🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 14-Night NC500 & Scottish Islands Campervan Itinerary | Vandango Campervan Hire

Dreaming of a big adventure this autumn? Scotland’s North Coast 500 (NC500) is one of the world’s greatest road trips, and when you add the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides into the mix, it becomes an unforgettable two-week journey.

This 14-night NC500 & Scottish Islands campervan itinerary is designed for friends or couples who want dramatic scenery, ferry crossings, cosy pub evenings, and the freedom of the open road. Starting from the Isle of Man, you’ll loop the Highlands, explore white-sand beaches, climb rugged peaks, and finish with island sunsets that rival anywhere in Europe.

👉 Book Vandango’s Autumn Lo ng Hire Special — 18 nights for £1,500 (normally ~£1,900). Perfect for this itinerary, with collection on 22 Sept and return on 10 Oct - Please message us directly to secure discount rate.

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Why Choose the NC500 & Islands in Autumn?

• Dramatic landscapes: Misty glens, rugged coastlines, golden autumn colours.

• Less crowded: Fewer tourists than summer, but ferries/campsites still open.

• Wild camping heaven: Scotland’s rules make it ideal for van-life explorers.

• Epic variety: Castles, beaches, whisky distilleries, hiking trails, and ferries to remote islands.

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⛴ Getting to Scotland from the Isle of Man

The easiest way to reach Scotland is via the Steam Packet sailing from Douglas to Heysham.

• Outbound:

• Tuesday 23rd September 2025

• Isle of Man → Heysham

• Depart 08:00 → Arrive 11:45

• Return:

• Thursday 9th October 2025

• Heysham → Isle of Man

• Depart 13:45 → Arrive 17:30

💰 Example price (2 adults + campervan up to 5.5m): £347 return (non-refundable fare).

This schedule gives you:

• A full 14 nights in Scotland for your road trip.

• Travel days either side for a stress-free journey north and south.

• Seamless alignment with Vandango’s 18-night long hire special.

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14-Night NC500 & Scottish Islands Itinerary

Days 1–2 – Inverness & Loch Ness

• Explore Inverness Castle and River Ness.

• Short detour to Loch Ness for views of Urquhart Castle.

• Overnight at Bunchrew Caravan Park or wild camp near Loch Ness.

📸 Image: Urquhart Castle ruins on Loch Ness with autumn backdrop.

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Days 3–4 – Wester Ross & Torridon

• Scenic drive through Bealach na Bà pass to Applecross (one of the UK’s most famous roads).

• Hike in Torridon mountains.

• Overnight at Applecross campsite or wild camp by the coast.

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Days 5–6 – Ullapool & Northern Highlands

• Drive north through Ullapool (great fish & chips by the harbour).

• Ferry option to Stornoway (Outer Hebrides) if you want to extend.

• Explore Assynt — Suilven mountain, Ardvreck Castle.

• Overnight at Clachtoll Beach campsite (stunning white sand).

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Days 7–8 – Durness & North Coast

• Visit Smoo Cave near Durness.

• Walk Balnakeil Beach (huge stretch of sand, dramatic skies).

• Stop at the northernmost tip of mainland Britain, John O'Groats

• Walk to see the Duncansby Stacks.

• Overnight wild camping on the north coast.

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Days 9–10 – East Coast & Castles

• Drive along the rugged east coast.

• Visit Dunrobin Castle, one of Scotland’s most romantic.

• Stop in Wick or Helmsdale for a local pub evening.

• Overnight at Brora campsite or wild spot nearby.

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Days 11–12 – Isle of Skye

• Detour off the NC500 to visit Isle of Skye.

• Highlights: Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr, Quiraing hike.

• Overnight at Glenbrittle Campsite or wild camp with sea views.

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Days 13–14 – Return via Fort William & Glen Coe

• Drive south via Eilean Donan Castle.

• Stop at Fort William (Ben Nevis base) and Glen Coe for dramatic mountain views.

• Overnight in Loch Lomond area.

• Final day drive back to Liverpool for ferry return.

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🍻 Food, Drink & Pub Stops

• Applecross Inn – legendary seafood pub after Bealach na Bà.

• The Old Inn, Gairloch – classic Highland stop.

• Durness Cocoa Mountain – famous hot chocolate stop.

• Isle of Skye Brewery – for a local pint after a day hiking.

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🍁 Practical Travel Tips

• Best Time: Late Sept–Oct for autumn colours, quieter roads, but still good ferry availability.

• Driving Distance: ~1,000 miles around the NC500 + Skye detour.

• Ferries: Book early for Skye and any Outer Hebrides add-ons.

• What to Pack: Warm/waterproof clothes, hiking boots, camera, cosy layers.

• Camping: Mix of campsites (Applecross, Clachtoll, Glenbrittle) and wild spots.

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Why Book Vandango for the NC500?

With Vandango you get:

• A fully equipped campervan ready for Scotland’s wild roads.

• Flexibility to mix campsites and wild camping.

• Affordable long-hire package: 18 nights for £1,500 (22 Sept – 10 Oct).

👉 Hire Vandango today and take on Scotland’s NC500 and Islands this autumn.