Welcome to my page about our unforgettable motorcycle trip on the North Coast 500 in 2024. I share every thrilling moment and the breathtaking views from this iconic Scottish route.
The North Coast 500, a 516-mile loop around the northern coast of Scotland. It is a dream journey for any motorcycle enthusiast. It offers a perfect blend of rugged coastlines, tranquil lochs, and majestic mountains.
For us, this doesn’t include the 600-mile ride from Plymouth to the start.
You’ll find detailed accounts of my adventures, including hidden gems, charming villages, and historic landmarks encountered along the way. Whether you’re planning your own ride or just dreaming of the open road. I hope my firsthand experiences will inspire you. Practical hints & tips and comprehensive guides will give you the information you need.
Join me as I relive the twists, turns, and stunning scenery of the North Coast 500. Making this a must-read for any motorcycle lover seeking the ultimate road trip. This is the way to rid your mind of the rat race and bad managers at work. A place to reset your mind and get your mental health on track.
This is a bucket list journey for anyone enjoying two-wheel touring. Early planning is a must. Another website for great information about the trip you will find here.
Pre-Trip Prep
A small list of things to do.
- The bike was serviced.
- Quadlock fitted
- Luggage tested
- Spanner the bike again
- Quick test ride.
- Check the long-range weather forecast.
I also checked the new Relive App.
The hard part is deciding on hot or cold weather clothing. This summer has been non-existent. We leave in 5 days. We are still on the fence as to clothing.
Test Ride
Friday and time to pack the bike
Day 1, Plymouth to Cumbria
Long ride on the motorway today. I somehow avoided people who have no idea of motorway driving. There was also a woke idiot in a VW golf smoking dodgy weed, we smell it from the bike! He was undoubtedly doing this to alleviate the boredom life was bringing him. Other than that, it was a great day, dry and pleasant beer or two at the end.
Day 2, Cumbria to the Borders
Just a short hop today into the Scottish Borders to see Dad. It has been too long, but it was amazing to see him again. After a great dinner another jump past Edinburgh to get a head start on the traffic tomorrow.
Day 3, Borders to Spean Bridge
The rain was supposed to only fall on the East Coast. Instead, it decided to fall all over Scotland. As such, we got soaking wet. It was a good day riding though. Although one tour coach driver changed lanes into me on the A9, but it was just as well as I had expected. Anyway he was just lucky I was not alone. Otherwise, I would have immediately identified as the Tooth fairy. I would have made a claim on his pearly whites. Excellent night at the Coire Glas Guset House owned and run by an Ex Army Major and his wonderful wife.
Day 4, Applecross and the Famous Bealach na Bà
Another day of heavy rain. It cleared enough to spend time at Eilean Donan Castle. Then we went onto Applecross, over the Bealach na Bà again (2004 the last time). But we were sitting now in the lounge at the Carn-Raineach Bed & Breakfast. They are a fantastic couple and have an amazing view.
Day 5, Applecross to Ullapool
A long day through the mountains whilst avoiding people with questionable driving skills on the single-track roads. A Great day though, dry and not too warm. Arrived in Ullapool at the Eilean Donan Guest House and headed down to the front for a great meal at the Seaforth
Day 6, Ullapool to Melvich
After a day off the bike yesterday, we hit the road again. We finally reached the top of the mainland. We also went past 1000 miles on the trip. Great day on the bike and great weather. My tolerance for idiots in camper vans on single-track roads has also hit an all-time low.
Day 7, Melvich to Inverness
A good day on the bike but difficult as we spent the best part of the day in cold fog. Found that most electric car drivers don’t like to put lights on in bad weather. This is especially true in fog. They believe their batteries die faster. This is the end of the NC500. We will have a couple of days in Inverness. Then we will have a few days relaxing in Glen Coe.
Day 8, Inverness to Glen Coe
A short hop today down to a small but comfy log cabin. The cabin is just outside Glen Coe Village at a site called “Heart of Glen Coe Holidays“.
Weather did another U-Turn. We ended up getting a bit damp just as we arrived. However with the shopping done, whiskey was in the glass, and beer was in the fridge. Job done!
Day 9, Glen Coe to the Borders
Time to leave the mountains behind us and head south to the Border. We spent some time with dad, then checked into the Buccleuch Arms Hotel in St Boswells for our last night in Scotland. Winter is around the corner now, the whole ride today was 4 degrees C, damn cold!!
Day 10, The Borders heading South to England
Well we crossed the border again into England and settled down for the night ready for the big ride home tomorrow.
Great day again on the bike but a little cold.
Day 11, The long trip home
Up early and onto the motorway for a long sprint to the finish line. Finally made it home early evening and the final mileage was 1882.9 miles for the entire trip.
Loved most of it and lots of video and photos now to sort out.