VANLIFE - Scotland NC500 Pt1 - Is this the best road trip in the world?
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- Hi and welcome back to our channel. This is the 1st instalment of our NC500 road trip videos where I (Andy) took Bleu, our little French Bulldog, off for a few weeks to explore Scotland in our converted Sprinter Campervan whilst Lyndsey was working in Egypt.
Breaking up the long distance travel to Scotland to start our trip, we stopped off for a night of wild camping at Castleton in the Peak District before continuing up into the Highlands.
This is not so much a suggestion of the do's, don'ts and the must see's of the NC500 (because this is one epic road trip that you should do your own way) but more of a "we're gonna go anyway, so come and have a fun look with us".
This place is un-real...Is this possibly the best road trip in the world?
Follow us on Instagram - / our_van_tales
There is NOTHING better than the sounds and smell of making the first morning coffee in the van. I am absolutely addicted to it. Doing this route next year in my new camper! Can't wait!!
Too right! You’ll have a blast on the ‘500’ - Enjoy! 🙌
Brilliant video, loved every minute and now subscribed
Cheers Andy, great to have you onboard mate! 🙌
Done the nc500 last year with my friend had an amazing time, we just wild camped and got a small caravan for a night to shower etc. going back up to do Skye again next month. The highlands are beautiful
Ahh, I think we’ll be back in the Highlands soon too! So beautiful….Enjoy! ✌️🙌
The bad thing about vans on the NC500 is the litter they leave and never invest in the local tourist trade.
I only ever see vanlifers picking up others litter & spending in local communities….Now cars on the other hand - Wow, sadly we’ve witnessed some awful behaviour but thankfully, most people, regardless of how they travel, are respectful and sensitive to their surroundings 🙌
@@OurVanTales it's more likely to be those hiring motorhomes in my experience, I take people on guided tours.
No speeding is my no1 issue between Scourie and Lochinver as it is with all the people who live on the route along the west coast mainly idiots in Sports cars and Motorbikes that treat it like a race track ,I think they forget its not a James Bond movie or the Nurburgring the amount of dead sheep and Hynds and Stags by the road being hit by speedsters is becoming a big issues, everyone is welcome but treat the area with respect and drive within the speed limits and the locals and the Polis won't any trouble. People who visit forget that some of the people who live along the roads need to make a living killing and frightening their live stock with a two tonne vehicle with noisy exhaust is not something they like also the polis can hear them coming for miles and they will catch anyone who is acting like a dick.
What a beautiful video. We loved it and your little dog what a cracker. Stunning scenery shots. Great stuff Andy.
Thanks Michael mate! 🥰🙌
Looks amazing Andy. Another great video, looking forward to the next instalment. Stay safe,enjoy🙌🏻🙏🏻
Cheers Rich 🙌
You're doing this the right way. So many people try to do the NC500 in record time. It's not a race. Great video
Cheers 👊🏼
Unreal video! Such a beautiful place, getting us excited to go!❤️
Thank you so much! Honestly guys, it is like no other place on earth and to get that lucky with the weather....Damn!
Another great video, wetting our appetite to get back to Scotland.
🥰
Nice video, nice van too. We stayed at that campsite near Inverness - rained a lot when we were there. We've done the NC500 a couple of times, different direction each time. It is stunning, no doubt about it. But best road trip in the world? My vote would be the drive up to Nordkapp, the top of Norway.
Thank you, I would imagine I’ll do it a few times too. I bet every time is quite different. I definitely got lucky with the weather.
Wow !! Great video 👍 Sango Bay park up looked amazing as well. Looking forward to part 2 🙂
Cheers Stephen. Part 2 Sunday 🙌
It’s not a lake.......it’s a Loch 🤗
Hahaha 🤣 I know, I just got very excited! 🙌
Stunning video Andy, know the highlands/islands really well and there’s no place like it on earth👌 Know what you mean about the derelict cottages, have nearly made that move! Looking forward to part 2 and keep the great content coming👍🚐
Cheers Will, part 2 coming Sunday.
No lakes all Lochs but love and done all these travels in a old VW and a good few times in a old Hymer and throughly love your travels in your wagon we did Cornwall about 20 years ago and had a grea time well we went back to see Bath where once lived back in the day and there once was a festival and Zeppelin were top billing and we had Frank Zappa,Johnny Winter and just loads seems a million years ago we were young and did what we wanted it was a long way from Glasgow then but hey ho peace be with you guys on your travels.
Cheers Marshall mate, I know…Loch NOT lake but I was too busy loving every moment & got too excited. Glad you’ve done the same and had the adventures 🙌
First one I’ve seen Andy. The editing is superb! The lifestyle looks great 🙏🏼🥂
Hey cheers Mickey, appreciate that….Now go watch them all! 😉🙌
A great video. Thanks for sharing.
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Doing this in 3 weeks. You’ve now given me more places to visit - haven’t got a clue now how I’m going to fit it all in ! 😂😂 Great vid - looking forward to the next and hope you made it to Skye 😊👍🏻
You’ll have an amazing time Stuart, it really is so special. You’ll be amazed at what you will fit it…ENJOY ✌️
All i can envision this coming summer on those roads is huge traffic jams.beutiful place though
Sadly, I think you might be right…Awesome out of season 🙌
Good man , in with the milk first .... i can't tell you how annoyed i get at people that put boiling water over their instant coffee . Great video glad you enjoyed my homeland !
😉 I had a blast 🙌
Definitely returning for more!
Looks beautiful. We planned to do the nc500 this year but have heard many negative things about angry locals and vandalism. We are really looking forward to seeing this for ourselves. Much live to you guys great job on the video 🙏
Thank you! I didn't sense any angst from anyone to be fair, I think the most negative reaction I got was one or two of the locals didn't say thank you when you allow them to pass...That really is the sum total (and that can happen anywhere, that's just general politeness). Everyone else was wonderfully friendly and helpful.
love the video and the van is beautiful
First time watcher. Superb van and the NC 500 looks amazing. Good work man.
Thanks and welcome man. Part 2 Sunday!
Great video love Scotland cant wait to get back there and it seems you lucked out in the weather 😀
I know right? Blue sky’s & T-shirts all the way! 😉👊🏼
Great vids dude and dudette! I’ve got boat life but I’m saving for a camper van at the moment. Hopefully the world won’t drop out of its arse by the time I’m ready. Good to see a couple keeping it fresh and funky and enjoying life. Hope to see you on the road some day 🤙🏼
Hello mate, started watching yours too…Loving the sunsets/rises 🙌
@@OurVanTales cheers! I'm subbed and halfway through your vids. Want to make them last. I follow a small handful of van lifers but I like yours the best as your vids are genuine and you look like ex ravers to me which is always good!
planning a trip up scotland soon great to see this
Ahh, you’ll have an awesome time! We’re planning to go back pretty soon too….it’s just amazing!
Nice video, some beautiful places - Subscribed, Happy Touring
Yes! Welcome onboard 👊🏼🥰
Nice to see you places that we went on our nc500. Absolutely stunning isn’t it. Coming down the west is beautiful.
Stay safe 👍🏻👍🏻
It's been mind blowing....So pleased I've done it anti clockwise. It just gets better and better with every turn!
@@OurVanTales we did the same 👍🏻👍🏻
Just stumbled across this video and the title made me click. I am looking to do the NC500 this year or next on my motorcycle so was very interested to see points of interest etc. Looks great and i must say "what a fantastic van"
Thank you so much! I cannot recommend this road trip enough....It is simply mind blowing. Un-imaginarily beautiful. Oh, and don't miss part 2 on Sunday, it gets even better!
Done 3 times now 2 times on bikes and once in a car hope to do it again on my Harley soon
I can imagine returning myself a number of times in the future 🙌
Lovely video. ❤
Thank you 🙏🏻
Brill vid mate look forward to seeing more of your vids aidy fae Kilmarnock
Cheers fella, appreciate that 🙌
Ahh, mate, I'm sold. We were considering the 500 in our T6 last year but, our Crafter should be finished for next year so March/April time it will be. We have just subscribed so, looking forward to your vlogs. I may have seen you at the Overlander Show in Avon earlier this year? You know what it's like, not sure where you recognise a face from. However, I'll say hi next time. Happy travels. Mal, Ruth and Raffy.
Hey mate, yeah definitely say hi and definitely do the 500 when you get the chance….It really is stunning. I think we’ll be back to do the West side again later this year, just because it’s SO beautiful.
Good luck with the Crafter 👊🏼
@@OurVanTales I'd better pull my finger out and get the van finished for next years NC trip then! Good luck with your travels. I'll give you a shout next time we cross paths. Take care both.
Class vlog... 💗
Cheers chaps! 🥰🙌
*Rubs hands together* So looking fwd to your NC500 vids, Andy. We’re hoping to do this in October and need some pointers. Visiting from Australia. 🇦🇺
Oh how amazing, you’ll have an awesome time. So much to enjoy. Are you planning on going anti clockwise? I think that’s the only recommendation to consider whilst all the rest is a beautifully magnificent journey. Enjoy! ✌️
I’d do it both directions, you really do get a different view each direction. Not far from where I live the scene at one spot is, in opposite directions, vastly different (near Kinlochewe). In October it’s usually relatively mild still, but can get chilly. It also tends to get dark early, and the sun rises lateish especially late October early October you’ll have missed the damn midges thankfully but still have the last vestiges of summer warmth and ambience. The good thing about this route is that it’s beautiful regardless of weather. It really is. I love living here.
Me & my family are doing this in April, hope the weather improves!
Yeah, I did get very lucky with the weather personally. Fingers crossed for you!
Looks brilliant nice one
Cheers chap! 👊🏼
Good stuff bro, me and my boys are thinking about doing this next month
Ahh mate, you’ll love it! And…thank you 🙌
What a beautiful Channel.
Hey thank you so much 🙌
Perfect vibes we love it. 😍❤️
Great job mate!
Cheers chap! 👊🏼
Loving your vids…..we’re lucky enough to live in Scotland but you showcase it great…..
Hey Lyndsey, can you share what cacao you use please…..I might have missed you saying before……during our binge watch if your channel. 🤪
Thank you beautiful, you can now get your ceremonial grade cacao direct from me via my Instagram 🥰🫶
@@OurVanTales thanks I’ll have a nosey.
So glad i came across your page. In the process of choosing a Van to convert now and this is the first thing il be doing with the Mrs and Dog. Looking forward to the rest of the trip. P.S has to be one of the best looking Vans ive come across. Cheers
Cheers chap!
Good luck with the conversion and enjoy your trip!
Prt 2 Sunday 🙌
Great video mate. What time of the year was this? We are going to be in Scotland late November coming from Australia. Wondering if it's doable that time of year.
Cheers Shane
It was March, I got lucky with the mild & sunny weather. November will likely be cold but absolutely beautiful…Have fun!
Only just spotted your videos, love it!! Great personality and editing, will definitely be watching more!!! 😎😎
Thank you so much! 🙏🏻
Prt 2 Sunday 😉
Great video Andy we have just got a little Frenchy too also called Blu but nick named Boo
Cheers fella….Think I’ve found you on Insta 🙌
@@OurVanTales we saw you at the campervan show last week but didn't get a chance to say hello as we only dropped in for a few hours
Keep posting great content 👍
Andy did you notice many golf courses on your first part of the journey, planning a visit to drive the NC500 myself but from golf course to golf course. Great content loving your vlogs.
Thank you but I’m afraid to say I didn’t actually notice mate….I was too excited. Sorry I can’t help with that one but good luck with your trip, I’m sure there is.
I'm a golfer, originally from up that way and done the NC500 a few times. On the east coast the courses to play en route would be Royal Dornoch, Tain and Brora. They're all good. 👍
The trouble with paradise is it doesn't stay paradise if everyone and his budgie wants to go all at once. That could be the reason the locals are restless- so you know, get up and do it but try to think of those who live there too. Buy local produce too.
Fantastic video Andy.. but I’d like to say where did you get that amazing van 🚐?
Cheers chap, we had it built for us by Trekkvans! 🙌
Thought you might have done Thurso for the surf. You missed Smoo Cave too
Ahh mate, there was so much good surf but I was there primarily for the driving experience & views on this trip as it was just me & the dog. I did check out Smoo Cave tho 🙌
Subscribed!! 👍🏼
Cool….Great to have you onboard fella! 👊🏼
Hi guys love the video have you got any videos of your van build
Hi, thank you...Well funny you should ask. We're gonna do a van tour after the next Scotland episode. It may not be 'a build video' but it will be a good insight. Make sure you keep an eye out...
Wow, awesome headroom in your van. The derelict houses are from the Highland clearances, where people lost their houses to Sheep?
Wow, I’m grateful for your info….Just been reading up on it 🙌
north sardinia coast ....... quiet as well.
Hi!
Thanks for the video!
Amazing!
One doubt on your campervan:
It looks like you have single pane (stock??) windows.
How bad is condensation with very cold outside temperatures, even with thermal insulation applied during the night?
Enough for a small pond, or just superficial - in the windows?
Thanks in advance!
Hi, thank you, glad you enjoyed the vid! Yeah, we have single pane windows. We do get condensation in the cold of Winter but only enough that is remains misted on the glass and never enough to drip off and pool. We just 'window vac' it off with a Karcher in the morning and it's clear....Hope that helps
@@OurVanTales Thanks for your prompt response!!
Thanks to you, NC500 is now on my bucket list!
@@TheShadowVortX You gotta do it...It's insanely beautiful!
Is your sprinter 4x4? Amazing journey just love it
Cheers Rozzi, no, I wish it was but it’s 2x front wheel drive. It does alright tho but the 4x4 would be the dream van 👊🏼
Superb vlog 😁👍🏻
Cheers chap 🙌
It may well be.
But it has destroyed one of the last place in mainland UK where true peace and tranquility, in stunning surroundings could be found.
dont go there then
@@scopeskyee9388 True to your name there!
fyi.. of course I won't go. Not in summer anyway.
"You pave paradise and put up a parking lot!"
😊👍
Loved it
Cheers Tony mate 🙌
Great video thanks, can I ask what's the music your playing at 2minutes 45 secs? Thanks
Cheers mate, its Borrowed Matches by Tape Machines
Loving the van, think i saw it today, u based in hertfordshire. Im looking into van conversion did you buy the van like that or build it??.
Thank you, yeah, we're often around Hertfordshire. We had our empty panel van converted...We worked with Trekk Vans in Carlisle who do wicked adventure van conversions! Good luck with yours!
Hi great vids and awesome van you go away a lot are u retired
Thanks Julian, not officially retired, just taking a few years out to travel & re-evaluate 🙌
The back road with the gate. I wonder how old that stone fence is? Amazing views. Thanks!!! PS. Nice van! Nice companion!!!!
Cheers Bill, yeah some ancient sites and endless beautiful views. Thank you 🙌
Which drone did you use for filming? Was it automatically tracking/following your van in the shots towards the end?
Hi Jordan, it’s a DJI Mavic 2 Pro with Active Tracking 🙌
Love the video. Who did your van conversion? Cheers
Cheers chap! Look up Jamie @trekkvans on Instagram (he’s in Carlisle) 🙌
@@OurVanTales Top banana! Cheers for that.
Looks amazing, only a couple of weeks and I'll be doing a similar route 😁 any recommendations for must see places?
Mate, there’s so much to see….it’s mind blowing! No particular recommendations as such, it’s all magnificent but just to go anti clockwise coz it just gets better & better with every mile. Oh, and use a drone to come anywhere near capturing the shear scale & magnitude of the endless beauty 👊🏼
Balakneil beach in durness and a hot chocolate from cocco mountain around the corner, Sandwood beach is amazing....and not technically on the NC500, but the isle of skye is a must
Dude quick question. What make is your Nordic style beanie hat? Cheers 🤙🏼
Sorry for the delay mate but I can’t find that hat now to check the label! I’ll let ya know when it turns up 😉🤭
@@OurVanTales It's Ok dude I've used the powers of deduction and worked it out. 'Sherpa Adventures'. Thanks for response anyway mate!
That’s CRAZY!
I’ve just had the contents of our garage out, road side, last night, to fix a boiler issue and found the hat! You’re right, ‘Sherpa Adventures’ AND I’m gonna wear it today! 👊🏼
@@OurVanTales And so you should wear it as its super cool 🙂I've just got myself a Sherpa Adventures hat now. It's not as cool as yours but still super cool. I think you should get revenue from Sherpa Adventures and you've made them a sale ;-) Cool runnings man!
😉🙌
Great vid new subscriber ! loving the van, what year is it and did you buy it all converted or did you do yourself ?
Hi, thank you so much!
It’s a 2019 MWB Sprinter. We bought it as an empty panel van and handed it over to Trekk Vans in Carlisle who converted it for us beautifully to our specification. We’ll do a ‘Van tour’ video after the NC500 🙌
Brill mate aidy fae Kilmarnock
Cheers Aid mate! 🫶👊🏼
what time of year was this?
Hi, it was March ‘22 so a year ago. I got VERY lucky with the weather!
Great video. Can I ask what you use for your arial shots?
Hi Graham, thank you. I've got a DJI Mavic Pro 2 drone for the aerials - Amazing camera!
Is this good for a 8 meter
There’s an amazing NC500 guide that specifically details the sections that might concern driver’s of larger vehicles and offers alternative routes. There’s a link in the description of our latest vlogs 🙌
Did you just pour milk into your cup before the boiling water OMG What have you done!!!
Hahaha I know…Controversial right? 👊🏼
@@OurVanTales I heard on the grape vine that the fat molecules in milk are the perfect size to block perforations of a tea bag... there's must be a scientist somewhere in England that drinks way too much tea!
Loving your videos, thanks for the inspiration 👍😊
NO ive been there and loved it but not a chance on earth as the best sorry to, no wear near, go visit Canada that would piss all over that........
One day 🙌
I know most of you will disagree with this but Scotland WAS peaceful, then a few selfish van lifers and tourists wrecked it for everyone, and it is just a few, but wrecked it is, and thats why a lot of locals dont like this 'trend' of CZcamsrs everywhere.
I remember back when Rannoch Moor didnt even have a mobile phone transmitter, you were on your own if the SHTF. Back then it was a wild place, carparks and shops were for those that lived up here and the hardy few.
Nowadays everyone and his dog fill up the laybys n carparks and buy out all the food in the local shops leaving little left for us locals, then the greedy local shop owners put the prices up to cash in on VL's and NC500 tourists, not everyone has loads of viewers paying the bills.
You have no idea just how lucky you lot are, too engrossed on the next YT trend and what words to use in the title, what thumbnails to use, how many subs n views you get etc.
I know VanLifers won't agree but since this Van Life thing became 'trendy' (and a cash cow), it really has wrecked so many things for those of us who live up here all year round and not just for a week or two when the weather is nice. That'll be why some VL's and tourists get sh1t from the locals. None of you want to acknowledge that impact or take responsibility for it, and yes I've read the comments, if you did take responsibility, and acknowledge that impact, the locals might be more welcoming. Take a look at the bigger picture and not just the pictures you take for YT. Places are becoming paid for or restricted when they used to be free (like Loch Lomond for example), that was down to all the mess being left behind by tent campers and van lifers. Unfortunately those are the facts, so deal with it.
BTW your not 'wild camping' if your living/staying in a van pmsl but hey call it what you will, you just sound silly to those that know the difference (and the truth)
It's all about the views, and I dont mean the beautiful Scottish views, but YT views clicks and likes, oh and the cash so dont forget to hit the like button and subscribe b'cuz these people rely on your money. Gotta love all those BS thumbnails and false descriptions and you cant tell me YT isnt FULL of those (and getting all the worse for it).
When you live life thru the tiny lens of algorithms you will never see the bigger picture, never.
So yup I expect not many of you will agree with the facts, but that's ok, being in denial isn't my problem, its yours.
Rant over 😅 Enjoy ❤
Mark, not being facetious, but this sounds like a really great idea for a video....Why don't you make it mate? Might be good catharsis for you. If not, I can certainly recommend breath work, now that really is beautiful. BIG love fella!
You are right….i disagree. So no one from up north moves down south for their careers right? You seen what happens to the London prices? Try living in Kent. That will put a dent in your wallet. I personally know plenty of northerners and even Scottish folks who have relocated for work. What’s the difference exactly? And what do you want to actively do about it? I am positive this CZcams negativity is not the start of your revolution.
Wld camping in a van! There’s no such thing. What you’re doing in advocating overnighting were you please in Scotland is simply,adding to a growing problem. Doing as you please in a van is causing huge environmental damage and community frustration.
Gonna have to disagree with ya fella 😉
yes it is, but please cycle it. Save the planet!
I was inspired by seeing the cyclists....What an incredible way of experiencing the full magnitude of the terrain too!
its the entitlement that gets me. closed gate onto private track? that wont stop you, you can drive wherever you like .
the reason we have a right to roam is we respect the countryside. you're going to fuck it up for everyone . you and the thousands like you.
you want to access a beach off the road? get out and walk like everyone else .
thumbs up to those who dont need to be told. you lot are welcome
Hi Verity, I was intrigued by your comment and assumptions...I am genuinely keen to make a future video on why responsible travel & exploration by others, triggers people like you so much if you'd be interested in taking part?
how much will you pay me?@@OurVanTales
I really like north coast 500..But a hit the dogs and eny pets..Someone can making a video NO PETS NO DOGD ....Thenks