North Coast 500 on Two Wheels: Scotland’s Wild Soul, One Curve at a Time

Before anything else, get a feel for what lies ahead. This isn’t just a ride—it’s a journey into Scotland’s raw spirit, told one twist and turn at a time

The Ride’s Heads-Up

Late May through early October usually hit the sweet spot. You get clearer skies, extra daylight, and fewer midges buzzing about. If you’re after empty roads and friendlier overnight rates, August can be a real hassle. Honestly, May and September offer a golden mix of cool calm and awe-inspiring scenery.

Bikes for the Journey

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to rides here. Adventure bikes—a trusty BMW GS, a robust Triumph Tiger, or an Africa Twin—thrive on NC500’s mix of smooth tarmac, winding curves, and even the occasional gravel slide. Prefer a bit of vintage charm? Retro roadsters like the Royal Enfield Interceptor, Moto Guzzi V85 TT, or the Triumph Bonneville Scrambler embrace the soul of the ride while you soak up the views. And sure, cruisers can work too—just make sure they’ve got good clearance for corners and can store enough fuel for those longer stretches.

Gearing Up

Pack smart. A 4‑season textile jacket with liners that come off for waterproofing or warmth is key. A full-face helmet paired with a Pinlock visor is non‑negotiable (rain and fog always have a way of surprising you). Throw in heated gloves or inner liners, windproof base layers, and a neck gaiter for the unexpected chills. Waterproof boots (ideally something Gore‑Tex with a solid grip), earplugs (trust me, wind fatigue is no joke), a hydration pack, and a few emergency snacks round off your kit. If you really want to be sure what motorcycle riding gear to get for yourself then just use our gear finder tool and at the end of the interactive session you will have a very accurate list of what you need. Here is the link for the same….https://www.goodgearhub.com/gear-finder-tool

Emergency Essentials

In Scotland, dial 999 if you need help—whether it’s the police, an ambulance, or Mountain Rescue. It’s wise to carry a power bank, offline maps (Organic Maps or Gaia GPS are pretty reliable), and maybe even a whistle. Remember that fuel stations can drop off the map for stretches of about 60 miles, so topping up when you’re only half full is smart. And a breakdown cover (think AA, RAC, or Green Flag) is essential—just check it covers the Highlands.

The Soul of the NC500

This isn’t your typical road trip. Imagine a 516‑mile loop that hugs the northern edge of Scotland, starting and ending in Inverness—a true pilgrimage of discovery. Unlike roads that simply tie cities together, the NC500 connects moods. One minute you’re threading through misty passes like Bealach na Bà, and the next you’re coasting beside lakes so still they seem almost otherworldly. Every bend and quiet stretch feels like it’s whispering its own tale—there are no wrong turns here, only surprises waiting to be uncovered.

Mapping the Ride

• Inverness to Applecross (via Bealach na Bà)

 A rite of passage loaded with tight alpine hairpins and steep drops. The challenge pays off in views so dramatic they make every twist worthwhile, with Applecross as the well-earned reward.

• Applecross to Ullapool

 Picture remote roads of single tracks winding through sweeping valleys and dramatic cliffside scenery. A pause at Shieldaig or Torridon might just make you feel like you’ve stepped right into a fantasy.

• Ullapool to Durness

 Here’s pure Highland spirit: imagine Loch Assynt, the eerie ruins of Ardvreck Castle, and the soothing stretch of Achmelvich Beach. Often, the roads are empty, the sheep stray, and you might just find yourself stopping to savor the profound quiet.

• Durness to John o’ Groats

 Arguably the loneliest stretch, featuring wonders like Smoo Cave and rides alongside Loch Eriboll. If you’re up for it, try the alternative A9 via Tongue—one of the UK’s most cinematic routes.

• John o’ Groats to Inverness

 Don’t rush the final leg. The east coast charms you with Whaligoe Steps, the grandeur of Dunrobin Castle, and meandering lanes through classic whisky country—an elegant finale to the circuit.

Hidden Gems Off the Map

Some stops aren’t on Google at all, but trust your gut and throttle.

• Am Ploc – An open-air church tucked into the Torridon hills, equal parts spiritual and surreal.

• Hermit’s Castle near Achmelvich – Known as Europe’s tiniest fortress, this abandoned concrete relic is irresistibly enigmatic.

• Achnahaird Bay – Powder-soft sands, minimal crowds, just the clamor of wind and waves.

• Ben Hope – Scotland’s northernmost Munro; a short, breathtaking hike that lets you look back over your entire adventure.

Hotels / Inns / B&B and Campgrounds

A comfortable pit-stop can make all the difference.

• In Ullapool, The Ceilidh Place isn’t just a lodging spot—it’s a café, a bunkhouse, and seriously bike‑friendly.

• Kylesku Hotel offers a touch of luxury midway, complete with gourmet food.

• For those who fancy a starry night, the Shore Caravan Site by Achmelvich puts you just a heartbeat away from the sea.

Wild Camping Notes

Wild camping is legal here under the Land Reform Act, but remember to show respect. Keep clear of private homes, active farmlands, or busy roads. Leave nothing behind and always be on the lookout for local markers.

Fuel, Food & Coffee That Feeds the Journey

It might sound secondary, but a good meal and a strong cup of coffee go hand-in-hand with a long ride. Whether it’s refuelling the tank or your belly, the right pit stop can set the tone for the next stretch of road.

Every mile on the NC500 feels like a secret waiting to be told. So gear up, ride safe, and let Scotland’s wild soul guide your journey—one unpredictable curve at a time. Ride!

When you hit the road, don’t forget to stop for fuel. You might pull in at Applecross Filling Station, then later find yourself at Gairloch Garage or even at Scourie Filling Station. And there’s always that Tesco Petrol in Thurso waiting just around the bend. These breaks aren’t just about topping up—they’re little pauses that give you a moment to breathe and soak in the journey.

Sometimes it’s not only fuel you need but also a little soul and caffeine boost. In Ullapool, The Seafood Shack is said to dish out the best scallops on the west coast, making it a welcome meal stop. Over in Durness, Cocoa Mountain tempts you first with a ride for hot chocolate, but you quickly get hooked on its view too. Then there’s The Wobbly Dog Café in Lairg—a quirky, quiet spot loved by bikers that feels like an unexpected treat.

Riding solo offers a kind of total freedom and a chance to get lost in your own thoughts. It’s pure immersion and deep introspection—at least until the weariness starts to set in. In that case, make sure your creature comforts are packed, your playlist is ready, and maybe even a podcast is queued up; because tiredness on wet roads can be a real hazard. On the flip side, group rides bring shared breakdowns, humorous banter, and that unspoken rhythm that keeps everyone moving—if only you can prevent one speedster from upsetting the balance. Planning ahead for fuel stops, meal breaks, and those spontaneous photo spots really pays off.

Scotland’s heritage is all around you if you take the time to notice. Cruise through valleys that once bustled with crofting families and feel the lingering sadness of the Highland Clearances (mostly during the 18th–19th centuries). Imagine passing abandoned spots like Badbea, a cliffside croft that still whispers tales of forced eviction. And as Gaelic road signs start appearing, maybe pick up a few words—you’ll earn a bit of extra respect at local pubs or during a lively ceilidh.

Out on the road, ancient ruins seem to watch over your ride. Picture Ardvreck Castle beside Loch Assynt, its image perfectly mirrored in the still waters at dusk, or take a short, spirited walk near Castle Varrich in Tongue where the view opens up into an immense panorama that’ll make you pause for a long while.

Got your route planned yet?

For a 7-day Explorer, you might start in Inverness and head to Applecross on Day 1, then weave to Gairloch on Day 2, reach Ullapool on Day 3, and continue to Durness on Day 4. Day 5 could have you exploring Sandwood Bay before moving on to Tongue, followed by a ride to Brora on Day 6, and finally looping back to Inverness via the Glenmorangie Distillery on Day 7.

If you fancy a touch of luxury, try a 5-star glider option—staying at places like The Torridon, Forss House and finishing at Dornoch Castle Hotel. Perfect for couples, upscale bikers, or even a group with pillions. For those itching for a speedy challenge, there’s a 3-Day Blaster option: Day 1, Inverness to Ullapool; Day 2, Ullapool to Thurso; and then Day 3, Thurso to Inverness.

Don’t overlook the tech that keeps you rolling.

Offline navigation apps like Organic Maps, Locus, or Calimoto are your best friends when the signal’s off. Keep tabs on your fuel prices with PetrolPrices UK, and if you’re drafting a route, MyRouteApp or Kurviger can really help map the way.

goodgearhub wrapup

And then there are those moments from the saddle that sneak up on you—a misty climb near Tongue, perhaps after a wee dram of whisky in Dornoch, or even when you’re fiddling with a snapped strap in a wild gust of wind. It suddenly hits you: the NC500 isn’t solely about jaw-dropping views or the thrill of the bike; it’s about the distance you travel inside yourself. Amid the chaos of narrow lanes and endless glens, where the road sometimes disappears before your eyes, you discover a clarity that leaves you changed, quieter. And every time you gear up for another ride, some slice of Scotland rides along with you, quietly making its way into your story.