At recent talks and events I’ve attend I’m often asked the question, “Can I take my caravan on the NC500?”. The answer is yes, you certainly can! Now, I know for many it might seem daunting, but honestly you have nothing to worry about. Sure, there are a few driving challenges along the way, but if you’re a confident and sensible driver, you’ll find that towing a caravan on the NC500 is no more difficult than driving a larger motorhome.
Before we get into it, if it’s your first time embarking on the NC500, planning ahead really is key and will help you feel much more confident. I’d recommend grabbing my NC500 Road Trip Guidebook to help you make the most of your trip. It gives you everything you need to know—from must-see spots to practical tips and suggested itineraries.
It’s a common misconception that towing a caravan around the Highlands is an impossible task. In reality, many people take their caravans to explore the NC500, and it’s actually simpler than you might think. I’m going to state the obvious here—it’s better if you’re confident at towing a caravan (but isn’t that true for any caravan holiday?).
The main driving challenges you’ll face are no different from those experienced by people doing the route in a larger motorhome. You’ll encounter the occasional single-track road with passing places to navigate, and you may occasionally need to reverse to let others through. However, if you’re a sensible driver and not in a hurry, you’ll be absolutely fine.
Believe it or not, the people who hold the most traffic up on the NC500 are those hiring motorhomes for the first time. They aren’t confident, aren’t familiar with the width of the vehicle and therefore slow right down. If you’ve towed your caravan before, you should have no problem at all.
We always say, just take your time, be sensible and be safe. If you need to use a passing place on the NC500 to let other traffic pass, then please do. The local people are friendly (contrary to stories you may have read online) and by using the passing places, you’re letting them go about their everyday life. Keep your calm, keep your eyes on the road and trust me, driving your caravan on the NC500 will be a dream.
To maximise your enjoyment, I’d highly recommend using certain campsites along the route as a base. This will allow you to unhook your caravan and explore the mighty Highlands in your vehicle. Below, I’ve put together a possible itinerary with some suggested campsites to use as a ‘base’, but there are plenty of others you can also use.
BASE | CAMPSITE | placestovisitfrombase |
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 |
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!
Collie dog lover, keen traveler and travel guide writer. In 2022, I launched No Fuss Travel Guides with 'North Coast 500 - The Road Trip of a Lifetime' which became an Amazon best seller. I've since worked with tourism boards including Visit Wales and have been featured in The Guardian 'Best of Travel'.
Hopefully you find some value in my videos & blogs, if there's something you want to ask me, fire away.
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Rob, Staffordshire, UK
