Tourists warned to stay away from popular UK attraction by furious locals

A beloved road trip route has become a victim of its own success, according to a list of the world’s over-tourism hotspots. The Scotland North Coast 500, despite only running for nine years, has quickly become a major attraction.

Each year, a vast array of bikers, caravanners, drivers, cyclists and more take to the tarmac. Initially established and managed by the North Highland Initiative, a non-profit set up by King Charles III, it was acquired in 2018 by NC500 LTD, a private company owned by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen – the largest stakeholder in clothing giant Asos.

What started as a project to boost tourism and economic growth in a remote area known for its wild beauty and long history has been very successful. In 2018, the road contributed £22million to the local economy and helped create 180 full-time jobs, Fodors reports.

However, this success has come with a price. The often narrow, risky roads have become much busier, leading to frustration among those living on the NC500 route.

Ed and June Hall, residents of Wester Ross, have seen their 80-mile drive to the nearest hospital double in time to three hours. “We have seriously considered moving further south but realise we leave positions very few people can fill in an aged community.” she told Fodors, which included the NC500 on its 2025 No List, reports the Mirror.

There’s a growing issue with the lack of campsites and toilets to accommodate the surge of travellers touring by vehicle. Facebook groups are documenting the troubles caused by camper vans disrupting the serenity of Scottish landscapes, leaving behind piles of refuse and even instances where chemical toilets have been recklessly discarded by the roadside.

Locals such as Phil Jones are calling for more authoritative measures, advocating an increase in official rangers with greater powers to address misconduct. “Give [Access Rangers] the powers to hand out on the spot fines in the hundreds of pounds instead of having a quiet word with the worst offenders,” he proposed.

This influx of visitors is driving up property prices, a situation acutely felt in Ullapool—a charming coastal village on the famed NC500 route—which has seen British tourism rise significantly. Data from Visit Scotland indicate that visits to Ullapool climbed 50% from 54,000 between 2014 and 2016, to 82,000 from 2017 to 2019, though post-pandemic statistics are still pending.

Ullapool is thus experiencing not just an economic boost from its increased popularity but also the pressing challenges associated with overcrowding—a scenario familiar to hotspots across Spain, Greece, and other parts of the globe this summer.

Steve Chishom, who recently ran for the Alba Party in the constituency that includes Ullapool in the General Election, has encountered numerous residents frustrated with the escalating cost of housing. “The lack of affordable housing was brought up by a lot of people on the doorstep, especially for young people. The number of properties which are being used for short term lets and second homes is making that difficult,” he shared with the Mirror.

Over recent years, house prices in the village have skyrocketed. Data from Right Move reveals that the average house in Ullapool sold for £312,417 last year, a significant increase from the 2014 peak of £201,475.

During this period, many homes have doubled or even tripled in value.