Your first time on the NC500: Essential Motorcycle Tips! 

"The midges, the midges; I'm not gonna kid yees; With teeth like piranhas; They'll drive you bananas; If you let them get under your semmit." The Avon soap works . . . to a point. If you go at the height of midge season (Summer-ish), they are too numerous to give a monkeys what you are doing. If you are doing the NC500 anti-clockwise and heading M6-ish, I'd suggest turning off and on to the A702 towards Edinburgh, which gives a really nice ride through the Pentlands, and bypasses dealing with Glasgow. Importantly, if you are travelling up from Wales or England along the M6, you should stop at Tebay services . . . for no other reason than it's how services should be done. When driving through Glencoe, you should definitely stop in the Clachaig Inn for a pint with a view.

I went in May, great weather and not too busy but pre-booked accommodation. Anticlockwise is better, save the best for last. Ride up and around Edinburgh bypass over the Forth Bridge then up the old military road that starts at Blairgowrie up to Glenshee then across to Inverness. Adds some great roads to your trip. No midgies in May either.

I live here and enjoy motorcycle wild camping (inc. NC500 out of season). Best chance of good weather: May & June. Best midge repellent: Avon Skin-so-soft, Cuban Cigar (my preferred method). Go clockwise from Glasgow and don't go much further east than Tongue, drop down to Inverness, and do a route through Aberdeenshire/ Perthshire to get back. Have a great trip!

I would be interested to see what you say on the Snowdonia / wales 360.

Looks amazing 👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻

The ride to Inverness is only bad if you don't know the good roads in Scotland, like the Old Military road through the Cairngorms. Perth, Braemar, Spey bridge, leaves only a short bit on the A9 to Inverness, or up to Nairn on the A939 and along the coast. Breathtaking stuff

Morning Staffy. My late wife and i did that with a couple of mates back in the 1980s. We was on our XS 650 Yamaha. Two weeks riding and it was dry and of course back then traffic wasnt as heavy as it is now. Love them dry stone walls and rolling hills. We stayed on camp sites, hotels and one night at a YMCA. Met some great people there on a walking and cycling holiday! Im layed up at the moment, as some turd in a car pulled out and side swipped me. And at 70 I still rolled very well. Just bruised on my right leg and not even a hairline fracture! But my cruiser wasn't so lucky! Nice to see you back girl. Safe riding Staffy 👍😊 and see you in your next one ...

Hi Saffy, enjoyed your take on the NC 500, I have done it three times now I avoid the A9 with it's average speed cameras using B roads then go across the Cairngorms. I agree with you north of Inverness can be a little nondescript, but go inland a bit and it's lovely. And as you know the north west coast is heaven on earth. Lastly I can vouch for Avon's Skin-so-soft it really does put the little buggers off, in fact I believe the military on manoeuvres use it when up there. Thank you.

Hi saffy, good video, I did the nc500 before it was invented 35 years ago. I am going to Scotland in 18 days time for a 20 day holiday, I go every year on my own on my motorcycle, I am like you in that I like to ride solo. I booked all the b&b rooms back in January as Scotland has got so popular over the many years I have been coming up, it's a long way from home-Cornwall but well worth it as you found out it is stunning! And draws me back each year. Best wishes Roy.

Little tip, the A84 is a far more interesting road than the A9.

Scotland is really nice in the middle, plus with everyone on the coast it's quite.😊

It rains in Scotland, it's been raining here for the last 34 weeks DAMHIK oh and watch out for the nutters racing Lamborghinis or Ferraris hired in Glasgow and trying to do it in the shortest time possible on single track roads, oh and camper vans lots of camper vans. Oh and we drive on the LHS of the road. Guess what this Scottish biker thinks of the NC500, it's ruined my favourite roads.:( NO criticism of you Saffy, enjoy yoiur vids, "mair power tae yer airm" :) Glad I rode the North of Scotland extensively for years before the "NC500" was invented, ho hum I could give you good roads on the East side, but for obvious reasons, I won't on here :) As for the fuel situation, the locals can be upset when the fuel is guzzled by visitors and they can't get enough fuel to get to work or for hospital appts, BUT of course most of the locals now have SE England accents as they are the only ones who can afford the inflated property prices and the locals have to live in caravans can't wait for the Bishop Stortford 500 loop becomes a thing :)))) Saor Alba !

It has been on my bucket list for years. Hopefully one day I will get around to doing the NC500 😊

Hey how is the 500x? I had an accident before Christmas last year and was looking into a more upright seating as I won't be able to ride sports with my posture now. ❤

midges are crap flyers - a range of approx 140 yards. I have to know these things, as I get eaten alive by bugs - I must be a delicacy or something! Great vid, also!

You can avoid Glasgow.skirt around Edinburgh via Falkirk is ok. Can then see the kelpies etc. Done the NC500 three times. Anticlockwise is definitely better.

You have glossed over the law on wild camping in Scotland. This is what leads to abuse. Check the restrictions on 'wild camping'.

Hi Saffy, think you have your Castles mixed up. Thats Eilean Donan Castle not Dunrobin.

Hey saffy,fab video as always, would you recommend this trip for a complete novice like me ,only been riding a few weeks,and would love to do a trip like this ,many thanks

How I miss England the pure history of the buildings…I’ve been in U.S. too long.

I'm planning on doing this in the summer or summer 25. Wild camping to keep the costs down. Any links to help?

Think you've got Dubrobin castle mixed up with Eilean Donan,

Question;What protective bags are those into photography using when out on their bikes. I'm dubious about taking my camera gear incase it damages them so generally jump in the car in stead but that's destroying good bike rides in the process.

It’s Avon skin so soft ( great stuff )works well . Well the best I’ve used as my daughter sell Avon , but sells out all the time in the summer so pick up a few

Midgies midgies midgies I live here all year round they are a menace. Biggest distance between petrol stations is between Brora and Wick on the east coast think its just under 60 miles.

Have. Missed one of you videos? I seen in the last one you were servicing your old bike, have you not been able to get your Honda back from Norway?

50% deet, i think its called xcel jungle formula max. Fantastic stuff 😅

Great to see you back Staffy. Are you signed up for the sunset to sunrise ride for McMillan yet

Thanks saffy...I'll be doing this with my partner in June, already booked my hotels and taking 10 days to do it,that's travelling from mid Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍🏍️🏍️

I have toured round Scotland on various bikes over many years. The last time I did a major trip round Scotland I set off from County Durham and followed the coastline anticlockwise dipping in and out of central areas to visit certain places that I wanted to see. Covered 1400 miles in 12 days stopping for 2 days at one camping site because of foul weather. I personally swear by Avon Skin So Soft as part of my camping kit, in fact, some of the campsites in Scotland stock the product in their shops, and I still use it when my wife and I go for walks in the countryside. Nice to see you back Saffy.

the A82 from Glasgow to inverness is a lot nicer bike ride than the A9 I feel

Greetings from Lebanon, keep up ✌🏼 along with that beautiful laughter of yours 💖

Well you’re right about the east coast of Scotland. Boring boring boring . Il say it for you . 😂😂😂😂

Saffy i forgot to mention that the best time to do any outdoor activity in Scotland is April and May or mid September and October there are very few midges then.😀

Avon Skin So Soft used to be the go to midge repellent. The ingredients apparently changed a few years back making it much less effective in the fight against the blighters. Still smells nice though!

Hello from King, North Carolina in North America

500 miles of flies, rain, annoying jocks and caravans. Go to ROI and do the ring of Kerry. Much much nicer people too!

Did the NC500 a couple of years ago on my r1200gsa. East coast was boring ie A9 . Rest was brilliant .camped all the way, if you camp close to the coasts and avoid the trees, then midge issue wasnt a problem. i went at end of july, took 10 days but i also visited Orkney.

The word is, the ultra hard men of the SAS use Avon "skin so soft" (as midge repellent)

Saffy unfortunately unlike my little campervan trips in the seventies it’s much to busy and crowded at times now. The wild now seems not so wild with all the traffic.

Can we address the elephant in the room? Why did Scotland use NC500 (miles) instead of NC810 (kilometers)???????

Hi Saff, great information, the midges don’t like Avon skin so soft dry oil spray, smells not bad either,my mum has used it since I was little and mosquitoes don’t like it either. Do you always travel solo, or do you go with friends? I like the solitude to be honest, but a bit of banter at night keeps the spirts high too😊

I love Scotland in october when the leaves are changing colour, it's absolutely stunning. Just so you know, they changed the formula in the Avon stuff years ago, it doesn't work any more.

It's a joy to see your beaming smile and hear you giggle once again Saffy, it's time to dust off my old steed and make some plans myself, see you out there 😘

It’s about time you did a tour with someone. I would recommend a small fat bloke with a great sense of humour. 😜. I might know someone 😁

Every time I see NC500 I think “oh, Honda came out with a new model” lol

Did this 15 years ago before the cappuccino latta, mocha crowd arrived... glad I did.. it pished down half the time sunny the other half... that was 2 days. No body around, no campers, no other bikes and no midges...

Try not using the motorway to Inverness. Use the following waypoints. North Tarbet Lochgilphead Oban Fort William South: Fort William Glencoe (skyfall) Crianlarich Then back through Stirling or Loch Lomond. You will not regret the extra time in the saddle.

If you're coming from North Shields ferry I'd recommend heading across to Ponteland taking the A696 until you get to the A68 and head north to Scotland that way, the A68 is a canny road for bikes and it'll take you all the way up to the Edinburgh bypass I disagree, without being a dick about it I'm a Geordie, I love the northeast and if you come over this way I'll take you up the costal route to Bamburgh Castle

Great tips! A friend who lives in Scotland just passed his test so hopefully will get a taster next year. Suppose I could just carry on from his! P.s dont fancy the midges so might be a b&b thing. Och aye!

Don't take the A9 unless pushed for time. Take the A82 from Glasgow all the way to Inverness. It's actually a shorter route but it will take longer. You'll constantly be stopping to take pictures 😁 Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, Loch Ness are just a few of the places you will pass.

Why didn't you come off the M74 at Abington and take the A702 to Edinburgh, a much more rideable road, a quick blast round the bypass across the Forth Road bridge and another half hour will see you at the bottom of the A9 in Perth.

We've done the NC500 a couple of times now. The first time was the full route and the second time was heading straight up the middle of Scotland from Lairg to Tongue and then down the west coast. I agree that the East coast is a bit meh! I get bitten alive by midges (sweet english blood), whereas my Scottish wife doesn't get troubled by them at all. I can confirm that the Avon Skin-so-soft original dry oil spray is the one that seems to work for me. The Smidge stuff doesn't deter the little blighters. Another top tip is find a sycamore tree to camp under. For some reason they don't seem to like being near them!

Great video Saffy, as others have said, there are far more scenic routes to Inverness. Actually if you go off the NC500 itself, there are fantastic roads that are relatively tourist free. Avon Skin so Soft seems to help folk, I’m a lucky Scot who the midge doesn’t really like 👍😂 they still annoy me but I rarely get bitten. Must not like my blood, I’m fine with that 😂

My take is to double the time, 14 days minimum.. The Mexican millionaire who planned a 5 day trip, and was urged to keep moving on, or run out of time, was heard to repeat the word ‘manana, manana.’. When the local guide asked for a translation of ‘manana’, he replied : Ocht, in the Gaelic, there’s no translation for such an emergency!

Hi saffy, based on your video is 100 miles each day around the NC 500 realistic ie how many hours would that take each day during august? Thanks

You mist titled Eilean Donan Castle as Dunrobin Castle. You should have mentioned riding on single track roads. Remember that locals use the road and they are not interested in the scenery, so if something comes up behind you fast, pull over, let them pass then stay behind them at a safe distance and you'll cover the miles that bit faster. Up to the end of May is OK for the midgies, they start biting after that. Stick to the route and not take the short cut over the Black Isle, there's less bl**dy campers vans on that route.

wrt fuel, I suppose it all depends on the bike, but I can easily get 200 miles before I need to stop so not really an issue on the NC500. If you're unsure just top up when you can even if you have plenty left.

This is my dream ride. But trying to get my bike there from Canada might be a logistical nightmare. Who are the good motorcycle rental companies? P.s. the vids you did of your ride were awesome!

One camping trick I learned is to start taking a couple of garlic pills a few days before you start camping and while you're camping the garlic will come out in your skin and will keep the mosquitoes biting flies and ticks away at least it did in Colorado.

Er Dunrobin castle.... no its Eilean Donan castle. 🤣 Ditto below, the middle roads are pretty good, and wick to inverness on A9 is a long long slog.

Go before the midges are out in force and out of school holidays. Don't go in the winter it's cold, dark windy and very wet. Local boy.

Rain,wind,midges,howling gales……..and that was in June! Never again 😂

Thanks! Will do this in June so this came with perfect timing :) Cheers!

I did NC500 couple of years ago, wild camping is the best experience as the free roaming law allows it if you leave the area the way you found it, clean and tidy. Only stayed at a campground twice and the second one I got there in the dark and rain no pre booking (can’t remember the name but the reviews on most sites are excellent welcoming friendly places). The best thing I did was wild camp on the cliff tops of Ceannabeinne Beach, amazing view to wake up to. Midges are only a problem around sunrise and sunset, get inside the tent with a zapper lantern and zip up for the night.

That's Eilean Donan Castle in your montage.... not Dunrobin Castle.

Hi Saffy. Glasgow has never been an issue bypassing it on all my visits to Inverness and beyond, however either go the Loch Lomand route past Nessie or swing right and head over the majestic cairngorms, never take the soul sucking blacktop monster that is the A9, perfect way to lose the will to live before the brilliance of the NC500.

Great to see you back and looking happy and well, Saffy. I did the NC500 way before it was a branded tourist attraction. My top tips - forget underwear, wrap yourself in a double layer of cling-film from head to toe to stop those pesky midges. Next, smother yourself in Brut33 and forget bike gear - wear a diver's dry-suit inflated to 36psi to protect your buttox from the pounding you will get on the bumpy back-roads. Cut a 3cm hole in your visor and continuously smoke strong acrid Cuban cigars as insecticide. And avoid eating 'tablet', shortbread and deep fried Mars bars as coming off the sugar rush is like falling off the Empire State building - stick to haggis and chips instead.

Lol I thought this was about the Honda NSR-500.

Why do u seem to often have stickers on your windshield? Does it not obscure view

Excellent video sis! I love the NC500! I got attacked by the midges up there too. I had to pull over on the side of the road, yank my crash helmet off and beat the little sod away from my eye! Not funny at the time, but it is funny now. 🤣 Got some beautiful views on the NC500, I loved Applecross pass and Ullapool on this route! Magical experience!

How are the roads was told there are too many potholes

Nightmare when you actually live on that route

I live on the eastern part of the NC500 and it definitely is boring in comparison to the West and North coast. I would recommend doing it clockwise and when you get to John o Groats you go back on yourself to Melvich then head for Kinbrace - Syre - Altnaharra - Lairg - Ardgay - Over the Struie road which takes you out to the A9 at Evanton. These are amazing roads and much quieter than the NC500 route. Don't tell anybody. ;)

Biggest tip is don’t do the NC500 use it as very rough guide. Do Applecross etc and in truth the west coast is stunning the East cost is not even a 10th as good as interesting as Tongue, Durness, Ullapool, Plockton, Fort William. We did it all up the west to Tongue and back down the west for years and years before the NC500 was even a really thing. You really can’t miss Applecross that’s a big miss some get frightened off. Also the road to Mallaig from Fort William is stunning in the right weather. I did the west coast route and back west coast with 17 MINI’s try that for fun😂 the parking up was legendary all in a line at say Durness or filling up. Credit for doing its yourself we camped the first year then did hotels every year after. 😂 Breakfast in the morning before you leave and not having to pack up a tent worth it.

I applaud anybody that enjoys motorcycle riding, and provides information for beginners. Ive ridden the route many times, always about 3 days, occasionally 2, and once in one day. Its a riders route, with generally fast roads. I dont know any bikers who would take 5, 7 or 10 days to do this route. Also, as per other comments there is no need at all to take motorways to get to Inverness. You would be mad not to ride up through the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, Scottish Borders, Glenshee, Braemar and on to Inverness.

I was supposed to be doing this in a couple of weeks but decided to do Yorkshire Dales and Lake district instead. Need a week to get up there and do it all and get back. 😔

Lovely studio! If your islands wasn’t so wet, like Norway is, I would love to give you Brits a visit. 🙃 EDIT: After actually watching the video I want to cross the pond as soon as possible.

Go threw Edinburgh, rather than Glasgow, its alot quicker...The West Coast is alot better than the East Coast...Nice one Saffy 🙂

Take it from someone that gets eaten alive by anything that flies and wants to eat you, Skin So Soft is the bees knees!!! I've used it for years. Always have a couple of bottles in my pack, no matter where I travel. Oh yeah! The whole point of the video! The NC 500 is cool, 😂😂🤣🤣

Love your setup! Great video! Sadly living in states I will never experience the NC500 I will live it thru yourself and all your Sprocketeers riding the route Lots of great comments on how beautiful it is... "Midgies" sp. Please keep them there! 😊

Great video, but you omitted your review of lay-bys 🙂

Yes, west up to Ullapool, a day or two riding around the area then back down, 6 days from Cambridgshire, 1st day aim for Fort William then you have four days of some of the best roads in the universe. As for midges, not a problem, pick an insect replant and don't tell your mates. Avon so soft (original) works.

Thank you- I’m glad I watched this before I started off in 10 days (from Suffolk 😱)

Looks great up there, I always associated Scotland with trainspotting, angry drunks and battered food, but outside of Glasgow it looks super nice.

It's getting more important now when not too do the NC500, in the good old days all we had to spoil it was the midge's and rain, now it's camper vans and car clubs.

Forget using the A9, go up the West Side of Scotland via A82. More scenic.

Done the nc500 twice wouldn’t even bother go round after Durness I’ll shall be staying on the west coast nxt time

The NC500 is on my bucket lists along with the Isle of Man love your videos are great hopefully I’ll do both soon

I'm another one that did the nc500 before it was called that. I reckon your right about 5 days from Inverness and back. May i say your looking well. 👍

Great video. I’m writing this in my hotel in Inverness having just completed it in 6 days. Could easily have spent more time visiting places and taken longer. Loved every minute.

Thanks for the tip's in the vid Saffy very informative, in the comments too it's always great to get local knowledge & from experienced rider's of the route. 👍

A great ride and well worth the time to get there... did it back in 2018 over 4 days starting and ending near Gatwick!

Anyone who rides up to Inverness on the A9 needs their head read. The A82 is unmissable.

That's not Dunrobin Castle at 8:18, looks more like Eilean Donan Castle.

were doing this next month from north manchester.. Absolutely can not wait, were doing it in ten days and taking our time

used to use Skin so Soft for mosquitoes when i was in the military. Best bug repellent ever.

Great video,will have to do that this year on my bike , thanks for talking through the trip and giving me some advice .

your right go up the west side then come down the middle a breakdown truck driver told us to do it that way

Yeh, the Midges are like no other, they have Kilts on and act like they have huge hang overs!