NC500 and Isle of Skye Tour
The NC500 is an unforgettable 500-mile route winding through rugged mountains, dramatic coastlines, and some of the most scenic roads Scotland has to offer. It’s a dream for wild campers, with endless routes to explore and breathtaking views around every corner. If you’re planning a trip through Scotland, this is an absolute must. Just be prepared for everything — I rode through rain, snow, and sunshine, often all in the same day. The weather changes fast out here, and it’s all part of the adventure. This route should be on every rider’s bucket list — especially if you’re craving open roads, epic landscapes, and a real sense of freedom.
The ROute
I originally rode the NC500 clockwise, but I’d highly recommend doing it anti-clockwise instead. The stretch from Inverness up to John O’Groats is, in my opinion, fairly underwhelming — if I were to do it again, I’d choose a more scenic route through the central Highlands instead. I also opted to include the Isle of Skye and continued south along the A82 to Loch Lomond, rather than looping back to Inverness along the official NC500 route. It was absolutely worth the detour. There are countless beautiful spots along the way, so take your time — soak in the roads, the views, and the stillness that only the Highlands can offer. Scotland remains one of my all-time favourite places to explore on two wheels.
Curious to hear more about how I tackled the NC500 on a 125cc with 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're riding there yourself or flying in and picking up a rental, it's a great place to begin your adventure. The ride up the A9 is a bit uneventful for the most part, but you’ll make quick progress and soon arrive at Duncansby Head — home to the lighthouse and dramatic sea stacks. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh sea air before heading to the ever-popular John O’Groats signpost. Despite the hype, John O’Groats isn’t actually the northernmost point of mainland UK — but it’s become a bucket-list stop for many riders. Personally, I’d recommend keeping your stop here short: grab the obligatory photo with the sign, then make your way to Dunnet Head. Dunnet Head is the actual northernmost point of mainland Britain. It’s far less crowded, the views are stunning, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot puffins. It’s well worth the detour. If you’re wild camping, you’ll find no shortage of scenic spots to pitch your tent — the options really are endless up here. Along the way, I usually grabbed dinner at local pubs. Most offered fantastic seafood and, of course, haggis. Don’t knock it ‘til 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
The ride from Dunnet Head to Ullapool takes you through an incredible variety of landscapes — from winding coastal roads to rugged mountain passes. Scenic stops are endless along this stretch, so give yourself time to really soak it all in. A short walk down to explore Smoo Cave is an absolute must — a dramatic sea cave carved into the limestone cliffs. After that, make your way to Coco Mountain for a well-earned hot chocolate and sugar rush. It's the perfect treat before you reach the northwestern edge of Scotland. Heading south, the route weaves through the heart of the Highlands, offering sweeping views of dramatic mountain scenery before swinging back toward the coast. Highlights include the Drumbeg Viewpoint, the haunting ruins of Ardvreck Castle, and finally, the charming harbour town of Ullapool. If you’re a seafood lover, The Seafood Shack in Ullapool is a must-visit — just be prepared for a bit of a queue. It’s worth it.
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 wind our way down the NC500, eventually arriving at the legendary Bealach na Bà, nestled in the Applecross Peninsula. For those unfamiliar, Bealach na Bà is a steep and twisting single-track mountain road — the third highest in Scotland — rising to 2,054 feet above sea level. Often compared to the great mountain passes of the Alps, it features tight hairpin bends that switch back and forth up the hillside, with gradients reaching nearly 20%. It’s an unforgettable ride — and a serious test of skill and nerve. The day I tackled Bealach na Bà, visibility was practically nonexistent. Within minutes of starting the ascent, I was swallowed by clouds and thick mist. With barely a few feet of road visible ahead, it was slow going — every turn demanded full concentration. By the time I reached the top, there was no view to reward the effort, just a dense, eerie white-out. Coming down the other side was just as cautious and careful, but with the descent came relief — and the feeling that I’d accomplished something big.
Not long after, the NC500 route gradually comes to an end, and you continue on toward the Isle of Skye. Before crossing the Skye Bridge, take a moment to stop at Eilean Donan Castle — it looks like it was lifted straight out of a Highland fairytale. Once on Skye, you’ll find no shortage of stunning spots to pitch your tent for the night. With dramatic cliffs, peaceful lochs, and starlit skies, it’s the perfect way to wrap up this unforgettable journey.
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
The Isle of Skye is absolutely gorgeouuuuussssss. If you can spare more than a couple of days here, it’s definitely worth it. The views, the hikes, the atmosphere — everything is just breath-taking.
I’ve linked a more detailed itinerary Here if you are interested in spending more time on this Isle.
If you're short on time, you can still do a full loop of the island and hit many of its iconic spots. Some must-sees include:
Old Man of Storr – an incredible full-day hike with dramatic views.
Brother’s Point – a lesser-known gem that’s well worth the stop.
The Quiraing – another phenomenal hike that’s perfect for a full day of adventure.
The Fairy Glen – whimsical and otherworldly, like stepping into a storybook.
The Oyster Shed Farm Shop – ideal for a late lunch of fresh, local seafood.
The Fairy Pools – end your day here, taking in the crystal-clear waters and postcard-perfect surroundings.
Whether you stay for two days or five, Skye is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.
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
From the ferry port in Armadale, you’ll cross back to the mainland — and from there, the route to Fort William winds through a stunning mix of coastal and mountain roads. It’s far more scenic and exciting than taking the more direct A830.
Along the way, make a quick stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct — a must-see for any Harry Potter fan. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a train crossing the viaduct, just like the Hogwarts Express.
Continue on toward Fort William, passing by Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Scotland. The road then leads you into the dramatic landscapes of Glen Coe — one of the most breath-taking stretches of the entire journey.
Map of Route
Points of Interest
day 6 - Glen Coe to loch lomond
Leaving Glen Coe via the A82, you’ll find yourself on one of my all-time favourite roads. This stretch takes you through the surreal Glen Coe Valley, riding between towering Scottish mountains that feel both humbling and otherworldly.
Every time I pass through here, I fall in love with it all over again. At this point, I can hardly plan a trip to Scotland without somehow working the A82 into my route. Once you enter the valley, you’ll understand why — there’s something about the scale, the silence, and the sheer beauty that makes you feel small in the best way. It’s impossible not to be completely present, soaking it all in.
For me, this road is perfect — it’s the place I truly fell in love with riding.
There are plenty of viewpoints along the way where you can stop, take photos, or just breathe it all in. Just past the Glen Coe Valley Viewpoint, keep an eye out for a single-track road that leads to one of the filming locations from James Bond: Skyfall. Even if you're not a Bond fan, this detour is well worth it — the road and scenery are absolutely incredible.
Continue along the A82 and you’ll soon find yourself entering Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Here, you’ll enjoy more twisty roads winding along lochs, past waterfalls, and through thick forests — a perfect end to the ride.
From this point, you can either head back up to Inverness or continue south toward the rest of 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
The majority of Scotland is open to wild camping, thanks to its access-friendly laws — with a few exceptions, like Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, where restrictions apply during peak season.
But honestly, how can you say no to endless, breathtaking wild camping spots? Whether it's by a loch, tucked into a valley, or high in the hills, the options are limitless — and absolutely stunning.