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A week in Scotland and the Outer Hebrides? Yes Please! Initially, we thought we'd need much more time for this trip, being based in the North East of England and aiming for the Isle of Harris and Lewis. However, we quickly realised that it's quite manageable in a short period, especially off-season when beach lounging isn't the priority. As always, grab a cuppa and savour a few moments of peace while reading about our adventures. I hope you enjoy it and feel inspired to embark on your own journey to the Outer Hebrides one day if you haven't already. DAY 1 Our plan was to push as far into Scotland as possible. It's worth noting that the only part booked for the entire trip was the ferry to and from the Outer Hebrides, no campsites were reserved, so we had flexibility. Our ambitious goal was Fort William for the first night, but leaving at 6 pm - 5.5 hours seemed overly optimistic! We crossed the Scotland border and continued north towards Loch Lomond. Three and a half hours later, it was late, pitch black, and we were exhausted. It became clear that our original destination was out of reach for the evening, but you will soon discover why this turned out to be the best decision! We were aware that stopping at Loch Lomond required a permit, which could be obtained online for a small fee, if purchased the day before. This permit allows overnight stays in designated camping car parks. Not having this, we relied on our trusty resources like Search for Sites and Park4night apps to find our first night's accommodation - The Drovers Inn at Loch Lomond! DISCLAIMER - Now, if you're familiar with this place, you might have some thoughts... I only discovered the alleged hauntings the morning after our stay! I probably should have been more prepared walking into what turned out to be the reputedly most haunted pub in Scotland, especially when heading to the toilet in the pitch-black darkness at 11 pm... but at £5 a night, and sleeping under the sounds of what turned out to be a picturesque waterfall, who could grumble :-) DAY 2 Now, let me explain why we were actually glad we didn't reach Fort William in the dark the night before... and it was all because of this day. If you own, or are renting a campervan, you'll appreciate the freedom of not having every detail booked well in advance. It's so refreshing (especially for indecisive people like me)! To start off, we took a scenic drive through the beautiful area of Crianlarich, where we encountered our first honesty box of the trip. If you've read our previous blog posts, particularly our NC500 adventure (https://www.adventuresintoffee.com/post/travelling-the-nc500-road-trip-with-children) or follow our Instagram @toffee_the_vw, you'll know that my daughter has a thing for honesty boxes, she was obsessed with them during our NC500 trip two years ago! This particular box quickly became one of our favourites. It's filled with delicious cakes, and the owner, fondly known as 'The Crazy Goose Lady,' is an absolute delight. If you happen to be passing by, definitely give it a try (just make sure you have some change)! We proceeded through the stunning mountainous landscapes and made our way towards GLENCOE! This is a sight you definitely wouldn't want to miss by driving through in the dark. The breathtaking scenery will leave you in awe, prompting you to stop repeatedly as you journey through. I'll let the pictures do the talking... We also stopped at the Glencoe Visitors Centre for a quick hot chocolate, but ended up staying for an hour. The centre was filled with fascinating facts, activities for the little ones, a cinema featuring the history of Glencoe, and captivating mountain stories. After enjoying a delicious hot chocolate, we continued our journey to Fort William with some memorable stops along the way. We paused at Glengarry viewpoint to take in the breathtaking scenery, made a quick visit to Manuela's Wee Bakery (a favourite from our NC500 trip), and then headed straight for the Isle of Skye bridge. Wow, the drive was almost like something out of a movie, the majestic mountains, tranquil lochs, and stunning surroundings left us in awe. Crossing Skye bridge, we were eager to check out Glenbrittle Campsite, which had been highly recommended. We called ahead and were pleased to find plenty of space available being their first day open of the season. A 50 minute drive through Skye's picturesque landscapes brought us to our destination. Glenbrittle Campsite - albeit our most expensive night of the trip (at £47 for the night), it was well worth it. Surrounded by lochs and mountains, every direction was picturesque, even the scenery from the toilet block was stunning! We were lucky with the weather, which was just warm enough for our first alfresco meal of the year. With cooking utensils in hand, I prepared a meal overlooking the water while the children played football on the expansive green fields. Later that evening, we strolled along the path to the shell beach. As the sun set, the little ones happily collected shells and splashed in the water. DAY 3 We departed Glenbrittle Campsite and drove a short 5 minutes to the Fairy Pools of Skye. As soon as we arrived, the rain started, but that didn't deter us - what's the saying? There's no such thing as bad weather... only bad clothing (although I beg to differ when the wind is blowing a gale and we are having to shut the pop top - but that comes later in the story!). We put on our waterproof gear and set off on the beautiful 6k round trip to the Fairy Pools and back, surrounded by stunning scenery. I could imagine how crowded it must get during the summer months, dipping into the fairy pools, however despite the rain in March, there was still one adventurous soul brave enough to take a dip! The clear turquoise water of the Fairy Pools looked magnificent against the misty mountains in the background. After returning to the van, we stayed in the car park with a view, popped the top up, and prepared lunch. Continuing our journey, we explored more of Skye's beauty as we headed towards Dunvegan. We decided to skip the £60 family entry fee for Dunvegan Castle and instead wandered through Dunvegan village. It was a charming place with a post office, small shop, bakery, and a fish and chip shop - naturally, we tried the local chippy! The weather had dramatically changed, and the bright sunshine was so welcoming as we strolled around. Gardens featuring boats and garages converted into small museums added to the charm of our discovery. We enjoyed our chips by the sea, found a quaint picnic bench, and relaxed while watching the world go by. Knowing we had a ferry to catch the next day, we drove up to Uig and explored a few potential spots listed on Park4Night. Eventually, we opted for a farm stay in the scenic area of Kilvaxter, just 10 minutes from the Uig ferry port. It cost us £15, paid conveniently through their honesty box system at the farm. Later, we took an evening stroll through the farm cottages, passed numerous honesty boxes, admired baby lambs, and soaked in the stunning views. Returning to the van, we enjoyed a breathtaking sunset overlooking the Isle of Harris and settled in for a cosy family games night. DAY 4 Ferry day had arrived! After bidding farewell to the adorable baby lambs, we embarked on our journey to the Outer Hebrides, a 1 hour and 30 minute Calmac ferry ride away. Onboard, we relaxed in the lounge, explored the ship's shop, and enjoyed the scenic views from the outside deck as we approached the Isles. ISLE OF HARRIS We arrived at Tarbet port and began our journey with no specific destination in mind and no time constraints, revelling in the freedom to explore. Our journey took us through winding mountain roads, past farms, and eventually led us to the stunning Luskintyre Beach, boasting the longest stretch of sandy coastline. As we drove, we passed several potential stops for the evening, but we couldn't resist the the space with direct access to the beach, offered for a £5 'text to donate' fee. Luskintyre Beach surprised us with a mountain of shells and crystal clear waters, not to mention the smooth white sand. We enjoyed a seaside tea, followed by a game of football, and topped off the evening with marshmallows as the sun dipped below the horizon. What an incredible day of adventure and relaxation! DAY 5 Whilst at Luskintyre Beach, we met a couple with a camper who recommended that we visit Hushinish Beach further up the coast. Intrigued by their suggestion, we decided to make the trip and I'm so pleased that we did! After driving back through Tarbet harbour, we took a brief detour to explore the Harris Gin Distillery and browse the Tweed of Harris shops before continuing our journey. Hushinish Beach quickly became a favourite for us! The route there was quite an adventure, passing by cows, sheep, eagles, and plenty of adorable Highland coos. We often had to pause and wait for these fluffy creatures to wander off the road before we could proceed. We spent the day enjoying the pristine, crystal clear waters, playing football again, building sandcastles, and racing up and down the soft, white sand dunes. The beach was a picture of pure beauty, with its immaculate white sand. We set up camp directly on the beach once more. While there were several options available, including spots further away that overlooked the entire bay, we opted for panoramic views of the white sandy beach. This spot required payment via a ticket machine, £10 for the night, with added perks! Our chosen spot featured an outhouse building with panoramic windows offering stunning views of Hushinish Bay. Inside, there were picnic benches, drinks machines, and a wealth of tourist information, including maps and books of the local area. Additionally, there were toilets available throughout the night, and showers were accessible for £1 (coins required). We decided to take a stroll to the other side of the coast, which meant walking straight over the sand dunes and farmers field. To our amazement, we arrived just in time to witness speedboats pulling up to transport sheep to another island. It was quite an entertaining sight for all of us to see! Now, let's get real for a moment! Everything sounds magnificent, and it was, but let's talk about the wind! The evening was incredibly windy. We cooked dinner inside the van and took advantage of the panoramic outhouse to enjoy our meal in warmth and comfort. Later, we made another quick trip down to the beach for the night time marshmallows at sunset. As the night progressed, the wind intensified to the point where we had to lower the pop top of our camper van. Imagine the fun of managing this with a family of four, including growing children! How we managed not to divorce that evening, I'll never understand ;-) A little tip: another camper wisely chose to park beside the outhouse instead of the open bay, and it made a world of difference. However, we chose the bay views, much to my husband's annoyance at 4 am! DAY 6 Day 6 turned out to be a bit of a challenge. My little boy had some sort of reaction to something, so we had to make a journey to the Isle of Lewis to find a medical centre. To add to the chaos, my children managed to tip over the porta potti in the van while rushing to see a Highland cow! Despite the day's dramas, we came across some delightful honesty boxes, including the Hebridean Copper Kettle Fudge located near Breasclete on the Isle of Lewis, and drove past beautiful beaches. However, the persistent windy weather discouraged us from staying by the sea, so we looked for an alternative. We stumbled upon a farm cottage that allowed campervans and motorhomes to use their back garden and land for overnight stays. I called the owner, who explained that they were still out of season and not officially open. She mentioned the risks of having children around due to the working farm and doesn't usually allow them but kindly agreed to let us stay. Not only did we have access to hot showers, but she also brought us fresh drinking water on the evening and we woke up to find hot flasks of water for tea and coffee waiting for us. They were such a lovely couple! If you're interested in their details, feel free to message me on Instagram at @toffee_the_vw. They're listed on Park4Night, but they prefer not to have photographs taken on their land as it is their private home. DAY 7 Today, was ferry day again, the last day on the islands. We made our way to Stornoway and explored Lews Castle. The Museum nan Eilean connected to the castle was particularly engaging and interactive, especially for children. The museum's galleries delved into the tales of the islands and islanders of the Outer Hebrides. We learned about their lives, experiences, and perspectives on island living, as well as how they celebrated their culture through the Gaelic language, religion, and community. The little ones had a wonderful time learning a bit of Gaelic and even had the chance to dress up in traditional clothing from earlier periods, making the experience both educational and enjoyable for us all. The Castle itself was very grand, we enjoyed playing the piano in the main hall, and wandering around the grounds. We returned to Tarbet for an early evening ferry and embarked on what turned out to be the choppiest sea crossing we've experienced so far. Miraculously, we all managed to make it across without any actual sickness! Back on the Isle of Skye, we journeyed to Portree, on the opposite side of Skye from where we had previously explored, to see the iconic coloured buildings. This area of Skye turned out to be exceptionally beautiful and possibly our favourite part of the island. We discovered a fantastic stopover at The Isle of Skye Candle Company, where we were able to stay for just £10. They provided access to their posh toilets and a panoramic view restaurant where we enjoyed delicious stone-baked pizza. You know you're a campervan owner when the prospect of posh toilets (complete with the nicest smelling handwash) brings you joy! The Isle of Skye Candle Company also has a cinema, so before leaving the following morning, we bought some hot, fresh popcorn for the road. Day 8 With popcorn in hand, it was our final day of exploring Skye. Our first stop was An Corran at Staffin Beach, where we had promised the little ones we would search for dinosaur footprints. We joined other tourists in exploring the rocks and hunting for these ancient imprints. Nearby, we also visited a dinosaur museum, adding to our prehistoric adventure. Next on our list was Kilt Rock Waterfall, offering breathtaking views overlooking the surrounding islands and the sea. Then, we passed by the Old Man of Storr, though we didn't hike it this time, leaving us eager to return for another exploration in the future. Now it was decision time - news of 'Storm Kathleen' closing in made us weigh our options. Should we stay in Scotland or head home a day early? After careful consideration, we opted against one final Scottish stopover and embarked on the longer journey to The Kelpies. We retraced our route through Fort William, past Glengarry, and over the Glencoe mountains on our way to The Kelpies, where we spent our final night of the road trip. The Kelpies - what a magnificent sight! For £12.50, they allow stopovers with a voucher for free coffee the next morning, and the toilets open all night. We arrived around 7:30 pm and prepared dinner while waiting for darkness to fall. The colours of The Kelpies illuminated our campervan, and we took a leisurely walk to explore the area on foot. With hot chocolate in hand, our final night was peaceful, vibrant, and relaxed. Thank you, Scotland, for yet another amazing adventure! Until next time... Ashleigh x

The South of France is a dream destination for families, offering a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the glamorous beaches of Nice and Cannes to the tranquil beauty of Saint-Tropez and the wildlife wonders near Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with your little ones. Day 1: Menton, Monaco, and Nice Kick off your adventure with a picturesque drive through Menton, a gem nestled on the French Riviera known for its colorful buildings and vibrant gardens. Take a leisurely stroll along the Promenade du Soleil and soak in the Mediterranean views. Next stop, the glamorous principality of Monaco! Marvel at the luxurious Monte Carlo, where you can visit the iconic Casino Square and perhaps catch a glimpse of luxury cars racing through the streets. Wrap up the day in Nice, a city renowned for its sunny beaches and charming Old Town. Let the children run wild on the Promenade des Anglais, and don't miss a visit to the delightful Parc Phoenix, home to exotic plants and animals from around the world. Day 2: Cannes and St. Tropez On day two, head to the glitzy town of Cannes, famous for its film festival and pristine beaches. Take a stroll along La Croisette and indulge in some people-watching as you pass by designer boutiques and chic cafes. From Cannes, make your way to St. Maxime and park your van to catch a day ferry over to the legendary St. Tropez. Enjoy the scenic boat ride across the blue waters of the Mediterranean, and once you arrive, treat the family to a day of beachside relaxation or explore the charming streets lined with boutiques and cafes. Day 3: Toulon and Marseille Today, set off to explore two vibrant port cities: Toulon and Marseille. In Toulon, wander through the colourful markets, visit the historic naval base, and take a scenic boat tour of the harbour. Don't miss the chance to sample some freshly caught seafood at a local restaurant. Next, head to Marseille, France's oldest city and the cultural capital of Provence. Explore the historic neighbourhoods of Le Panier and La Canebière, visit the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica for panoramic views of the city, and indulge in some mouth-watering bouillabaisse, a traditional Provencal fish stew. Day 4: Port de Pêche de Carro in Martigues Hit the road again and embark on a scenic drive to the Port de Pêche de Carro in Martigues. This charming fishing village is known for its picturesque harbour, colourful boats, and fresh seafood. Park your campervan along the waterfront and spend the day soaking in the laid-back atmosphere, watching the fishermen unload their catch of the day and scan the pebbly beach for sea glass. Enjoy the Mediterranean at sundown with the beautiful sunset skies, perhaps with a late night picnic on the beach. Day 5: Parc Ornithologique near Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer For your final day, experience a day filled with nature and wildlife and head inland to the Parc Ornithologique near Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. This unique nature reserve is home to a diverse array of bird species, including flamingos, herons, and egrets, making it a paradise for birdwatchers of all ages. Embark on a guided tour of the park, where knowledgeable experts will lead you through lush marshlands and tranquil lagoons, providing fascinating insights into the region's rich biodiversity or pick up a map and enjoy a self-guided tour. Keep your eyes peeled for rare bird species and other wildlife that call this pristine habitat home. The array of flamingos is fascinating and perfect way to spend a few hours of fun and learning with the children. After a day of exploration, relax and unwind in the charming town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, where you can enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants or simply wander around the quaint streets and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. As your 5-day journey comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the wonderful memories you've made with your family and the unforgettable experiences you've shared together in this enchanting corner of the world. Until next time, au revoir et à bientôt! For more information regarding our French road trip or any other aspects of our travel, visit us on Instagram @toffee_the_vw

Scotland's rich history, stunning landscapes, and captivating landmarks make it a dream destination for travellers seeking adventure and culture. From ancient castles to dramatic natural wonders, the Scottish Highlands are brimming with must-see attractions that promise unforgettable experiences. If you're planning a trip to Scotland, be sure to add these five hot spots to your itinerary. 1. Eilean Donan Castle Perched on a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet, Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland's most iconic and photographed castles. Steeped in history, this picturesque fortress dates back to the 13th century and has played a significant role in Scotland's past. Explore the castle's intriguing chambers, climb the narrow stone staircases, and admire breathtaking views of the surrounding Loch Duich and the majestic Cuillin Mountains. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply in awe of medieval architecture, Eilean Donan Castle is sure to leave a lasting impression. 2. Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Hidden away on the northeastern coast of Scotland, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe is a dramatic ruin steeped in myths and legends. Perched precariously on sheer cliffs overlooking the North Sea, this medieval stronghold dates back to the 15th century and boasts a tumultuous history of clan warfare and royal intrigue. Wander through the crumbling remains of the castle walls, imagine life within its ancient chambers, and marvel at the sheer beauty of its coastal location. Castle Sinclair Girnigoe offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Scotland's turbulent past and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. 3. Smoo Caves Tucked away along the rugged coastline of the Scottish Highlands, Smoo Caves are a natural wonder that will leave you spellbound. Carved over millions of years by the relentless force of the sea, these limestone caves are as mysterious as they are breathtaking. Explore the cavernous chambers, marvel at the cascading waterfall that flows into the heart of the cave, and discover the fascinating archaeological remains that offer a glimpse into Scotland's ancient past. Smoo Caves are sure to take your breath away with their raw beauty and natural surroundings. 4. Ullapool Nestled on the shores of Loch Broom, Ullapool is a charming fishing village that serves as the gateway to the Northwest Highlands. Surrounded by majestic mountains and serene lochs, this quaint town exudes an irresistible charm that captivates visitors from near and far. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront, sample freshly caught seafood at local eateries, or embark on outdoor adventures such as hiking, kayaking, or wildlife spotting. With its laid-back vibe and stunning natural scenery, Ullapool offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 5. Corrieshalloch Gorge For an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, look no further than Corrieshalloch Gorge. Carved by the mighty forces of glacial meltwater over thousands of years, this stunning natural wonder is a testament to the raw power of nature. Cross the iconic suspension bridge that spans the gorge, feel the rush of wind as it whistles through the towering cliffs, and marvel at the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape that surrounds you. Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply in search of magical views, Corrieshalloch Gorge promises an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home. In conclusion, Scotland's Highlands are a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences, from ancient castles steeped in history to dramatic natural wonders that will take your breath away. Whether you're exploring medieval fortresses, venturing into mystical caves, or hiking through rugged landscapes, the Highlands offer something for everyone. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and embark on an adventure of a lifetime in Scotland's breathtaking Highlands. If you have any questions from any of our trips, please message us on Instagram @toffee_the_vw Happy Travels!

If you're planning a trip to the majestic landscapes of Scotland, you're in for a treat. From the rugged Highlands to the historic cities, Scotland offers a wealth of natural beauty and cultural experiences. However, there's one tiny nuisance that can put a damper on your outdoor adventures: midges! Midges are tiny flying insects notorious for their itchy bites, especially prevalent in the Scottish Highlands and during the warmer months. But fear not! With the right precautions and a bit of know-how, you can enjoy your Scottish escapades without becoming a midge's next meal. Before we delve into prevention strategies, it is good to know that midges don't pose any serious health risks, their bites can cause irritation and discomfort, especially for those with sensitive skin. Midges are most active during dawn and dusk, preferring damp, still conditions. They are attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, and certain scents, making outdoor enthusiasts prime targets. How to prepare for your Scottish adventure: Choose the Right Time: Midges are most active from May to September, peaking in July and August. If possible, consider visiting Scotland during the cooler months when midge activity is minimal if you would like to try to completely avoid them. Cover Up: When venturing into midge-infested areas, dress appropriately. Wear long sleeves, trousers, and hats to minimize exposed skin. Additionally, consider lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay cool in warmer weather. We haven't purchased any ourselves, but have seen many families with the net hats worn at peak times. Use Repellents: Apply shop bought insect repellent or alternatively, natural repellents such as citronella or eucalyptus oil which can be effective. We use SMIDGE which you can purchase from most outdoors shops and Amazon. Repellent Stickers for Children: We purchased some from Amazon and just gave us an extra piece of mind when travelling with children. Invest in Midge Nets: Midge nets, often worn over hats or draped over camping gear, provide an effective barrier against these pesky insects. Ensure your campervans are equipped with midge-proof screens on windows and doors. Avoid Still Water: Midges breed in stagnant water, so steer clear of marshy areas, ponds, and lakes, especially during peak times. Enjoying Your Scottish Travels! As you plan your Scottish getaway, keep in mind that midges are a natural part of the ecosystem, and their presence shouldn't overshadow the excitement of your travels. With a bit of foresight and the right gear, you can enjoy a bite-free adventure and create unforgettable memories in the land of lochs, mountains, and tartan. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Scotland. And remember, the occasional midge bite is a small price to pay for the adventures of a lifetime. Happy travels!

It can be as little or as much as you would like to spend... however, we decided to try to keep the cost down as much as possible, still allowing budget to try out local delegacies and supporting local businesses. Our top tips would be: - fill up fuel at larger garages (although we did have one experience of a very remote garage!) - Stock up your cupboards before you travel with essential sundries, sauces and dried foods. - have an idea of how many times you would like to eat out / try 'famous' eateries on route - ensure you have researched the trip and have a budget in mind for activities - prepare for those little extras, like memorabilia, travel tokens etc. Our spendings: Fuel - £290 Stop overs - £320 Food & Activities - £490 TOTAL = £1,100 FUEL - £290 We tried to keep our fuel tank over half full the whole journey, which helped us in remote areas, not having to search for the closest fuel station in desperate need. STOP OVERS - £320 As this was our first long road trip in the camper, we chose to stay on campsites. Having evaluated the situation and knowing what we know now 9 months on, we would have definitely 'wild camped' a lot more keeping the cost down and made use of the 'stay' schemes around Scotland. There are schemes such as staying in car parks, or the Forestry and Land 'stay the night' scheme for a small fee. We did use a ski resort car park scheme one night in Aviemore for £10 a night, it was the perfect stopover if you are self sufficient. I feel we would have benefitted much more financially using these amazing schemes, mainly because we would find ourselves rocking up at a campsite at 7pm some days after a full day of adventuring, and gone by 8am the following morning. At £30-£35 a night, this adds up! FOOD AND ACTIVITIES - £490 I have grouped this together because food is part of the NC500 activities! :-) We stocked the cupboards with sundries before leaving and the fridge with fresh vegetables, meat and graze board items. We spend roughly £120 of this on a big food shop before we left. During the route, we mainly cooked a fresh meal each evening, and prepared packet lunches for our daytime adventures. There were not many places to eat out on the East coast, however once we got to the West coast we tried a few local take out places for lunch. We tried - cheese'n'toastie, Lochinver pies, Surf'n'Turf, Ullapool fish and chips, Manuella's bakery etc. all of which we loved! Walking with and feeding reindeer in the Cairngorms, was another expense included in our activities, a little pricey at £65 but well worth the look on their faces. I hope this helps a little on your journey :-) I will add to this blog as I go with more pictures and expenses we included. Any questions, we are over on Instagram @toffee_the_vw Ashleigh x

When planning the NC500 road trip, you will quickly discover it can be as intense or as laid-back as you please... which for us, was a huge bonus. After months of reading blog posts, travel books and watching you tube videos, we were ready to put our own adventure together and tailor it to suit us as a family. It is entirely up to you how little or how long you spend at places, and like us, you might find those places which weren't really top of your list become the most undiscovered gems and you find yourself lost in the moment spending hours there! I have to admit, our favourite parts were those unexpected moments... such as discovering a Scotsman playing bagpipes randomly in a layby overlooking a picturesque loch, and finding a secret hidden puffin cove with thousands of puffins chilling by the turquoise water. A breakdown of our route, we spent a total of 14 nights on the road: 1 night - Cairngorms/Aviemore 11 nights - NC500 road trip 2 nights - Fort William Driving time: 47 hours 26 minutes Distance: 1,204 miles (from door to door, North East of England) If you have any questions, please ask away, we are over on Instagram @toffee_the_vw We would also love you to tag us in your own plans and share your own adventures with us :-) Now, lets get adventuring! Sit back with a cuppa, and enjoy our road trip journey... DAY 1 We travelled from the North East of England to the Cairngorms and Aviemore region. Arriving late afternoon, we needed to stretch our legs. When researching this trip, we had stumbled across a green loch around this area and although a little walk away, it was worth the trek! After 5 hours in the car, that is exactly what we needed.... 4km later (in flipflops I may add... not knowing just quite how far it was) we arrived at this beautiful destination... 100% worth the trek (and blisters)! Green Lochan, Aviemore After a beautifully refreshing walk, we arrived at our park up for the night. We had pre booked our first stop, quite high up into the mountains, a perfect spot overlooking the valley of loch's with the brightest sunset.... what a way to end a travel day! DAY 2 After such a beautiful first afternoon in Scotland, we were keen to explore the Cairngorms region a little more before heading up to start our NC500 journey at Inverness. We found a park up by the local loch with its own cove to Loch Morlich, it was a scorching day and so picturesque, we stopped for a picnic while the little ones played by the loch. After a refreshing dip and some lunch, we headed to the Reindeer Centre which our little boy absolutely loved!! We following a tour guide up into the mountains via steps, windy walkways and beautiful waterfalls (not far... perfectly doable for children, but no good for pushchairs) and fed the reindeer. A perfect day in the cairngorms, before heading to Inverness for our first NC500 stopover!! We arrived for our first NC500 stopover, the beautiful Fortrose Bay, Inverness. What a pitch and what a view!! We were all very hungry after a full day of adventures and driving, therefore a nice home cooked meal was on the cards. (see 'vanlife cooking' page for more meal ideas) After tea, we headed out for a walk towards Chanonry Point lighthouse as the sun was setting, what a sight it was. Chanonry point lighthouse is approx. 1 mile (20 mins) walk from the campsite, it is a very popular dolphin spotting area, we were praying to catch a glimpse! To our surprise the dolphins appeared almost immediately! Incredible! Even though our journey was only beginning, we thought how could the NC500 possibly top our first 2 days!! ... as you will find out, it certainly did not disappoint!! DAY 3 We awoke to the brightest blue skies, although we weren't quite ready to leave this beautiful campsite just yet. We wandered down to Chanonry point one last time on the off chance we may see the dolphins again...we weren't the only ones! A small crowd had begun to form around the edge of the sea, and within 10 minutes, there they were... our second sighting of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat! We left Fortrose, and headed to our first activity on our NC500 plan... the Fairy Glen waterfalls. The drive along the coast was spectacular (but little did we know the best was yet to come over the next 2 weeks). We arrived at a very small tight car park for the waterfalls, just outside a picturesque village. It was a beautiful walk, a 4k round trip, but we did feel it was quite underwhelming (maybe because my young ones were expecting actual fairies to appear!!). It may have been the lack of rainfall over the previous few weeks, as the waterfall wasn't as 'full' as expected, but overall a beautiful walk. We then headed an hour down the road to Dornoch beach and visited the Cocoa Mountain Café on route to sample their famous hot chocolate - I can say, it was certainly up there with one of the best hot chocolates I have ever had (and if you know me - you know how much I LOVE hot chocolate!). Dornoch beach itself was so gorgeous with pale fresh looking sand, however it was far too windy for us to venture to the sea. After driving through the golf course, we parked up in the large carpark which had plenty space (also a small café on site), and headed over the road to the children's playground area, which was situated just before the sand dunes leading to the beach. It had slides, swings, wooden and metal musical instruments, as well as sunken trampolines, the kids had a great time! We didn't stay long, and headed back over the golf course to our next point of interest on route, Dunrobin Castle! We did not get out out of the van at Dunrobin Castle, because by this point, the little ones were exhausted! We had crammed so much into the first few days of our road trip, as well as all of the driving, therefore us adults were feeling a little exhausted too. We had planned on wild camping tonight which we found on our favourite app 'park4night', but we decided against driving any further, and rang ahead to see if there was space at Brora Beach Caravan and Motorhome club site (as we are members of the Caravan & Motorhome club), luckily they had 2 spaces left!! It was right on golf course, which you could walk over to the beach. Due to the wind and the very busy day, we didn't venture far, therefore we settled down for the night, cooked dinner and watched a movie. DAY 4 The next morning, we packed up and headed to Walligoe steps - wow - what an experience! The weather was on our side and it was just beautiful. It is very easily missed, therefore make sure you have the sat nav on, there are only about 6 car parking spaces behind a small row of terrace houses. At 360 steps down, it was the most amazing cove. We climbed down, the sun was sparkling on the waters edge, and the wind had calmed down. At the bottom, some other tourists has created stone statues and we noticed a few dead birds surrounding them, therefore we didn't stay long. We had heard before starting the route that Scotland was having issues with many dead birds around the coast, we did unfortunately see a lot of this on route. Back up to the top, and back on the road to Old Wick Castle and a lunch break stop. When we arrived, we didn't really find it very interesting on first look, a very old ruin just standing alone, therefore we eat lunch before leaving the van for a quick look around. That was until we started to walk around the ruins... once again, a little unexpected surprise, the most picturesque cove, and were convinced we saw puffins on the rocks, but unfortunately I didn't have my camera to zoom in closer. We then headed to our second castle of the day, Castle Sinclair. There was much more to explore at this one, and the little ones even found a dainty cove to sit at and watch the sea lap up on the sides of the rocks. If you google it, the history of the castle makes for a very interesting read! After that, we headed for the obligatory John O'Groats signpost photo! Yup, we headed there JUST for the photo! Luckily it was quite late in the day to there were no queues. We had heard that there wasn't much to see or do there... but actually we were pleasantly surprised, we found it beautiful. It was a very clear day, therefore we could see right over to the Orkney Islands. Many people believe this is the most northern point in the UK... we did too until researching for this trip... that part was yet to come the following day! We headed to our next pre-booked campsite, which was right on the beach, where we chilled by the van and cooked, if you hadn't already realised by now...our favourite ending to a day full of adventure! DAY 5 By day 5 we had reached the top of the country!! Today we headed to the northern most point of the UK, Dunnet Head lighthouse... it was soooo windy!! We were still on our search for puffins, we waited a while but no luck. We took a few pictures and headed back to the van, there was not much to see here, but we didn't want to miss the opportunity to be at the very top of the country, even for a quick snap! We headed back on the road to Thurso... and our first highland coo sighting on route! NOTE: Food stop! Thurso had a Tesco, therefore we stopped here to stock up for the next part of the journey, food stores are few and far between on route so it is definitely worth stocking up while you can. We were determined to find puffins! When researching this trip, I did find one place that was apparently almost guaranteed puffins at this time of year (August), it took quite a while to find, and was quite an experience getting there... over heather fields, down huge cliffs and over a waterfall...but the destination was sooo worth the trek... WOW hundreds of thousands of puffins greeted us! On the way to our next campsite we stopped off at Strathy beach and also drove past Farr beach, both are equally as stunning! Then we arrived at our next stop for the night at Kyle of Tongue. We had a perfect pitch overlooking the sea! We noticed no one was cooking, which was a bit unusual at campsites. We proceeded to get out our cooking equipment, started cooking and that when we realised why we were the only ones... MIDGES! Our first real experience of the little horrendous mites! I only wish I had taken photos of how bad they really were, none of us have experienced anything quite like it! We headed indoors for the rest of the night and could not wait to leave the following morning! (you will be pleased to know that was our one and only experience of midges the whole trip!) DAY 6 SANGO SANDS! Need I say more? If you are planning this trip, Sango is a MUST stopover. It was not a bookable site and adhered to a first come first serve basis for pitches. Knowing 11am was the best time to get a spot... we headed straight there. Did we get a pitch? Not only did we get a pitch, in my opinion, we got the most perfect pitch on the site, right beside the sea with panoramic views throughout every window of the van! WOW this was the best park up we have ever had... I will allow the photos to speak for themselves... We began to realise we needed a few chill days, the little ones had experienced so much in a short space of time, we felt they needed to slow down and just have no plans for a little while. We loved this site so much, that we stayed for 2 nights and could have easily stayed for longer! It was nice not to pack up the van and move, we played on the beach, splashed in the sea, had a picnics, drank wine, went for late night walks and just had the best family time. We also headed to the neighbouring beach, Ceannabeinne beach, where you can zipline over the waters at 45mph. My daughter did not meet the minimum weight that day to match the winds (the weight restrictions change daily depending on the weather) therefore we headed back to play on the beach instead. Day 7 After deciding not to move our van today, we headed to Smoo Caves, which was only a short walk away. On the way we past the famous Cheese'n'toasted shack which we had heard a lot about, the little ones tried one and loved it. We continued the short walk to the caves, they were amazing! The boat tours were unable to run due to the winds but it was still amazing to see inside the caves with the waterfall cascading through. The sun glistened through the openings, making rainbow patterns on the water. Once we had finished in the caves we went for a walk over the cliffs, the views were spectacular! The very top of beautiful Scotland, it was amazing! We headed back to the van and down to the beach to play in the sea. The wind was picking up again, but that didn’t stop us. Another gorgeous day! DAY 8 After two wonderful nights, we headed to Scourie. On the way the weather was taking a turn for the worst, we drove by Balnekiel beach and soaked up the views. We went through Durness and Lairg and even took a 8 mile detour through Kinlochbervie, simply because we saw a sign to say 'for a beautiful 8 miles coastal road drive follow this route' on the side of the road. That's the best part about the NC500, there are no set plans, expect the unexpected and take those random roads! The weather was beginning to deteriorate, so we went to check into our campsite for the night, Scourie Caravan park. It was right by the sea in a beautiful location but unfortunately we did not get to see it in it's best light, it was our worst day and night so far, the rain bucketed and the wind blew a gale! Once we secured our pitch, we headed to the infamous Kylesku bridge where we tried the Surf'n'Turf food shack, delicious food! We then headed to a wet and windy Wailing widow waterfall walk. We didn’t realise there was no real path, so that was interesting. The most incredible waterfall when we got there, but it was one huge trek, in the stream, over rocks in mud etc, very challenging for the kids in rain and wind but they loved it! DAY 9 We set off to Clashnessie, but on our way found a lovely little café in the middle of nowhere and had a scone and hot chocolate. These little finds are the best! Clashnessie beach and Clashnessie falls were beautiful. The waterfall was tricky to get to again, very wet and muddy but we loved the trek and adventure! After the waterfalls we headed to our campsite, Clachtoll Beach. I had heard a lot about this site and luckily we had managed to secure a cancellation the day before (it's almost always fully booked in peak season). When we arrived, the owner showed us around and there was so much to do. Free beach equipment, SUP boards, kayaks, waterproofs, kids wetsuits, washers, kettles, everything to use free of charge, even a herb wall for cooking etc. on the evenings they had an open fire, and food. DAY 10 Today we left Clachtoll Campsite, brilliant site. We headed to Achmelvich beach but the weather was cloudy and rainy. We parked up in the car park and found Rangers hut, where the kids drew pictures and looked at the shells and fossils found on the beach. Then we headed to Lochinver to taste the famous pies! Lochinver itself is quite small from what we could see but has the most spectacular views, so picturesque. On route we drove past Ardveck castle, we parked up but couldn’t walk right up to it as it had been raining so much, that the two lochs had joined and the path was covered. People were crossing the water to get to it, but it would have been half way up my little boy's body if we had tried... so we just looked on from a distance. We then made our way to Knockan Craig which was a rocky mountain walk. We climbed and learnt about the history. It was worth the trek for again the most amazing views. Then we approached Ullapool ready for our stopover. We pitched up in a hotel car park which we had pre booked and wandered into town. What a place, right on the harbour, there was a cruise ship ready to set sail, and the yachts with the backdrop of the mountains just took our breath away! So picturesque it was beautiful. We had a chippy tea and ice cream before heading in for the night. DAY 11 Today we headed out to Corrieshalloch Gorge. A naturally formed gorge with a suspension bridge over 100 meters above the air, only 6 people were allowed on at one time. Then we headed to Inverewe Gardens, which was an hour down the road, to stop for a picnic. We then drove through Gairloch which was a small town and headed to our next stop over, Sands camping and caravan site. The site was huge! It had a play park, onsite takeaway, shop, games room etc. different from all other campsite we have experienced on route. We parked just under the sand dunes as we knew it was going to be a windy night. It was right on the beach, therefore we set up, and went for a wander over the sand dunes to fly a kite, collect shells and watch the wind surfers. DAY 12 Today we set off to Victoria falls, our last waterfall of the trip, just a very short stop and short walk from the car park, which was a pleasant surprise after some very long treks! We then went to the Beinn Eighte Nature Reserve and had a picnic by the loch. We skipped the hikes here (of which there were many) because we wanted to get to our next and final NC500 challenge the Bealach na ba! On the way, we found the car park which Callum the stag patrolled, he was right there at the entrance waiting for us. Callum is quite famous on this route for hovering around this car park. It's quite important not to touch or feed him, however so amazing to see! THE BEALACH NA BA… what a road!! The first mile was absolutely fine, but then we started to see the clouds setting in as we got higher and higher! Eventually we were in the clouds and could not see a hand in front of us. The cars coming the other way on the single track road were on top of us before we saw each other, there was a lot of reversing near cliff edges, what an experience!!!! We then arrived at Applecross, the sky was blue, the water was turquoise, a beautiful fishing village, definitely worth the trip. We then headed to Lachcarron which was such a beautiful place and stayed at The Wee campsite, a lovely family run site for our last night on the NC500 route... it had been so amazing we really did not want it to end! DAY 13 This was our final NC500 stop before heading to Fort William today (our very final destination). But there were still two places we really wanted to visit. We headed to the first, Manuela's Bakery and Distillery. What a quirky bakery!! We loved exploring and we got a few bakes to eat over the next couple of days. A bacon and cheese cookie, a Mediterranean olive cookie, a raspberry cookie, a nutella croissant and a huge rocky road. They even had their own gin distillery. Once we had explored there we headed around the corner to Eileen Donan Castle… wow! What a castle! Very touristy, but amazing! We didn’t pay the £3 per person to go over the bridge to the castle, just saw it from the distance which was just as nice. Then came the road to Fort William and what a drive it was! Spectacular scenery, driving alongside train tracks and a train itself, with the mountains in the background - wow! We saw a beautiful loch on the way and pulled into a layby to take some photos when to our amazement there was a man playing bagpipes!!! What a backdrop, what a view, just surreal and amazing! What a day, what a drive!! We arrived at Glen Nevis Camping and Caravan site and secured a pitch under the spectacular Ben Nevis view! Beautiful location, we were staying here 2 nights for our final stay in Scotland...we really didn't want this trip to end. On the night we wandered to the start of the Ben Nevis trail, which was only 5 mins walk and found a little stream too to cool down in. DAY 14 We woke up to clear skies and beautiful sunshine, it was 28 degrees in Scotland! … and my husband had decided to climb Ben Nevis! He set off early morning so me and the little ones were riding solo today… only one problem, I had no internet, no signal and nothing to give me directions apart from a paper map! Not something I'm used too! After a few wrong turns, and asking in petrol stations, we arrived at Glen Nevis mountain Range Gondolas! The only gondola in the UK and cable cars up the 8th highest mountain in the UK. The day pass allowed unlimited journeys up and down the mountain. We were all apprehensive, it was so high, but loved it! The café at the top had stunning views! There was a walk further up higher into the mountains but we were hot so we stuck to the gondolas. On the way back to our site, still with no phone signal or map, we noticed a sign for canals, so we parked up and headed for the lochs just as the sailing boats were entering. A brilliant experience for the little ones as the cars came to a haul and the road opened to allow the yachts to pass. Back at the campsite, we settled down for our final night, cooking tea and watching the stars under the clear nights sky, reflecting on such a wonderful trip. We felt like it had exceeded our expectations, everything we wished for and more... we would 100% recommend it to anyone! If you have enjoyed our journey and are thinking about heading to Scotland to discover the NC500 for yourself, I have spent time creating a map of all our stops for you to discover these places for yourself. Please see the link below for postcodes and pin points to castles, lochs, campsites, points of interest and much more to help you on your own journey...