NC500 and Isle of Skye Tour
The NC500 is approximately 500 mile route riding through rugged mountains, coastal scenery, and beautiful roads. A must for wild campers with a unlimited amount of roads and breath taking scenery. It’s defiantly a must while travelling through Scotland. Be prepared for all elements of weather. I dealt with rain, snow, sun - literally everything. This route should be a must on any riders bucket list!
The ROute
I originally completed the route clockwise but I highly recommend riding it anti-clockwise. The route up to John O-Groats from Inverness is mediocre at best and if I did it again I’d find a different route through the central highlands. I also decided to add on Isle of Skye and continue down the A82 to Loch Lomond rather then following the NC500 back to Inverness. There is many beautiful spots along the route so take your time, enjoy the roads and the scenery. Scotland is one of my favourite places to travel on the bike. Interested in hearing more about my first tour of the NC500 on a 125cc and L-plates Click Here.
Day 1 -Inverness to Dunnet Head
📍 Dunnet Head - Most Norther Point of Mainland Brittan
The NC500 officially starts and finishes in Inverness. Whether you are riding there yourself or flying in and picking up a rental it’s a good spot to begin. The ride up the A9 is a bit dull for majority of it but you’ll speed through it quite quickly arriving at Duncasnby Lighthouse and Stacks. A perfect view and good spot for a little wander off the bike before heading to the oh so popular John O’Groats Signpost. This is actually not the most northern point of the mainland UK but for some reason has become known for it. Personally, I’d keep your stop here quick. Get a photo with John O’ Groats sign and make your way to Dunnet Head. The actual most northern point of Mainland Brittan. The views are amazing, it’s less busy and there are puffins! If you are wild camping find a scenic spot to settle down for the night. The options are endless! En route I generally just grabbed dinner at pubs along the way. Most supplying wonderful seafood and of course haggis. Don’t knock it till you try it!
Map of Route
Points of Interest
| Inverness | Inverness | GPS Point |
| Duncansby Lighthouse | John O'Groats, Wick KW1 4YS | Sight Seeing |
| John O'Groats Signpost | John O'Groats, Wick KW1 4YX | Sight Seeing |
| Dunnet Head | Thurso KW14 8XS | Sight Seeing |
Day 2 - Dunnet head to ullapool
Dunnet Head to Ullapool takes you through a vast variety of landscapes from coastal roads to rugged mountains. The opportunity for lovely scenic stops is endless. A small little walk down to Smoo Cave to explore is a must. Which should be followed by a stop at Coco Mountain for some hot chocolate and a sugar rush which then brings you to the north western point of Scotland. Heading South we continue through the highlands and some gorgeous mountains before swinging back to the coastline with the Drumberg Viewpoint, Ardvreck Castle and bringing you to Ullapool. Food at the Seafood Shack is a must if you are a seafood lover. Though be prepared for it to be busy.
Points of Interest
| Strathy Point Lighthouse | Strathy, Thurso KW14 7RY | Sight Seeing |
| Sango Sands Beach | 2010 A838, Lairg IV27 4QA | Sight Seeing |
| Smoo Cave | Lairg IV27 4QB | Sight Seeing |
| Cocoa Mountain | Balnakeil, Durness, Craft IV27 4PT | Cafe |
| Drumbeg Viewpoint | Lairg IV27 4NW | GPS |
| Lochinver | Lairg | GPS |
| Ardvreck Castle | Lairg IV27 4HL | Sight Seeing |
| Rhue Lighthouse | Unnamed Road, Rhue, Ullapool IV26 2TJ | Sight Seeing |
| Seafood Shack | 9 W Argyle St, Ullapool IV26 2TY | Food |
Map of route
“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin”
Day 3 - Ullapool to Isle of skye
As the journey continues we continue our way weaving down the NC500. Bringing us to the famous Bealach na Ba (Applecross). For those of you who aren’t aware… Bealach na Bà is a curvy mountainous road located in the Applecross peninsula of the Highlands. This twisting, single-track mountain road is the third highest road in Scotland rising to 2,054ft above the sea level. Comparable to the great mountain passes in the Alps, you endure very tight hairpin bends which switch back and forth up the hillside, with gradients approaching 20%. With all that in mind, the day I attempted Bealach Na Ba visibility was minimal, barely being able to see a few feet ahead. Soon as I started the ride up, I was quickly swallowed up by the clouds and mist, putting my very limited riding skills to the test. It was very slow going and when finally reaching the top of the pass, I couldn’t see a thing. Making your way down the other size of Bealach Na Ba you slowly get to the end of the NC500 route to continue onto the Isle of Skye. Before making your way to across the Skye Bridge have a quick stop of the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle. It looks like it’s straight out of some highland fairy tale. Once arriving on the Isle of Skye you’ll have the most amazing spots to pitch for the night. If you have the time make sure you make a reservation at the Scorrybreac Restaurant in Portree. I’ve been here twice because the food is that fantastic. The Chef is really on point with everything from sourcing everything locally, playing with flavours and the plating.
Map of Route
Points of Interest
| Torridon | Torridon | Sight Seeing |
| Applecross Sands | Strathcarron IV54 8ND | GPS |
| Bealach na Ba | Strathcarron IV54 8ND | Sight Seeing |
| Eilean Donan Castle | IV40 8DX | Sight Seeing |
| Portree | Portree | GPS |
| Scorrybreac Restaurant | 7 Bosville Terrace, Portree IV51 9DG | Food |
Day 4 - Isle of skye
Isle of Skye is gorgeouuuuussssssss. If you can spend more than a couple days here it’s defiantly worth it. The views, the hikes, everything is just perfect. I’ve linked a more detailed itinerary Here if you are interested in spending more time on this Isle. If little time to spare continue on doing a full loop of the island stopping at some of it’s most known for locations. Old Man of Storr (an amazing full day hike) Brother’s Point, the Quairaing (which is also another great full day hike), The Fairy Glen, having a pitstop for a late lunch at The Oyster Shed Farm Shop. Then finishing off with the picturesque Fairy Pools.
Map of Route
📍 Old Man of Storr
Points of Interest
| Storr Viewpoint | GR3M+45, Portree IV51 9HX | Sight Seeing |
| Lealt Falls | 12 Stormy Hill, Portree IV51 9DY | Sight Seeing |
| Brother's Point | Culnacnoc, Isle of Skye | Sight Seeing |
| Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint | A855, Portree IV51 9JE | Sight Seeing |
| Quiraing Lookout | Unnamed Road, Portree IV51 9LB | Sight Seeing |
| The Fairy Glen | Highland Skye, Uig, Portree IV51 9YG | Sight Seeing |
| Gesto Bay Viewpoint | A863, Isle of Skye IV56 8FX | Sight Seeing |
| The Oyster Shed Farm Shop | Carbost Beag, Isle of Skye IV47 8SE | Sight Seeing |
| Talisker Whiskey Distillery | Carbost, Isle of Skye IV47 8SR | Sight Seeing |
| Fairy Pools | Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA | Sight Seeing |
Day 5 - Isle of skye to Glen Coe
Making your way the Ferry port in Armdale to cross back to main land. The first part of the route to Fort William takes you through some coastal and mountain roads. It’s gorgeous and much more exciting then taking the A830 straight to Fort William. A quick stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct if you are a Harry Potter fan. If you are lucky you might even see a train go across the viaduct. Continue on to Fort William where you pass by Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland and on to Glen Coe.
Map of Route
Points of Interest
day 6 - Glen Coe to loch lomond
Leaving Glen Coe via the A82 you now are on one of my favourite roads. You pass through the surreal Glen Coe Valley. Riding through the valley amidst the incredible Scottish mountains. I literally fall in love with this place every time I pass through. to the point I almost can’t go to Scotland now without somehow working the A82 into my route. When entering into valley you’ll understand what I mean. You feel so small amongst the mountains and you just become so focused on taking it all in. This road to me is perfect and the place I fully fell in love with riding. There are plenty of viewpoints to stop at along the way to enjoy the sights. Just pass the Glen Coe Valley Viewpoint there is a one lane road that takes you to one of the filming locations in James Bond Skyfall. Whether or not you are a James Bond fan this road is amazing. Continue on along the A82 and you’ll soon enter Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Here you’ll have some fun twisty roads along lochs, waterfalls, and heavily forested areas. From here either head back to Inverness or back south to the UK.
📍 Glen Coe Viewpoint
Point of Interest
Map of Route
Where to Stay
Majority of my tour I spent it wild camping except for a couple nights here and there where the weather was a bit extreme.
Wild Camping
Majority of Scotland is available for wild-camping with a few exceptions of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. How can you say no to endless amounts of beautiful wild camping spots?