The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile loop from Inverness around the far north of Scotland. It's single-track roads, white beaches, mountains and remote villages — and it rewards a bit of planning.
How many days?
It can be done in three days, but that's all riding and no stopping. Five to seven days gives you time for detours, weather delays and the odd afternoon off. Split it into daily routes of 80–120 miles.
Clockwise or anticlockwise?
Going anticlockwise — up the east coast first — saves the dramatic west for the end. Going clockwise gets the Bealach na Bà done early while you're fresh. There's no wrong answer, but check the Bealach's status either way.
Fuel
- Fill up whenever you pass a station in the north and west.
- Some stations close early or on Sundays.
- Small-tank bikes should plan fuel stops before setting off each day.
Single-track etiquette
Use passing places to let oncoming traffic through and to let faster vehicles overtake. Never park in them. A wave goes a long way.
Roads not to miss
- Bealach na Bà to Applecross.
- A896 through Glen Torridon.
- The coast from Durness to Tongue.
- The A835 and A832 around Ullapool and Gairloch.
Doing it as a group
Build each day as its own route inside one Tarmac group. Everyone knows the plan, sweep can see who's behind on the long single-track sections, and nobody gets rerouted onto the A9 because it's quicker.