NC500 Scotland Trip Day 2 Part 1 // Riding BMW R1250 GS Motorcycles // From Gairloch to Applecross!

Hi Everybody!
Ding ding ding! Round 2 of the Scotland Vlogs!
This was a long day and we crammed in loads! Meaning it will require a Part 2 as I am trying to keep these videos around 30 minute long so that they aren't absolute marathons!
Please enjoy the trials and tribulations of Applecross and all the wonders that it has to offer!
I hope you enjoy!
Looking forward to getting Day 2 part 2 edited for you lot :)
Thanks!
Usernamekate 🏁
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[@volt8684]

Fantastic thanks for the views. I could never listen to that bmw engine soundtrack permanently. So many nicer ones. Thanks for fab channel

[@joebloggs1317]

Everybody kept telling me to do Applecross and I of course didn't expecting it to be an anticlimax. Eventually I did and took the same route in as yourselves, and of course I was right, a bit rubbish. I stopped just before cresting the top and made a brew thinking what a waste of time as I knew it would be, but then I rode over the top, my God, what a vision, photographs and film will never be able to express how beautiful the place is. If there is a heaven, this is what it should look like. Absolutely amazing. If you are riding north DO NOT take the first turn for Applecross, get out your map (remember those) and find the route they took on this video, I promise you won't regret it.

[@paulquigley2517]

"Disney park for motorcycles" this sums things up perfectly! Loving the videos Kate, I had a bike nearly 10 years ago, then kids came along. I will get back to it someday. The camping the NC500 is on the bucket list, as is a monster euro trip. Keep up the good work!

[@SpiroZoren]

Have been over Belach na ba to Applecross a couple of times (but going the other way). Once in cooler conditions and once in similar weather (Fazer 1000 and Z1000SX). Great both times and Applecross has a superb vibe if you stay over and watch the sun go down from outside the Applecross Inn. Nice to see it again in such great weather.

[@chriswidger8575]

My parents and I did Applecross on a ZZR1200, 2 up, and a SV650 with no rear shock! Fully loaded and in the rain

[@8610sarge]

Yet more amazing views, you were defoe lucky with the weather, doing it on my bike brings torture to mind, but it'll be interesting........

[@andrewowen7483]

Awesome and super narration ☀️👍🏍

[@PLRMoto]

That’s the east side going into Applecross.. the coastal route as it runs round down into Applecross. It’s more dramatic coming in from the other side.

[@jameshind6644]

Agreed. The Bealach na ba side is much more scary. I did it many years ago on a ktm990 in a howling gale and I was travelling at a 60degree angle for most of it.

[@gazoutabout]

Great day for it Kate 😎 not put my footage of Applecross up yet, I got stuck behind a grounded campervan had to stop exactly where your parking brake clip was (alas no parking brake on a Super Tenere), still a stunning road, well as long as you don't do a Mike 😳 great video 😎👍

[@davewash50]

Did the applecross from the Eilean Donan castle end. On an ‘17 GSRallye Sport, and the weather was just like yours, but we were in September. Great commentary Kate, on the sheep, cattle grids and blue bins!! Loved it!👍👍

[@andrewfiggins6847]

Going over there tomorrow in a Vw scirocco Salmon fishing this time at Alness been over a lot, went through Glen Coe two years ago to Triumphfest at the Isle of Skye on my Daytona 675 never get sick of the ride fantastic rain or shine enjoy

[@jeffgershenberg2757]

Just completed 2000 miles from Manchester to John O’Groats and back. Our route took us up the west coast down the east. Truly the most spectacular roads and scenery I’ve ridden on. Rented a new Triumph Tiger 900 GT from A1 Triumph in York. The bike was exceptional in every way. 12 days on the road and only donned rain gear once on Isle of Skye. Top of the bucket list ride… Kate your video makes me want to do it all over again the other direction…

[@HippoDrones]

You know when the words "Just WOW" are used on bike trips, it is an absobloomin awesome trip! :D The weather, the views, the vehicles letting you pass, awesome stuff. Now go tell Mike to pay attention on skinny roads! :D

[@deanharris9331]

Awesome footage kate. Fantastic scenery. Can you imagine going shopping for a loaf of bread.......I'll see you in 2 days! 😁

[@karlreed257]

I did it 4 days ago on my 2021 nc750x. The weather was mixed showers and sunshine. Loved it though.

[@aidebethune]

I did it this year on a Tiger Explorer 1200. The weather was the same as yours. Loved every minute of it. We did it the other way round tho.

[@Harry-sb3op]

Done it only 2 weeks ago ( third time this year ) but have ridden it dozens of time since first trip in 1990 on CBR1000 since then on R100gs,R1100GS,Street triple, KTM 990 Adv ,and currently R1250GS. Had you gone straight on at your start point you would have arrived at your finish point which creates the "ring of madness" approx 60 miles and best appreciated in both directions. Weather has varied from sunshine to fog and thunderstorms but always great fun just the amount of risk that increases. The views from the top are terrific and especially from the top of the mast! ( that's another story ) Glad you enjoyed. Cheers Aitch Big Trail Bike Club

[@stewartentwiistle952]

I've done it six times over the last ten years...... first time on my new RC8R..... it's been cloudy and/or raining everytime except this year which I did on my superduke 1290R and the weather was glorious..... it was two weeks before you was up there...... we usually just do the Balach Na Ba both ways

[@n0rthernl1ght18]

I did Applecross in June 2018 when we had that big heatwave. Set off from my accommodation near Plockton at 6am and had the entire pass to myself. Clear skies and a full view of Skye in all its glory looking south. By 10am heading further up the west coast it was 25c! Couldn't believe my luck. Did it on a CB500X. I'm doing the outer hebrides next year and will ferry over to Ullapool and down the coast and do Applecross in reverse. This time on an F800 GSA. Great video, you're bringing back some great memories for me.

[@jw9955]

Did the NC500 anti clockwise June 2021 on a Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport. Weather over the pass was terrible. Thick mist and very busy. Wasn't able to see much and it took an age to get over the pass due to the fog, heavy rain, and cyclists coming up very slowly . Glad you were able to show me how it looked in fine weather. I have to go back and do it again. Great video

[@carlridesmotorcycles]

Great video. Did Applecross last month on a Honda Transalp 650 and it was very foggy until we got onto the coastal road at the bottom.

[@justmejohn773]

That'll do Kate. As they say in Yorkshire.

[@charledchapman6802]

hi kate nice 1 as you ride like a dream as i love to take my ktm 990 over 2 GAIRLOCH TO APPLECROSS as the road is so awesome

[@peterson9965]

I just like the sound of the GS

[@tommyhall7043]

We done it in a motor home 2021, high stress but glad we done it. The whole NC 500 is a must❤

[@johnbrown3951]

We did the pass in August this year in a Land Rover Discovery Sport not a chance I would have done it on two wheels as we did it in the middle of a Lightning storm to the point small stones and boulders were being washed down the road. At one point the road was closed to allow an Ambulance time to recover a fallen cyclist who we were told was in a bad way. What an awesome road and stunning scenery so proud to be a Scot. We went over the other way to you up the really steep road and back more slowly as camper vans blocked the road for a good hour or so.

[@spudgunson]

I rode the NC 500 in October 2020. I rode it anti clockwise so up the East coast and down the West. It rained most of the way around and was freezing cold but was brilliant fun. Applecross was in the clouds so I enjoyed watching your ride in clear weather. I did it on a Harley Dyna twin cam. Great vlogs 👍

[@gordonshand8598]

Great video. Loved the pronunciations along the way! You certainly got the weather for the Bealach [Bee-al-ach as it's known locally]. Different story/journey when the rain/mist/sleet's against you. Worth it for the food at the Applecross inn though. Off to find the next instalment now!!

[@UsernameKate]

I'll save you a search! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWTQaJiqabZ8pMk thanks for the kind words 😄

[@chema1546]

Ok 👍👌 super Kate

[@michellemallory1300]

We recently did applecross aswell as 3 years ago, 2 up, fully loaded, on a Kawasaki versys 1000, Scotland is amazing and the scenery is out of this world. X

[@UsernameKate]

The scenery is something else! 😊

[@deepjoyrides]

I did it in both directions on a 2016 r1200rs sport se. Loved it. Weather was very similar to your ride

[@UsernameKate]

Sounds ace! Gotta love dry roads and sunshine!

[@drbanana1930]

After camping the night in Applecross late August I came over the pass in a thick cloud so I got none of the views, so it was great to see your vid to see what I missed - thank you! Great road though eh?

[@demonic082]

New drinking game.... Everytime Kate says Oh Wow.....

[@UsernameKate]

Or what a guy 🤣

[@Rocketboy-qg6ts]

Did the NC500 a year ago on a BMW 1250GS Adventure. 5 days of beautiful sunshine and then did Snowdonia on the way south back home. Great Vid K, reminded me of the fun trip. ✌️

[@wilswood8137]

We’ve just done the full cross and loved it Kate We both ride , mine a Kim 1290r superduke and the mrs a Ducati scrambler , it was wet and foggy at the top , we LOVED IT , and obviously we’ve got to go back , to do it in the weather you had 😁👌👍🏼

[@timsteventon9446]

We did the NC last year, full week lovely weather, it can happen. Picos mountains come April on the new GS rallye. Can't wait. Great videos mate.

[@UsernameKate]

Tim, I AM JEALOUS! That sounds next level. Picos Mountains... in April... on a GS. The granddaddy of adventure bikes. Enjoy it Tim!

[@TeddyRides]

Hi Kate The rd you was on in the second half of your vid is the Bealach na Ba; me & my brother passed the opposite way you did it on our rd trip back in June he was on his Triumph Bonneville and me on my Triumph Trident 660.

[@1Markyparky]

This brings back memories of when I did this a couple of years ago on my old 1200gs. This road is great fun and the views are stunning. Living in Cumbria I have Wrynose and Hardknot on my doorstep and those are definitely more of a challenge albeit shorter and steeper. We'll done with the weather though 🌞🌞

[@grumpsrides6074]

Cycling up Applecross, you're not a psychopath..........you are a 'cycle path' 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@og5096]

thank you for sharing

[@nigelcopestake3618]

The 'Pass of cattle' absolutely awesome, although some people find it daunting. Ridden it several times, although I think it's best to ride it from the Loch Carron side to the view point at the top of the pass, then do the reverse and come back down. Usually ride my 2004 BMW Boxer Cup Replica for my trips to Scotland.

[@bonniechops1]

Glad the weather was awesome for your trip 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@UsernameKate]

2 days of rain out of 8. I'd call that a win for Scotland!

[@alhaman5265]

Hi Kate & Mike just returned from Scotland trip nc500 with my bro was inspired by your videos and yes its absolutely stunning country and the views, you had goid weather by looks of it got told by local first time in q2 yrs coukd sea the valley from the top of mountain without the morning mist so we were very lucky, anyways have posted a couple of short videos you can chuckle at, enjoy your channel keep the videos coming and keep it rubber side down from Al in Cheshire x

[@markwilliam8936]

Hi Kate, Ive done the NC500 on my old Yamaha YBR 125. Camping all the way, no money in the wet, very fun times.

[@fidelcastro9579]

Excellent work. Scotland in the sunshine is impossible to beat. Just amazing. 👌

[@Thatbeardedguy86]

That’s incredible! I just finished my Scotland NC500 trip last month. Rode from Italy all the way up and back. You stayed at the exact same hotel as I did. 😅

[@neilwilliams9844]

Hi Kate ,I done the Nc 500 in may ,on my last but 1 day while in applecross my rear brake pads hit the metal ,so I decided to get home in 1 go, so I went over the pass & 630 miles & 12 hours to south wales without pressing my back brake, triumph speedmaster 1200.

[@jamieperry6367]

We did it in August two up full luggage on a 2003 Honda vfr800 vtec. The weather was poor(drizzle) until we started Applecross pass from Applecross, then the sun came out and the views were stunning 😍

[@okiwatashi2349]

I did it years ago, woefully unprepared with some pals. I was on a Yamaha xs250, my pals had various superdreams, cx500s etc. Sleeping bags, no tents rucksacks full of cheap cider. It’s a myth that Scotlands weather is rubbish, it’s always like you got it, we just don’t want too many tourists! That may not be entirely true. As I watch the series it may become apparent, but why didn’t you go round applecross on the way to gairloch? Just found your channel, as I’m trading my 13 gs in, still haven’t decided what to get. I’d love a 1250, but I can’t afford it. I found your f900xr te review, that’s the current front runner. Thanks!

[@955rider03]

Stumbled across your v-logs, loving seeing someone a bit down to earth and not just race focused. Keep up the great vids, funny commentary and interesting content. Love the scenery there , you have some great parts of the world to enjoy it seems.

[@marklearmonth928]

Last time I rode there was back in May 15 on my then new RSV4 went the same route as you did epic roads and cracking views 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😁✊

[@obionecoyle3295]

I rode the “pass of the cattle” the other way on my 99 blade and camped at the Applecross campsite, stunning 👍.

[@seaninness334]

Sorry I'm late to this, @7:22 taking a moment to write. Just marveling at the views. I would love to ride Scotland and have distant relatives near Edinburgh and enjoying your accent. My American ears kind of marvel at your pronunciation of words like "stunning" and "scenery". Nice way to start my day.

[@RogueRiderUk]

I did it on a Triumph Sprint GT 1050.... it was misty and raining and cold.... but still "just wow"!! I miss Scotland!!

[@Screamifyoumeanit]

Loved the vid Kate... Onboard rides tickle me silly, I.E. all (most) of the fun with no effort... The NC 500 is on my 'Hit list' for next year.

[@gazthebook]

Looks amazing 🤩

[@johncourt9580]

Hi Kate, Hi Mike, thanks for sharing these beautiful videos. Your Go Pro view and commentary is just perfect, and fantastic scenery. This was my first look at Applecross, so beautiful, and the roads are designed for bikers! That was so entertaining, thank you both.💗💑💗

[@B0M0A0K]

Have to say, I thought your man was off at 22:15!! Pretty sure that bacon roll made an immediate, unscheduled appearance as that went off. My heart was in my mouth.

[@davem3008]

Did this in the opposite direction a couple of days ago..... just awesome, however we all got soaked and frozen on the way up there, but was still a cracking trip! Great vid Kate 👌

[@franktherabbit85]

Was up there in July & went over (kind of) the Bealach na Ba twice. First time (my VFR750) from the Shieldag side & it was so misty, we stopped at the top & came back the same way. Second time (NC700 hired from Haggis M/cycle Tours) from the Applecross side. Beautiful weather & the NC was far more manageable. Enjoy your trip.

[@tahirsharif9461]

Brilliant. Stunning weather, views and ride. Daytime midgies - that’s a scary thought! I usually only get eaten alive early morning or dusk…. they also want their 24x7 snack bar open!

[@turbobock]

Did this earlier this year, was amazing.

[@mac46rr]

Brilliant vid that. Beautiful place. Did it the t’otha way on an 1190 Adv cool quite windy and damp so yeah it was June! 😁😆still great. Up there a couple years ago in the van with dogs etc. Glorious weather 🤷🏻‍♂️😁 Look forward to the next episode Kate 👍

[@iainamurray]

This looks amazing! I really ought to visit next time I visit fam in Scotland. I'm just over 6ft tall so in no position to give advice about riding a bike you can't comfortably touch the floor on, but just on the off chance you've not heard of her, I'd recommend watching Jocelin Snow rider vids. She's about 5ft and her control of a GS is nothing short (tee hee) of awesome!

[@UsernameKate]

Yes! I have watched Jocelyn, she is amazing!

[@maycrotch8576]

Really enjoyed this Kate, Mike had a close one there. You're a 🌟 Kate.

[@AlexisHernandez-cl4en]

That is an amazing drive for them bikes no mention the stoning views Excellent video Kate keep them coming 🤟👌👍

[@UsernameKate]

Thank you! 😃

[@craigjaundrell3304]

Not done Bealach na Bah on the motorcycle. But did it 20 year ago as one of those insane maniacs you mentioned Kate. Had the weather on side aswell .

[@turbotomo5956]

Did it last year with my pal on my ktm super duke r and he used his yam super ten ,the weather was fab 👍

[@steveallan3306]

You are so right with that coast road to Applecross Kate - need to take it slow and look ahead. Gairloch Hotel not the best but its a place to sleep, I'll give it that! Do they still have the fully carpeted lift ; ) lol

[@gregwooller600]

Absolutely love these videos. Those roads look amazing and even more so when it’s a cold, wet and dark evening.

[@paulbrook2459]

Brilliant video 👍 the scenery go on all day up there , I’ll be go up there again 😎

[@gazgleeson5669]

Rode it a number of times kate on various bikes.. but we always come in from the direction you rode downwards.. have a coffee turn around snd ride back down.. your arse would've certainly fell out going up over... especially not on your own bike... well done 👏 another great video...

[@Mtthwpez]

Fantastic roads! Looked like a dream to ride.

[@alessandraR1250GS]

Beautiful video... I have the same bike r 1250 Gs triple black, the Queen , but I'm not as good as you. Great!🤗🤗

[@derekgray7716]

That's my back yard playground, I remember seeing a coach drive round the tight hairpin and thinking to myself that ain't going to work!!! But it did, fair play to the driver. Cool video from a lovely part of the world 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@paulbeales1462]

Hi Kate, enjoying the Vlogs of your Scotland trip. I managed to follow in you tyre tracks around the NC500 in September (12th-18th) and had a fantastic trip with literally 1 minute of rain for the whole week of riding!!…….thankfully Cocoa Mountain in Durness was open for us 😋! First tour on the K1600GT and am continually impressed by it, even up and over the Bealach na Ba to Applecross. Hope to see you soon at Williams as I need some tyres!! Off to see Foggy next Friday at Towcester Racecourse as part of his “meet Foggy” tour. Take care and see you soon. 👍🏼

[@RichO1701e]

Super vid Kate! I love this part of the NC500! The scenery is unbelievable. You got the PERFECT weather for it. Shame you got stuck behind that HGV for most of the way up. I did it with a mate last year, August 2020, but from Skye, over Bealach na Ba, Applecross, Shieldaig and Gairloch in similar weather. Did it on my VFR800, I'd only passed my test the previous September, so the NC500 was my first big tour. Honestly can't wait to go back and do it again. They've added extra passing places on the Bealach na Ba pass, widened some of the bends as well and going by your footage, at 22:56, an extra viewing platform at the top looking down the valley. Some people just used to stop in the passing places to take photos! 😡😡 At 14:55, there's a brilliant parking lay-by to stop and take in the scenery, the views across to Skye are just breath-taking. Brought back some good memories, thanks Kate and Mike, top notch viewing again. 🤙🏻🤙🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴

[@paulguthenberg364]

Great ride Kate 👍 I was speechless as well whenever you were focusing 😎🏍🇨🇦

[@charlesemerson6763]

Wow!!!!. Wonder what it'll be in part 2.

[@kevinrobb86]

This is perfect for a DCT transmission, a more relaxed ride and more time to take in the views, 24.53 the burn at right middle snakes like the road

[@grumpsrides6074]

You should really come and try some of the mountain roads, here in Wales. Especially The Devil's Staircase. But be careful, you often meet a logging lorry, coming the other way!!

[@manselltache5322]

Applecross on a CB650r in driving rain and thick fog with two mates on GSAs. I was not so happy, they just chugged on.

[@jonathandorward]

Try it the other way with wind & rain on a RT 1250.Madness...!!! Hence gone back to a GS.

[@nigeltankard6977]

So I did the pass on early morning last year on my Honda Crosstourer, I was very lucky that I had no other traffic on to deal with. Love the way you gave Mike a hard time for messing around. Roll on the next vlog 😀

[@abdultawabasifi1057]

Awesome view, thanks for sharing waiting for more

[@Jafmanz]

great vid. i'll be doing this on a 125 next year nice and slow...

[@mickanderson4002]

i did applecross in the rain on a sinnis terrain 125 and the rest of the NC500 all the way from chorley lancashire without using any motorways it was epic but this looks so much better

[@Vladimir-gq2ho]

Very nice trip and the scenary, thank you... 😊

[@twoeyedbob]

We had snow at the top one year ..😳 Gone every year for 10yrs Live near Glasgow so it ain’t far 😁 ‘ I Was on a cracking old vfr750 that year

[@SouthWest-jj8yu]

Good watch Kate, as you might realise the road you took away from Applecross was the pass not the road along the coast. I’ve done it many times last time in 2017 on a GS two up fully loaded never had the weather though always been raining👍

[@susanalker3997]

Looks fab xx

[@davidtrotter7488]

2009 BMW GS, raining stair rods. My mate dropped his Honda Cross Tour. But it was enjoyable and memorable.

[@SWR112]

I’ve done the coast road after doing the pass a good few times under blue sky. So usually traveling in the opposite direction. We usual did it as a large party, one year it was a group of seventeen cars that caused a bit of chaos especially to the guy traveling in your direction towing a caravan, he had to reverse as there was as I said 17 of us. We helped like and it was done in good humour. I enjoyed this but it’s just as fun on four wheels. I’m not a biker but would be great to do on a bike at your relaxed speeds. Typing as I watch so hope you meet the Highland Cows.

[@waynekirman]

Did Applecross a couple of weeks before you did it on the new S1000R sport. Great ride but we had missle all the way. We seemed to ride in the clouds once we started the climb. So seeing your great footage of the views was breathtaking.

[@athollmcnicoll256]

To answer ur Q concerning shopping, in olden days before everyone had SUV's, folk would ring the shop and have the Postman bring up supplies on his mail rounds but now its all different. As for the Highland Cows, they have seen it all before, so nothing much displeases them and probably think "Oh another one or two of them 2 wheelers that make noise as they whizz by." That is them that can think, as some are too busy with the Midgies. Cheers Kate, so how is Mike's finger?

[@mikep.9371]

Just a stunning ride Kate. Drivers here don't know where their tires are on a four lane highway, let alone on that narrow stretch of asphalt. People would have funny looks on their faces when, tens of years ago, I would drive a cab-over tankwagon to a mountain lake delivering petro. Have any been made "one way only"? Some fun goes missing when worrying about a borrowed bike or vehicle too. Cannot wait (as always) for part two.

[@BeanieBiker_AutisticRider]

you got lucky with the weather that's for sure

[@UsernameKate]

We really really did! 🙌

[@Maddog-68]

I done it on an R NineT Scrambler on the same route you took, was a perfect bike for those roads.

[@bjornerikhagen9179]

Greetings from Norway I just came across your vlog about this NC500 route,as I'm planning to do this myself next year if the world has become more back to "normal". But I'll do it on my K 1200 LT. Great views. Bjorn.

[@marksarvari1450]

Hi Kate , I did applecross in torrential rain at with white water on the tight switch backs , god knows how I stayed on the bike , oh and I feel for you with the midges