134, Clachtoll, Lochinver, Sutherland IV27 4JD, United Kingdom
Enjoying a delicious Victoria Sponge from the on-site shop
A little beach all for myself
Stocking up on bananas for the day at Flossie's
I arrived in Clachtoll after a very grueling day. I biked for more than 100km, ascending more than 1400m. While it was tough, this part of Scotland is one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen, the North Coast 500 is an extraordinary route, for cyclists as well. The views on the small road from Ullapool alongside Loch Lurgainn and Loch Bad a’ Ghaill were breathtaking. Not even talking about the stretch leading to Lochinver, without words. But heavy headwinds, so I was happy to see the Clachtoll Campsite just in reach after some downhill. Then a slight shock, the sign that they were fully booked...
134, Clachtoll, Lochinver, Sutherland IV27 4JD, United Kingdom
Enjoying a delicious Victoria Sponge from the on-site shop
A little beach all for myself
Stocking up on bananas for the day at Flossie's
To have a little bit of a framework to evaluate campsites for bike travelers, I wrote my criteria down in another post. The review is based on these criteria.
While there was a sign that said that they were fully booked, I found myself quickly approached by the owner, telling me that I should not worry, they would have a pitch for me. Big relief! The check-in was super friendly and I got an extensive tour of all the facilities. At most campsites, you have people working there, but this guy was living it! He really seemed to be thinking every single day about how he could improve this campsite, and was a great host!
If there is one downside to this campground, it is that there is no dedicated place for tents. It was not really problematic as I got a pitch where there were fewer cars and no bigger RVs, but still, one thing to improve.
They do have a massive collection of things that can be used by campers, and chairs were among them. But they went above and beyond here, providing kayaks, paddleboards, and all kinds of things! Which is really handy if you really want to make use of the beautiful beach, I was a bit too tired.
All over the facilities, there's access to electricity sockets. Not only in the showers (where they even provide a hair drier and... a curling tong!), but across the common areas as well. They do have additional little lockers with electricity inside, which is super great! There are not too many of them (you get the keys at the reception), but even if there's none available, you'll find a way to charge your phone.
There are many common areas on this campsite! There's a room where you'll find games, books, a washing machine and dryer and a lot more. There's also an undercover barbecue area, where people hang out all day and have a campfire in the evening. Close by the BBQ area, you'll find some couches, where you'll have access to WIFI.
There's a really good, yet small, shop within the reception. They do have snacks, and best of all, really great, homemade cakes. They're delivered every morning! Additionally, there's a shop called "Flossie's" just outside the campground. They have everything you'll need, like a great flat white in the morning, vegetables, or beer. Just a short walk away there's regularly a fish'n'chips food truck, called Catchtoll. You can have a look at Instagram to see when they're open. The fish and chips are excellent!
Yes, at least when you want to call the NC500 a bike route. Which I would.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful location! The campsite is directly on the beach, a beach with beautiful white sand and turquoise water. The beach is quite empty as well, I strayed a bit away, not far, to have a little bay completely to myself.
If you venture north along the coast you will have stunning views, with quite extraordinary rock formations. And you'll even find an archeological site, the Clachtoll Broch.
An absolute recommendation! While being there I decided to stay a day longer to spend a day on the beach and to get some great Fish and Chips.
