Are you planning a trip to the North Coast 500 and looking to book accommodation on route? There are many quirky accommodations on the NC500 route that allow you to camp out in amongst nature with a little bit of luxury.
Glamping in Scotland is becoming one of the favourite ways to travel and we couldn’t agree more!
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In this video, we check into the NC500 Pods in Brora, check it out to see more of this beautiful accommodation.
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NC500 Glamping - Quirky Accommodation on the NC500
The NC500 road trip is one of the most popular road trips in the UK, hosting thousands of visitors every year. Many camp around the trip whilst others choose to stay in a hotel. Did you know there are also many glamping pods around the Nc500? In this post we share more information on the following pods.
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
NC500 Motorhome and Campervan Scheme
The NC500 Motorhome Scheme, officially known as the Highland Campervan and Motorhome Scheme, was launched by the Highland Council on July 1, 2024. This innovative initiative is designed to address the growing number of motorhomes and campervans traveling along the popular North Coast 500 (NC500) route, ensuring that their impact on the local environment and communities is managed sustainably.
The scheme offers a voluntary seven-day pass costing £40, inclusive of VAT. This pass grants motorhome and campervan users access to 12 designated overnight parking locations along the NC500 route, including scenic spots like Torvean Car Park in Inverness, Nairn Harbour, Dunnet Head Car Park, and Ullapool Latheron Car Park.
These parking spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 PM to 8 AM, with a 72-hour no-return policy at each location. This ensures that the facilities are used responsibly and that a larger number of travellers can benefit from them.
Overall, the NC500 Motorhome Scheme provides a structured and sustainable approach to motorhome travel in one of Scotland’s most scenic and popular areas. We think this is a great idea and encourage everyone to take advantage of it if you are looking to explore this road trip soon.
Read all about this new scheme in our complete guide to the NC500 Motorhome Scheme here.
For more information or to purchase a membership, travellers can visit the Highland Council’s official website.
East Coast NC500
Caledonian Lodges, Inverness
The Caledonian Lodges are based at Torevan Caravan Park in Inverness.
Each unit has a bedroom, a comfortable living room area with a sofa bed and a TV with cable channels. There is also a small kitchen and a private bathroom and shower in each lodge.
Free parking is offered onsite the Inverness city centre is situated less than 2 miles away.
The Little Hut, Alness
The Little Hut in Alness provides cosy accommodation with mountain views and a garden. This accommodation is not pet friendly.
A continental breakfast is offered daily at the Little Hut and there is also a fridge and kettle onsite in the small kitchen area.
The Little Hut is located around 2 miles from the centre of Alness.
The Pod at Hollingwell House Edderton, Balblair
The Pod at Hollingwell House – Glamping NC500 Edderton in Balblair features a wooden pod accommodation, a garden and a terrace with river views.
Inside the pod there is a double bed and a seating area with a flat-screen TV. There is a private bathroom that comes complete with a shower and a hairdryer.
There is a small kitchenette within the pod that has a fridge and a kettle.
Inverness is around 24 miles from the Hollingwell House Glamping.
Book your stay at the Pod at Hollingwell House Edderton, Balblair here.
DON’T FORGET
Your trip to Scotland will be a lot more comfortable with a midge net and midge spray. These little biting bugs can be enough to ruin a trip if you don’t have the equipment to protect yourself from them. A repelling candle can also be helpful if you are sitting oustide.
NC500 Pods Brora
On the north east coast of Scotland, nestled in amongst nature near the small village of Brora are the NC500 Pods. The NC500 Pods offer luxurious glamping accommodation on the North Coast 500 road trip.
There are currently four Pods on site at the Brora NC500 pods. One luxury Honeymoon Pod and three regular pods (that still feel luxurious, just a different layout). A small sauna is also available to use onsite with a glass window and fantastic view towards the coast.
If the weather is nice, this is a perfect place to have a BBQ in the communal area and relax in the serenity of your surroundings. Each pod also has a large bean bag outside for your comfort when watching the sunrise from outside your deck.
There is free wifi in all the pods. No password is required to access this.
Each pod is fully equipped with a small kitchen, double bed and bathroom.
Hillside Camping Pods and Shepherds Hut, Wick
Hillside Camping Pods and Shepherd’s Hut provides wooden pod-style accommodation with free private parking.
Each pod is equipped with a small kitchen, complete with a toaster, microwave, fridge and kettle. As well as a double bed, there is also a seating area with a TV. You will have your own private bathroom with a shower in the pod.
Located in Wick where there are many amenities in the town centre and John O’Groats is only 7 miles away.
Book your stay at Hillside Camping Pods and Shepherd’s Hut here.
Bower Pods, Bowermadden
Bower Pods is located in Bowermadden in the countryside, around 10 miles from John O’Groats.
For this accommodation, you will be required to bring your own sleeping bags and pillows, as bed sheets are not provided. If you do not have your own sleeping bags, you can hire these from reception at £5 per adult. Towels are provided.
There is free parking on site when you stay at the Bower Pods. There is also free Wi-Fi, however this is only available in the kitchenette.
Within the kitchenette there is access to a microwave, toaster, kettle, fridge and kitchen utensils.
Within the pods is a raised platform with a breathable mattress and a flat-screen TV.
Guests can enjoy a fire pit at Bower Pods and if you have a pampered pooch, you can bring them along to the Bower Pods for an additional £5.
Book your stay at Bower Pods Bowermadden here.
North Coast of the NC500
Shepherd Hut with Hot Tub, John O’Groats
This unique accommodation in John O’Groats features a small garden with a barbecue and a hot tub.
There is a private bathroom in the Shepherd Hut which comes complete with a shower, hair dryer and free toiletries. There is also a flat screen TV in the pod and a double bed.
Thurso is the nearest town which is around 17 miles from this accommodation.
Book your stay at the Shepherd Hut with Hot Tub in John O’ Groats here.
North Point Pods, Thurso
The North Point Pods have a double bed and small living room area. There is also a private bathroom and small kitchen area. The kitchenette comes complete with a microwave, stovetop, toaster and a fridge.
There is also a hairdryer and free toiletries in the pod.
A Full English/Irish breakfast is available daily at the campsite.
John O Groats is 7.5 miles from North Point Pods (north coast 500), while Kirkwall is 26.1 miles away. The nearest airport is Wick John O’Groats Airport, 14.3 miles from the accommodation.
Wee Hoose Glamping Pod 1, Skail
The Wee Hoose Glamping Pods are small pods located deep in the countryside, just off the north coast in Skail.
There is free parking for you during your stay at the pods. All of the pods have a small kitchen with a fridge and a microwave and a little dining area. There is also a private bathroom with a shower.
In the morning, there is a continental or Full English/Irish breakfast available.
During the summer months, there is a lovely patio area and garden as well as a sun terrace and barbecue for you to enjoy.
Thurso is 28.6 miles from the pods and is the nearest town.
West Coast NC500
Eco Crofters Wagon by the Beach, Oldshoremore
Situated on one of the most beautiful locations on the NC500 is the Eco Crofters Wagon.
This wooden wagon looks out over the stunning Oldshoremore Beach and is very remote from any amenities.
The pod has a kitchenette as well as a seating and dining area.
Kinlochbervie is the nearest town which is around 3 miles away from the pod.
Book your stay at Eco Crofters Wagon by the beaching Oldshoremore here.
NC500 Pods, Achmelvich
The NC500 Pods are wooden glamping pods located next to one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches, Achmelvich Beach. There are 4 pods on site, each named after a nearby mountain. There is also a communal, social area with outdoor seating and a fire pit.
There are pet free and pet-friendly pods onsite making it suitable for everyone. A parking space is available per pod a short walk from the pods themselves.
The NC500 Pods is an incredibly popular place to stay and we would recommend that if you are thinking about booking a trip here, you book now to avoid disappointment as they book up so quick!
You can read more about our stay at the NC500 Pods in Achmelvich here.
The Hideaway (with Hot Tub), Lochinver
The Hideaway is a beautiful accommodation surrounded by the Assynt mountains in Lochinver. The interior is very modern and the accommodation offers a garden, a patio and a terrace.
The lodge has a private bathroom with a large shower. There is also free WiFi and a satellite flat-screen TV. In the kitchenette, there is a microwave and a fridge as well as a washing machine.
To top it off, the Hideaway lodge has a hot tub that guests can use.
Wuthering Heights, Gairloch
Wuthering Heights is a small traditional Scottish Shepherds hut that is small and cosy with a comfortable double bed.
This accommodation is located in the owners garden and has free Wi-Fi as well as a barbecue.
There is a fully equipped kitchen in the pod which also has a microwave. There is a seating area with a flat screen TV. This hut has a private bathroom which comes complete with a shower and a hairdryer.
Struggling to plan your North Coast 500 road trip?!
Before You Leave on the North Coast 500
Before you head off on your trip around the NC500, there are certain things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth trip. These include how to get around the route, including being aware of single track roads, etc., what to pack for Scotland, where to stay along the route and what travel insurance to book.
Read more planning tips for the North Coast 500 in our full guide.
How Do I Get Around the NC500?
Given the remote location of the NC500 and the majority of the sights along the route, the best way to get around this road trip is by driving. There are of course other methods that are still popular, such as cycling and hiking, however, if you have a short amount of time on the route, neither of these are very suitable.
As for public transport, the use around the NC500 is understandably difficult due to how remote each location is, however, with the increasing problem of congestion along the route, this is a good option to research if you have time. If it is something that interests you, you can read a public formed itinerary of how to get around the NC500 by public transport over here.
If you are looking to rent a cosy, reliable and luxurious campervan for your trip along the NC500, we highly recommend hiring through Spaceships Rentals. We toured around the up-and-coming Heart 200 road trip in Scotland’s central highlands in a campervan and its by far the best way to get around and enjoy the amazing scenery.
Browse the full range of vehicles on offer at Spaceships Rentals over here.
What Should I Pack for the NC500?
When it comes to packing for a trip along the NC500 there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your 7-day NC500 road trip you will probably experience at least a drizzle of rain. Due to this, the number one item on any Scotland packing list is a good waterproof jacket.
As for the rest of the year, the temperature in Scotland and the central heartlands is reasonably mild for most of the year. During the winter months, you will most likely experience snow, however, temperatures usually sit around freezing, so it is not too cold. For your reference, the average temperatures in Scotland are listed below during each season.
Spring (March, April, May) – 5-10 degrees C
Summer (June, July, August) – 15 degrees C
Autumn (September, October, November) – 5-10 degrees C
Winter (December, January, February) – 0-5 degrees C
As you can see, the weather never really gets above the teens, with anything over 25 degrees C considered a heatwave. The best way to pack for your trip to the highlands is with layers that can be added and removed as you need them. You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the colder months and will most likely need sunscreen to protect you on the long days in the open.
It is also important to stay hydrated, especially when you are out exploring in the marvellous landscape of Scotland. We use Water to Go water bottles to fill up with water from running streams when we are hiking.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around Scotland, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
Where Should I Stay on the NC500?
The remoteness in the highlands of Scotland will leave you with little choice of accommodation in each location along the NC500, however, there are still enough options to choose from to ensure a comfortable trip. These are mostly in the shape of B&Bs, Airbnbs, converted cottages and other quirky accommodations.
Depending on how adventurous you are, there may be more accommodation choices than just the above, often with an even better view. Caravan and camping sites are abundant along the NC500, drawing camping enthusiasts from all over the world. For some of the most spectacular bedside scenery along the North Coast 500, we recommend packing a tent and getting in touch with nature for the week.
As we travelled along the North Coast 500, camped in our trusty Vango tent on a mixture of campsites and wild sites. Wild camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the highlands, however, it must be done respectfully. Read our full guide to Wild Camping if you wish to give it a go so you know everything you need to for a comfortable and sustainable trip.
What is the Best Travel Insurance?
We know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
Destination North Coast Map
Make sure you have all the resources you need to make the most of your trip to the North Coast of Scotland. Our Destination North Coast Map is the perfect addition to any traveller’s toolkit. With detailed information on all the best spots along the NC500, this map is your ultimate guide to exploring the rugged beauty of Scotland’s north coast.
So there you have it, glamping accommodation on the NC500. If you have visited the NC500 recently, let us know if you have stayed at any other places listed above, or if you have any suggestions let us know in the comments below.
As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this photo guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head off on their own North Coast 500 adventure. If you are planning the trip for yourself, make sure you have a look at the rest of our Scotland content for more inspiration to our beautiful home country.
When you set off on your own adventure, be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram and we will share them with the rest of our community. In the meantime, why not follow us over there to see what we are currently up to and keep up with us on our Instagram Stories.
Now Read:
- Instagram Guide to the North Coast 500 – Most Photogenic Spots
- North Coast 500 Packing Guide – What You Will Need for the NC500
- 7-day North Coast 500 Itinerary – FREE, Detailed and Unforgettable!
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