Experience the best routes in the Scottish Highlands on two wheels
Read our travel-focused guide to learn more about some of the most epic motorbike routes in the Scottish Highlands. This guide is perfect for any touring or bike enthusiast eager to discover what they’re famous for. It highlights some of the most scenic and rider-friendly roads in the region. For good measure, we’ve thrown in some stopover suggestions, fuel points, photo opportunities, and practical travel tips.
If you’re looking for the most scenic motorbike routes in the Scottish Highlands, you’re in for a treat. With winding mountain roads, wild coastlines, and lochside views, these routes are made for adventure.
1. North Coast 500 (NC500) ~500 miles
Why it's great:
Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the NC500 is a world-famous route packed with wild beauty. From tight twisties along the west coast to sweeping straights through the Highlands. This is a dynamic and unforgettable ride that should be on every rider’s bucket list.
Must-see stops:
- Dunrobin Castle – A dramatic coastal castle with turrets, gardens, and Highland history.
- Durness beach & Smoo Cave – White sands and a mysterious sea cave make this a scenic and adventurous pit stop.
- Loch Maree – One of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs, framed by rugged mountains.
- Applecross Peninsula – Remote and raw coastal riding at its best, with epic views and seafood.
- John o’Groats – Iconic end-of-the-road stop for every UK rider’s bucket list.
Fuel & facilities:
Fuel up in Inverness, Ullapool, and Durness. North-west sections can be remote so make sure to fill up whenever you can.
Top tip:
Riding clockwise gives you tighter coastal roads on the left side for better scenic views. Go anti-clockwise if you want a gentler start and better overtaking options along the route.
Artistic render by Motorbike Insurance Specialists, BeMoto
2. Glencoe Pass to Fort William ~160 miles
Why it's great:
This scenic motorbike route through the Scottish Highlands offers a short but dramatic ride with incredible views. Towering mountains flank your route, and the atmospheric Glencoe Valley provides some of the best vistas in all of Scotland.
Must-see stops:
- Three Sisters Viewpoint – Snap an unforgettable photo of Glencoe’s dramatic, jagged peaks.
- Glencoe Visitor Centre – Learn the history behind this legendary and moody valley.
- Fort William & Ben Nevis area – A lively town and the base for hikes up the UK’s tallest mountain.
- Dalwhinnie – Perfect stop for any malt whiskey connoisseurs!
Fuel & facilities:
Fuel stations available in Glencoe Village and Fort William. Services are relatively close together here.
Top tip:
Aim for early morning or golden hour to capture the eerie beauty of Glencoe with fewer vehicles and better lighting for photos.
Artistic render by Motorbike Insurance Specialists, BeMoto
3. Cairngorms National Park Loop ~170 miles
Why it's great:
Rolling hills, sweeping bends, and peaceful backroads make the Cairngorms a top choice for a scenic yet less crowded ride. It’s a long route that’s guaranteed to widen your eyes.
Must-see stops:
- Balmoral Castle (Royal Deeside) – A royal residence nestled in classic Highland scenery.
- Tomintoul – The highest village in the Highlands, offering quiet charm and a biker-friendly vibe.
- Lecht Ski Centre viewpoint – A panoramic roadside stop with sweeping views of the Cairngorms.
- Aviemore & Loch Morlich – A great place for food, fuel, and a lochside walk in pine forest surroundings.
Fuel & facilities:
Good facilities in Aviemore, Braemar, and Grantown-on-Spey. Mobile signal may dip in parts.
Top tip:
Watch out for surprise wildlife! Deer and red squirrels are common, especially around dawn and dusk on quieter stretches. Avoid unwanted encounters with any crazy critters by taking it steady.
Artistic render by Motorbike Insurance Specialists, BeMoto
4. Ullapool to Durness Coastal Loop ~140 miles
Why it's great:
Remote, rugged, and ridiculously scenic. One of the most picturesque motorbike routes in the Scottish Highlands, perfect for riders who want solitude and seascapes.
Must-see stops:
- Ardvreck Castle ruins – Atmospheric ruins perched on a peninsula in Loch Assynt.
- Loch Assynt – A hauntingly beautiful loch surrounded by wilderness and legends.
- Kylesku Bridge – A striking modern bridge with incredible views and great photo ops.
- Balnakeil Beach (Durness) – A remote stretch of soft sand and dunes – perfect for a quiet break.
Fuel & facilities:
Limited! Fuel up in Ullapool and Scourie but be sure to make it last. Keep a full tank, especially in peak summer when pumps can be busy.
Top tip:
Bring waterproof layers (yes, even in summer). The weather can shift rapidly on the coast and there’s little shelter along the way. The Scottish Highlands are renowned for subjecting you to all types of weather conditions on one route.
Artistic render by Motorbike Insurance Specialists, BeMoto
5. Applecross via Bealach na Bà ~45 miles
Why it's great:
One of the most thrilling and challenging roads in the UK. The Bealach na Bà (“Pass of the Cattle”) offers hairpin bends, steep climbs, and panoramic mountain views – a must-ride for confident motorcyclists.
Must-see stops:
- Applecross Bay – A peaceful bay that feels like the edge of the world.
- Bealach na Bà summit viewpoint – One of the UK’s most epic elevated road views.
- Shieldaig village – A charming lochside village perfect for a coffee or rest stop.
- Loch Torridon – Towering peaks and deep waters make this loch a standout visual treat.
Fuel & facilities:
You won’t find fuel in Applecross (as far as we remember) so don’t forget to fill up in Lochcarron or Shieldaig beforehand.
Top tip:
Ride within your limits on this one. We recommend avoiding this road in bad weather or if you’re on a larger touring bike. Even for the most experienced riders, tight corners and steep gradients can be unforgiving.
Artistic render by Motorbike Insurance Specialists, BeMoto
Gear Up for Highland Glory
With some of the most scenic motorbike routes in the Scottish Highlands, this region is a dream for riders looking for beauty, challenge, and open roads. Whether you’re chasing rugged beauty, twisty roads, or peaceful lochside views, these motorbike routes promise unforgettable adventures on two wheels. So, pack your gear, plan your stops, and hit the road – the Highlands are waiting.
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