Planning for Scotland North Coast 500 Motorcycle Trip 2019

[@markfoster2033]

Thanks for posting this video.I'm planning on doing a trip up to Cape Wrath either early October or next May & I'm going through a lot of YT NC500 footage & reading the comments. It's a great help with the planning.,thanks for posting.

[@MCIreland99]

Thanks Mark. I didn't realize there was a navigable road up to Cape Wrath ? How do you get up there ? Is it tarmac or dirt track ?

[@markfoster2033]

@@MCIreland99 I've yet to get there so from what I've found so far,you get the ferry & a minibus or walk www.visitcapewrath.com/how-to-visit/ A workmate has been there a couple of times & he walked up from Sandwood Bay.One thing to be aware of is that Cape Wrath is a NATO bombing range so I will check if you can still get access on the day I plan on visiting. Hope that helps.

[@MCIreland99]

Cheers ! Much appreciate d !

[@johnwebb6489]

Did it in May last year. Had the best weather you could hope for. It's fabulous.

[@titchman100]

Cheers doing this end of June / start of July now watching the trip vids 👍👍

[@MCIreland99]

The sound isnt the best if ur listening through stereo headphones as its only in mono. Im going back in April to re do it.

[@titchman100]

@@MCIreland99 brilliant videos are watchable on the TV really enjoying them how did you find mobile phone signal along the route was going to use Google maps on phone but think I might need to invest in a bike sat Nav

[@MCIreland99]

As far as I can remember it was good, but it was 3 years since I did that trip and I used my TomTom so I would not have been watching the signal on the phone until the evening in the hotels.

[@titchman100]

@@MCIreland99 thanks 👍

[@tvsv9095]

Don't know if I'm too late but only thing that jumped out at me is, instead of doubling back at Glenfinnan, carry on along the beautiful Road To The Isles and get the ferry to Skye from Mallaig. The coast road has great views and you pass some beautiful beaches, including the famous white sands of Morar. It also takes you along another road on Skye which you wouldn't have seen. Then you can ride your route on Skye and take the bridge back to the mainland as planned.

[@MCIreland99]

Cheers Steve ! I did the trip in 2019, but I have been trying to get back since then, but all the COVID lock downs mean I have had to cancel for two years in a row ! So I am planning to go back in April 2022, so your not too late for the next trip !! I really appreciate your advice !!!!!

[@tvsv9095]

@@MCIreland99 I wondered if covid might have gotten in the way but you squeezed it in before it arrived! 👏 I haven't done the NC500 yet but I have been to Scotland many times but no higher up than Ullapool. What month did you choose, how was the weather and the midges and how was the Applecross pass? If I were to do it I would probably camp and take much longer so I could stay longer in places I liked.

[@MCIreland99]

@@tvsv9095 I did it in mid April in 2019 and I got the best sunny weather ! Total fluke I am sure but zero midges !. I booked it for the same time for the last two years to possibly capitalize on the same weather but COVID knocked my last trip on the head, but certainly the weather in Ireland the week I was supposed to be on the NC500 for 2020 was amazing ! I don't know how the north part of Scotland did but I imagine it was good. I know it's very early in the year but it avoids the crowds and the midges !!!. The best bits are north of Ullapool towards Durness etc and definatley include the Isle of Skye. NC500 was the best bike trip I've ever done and I include the Alps in that !

[@rottieman347]

Thanks for the vlog, it looks like you've done a lot of planning for this epic trip. I'm hoping to loosely follow your trail in the next 12 months. Enjoy

[@MCIreland99]

Let us know how you get on !

[@not-this-fartoofar3606]

Thanks dude. Wife and I doing it in June this year. Good plan. Stole a couple of stops you pointed out. Nice one. Thanks. Looking forward to see the full journey. Looking to do Atlantic way next year.

[@MCIreland99]

Have a great trip. If you need any help putting together the wild Atlantic way route give me a shout. I do it twice a year.

[@dancingmidgephotography]

Your route looks pretty good …. There are so many little roads / scenic areas the NC500 doesn't cover. Take a little time more up the west coast its stunning. Once you reach Bettyhill on the North coast, the scenery changes, (flat & not as picturesque). The run back down to Inverness from J.O.G is nice & flowing but nothing like the rugged beauty of the west. If I was to give any advice on the NC500, it would be to do it April, May or September. The roads can be stuffed with lines of camper vans, super cars, cyclists etc in the summer months & the Highland Airforce (MIDGE) can be a bit of a pain. April 2nd week will see everything open, scenery wise, probably some mountain snow, which always makes your pics a bit more special. Any later than 3rd week of September, you'll find some places closing for the winter (Campsites, small bars & restaurants). End of April / May usually good weather & usually no 'Midges' big bonus if your camping. SCOURIE is a good spot on the west coast as an overnight. It has a lovely little beach, a small campsite taking tents & motorhomes, situated on the waters edge with lovely views. They serve great pub type food, (only till 8pm (ish) don't leave it late to arrive, as most sites are the same) as well as cakes, scones & ice creams etc, there is a small bar also serving till around 10pm I think. There is also a hotel within 200metres of the campsite, serving great food, (8.30pm last orders) a well stocked bar (11pm) but targeting a different market, more expensive but justified. I think there is also a restaurant around the small bay called the Whale tale, I've not tried the food there but it gets some positive reviews. WARNING respect all speed limits through & near villages, the locals are rightly pissed off with the idiot wanna be Lewis Hamilton's in supercars doing burnouts in car parks & driving like Bell-Ends. They nearly always get a tug from the law further down the road as the local communities phone ahead giving registrations, so be warned, Its not the Gumball Rally so don't FK it up for everyone else. Sensibly enjoy the open roads, speed limits near villages. P.S ….Pie Shop.. Lochinver, amazing selection of pies, pricy but fantastic, also great food ..….Coco Mountain Durness ….. Fantastic hot chocolates & cakes.

[@MCIreland99]

Cheers, i appreciate the feedback. Ill definately take your recomendations on. Im heading over near end of April. Cant wait.

[@newroads9787]

Doing the route myself in June 1st, had a chat with a fellow bike and he said he did it a few times. The first time with his wife and said that they did too much. Keep it comfortable and enjoy its not going any where. Have completed the Wild Atlantic Way and the causeway Coast. Don't do too much!

[@deanparker3673]

Thanks for sharing the planning on the trip It’s going to be very useful for me as I’m planning on doing the NC500 on a 125 in September 21 👍

[@MCIreland99]

If you have never done it before your going to love it ! Let us know how you get on !

[@neilw4881]

Brilliant, thanks for sharing, it’s been really helpful for our group planning our trip and working out where to stay and which ones of the many viewpoints to stop at. 👍👍👍

[@WoodcockFamilyOverland]

Brilliant planning video mate given us some really good ideas! In the planning phase of our trip!

[@MCIreland99]

Cheers, i appreciate you taking the time to give your feedack. Hope u enjoy ur trip !!

[@davidgladding675]

going in July and really looking forward to it, great Vid well planned, Me I'm just gunna point the bike and go.. looking forward to seeing the vids of the actual trip..

[@MCIreland99]

Im literally on the first night of this trip. In larne so i can catch the ferry in the morning.

[@davidgladding675]

nice one, I will be taking 14 days so I can detour as much as I like..

[@COOPBLADE]

At Glencoe village if you have time cut round the loop to Kinlochleven. Great food at The Seafood Cafe on the north shore.

[@COOPBLADE]

You’ll love the Tomintoul Lecht road and then the Glenshee road.

[@MCIreland99]

Thanks !! Ill check it out !!!

[@jeffandrews6225]

Planning to do this trip in 2020. Thanks for the vlog. Cant wait to get started👍

[@MCIreland99]

If u havent done it before u wont be disappointed. Amazing route !

[@Steve--RR666]

If you are doing this ? Can I give some added advice Take a few extra days See more than the NC 400 First avoid Glasgow get the ferry to Dunoon Take the A83 to Tarbet Take a few extra days to take in the loop of Inveraray to Oban back down Glencoe go up through the Trossachs Dukes pass Through Killin up Braemer turn up from Balmoral towards Tomintoul Doing just the NC500 you miss some of the best biking roads in Scotland Hope you do try this Jeff you will love it

[@MCIreland99]

Cheers Steve, I have time now until my return next year to build it into my route !

[@wallaceshackleton1889]

You definately overthought the belach nan Ba. It's just a busy single track road...stuffed with bl**dy camper vans! The run up the coast after Allplecross is a scenic 10 on a good day.

[@MCIreland99]

Agreed, When I actually did it I was wondering what all the fuss was about. Its a lovely spin !

[@chrisowens3781]

Fantastic I’m trying to plan a trip this helped no end. What was the map sortware you are using

[@MCIreland99]

Hi Chris, i use myrouteapp. Its very good especially if u use a TomTom.

[@chrisowens3781]

@@MCIreland99 it looks good I just bought a Gs to do some good trips next year nc500 being one of them but the software basecamp for the Garmin nav6 is fooking shite far to complicated. It will be quicker to do the trip than to plan it on basecamp. Just started to watch your journey as we speak half way through part 1. Ireland what a cracking place my wife has family in limerick and Kilkenny. Anyway sorry for blagging your head. Thanks for the vids mate

[@Lifes-a-Commute]

Leaving tomorrow(6/8/2020)on my 80000 mile versys hope she makes it.Great vid cheers

[@MCIreland99]

Hopefully I won't be far behind you. ! Are you travelling from the UK or from Ireland or elsewhere ? Im curious what travelers from Ireland are doing with the returning 2 week quarantine ? I assume it applies to Scotland even though they are doing well, they are part of the UK which is not on the Green list in Ireland.

[@Lifes-a-Commute]

Adventure Bike Pilot hi mate I’m leaving from England(north Devon)not sure when I’ll get there I’m taking 2 month off to do England,Scotland and Wales at a steady pace.Time to think and sort my life out🤔get out of my comfort zone.Should be fun.Have a great trip.Ill look out for ya

[@MCIreland99]

Sounds like an fab trip !! Let me know how it goes !

[@Bucko92]

Great vid - me and a mate are doing the NC500 in a few weeks some great ideas that i've pinched for some view stops

[@MCIreland99]

Im heading over to do it this Thursday, so hopefully I'll have the actual trip footage up before you go.

[@Bucko92]

@@MCIreland99 That'll be brilliant to see before we do ours! we've got the route mostly all planned out which looks pretty similar to yours other than we are coming up via inverness from newcastle, but we are still undecided on overnight stops/ which view spots we want to hit. Hope you have a great time!

[@maxflight777]

“ Ben Nevis .... England’s highest mountain !” That’s going to upset Scots ! Hilarious 😂!” Thanks for posting your video, best wishes.

[@MCIreland99]

Lol, In my defence, i did apologise. I know how it feels, as an Irishman we are constantly called British and its very annoying. Im sure ive insulted lots of people during my ramblings, but im learning as I go and wouldn't do it intentionally.

[@jimstewart2192]

@@MCIreland99 never say England is anything to do with Scotland ya dafty boy 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 pml

[@MCIreland99]

@@jimstewart2192 my bad Jim. I know how it feels. Happens to us all the time and its very annoying ! No offence meant.

[@paulmcalonan4104]

I can't believe (and it's a popular theme) everyone wants to do isle of sky, as much as it's a beautiful island, it's nothing compared to the jewel of the islands,ARRAN , it is jaw dropping

[@MCIreland99]

Do both ! :)

[@davrac2008]

An excellent video, how did the trip go? And what would you have or did change?

[@MCIreland99]

Trip was amazing, I vlogged the whole thing so you can watch it. I wouldn't change a thing. I have a new 2020 version coming up and other than avoid some of the castles and just getting on with the route it's very similar ! The NC500 is the NC500 and theres only so many liberties I can take with the route ! :)

[@BobCollings]

Wonderful level of planning, I may borrow some of your route ideas for my own NC500 trip..I’m doing my route planning in Garmin Basecamp, what is the app that you are using?

[@MCIreland99]

Cheers Bob. I use MyRouteApp, I find it the best of them and you can share routes etc and download them to GPX files etc. PM me your email and I'll share the routes with you.

[@BobCollings]

Adventure Bike Pilot pm sent to your Facebook page

[@lewigreener9378]

Is this possible on a 125cc motorbike with l plates can't use motorways thinking on coming from Liverpool?

[@MCIreland99]

Hi Lewi, yes, once onto Loch Lomand the roads begin to get slower and smaller. The 125 would in fact be better than the bigger bikes when your up further north or on the Applecross etc. The only thing you may need to watch is your fuel range, the petrol stations are fairly spread out in the North West corner but you should be fine ! Let us know how you get on and enjoy it !

[@johnvaleriewelbers2995]

Thanks for sharing 😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦

[@mattsmith-yg8zg]

Can I whip your routes off my route app? I see they're public, but where can I find them please?

[@MCIreland99]

Sure, sorry I thought I had a link in there and u may need to sign up to myrouteapp if ur not already but try this. If it doesn't work giz a shout. www.myrouteapp.com/en/social/folder/1741998?mode=share

[@mattsmith-yg8zg]

That's them mate yeah. Thank you.

[@MCIreland99]

No worries. You may want to chop day 3 in half somewhere around thurso like I did. Depends on your driving style. TMF did it in 1 day but if your not a morning person like me then break it in two.

[@mattsmith-yg8zg]

Haha cheers. I'll need to customise every day to site accommodation and travelling from house. Cheers though mate, you've definitely saved me a lot of time researching and planning. Appreciated mate.

[@davidfhenderson8313]

hi look so good am planing one this year . what map app did you use ?

[@MCIreland99]

I use MyRouteApp.

[@MrTone41]

Thanks loads for this perfect detailed tour! Im doing this route in may 2021, but will be mixing camping with the odd hotel. Did you use routeplanner to work these roads out, and is it easy to use? Thanks again.

[@MCIreland99]

I used MyRouteApp. Yes it's very easy to use. Very similar to google maps and it's especially good if you have a TomTom as you can send the route straight to the TomTom but works fine with any device.

[@MRarchie2f]

Great route and detailed description of each leg. Any chance you could email me your planning big as I know

[@MCIreland99]

Cheers Archie. The planning route is here. www.myrouteapp.com/en/social/folder/1741998?mode=share

[@merkyw4187]

Amazing presentation..thanks..

[@MCIreland99]

Glad you liked it, more to come on Ring of Kerry etc

[@prat8529]

Thanks for posting this. It will deffo come in handy when I go in May... BTW. Did you enjoy it? Any tips?

[@MCIreland99]

I loved it ! Best motorbike trip ever !. Going back again in April. Book hotels well in advance if your going in high season. If your on a driving trip, plan no more that 200 miles a day when you get into highlands.

[@oc_geek337]

@@MCIreland99 How much travel time would be good to consider for a 250 Km section by motorbyke on the Highlands west coast ? thanks

[@MCIreland99]

@@oc_geek337 hard to say Davide, depends on a lot of factors like weather and your personal driving style and how often you stop.. id say about 4 hours but id certainly plan no more than 200 to 250 miles (320 to 400km) in a full day for a nice driving pace when up in the very nortwest corner.

[@shandon147]

Mind if I ask what’s the bit of software you used to plan your trip ?

[@MCIreland99]

Hi Martin, I have been using MyRouteApp. I bought a lifetime membership when it was a fledgling software for pretty cheap, it's gone a lot more expensive now, but the free version lets you do most of what you need. It's especially good if you use a TomTom with MyDrive as you can send routes straight to the Tom Tom with gpx conversion.

[@MCIreland99]

Correction. I meant to type "WITHOUT" GPX conversion

[@rampampaj]

Do you share somewhere a gpx file of this trip please?

[@MCIreland99]

www.myrouteapp.com/en/social/folder/1741998?mode=share

[@rampampaj]

@@MCIreland99 Thanks buddy 👍🏍🏴‍☠️

[@Rockabillykid23]

Day four looks a very long day

[@biscuitonabike4425]

I'd been passed my test 4 months when I did this, and Applecross was easy, even fully loaded in the fog. I don't know why people panic about it.

[@MCIreland99]

I agree, I was totally stressed about doing it before I left due to all the youtube video's, I was stressed almost to the point of dropping it from the route, but once I did it I was like..."is that it ?" Perhaps if the weather conditions were totally bonkers I might take a pass but otherwise it's a doddle.

[@motormedic414]

Second time for me..took the wife this time 2nd week in may great trip..

[@neilgordon3346]

motormedic would 4 days be enough to see this ?

[@UncleLongbeard]

Cool plannig buddy, you just said one wrong thing. Applecross is not the steepest road in the UK. Hardknott pass in Lakes is. And it is 30% steep. Applecross is quite easy road compared to hardknott but still difficult and stunning. BTW I was there about the same time. Cheers.

[@MCIreland99]

Thanks for the info ! I have the hardknot on my list of routes to do !. Applecross was fab ! The whole route was off the charts stunning. Already planning my return. Cant Wait !

[@maxflight777]

Consider taking a tent ! And I mean a Hilleberg or similar, not a shite one. Why do I say that ? Well, many reasons; It gives you way more flexibility “on the day”. Ride 50 or 550 miles a day as the weather /scenery suits ......The hotels up there are invariably old fashioned filthy and expensive. The whole goal of the trip is, presumably, to immerse yourself in the beauty of Scotland. To wake up, unzip the door and witness the Loch or mountain in front of you will add to your reward. I hope you have a great time. Ps the Green welly is disappointing ! Full of overweight coach passengers and their children! If you like waiting in a queue try it ! Mate, cross the road and 100m down there is a stunning cafe with far better food. (the “real food” cafe)

[@cryer3]

Do you think this route is doable in a car? Love to do it on a bike if I had one ha!

[@MCIreland99]

Hi Connor, yup a car will do it no probs.

[@cryer3]

Thanks mate! Looks like an awesome route

[@MrTone41]

Hi this is a great route!! is there any way you could send me it to my route app maybe?

[@MCIreland99]

Your in luck, all my routes I have in MyRouteApp. www.myrouteapp.com/en/social/folder/1741998?mode=share

[@MrTone41]

Great help thank you so much"

[@chrisbagley392]

Video would be better with audio which I could hear.

[@Rockabillykid23]

I can hear him

[@81craw]

Can hear him fine

[@7559kenny1]

volume to low couldn't watch

[@MCIreland99]

Sorry about that Kenny ! There was an issue with the Mic for the first 5 mins or so where it recorded only in Mono for some reason but it resolves itself after a few mins. I didn't realize until well after it was uploaded. It plays fine with the volume up on my devices and most people seem to hear it ok, but some people have had issue's depending on their settings, device or headphones. I have a new 2020 version of the same route with no Audio issues if you fancy trying that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4XUi5ejhr9nr80

[@peter6782]

couldn't hear a bloody!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MCIreland99]

Sorry about that Mac ! There was an issue with the Mic for the first 5 mins or so where it recorded only in Mono for some reason but it resolves itself after a few mins. I didn't realize until well after it was uploaded. It plays fine with the volume up on my devices and most people seem to hear it ok, but some people have had issue's depending on their settings, device or headphones. I have a new 2020 version of the same route with no Audio issues if you fancy trying that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4XUi5ejhr9nr80

[@homeandfamilyservices2650]

From a local.. for the locals. Please continue to stay away. Our roads have been so peaceful!!!

[@CorruptedYogi]

From a local for the local …… really. Why don’t you join Politics ffs 😂😂😂