Ultimate NC500 Road Trip Packing List 2026

The North Coast 500 is one of those trips where packing well makes a big difference. The Scottish weather changes quickly, distances are longer than they look on a map, and once you’re out on the coast, shops and supplies can be few and far between.

Whether you’re planning to stay in guest houses, mix in a few nights of wild camping, or go all-in on a campervan, having the right setup makes the whole experience smoother and a lot more enjoyable.

Which is why in this blog, I’m sharing my tried and tested packing list – covering all the essentials for this epic road trip and some extra notes for those who are camping the entire route.

1. Luggage
2. Clothing
3. Shoes
4. Car kit
5. Camping kit
6. NC500 essentials
7. Toiletries
8. Nice-to-haves

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so if you do make a purchase through them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Luggage

First things first, let’s talk baggage (not the emotional kind). The most effective packing always starts with the right luggage and this trip is no different. It’s easy to think that just because you’re likely throwing everything into the trunk of your car, the bags you put everything in don’t really matter.

But trust me, once you’ve packed away your camping gear randomly once, it’s easy for chaos to descend and finding anything again is a nightmare. So here’s what I’d recommend to keep things organised, have lightweight options for day hikes, and stay comfortable.

Bigger duffel bag

In my opinion, a suitcase should be nowhere near this trip. For easy access in and out of your car, around your campsite and even on the flight to Scotland (if you’re flying in), a large duffel bag is the way to go.

They’re squashable to fit smaller spaces, open from the top for easy access without having to drag the thing out of your trunk every time and are often waterproof. All key qualities we’re looking for when packing for a mostly outdoors trip. Plus, as you’re driving, there’s no need for this bag to be really portable so weight and straps comfort are less of an issue. It’s more about having an easily accessible large bag that can carry the majority of your gear for this trip.

With that in mind, I’d recommend the following options:

Packing cubes or dry sacks

When it comes to keeping things organised in the main body of your duffle bag, I’d recommend choosing packing cubes or dry sacks. Both essentially help you to section out different types of clothing for easier access.

I find this particularly helpful for things like underwear that can quickly end up lost amongst the rest of your clothes. I also find it useful to have a packing cube or dry sack that has everything I need when inside the tent (think pyjamas, a head torch, toothbrush, eye mask), and a different one for the morning (fresh underwear, clothes for the day, hair brush). That way I know when we pull up to the campsite, I can just throw those bags into the tent knowing I won’t have to keep making trips out for things I forgot.

Both options also help you compress your packing into smaller spaces. Packing cubes will generally have tighter zips you can do up to shrink the bags down while pushing all the air out of dry sacks will have a similar compression effect. So I think the choice here comes down to personal preference – personally I’ve always used dry sacks. I love that they’re waterproof and I’ve even used them as a swimming float when filled with air while my husband is a die-hard packing cubes fan.

Whichever route you go, here are my top options:

TOP TIP: A much smaller piece of luggage you might want to consider is a waterproof phone pouch. These are brilliant if you want to take your phone with you while swimming in lochs or doing any kind of water sport. I have to admit I did feel a bit silly the first time I used one but I soon got over it as they made taking photos in water so much easier and less worrisome. Here’s my go-to option.

Comfy day sack

For day hikes and generally exploring away from the car, you’re going to want a smaller bag that can hold your essentials. A bag that’s around 20 litres is perfect – big enough to carry a waterproof, water bottle and some snacks.

When it comes to which bag to choose, I’d recommend prioritising comfort and waterproofing. As I’ve alluded to, even in the height of summer the weather in Scotland can be changeable and so being prepared for sudden showers is always a good idea!

Here are my favourite picks:

Tote bags

Now let’s talk about the humble tote bag – in my opinion one of the most invaluable pieces of kit you can have on any trip. Whether it’s carrying groceries, storing litter that collects in the car, holding dirty shoes, stowing wet swim stuff and many other situations, a tote bag always comes in handy.

Plus, you likely have at least one lying around your house so throw it in the car and you won’t regret it. If you do want to invest in a new sturdy tote, I’d recommend choosing a recycled one to lessen your environmental impact. Here are my favourite options:

Clothing

Now let’s talk clothing. As driving the NC500 is an outdoor-focused trip, it’s key that you choose clothing that’s comfortable, allows you to be active and if you do get rained on – is quick drying or waterproof.

Base layers

When you’re travelling will affect what kind of base layers you need. If you’re travelling in summer like we did, I’d recommend packing lightweight t-shirts and activewear as your base layer. If you do find you get cold at night in your tent, it could be worth packing a set of thermals just for the evening, but other than that you should be okay in light layers.

If you’re travelling in spring, autumn or winter, prioritise long-sleeved thermal tops and full length leggings or thermal bottoms. These will really help to lock the heat in, especially at night or on windy days.

Here are my thermal recommendations:

Mid-layers

For layering up, in any season lightweight fleeces, hoodies or jumpers are perfect. They allow you to adapt to changing temperatures inside and outside the car really quickly and take up minimal space. Here are some of my favourites:

Coats, jackets & insulation

Again, whether you’re travelling in spring, summer, autumn or winter Scotland does not really get sufficiently warm to travel without some kind of coat.

Even when we drove the NC500 in August, I still very much need my down-filled Patagonia jacket in the evenings. So don’t skip warm outerwear even if the daytime temperatures are rising.

I also found an insulated vest to be a great addition – leaving my arms free but keeping my core warm. The thing to consider is just how easily you can take these coats on and off as you get in and out of the car.

But the essential jacket to pack is a waterproof. It is more than likely you’ll get at least a little bit of rain during your trip (and if not rain then wind!) and so being prepared is key. Here are some of my top choices:

Underwear (of course!)

I think it could be pretty hard to forget your underwear but just in case I’m going to list it here! Again, think comfort and where you can opt for natural cotton options.

For women, I chose to wear a sports bra for most of the trip so I didn’t have to worry about changing into one when we switched to more active hikes or activities throughout the day.

For socks, if you are planning to do more intense hikes, investing in good walking socks can make all the difference. I personally swear by the Smartwool brand that I’ve used for years. Here is my go-to pair…

Find the only walking socks I’ll ever buy here!

Warm weather kit

Of course, as I’ve mentioned your clothing choices will change quite a bit with the weather and so if it is looking hot while you’re taking on the NC500. Don’t forget these items too…

Sunglasses: A must not only for when you’re out and about but also while you’re driving. There’s nothing worse than staring into the sun while you’re trying to navigate narrow country lanes. Protect those eyes!

Cap: A peaked hat can also help keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face – doing an even better job than SPF. Personally, I also like packing a hat to cover my tent hair that of course always looks worse as the days go on 😂

SPF: For the rest of your body (and face), always pack SPF. Even on days that are sunny but not hot, don’t be fooled into thinking the UV rays are always low. My go-to face SPF is from Beauty of Joseon.

Cold weather kit

Similarly, if the temperatures do drop, you’re going to want a few extra things to keep you cosy.

Wooly hat: Bobble or not, a cosy hat really makes all the difference when you’re trying to stay warm – I swear by my Fjällräven Tab Hat that I’ve had for years.

Gloves: Keep those fingers toasty with insulated gloves. Of course if you’re on a tight budget any pair will do but if you can afford to invest in some good quality gloves that will last you years, I’d recommend looking at the Thinsulate options. They even have gloves that you can still use your phone with – perfect for photo taking on the go!

Buff: Now a buff may sound like overkill but in general I’m a big fan of them. They do an excellent job of trapping heat in and are incredibly versatile. Again, you can find very affordable options in lots of places so you don’t need anything fancy but if you want to invest in the best, choose an original Buff.

Hand warmers: Prone to extra cold hands? Level up with reusable hand warmers. I’d always opt for the reusable ones not only to save money but also as they’re kinder on the environment – the single-use ones can create a lot of waste.

Wet weather kit

Now for the conditions you’re most likely to encounter at some point on your trip – wet weather. While the rain can be a pain, with the right kit it doesn’t have to stop you exploring and you can easily stay dry.

Waterproof bag cover: If your main day sack isn’t waterproof then I’d recommend taking a small bag cover if rain is forecast. These pack away super small and weigh almost nothing – perfect for stowing in your bag just in case. I’ve had the same one for years and never regretted packing it!

Waterproof trousers: When the heavens really do open, I deploy my waterproof trousers. Again, this might sound a bit extreme but if you’re taking on a longer hike in an exposed area and won’t be able to get dry for a while, you want to stop your trousers getting saturated asap. Again, these are super affordable, light and easy to whip on over your shoes and trousers.

Gaiters: Lastly, if you are planning on doing any particularly boggy or muddy walks, you’ll be thankful for some gaiters to help keep your feet dry. They’re also helpful for keeping ticks off!

Swimming kit

Swimming is one of my favourite things to do along the NC500 – the golden beaches and bright blue waters are stunning, while paddling in a fresh loch has it’s own kind of magic. So be ready to hop out of your car and head to the water pretty regularly – for that you’ll need a couple of extra things…

Microfibre towel poncho: I will never go back to using a flat towel for outdoor swimming. Honestly, after discovering the power of the poncho towel (modelled by me below), I could never deal with the hassle of trying to get changed and not flash the entire beach while holding up a towel again. The poncho towel is just elite! Throw it over your head and you have your own mini changing room – warm, dry, private and so much easier. Plus, hands-free and with pockets – need I say more!!

Choose a microfibre option for even quicker drying and anti-microbial properties.

Here’s my top microfibre hooded towel pick.

Swimming costume / trunks: Of course, don’t forget your swimsuit – I opted for my sportier swimming costume for the sometimes rougher Scottish seas. Be warned, a bikini may not stand a chance on blustery days!

Plastic bag to put wet kit in: If you’re hopping back in the car and don’t fancy drying your kit across the back of your car seats then you’ll need somewhere to put it. Throw a couple of reusable plastic bags in the car ready for these times.

Shoes

Now that’s clothing covered, let’s talk footwear. In my experience, the shoes you pick for this trip are in some cases even more important than the clothing. As this is such an active trip, being comfortable, dry and safe is top priority. Here’s what I packed…

Waterproof walking boots or shoes

First things first, if you’re planning to take on some of the incredible trails and hikes along the NC500, you want to ensure you have walking boots or shoes with good grip, strong ankle support and ideally waterproofing.

I personally have always used walking boots so I brought those along to change into when we were heading out on longer walks. But I think in many cases you could easily get away with walking shoes – just be conscious of twisting your ankle on any uneven or rocky areas.

To find the right shoe and fit for you, I’d always recommend going to an outdoor store and getting a proper fitting done by a member of staff. Not only is it so important that whichever pair you pick are comfortable, but generally these boots and shoes aren’t cheap and if you’re making the investment it should be in the perfect pair for your feet. I also used to work in outdoor equipment retail and have seen the difference it makes, so trust me on this!

Comfy trainers

For driving and hopping in and out of the car to explore coastal fishing villages, grabbing a coffee and other relaxed activities, a comfy pair of trainers is perfect. I packed a pair of classic Reeboks that did the job, so don’t feel like you need to go out and buy anything new!

Flip flips or slides

If you are camping, you’ll be glad of some flip flops or slides for the shower blocks and relaxing around the campsite. Especially after a long day of walking, your feet will be glad of the escape!

On warmer days I also wore my flip flops out and about on the route when we were stopping for lunch, walking along beaches or otherwise hanging out. Of course, you can pick up very inexpensive flip flops but in this case I really do think you get what you pay for. I’m a big fan of brands like Teva and Havaiana for quality and longevity – these are my favourites:

Water shoes

Heading back to the water, if you do plan on swimming in the sea or lochs, you might be glad of some water shoes. I packed mine and was instantly grateful when faced with a stony walk down to a beautiful swimming area. My feet were saved from the sharp rocks, leaving me free to swim in comfort!

In this case, I think as you are unlikely to use water shoes that much – picking up a cheaper pair is the way to go.

These hard-soled adult water shoes are a brilliant affordable option.

Camping slippers

Lastly for footwear, this is a bit of a nice to have. But if you do have the space and want a little luxury – camping slippers are a treat. They’re a much warmer and cosier campsite option compared to flip flops and offer a bit more support. My husband and I both have North Face camping slippers – I’ll link them below.

Car Kit

Now as this is a road trip, you will be spending quite a lot of time in your car and whether you’re renting or own it, you want it to be comfortable and ready for your adventure. With that in mind, here are the things I’d recommend taking…

Phone mount

If your car doesn’t have a built-in screen showing maps then you’ll want a stand to mount your phone on to be able to see the route. There are quite a few different options depending on whether you want to attach the mount to your windscreen, dashboard or air conditioning vents. I’ll link my preferred option below:

Find the best reviewed car phone mount here.

Phone charger

Again, if your car does have ports for phone chargers then make sure you pack at least one cable. If it’s an older car that only has cigarette lighters then invest in an cigarette lighter adaptor that fits your charging cables. I recommend this retractable one with options for multiple different chargers…

My recommended retractable multi-way cigarette lighter charger.

Adaptors (if you’re travelling from outside the UK)

If you’re heading to Scotland from outside the UK, you’ll also want to pack at least one plug adaptor. Our plugs in the UK have three prongs which can be quite different to those in the rest of Europe and the US which tend to only have two.

You can pick up multi-way travel adaptors that are helpful if you’re often travelling to different regions. Or get a simple single adaptor for an affordable quick switch.

Find the best value worldwide to UK plug adaptor here.

Battery pack

Even with in-car phone charging options, I’d always recommend packing a dedicated power bank too. These are great for continuing to charge your devices in your tent or out on longer hikes.

Find a top reviewed slimline power bank here.

eSIM (for travellers outside the UK)

Other key thing for international travellers is making sure you have data on your phone ready for your trip. Whether it’s using maps, keeping in touch with friends back home or for use in emergencies, being able to use the internet on your phone is pretty essential. The easiest way to get data in the UK is with an eSIM – no physical SIM card required and you can do it all from your phone.

The company I use when travelling outside the UK is Airalo – they have affordable data plans for almost every country in the world. Find their UK plans here.

Map & guide book

Of course, Google Maps is an incredibly powerful tool – but only while you have data and phone signal. As some parts of the NC500 are much more remote, you might find the signal does get a bit patchy. So for peace of mind it could be worth packing a little map of the route, just as a reference point if you do find your Google Maps drops out.

You can find a great compact one here, or even print your own at home (download the official map here).

Small change for parking

As not all car parks accept cards, it’s also worth having a small amount of cash ready – ideally a range of coins as not all with give change either!

You might also come across small cafés or shops that only take cash so having a little bit for emergencies is a good plan too.

The perfect road trip playlist

Now that’s most of the logistical items you’ll need in your car covered, let’s talk vibes 😂 For me, the right road trip playlist is almost equally important – this will end up being the sound track to your NC500 adventure and every time you hear those songs again, you’ll be brought back to the memories.

So why not invest a little time in curating your own special playlist. It’s a fun opportunity to listen to some Scottish artists you might not have heard before too. Some of my favourites are Breabach, Amy Macdonald, Julie Fowlis, Paolo Nutini and Elephant Sessions.

Car snacks!

Lastly, no road trip set up is complete without snacks. Not only will all the driving have you craving something sweet or savoury but it also helps to keep things interesting on the longer stretches of road.

My go-to would be a selection of crisps, popcorn, cereal bars, sweets, nuts and yoghurt drinks (for something vaguely more healthy). Don’t forget about drinks too – of course you’ll want a bottle of water, maybe a fun fizzy drink (why not try an Irn Bru) and my must-have – a flask of tea or coffee.

Camping Kit

When it comes to your sleeping kit, if you’re choosing to camp your way around the NC500 like we did, then here’s the key things you’ll need in your camping set up.

Tent

Starting with the big hitter – your tent. It’s likely that if you are camping this route, you have a decent amount of camping experience and your own tent already.

But a couple of things to consider are obviously the size – the bigger your tent the more you’ll have to pay at campsites. Likewise, if you are hoping to wild camp on some nights like we did, you don’t really want to opt for a huge family-size tent. In these instances having a bit of discretion is key and so choosing a smaller tent that blends into the surroundings more is less likely to attract any unwanted attention.

But if it’s pure comfort you’re after, having a tent with a bit of ‘porch’ space or an area to sit that’s undercover goes a long way on rainier evenings! So consider what type of experience you’re after but I’ll share my preferred tent for lightweight camping below.

I have always chosen Vango for tents as their quality and experience is unmatched. Find my top recommended tent here (sizing from 2-person, 3-person and 3-person+).

Sleeping bag

As the nights do tend to still get pretty chilly even in summer, a good quality sleeping bag is essential to a good night’s sleep. I’ve always found Vango sleeping bags to be high quality and good value for money so find my top option below.

Find my recommended Vango sleeping bag here.

Sleeping mat

Another thing that will help you stay warm and dry throughout the night is a decent sleeping mat. I used to use a classic foam roll mat but found while these are sturdy they often don’t do a great job of insulating.

Instead, if you don’t already have an inflatable sleeping mat I’d recommend investing in one. You can find pretty affordable options that give you a little extra warmth, stay inflated all night and offer ergonomic designs. Plus, when they’re deflated they pack down much smaller to fit in your car!

Find a great sleeping mat option here.

Camping pillow

Now, I used to camp extra-light and would forgo a dedicated camping pillow and instead use a bundle of my clothes to save the minuscule weight of one. However, since turning 30, my neck can’t cope with that anymore and I’m now firmly team camping pillow!

For space saving, I opt for an inflatable one that packs down to almost nothing but still prevents me having a stiff neck in the morning.

Find the comfiest inflatable camping pillow here.

Camping table & chairs

Again, I used to think sitting on the ground around our camping stove was completely adequate. But for longer road trips like this one, having a comfortable place to sit back, relax and play cards or eat a proper meal makes all the difference. So we packed our two fold-up camping chairs and small camping table and didn’t regret it.

Especially a camping table – this will give you a solid base to prepare meals, rest drinks, write your journal and much more. So don’t be tempted to skip these items if you do have the space.

Head light & lantern (or string lights for added ambiance)

Once the sun sets, especially in remote areas or while you’re wild camping – you’ll become acutely aware of just how dark it gets. So to stay safe and continue enjoying your evening, you need to pack a decent head torch and/or lantern.

Personally, I took both. A head torch is great for walking to the toilet after dark, staying safe while walking on any stretches of road and hunting for things in your car trunk. While a lantern offers much softer and broader lighting that’s great in your tent, beside your stove while cooking or next to you while playing cards.

For both of these, I’d also recommend getting rechargeable options if you can. Not only is this better for the environment but you don’t have to carry around spare batteries or worry about them running out. You can just keep them topped up by charging them in your car or with your power pack.

For a final flourish around your tent, you could also attach camping string lights. I’ve been lusting after a set of these for a little while and will likely invest for my next trip as they make your camping set up look extra cosy and inviting. Of course, not to be used while wild camping but excellent on a managed campsite!

Camping stove & gas

If you’ll also be cooking some of your own meals, you need a solid camping stove and fuel. Like all of these things, there’s a real range of options from something almost resembling a full portable oven to single burner with a pot attached.

As you might have guessed from my previous comments, we have a pretty small Jetboil stove that’s perfect for simple meals for one or two people. But if you do want to have more cooking options or will be cooking for more people, it could make more sense to get a portable stove. Especially as you don’t really need to worry about weight as you’ll be putting it back in the car.

Of course, just don’t forget your fuel! Most of these stoves run on small gas cylinders that you can bring with you in your car or pick up easily when you land if you’re flying into Scotland.

Here are the best stove options depending on your needs:

Bowls, Plates, Cups, Glasses & Cutlery

One thing it’s easy to forget is your crockery and cutlery! So make sure you’ve packed up the bowls, plates, cups, glasses and cutlery you’ll need for your trip. Where possible, consider which items you can use for multiple purposes to avoid having lots of different dedicated equipment that takes up more space.

For instance, I’ll usually only pack a metal camping mug that I can use for hot drinks, cold drinks, noodles and soups or even wine! They’re sturdy, heatproof and virtually unbreakable!

For eating off of, again I tend to just pack a bowl that I can use for most dishes along with a set of camping cutlery that folds away into one container. Here are my favourites…

TOP TIP: If you’re a wine or beer drinker – never forget a bottle opener! Choose a small corkscrew with a bottle opener on the top so you never have to use a key or other desperate measures to open wine. I’ve tried them all… 😂

Food & condiments

Naturally, if you’re planning to cook your own meals you’ll also need some food! When it comes to camping meals – you can either go down the boil in the bag route or cook from scratch. For sheer ease, speed and minimalism I chose to take a few boil in the bag meals. Personally I do like the taste of these, especially if you spend a little bit more to get high quality options. For me, FIREPOT make the best ones with great whole ingredients. I’ll link some of my go-to’s below.

FIREPOT meals: These are on the pricier side but for me they’re the best ones on the market. The whole ingredients and amount of flavour you get is worth it – especially if you’re only having these a couple of nights during your trip. It’s still a big saving on eating out!

Wayfayrer meals: For a slightly more affordable option, the Wayfayrer meals are also tasty and have a wider selection of meals.

But equally, nothing beats waking up and making pancakes and bacon, so whichever route you go down, just make sure you’re fully stocked as there’s nothing worse than pitching your tent hungry!

TOP TIP: If like me, you can’t bear the thought of spending your precious travel budget on basics like salt, pepper, sugar, instant coffee and tea bags when you know you have loads at home, then pack them. I always fill a few of these small reusable pots with salt, pepper and sugar and pack tea bags and coffee in reusable ziplock bags like these.

Cool box

Now you might be thinking – okay so if I do buy bacon or milk or other perishable foods, how am I going to keep them fresh? The answer is with a car cool box. This was one of the best investments we made and we’ve used it on so many car camping trips as it just plugs into the power point or cigarette lighter in the trunk and runs while your engine is on. That way all the while you’re driving your food stays perfectly cool.

When you turn the engine off, the insulation in the cool box helps keep everything fresh for the morning. Here’s our exact one…

My recommended car plug-in cool box.

Matches or a lighter

Don’t forget a box of matches or a lighter to light your stove or campfire. You can also get rechargeable lighters so you don’t have to worry about running out of lighter fuel.

Reusable water bottle & coffee flasks

Of course, alongside keeping hunger at bay, you also need to stay hydrated. In Scotland, the water is generally excellent quality and delicious so pack a reusable water bottle that you can refill with tap water as you travel.

Personally, I always opt for a metal water bottle as I think they last longer and prefer not to use plastic. I also find the simpler bottles without a complex straw or lid easier to clean as you can just run them through the dishwasher when you get home. I’ll link my favourite option below.

If you’re a tea or coffee drinker like me, I’d also recommend packing a hot drinks flask. After making breakfast and our first cup of tea each morning, I’d boil some more water to make a flask of tea or coffee for the car. This is such a treat and saves a bit of cash buying more coffee out. Again, I’ll link our go-to Thermos and the other water bottles and travel mugs I swear by below.

Spare rubbish bags

As I mentioned earlier, you can use tote bags or any other bag to store your rubbish. But if you are buying meat or other perishable items, you might want to keep the waste in a dedicated bin bag. So it’s worth adding a couple into your car that you can fill as you go and then dispose of in a public bin when they’re full.

NC500 Essentials

The NC500 is a very special road, not only because of its location, but its wildlife and history too. Which is why, there are a few extra things I’d recommend packing to make the most of the joys of this route, and tackle a couple of the challenges.

Binoculars

On any road trip, for me binoculars are essential but this is especially true on the NC500. There are so many opportunities to spot everything from puffins and dolphins to whales, golden eagles, deer and more.

So don’t miss the chance to get a crystal clear view of some of Scotland’s wildest nature – have your binoculars ready! You can find the exact pair we use below, these are much more affordable but still give you a great quality, clear view.

Find my exact binoculars here.

Camera

Whether it’s wildlife, incredible views or campsite sunsets, you’ll definitely want to capture these moments so don’t forget your camera.

Of course, you can use your phone camera which in my opinion is a pretty high quality already. Or if you have a dedicated film camera, pack that too.

Travel journal or sketchbook

To capture your memories another way, add in a sketchbook or journal to keep a travel diary or document your journey visually. This is such a lovely way to reflect on your travels and can make for magical moments journalling beside a loch or sketching on a golden sand beach.

A good book or Kindle

If you’re an avid reader like me, the NC500 offers lots of opportunities to sit back with a good book. Whether that’s with a coffee in a cosy village café or at your campsite by lantern-light, don’t forget to pack a book (or two depending on how fast you read).

Having been gifted a Kindle for my birthday a couple of years ago, I’m officially an e-reader convert. Especially while travelling, only having to pack one thin device with access to thousands of books saves so much space!

Tick removal kit

That’s the kit for extra magic NC500 moments covered, it’s time to talk about the NC500 specific challenges… Spoiler alert – they’re both insect based. The first critter you need to be aware of is ticks. These tiny insects may look harmless but they can carry diseases like Lyme.

Unfortunately, this isn’t just a one season risk too – ticks are active at all times throughout the year and are most commonly found in woodland and long grass. The best ways to avoid picking up ticks on your legs is to wear long trousers and socks when walking in tick habitats, and to spray a tick repellent on your legs.

However, even with the best prevention, you still might find you pick up a guest on your walk. Which is why checking your body for ticks thoroughly at the end of every day is so important. In particular, check your legs, groin, armpits, scalp, and for women, under your breasts – ticks may attach to your legs but can quite quickly climb to other parts of your body. I’m speaking from experience as I once found a tick on my chest after a day of hiking in Scotland.

If you do find a tick, don’t panic – if you’ve caught it that day it’s very unlikely the tick will have had enough time to feed and risk of Lyme is almost zero. You just need the right tools to remove it as you want to be able to see the tick clearly and grip it precisely by the head (not the body). The best thing to use is a dedicated tick removal kit that comes with a magnifying lens and specialised tick tweezers – find my favourite one below.

IMPORTANT: If you get a bullseye-shaped rash or feel any flu-like symptoms after finding a tick or spending time in tick-prone areas, see a doctor as quickly as you can.

Midge repellent & head net

The other insects to be aware of are midges – these aren’t dangerous and carry no diseases, they’re just incredibly annoying! During spring and summer, it’s not uncommon to find yourself trapped in a swarm of tiny flying midges. If they’re on your body it’s one thing, but once they’re around your face and eyes it’s very hard to do anything.

So here, prevention is the best option. The best ways to keep midges at bay is firstly to avoid places they love. Midges are most present around dawn and dusk and favour still and damp environments like loch-sides, forests and marshy ground. So if you’re considering where to pitch your tent, avoid anywhere next to puddles or lakes and if you can – opt for breezy locations closer to the sea or on higher ground. They also don’t like smoke, so if it’s permitted and safe to light a fire on your campground, do!

Wearing midge repellent can also help to keep them away. My favourite brands are Smidge and Avon Skin So Soft which I’ll link to below. For truly awful midge days, it’s also worth having a midge head net on hand. This does what it says on the tin and keeps midges from being able to get to your ears, eyes, nose and mouth!

Toiletries

It’s time to talk toiletries – here’s what I’d recommend packing in your wash bag.

Compostable wet wipes, tissues & spare toilet paper

From spills and sticky hands to remote toilet trips – there are so many occasions you’ll find yourself wanting a tissue, wet wipe or even a roll of toilet paper. So come prepared and pack a small pack of travel tissues, a pack of wet wipes (ideally compostable to be kinder to our planet) and a spare roll of toilet paper.

Also, consider keeping these handy in your car for emergency toilet stops or coffee spills – been there done that 😂

Hand sanitiser

On the subject of keeping clean, I’d also recommend having a bottle of hand sanitiser available. You might be scrambling up a muddy trail one minute and wanting to eat your sandwich in the next so being able to clean your hands a little is always good.

First aid kit

While I hope you don’t need any first aid, being prepared for potential accidents or injuries is good practice. For instance, the last thing you want is to cut yourself and have no way of covering the site to keep it clean. So I always recommend packing even a small first aid kit with the following items:

• Plasters
• Pain killers
• Wound dressings
• Antiseptic cream or antibacterial wipes
• Allergy medicine (for bites, stings, hay fever and other allergies)

You can buy first aid kits ready-made with these items but to be honest I think you end up paying more for no reason. These are things you’re likely to have around your house already, so just put them into a small pouch and make sure you take it on your day hikes too!

Hygiene products

For staying fresh on the road, you’ll want your daily essentials ready for showering and cleaning up. Here’s what to pack in your wash bag:

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Hair brush or comb
• Shampoo
• Shower Gel
• Moisturiser
• Lip balm (there’s nothing worse than cracked lips! 😂)
• Contact lenses and solution (if you wear them)
• Period pads, tampons or cup (if needed)

Nice-to-haves (if there’s room in the trunk!)

Now by this point you might be thinking, okay that’s a lot of stuff to pack… And yes, it does seem like a lot but this is usually a 7-10 day road trip and so you need enough clothing, toiletries and camping essentials to see you through and trust me, it packs down smaller than it seems!

So if you do still have space in your car trunk, you have license to fill it with purely fun things!! Here’s what I took and would take next time…

Inflatable kayak or paddle board

As you drive the NC500, there are so many opportunities to get out on the water. So if you do have an inflatable kayak or paddle board, this could be a really fun time to use it. We packed our blow-up kayak and paddled out into a calm bay to see the landscape from another angle.

Of course this is by no means an essential piece of kit but if you were thinking about getting a kayak or paddle board anyway, this could be the push you needed. Find my exact kayak below along with fun paddle board options.

Portable fire pit

One item I don’t own but was eyeing up at campsites is a portable fire pit. These are generally a much safer way to enjoy a campfire without damaging the ground as they’re slightly raised.

If you’re staying at a campsite, of course check that they’re happy for you to use a raised fire pit (many are) and if you’re wild camping, check that the area is not a designated no fire zone. Wild fires are a real risk in Scotland and so in some areas open flames are not allowed at all – only camping stoves.

But assuming you’re in a safe space to do so, having a ready made fire pit is a fun and easy way to level up your camping set up and enjoy toasted marshmallows under the stars. These options pack down small to fit in your car:

Games

If you have the space and want to have a little more fun in the evenings, I’d also recommend taking some games. I’m not talking huge board games but a pack of cards, an Uno deck or travel-sized versions of your favourites. Here are some good options:

Coffee maker or cafetière

For ultimate luxury in the mornings, pack a dedicated coffee maker for your stove or a cafetière. This little treat makes your mornings feel extra special as the delicious smell of coffee wafts through the air and you get an excellent cup of coffee to start your day.

The Jetboil coffee attachment is actually something that’s on my own wish list!

Extra blankets

Last but by no means least, if you’re prone to getting cold or just want to be extra cosy, why no throw a couple of extra blankets into your car. These are great for draping over your legs in the evening at the campsite or warming up after a cold loch dip!

That’s a wrap on my tried and tested NC500 packing list. Those are all the essentials and nice-to-haves I recommend packing to stay safe, comfortable, and make the most of this epic road trip.

I hope you enjoy your time on the route as much as I did and if you have any questions or tips of your own to add – please let me know in the comments below. Happy road tripping!

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