November - it's the very end of the season

May to august is peak time when you should book campsites

Weather could be vile but there won't be many midges

I'm originally from Perthshire too and while it's often fine weather inland the NC500 is a good 100-150 miles north and on the coast so will be wetter and colder. I looked at the Streetview from Applecross north and most of it appears shot in winter so will give the OP an idea of what it's like.

I must confess I've never been north of Ullapool myself but having been brought up in rural Scotland, I doubt if there is much open in the way of facilities during the winter.

Hopefully someone more local will be along in a minute.

End of October is generally freezing but fairly dry especially around Inverness and the Moray coast. Further north hit and miss, could get mental rain and storms, could be bone dry.

Disclaimers: check stuff is open!!!! Especially between Ullapool and Thurso, there are limited options. Applies to attractions/cafes/restaurants.

If the older kids are into walking:

Bone Caves at Inchnadamph
Corrieshalloch Gorge - think there's now a cafe there too
Reelig Glen
Garve has a lovely wooded play park, that all your kids would love probably

Gairloch is nice especially the bookshop cafe
Ullapool is lovely and again nice bookshop and can watch the ferry coming in, excellent chippy

North of Ullapool I would be quite wary. It's a lot of driving to get from place to place.

Durness has a cave which is pretty cool. There is also Handa island which has a ferry but probably too late for that.

John O Groats - not a lot to do there but worth it for pics with the sign.

Gospie - Dunrobin castle is vg and nice gardens for the wee one to run around in.

Dornoch - lovely beach/bookshop/places to eat.

Black Isle - Rosemarkie, Fortrose, Cromarty all lovely - look up Clootie Well.

Tain has an Asda. Wick has a Tesco.

But definitely check what is open and what is closed.

It’s quieter but there are still a good few tourists do the NC500 in winter. There’s quite a few campsites that stay open. The weather can be chilly and changeable in October and very wet. Not all of the campsites have drying facilities so keep that in mind when you’re choosing where to stay and some shut shower and toilet blocks in winter. Remember the days are getting shorter in October as well, we often come cross camper vans trying to negotiate unfamiliar roads as they were unaware of how quickly and early it gets dark. The ones I remember being open in October are Beauly Holiday Park, Sheildaig, Mellon Udrigle, Port a Bhaigh and there’s one in Durness that I can’t remember the name of. Quite a few pubs and hotels along the route close for winter too so it’s probably best to check if you’re intending on eating out. On a good note you’ll not be bothered by the midgies.

Are you camping in a tent? Or a camper van? I’m Scottish and wouldn’t take kids camping end October! And I love the outdoors. Be prepared for some cold, wet and windy weather.

We will be in a motor home..?

We live in the Highlands and tour in our motorhome a lot in winter. You’ll be fine, a lot of places do electric hook ups in winter. It’s not strictly on the NC500 but have a look at Invercoe Campsite in Glencoe, the views are stunning and pitches right on the loch side, excellent facilities, the toilets and showers are spotless and have decent drying facilities, the scenery is beautiful too especially in late autumn.

The applecross peninsula is very narrow and very windy lots of hairpin bends and if you're not confident in what you're driving then motorhomes can cause quite a backlog but it's beautiful. I agree north of ullapool is quite wild and dreich so you might be best to cut across that bit when your going up there.

It will be cold but probably not freezing. Just pack lots of waterproofs and fleeces and hot water bottles. Remember the clocks go back the last full weekend in October so it will be dark early.

Urgh motor homes should be banned on that Applecross road! We got stuck by a French one one year. Nightmare. You’ve got to be able to reverse confidently and accurately as it’s narrow with drop offs. I know this is grumpy but the NC500 is a curse! The roads can’t cope with the traffic it brings.

Cold, wet, windy and remember darker than England, less daylight.

Higher ground starts to get a bit of snow even. Not sure I would drive it then, but it is beautiful (I went early September) but windy roads, narrow, hard to overtake the dozens of cyclists (didn't bother us because we were on a motorcycle)

Bellach na ba!

Can be bypassed

Bealach na Bà

and yes it can but it takes forever from the North.

Autocorrect

There's a NC500 Facebook page which is full of information. At least the midges should be gone.