North Coast 500
Scottish Highlands, loop from Inverness
- Distance
- Just over 500 miles in a full loop
- Difficulty
- Moderate. Long distances, remote sections
The North Coast 500 runs from Inverness up the east coast, across the far north and back down the west coast through some of the finest scenery in Europe. It's become one of the world's best-known road trips, and on a bike it's everything the reputation promises: big beaches, sea lochs, mountains and mile after mile of empty road.
Conditions and casualty record
Live conditions
Right now at Ullapool, on the west coast leg, 8 metres above sea level
Weather from Open-Meteo, measured near Ullapool, on the west coast leg rather than on the road itself. Mountain roads make their own weather.
The casualty record
About half the national casualty rate
motorcyclist KSI per billion vehicle miles
90 killed or seriously injured, 16 riders killed, across 9 numbered roads. 1,286 KSI per billion miles ridden.
54 casualties, 27 killed or seriously injured, 3 riders killed. 783 KSI per billion miles ridden, ranked 1,407 of 1,710 roads by rate.
14 casualties, 9 killed or seriously injured, 2 riders killed. 2,485 KSI per billion miles ridden, ranked 887 of 1,710 roads by rate.
15 casualties, 14 killed or seriously injured, 1 rider killed. 2,507 KSI per billion miles ridden, ranked 874 of 1,710 roads by rate.
18 casualties, 17 killed or seriously injured, 3 riders killed. 1,198 KSI per billion miles ridden, ranked 1,319 of 1,710 roads by rate.
13 casualties, 10 killed or seriously injured, 5 riders killed. 1,574 KSI per billion miles ridden, ranked 1,199 of 1,710 roads by rate.
5 casualties, 4 killed or seriously injured, 1 rider killed. 3,414 KSI per billion miles ridden, ranked 598 of 1,710 roads by rate.
6 casualties, 5 killed or seriously injured, none killed. 2,983 KSI per billion miles ridden, ranked 716 of 1,710 roads by rate.
9 casualties, 3 killed or seriously injured, none killed. 1,578 KSI per billion miles ridden, ranked 1,196 of 1,710 roads by rate.
1 casualties, 1 killed or seriously injured, 1 rider killed. 992 KSI per billion miles ridden, ranked 1,370 of 1,710 roads by rate.
Casualties are for the whole numbered road across Great Britain from 2021 to 2025, not only the stretch described on this page. Source: DfT STATS19 and DfT traffic counts. Places: OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database Licence.
How we measure road dangerThe ride
The roads vary from fast, open A-roads on the east coast to narrow single track on the west. The west coast section, through places like Applecross, Torridon and Assynt, is the highlight for most riders, with the Bealach na Bà available as a memorable detour.
This is a journey rather than a road. The riding is rarely technical, but the distances, the remoteness and the sheer volume of scenery mean it rewards an unhurried approach.
Know before you go
- The far north is remote. Fuel stations can be a long way apart, and some keep limited hours, so plan your stops and never let the tank run low on the west coast. Our Fuel Finder can help you plan before you go.
- Midges are a fact of life on the west coast in summer, and the weather can do all four seasons in a day at any time of year. Pack waterproofs and midge spray alongside your optimism.
- Accommodation fills up fast in summer, so book ahead, and note that some single-track sections demand patience in peak season.
Make a day of it
The loop passes through or near villages and small towns with plenty of places to stop, eat and stay. Taking five days or more lets you actually enjoy the beaches, the castles and the detours like the Bealach na Bà rather than just ticking off miles.
Inverness at the start and finish makes a natural base, and the route links easily with other Highland riding if you want to extend the trip south through the Cairngorms.
Places along the way
Places within a few kilometres of the route, from OpenStreetMap. The ones marked have a Wikipedia entry, which is how we picked them rather than by opinion.
Loading map
Viewpoint
Wikipedia
Viewpoint · 4.8 km from the route · Wikipedia entry
Castle
Wikipedia
Castle · 0.1 km from the route · Wikipedia entry
Wikipedia
Castle · 0.2 km from the route
Wikipedia
Castle · 0.3 km from the route
Wikipedia
Castle · 0.4 km from the route · Wikipedia entry
Wikipedia
Castle · 0.7 km from the route
Wikipedia
Castle · 0.8 km from the route · Wikipedia entry
Wikipedia
Castle · 0.8 km from the route · Wikipedia entry
Wikipedia
Castle · 1.0 km from the route · Wikipedia entry
Wikipedia
Castle · 1.1 km from the route · Wikipedia entry
Wikipedia
Castle · 1.4 km from the route · Wikipedia entry
Wikipedia
Castle · 1.4 km from the route · Wikipedia entry
Wikipedia
Castle · 1.5 km from the route · Wikipedia entry
Wikipedia
Castle · 2.0 km from the route · Wikipedia entry
Cafe
Cafe · on the route · Website
Cafe · on the route
Riding it responsibly
The route passes through dozens of small communities that feel the weight of its popularity. Keep noise down in villages, park considerately, and use proper passing-place etiquette on single-track roads.
Leave no trace. The far north's beauty depends on visitors treating it gently, so take your litter home and camp only where it's permitted.
Ride within your limits and the law. Roads and trails change; check conditions before you travel.
More routes to explore
Back to all routes