Road trip anyone?

Top tip - don't! It's crammed with motor homes, buses and drivers that don't understand the roads. Tourist infrastructure limited.
Try the SW Scotland route instead. Quieter, less touristy and very beautiful.

Agree with Aveline
It's Midge HQ as well at this time of year. At least wait till September.

Aveline

Top tip - don't! It's crammed with motor homes, buses and drivers that don't understand the roads. Tourist infrastructure limited.
Try the SW Scotland route instead. Quieter, less touristy and very beautiful.

Oh. In my imagination it's a peaceful wilderness! Thanks for the tip.

Grammaretto

Agree with Aveline
It's Midge HQ as well at this time of year. At least wait till September.

Yes, I am thinking of September. I associate the west with midges so haven't investigated them as yet. I am a midge magnet!

There are numerous videos on YouTube.
Here’s just one.

www.google.com/search?q=NC500+scotland+%2B+traffic+jams&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:67dc005a,vid:DZJN6PfnFr8,st:0

It’s spectacular.

Best seen on a video

As a Scottish motorhome owner, I can only agree - avoid the NC500, it will be absolutely heaving, and the midges will be out in force! Aveline's suggestion for the south-west is one I would echo - it's a very beautiful part of the country and very under-rated. In fact, the whole of the Scottish Borders is often overlooked by many people, but has lots to see and do.

I agree. Dumfries and the Rhinns of Galloway are lovely and very underrated. Lots to do there too.

The north east of Scotland is also gorgeous. Aberdeenshire/Morayshire etc. There are castles on every corner (slight exaggeration!) and lots of open countryside and walking opportunities. The coast, too, (more castles) with cliff walks, sandy beaches with dunes, sea wildlife watching. The east isn’t much bothered by midges, either.

The North Coast 500 is beautiful but I'd wait till Sept/Oct when the kids are back at school. Much quieter. Scottish Borders are
gorgeous too.

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I've amended the itinerary. X

We got eaten alive by midges at Loch Garten in September - just saying!

Greyduster

I agree. Dumfries and the Rhinns of Galloway are lovely and very underrated. Lots to do there too.

Totally agree, in fact I’m there now. Sadly not for long.

I usually try to keep quiet about it as I'd rather it stayed unspoilt. Very selfish I know 🙁. Logan gardens though!! Gorgeous.

Lovely art exhibitions on in Kirkcudbright, the artist's town too.

I'm thinking of staying for a week somewhere then day trips. My original plan was 2/3 nights in various places. I'm looking at Port Patrick. Just looking at the weather there now and it's 15c. It's 25c where I am and that's considerably cooler than yesterday!

SW Scotland is a good bet. Dumfries and Galloway- lovely !

I agree about the timing. Used to sail up the west coast and to the hebrides regularly, so opposite way for us. Sailing put the suncream on and few clothes. Get near to land and then it was long sleeved cotton and long trousers, socks to tuck trousers in and mosquito netting lightweight head cover similar to beekeepers outfit tucked into shirt. Leave any space and would be bitten to bits. (I obviously tasted good to them) There are some marvellous gardens to see in Scotland , worth checking them out before you go to see what and when is open when you are there.Have a good time

Port Patrick is lovely but very small and at the end of a long drive. Knockinaam House hotel near there is lovely for a (big)treat. Castle Douglas or Kirkcudbright might be a more flexible base.

Hi Madeleine45 on at 17-36 are you the poster everyone on the good morning forum are wondering where you are apologies if you are not ,

Sorry to ask on your post Cadenza123 hope you get your road trip sorted .

Madeleine45 So good to hear from you! Have missed you on 'Good Morning' thread!

Cadenza123 So rude of me to post on your thread! So sorry.
Your trip sounds so fascinating, I am hoping that we read more about it!

Did NC500 over 11 years ago before it was “ discovered”
It has got much busier now especially with motorhomes etc and the roads are not designed for such heavy traffic
If you go , book all of your accommodation in advance as it is limited even in the bigger villages! It is a wonderful route and I suggest taking 10 days to do it! We did it in a week so we’re rushed
I was up in that area a couple of weeks ago heading to Orkney and it was much busier everywhere
Also book restaurants as they were busy too and people were being turned away! Plan it well but do it!!