The North Coast 500, or NC500, is Scotland’s most iconic driving route, Route -66 almost, offering spectacular views of the country’s rugged coastline, rolling hills, and picturesque villages.
This route has gained huge popularity among motorists and adventurers alike, and for very good reason.
The NC 500 is a perfect destination for motorcyclists, offering a thrilling ride along some of Scotland’s most challenging and rewarding roads.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about taking the NC 500 by motorcycle in Scotland.
What is the NC 500?
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile (830 km) circular route that starts and finishes at Inverness Castle, taking you along Scotland’s entire north coast.
The route passes through some of Scotland’s most remote and scenic areas, including the Scottish Highlands, the North Sea coastline, and the Wester Ross mountains.
The NC 500 route is marked with the North Coast 500 logo, making it easy to follow. You can use a map or GPS device to navigate the route, but reception can be patchy at times.
The NC 500 route is known for its challenging and rewarding roads, making it an ideal destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. The route takes you along winding coastal roads, steep mountain passes, and through quaint villages, providing a unique and unforgettable riding experience.
How long is the NC 500?
The North Coast 500 route covers 516 miles (830 km) of Scotland’s coastline, making it a challenging but rewarding ride. The estimated riding time for the entire route is around 12-14 hours, but this can vary depending on your pace and the number of stops you make.
It’s recommended to take at least five to seven days to complete the NC 500 by motorcycle, allowing plenty of time to explore the attractions along the route and enjoy the scenic views.
What to see on the NC 500?
The North Coast 500 route offers a plethora of natural landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions that will leave you amazed. Here are some of the top attractions to see along the NC 500 by motorcycle:
- The Bealach Na Ba pass: This winding road takes you up to a height of 626 meters (2054 ft) and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Applecross peninsula: This picturesque village is home to sandy beaches, clear waters, and a vibrant community of locals. Don’t forget to sample the local seafood at one of the many restaurants.
- The fairy-tale castle of Dunrobin: This 19th-century castle is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and features a beautiful garden, museum, and falconry display.
- Smoo Cave: This unique sea cave in Durness features a 50-foot waterfall, underground river, and dramatic rock formations.
- John O’ Groats: This tiny village is located at the northernmost point of the British mainland and offers spectacular views of the North Sea.
- Eilean Donan Castle: This iconic castle is located on a small island at the meeting point of three lochs and is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.
These are just a few of the many attractions that the NC 500 has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or adventure, you’ll find plenty to see and do along the route.
How long does it take to do the NC 500 by motorcycle?
The duration of your NC 500 trip by motorcycle will depend on your pace and the number of stops you make. It’s recommended to take at least five to seven days to complete the route, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the ride and explore the attractions along the way.
Motorcyclists will need to take into account the weather and road conditions, as some sections of the route can be challenging in poor weather.
It is essential to plan your journey carefully and ensure that you have suitable clothing and equipment for your ride.
NC500 route takes you along some of Scotland’s most iconic roads, including the A835, A837, A838, A894, A9, and A99.
The route can be driven clockwise or counter clockwise, and there are several suggested itineraries available to help you plan your trip. Motorcyclists will need to take extra care on some of the more challenging sections of the route, including the Bealach Na Ba pass and the single-track roads around the Applecross peninsula.
The NC 500 route is marked with the North Coast 500 logo, making it easy to follow. You can download a map of the route from the NC 500 website or use a GPS device to navigate the route. It’s essential to plan your journey carefully, ensure that you have enough fuel and supplies, and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
North Coast 500 Itinerary If you’re planning to take the NC 500 by motorcycle, it’s essential to plan your itinerary carefully. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a five-day trip along the NC 500:
Day 1: Inverness to Ullapool
Day 2: Ullapool to Durness
Day 3: Durness to Tongue
Day 4: Tongue to Applecross
Day 5: Applecross to Inverness
This itinerary allows plenty of time to explore the attractions along the route and enjoy the ride.
However, you can adjust the itinerary to suit your preferences and pace. It’s essential to take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and ensure that you have enough fuel and supplies for your journey.
In Summary
The North Coast 500 is a perfect destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, offering challenging and rewarding roads along Scotland’s stunning north coast.
With its epic views, iconic landmarks, and friendly locals, the NC 500 promises to be an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Whether you’re riding solo or with a group, the NC-500 is a journey of a lifetime that should be on every motorcyclist’s bucket list.
Start planning your NC 500 trip by motorcycle now and experience Scotland’s beauty and charm as soon as possible.
