Latest news with #TheNorthCoast500
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
New NC500 rangers deployed to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour that's hated by locals
There are currently 16 Access Rangers on patrol RANGER RESPONSE New NC500 rangers deployed to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour that's hated by locals A SMALL army of council rangers has started patrolling the North Coast 500 road trip route and other areas of the Highlands to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour. Irresponsible camping and a ban on fires in many areas are a top priority this year. Advertisement 3 Council rangers have started patrolling the NC500 route in a bid to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour Credit: Alamy 3 Campers have been leaving piles of human waste, dirty toilet paper, and heaps of rubbish along the route Credit: Facebook 3 And motorhome users have been blasted for causing congestion on narrow roads and dangerous driving Credit: Alamy The weekend saw the first patrols of The Highland Council's new Seasonal Access Ranger team. The new rangers will seek to promote and advise on responsible access to the countryside through the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The team is funded directly by The Highland Council. There are currently 16 Access Rangers on patrol with two more to join in mid-June, focusing on the long-distance routes. Advertisement Five of the rangers are highly experienced, having returned after previous seasons, and can help guide new rangers into their roles. Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "The Council are pleased to be able to provide a seasonal rangers service this year and so far, the team have been welcomed by visitors and locals alike, with a friendly approach to encouraging responsible behaviour. 'The Council recognise the importance of supporting communities to manage the increase in visitors across the area, particularly along the NC500, Skye, Lochaber, Wester Ross and Loch Ness. 'A key role for the rangers will be engaging with the public and raising awareness of the Outdoor Access Code and communicating to people that, as individuals, we all play an important role in ensuring that the Highlands' beautiful outdoor spaces are protected for all to enjoy for future generations.' Advertisement Rangers will also ensure awareness of other relevant legislation, such as parking and environmental health regulations. They will monitor use and report incidents to the relevant council teams or emergency services. The North Coast 500: Scotland's Must-Visit Road Trip Beats the Grand Canyon The rangers will also carry out duties to keep tidy, maintain and manage council-owned sites, core paths and work with communities and land managers on other sites to protect habitats and encourage respect for the landscape. Where possible, the rangers will work with local volunteers to engage with visitors. Advertisement The council added: 'This year, responsible camping will be a key priority, and, in many locations, this will mean a 'no fires' message. There is a significant fire risk throughout the Highlands in the summer months and lighting campfires on peaty ground, woodland, grassland, or moors is dangerous and contrary to the Code. 'It is irresponsible to light fires close to buildings, historic monuments and within 30m of a public road. Even small fires cause significant damage to our natural environment from scorch marks to tree removal and the use of dead wood - housing insects - for fires. Much of this damage can take years to recover.'
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
UK's ‘scariest road' which millions of drivers are told to AVOID revealed… and it's a huge attraction for thrill-seekers
The road winds around one of the UK's most northerly peninsulas DANGER DRIVE UK's 'scariest road' which millions of drivers are told to AVOID revealed… and it's a huge attraction for thrill-seekers Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) The UK's most dangerous road has become a tourist hot spot despite warnings about its perilouslu steep climbs and sharp turns The Bealach-na-ba pass, also known as the Applecross path, holds the ominous title of Britain's most dangerous road. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Bealach na Ba pass is a beautiful maze of zig-zag turns Credit: Alamy 7 The road has designated passing places Credit: Alamy 7 The dangerous drops are railed for the road's entire length Credit: Alamy The hazardous tarmac stretches from east to west from Tornapress to Applecross, in the west of the Scottish Highlands. The road's infamous reputation extends beyond the British isles, and attracts tourists from across the globe. A warning sign at the bottom says: 'This road rises to a height of 2,053 feet, with gradients of one in five and hairpin bends. "Not advised for learner drivers, very large vehicles or caravans after the first mile.' In a top 10 list of the most dangerous roads in the world - compiled by car insurance company - the Bealach na Bà ranked 9th. Bealach-na-ba translates as 'pass of the cattle' - giving tourists an insight into what the path was first used for. In the 7th century, an Irish monk named St Máel Ruba set up a religious community in Applecross, and a subsequent path was established enabling the transport of cows across this Highlands peninsula. The road itself was first built in 1822 – when gravel surfacing meant snowfall couldn't be shifted for weeks at a time making the road either lethal or closed. This meant Applecross was effectively inaccessible during north-west Scotland's harsh winter months, only changing in 1975 with the construction of an alternative coastal road. The path is dangerously thin - wide enough only for one car apart from at designated passing points. The road winds across breathtaking Scottish mountains, demanding drivers navigate endless hairpins, switchbacks and 'Devil's elbows' turns. The sheer size of the ascent makes things even more terrifying – it is the biggest climb in the UK, rising from sea level to 626 metres. These road-goers, and any others who don't fancy putting their nerves to the test, can take the alternative 7.5-mile coastal route instead. But, anyone willing to brave the Applecross Path is rewarded by some of the best viewpoints Scotland has to offer. Drivers can also enjoy a drink and a stay at the Applecross Inn, situated at the road's end, which gazes westward across the sea towards the Isle of Raasay. The Bealach-na-ba path has become increasingly popular over the last decade, with its sweeping landscape views being popularised by its inclusion in the The North Coast 500 (NC500). The NC500 is a coastal route across the Scottish Highlands which was established in 2015, and encompasses the regions remarkable landscapes and landmarks. It has become highly popular among motoring tourists, cyclists, caravanners, and even featured in 2019 The Grand Tour special 'Well Aged Scotch' - airing in 2019. Those who have conquered the stomach-churning road took to TripAdvisor to describe their adventure. One motorist said: "It was well worth. Steep at times, some big drops (although always behind barriers), but plenty of passing places. There are also two or three designated spots to park and take in the views, which, even in awful weather, were stunning." Another weighed in: "Best road in the UK. easy for cars, passable for camper vans if u can drive." However, others warned of the treacherous risks. "Thankfully my husband drove. It is stunning BUT do not underestimate how difficult this is in a motor home", one driver warned. "We were fortunate that we did not meet anyone coming down on the hairpins. "The passing places are not generous. I would encourage folk to be more savvy than we were and understand how tricky this is." 7 When the path was built out of gravel, it was unsurpassable in winter Credit: Alamy 7 The road's risk is matched by its breathtaking views Credit: Alamy 7 Would you dare drive down the path? Credit: Alamy
Scottish Sun
24-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
‘Haunted' hotel with one of Scotland's oldest bars on the hunt for new owners
The ghost of a young boy is said to roam the corridors of building THAT'S THE SPIRIT 'Haunted' hotel with one of Scotland's oldest bars on the hunt for new owners ONE of Scotland's most haunted pubs - which is popular with ghost hunters - is up for sale. The Coylet Inn - on the shores of Loch Eck, within Argyll Forest Park - is on the market for an asking price of £650,000. 3 The Coylet Inn is said to be haunted 3 Snaps from the inside reveal the cosy atmosphere 3 The inn is on the market for an asking price of £650,000 It is billed as an "accessible haven for those seeking to escape the city" so they can immerse themselves in nature. But the 17th century property is believed to be haunted by the restless spirit of a young boy who died centuries ago. According to folklore, the "Blue Boy" is said to have met a tragic fate at the loch, with his ghost continuing to roam the corridors of the building. CCL Real Estate Ltd, who put up the listing, said: "The Coylet Inn operates as a traditional village inn, with revenue generated from a balanced mix of food, drink, and accommodation. "Its reputation draws regular trade from the local community, with a catchment area extending up to 50 miles and encompassing several towns and villages. "The property itself is a distinguished 17th-century coaching inn, thoughtfully maintained to honour its historic character while providing modern comforts." A further description said: "The inn's atmospheric charm is enhanced by local folklore, including the tale of the 'Blue Boy' ghost, adding to its appeal as a destination for authentic Scottish hospitality." The building includes a reception hallway and office, leading to a spacious lounge and restaurant with original features, a rustic public bar with a roaring open fire, and a well-equipped commercial kitchen. There are also a number of bedrooms with stunning views. The Coylet Inn is surrounded by approximately 1.5 acres of woodland and hillside, providing a serene and scenic environment for guests. The North Coast 500: Scotland's Must-Visit Road Trip Beats the Grand Canyon The grounds also feature a timber holiday lodge, a small jetty, and fishing rights on Loch Eck, with scope for further development subject to planning. It includes a range of outbuildings and stores, supporting both the inn's operations and the on-site water sports business, which offers kayak and paddle board hire directly from the private beach. The private stretch of beach, complete with a jetty and boat moorings, provides exclusive fishing rights and direct access to the loch for water-based activities. There's also a beer garden and terrace for outdoor dining. The selling agents said the property, near Dunoon, was a "destination for relaxation and a property with significant scope for future growth". There is also an option to buy a historic 17th-century coaching inn and additional land.
