NC500 Road Trip: Kylesku to Northern Lights Campsite – Scenic Views, Ruined Castles & Memorable Characters
Scotland NC500 – Kylesku to Northern Lights Campsite
Timings: Kylesku Hotel – 15th May, Left at 9:50am
The journey was much easier than the day before, thankfully, the roads had calmed down a bit. No white-knuckle bends this time! The scenery, yet again, was absolutely spectacular. Breathtaking lochs, dramatic mountains, and endless valleys. Winding roads galore and little becks babbling away beside us – all very postcard-worthy.
We passed a viewpoint where you could apparently stop to see a sightseeing tour of an interesting gorge, but by that time, we’d decided we just wanted to get settled at our next stopover and maybe give our backsides a break from all the sitting.
Quick stop: Pulled over at a beautiful ruined castle right by the edge of a loch – a cracking spot for photos. The scenery honestly looked like something out of a fantasy film.
Thirty minutes before we arrived at our destination, we pulled over to take this photo.
I couldn't resist!
Arrival: Northern Lights Campsite – 12:15pm Best scenic campsite so far, hands down. We were greeted by a slightly eccentric chap who lives in an old caravan on site. Very dry sense of humour. He chatted non-stop about classic cars and his other campsite in Cumbria. Bit random, but thoroughly entertaining. He was a proper character – the kind that sticks in your mind long after you leave.
The site was absolutely stunning – overlooking mountains, a vast loch, and sparkling water that seemed to stretch forever. The sunlight danced on the waves, and it all felt very peaceful and a little magical.
The water looked so inviting that it could’ve passed for the Med (well, if you squinted and ignored the temperature). We got the sun loungers out on the sunbay and soaked up the rays for most of the afternoon. Note to self: bring sun cream and insect repellent next time.
The midges came out as the sun went down – and I’m talking in their hundreds of thousands! Our netting in the van was about as useful as a chocolate teapot – they just flew right through it. There was a bit of a panic in the morning when they launched their second attack, but then I remembered I’d packed a citronella candle. Saved us, it did. Might name it in my will.
Facilities:
1 shower and 1 toilet for each sex
50p for a shower (bring coins or prepare for a cold splash!)
Awning: £3.00
Swimming & fishing available
Midges: free (and far too generous with their presence)
Conclusion: Despite the basic facilities and the midge invasion, this campsite was well worth it. The views were out of this world, and the peaceful setting made it one of the highlights of the trip. Would I stay again? Absolutely – just armed with citronella, DEET, and possibly a beekeeper suit, which the campsite owner said he has some he had made to sell if we wanted one. I wasn't sure whether he was joking, but my husband assured me he wasn't. God help us!
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