SCOTLANDS NC500, HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS
UNITED KINGDOM
One of the most scenic, historic, & spectacular riding destinations in the whole of Europe.
This tour is for you if you want to both keep costs down, but still experience the best touring that Scotland has to offer, great roads, fantastic food, stunning scenery, and of course the famously dodgy Scottish weather.
We take you along the entire North Coast 500 route, and then we continue on through the Islands of the Inner Hebrides and finish just South of Glasgow, expect a very diverse range of landscapes, great roads, rugged mountains, white sandy beaches, remote fishing villages, and many more hidden gems.
Included is all the camping gear you will need, which we carry for you in the support vehicle.
THE ICONIC BEALACH NA BÀ PASS
HIGHLIGHTS
This tour starts on a Monday to give you time to travel to Inverness at your leisure and is designed to keep the costs down by camping the entire tour. If you want hotels, that's OK we will be stopping each night where there is a range of accommodation to choose from.
We get to visit all the main sights along NC500 route, plus a few secret places few visit. The west coast of Scotland also has some of the best beaches in Europe, in our opinion, some even rival those of Australia, albeit the temperature is a little cooler.
Expect rugged mountains, scenic glens, and some of the best riding that Europe has to offer.
After riding the Mainland NC500, we turn our attention to the Islands with plenty of time to explore. We spend a couple of nights on Skye which gives plenty of time to explore on two wheels or maybe go for a hike before we catch the ferry to Mull.
Then it's back to the mainland where we hug the coast before catching the ferry to Mull. Back to the mainland again where we take a loop through Glen Coe before heading south and the ferry to Arran, a hiker's paradise.
Join us just for the NC500, or the full tour. Or extend the tour and follow us back to the mainland and continue on through the Galloway Forrest Park.
We are camping the entire way around, with all equipment supplied, if you desire alternative accommodation, this can also be accommodated.
ROUTE
ITINERARY
Welcome
In the evening we will welcome you and have dinner together, talk through logistics, and answer any final questions you may have.
Day 1
We have a very easy first day to ease into things, after breakfast at the V8 Cafe in Inverness we ride North along the East coast with planned stops at the Glenmorangie Distillery, Dunrobin Castle, Mermaid of the North, and Fairy Glen Falls.
Day 2
We continue North following the east coast, as we pass and call in to view the numerous Broch's and Castles we end up at John O'Groats (do not go any further unless you are a good swimmer). Turning West we trace the most Northerly route possible along mainland Scotland with stops to hopefully view seals basking on the rocks or playing in the surf.
Day 3
As we continue West, there are numerous viewpoints to stop at and get some great photographs for the album. We call in at puffin colonies and crafty villages (leave room in your panniers) where you can pick up locally made items before heading to Smoo Cave, a large sea and freshwater cave that is well worth the stop.
Day 4
Today we ride over the spectacular Kylesku Bridge and visit some of the best beaches in the UK.
Day 5
Waterfalls and national Pakes dominate the day, with even more stunning pure white beaches, you could be forgiven for thinking you were on a tropical island, apart from the lower temperatures of course.
Day 6
This part of Scotland has been used in many movies, including Plockton, the filming location for Hamish McBeth and Eilean Donan Castle, the filming location for Highlander, Made of Honour, The World is not Enough and many more. We call in at the beautiful village of Applecross with its views to the Isles of Rassey, Rona, and Skye. and ride the stunning, Bealach ne Ba pass.
Day 7
We head over the bridge to the Isle of Skye. Today is a short day with plenty of time to have lunch in the Kyle of Lochalsh tour a little of Skye or revisit Eilean Donan Castle.
Day 8
A free day today for you to head wherever. Maybe explore the Skye on your bike, or hike one of the many great walks around or up the Black Cuillin or Red Cuillin mountains.
Day 9
We catch the short ferry ride to Mallaig, and the Hogwarts railway station used in the Harry Potter movies. Hugging the coast through more spectacular scenery, to catch our ferry to the Isle of Mull.
Day 10
We circumnavigate the entire Isle of Mull today before catching the ferry back to the mainland for our overnight stop in Oban. Great distillery tours at the Oban distillery.
Day 11
We leave a little later than usual to give people time to explore Oban before we follow the coast down to the tip of The Mull of Kintyre with views of Jura and Islay. There are further seal colonies to be found here, plus ancient standing stones and remote lighthouses.
Day 12
Today is our last day on the tour where we spend an easy day touring the island of Arran. If you have time, it is worth staying a while on Arran as there are some great hiking options here. Arran is also home to good 2 distilleries.
This is our last full day and to make the most of Arran, we plan on staying here for 2 nights to give us plenty of time to get into the heart of this small, but fascinating island.
Should you have a long way to head home, feel free to catch the ferry a little earlier
What's Included |
|---|
All Camping Equipment |
GPX files for your chosen navigation device |
Hotel Accommodation |
Local Tour Guide |
Mechanic with full toolkit |
Roadside Assistance and recovery to nearest garage |
Support vehicle to carry your luggage |
Welcome Dinner |
What's Not |
|---|
Ferry Charges |
Meals |
Petrol |
Toll Charges |