Scotland by BMW R1200GS Part 4 - Ullapool to Thurso on the North Coast 500

Scotland by BMW R1200GS Part 4 - Ullapool to Thurso on the North Coast 500 - At long last I've made the time to tour Scotland by motorcycle. In this fourth episode I ride from Ullapool to Thurso on MCN's suggested "North Coast 767" route which includes the "official" North Coast 500...stay tuned to see how I got on...
The Route from MCN: www.google.com...
I'm now on that Twitter thing! Join me @MissendenFlyer
I use the following equipment to record and edit my VLOGs:-
GoPro HD Hero 4 helmet camera amzn.to/2lQVI1a
GoPro Session (4) "B" Camera amzn.to/2lTT0oz
Nikon D7100 DSLR for static and video shots with various lenses amzn.to/2lU1gEX
Lavalier microphone and sellotape for in helmet audio amzn.to/2kOZVOU
BOYA BY-M1 3.5 mm Lavalier Microphone for in-garage pieces amzn.to/2pVAf4X
Movo LV20 Dual Lavalier Clip-on Microphones for 2 person interviews amzn.to/2qQuw5r
Power Director 8 for the PC (for video editing) amzn.to/2kP3HaR
Radio mic for in garage audio amzn.to/2lpq61B
Rode VIDEOMICPRO On Camera Microphone for general use amzn.to/2qvcZwv
Rode Deadcat VMPR Windshield to kill wind noise amzn.to/2qroOWG
Neewer CN 160 LED Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Video Light amzn.to/2qQPEs2
Goliton® Camera DSLR Triple Mount for LED Video Lights Microphones amzn.to/2rpUlGg
A pair of Lantoo LED Floodlight 50W for additional lighting amzn.to/2rpOKjs
My current motorcyles are:-
Honda CRF250L
Triumph Street Triple R
BMW R1200GS
Ducati 899 Panigale
For any additional enquiries please send a PM or leave a comment below...

[@goldwingrider7372]

You've convinced me! Booked the flights, booked the bike hire (Honda VFR 800 Crossrunner), got permission from SWMBO............I'm doing this in May! Can't wait!

[@sharpbends]

Spectacular landscape indeed. This part of the journey had nice pace and rhythm, getting a good sense now of what touring's like on the GS, thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for coming along...gave me someone to talk too!

[@karlikirk21]

I have done this from Manchester on an FJS600 Silverwing scooter 2 up. Slight difference because I went anti clockwise and took in the Orkneys from Scrabster. Also the weather was better for me as I did it in August and spent 2 weeks in the Orkneys. Fantastic.

[@thomaschilds8781]

Thurso: you could live here and it wouldn't be too terrible. Sounds like an entry in Hitchhiker's guide

[@michaeljdonnelly8735]

Thanks again for delivering another superb Vlogg. I really appreciate the effort you put in on our behalf.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Michael J Donnelly Thank you Michael, it really is my pleasure...

[@ThePalmatron]

Fantastic vid! Thanks again...Brings back happy memories of hill bashing trips in the NW highlands.....

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good stuff, thanks for watching and for stopping by - TMF

[@paulwil19]

I agree with Rod Duncan 27 mins flew by. Been looking at your playlists Interesting bloke with some amazing toys. Spoke to you last fri getting used to my GS I am sorry I didn't get one years ago.....keep it up TMF looking forward to next friday.....

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers Paul - and good to hear from you again....all the best - TMF

[@spetersonmusic]

Videos like this one require absolute attention - you cannot afford to play it in a background tab and work... this is a 100% eye popping/learning/fascinating and interesting journey! Thanks for taking us along!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Great stuff, thanks Scott, great to have you along on this one...

[@tricky.pixels]

What a great adventure and so wonderful to watch...thanks for all your hard work...

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you very much!

[@colinwarner2861]

Find myself watching more and more of your vids. Done the 500 but in a car. Plan on biking it. The soporific voice makes sense now after hearing you mention being a pilot. I can imagine staring out the window as you tell us we are landing lol. Great vids.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks Colin!

[@BikingWithCraig]

You are seriously making me consider taking my FZ1 Fazer touring .... looks absolutely amazing. Excellent series again TMF, thanks 👍🏻

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for watching - glad you enjoyed it!

[@sullybiker6520]

Absolutely loving this. Took me back to my childhood seeing those low tide sands - I used to stay on Skye a lot and saw similar scenes.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes it is beautiful up there isn't it - thanks for watching - TMF

[@paulgriffiths6404]

Thanks for sharing. I am really enjoying the series so far. This was a route I did many years ago and forgot just how beautiful this place was. After seeing this series, this is route that must be done again. Safe riding....

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Paul Griffiths Thank you Paul and I agree, I'll definitely be back....

[@gretchensghost]

Only a townie would swap all that beauty and space for the ability to get a take away or some tat delivered from Amazon Prime! Great vid as always.

[@charliefarlie6469]

Hey TMF, another great episode of the Scottish tour. I pulled into my regular /local fuel station here in York yesterday prior to taking a ride over the North Yorkshire moors to the coast for coffee and cake and there was a group of 9 or 10 Belgian riders all on GS 1200's all fuelling up, I asked them which way they were headed and they told me that they were booked in at a hotel in Ullapool that night!!! Big up to them , they couldn't possibly have been doing it the same route as you ( COULD THEY ?? ) , I mean , even in a fairly direct route via Glasgow it's well in excess of 400 miles . Roll on next month , me, my son and a mate of mine are headed north so praying that this weather holds . Ride safe, best regards , Chris

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No way Chris, unless their GS's had rotor blades they certainly would have got to Ullapool well after last orders! Have a great trip and fingers crossed for this great weather continuing....TMF

[@335fusion]

Not to hijack this cracking vlog, but just back from a GS trip across the Moors & Dales, and Yorkshire is right up there with Scotland - beautiful.

[@kiwiandyt123]

Another great video from a beautiful corner of the world! I went on a climbing holiday up in the NW of Scotland many years ago - I took a day off the climbing at one point and drove some of the roads you were on in this video. One of my abiding memories was walking on a beautiful and totally deserted beach where the only footprints were mine and an otter's!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I'm very impressed you knew it was an otter's footprints!

[@garriemchugh8692]

yes superb feel like I've been waiting ages for the next part. I'm doing it this year and can't wait. great videos.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You'l love it - it;s a superb route....enjoy!

[@sczscoob212]

Great video, regular routes for me in summertime on my bikes. Scenery blows me away every time I head across there.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+scz scoob Yes it's a gorgeous part of the world for sure...

[@Theshybiker]

Just been watching and it took me back 30 years to when I went over that route, mind you I was in a 45’ artic lorry at the time but it’s so stunning! The only route from Ullapool to Thurso but so brilliant to drive/ride. Got to get back there soon

[@stephenmcqueen4029]

Great video, been a long time since I worked at Dounreay as a contractor. There's no Nuke weapons there but there were 3 reactors, one of them was a prototype fast breeder reactor. There's the DFR (Dounreay fast reactor) and the PFR (prototype fast reactor), dunno what the other one was. Thurso is a big town, plenty of pubs as there were 2000 men working there in the heydays. These vids are a great distraction for me as I'm stuck in Spain on a holiday away from my bike. There was a runway at the site for emergencies I guess or bigwigs, rest of us had to use Wick. There was also a exhibition site there but the terrorist threat closed it down. I did visit it once to the great surprise of the staff. You've inspired me to try the 500 now so I'll get planning.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Great stuff Stephen fascinating - I love it when you can get great local intell like this (gotta love the internet)...and what a waste of a decent looking runway!

[@alantorry3900]

Stephen McQueen m

[@chubbybrown4real]

Alan Torry HMS Vulcan Next door has a vanguard Sub reactor on land.

[@dansneyd4646]

Stephen McQueen there is also a great surf break at Thurso

[@ScragNath]

Stephen McQueen - Didn't you contract into the 'Need to Know' policy?

[@peterkipfer7639]

Here I am in Mexico in my Solario, the way one calls that here. I live at an altitude of 1930m, enjoying that great motorcycle trip up in Northern Scotland. Great driving and commentaries to your trip. Feels like I am riding right with you! Keep riding Peter

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Peter Kipfer Brilliant, thanks Peter...

[@laughingmole]

Great video - thanks for all your fine work. About to ride my third North Scotland loop (aka NC500), did it in 2008 and 2012 before it became so popular. It's magic - to me it's the thin single track roads on the West Coast that make it, that feeling of truly getting away from the normal hubub of urban life! The eastern A9 is missible. It's a journey that deserves lots of stops for photos, coffee, local food and sucking up the scenery - with less focus on the destination and getting the miles in - schedule less miles a day for a better experience. And even try some wild camping...

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

….I think I might give the camping a miss!

[@zorrozorro42]

You've actually managed to bring a tear to my eye today mate. Born & bred in Scotland and lived there for 51 years but we left for Provence 18 months ago. I'll probably never be back. You're selling my country well. P.S. The bridge you stopped at was at Kylesku and the waters below were famous as the location used for testing mini-subs in, I think, WW2. There's a memorial there in memory of the submariners who lost their lives.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Ah wow, thanks for that Gordon...I love Provence too, maybe my next tour will be around your current neck of the woods.....

[@zorrozorro42]

I could tell but I'd have to kill you :) No, it's a good point & a fair question. I can't really go into too much detail but we're both gardeners and we lived in a tied house in Scotland. The boss decided to up-sticks and move to Provence and gave us the option to move with him, an option we took. Provence is not the worst place in the world :)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+buggeroff - have you been to Aix en Provence? There's nothing not to like about it......

[@zorrozorro42]

I'm in Saint-Remy-de-Provence and it's like living in a theme park. It's gorgeous. Scotland, particularly the north-west - trumps it, but only on a good day. In one of my earlier comments I alluded to being a coalman in Poolewe and having Applecross as a monthly run. Well, we also went as far north as Achiltibue and, trust me, on a good day there is no better.

[@MAPPED]

I remember filling up at the very same station in Ullapool on our tour of the NC500 last month! Great footage - great seeing another riders point of view on such a great ride!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I enjoyed watching yours too :0)

[@melfzs]

Great video, Me and my wife did this route in the last week in June on our 650 Vstrom , we did 1,350 miles in three and a half days ,we left Stockport Thursday at twelve noon and arrived back on Sunday at 21.00. while riding in Scotland it didn't go dark until 10.30, so we were riding until about 8.30 at night until we looked for a campsite , we camped at Glen Nevis at Fort William , Ardmair point just outside Ullapool , and Dornoch about ninety miles south of John'o Groats , and from there straight back to Stockport , a brilliant and as you say challenging trip at times ( Applecross pass) , but an amazing trip .We didn't realise how vast Scotland is , we came across the BMW owners group at Dornoch and they advised us the best time to do the trip next time would be the last couple of weeks in May or early June , as they have been doing rides up there for the last fifteen years .The weather we had was similar to what you had apart from horrendous winds on the ride from Durness to John o' Groats and from there to Dornoch , which apparently were unusual for that time of the year , however we can't wait to go back , hence sat here with a brew watching your video , thanks again , Mel Seaton . PS . Two days after we did a five hundred mile return trip to Sidmouth , Vstroms really are all day comfortable !

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Great stuff! Glad you liked the video....al the best - TMF

[@MyAvaGrace]

Great video. I did the Route a couple of years ago. you passed 2 lochs just after the bridge you stopped to look at. Christened the place midge hell. We stopped for a photo shot, and got eaten alive. Also had 4 season in one spot. in the matter of 10 minutes, or so it seemed. Fantastic part of the world though.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I got the 4 seasons in one day treatment too as you saw - thankfully no midges in April. Thanks for watching - TMF

[@spooksy1982]

TheMissendenFlyer /ninjago utubeap

[@micksmith1984]

Another great video, thank you. You've just inspired me to get out early in the morning for a few hours!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Mick Smith Nice one Mick, enjoy...

[@robduncan599]

That 27 mins just flew past . Great job tks

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you Rob - stay tuned for part 5 next Friday!

[@marcoluoma3770]

Thanks for this video. I’m planning a tour of Scotland and England next year and you’re giving me some great route advice. Also you’re reminding me that most of my relatively bad days on a bike are caused by planning too many miles and not enough stops.

[@fullhog]

Mr Flyer... Never stop stopping.. if you know what I mean!

[@GordonHunter]

Almost feel I have 'done' the trip, thanks! Interesting comments about choice of bike for different trips as someone with a sports bike and an adventure Africa Twin - I look forward to your next sports bike day fun route.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you Gordon - one more to come yet!

[@spotty_cat26]

Again, Great vid. It must be one of the least rainy videos of Scotland yet! and no midges!! Good work fella.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Would have been even better if it had been filmed today!

[@Vernon240]

Don't post an update just when I'm about to go for a ride...Sun shining so I'll look forward to watching tonight! Love the series on this. Superb as ever TMF.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers Vernon - enjoy the sunshine...what a difference a month makes eh!

[@Vernon240]

Exactly. I've had to take the lining out of my airflow jacket and everything!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Me too! ...it's great!

[@sampan9]

Amazing! Have a lot of regard and respect for your videos. I know how hard it is to charge (equipment) and remember every damn thing when using bike cameras and still keep talking and taking us all with you on your journey. This time a week on Friday I will be on day two of my 4 day NC trip with family. SUV this time - Bike, the next trip. Have to thank you for inspiring me.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Samar Pankanti Thank you Samar and enjoy your trip!

[@grim6107]

as soon as lockdown goes down a few tiers .. Im on these roads..... its been a while since I watched this last.. but its a great route and well worth another watch..

[@HJC1950]

Thanks for taking us along on an epic ride. For chilly weather you can't beat an electric vest - just plug it in to the aux socket. Mine has an on/off toggle and I have to turn it off at red lights - I get too warm.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Harold Clark Yes I must look into that!

[@trolleyboy1000]

I really enjoy watching your videos, this one especially, great reminder of my trip round the nc500. I rode it on my trusty 600rr, you were right about doing it on a sports bike. looking forward to giving it another go this year. keep up the good work.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks Craig....

[@M0S3ST0NE]

Awesome Drive through all the roads I have driven, and not a change in 10 years. Glad to have had you in our beautiful country, much love to you and yours. ;0

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you...

[@hopgood007]

Hey TMF - Part 4 fantastic, up to your usual high standard. I did ride to Brecon and the Ellan Valley Reservoirs yesterday from Warwickshire and the Welsh scenery was amazing. The A44 is another motorcycling gem right on our doorstep. My T120 was in for a service and my dealers kindly lent me a 1050 Tiger Sport for the day - completely changed my mind about adventure bikes. Looking forward to Part 5 sir.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you James, and yes, the 1050 is a brill bike isn't it, I loved that Tiger Sport Triumph lent me a while back....

[@johnharris4600]

Keeps getting better, long day again.

[@peterlewis968]

Really enjoyed the video, bringing back all sorts of memories of my trips up there. Going back up there in September. People talk about touring abroad, but there is so much to see in this Country. The bridge you took a photo of, also appeared on an Ikea advert. There is also a great little road by Lochinver the B869 worth the detour. You could also call in at the pie shop in Lochinver, it's a good experience!! Looking forward to the next part. P.S. I always take my heated jacket when I tour Scotland.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes maybe I need to get myself one of those....I do like the sound of the pie shop I must say...

[@dianamackie5385]

Hi great videos watch them often I stay in west highlands nothing like it keep up good work Diana

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for watching!

[@deantoon7381]

Great video sir, we will be doing this route in Mid September, given me a great insight. Many thanks and look forward to the next two vids

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Dean Toon Thank you Dean, you'll love it!

[@gromit368]

This is a particularly good video. Thank you very much for bringing it to us and highlighting the amazing beauty that is the Scottish north coast. I imagine my FJR would serve me well along that route. One of the highlights for me was that distinctly UK phone box at 23:27. The kind of thing you only find in the UK and NZ, brilliant. You commented on the beaches of the North Atlantic and I cordially invite you to experience the magnificence that are my local beaches here in the Antipodes. Punch Jervis Bay, NSW into your favorite search engine to whet your appetites. Mean while, I look forward to the next episode. Be good and Cheers.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+gromit368 Thank you Gromit368, would love to visit NZ, will be over tomorrow - get you spare bed ready! :0)

[@gromit368]

Sure thing, beds made and the kettles on. Just make sure to book your ticket to Australia 'cause I live about 2 hours south of Sydney on the coast. :-)

[@dazzassti]

I've been up to Skye since I was 17 every few years, love it, we go to Switzerland every year but I get up there every couple. Did it on the gs alone for my 48th end sept 2015 and it was 26c :) . Great vid

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Dazfast Wow, bet it was lovely at that temperature. Where do you head to in Switzerland?

[@keithholmes4931]

What a fantastic trip Mr F ..such a beautiful place ..would love to ride them roads one day ..definitely roads for an adventure bike alas I haven't got one..One day .great series 😊

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Any bike will do Keith - go for it!

[@advmatt1250]

I recently watched Bruce do the tour and its totally different with good weather and blue skies . I'm hoping to get up there in July on my GSA TE RALLYE with a mate of mine so looking forward to it.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes the weather makes ALL the difference - I was so lucky with this one….

[@garryclark4653]

Another great video! Can't wait for the next part. \stay safe!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks Garry - next Friday part 5 is due!

[@DavidslvPT]

I hope you make more of these videos! What a scenery!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers David! I aim too!

[@stevewallace853]

Brought back some great memories of the same run on my Firestorm. We took our time though and had overnights in Durness and Thurso, had a look around sort of thing. Visited Smoo cave, the fantastic Cocoa Mountain in Durness, had a walk on beautiful white sands with deep blue seas, the opposite of how you imagine the very north west of the UK

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Isn't it just - a gorgeous spot, I imagine it's been amazing in this recent hot weather....

[@pauldavies9360]

Fantastic views but a little bit of woodland for a cheeky overnight camping and open fire would be nice during the warmer months. I think ill give it a go this August though 🤔

[@gryphongryph]

So enjoyable to watch this, wonderful picture quality and great sound, you Sir set the standard for high quality KZbin videos. Ride safe and keep them coming. Ps. If you ever plan on going to Iceland, stop a bit in Faroe Islands and try our roads, you can see all the Faroes in a 2-3 day trip, and it should make for some nice scenery.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You are very kind sir! Thanks....

[@anthonylynn1969]

Just found your channel, absolutely brilliant footage. Bucket list ride without a doubt 👍🏼.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Welcome along!

[@YarekBalear]

Ah lovely, you're up my way :) Don't quite come far east enough, but you've chosen a great route (thanks to MCN). Hope the surface dressing they seem to throw around the roads isn't in your path!

[@pippiperade4030]

We drove up to Ullapool from SW France 2 years ago. Just out of Ullapool, we turned left for Achiltibuie.. Wonderful roads and friendly people. Highly recommended! I'd love to do it on a bike though..

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Pip Piperade Cheers Pip!

[@simongregory4264]

Really enjoying the series , never been that far north , but it looks great certainly something for the future

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Gotta be done Simon!

[@SlashEverythingDentalTech]

Thank you for letting me enjoy Scotland once again 😎👍 - oh my word the hair-bends 😱

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for joining me!

[@Broxi57]

Great video mate. I've recently procured an MT 900 to get up there amongst it. The summer Isles road from Ullapool to Lochinver is mental!! It's not the route you took, past Loch Assynt, it's more coastal and took me 2 hrs in the car ... and it's not very many miles... but, the scenery is fantastic. The beach at Achmelvich near Lochinver is one of Scotland's best kept little secrets, nice little camp site, friendly people and great for kids.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

It was sounding great until that last point! ;0)

[@Broxi57]

:) My kids loved it. Remote, no play stations, no Penny Arcades, just hills, rock pools, clear blue water and a white sandy beach, no drunks or mad skulls causing hassle. That whole coast line is great, especially when the weathers fine. When I get the chance to go (hopefully soon) , it'll be me, the MT, small tent and minimal luggage.

[@glennturnbull8568]

Thanks for the effort on this TMF, it must take you a while to edit these together. If you go again in the summer time - which I plan to do, you should plan a stop over in Durness, the hotel you went by (Mackays) on the corner before the petrol station and shop, it is really fantastic - with great breakfasts - and not the normal "scottish breakfast" fayre, its a shame they stopped doing dinners. I stayed there a couple of years ago on my tour and savoured a lovely glass of The Macallan in the evening. My plan is to stay there two nights and really explore the area before coming back the same way - I never want to see the A90 on the east coast ever again! But that might be spoiling your next video!!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers Glenn - and thanks for tip!

[@johnsumser9743]

Don't learn to stop stopping! When I first started touring, I would ride 600 mile days. After a few years, I realized I had very little experience of the lands I had crossed.

[@MrPielips]

Don't need al those layers today. Many thanks for sharing

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Indeed not, how brilliant it would have been to have done this ride today......

[@HepcatHarley]

Lovely oh yes and this is my lead stage when our group do it in June. Midges spray already packed. I'm sure we are going to look at the Smoo caves at Durness too which will be nice :)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I wish I had checked them out, saw the sign and rode straight by (not knowing at the time what they were)......

[@UncleWally3]

I’ll be there in a month - thanks for the preview!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Enjoy’

[@johnward3490]

Another great vid shame the weather wasn't better for you although my mate i went with took a heated jacket in June and used it!. My fav leg of the trip when i did it. That bridge on the curve you stopped at has a stunning hotel right by it called the Kylesku. looking forward to next vid Cheers

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You sure it was the same bridge? No sign of a hotel anywhere near when I rode through!

[@johnward3490]

I think so, i could be wrong.Just off the kylesku bridge is the Kylesku Hotel down a side turning over looking loch beautiful spot

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Googled it - you're right :0)

[@monstermarkone]

Thanks for another great video, TMF. We did Ullapool to Durness to Tongue (missed out John O'Groats and took the A836 to Lairg) a few years back and this brought back some great memories. I was on a Triumph Explorer at the time (arguably a better bike than the GS?!! ;-) ) Keep up the good work!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers....and I'm happy to argue with you on that ;0)

[@Womanwolfrider]

Very interesting, we (a group of motovloggers) are doing the route in June, can't wait it looks fantastic

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Womanwolfrider You'll have a fab time - don't forget the midge cream though!

[@gizzmo84]

Avon Skin So Soft is apparently a great midge repellant!

[@Womanwolfrider]

I've got something called 'smidge '

[@CODK-nb6mw]

Just done six days Simon Weir's The Tours (no. 43) High Mile (about 2000 mile in a week) I think he must have had a jet fighter as the times in the book seem very optimistic. I was on a K1600 and wasn't hanging around, think it must be stopping to take photos, as I found if I got on the road for 8.30, lunch for 30 mins and two petrol stops I was finishing about 6 p.m. each day. I loaded into base camp and then onto the Nav 5 but it was a pain and still did strange routes so took your tip of just putting way points in as I went. Found your tip on putting it in rain mode of difficult bits useful as well e.g. Hardknott, Wrynose and Bealach Na Ba. Great vids at least I can look at them and remember my trip. One thing I did notIce is no matter which road I went on, no matter how remote I always came across TESCO home delivery vans!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+COD K1600 Excellent! Those Tesco boys get everywhere don't they!!

[@g0dplay]

1°C per 180m... Something I have to keep in mind in Switzerland as well.. in the Valley it's good at night... in the mountains it's chilly.

[@bobfisheruk]

Great Video and Scenery again, Thanks

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You're welcome....

[@jamesallen4050]

3:05 I grew up there! My Dad was a locum doctor and we moved every 6 months around the highlands and islands. I have a low blood pressure and a smile.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Nice one!

[@roberthambly9926]

Wow beautiful. I didn't realize how gorgeous it was as well. I did watch a guy once on KZbin do about the same ride you are doing on a Norton.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cool!

[@LIKWID]

Simply beautiful, always felt a little bit sad leaving Ullapool and had the same feeling with this, not sure why. Fantastic stuff as always :) I remember staying in a lovely little hotel near Thurso in a place called Scrabster, little fishing town but great view from the restaurant over the harbour. Also ordered a pair of those lightbulbs for my XJ6, get rid of that awful yellow light. Top stuff as always sir!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you Liquid Vision, good luck swapping out those lights, not sure it's so easy on the XJ6 is it???

[@LIKWID]

You are most welcome :) Yeah good luck is going to be needed, I haven't consulted the manual or had a look into it yet but it's definitely a fairing removal job lol good excuse to get stuck in though, those yellow-ish lights have bugged me ever since I got the bike.

[@trailwayfilms]

Been watching these in preparation for our trip this year! I'll be doing it on my beloved triumph scrambler. Also I just subscribed, I watch so many of your videos that I thought I'd already subscribed long ago 🙈

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Welcome along Danny!

[@peternaylor2485]

I first followed this route in 1956 , youth hosteling with my girlfriend on a 225 cc Francis Barnett . Tinplate panniers made by father. A few years ago we did the whole thing again in our motor home, wild camping all the way.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

...is a Motorhome technically wild camping Peter....or closer to Glamping per chance???

[@peternaylor2485]

TheMissendenFlyer Admittedly it boasts a touch of luxury! However the point is that we never use campsites , tucking into quiet and remote spots and only leaving tyre tracks as evidence. Incidentally my bikes have been BMWs over the years, the last one a R80RT, all of which took me all over Europe with never a problem. Sadly I had to sell up 10 years ago at 73. I’m following your adventures with much nostalgia. May you enjoy many more trouble-free miles.

[@henryhartley9993]

superb video tmf, if you go back in the midge months the best stuff smother yourself in is Avon simple skin so soft! it works a treat ,

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Great tip - thanks Henry!

[@chatterboxdebz4504]

Just stumbled on your channel watched the 1 going over Applecross loved it don't normally watch vlogs with bikes as they are either too noisy too fast or music over the whole journey.... I really enjoyed yours and your reactions i totally felt like i was on the journey with you and I'm Scottish 😂

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Fabulous! Glad you enjoyed it...

[@yakekaj]

Enjoyed watching this video, I love this part of the world and live not too far away... I like chuckling to my self as you drive past loads of cracking hidden away spots. If you stopped at them all it would take you weeks though!! The sports cars are a nightmare as they are too low to pull into passing places etc, I think the hire company for them must be owned by Chiropractors!!

[@jamesmenzies9932]

Great video. You mentioned the water temperature up on the north coast but Thurso has some of the best waves for surfers in Europe and the national championships are held there, usually in April. I doubt if the temperature ever gets into double figures C.

[@nigeltaylor6601]

Good stuff TMF. Ardmore is the home of John Ridgway, a round the world yachtsman. He wrote a book 'Journey to Ardmore', where he established an adventure training school. I guess lots of these places have history and notable folk.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks Neil..and yes indeed....

[@barkerbrothers619]

That fuel station in Ullapool is on a slope, two of our bikes fell over when we went, thankfully only damage was the end of a clutch lever, but still a pain in the arse!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Oops!

[@guydavies3035]

As far as I can remember, the site at Dounreay was 2 separate research nuclear reactors. One was for the civil fast breeder reactor, and the other was HMS Vulcan, which was a test bed for the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet. My late father was the chief engineer there in the early sixties. He clearly did some important work while up there, as I was born in Thurso!! He worked for (then) Vickers Armstrong Ltd, who were a large engineering company that also ended up building all the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness (where he had been based before, and we moved back there later). He also happened to be very keen on riding and rebuilding old motorbikes. His particular favourites also had horizontally opposed engines like BMW’s although his were the Bristol based Douglas motorbikes. I used to ride with him, but sadly could not bring his bike collection to South Africa with me, as I am now a wheelchair user, so get my kicks from doing similar trips (but on 4 wheels), as you can see from some videos on my own KZbin channel! Although I fear they are no where near as polished as your own examples here!! Great videoing! Oh, and there was a functioning airstrip there at that time.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for the intell - always good to get some knowledgeable input!

[@dnlgrhm]

It's the adiabatic lapse rate - if I recall correctly, it's about 5 degrees F per 1000 ft. Great video - makes me want to see that part of Scotland first hand.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks Daniel - that's the one!

[@deanwalker3710]

Got a week off in June and I'm gonna try and get up there! Need to put some miles on the new beast!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Enjoy!

[@philr80rt]

once again a great video

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers Philip - 2 more to come, stay tuned!

[@dadwold]

Hi TMF. Great part 4 blooming brill, on your question of where you had heard of Thurso its not on shipping forecast but it is the Most northerly town on the British mainland.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Could be...although John O'Groats may also claim that (as well as a few others!!)..though maybe JOG isn't a town...

[@G3A3]

good stuff, i'm really enjoying these vids.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Great - glad to hear it :0)

[@chrisk3488]

Great stuff - Interesting seeing it in that direction: We normally do it in the other direction :)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

...what you mean the wrong way round ;0)

[@twopoke]

13:30 I was on this road in similar weather.... That section... The camera does not do it justice! Some real lord of the rings scale going on!

[@iamwezlee1]

Another great video! Hope to one day have a bike on your side of the pond! Oh, and the standard adiabatic lapse rate..1.98°C per 1000’! Lol!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@M4BoarBiker]

Nice one TMF, really enjoyed the scenery but I can't believe you didn't stop at the "stunning" John Lennon memorial gardens in Durness. Mr Lennon actually enquired about the possibility of purchasing Durness.. Thanks for posting...

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+The M4 Boar Next time!

[@jbanks183]

Hi you mentioned Tongue in your video. My Brother In law owns The Tongue Hotel he originally come from the S.E of England it's a fantastic place to stop for the night, or for coffee and food.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Next time I'm up there I'll make it a stop!

[@richardshilling2958]

When I select rain mode on my bike it only involves putting gortex on and praying I rain x my visor before I left 😄

[@grim6107]

nice vid.. just waiting for Rich/ Egon Steve and Gaz ( Richy Vida usa team ) as they head up to Glasgow today.. heading up west coast tomorrow for 5 days. North Scotland is a real " getaway" . Cant wait. My mother from Lochinver, Dad from Dornoch both fantastic villages in North 500.. if your heading up North in Sept.. & you want a tag along let me know..ha

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers Graeme - completely agree, I've always known Scotland was beautiful but that North West tip is just gorgeous (as you know). Have a great trip and do send my regards to Richy and the gang, looking forward to seeing the videos (and let's have more GS and less VFR ;0))

[@DarrenJMHughes]

brilliant video as all ways. many thanks for keeping us all in suspense waiting for the next episode. On BBC Alba (Scotland) on Tuesday at 8:30 Ann Lundon is traveling the NC500 although the program is in Gaelic with English subs it is interesting and educational.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I know I stumbled across this last week as she did the Baloach na ba, really enjoyed it! Will tune in again for all that funny talking next week....cheers - TMF

[@Matt-tb5un]

Your vids are great to watch while I'm at work and slap it on the second monitor. I absolutely need to ride my R12R more watching your vids. Sure would help if I still lived in Yorkshire! PA and WV is still pretty good though :)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Wow, how does the weather compare? Favourably I'm guessing??

[@glennohara6359]

Brilliant as usual

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you Glenn.....

[@Desmo904]

Hehehe, after listening to your description of all the layers you were wearing I was expecting it to get sunny! (Too HOT!) HEhehe

[@alexmuir40]

Great series. Takes me back to last year when I did it. Just to longer and had better weather. BTW, the most northerly point in GB is Dunnett Head, not John O'Groats.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I knew it wouldn't be long until someone mentioned that.... :0)

[@johnmacdonald1878]

Yes you can order from Amazon prime and get next day delivery. Nice road I usually go to Skye, Lewis rather than round the top.

[@weddincoyote2440]

Isn’t there a highland charge?

[@allaboutkalergi5012]

Well there was the experimental fast-breeder reactor program there (at Dounray) amongst other things.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

It frightens me, the things you know...... :0)