John O'Groats

© Ecosse Moto Tours

John O'Groats Viewpoint

The NC500+

The famous NC500 but with more fantastic places added like Gairloch, The Applecross Path and a days tour around Skye etc

NC500+ ITINERARY


Day 1 Pm Arrival

Evening Overnight stay in Inverness for welcoming Dinner and Familiarisation of what tour entails and times for departing on Day 2.

 

Day 2

After a good night’s sleep, we begin the day with a hearty breakfast before starting our journey from Inverness heading North across the Kessock bridge which prior to 1982 travellers heading North had a 20-mile detour or a trip on the ferry. Now crossing the Moray Firth, the famous NC 500 begins.

We continue along the A9 crossing the Cromarty Firth heading up the coast past HMS Fieldfare with Alness Bay to the right and onwards towards Tain, which is the home of the famous Glen Morangie Distillery where a pre-arranged stop can be made if required.

We continue over the Dornoch Firth on to Dunrobin Castle for a coffee break or hot meal and or if desired you can visit the Castle and Grounds.

Following the East coast for a bit towards Brora where you are never too far away from the coastal views and the sweeping bays of golden sand. We will do a drive through or stop briefly if possible, at the Wolf Stoneware it is said that the last wolf in Sutherland was killed here!

Continuing up the coast taking in the views of the North Sea, we stop at the Helmsdale Bay viewing point for a photo opportunity, before heading slightly inland passing Ousdale Broch which are unique to Scotland and are iron age towers which is approximately a 15 minute walk if desired bearing in mind we will be in bike gear. Still hugging the coastline, we take in the glorious views (on a clear day) of the ocean past individual dwellings and farms along the way, stopping at the Whaligo Steps where you can get some great photos if you are happy enough to traverse the 365 steps which lead down to a natural rocky harbour with a very interesting history.

Back on the road to the famous John O Groats signpost for the must have photo and finally on to Thurso for the first night’s Stay with Evening meal included.

Day 3

After a good breakfast we head off for another day in the saddle and on to Melvich beach where we can stop and take in the golden sands and the turquoise waters of this spectacular bay if so desired. On route now towards Tongue where we will stop for a coffee break before we take an opportunity for some photographs on the causeway. On a clear day you get spectacular views of both Ben Loyal and Ben Hope.

Heading west now over the Hope Bridge to the Heilam viewpoint where you catch views over and down Loch Eriboll, travelling down and around the Loch you can appreciate the amazing rugged vast landscape.

Onwards now to the Smoo Cave where we will stop and give you the opportunity to visit the ancient wonders of the cave, once finished we will have lunch and time permitting can visit the Cocoa Mountain Chocolate factory.

Once we are suitably refreshed, we will move onwards through Durness which was the Scottish home of John Lennon.

We head now across the moors, through the mountains and down the west coast again heading through Scourie and traversing the West Coast for a short while to the famous Kylesku Bridge where there will be another classic photographic opportunity.

Crossing the bridge you have Loch a Chairn Bhain on the right and Loch Gleann Dub to the left, taking in the ever changing scenery we head down towards Stac Pollaidh one of the best known mountains in the Assynt area towards Ullapool where the scenery will not disappoint and on to our 2nd night’s stay.

Day 4

After a good breakfast we are on the road again South, passing on through the town and heading down the shores of Loch Broom.

We will now head West through Aultbea passing Little Loch Broom, along the banks of Gruinard Bay before heading to Poolewe stopping briefly at Inverewe viewpoint for photos before stopping for some refreshments.

After lunch we are truly in for some of Scotland’s best scenery yet where we head further west along a series of Lochs out towards the open ocean. South now towards Applecross which is not part of the normal NC500 route! where you can catch spectacular views of the Isle of Raasay before traversing the famous Bealach na Ba (The pass of the Cattle) where you will be treated to some truly fantastic roads which are single track with passing places and stunning views from the top.

This road rises from almost sea level to 626m in just 5.6 miles and is 11.1 miles long and the steepest ascent single road in the UK. After catching your breath, we will down the shores of Loch Carron taking in yet more scenery and fantastic roads before making our way to our next night’s stay.

Day 5

Today will be a different day where we will leave our luggage, and you can either have a rest day and do your own thing or do the arranged route we have set out as we will be returning to the start point after riding the Isle of Skye.

Now crossing the Sky Bridge through the many B&Bs that have sprung up to make provision for the many tourists that visit Skye each year.

Passing the Isle of Scalpy on your right which is home to an ancient Viking village, we head towards Portree where you will never be far from the views of the Cuillin Mountains where we will stop for coffee and a chance to stretch our legs before heading  North to the Lealt Falls and onto the spectacular Quiraing. We now follow the road round and then South to Uig and onwards then to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens where we can stop for lunch and a chance to explore the area.

Down the West coast now catching glimpses of Loch Harport along the winding roads with the mountains in the distance towards Sligachan, we can stop if required for you to visit the Fairy Pools but beware there is a substantial walk (around 20 minutes) which is could be a bit of a trek in motorcycle gear but purely your own decision if it is something you would like to see, it also has limited parking and is very busy in the summer months but there is also a refreshment stop there if you don’t want to do the walk to the Fairy pools. For the less adventurous we will stop at the old bridge where you can get a chance to take photos of the main mountain ridge also called the Black Cuillin.

We will now head back east to the Hotel for our evening meal and overnight stay.

Day 6

After breakfast we take a short hop on the bikes to Eilean Donan Castle, which is also sadly not part of the traditional NC 500 route but in our opinion it is a must see as it is situated on an island at the point where three great sea Lochs meet.

There is a viewing and photograph point higher up from the main road which we will go to, and you can take photographs and if you desire we can stop to enter and visit the Castle, it has become one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands.

Down now along the banks of Loch Duich riding some truly epic roads and spectacular scenery.

We ride Southeast towards Loch Garry where we will briefly stop at the viewpoint on the west side of the loch before heading on the road again up towards Fort Augustus. We will stop for lunch and then take some time exploring the magnificent Lock ladders of the Caledonian Canal at the southern banks of Loch Ness, where we will take in views of this iconic Loch.

Up now towards Urquhart Castle where there will be opportunities for more photos and explore if you would like before our last leg towards Inverness, and then onto our final destination for a farewell dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7


In the morning after a peaceful night’s sleep, you will have a lovely, relaxed breakfast after which we will say our goodbyes where you will have time to relax before checkout.

We wish you all the best and a safe onward journey.

 

 

Inclusions and Exclusions

What’s included NC 500 Plus 6 nights.

6 Nights’ accommodation in good Quality Hotels

Welcome Dinner on the 1st night with Bed and Breakfast.

Plus 1 night Dinner Bed and Breakfast on 2nd night

First class accommodation throughout tour.

Great Scottish breakfast throughout tour.

Fully Guided Tour with experienced guides.

Awe inspiring Scenery

GPS Route available

Access to all photography Taken on Tour

Moto Tours T-Shirt and sticker

Farewell Dinner /Bed and Breakfast on last night.

What’s not included

Lunches, dinners and drinks other than above

Fuel

Travel /Breakdown Insurance

Insurances

Admissions to any attractions

Occasional Hotel Parking

Any Fines

Coffee breaks throughout tour

COVID-19 information

Safe Travels

This business has confirmed that they have implemented, and will ensure ongoing compliance with, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels protocols. The Safe Travels stamp is based on self-assessment and it is not a certification.

From £1540 per adult


Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

June — September

Contact details

Ecosse Moto Tours Ltd

18-20 North Street
Glenrothes
Fife
Scotland
KY7 5NA

Key facilities

  • Parking
  • Wifi
  • Disabled Parking

Tour information

Length

7 Days

Transport

  • Motorbike

Type

  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Adventure
  • Castles
  • Food and drink
  • History
  • Landscapes
  • Photography

Tour prices


From £1540 Per Adult

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Ecosse Moto Tours Ltd

Tour company information

Ecosse Moto Tours Ltd

We are a new Scottish Motorcycle Touring business, offering fully accommodated tours of Scotland as well as the option to have tours designed to what you as a client would like to see and do.

Opening times

8.00am - 20.00pm

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