Latest news with #Nc500
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Dirty' NC500 campers branded a ‘disgrace' after bottles, human waste & cut down trees dumped
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOCALS living along the North Coast 500 have hit out at tourists who left a much-loved beauty spot in a shocking state. A furious resident in the Scottish Highlands was unimpressed after visitors left a huge mess along the iconic route over the weekend. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Human waste and mess were left at the beauty spot Credit: FACEBOOK: NC500 THE LAND WEEPS 5 Bin bags full of waste were left hanging on trees Credit: FACEBOOK: NC500 THE LAND WEEPS 5 Piles of rubbish were also left on used fire pits Credit: FACEBOOK: NC500 THE LAND WEEPS They said that it was "one of the worst instances of dirty camping" they had seen and branded the culprits a "disgrace". The local resident never revealed the exact spot where the mess was left, but they explained that they noticed it on the grass just a few minutes' walk away from a main road. Empty plastic bottles appeared to have been left scattered on the ground in the grass. Many bottles were spotted piled up along with other bits of rubbish - including cans of beer, paper bags and food wrappers - on a used fire pit. Empty boxes that once contained camping gear were also left abandoned next to buckets full of rubbish. Black bags that were completely full of waste were also left hanging on a tree near a body of water. If you were the visitors and you did this, then you should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself. It's an absolute disgrace and a scandal that this goes on Post on Facebook While branches that appear to have been cut from nearby trees lay strewn across the ground. There also appeared to be human waste left in the area, surrounded by used, dirty tissues. A burnt-out, used fire pit was also left abandoned on the ground. The frustrated local shared snaps of the mess and shared them on the Facebook group NC500 The Land Weeps on Saturday. 'Absolutely disgusted', complain Nc500 locals as they blast BBC over Landward scene The post read: "I was on the NC500 today and I came across what for me was one of the worst instances of dirty camping I have seen in quite a while. "Bottles, human waste, cut down trees, rubbish dumped, open fires with waste dumped on them etc. "All this just a minute's walk from the road. "If you were the visitors and you did this, then you should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself. "It's an absolute disgrace and a scandal that this goes on. "So much for 'the pledge'. Just another week on the route." Users flocked to the comments to blast the people responsible. One person said: "I'm angry and sad that these folk live amongst us!! Why bother to visit somewhere so beautiful then destroy by treating it like a cesspit. SCOTLAND'S ROUTE 66 DESPITE its challenges, the NC500 is still one of the most popular road trips in the world. Earlier this year, the scenic route was voted the number one most searched for road trip in the UK and an astonishing fifth in the world-wide table. With its impressive 516-mile stretch of magnificent coastal views, it's not surprising it's such a popular route for travellers looking to explore. From castles to distilleries there is something for everyone to enjoy. It was also ranked as the most romantic drive in Britain after an influx of visitors took to the roads for 'staycations' in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. An English couple told how they loved the NC500 so much that they got it tattooed on their bodies forever. While a couple who travelled the route in an Audi convertible told how it was "one of the best holidays" they've ever had. "Honestly people baffle me with their behaviour." Another added: "Manky mingers." Someone else wrote: "Who are these cretins who walk amongst us? "I just can't get my head round the fact that they think this sort of behaviour is acceptable." While a fourth posted: "I'm stunned at such entitlement and disrespect." And a fifth chimed in: "Destroying what they came to see. Beggars belief!" 5 Empty boxes were dumped next to buckets of other discarded rubbish Credit: FACEBOOK: NC500 THE LAND WEEPS
Scotsman
24-04-2025
- Scotsman
Scotland's NC500 declared the ultimate road trip for families
Now that the weather's warming up and families are starting to plan getaways around the UK, interest in road trips is on the rise – with searches for 'the best UK road trips' up by 21% in the past six months.1 Its clear families are on the lookout for the perfect adventure this year. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Whether it's dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside or historic towns you're after, there's nothing quite like a family road trip for making lasting memories. That's why the car experts at have crunched the numbers to reveal the Top 5 Best Family Road Trips in the UK – ideal for school holidays, all of the bank holidays coming up this Spring and any last-minute escapes. Each route has been chosen for its ease of driving, family-friendly stops, access to service stations, and overall scenic and entertainment value. Top 5 UK Family Road Trips Nc500 declared the ultimate road trip for families Road Trip Route No. of stops No. of service stations Approx route time Best for North Coast 500 in Scotland 12 7 5-7 days is recommended Dramatic coastal views Cornwall coastal route 10 6 5-9 days Beach and surf fun Peak district circular 8 4 4-5 hours Outdoor adventures Norfolk broads to Cromer 6 3 2-4 hours Wildlife and boat trips Snowdonia to Anglesey 7 4 3-5 hours Mountains and castles 1. North Coast 500, Scotland The ultimate scenic circuit Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Known as Scotland's answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 is a jaw-dropping 500-mile loop starting and ending in Inverness. It passes rugged cliffs, white sand beaches, and quaint Highland villages. Great for kids who love castles, wildlife spotting, and the occasional ice cream on the beach. 2. Cornwall Coastal Route From surfing to seafood Starting in St Ives and winding through Penzance, Newquay, and Padstow, this route is a dream for seaside lovers. With sandy beaches, surf schools, and family-friendly restaurants, there's something for every age. Don't miss a pasty pit stop or a trip to the Eden Project. 3. Peak District Circular Nature, history, and fresh air An ideal weekend trip from Manchester or Sheffield, this loop takes in Bakewell, Castleton, and Kinder Scout. Perfect for families who love walks, caves, and countryside cafés. The manageable drive time and compact route make it ideal for younger children too. 4. Norfolk Broads to Cromer Wildlife and waves This gentle east coast road trip lets you explore the winding waterways of the Broads before heading to the Victorian seaside town of Cromer. Boat hires, nature reserves, and traditional seaside attractions make this a relaxed and educational trip for all. 5. Snowdonia to Anglesey Mountains meet the sea Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Start in the dramatic mountain landscapes of Snowdonia and head out towards the peaceful beaches of Anglesey. Along the way, enjoy steam train rides, ancient castles, and some of the most stunning driving roads in Wales. Top tips for getting your car ready for a road trip When you're heading off on a road trip, it's essential to make sure your car is in good working order. The last thing you want on a family getaway is to break down and cut the trip short. Just as importantly, keeping your car well-maintained helps keep everyone safe and reduces the risk of accidents. The car experts at have highlighted the key checks you should carry out before hitting the road. 1. Check Your Tyres (Including the Spare!) Make sure your tyres are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth (the legal minimum is 1.6mm, but 3mm is recommended for safety). Don't forget to check for cuts, bulges or signs of wear – and inspect your spare or repair kit, just in case. 2. Top Up All Fluids This includes engine oil, coolant, screen wash, and brake fluid. Long journeys put extra strain on your engine, and being topped up can prevent breakdowns or overheating on the motorway. 3. Test Your Battery Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If your battery is more than 3 years old, it's worth having it tested before a long trip. A weak battery is one of the most common causes of breakdowns – and no one wants to be stranded on the hard shoulder with the kids in the back. 4. Make Sure Your Lights Are Working Check that all exterior and interior lights are fully functioning, especially your headlights, brake lights, indicators and number plate lights. Carry spare bulbs where possible – especially useful for night driving or in remote areas. 5. Pack an Emergency Kit Include essentials like a warning triangle, hi-vis vests, a first aid kit, torch, mobile phone charger, bottled water, snacks, and blankets. It's also wise to have a paper map as a backup in case your sat nav or phone signal fails.
