The North Coast 500 has been named as one of the world’s worst travel destinations by Fodor – which has warned that “overtourism” is destroying the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes, featuring rugged mountains, stunning lochs, and picturesque vistas that make it a world-famous destination for outdoor enthusiasts. However, this popularity comes at a cost to the local community.
The 516-mile North Coast 500 (NC500) route, which winds its way around Scotland’s north coast, showcases some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Since its inception in 2015, the NC500 has attracted a significant following, reportedly generating over £22 million for the local economy and creating 180 full-time jobs.
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Unfortunately, this influx of tourists has led to substantial problems for local residents. Roads are now often severely congested, resulting in prolonged delays, increased accident rates, and heightened pollution levels.
The issue has become so pressing that travel advisory website Fodor included the NC500 in its 2025 ‘No List’, highlighting popular destinations where tourism has placed “unsustainable pressures” on local communities. According to Fodor: “Roads are congested with traffic, increasing the frequency of accidents and causing significant delays for locals.”
Fodor continued: “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.
“For Joyce Armour, a dispensing secretary juggling part-time jobs at several medical practices, the additional commute time is leading to reduced earnings.
“‘We have seriously considered moving further south but realise we leave positions very few people can fill in an aged community,’ she says.”
The NC500 was born out of a non-profit initiative spearheaded by King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, reports the Express. However, in 2018, control shifted to NC500 Ltd, a private company owned by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, who also holds the title of Scotland’s largest landowner.
Fodor highlighted that many visitors exploring the NC500 do so in motorhomes. Yet, it pointed out that the scarcity of amenities such as campsites, toilets and waste disposal facilities is causing significant problems.
Unlike other parts of the UK, ‘wild camping’ is legal in Scotland, allowing people to pitch their tents anywhere without needing a permit. This freedom, however, has led to issues with irresponsible campers leaving behind litter, fire damage and even human waste.
The NC500 website touts the route as “the ultimate road trip”. It elaborates: “Bringing together a route of just over 500 miles (516 to be exact) of stunning coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, remote fishing villages, hidden gems, and a wealth of unforgettable experiences, the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most beautiful road trips.
“Whether you’re looking for an action-packed break, a chance to relax or simply want to see more of the North Highlands’ breath-taking scenery, you will find it on the NC500. Start planning your next adventure today.”
A small team of Acess Rangers employed by Highland Council patrols the route and engages with visitors when needed. But their powers are limited. According to Fodor, some have called for the rangers to be given greater powers, such as issuing fines to anyone breaching rules.
The website says: “As is the case with many of Scotland’s European neighbours, overtourism 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 overtourism before more towns follow its lead.”
