The North Coast 500 Plus
A five-day self-guided adventure to the Scottish Highlands
Wind your way through the legendary Snow Roads of the Cairngorms National Park, ride north to John O’Groats, sweep west to Durness and Kylesku, conquer the famous Bealach na Bà, and descend through the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe.
900 miles | Approx. 24 hours of riding
Your ride your experience
the journey ahead
The Route
Day 1 – Edinburgh to Cullen Bay
Via the Cairngorms National Park & Whisky Trails
Start: Edinburgh
Finish: Cullen Bay
Distance: Approx. 170 miles | 4 hours 40 minutes ride time
Departure: 9:00am
Check-in & Bike Collection
Collect your motorcycle from the Bikerbnb Adventures garage in Edinburgh from 9:00am, meet the team, and get set up before heading north.
Day 1
You’ll cross the Forth and head toward Pitlochry, your first proper Highland waypoint, before climbing into the vast landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park.
The road begins to open up as you join the legendary Snow Roads Scenic Route – a stretch of fast, flowing tarmac cutting through some of the highest public roads in the UK.
Expect wide views, sweeping bends, quiet stretches of road and that feeling of real space that defines the Highlands.
You’ll pass through the iconic village of Braemar, a perfect lunch stop, before continuing north-east through Tomintoul and descending toward Speyside.
As the landscape softens into rolling farmland and whisky country, the air changes – and before long, the North Sea comes into view.
Your first night awaits at Cullen Bay Hotel, perched dramatically above the Moray Firth coastline.
Lunch Stop
The Fifearms Hotel – Braemar
A highlight of the day is stopping for lunch at the Flying Stag in Braemar, part of the Fife Arms estate. It’s the perfect Highland pit stop — great food, welcoming surroundings, and a chance to swap stories from the morning’s ride before heading back out into the Cairngorms.
Accommodation
The Cullen Bay Hotel – Cullen
Perched above the Moray Firth, Cullen Bay Hotel offers relaxed comfort with sweeping coastal views and a warm Highland welcome.
Home of the famous Cullen Skink, it’s the perfect place to unwind – whether over dinner or with an evening walk along Cullen Beach.
Day 2 – Cullen Bay to Thurso
Moray Coast to the Northern Edge
Start: Cullen
Finish: Thurso
Distance: Approx. 190–210 miles
Riding Time: 5–6 hours
Departure: 9:00am
Day 2
Wake to sea views and coastal air before heading west along the Moray Firth. The early section of today’s ride is fast and flowing, linking quiet coastal roads with open Highland stretches.
You’ll trace the shoreline past fishing villages and harbours, gradually leaving the softer farmland of Moray behind as the terrain becomes wilder and more exposed.
After reaching Inverness and crossing the Kessock bridge, you will begin your journey North following the North Coast 500 Route.
A highly recommend lunch stop sits on the on edge of the Crommerty firth at the popular Store House. The first and chips are highly recommended.
After a hearty lunch, continue north, following the coastal road all the way to John O’ Groats. Be sure to grab a photo at the iconic signpost marking the most northerly point of mainland Britain the UK’s answer to Land’s End.
Lunch Stop
The Store House is a standout stop on the NC500, set in a beautifully restored 18th-century farm steading overlooking the Cromarty Firth. Known for its focus on local Highland produce and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the kind of place riders appreciate — quality food, generous portions, and a proper mid-ride reset before heading back onto the open road..
Accommodation
Night 2 – The Pentland Lodge – Thurso
The Pentland Lodge House is a modern, comfortable stay in the heart of Thurso, offering clean, well-appointed rooms and secure parking — ideal for travelling riders. Just a short walk from the town centre and harbour, it’s a practical and welcoming base for exploring Scotland’s far north.
Day 3 – Thurso to Gairloch
The Best of the West
Start: Thurso
Finish: Gairloch
Distance: Approx. 200 miles
Riding Time: 5–7 hours
Departure: 9:00am
Day 3
Today, you leave the north coast behind and begin the westward traverse – one of the most spectacular riding days anywhere in the UK.
From Thurso, the road stretches west across open, exposed moorland toward Durness, where the landscape begins to feel truly remote. Big skies, empty roads, Atlantic wind — this is the far north at its wildest.
A must-stop along the way is Smoo Cave, a dramatic sea cave carved into the limestone cliffs just outside Durness. It’s worth taking a short walk down to the entrance — the scale and atmosphere are unforgettable.
Durness to Ullapool – The Iconic Section
The stretch between Durness and Ullapool is widely regarded as one of the finest sections of the NC500.
The road twists and climbs through raw, untamed scenery — lochs, sharp peaks, coastal cliffs and sweeping single-track sections that demand focus but reward you with unforgettable views.
You’ll cross the iconic Kylesku Bridge, an architectural landmark rising elegantly over the sea loch below. It’s one of Scotland’s most photographed roads — and for good reason.
Lunch Stop – Kylesku Hotel
Lunch today is at the Kylesku Hotel, perched above the loch with panoramic views. Fresh seafood is the highlight here, and the terrace is a perfect place to pause before the afternoon push south.
Afternoon Ride
From Kylesku, continue through dramatic Highland terrain toward Ullapool, a vibrant harbour town on the shores of Loch Broom. This is your coffee stop — stretch the legs, refuel, and take in the waterfront atmosphere.
The final section to Gairloch delivers more sweeping west coast scenery — coastal bends, lochside stretches and ever-changing light
Accommodation – Gairloch Hotel – Gairloch
Overlooking Gairloch Bay with views toward Skye and the Torridon mountains, Gairloch Hotel offers a relaxed coastal stay with classic Highland charm.
Surrounded by beaches, sea lochs and dramatic peaks, it’s a peaceful west coast base with front-row seats to some unforgettable sunsets
Day 4 – The Torridon Mountains, Bealach Na Ba and The Wester Ross Trails
The Best of the West
Start: Gairloch
Finish: Fort William
Distance: Approx. 165 miles
Riding Time: 5 hours
Departure: 9:00am
Day 4
Today delivers classic Highland mountain riding from start to finish.
Leaving Gairloch, you’ll head south into the dramatic landscapes of Wester Ross, where the road begins to weave between lochs and towering peaks. The Torridon mountains rise sharply around you – some of the most imposing and photogenic mountains in Scotland – creating a truly epic opening to the day.
The route flows through fast, sweeping sections and tighter technical stretches, often referred to as the Wester Ross trails – remote, beautifully surfaced roads that reward precision and focus.
Bealach na Bà – The Applecross Pass
The highlight of the morning is the legendary Bealach na Bà.
This is one of the highest and most dramatic road climbs in the UK, with tight hairpins, steep gradients, and panoramic views across to Skye on a clear day. The ascent feels almost Alpine in character – narrow, exposed, and unforgettable.
At the summit, take a moment. The view alone makes the climb worthwhile.
Eilean Donan & Glen Shiel
Descending from the pass, you’ll continue toward one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks – Eilean Donan Castle. Sitting at the meeting point of three sea lochs, it’s an ideal photo stop before continuing east.
From here, the road cuts through the powerful landscapes of Glen Shiel, surrounded by the towering ridgelines of the Five Sisters of Kintail. Long sweeping bends and dramatic glen scenery define this section – a true Highland classic.
Accommodation – Muthu Fort William Hotel
The final leg carries you south toward Fort William, with Ben Nevis dominating the skyline as you approach.
Arrive in the afternoon with time to relax, explore the town, or simply reflect on one of the most iconic riding days of the entire tour.
Located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, just outside Fort William, this modern hotel offers comfortable accommodation with sweeping loch and mountain views. Its waterfront setting and proximity to Ben Nevis and Glencoe make it an ideal Highland base after a day on the road.
Day 5 – Fort William to Edinburgh
Glencoe, Loch Lomond & The Duke’s Pass
Start: Fort William
Finish: Edinburgh – Bikerbnb Adventures
Distance: Approx. 130–150 miles
Riding Time: 4–5 hours
Departure: 9:00am
Day 5
Your final day begins beneath the shadow of Ben Nevis before heading south into one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes — Glencoe.
This stretch of road is pure Highland drama. Towering peaks, sweeping bends, and vast open glens define the ride. You’ll pass the famous Three Sisters of Glencoe, one of the most photographed mountain formations in the country.
Glencoe has also starred on the big screen — most notably in Skyfall, where James Bond returns to Scotland, and in Harry Potter, with filming locations linked to Hagrid’s Hut nearby. The scenery here feels cinematic because it quite literally is.
Expect endless photo opportunities as the road winds through the glen, with light and shadow constantly shifting across the mountains.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Continuing south, the route follows the edge of Loch Lomond, where the road hugs the water and delivers a more relaxed but equally scenic ride.
From here, you’ll climb toward Aberfoyle and over the legendary Duke’s Pass – a final flourish of flowing corners and forest-lined bends. It’s the perfect last riding section before returning to the capital.
Return to Edinburgh via Stirling Castle
The landscape gradually softens as you leave the Highlands behind and approach Edinburgh.
You’ll arrive back at Bikerbnb Adventures, completing the North Coast Traverse Plus — five days of mountains, coastline, wild roads and unforgettable Highland riding.
Pricing
The North coast 500 +
A five day self-guided tour including bike hire & accommodation- Motorcycle hire - Royal Enfield Bear 650
- x4 Night Accommodation
- Pre-set Route & POI's
A taste of the Scottish Highlands key Points of Interest
John O Groats
Braemar
Torridon
Loch Lomond National Park
Self Guided Hire Testimonials
