NC500 named as ‘no travel’ destination due to over-tourism
Read the full story on human waste being dumped in an NC500 lay-by, in 2020, here.
The NC500 has been named as one of 15 global tourist hotspots to avoid, due to over-tourism causing the locations to “collapse under the burden of their own prominence”.
Fodor’s Travel has published their annual No List, which features 15 tourist destinations suffering the from over-tourism, such as Bali and Mount Everest — and this year, the Highlands’ North Coast 500 (NC500) has been included in the list.
Explaining what the list means, Fodor’s Travel said: “The destinations featured on the No List deserve the fame and adoration they receive.
“They are worthy of your time and money, yet, the myriad of challenges they face are both real and urgent.”
Read the full story on Callum the stag here.
Since being established 2015, the NC500 has proven controversial for the small rural communities on the route. On one hand, the NC500 provides a much-needed economic boost for these towns and villages. However the rural infrastructure, such as single-track roads and limited public toilets, cannot cope with the volume of visitors hailing to the Highlands during the ‘tourist season’.
The controversial nature of the NC500 has sparked multiple online campaign groups on the likes of Facebook, such as NC500 The Dirty Truth and NC500 The Land Weeps, which aims to expose the problems “caused by over-tourism and irresponsible behaviour”.
Read the full story on Struie Hill’s sign here.
Fodor’s Travel explained their reasoning for designating the NC500 to their No List: “This newfound surge in popularity comes with significant downsides, from the inconvenient to the downright disgusting.
“Roads are congested with traffic, increasing the frequency of accidents and causing significant delays for locals. Ed and June Hall, who have lived in Wester Ross for the past 20 years, say the drive to their nearest hospital, 80 miles away, doubled to three hours as tourism has surged.
“Camping in tents or motorhomes is one of the most popular ways for tourists to experience the NC500, but a shortfall of adequate facilities including campsites, toilets, and designated chemical waste areas is causing issues along the route.
“Wild camping” on beaches, in laybys, and even on private property is common, and residents report finding campfire scorch marks, trash, disposable grills, and even human faeces in their wake.
Read the full story on overflowing bins in Ullapool here.
“As is the case with many of Scotland’s European neighbours, over-tourism is also driving up the cost of living in the Highlands, pricing out locals and steadily changing the region’s culture. In a bid for self-preservation, the scenic peninsula of Applecross is said to be considering withdrawing from the official route. The NC500 LTD and Highland Council should take substantial steps to combat the issues posed by over-tourism before more towns follow its lead.”
Read the full story on the fire left behind at Gruinard Beach here.
Read the full story on the Ord Hill campfire here.
