Somert to do if Coronation Street ain't on... North Coast 500

[tenbob]

http://www.northcoast500.com/interactive-map.aspx

I'm bound to be wrong, but imagine this is more likely to be answered by someone from GB, but wondered if anyone has completed this little circuit? Any thoughts/opinions welcome. Gonna add it to my growing list of things to try on the Super T...

 

[Jonny675]

Ive done lots of parts but never the whole route as one trip,I do the west coast more what I love,during the summer I do lots of long weekend camping up there,the East coast is a totally different contrast but just as scenic in its own right,I think most people do the west coast because of Applecross isle of Skye and then on to John o groats as the roads are just beautiful and tend to forget about the east,only my opinion.

 

[tenbob]

I did some of the West Coast to Applecross biking n camping for 7 days a year last April. Only done that bit... Beautiful! Read the NC500 is like the UK equivalent of Route 66 :question: Looks a good loop to take it all in.

 

[Squibb]

Like Jonny675 I've done parts, but never the whole route. We did all the West Coast elements years back & were very lucky with the weather (early May), including spectating a few sections of the SSDT.

Having done Route 66, I can see absolutely no comparison - they are so utterly different. This sounds like nonsense PR talk. That's not to denigrate either - they both have their place & both will make for a very memorable riding experience. Leave out this talk of camping in Scotland though, unless you take a risk & go early season - the midges will drive you to distraction from mid-June onwards.

Ride Safe ................... KEN

 

[tenbob]

Like Jonny675 I've done parts, but never the whole route. We did all the West Coast elements years back & were very lucky with the weather (early May), including spectating a few sections of the SSDT.

Having done Route 66, I can see absolutely no comparison - they are so utterly different. This sounds like nonsense PR talk. That's not to denigrate either - they both have their place & both will make for a very memorable riding experience. Leave out this talk of camping in Scotland though, unless you take a risk & go early season - the midges will drive you to distraction from mid-June onwards.

Ride Safe ................... KEN

http://www.northcoast500.com/home/about-the-route.aspx

Typical route 66 reference, was I think, as in Scotlands answer to the route 66... No idea personally, but of course would love totour both myself... Understand what you mean about the Midges but it would be a spring or Autumn trip to avoid em. Camped for 7 days late April in the West Highlands n not one in sight. Sun was out too. Was bliss!

 

[2112]

Good advice about the midgies, avoid June, July & August or they'll have you down to a skeleton in seconds ! I have done the whole route but not in one go, there are some even better bits (in my humble opinion) which are roads off the route but you can only do so much with the time you have.

The road along Loch Shin (A838) is stunning, any road around Altnaharra is very interesting and the little road to the Summer Isles is incredibly scenic. The single track road through Drumbeg is a beauty too and the pub does cracking bacon butties ! if the weather gods smile North West Scotland is unbeatable ::008::

 

[tenbob]

All good stuff 2112. Might sound daft but sorta want the 'feather in the cap' by completing the set route which was created. Finally get to John o groats too n all in the shortest possible time I can hopefully... I will av a butchers n note your advice on good roads tho mate...

 

[2112]

Try not to be too disappointed when you get to John O'Groats...

The Castle of May a bit further along the coast is worth a look if time is on your side, as is the lighthouse at Dunnet Head ::008::

 

[Triple dick]

I'm doing this exact route in early May , I've got ten days up there with the Tiger forum mob really looking forward to it intending to go lots of detours off the route but like Tenbob said I want the feather in the cap too.

 

[tenbob]

Try not to be too disappointed when you get to John O'Groats...

The Castle of May a bit further along the coast is worth a look if time is on your side, as is the lighthouse at Dunnet Head ::008::

I won't mate, seen the YouTubes! But ya gotta stop by if thee is up thy neck of the woods... 8)

I'm doing this exact route in early May , I've got ten days up there with the Tiger forum mob really looking forward to it intending to go lots of detours off the route but like Tenbob said I want the feather in the cap too.

Cool... Well if I can't make it happen early year I'll look forward to hearing the experiences you have up there. With 10 days ya should see quite a bit more than I think I will in the 4 I was looking to do the whole trip in. ???

 

[2112]

10 days will be great fun, plenty of time for exploration down little roads ::008::

 

[Bryn]

May seems a good time to head North....as we're off to Florida in September we only want a few days away...better start planning another trip to Scotland ::26::

 

[tenbob]

May seems a good time to head North....as we're off to Florida in September we only want a few days away...better start planning another trip to Scotland ::26::

The Welsh Brecons in April n the Scottish Highlands in May... Mmmmm? 8)

 

[Jonny675]

May is a great time I tend to head up that way back end.i also do long weekends not to far for me I love my camping.

 

[tenbob]

May is a great time I tend to head up that way back end.i also do long weekends not to far for me I love my camping.

Me love me camping too... Bikes + camping = So the Midges really won't be out still by end of May or are ya not fussed?

 

[Madscots]

Welcome to my play roads ::013::

The route takes you along some of the best biking roads you can ride on ::012::

As others have said the East coast is plain compared to the North West or all down the West coast which is just stunning. I run European trips on my S10 but always think West coast and central (Glenshee/Spittal) Sotland are best roads to ride on.

 

[Jonny675]

Not bothered about the midges,never have been.All I use Avon skin so soft if I remember to pack and my midge head net.Also sometimes were you camp,if you wild camp near water tends to be worse,if I go up to Fort William I tend to base myself at Glen Nevis campsite cracking site lovely facilities and fairly cheap.

 

[tenbob]

I had some skin so soft but it doesn't seem to like cool/cold weather which made it solidify n ruin... Wish I could fit the Mrs in a pannier as the little buggers tend to dine on her instead of me... Chivalry ain't dead yet in my house! 8) I stayed at Glen Nevin too mate. Nice camp. Liked Red Squirrel also back at Glencoe... Ooooh reminiscing! :-*

 

[2112]

Anything with DEET in keeps the blighters away. A product called 'Jungle Formula' is recommended by the Mrs to people (Pharmacist) travelling to area's of the world plagued by flies, it can cause skin allergies so test before you travel.

 

[tenbob]

Anything with DEET in keeps the blighters away. A product called 'Jungle Formula' is recommended by the Mrs to people (Pharmacist) travelling to area's of the world plagued by flies, it can cause skin allergies so test before you travel.

I think for me, only go when there all tucked up in bed!

Welcome to my play roads ::013::

The route takes you along some of the best biking roads you can ride on ::012::

As others have said the East coast is plain compared to the North West or all down the West coast which is just stunning. I run European trips on my S10 but always think West coast and central (Glenshee/Spittal) Sotland are best roads to ride on.

Lucky you! ::008:: Well I do have the Peak District, which I love... I'm aware from experience the west is lovely, but I assume the east is still worth visiting? Well at least the NC500 route planned?