Fuel and EV charging in the North Highlands

An empty road doesn’t necessarily mean a long journey to the next filling station. You might expect the more populated east coast to be better served, yet the stretch between Brora and Wick is one of the longer gaps between petrol and diesel stops around the North Coast 500. Small settlements on the north and west coasts often have their own pumps, so don’t judge availability simply by the size of the village. Inland, opportunities are fewer and Lairg is an important place to fill up before continuing through the centre.

Many rural filling stations now provide petrol and diesel around the clock through automated card payment, including Tongue, Durness, Scourie, Ullapool, Gairloch, Kinlochewe and Applecross. The shop may be closed while the pumps remain available, and many payment terminals offer a choice of languages. You will sometimes pay more for that convenience than you would at a supermarket further south, but you don’t have to buy a full tank. I’ve encountered drivers who have run out of fuel, and although I can’t tell you why they passed the last filling station, paying for a splash and dash would have been considerably less inconvenient than finding themselves stranded beside the road.

For electric vehicles, check that your planned charging stop has the right connector, a suitable charging speed and public access. Tesco in Wick and Thurso provide charging, as do locations such as John o’ Groats and Gairloch Co-op, which lists four charging devices. Smaller locations may have limited capacity, so allow for somebody already charging when you arrive. Some hotels also provide charging, but confirm the arrangements when booking, including whether you need to reserve a space or be an overnight guest.

Before leaving your accommodation, use the Wi-Fi to check a current charging map such as Zapmap, identify a suitable stop and keep an alternative within comfortable reach. Base your plans on the range your car is actually delivering, allowing for weather, hills and any sightseeing diversions. Combining a charge with lunch, shopping or an overnight stay can make it a straightforward part of the day.

Whether you need electricity, petrol or diesel, plan ahead and take a convenient opportunity to top up rather than waiting until you have no choice.