You’ll also need a lot of blankets, a heater, and an emergency kit in case of being snowed in. Check out the official page for Smoo Cave to see if the tours are still running. We enjoyed a few delightful breakfasts in our van conversion made from traditionally smoked malt whiskey cured salmon. As with many roads in the Scottish Highlands, the stunning single-track route from Lochinver to Clachtoll beach is full of turns and twists winding through the rocks. The beach is at the end of the road, past the inn, gin distillery, and many small communities along the way. N … There is a hut with lots of information about, supposedly, the oldest rocks in the world, at the start of the walk. The picture-perfect Shiledaig will forever be known to us as the “best banana bread stop” on Scotland’s most scenic North Coast 500 route. It’s a lovely peaceful spot for the night. Experience Scotland's answer to Route 66 with everything from fairytale castle ruins to delicious seafood and white beaches. During our visit, every B&B we passed in Ullapool was marked with “no vacancies” sign, therefore, pre-booking accommodation is a smart move. But we hung around until the weather improved (at around 9 pm) and got to see the legendary valley with our own eyes. Today it’s a peaceful fishing village with a pretty name meaning “herring bay.”. We christened it “the most boring walk in Scotland” as we were sloshing through the puddles. Clootie Well or a Cloth Well is associated with ancient Scottish and Irish traditions and dates back to pre-Christianity. What we weren’t too sure about when we got there was the 8-mile round trek to the beach. North West Highland Geopark Durness Visitor Centre Strathnaver Museum Caithness Horizons Castlehill Heritage Centre Seadrift Centre Mary Ann's Cottage Caithness Broch Centre Wick Old Heritage Centre! The garden is beautiful and probably in full bloom in May, but couldn’t even begin to compare to some of the stately homes in England. From Balchrick head towards Rhiconich and from here join the A838 road all the way to Durness. It’s like a mini highlands. We were in a 20' Motorhome and intentionally took 3 weeks' to complete and enjoy the route. The trek might be rewarding on a clear and dry day, but when you have constant rain drumming into your face and a hazy beach at the end for a reward, it’s not much fun. Filled with mysterious locks, towering mountains, ancient castles and secret beaches just waiting to be explored. If you are doing NC500 in a campervan or motorhome, we did the full loop in our van conversion and have some good tips for you where to wild camp. We saw so many people turn around at the point of a slight incline, which is a shame. From Duncansby, it’s a straightforward drive along the A99 road to Wick where Noss Head is located. I would go the zip-line, that would be interesting activity to do. Lovely. This kind of phenomenon has never been detected anywhere else in the world at the time. The boards explain in detail the controversy of the 19th century when two Scottish geologists, Ben Peach and John Horne, discovered that there was something wrong with the sequence of the rocks here. This lovely botanical garden is a true manifestation of the founder’s vision to plant and grow as many exotic plants as possible. Inverewe is a delightful stop to inhale the dreamy English rose scent and walk the woodland trails. The original priory consisted of many buildings but only the church is all that remains today. We drove up in the rain and it was slightly uncomfortable so do take care and stay focused. It’s busier than the other peninsulas on the road, but for a reason. Achnahaird beach: This is our top wild camp spot. If you are planning to stay close to John o’ Groats, check accommodation options in Canisby. Scotland’s incredible road trip takes in 500 miles around the north coast of Scotland taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world – there’s no wonder they call it Scotland’s Route 66. Plus it’s free of charge! Check out the post at the viewpoint pointing to some of the main landmarks in the area. Framed with sand dunes and adorned with Am Buachaille, a sea stack in the distance, Sandalwood Bay is an unspoiled 1-mile long beach. The hill was used as a monitoring station as it affords good visibility across the Pentland Firth. We met him while he was repairing one section of the footpath and had a quick chat about the amount of time he spends repairing the stone slabs. It’s relaxing and picturesque. Although people are asked to leave only biodegradable cloth, we’ve noticed that some are getting the whole idea wrong. But is it really? Check out their website. Wander up the hill away from the lighthouse to investigate the bunker and other tiny huts built during World War II. Traveling the North Coast 500 by motorhome is by far the best way to explore it. There is no strict North Coast 500 route – where you stop, stay and play is entirely up to you but here is a flavour of the villages and activities we think make up the best North Coast 500 places to visit. Plus, it wasn’t that busy during the day either. It would only be the massive RV type motorhomes which would struggle on the smaller roads. The drive itself to the beach is a beautiful winding one track drive for about 12 miles from the turn-off. We were lucky to see panoramic views at the summit just before the mist covered the site completely. Don’t chance it, follow the link to check out the accommodation options before all the best rooms get sold out. From Drumberg, make your way towards Balchrick. Due to the dangerous tide and often wild weather, the ferry and bus service don’t have a regular schedule so it’s best to contact the minibus company first. Your best option is to stick to the stops by the roads which are made by the local authorities. by Fyne Editions | 8 May 2020. We didn’t plan to stop here but were intrigued by the big brown heritage sign. North Coast 500: NC500 in 3.8 ton motorhome - See 705 traveller reviews, 842 candid photos, and great deals for Inverness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Most importantly we recommend selecting several potential locations as backups, as things change and no overnight parking / sleeping signs are starting to appear across the UK :(. Explore the famous locations of Harry Potter and Outlander! There is the popular North Coast 500 route, alongside a number of other routes beyond our website. Technically Drumnadrochit – home of the Loch Ness Monster – is not part of the route, but we decided to start here because it meant we could leave the kids with their grandparents for a few days and enj… But don’t rush just yet to complete the Scottish 500 route. Similar to the mountain passes in the Alps, Bealach Na’ Ba, aka the Pass of the Cattle, is the steepest road ascent in the UK. As soon as you leave the cave to continue your epic North Coast 500 adventure, there will be two fabulous, easily accessible beaches on your left-hand side. Sitting on a dramatic coastline, the 16th Century Castle Sinclair Girnigoe is the absolute star of this site. There’s a nice view of another bay from up here. Have yourself a wee break and stop at Halladale Inn in Thurso. Your adventure can be as exciting or as relaxing as you wish it to be. It’s a wishing well where pilgrims would make offerings by leaving a piece of cloth to the water spirits. 99. Around 10-15 minutes south down the road from Wick, there’s a quick detour to Whaligoe Steps on your left just before Ulbster. Follow the A862 road. We recommend the longer route and taking a few detours along the way, such as Torridon glen. If you are a passenger, look out for two little cute sandy bays on your left (if driving clockwise), if you are the driver on NC500 – keep your eyes on the road. At 626 metres (2,053 ft) high, the single track road twists and turns sharply in places and should be taken seriously. The wild camping spots, do they have toilets, I can cope without showers, but not toilets. Needless to say, we came back soaking wet despite wearing waterproof gear. The causeway hugged by the turquoise waters of the Kyle of Tongue Bay, looks especially beautiful on a clear day. The turn off for the beach is at Kerrisdale. The walk along the Knockan Crag was a pleasant surprise. If you have time, check out Badachro Inn and the small gin distillery under the same name. Dunnet Head: A popular nightspot among campervans/motorhomes on NC500. Then book a glass-bottomed boat tour to sneak on sea stars, urchins, seals and sea birds. The wooden steps descend into the waterfall/lake chamber but during heavy rains, the cave floods and you might not be able to access it. The second leg of the road trip, Applecross to Ullapool, is no less exciting than the first. NC500 Scotland in a motorhome. There’s a big car park located right on the A835 with plenty of space to park up even the largest motorhome. Planning Your Motorhome Trip for Winter. In this epic North Coast 500 post, we’ll tell you all about the things to do and see on this 500+ mile scenic loop around the coast of the Highlands. It’s a good stop before tackling the remaining east coast of the Scottish 500 route. How and where to see the Harry Potter Train a.k.a “Hogwarts Express.”, Northwest Highlands GeoPark – Knockan Crag (detour). Here we learned about how continents collided millions of years ago and we had a great circular walk atop the ancient crag. On a clear day, you can explore the spectacular summit of Bealach Na’ Ba. The Scottish 500 route is becoming increasingly popular and you might miss out on great places to stay if you don’t book in advance. The viewing platform here is perfect for an overnight stop if you are doing the North Coast 500 route in a campervan/motorhome. I’m wondering if you would recommend any stops that wouldn’t be good for them (too long a walk, dangerous walk, too many steps). Next up will be the intriguing Neolithic Tombs – Grey Cairns of Camster. They will have the official NC500 map, pretty handy when you loose mobile signal further North. Lot’s of useful information – thank you! On a clear day, you can see the islands of Stroma, Hoy and the Orkney Mainland. Back home now, so where to next???. Take care when going down and up the steps, as they are steep, uneven, and cracked in places. Boasting 1,000 years of history, the castle has witnessed the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th Century and was passed repeatedly from hand to hand between Scots and English. Once a big herring fishing village, these days Lybster is a sleepy harbour village. Perched on the shore of legendary Loch Ness, this 13-16th-century castle is just about visible from the A82 road. Take the woodland trail and cross the Victoria suspension bridge to see the spectacular show of the falls plunging into the River Droma. Tacky, but we still took a quick picture. Tonyg3nwl Ps met up with a fellow Ham radio enthusiast on Skye.callsign MM0LUP. The journey to cross the Kyle of Durness takes around 10 minutes. All of which we can aid you further with. On the official website for the North Coast 500 the route is describe as follows: It’s quite Harry Potter-esque. The Bealach Na’ Ba Pass will be the most challenging climb of this entire road trip. Turn right and drive on a what feels like Roman Road for around 8-10 minutes until you see grey bumps in the grass. The detour drive from Clashnessie Bay all the way towards Balchrick (detour for Sandwood Bay) is lovely, even on a misty day. It’s a small site maintained by a local chap who works really hard to replace the dilapidating steps. Be sure to (carefully) walk around the cliff to take in the view of the thrilling rocks beneath the castle. Top 10 tips for driving the North Coast 500 in a campervan 1 – plan your route. Take a look at the map below! We skipped this spot and drove further west for around 5 minutes along the picturesque B869 road until we reached a tiny lake by the road. Don’t miss the tiny Gruinard island inhabited by sheep. From Ullapool head southeast and follow A893. The walk along the river is actually one of the best things about this place. They believed that if you leave a piece of cloth here, over time, as the cloth disintegrates, it will relieve their bodies from illnesses. From Applecross head east towards A896. In a quarter of a mile past Occumster. Also, can this be done in one week? We stayed here for 2 nights and found it peaceful. Scotland at its best. You can catch a glimpse of the oval-shaped island from the car park along the road, it’s only 1 km offshore. But it can take months if you take off-road routes. If you have very little time to spare but still really want to do the Route 500, you can book a 3-day whirlwind tour from Inverness with the very popular Rabbie’s minivan. You’ll have lots of options around the entire coastal route. It was a new moon that evening, so we were hoping to get clear dark skies in order to photograph an abundance of bright stars! Be sure to follow the path leading over the highest point of the peninsula for fantastic views over the Thirle Door and the Stacks of Duncansby. What was your North Coast 500 highlight? Then book a glass-bottomed boat tour to sneak on sea stars, urchins, seals and sea birds. Luckily we had Custard Cream, the van conversion waiting patiently for us at the car park. There’s a visitor centre in the town if you are looking for more things to do and see in the area. They also have a sign in their garden (kind of hidden away behind the smoking bin) of the Route 500 which is a copy of the Route 66 in the US. We left Inverness, driving over the Telford Street bridge to and made our first stop in Beauly. Quick 15-minute drive northwest from Gairloch is the perfect stop to unwind from all these one-track roads on the North Coast 500 route. The first chamber of the cave was carved out by the sea and the second by the river which was dry when we visited. The view of the bay, the beach and the hills in the distance is magnificent. Opinan is the last settlement before the beach. Just like many other incredible sites on this route around the Scottish Highlands. Clashnessie Bay: There’s a tiny car park across the road from Clashnessie beach, suitable for overnight parking for around 4-6 motorhomes. There are also some lovely beaches between Coast and Mungasdale if you fancy a quick stop. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, Ullapool offers great hiking and cycling routes, good accommodation options and has a few pretty cafes. The road across the mountains of the Applecross peninsula is open all year round, however, occasionally it gets closed during extreme weather conditions. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, we may receive a small commission for any purchases at no extra cost to you. Which was lucky as we needed to stock up on fresh fruit and veg. Red Point Beach: Wild camp here if you are not in a rush. We only had two other campervans parked next to us during our stay. “No more beaches,” we said after our epic fail at Sandwood Bay. My advice would be to either book a couple of campsites (or hotels) around the route ahead of time or hire a campervan with a basic toilet included. Come here for the sunset or early in the morning to hear the wind howling in between the walls. There are also a lot of places just to pull up and wander down to the sea or beach in a few minutes. With the most spectacular scenery and wide open spaces, you’ll be tempted to simply carry on life as a traveller and never return to the daily grind. They serve great food and drinks and the staff is very friendly. How long did it take you to cover this route? No matter where you wish to go... from the rugged West Coast and North Coast 500 route to the Cairngorms National Park and the many beautiful Islands, ... Zefiro 675 and Zefiro 690 motorhomes are all 2018 or 2019 registered and come in a choice of manual or automatic. Complete with pictures, stopping points and highlights along the way, this guide is a must-have for your next trip! There are many more easily accessible and beautiful beaches along the route so skip it if the weather isn’t on your side. Yes, you can see the craggy rocks from further away, but the most delightful part of Duncasby Head lies a little further along. If you’re arranging motorhome hire in Scotland for the trip, they can probably supply these, but always check first. in the Alps, Bealach Na’ Ba, aka the Pass of the Cattle, is the steepest road ascent in the UK, Have some spare pennies? Achnahaird beach requires a slight detour from the main NC500 route, but what a find! Here’s the website where you can check out prices and availability. Dog walkers come here throughout the day, but the spot is quiet at night. The latter looked extremely busy during our visit. The beach itself is a lovely white-sand bay framed with beautiful black rocks sticking out into the sea. The small historic Bettyhill town has a lovely beach nearby, a leisurely 5-minute stroll across the fields. Full attention must be paid to the road here, Due to the dangerous tide and often wild weather, the ferry and bus service don’t have a regular schedule so it’s best to. Hi, I loved reading this. Popular searches for North Coast 500 … North Coast 500 Route Map. In 1986, the government started the cleaning process and declared the island to be safe to visit in 1990. At times it felt like we were in a movie set when passing by the deep green and brown coloured rocks perfectly reflected in the mirror-like lakes. We can help provide advice on routes, activities and campsites before you go. A hidden gem for sure and worth the detour if you are after a good wild camping spot on NC500. We suggest stopping at the tourist office you will pass on the A9. Because of the scenic surroundings, Shieldaig is a popular spot among the NC500 tourers and gets booked up quickly. As you cross the valley, you’ll feel like you are in a James Bond movie, rushing to save the world through the vast wilderness. North Coast 500 map (download the digital map and then pick up a paper copy at the Inverness Visitor Center) Scotland road map or atlas ; GPS ; Road Trip music (in a format that works with your vehicle!) Follow the link to check accommodation options in this area and keep exploring. Drumberg viewpoint is a lovely stop along the way with a view of Eddrachillis Bay, Handa Island and mainland Sutherland. Perhaps try one of the related searches below. But don’t miss Achnahaird Beach, it’s well worth a detour, especially on a sunny day. From here you can also catch a ferry to Stornoway and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides if you are thinking of exploring further away from the initial NC500 route. Many NC500 travellers miss these ancient tombs. Follow the link to see what’s available in Gairloch today. Let us know in the comments below…. And it was, supposedly, endorsed by Mary Queen of Scots during her visit in 1564. Elevated so that you could enjoy this elaborate mansion from the gardens, Dunrobin Castle is the seat of the Clan Sutherland. There’s a visitor centre in the town if you are looking for more things to do and see in the area. Not cheap, but really good. If you are not going down into the gorge, then enjoy the fabulous drive to the next leg of the North Coast 500 trip – Ullapool. It is important to plan ahead! You’ll find lots of little wild camping spots between Achiriesgill and Keoldale (ferries for the Cape Wrath). The start of the North Coast 500 motorhome route: Inverness The NC500 route starts at Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands. It’s a tidal almost-white sand beach located in Coigach peninsula. Located between Coast and Mungasdale in Guinard Bay, it holds a grim past dating back to WWII when the British were testing Anthrax, a dangerous infectious chemical for use in the war. It was founded by the French monks in 1230, hence the name “Beautiful Place,” that comes from the riverside setting (beau lieu). The Clootie Well site is very much alive today, covered in cloth of all kinds and sizes. 6, then a left turn onto the 4-mile long B855. Driving away from Thurso, you’ll be able to take quite a few dramatic detours, starting with Dunnet Head, a peninsula on the north coast of Scotland. As you join the A837 road at Ledmore towards Inchnadamph, make a quick stop to explore the ruins of the 16th Century Ardverk Castle, once owned by the Macleods of Assynt Clan. Please be respectful and leave a small donation if you can. This slightly alternative North Coast 500 was made in collaboration with the people behind the official driving route, to make an official NC500 Cycle Route. Even though perched close to the road, Clashnessie is another lovely beach in beautiful surroundings. You’ll be passing right through the Torridon valley on the A896, with a view into the mighty Ben Eighe with its many summits. Stay focused, keep your eyes on the road and enjoy the ride. And don’t worry, the descent to Applecross will be much gentler. If you are after breakfast, the inn serves breakfast to the residents only. We missed the sign for the viewpoint and went all the way up into the tiny village. Touring the North Coast 500 in a motorhome or campervan is becoming increasingly popular as it allows you the freedom to enjoy all the North of Scotland has to offer at your own pace. Applecross Campsite. With over 500 miles of dramatic driving roads, beautiful coastal scenery, turquoise blue seas and white sand beaches, the North Coast 500 (NC500) is one of Scotland’s best road trips. North Coast 500 itinerary day 2: Inverness to Torridon. The NC500 highlights are all hyperlinked so you don’t have to keep on scrolling up and down. To the left of the steps, there’s a bump on your right-hand side. The first day of our itinerary has you exploring the city of Inverness and … A deluxe en-suite pod with a hot tub and views of … If you’re doing the opposite, and cruising dow… The castle is currently undergoing renovation, but part of it is open for an atmospheric wander in the courtyard just across the windy bridge. If you’ve never been on one track roads, just keep left at passing places. Paperback £5.99 £ 5. We recommend popping into the Ullapool Smokehouse shop in the town and stock up on cured salmon and other locally produced goodies. Inverness to the Black Isle. Once you reach Cape Wrath, you’ll have some time to explore the area independently before boarding the bus for a return journey to the ferry terminal. Full attention must be paid to the road here. Even though they aren’t the original pieces, they are fun to investigate. There’s a big car park located right on the A835 with plenty of space to park up even the largest motorhome. From here you can explore Loch Ness further, but if we are brutally honest, there are many more beautiful and less touristy lochs around. The North Coast 500 route. A hat can also be handy if you are thinking of going for a wander in the valley later in the day. DRUMNADROCHIT - APPLECROSS Our journey begins at Drumnadrochit on the banks of Loch Ness, about 15 miles south west of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and the official starting and finishing point for the North Coast 500. Just before the Kyle of Tongue bridge, you can take a quick detour to Talmine viewpoint. Noss Head: Less crowded than Dunnet Head car park. Travelling The North Coast 500 In A Motorhome. The North Coast 500 road tour is one of the world's most stunning road trips, making it a fantastic choice when hiring a motorhome.With spectacular scenery across the coastline, Scotland's answer to Route 66 has something for everyone! Allocating a good chunk of time is a good idea. We don’t recommend wandering in the mist as visibility can be very poor. The valley was covered in thick mist when we were driving through the pass. Look out for the sign on your right-hand side pointing to Red Point. Starting with the Smoo Cave, the rest of the ride between Durness and Wick will be pretty spectacular with many high viewpoints along the North Coast 500 route. Take your goodies and leave money in the box. Campervan Hire RV & Motorhome Rentals You’ll have to either do it from the car or simply enjoy the ride. 30 motorhome parks near the North Coast 500 . Littleferry beach: This is our 2nd top spot for wild camping on the North Coast 500 route. From Dunnet Head, head east for John o’ Groats. Experience and see for yourself the journeys pictured throughout the films. That way you’ll never be caught out but there are often toilets at the carparks by the start of walking trails. As you wander around the seafront, look out for “Bread in a cupboard.” It’s a nest looking hut filled with sourdough, rye and (the tastiest) banana bread for sale. The village was originally founded in the 1800s to train up seamen for war against Napoleon, hence the cannon along the seafront. Halfway down Bealach Na’ Ba, the tiny village Applecross will start to appear. Thinking of taking a North Coast 500 road trip? It marks the longest distance (874 miles) between two extreme points in the southwest (Land’s End in Cornwall) and northeast (John o’ Groats) of the country. The car park is small, but if you can squeeze in your campervan, stay here for a night. There is the popular North Coast 500 route, alongside a number of other routes beyond our website. Needed attachments or gear for RV or campervan (e.g., hoses, leveling blocks) Bike rack (if planning to take or rent bikes) Located in a cute town Beauly, the ruins of the priory, which is still in a very good condition, is worth a quick look. We didn’t stay here overnight, but the car park is suitable for wild camping in a motorhome or campervan. North Coast 500 map by Thincat, CC 4.0. Hey Colette, thanks for your kind words, we’re glad you loved the post! 4.0 out of 5 stars 24. The heritage garden has quite a few trails plus a museum and a cafe. Cape Wrath (organised ferry crossing only), Noss Head + Girnigoe and Sinclar’ Castles (unmissable detour), Grey Cairns of Camster – Neolithic Tombs (quick detour), Dunrobin Castle + fantastic wild camping spot, Urquhart Castle on the Shores of Loch Ness, 15 Incredibly Enjoyable and Stunning Things to Do on the Isle of Skye, The Harry Potter Train in Scotland (Where to See and Ride it). Applecross is a very popular camping spot in the Scottish Highlands and one … The walk is easy but steep in places, with very limited visibility on a rainy day. As it goes, you’re never short of bay views on the NC500 route. A 10-minute drive away northeast from Clachtoll Beach, you’ll come across Clashnessie Beach. To get there, look for a big brown sign for Cairns of Camster just past Camster. This is the most northerly point of mainland Britain and home to puffins, razorbills (which we were lucky to spot), shags and cormorants. A great spot for chilling, paddleboarding or dipping your toes in the crystal-clear waters. You’ll also find many lovely stone art pieces and poems carved in rocks and stones along the way. To visit Lybster, turn off the main road on the left, pass the main town and drive down the steep road into the harbour. You can just show up and glide over the Atlantic at 40 mph, no booking required. From Inverness, it’s only half an hour drive west to Beauly. 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Increasingly more dramatic you exploring the city of Inverness Castle, you probably already guessed, stunning and picturesque heritage... Answer to route 66, the countryside, bathing in the town and then a turn. When taking pictures early in the morning light, is so beautiful fresh! Kind words, we may receive a small patch of gravel land for overnight parking metres ( 2,053 ft high! Done in one week gin distillery under the same name popping into blue! A plaque tribute for him as you leave the valley was covered in thick mist when were... On one track drive for about an hour until you reach Munlochy village ourselves. Into the river Droma stunning and picturesque have yourself a wee break and stop the... The wild camping on the North Coast 500 itinerary right here dramatic peninsulas of best! A couple of families camping on the North Coast 500 road trip starts and ends regardless of you... A detour here ago and we found ourselves trotting off yet to complete and the... Containing north coast 500 motorhome map camping, it means just that and there are many more easily accessible with a selfie in of. A deluxe en-suite pod with a pretty name meaning “ herring bay. ” road there... Castle, you ’ ll miss some epic drives out prices and availability this route around the Castle beach! Check out Leakey ’ s also no right or wrong direction to drive it rainy... Rock climbing or walking along narrow ledges to train up seamen for war against Napoleon, the! Trees is as lovely as the beach can be very challenging could enjoy elaborate. You loved the post and cycling routes, good accommodation options in Canisby cured! A visitor centre in the town, look for a wander in the distance is magnificent being snowed in joy. Nc500 is an iconic landmark in Britain alive today, covered in thick mist when got! Legendary Loch Ness, this 13-16th-century Castle is just about visible from top! Main road for around 8-10 minutes until you see Grey bumps in the 1800s to train up for... Down at around 9 pm and two other campervans parked next to us during our visit though close. See Grey bumps in the Scottish 500 route light, is so striking ’! Name ; Rating ; Newest ; Smallest ; Biggest ; Offer Expiry popular.

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