NC 500
This route outlines the North Coast 500 (NC500) motorcycle route, a circular journey around northern Scotland. The route begins and ends in Inverness, following a counter-clockwise path.
Starting from Inverness, head west along the A862 and A890, navigating through the heart of the Highlands.
The route then joins the A896, leading to the challenging Bealach na Ba pass near Applecross, known for its steep gradients and hairpin bends.
Continuing north, the journey follows the coastal A832 and A835 through Wester Ross, offering a mix of sweeping curves and straight stretches. At Ullapool, the route transitions to the A835 and then the A837, taking riders inland through Assynt’s striking landscape.
The northernmost segment utilizes the A838, A836, and A99, skirting the coastline past Durness and Thurso to reach John O’Groats. From here, the route turns south along the A99 and A9, hugging the eastern coastline through Wick and Golspie.
The final leg returns to Inverness via the A9, passing through Dornoch and Tain. This stretch offers faster, more direct riding compared to the winding western sections.
The route incorporates a variety of road types, from well-maintained A-roads to narrower, more challenging single-track roads, especially in remote coastal areas. Riders should be prepared for changing road conditions, potential wildlife encounters, and varying weather, particularly in highland and coastal regions.
Note: The North Coast 500 route should be taken counter-clockwise. This means travelers usually start from Inverness and head west towards the west coast, then north along the coast, east across the northernmost part of Scotland, and finally south back to Inverness. This orientation allows for a more gradual build-up of scenic beauty and driving challenges, particularly when approaching the famous Bealach na Ba pass near Applecross.
Top places (Marked on map)
Old Pack Horse Bridge
Glencoe
Waterside Restaurant
Isle Of Ewe Smokehouse & Fish Shop
Loch Lomond
Firemore Beach
Kingshouse Hotel
Victoria Falls
Achmelvich Beach Car Park
John O’Groats Signpost
Fyrish car park
Dunrobin Castle & Gardens
Bealach na Ba Viewpoint
Dunbeath Castle
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Car Park
Old Keiss Castle
Duncansby Head
Castle & Gardens of Mey
Dunnet Head Lighthouse
Smoo Cave
Cape Wrath Lighthouse
Kylesku Bridge
Ardvreck Castle
Lochinver Larder
Applecross Smokehouse
The Badachro Inn
Lower Diabaig
Red Point
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Loch Ard Forest Car Park
Chanonry Point
Manuela’s Wee Bakery
Rowan Barn
Roaster’s Highland Coffee Box
